Game Recap: Go Bills (19) vs. Schmidtt's (20)

In the fifth game of the young 2009 Porter's Men's Summer Slowpitch Softball League, Team Go Bills experienced their second loss of the season and ended their two game winning streak. This loss drops Go Bills to 3-2 on the year, but the team can take a great deal away from this game. Go Bills was defeated by Schmidtt's 20-19, who remarkedly rallied for nine runs in the bottom of the 7th inning, to overcome a 19-11 deficit. The tenth batter in the lineup delivered a 2-out, 2-run double, which was followed by a line drive to left-center and put the nail in Go Bills coffin. Yes, this was nearly as devastating as the Buffalo Bills (Go Bills by the way) heartbreaking 20-19 loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl in 1990 and I apologize for bringing this sore subject up. But like the Buffalo Bills bounced back and returned to play for the Vince Lombardi trophy for three consecutive years, any drunk Porter's player or passerby could tell that Team Go Bills had the spirit and fortitude to rebound. While this was a tough loss to swallow, the team looked enthusiastic afterwards and were already looking towards their winning ways the next game.

With that said, let's talk about the positive aspects of the game. While our fans were outnumbered (for a fifth consecutive week) 12-0, we did have a sentimental figure at the game, none other than the no arms Grady Sizemore bobblehead. Team Go Bills exhibited their spectacular batting once again, as this was the 4th game out of five that the team has scored more than 14 runs, and recorded their highest run total of 19 this past week. The team lead for most of the game, most significant coming after the top of the 7th inning when they lead by 8 runs. There was not a single inning where Go Bills were denied a run and each player reached base at least twice. This is a sign that the team is hitting its stride in the first third of the season with their bats as team has scored 54 runs in the last three games, a very promising trend.

As the season progresses, the defense will certainly become more consistent as the hitting has through the first five games. This team wins as a team and loses as a team, as shown through the consistency of the batting lineup with each player able to knock in runs and the versatility of each player defensively. With the exception of Mumbach at pitcher, players are shuffled around the field each inning and do a commendable job in positions that may feel foreign.

Another positive aspect of the 7:10PM game at Crosby Field on Tuesday night was the speed exhibited on the base path. The willingness of players to take extra bases and listen to their coaches was impressive as each player showed their commitment to score runs by any means necessary. While it is clear that nobody truly wants a rehash of the game (specifically the last inning) because it is clear the team has already put the loss behind them, Go Bills seemed to have an understanding of what they need to do in a similar circumstance if faced with the same situation, which will ultimately help the team come playoff time.

Before specific statistics are given, there are a few players that deserve mention for a great performance. The first player is McGee who batted in the clean up spot and went 5 for 5 on the night with 2 triples, 2 doubles, and a single. McGee was driving the ball hard into the outfield all game and was giving the defense absolute fits. Another player with a quiet, but exceptional game, was Mark L. "Hollywood" who went 4 for 4 on the night. Mark has reached base in every at bat in each of his last two games. The web gem of the night is certainly going to Eric L. for his horizontal diving catch in left-center in the 4th inning. A close second for web gem of the night was Eric S. who doubled up Schmidtt's as he caught a fly ball in right-center and then threw out the lead-off hitter at third who tried to tag up (eventually injuring himself as McGee tagged him out).

The next game is on Tuesday, June 30th at 7:10PM at Brighton against Voelkers. Lets spread the word, get attendance up, and bring some colorful characters to cheer on Go Bills.

Complete Statistics:

"Jack Bobby" - 3 for 5; 9 TB; 2 R
Bobby S. "Cecil" - 2 for 3; 2 BB; 16 TB; 4 R
Nick H. - 3 for 4; BB; 15 TB; 3 R
McGee - 5 for 5; 15 TB; 2 R
Steve "Fabs" - 3 for 4; BB; 9 TB; R
Mumbach - 3 for 5; 12 TB; 3 R
Mark L. "Hollywood" - 4 for 4; 12 TB; R
Mark B. - 3 for 4; 10 TB; 2 R
Eric L. - 3 for 4; 7 TB; R
Eric S. - 2 for 4; 6 TB
Gary - 1 for 3; BB; 4 TB
Dennis - 3 for 4; BB; 5 TB