Softball seasons are full of highs, lows and laughs, and last Thursday’s season opener was the perfect microcosm of that, as the Unicorn Apocalypse fell 17-15 to the Muffin Ticklers.
The Unicorns were hit and miss all day, following up a spectacular play with a flub. The hits came early and often with the team racking up a 12-4 lead but, by the fourth inning, the offense dried up. A defensive collapse was followed by three-up, three-down inning that seemed to derail the team’s momentum.
“We learned a valuable lesson—not to get complacent,” said infielder and assistant captain Matt Larkin. “We jumped out early and it looked like we’d win in a walk, but we lost our focus and slowly let them back in the game.”
One of the game’s lighter moments came during a base running gaffe by Noah Grunier. The first baseball drilled a ball into the outfield but missed first base on his way around. He returned to first before heading to second again, though the ball was being relayed in. He was held to a single.
“Tough loss to swallow but I’d rather learn that lesson in Game One than in the Championship game.”
Grunier, Mike Szarka, Dan Dedic and Ian Van Den Hurk homered for the Unicorns, and Szarka was chosen Player of the Game. Chelsea Larkin reached base several times on the women’s side, while the day’s defensive highlight went to Caitlin Brandon, who reeled in a towering shot in right field.
Despite the loss, the Matt Larkin isn’t willing to let it damper the mood this early in the year.
“Tough loss to swallow but I’d rather learn that lesson in Game One than in the Championship game.”
The Unicorn Apocalypse will be shorthanded this week, as Szarka, Ian Denomme and the Larkins will be unavailable. However, new free agent signee Alex Sabine is expected to play.
awwww, it's okay. one game at a time. altho. i will say losing to a team called the "muffin ticklers" is less than stellar.
ReplyDeleteps. awesome graphic.
ReplyDeleteAnd then, after the season opener, the team apparently never played again?
ReplyDelete