Fog Recap Game 1 2007 Season

Maple Wood, WA

The Fog returned to the diamond for their 13th year, lead by founder Steve Boyd. Welcomed to the 2007 squad were Rob, Danny and Greg.

As with all first games, there are the jitters and quirks of getting back in to the softball mindset. Seems for many of the team, they couldn't even get themselves to the field as the Fog could only turn out 9. As many thought, here we go.

With Joe back on the mound, Boyd behind the plate, they looked to continue their battery chemistry formed last year. The start of the game was delayed 15 minutes as the umpire had troubles finding a ride to the field. The first inning was harmless as No Fly Zone only scored 1. The Fog bats seemingly were still in their winter hibernation as they posted a goose egg.

The troubles began in the 2nd as the Zone posted 5 largely due to the shoddy fielding of the Fog, highlighted by Nate Watson getting nutmegged by a routine grounder at third. Would Brent have had it, no doubt, but as Coach Knox always said, you play the hand you are dealt. The Fog followed their first inning performance in the second, going down 1-2-3.

Facing a 6-0 deficit, the Fog changed their defense, Peter replaced Nate at 3rd, Rob replaced Danny at 2nd, Nate replaced Greg at first, with Danny, Ben and Greg in the outfield. It helped a little as the Zone only scored 2, and of greater highlight was Joe struck out the lead off hitter and later that inning finally posted his first called strike. Comeback? Down 8-0 the Fog finally put a number on the board when Peter sent a drive over the right centerfielders head for a solo bomb. After 3, Fog 1 No Fly Zone 8.

The Zone put one more on the board, but the Fog defense was tightening up. The bottom of the fourth saw the Fog score three to cut the deficit to 5 runs, 9-5 No Fly Zone. The Zone scored three more in the 6th, but the Fog bats were back, as 6 more runs were put on the board, including the last two by Nate's sacrifice fly - that's right, both the runner from 3rd and 2nd tagged up and scored on the fly ball. Against all odds we had a ball game, down by just 2, Fog 10 No Fly Zone 12.

Due to the late start the umpire advised this would be the last inning. The Zone continued their trend of scoring each inning, but again, only scored once. Needing 4 runs to win, the Fog wasted no time. Nolte lead off we a single, Ben singled, Greg singled, scoring Nolte - down by 3. Boyd's single scored Ben - down by 2. Peter's single scored 2 - tie ball game and Boyd was 3rd only 60 feet away from victory and still no outs. It should be noted that Rob Parsons was having the kind of Fog debut Hollywood makes movies about. He was 4 for 4 and if that isn't enough, this was his first softball game ever on grass, see they don't have grass in Alaska where Rob recently moved from. He was accustomed to playing ball on gravel, tundra and floating ice. But Hollywood would have to wait, as Rob was intentionally walked to load the bases and set up a force at home. Nate stood and home plate and the most anticlimactic event happened, he walked. 4 pitches, 3 balls and the game was over. Fog win 14 to 13.