Summer Kickball Week 1

Virginia Blue 12
UNC 3

Virginia Blue got the season off to a good start by thumping North Carolina 12-3. Offensively, everyone contributed to the offensive juggernaut with probably every player getting on base at least once and nearly everyone scoring a run. "Best slide" and "best dressed" awards both go to Nate Smith, who proved that sliding into second base really is more fun when you are wearing your going-out jeans

Defensively, there were several standouts:
- Dave Rose did his best Nomar Garciaparra impression at shortstop with an amazing diving catch to rob Rocco's sister of a hit
- G.J. had a couple great plays in the outfield including a running catch of Matt's (redhead on UNC with big leg) bomb that almost went into the street and another play where he nearly popped the ball, but recovered quickly and still managed to throw the lead runner out at first base.
- Melissa had a solid day at second base with several good put outs
- And Robert Roberts (known as "2Bobs") got called up from the minors (the Sunday independent league) and pitched an excellent 7 innings and greatly helped out our team while we were without our normal pitcher and short on players.

Next game: 7/12 vs. Emory, 1 pm

Auburn 10
Virginia Orange 8

Virginia Orange wasn’t as fortunate, as we ran into a powerhouse Auburn team (overall champions of the Spring season). We gave them a big run for their money though, as it was a seesaw affair the whole way through, with them narrowly holding on in the end, 10-8.

We fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first and traded 2 run innings for the next three I believe. After some more back and forth, we headed to the bottom of the 6th inning (which was determined the last inning ahead of time) down 10-7 and staring defeat square in the eyes. However, even after the first two kickers made outs, the team didn’t give up and we put together a rally, only to fall just short. Newcomers Yevonne and Cary Chandler got on base and we were in good shape with the top of the order coming up. Mark Rogers came through with a clutch double scoring Yevonne, and all of a sudden we had the tying run on 2nd base with Sudhir and KMay coming up. Unfortunately it didn’t work out as Auburn’s pitcher made a good pitch and forced Sudhir into a fly out to end it, but all in all it was a great battle put together by the Orange crew.

Highlights:

- A fantastic catch off the face by Casey Holliday – way to use your head!
- Multiple quick reflex plays by Mark on the mound, not to mention a nifty over-the-shoulder catch while narrowly eluding a charging Megan Price
- A solid kicking performance by pretty much the entire team. I can’t remember single wasted at-bat, as every single person put pressure on the defense to make a play. Auburn is a good team and we made them earn their victory.
- Back to Mark, a great complete game pitching performance painting the corners all game long.

Next game: 7/12 vs. SPSU, 4 pm