After the big win in yesterday’s game, the SKIPPING NINJAS were set to face INTENSITY for the 2nd time in the season. It was the 2nd of 4 of our rescheduled rainouts and the SKIPPING NINJAS came to the fields energized after their previous performance. But this was a different team with a number of good players that posed a different set of challenges. They also beat us in our previous meeting. So, it was time to see if yesterday’s winning formula would carry into today’s game.
1st Inning
As it was her birthday, Lexie was set to lead the NINJAS defense in the 1st. Lexie threw a ball on her 1st pitch, but quickly warming up, she was able to get the 1st batter to swing at her next 3 pitches for a strike and 2 foul balls. After another ball evened up the count at 2-2, the 1st INTENSITY batter connected, sending the ball out to right center field for a single. The next batter came to the plate and Lexie went back and forth with her alternating balls and strikes with a couple of fouls in the mix. Reaching full count on the 2nd batter, with the INTENSITY runner making it to 2nd on a steal, Lexie released her next pitch. The batter got a hold of it and sent another fly ball out to right center field for a single. The next batter came up to the plate. On Lexie’s 1st pitch, the batter connected and sent another fly ball out to deep right field past Elise for another single, putting INTENSITY on the board with 1 run. Lexie started to struggle against the next batter and, after reaching full count, Lexie threw the next pitch outside and walked the batter, loading the bases for INTENSITY. Refocused, Lexie got back to work against the next batter as she came up to bat. Lexie was able to get a strike over the plate, catching the next batter off guard. After a ball, the batter took a swing and missed Lexie’s next pitch, but the ball got away from Hylah and it opened the door for the 3rd base runner to score on a steal. Lexie returned to the rubber to get ready for the next batter coming up to bat. Starting off with a ball on the 1st pitch, Lexie was able to string strikes together, getting the batter to swing. The batter watched 1 pitch go by for a strike and, not wanting to go down without a fight, took swings at Lexie’s next 2 pitches, missing both and striking out. The next INTENSITY batter came to the plate and swung her bat aggressively. This proved to be her undoing as she took swings at and missed 3 pitches in a row for the 2nd strikeout in a row. The next batter came to the plate. She fouled off Lexie’s 1st pitch. After a ball, she swung and missed, bringing up 1-2. She connected on the next pitch and hit a hard ground ball through the NINJAS infield out into the right center field grass for a single, bringing another runner home. As the NINJAS scrambled to bring the ball back in, the INTENSITY runner on 3rd rolled the dice and took off for home. The NINJAS recovered the ball and made the throw home. Hylah got set to receive the ball, made the catch, turned and tagged the runner for the 3rd out.
Starting the game off down by 3, it was the SKIPPING NINJAS turn to see if they had a response for INTENSITY’s challenge. Kas was up 1st. The pitcher started off strong with a strike pitch that caught Kas by surprise. After following the 1st strike with a couple of balls, the pitcher threw one right down the middle. Kas took a swing but missed and the count evened up at 2-2. Another ball brought up full count. The pitcher followed it up with heat and stunned Kas, sending her back to the NINJAS dugout empty handed. Erika was up next. The pitcher had trouble finding her pitch against Erika and threw 2 balls across the plate to start things off. Erika fouled off the next pitch. Then, she watched one go by for strike 2. She stayed alive with another foul ball. A ball on the next pitch brought up full count. On the next pitch, Erika connected and sent a grounder right up the middle of the infield. The INTENSITY pitcher collected the ball and made the throw to 1st for the out on Erika. Lexie was up next. Again, the pitcher started off with 2 ball pitches. Lexie fouled one off before connecting on the 4th pitch. She sent the ball rolling up the 3rd base side of the field and the INTENSITY 3rd baseman picked it up and threw the ball to 1st for the 3rd out, denying the SKIPPING NINJAS offense and moving the game into the 2nd inning.
INTENSITY 3 – SKIPPING NINJAS 0
2nd Inning
Lexie was brought in to pitch again in the 2nd. Facing off against her 1st batter, Lexie was on fire. She threw heat on the 1st 2 pitches before breaking it up with a ball. Counting on another ball pitch, the batter held her bat, but Lexie was on target and got the strikeout. Lexie didn’t fare so well against the 2nd batter. Lexie threw 2 balls in a row to start things off against the 2nd batter. The next pitch was a strike, but the batter took a cut and connected, sending the ball into right center field for a single. Lexie got back to work as the next INTENSITY batter came up to the plate. The batter fouled off Lexie’s 1st pitch. After a ball, Lexie found her rhythm again and got the batter to swing at her next 2 pitches, missing both for another strikeout. On the last pitch on the batter, the runner on 1st took off for 2nd, but Hylah was ready for her and got up and fired the ball to 2nd base. The ball reached Rachel’s glove just in time and Rachel was able to tag the runner to retire the side.
Miara was up next. Miara battled hard against the pitcher, taking a strike on the 1st pitch and fouling off the 2nd. The next pitch was a ball to bring the count to 1-2. Miara fouled off the next 2 to stay alive before another ball evened up the count. The pitcher dug deep and threw heat on her next pitch. This drew the swing from Miara. Unfortunately, Miara misjudged the pitch and struck out. Natalie was up next. After taking a ball on the 1st pitch, Natalie watched the 2nd pitch go by for a strike. Natalie connected on the next pitch, but the grounder went straight back to the pitcher who made the easy throw to 1st for the out on Natalie. Rebecca came out next to see if she could jumpstart the SKIPPING NINJAS offense. Rebecca took a swing at the 1st pitch, but released her bat a bit too late for strike 1. She took a swing at the next pitch, but, again, her timing was off and the ball squeaked by for strike 2. After a ball on the next pitch, Rebecca protected well and fouled off the next pitch. Unfortunately, trying to stay alive, Rebecca took a cut on the next pitch and missed, striking out and ending the NINJAS 2nd inning attempt to get into the game.
INTENSITY 3 – SKIPPING NINJAS 0
3rd Inning
After a great defensive inning for both teams in the 2nd, Miara was set to take over pitching duties from Lexie. Miara took a moment to warm up and had trouble finding her pitch against the 1st batter. She managed a strike among 3 balls before hitting the batter and putting her on base with a walk. Things didn’t go much smoother against the next batter as Miara started off with 2 ball pitches in a row. The batter took a swing at Miara’s next pitch for a strike. Then, taking another swing, connected and sent a hard grounder down the 1st base side of the NINJAS infield. Rebecca came off of 1st base to collect the ball, but couldn’t get a handle on it and the batter earned a single. With INTENSITY runners now on 1st and 2nd, Miara got right back to work. Refocused, Miara was able to find her groove as the batter fouled off the 1st pitch before taking a ball to even up the count. The batter fouled off another on Miara’s next pitch. Finally, Miara dug deep and fired one in, getting it past the batter for the strikeout. Reenergized, Miara heated up and started throwing consistently. Miara threw heat and fired one in for strike 1. The batter was stunned. The next pitch came in hot as well and the batter held her bat for strike 2. A ball on the next pitch brought up 1-2. Recovering quickly, Miara drilled one more past the batter for another strikeout. The 5th INTENSITY batter came to the plate. Miara stunned the batter with her 1st pitch for a strike as the batter looked on. A ball on the next pitch evened up the count. The batter took a swing at Miara’s next pitch and missed, bringing up strike 2. Then, the batter connected, putting the ball in play. The ball popped up over the infield and Rachel, playing 2nd, rushed over to make the catch for the 3rd out of the inning.
Still trailing by 3, the NINJAS defense was starting to have some success, but it was time to wake up the offense to get back in the game. Hylah was up 1st. After taking a ball on the 1st pitch, Hylah fouled of the next 2 and got behind in the count. She took another ball and the count evened up at 2-2. Then, the INTENSITY pitcher got one past Hylah and struck her out. The pitcher didn’t have as much luck against Elise as she started to struggle a bit. She managed to get Elise to swing for a strike before giving up 1st base with a walk. Rachel was up next. The INTENSITY pitcher, continuing to slump, threw a ball on her 1st pitch against Rachel. On the passed ball, Elise made her way to 2nd base. Rachel watched one go by for a strike. Another passed ball gave Elise a window to make it to 3rd on a steal. Then, Rachel hit the ball past the INTENSITY 1st baseman for a single, bringing Elise home and putting the SKIPPING NINJAS on the board for the 1st time in the game. It was Katrina’s turn at bat. Trying to get Rachel around the bases, Katrina took a swing at the 1st pitch for a strike as Rachel stole 2nd. A passed ball on the next pitch gave Rachel an opening to steal 3rd. Then Katrina tried to make something happen so that she could get Rachel home. Unfortunately, Katrina swung and missed the next 2 pitches, striking out and hanging Rachel up on 3rd base. With 2 outs and a runner on 3rd, Aale’a took her turn at bat. Swinging aggressively, Aale’a tried to bring Rachel home. She took a cut on the 1st pitch but missed. Aale’a attacked the 2nd pitch just as hard, but again came up short. The pitcher threw heat on the next pitch to get out of the inning. Aale’a released her bat but decided that it was a bad pitch and tried to check her swing. The barrel of the bat came too far around to save it and the umpire called the strike, ending the inning for the NINJAS.
INTENSITY 3 – SKIPPING NINJAS 1
4th Inning
It was another great defensive inning for both teams. Attempting to maintain a hold on INTENSITY, Miara came out for another inning at the rubber. On fire, Miara struck out the 1st INTENSITY batter of the inning with 3 strike pitches in a row. The next batter came to the plate and Miara lost her pitch. With a foul ball in the mix for a strike, Miara couldn’t find her target and the count reached 3-1. The batter connected on the next pitch and popped the ball up. Miara strolled over to make the catch for the 2nd out. The next INTENSITY batter came up to bat. On the first pitch, the batter connected sending a ground ball toward Lexie, playing short stop. Lexie rushed in to collect the ball, but lost her grip as she came up with it, giving the batter enough time to reach 1st base. Miara continued to struggle a bit and started off with 2 balls against the next batter. The batter took a swipe at the next pitch and fouled off the follow up to even up the count. After another ball, the batter was able to connect and sent a slow grounder into foul territory. Taken by surprise by the fact that the ball didn’t roll into foul territory, Hylah rushed to pick up the ball. Reaching out and picking the ball up with her glove, Hylah dropped the ball in the transition to her throwing hand and with the error, the batter was able to earn a single. Miara started the next batter off with a ball as well, but managed to get her to swing at the next 3 pitches. The batter fouled off the 1st and missed the 2nd, but she connected on the 3rd and put it in play. The batter sent a fast grounder toward short stop. Lexie was able to come in to collect the ball. This time, keeping a handle on it, made the throw to 1st, but the runner beat the ball to the bag and, with the action at 1st, the runner on 3rd was able to cross home, ending a 2-inning scoring drought for INTENSITY. On the play, the INENSITY runner on 2nd made it to scoring position. With runners on 1st and 3rd and 2 outs, the next batter came to the plate. A ball on the 1st pitch allowed the runner on 1st to steal 2nd. Miara threw another ball pitch and got behind in the count. On the next pitch, the batter connected and sent a grounder down the 3rd base line. Katrina moved in and reeled in the slow roller. She got up and fired one to 1st for the 3rd out.
Back at the top of the NINJAS lineup, Kas came out to try to solve the challenge of the day – the INENSITY defense. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t happen in this inning as she fouled off the 1st pitch, took a ball on the 2nd, watched one go by for strike 2 and, finally, swinging and missing for the strikeout. Erika was up next. She came out swinging as well and fouled off the 1st pitch. After taking a ball on the 2nd pitch, Erika put the next one in play. The ball popped up in the air as it traveled over the infield. The INTENSITY short stop called the ball and made the catch for the out. With 2 down in quick succession, things looked bleak for the NINJAS offense as Lexie came up to bat. Lexie took a swing at the 1st pitch and missed. A ball on the next pitch evened up the count. She connected on the next pitch, sending a low fly ball over the middle of the infield. The INENSITY pitcher moved in to snatch the ball out of the air, but, misjudging the distance was only able to deflect it, forcing the 2nd baseman, playing backup, to readjust. This bought Lexie just enough time to make it to 1st. Miara was up next. After a few balls allowed Lexie to make it to 2nd on a steal and a swinging strike, another ball put the count at 3-1. The next pitch hit Miara and she got on base. Natalie came up to bat next. Natalie took the 1st pitch, hoping for a ball. The umpire saw it differently. A passed ball on the next pitch advanced the NINJAS runners safely. Feeling the pressure, the INENSITY pitcher threw a ball on the next pitch, but quickly recovered and was on target for the next one, bringing up 2-2. Lexie, timing the throw back to the pitcher perfectly, took off for home on a steal as soon as the catcher released the ball. Quickly the pitcher tried to get the ball back home, but Lexie slid under the tag and scored. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEXIE!!! Miara made it to 3rd on the play. Natalie took a swing at the next pitch and missed, striking out and leaving Miara on base.
INTENSITY 4 – SKIPPING NINJAS 2
5th Inning
Miara was back at the rubber to pitch in the 5th inning. With game time ticking away, the NINJAS needed to stand their ground if they were to remain competitive. So far, both defenses were able to effectively neutralize the other team’s offense, but the early surge from INTENSITY gave them the lead and has forced the NINJAS to play catch up all game. The 1st batter came up to the plate. With Miara’s pitch slowing down after 2 innings, the INTENSITY batters started to wake up their bats. On Miara’s 1st pitch, the batter took a swing and popped up the ball. Katrina, playing 3rd base, moved herself under the ball for the catch and the 1st out. A walk on the next batter put an INTENSITY runner on base. The next batter was up. A passed ball on the 1st pitch gave the runner a chance to make it to 2nd. On the next pitch, Miara threw a strike, but the ball got away from Hylah and the runner was able to make it to 3rd on a steal. The batter connected on the next pitch, sending a grounder right back to Miara. When Miara picked up the ball, she turned and looked at 3rd base to hold the runner. By the time she made the throw to 1st, it was too late as the runner just barely was able to step on the bag before the catch was made. On the throw, the runner on 3rd took off for home and scored. Miara got right back at it. After a ball on the 1st pitch, Miara got the batter to swing at the next 3 for the strikeout. The next batter came up to bat. A passed ball on the 1st pitch allowed the INTENSITY runner on 1st to steal 2nd. Miara got the next pitch on target and the batter watched the strike go by. The runner stole 3rd base on another passed ball. With the count at 2-1, the batter connected on the 4th pitch. She sent another grounder back to Miara. Miara moved in to scoop the ball up, but dropped it. Recovering the ball quickly, Miara attempted to throw the batter out at 1st, but the batter beat the ball to the bag. With the action on the opposite side of the field, the runner on 3rd cruised home to put one more point on the board for INTENSITY. Miara dug deep to find her pitch against the next batter. She threw heat on her 1st 2 pitches, notching 2 strikes in a row. On the 2nd pitch, the runner on 1st safely stole 2nd. Miara’s next pitch was on target, but the batter was ready. She ripped one out into left field for a single and brought home another run. With their bats coming alive, INTENSITY started to consistently hit off of Miara. The next batter came up and hit Miara’s 1st pitch to right field. The ball hit the ground, but Elise was able to contain it to hold the batter to a single. The next batter came up. She missed on her 1st swing for strike 1. The batter connected on the next pitch, but sent a grounder straight back to Miara. This time, Miara took her time as she reeled in the ground ball and stood up to make the throw to 1st. Rebecca received the ball and put her foot on the bag for the 3rd out.
Watching the game slipping away and the clock ticking, the NINJAS had to produce some runs if they were to get back in this game. Rebecca started things off in the bottom of the 5th. She came out swinging. She missed the 1st pitch, but hit a hard ground ball out into the right field grass for a single. Hylah was up next. She swung at the 1st pitch for a strike, but Rebecca made it safely to 2nd on a steal. Rebecca took off like a shot and made it safely to 3rd when she saw the next pitch get past the catcher. After another ball, Hylah got a piece of the next pitch and sent a grounder down the middle. The pitcher picked up the ball and threw it to 1st for the out on Hylah. Leaving home unattended, Rebecca hit the gas and reached home before the INTENSITY defense could cover the plate. Elise was up next. She collected a strike swinging at the 1st pitch. After a ball, Elise connected on the next pitch. Unfortunately, she sent a grounder right back to the INTENSITY pitcher, who made the throw to 1st for the out on Elise. Rachel was up next. She watched one pitch go by for a strike. She took a swing at the next pitch and sent a grounder right down the 1st base line. The INTENSITY 1st baseman came out of position to pick up the ball and trotted back to 1st for the easy out. Once again, the INTENSITY defense held the NINJAS to 1 point in the inning.
INTENSITY 7 – SKIPPING NINJAS 3
6th Inning
As the game clock inched closer to the time limit, Lexie was brought back in to pitch in what would be the final inning of the game. The 1st batter didn’t waste any time. On Lexie’s 1st pitch, the batter connected and hit the ball deep into left center field for a triple. The next batter came up to bat. After taking a ball on the 1st pitch, the batter fouled off the next one, bringing up 1-1. Lexie found her zone again and fired one in. The batter took a swing and missed. Strike 1. Following it up with another strike pitch, Lexie threw heat and the batter took another cut. Lexie struck her out and sent her back to the INTENSITY dugout empty handed. Lexie faltered a bit against the next batter. She threw a ball on the 1st pitch. A passed ball on the 2nd pitch allowed the runner on 3rd to score on a steal. Eventually, a walk on the batter put another INTENSITY runner on base. The next batter came to the plate. After a ball on the 1st pitch, Lexie started to get her pitch back and got the batter swinging. She fouled one off, then watched one go by, bringing up 1-2. On the next pitch, the batter took a swing. Unfortunately for her, her bat came just under the ball and she struck out. The next batter came out swinging and put the 1st pitched ball in play. She sent a grounder straight at Rachel, playing 2nd base. Rachel was able to get in front of the ball and make the toss to Rebecca for the 3rd out on the batter, giving the NINJAS offense one last shot at mounting a comeback.
Katrina was up 1st. After splitting the difference with the pitcher on the 1st 2 pitches, Katrina was hit by a pitch and got on base. Aale’a was up next. After taking a ball on the 1st pitch, Aale’a watched a pitch go by for a strike. On the pitch, Katrina safely stole 2nd. Aale’a watched one more go by for strike 2. With the count at 1-2 on Aale’a, she had to protect. She watched as the pitcher released the ball and, trying to time the swing, she released her bat a bit too late and struck out. With the door closing on the game, the SKIPPING NINJAS were back at the top of the lineup. Kas took her position at the plate. Kas fouled off the 1st pitch. She put the next ball in play, sending a grounder to the INTENSITY short stop. The short stop made the throw for the out at 1st, but Katrina was able to make it safely to 3rd. With 2 down, INTENSITY was on their way to victory, but it didn’t deter the NINJAS from playing hard. Erika was up next. On the 1st pitch, Erika watched it go by for a strike. Katrina took off on the throw back from the catcher and made it home safely. Erika stubbornly stayed alive by continuously fouling off pitches. Finally, she put the ball in play. The ball rolled slowly through the infield and the INTENSITY 1st baseman was able to pick it up and make it back to 1st for the 3rd out, ending the game and locking in the victory for INTENSITY.
Final Score
INTENSITY 8 – SKIPPING NINJAS 4
Game Ball
It was a tough battle today and the SKIPPING NINJAS came up short. But the story of the day was the defense that both teams displayed. After the initial INTENSITY rush in the 1st inning, the SKIPPING NINJAS held their own until a late game surge cemented the outcome. With that, the NINJAS still had some great action on offense, including 3 points on steals from 3rd. But, again, defense was a big factor in the game and for holding down the fort at home for most of the game, and being involved in a few key plays at and from the plate, Hylah was awarded the game ball. Great job Hylah!
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