Hanover
Thunder Softball Association
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Hanover
Thunder Softball Association
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Events/Notices
| Thunder Smothers the Flames for 2nd Tournament Win in a Row!The Hanover Thunder won a tournament for the second straight weekend -- winning all 5 games to come out on top in the NSA Richmond Fast Pitch Festival tournament held at Dorey Park. After sweeping pool play, the Thunder crushed the X-Treme Fury to advance to the much anticipated Championship game against the Augusta Flames. As you may recall, the Thunder beat the Flames in pool play in their first 10U tournament in early September, but came up short (8 to 6) against the Flames in the championship to take second place (see 10U Labor Day Tourney link for details). After rolling through pool play by scores of 18-0, 18-1, and 12-0 the Thunder faced the X-Treme Fury in the semi-finals. The Thunder scored every inning of the 5-inning game to advance (final score 11-1) to the final against the Augusta Flames. In one of the most exciting games of the year, the Thunder put together perhaps their best fundamental team effort since they've been together. The Thunder played solid defense throughout the game, got several clutch hits (bunts), and ran the bases to perfection. Every player contributed to the very satisfying win. See Championship Game Summary below for details. Congratulations to all the Thunder girls for what was truly a TEAM effort. Every girl contributed either at the plate or on defense or both. There was also a lot of encouragement, team spirit, and enthusiasm displayed throughout the weekend. The parents, family, and friends should also be commended on their support and encouragement not only at the tournament but throughout the season making it possible for special weekends like the one we just experienced! Tourney Pics...
Quick Quips:
Individual
Highlights:
Championship Game Summary: Inning #1: Courtney D and Lindsey N lead the game off with singles. Auguste R then walked to load the bases. After another hit by Taylor D along with several wild pitches (passed balls) the Thunder lead 4-0. In the bottom of the 1st, the Flames lead-off batter crushed a triple which was followed by a single by the second batter to put Augusta on the board. A ground out to 2nd base (Lynnse C) was followed by a double that plated the second run for the Flames. August R struck out the next batter and got the final batter of the inning to ground out to shortstop Shawna K. After 1 inning, the Thunder lead 4 to 2. >>> THUNDER 4 FLAMES 2 Innings
#2, #3: The Flames
brought in a new (faster) pitcher in the 2nd who retired six straight
batters to hold the Thunder at 4 runs after 3 at-bats.
In the bottom of the 2nd, the Flames batted only 3 with a
strikeout, a groundout to Lynnse C at 2nd
base, and a ground out to first baseman Madison C.
In the bottom of the 3rd, the Flames only batted 3 again with
a strikeout and 2 more groundouts to Madison C.
After 3 innings, the Thunder retained a 4 to 2 lead.
>>> THUNDER 4 FLAMES 2 Inning
#4: In the top of the 4th,
Taylor D reached base to lead off the
inning, but was stranded at third base following 3 consecutive strikeouts by the
Flames pitcher. The bottom of 4th
inning was amazing and truly inspiring it was one of those times that define
why players play the game, why parents watch and support the game, and why
coaches coach the game. With the
first batter of the inning up, Auguste R
began her distinct wind-up and unleashed a blazing fastball to the plate
the batter crushed the ball back up the middle with little (to no) time to
react, the ball struck Auguste on outside of her (pitching) elbow.
She fell to the ground as the coaches ran to her side.
The swelling began immediately and the distinctive laces of the softball
were noticeable where the ball struck her.
As she sat on the ground in pain, her first words were I want to
finish, dont take me out after a 10 minute delay to assess the
situation, including a conference with dad, she returned to the mound to throw a
couple of practice pitches (that just happened to be very fast and accurate).
Now, with a runner on first and no outs she was ready to go.
The next batter proceeded to drill a line drive that surely would go
through (over) the infield and potentially hit an outfield gap for extra bases
(scoring a run) but Lynnse C would
have none of that as she took one step to the left and leapt up to snare the
line shot the runner on first, who was halfway to second thinking it was a
base hit, watched helplessly as Lynnse
threw to first to complete the double play.
Rally killed. The third
batter of the inning smashed the ball hard to left field for what would
certainly be extra bases but this time Megan D
was there and ready to make the play, which she made look easy for the third out
of the inning. A mini-celebration
(knowing the game wasnt over) ensued between innings while concerned coaches
and parents made sure Auguste was taken
care of (manager / paramedic Mark B
helped to apply ice and check for signs of more serious injury).
>>> THUNDER 4 FLAMES 2 Inning #5: With one out in the top of the 5th Megan D reached base on a ball hit to 3rd base. She advanced to 3rd base on a passed ball and a perfect bunt single by Lynnse C. Ashley B followed up with a textbook bunt that froze the Flames defense. Not to be outdone, Courtney D laid down yet another awesome bunt. After a walk, some clutch base running, and a Flames error, the Thunder had posted another 4 runs to take a commanding 8 to 2 lead heading into the bottom of the last (5th) inning. The first batter in the inning walked. The Flames appeared ready to make a final run but once again Thunder defense came through as catcher Taylor D fired a perfect strike to Shawna K covering 2nd base to gun down the would-be stealer from first. One out. Auguste struck out the second batter of the inning to put the Thunder within one out of the Championship. The third batter of the inning hit a ball towards the 2nd base bag that Lynnse C hauled in for the final out. >>> FINAL: THUNDER 8 FLAMES 2
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