Fort Collins - Week 1 - Highlights

Edora Field 1 (6pm)

Freeballers (Purple) vs. Ace of 2^nd Base (Irish Green):

The scoring came early and often for the Freeballers, who scored in every inning except one. Their offensive MVP had to be Nathan “The Ging” Froehlich” whose three run home run was capped off with a dive into home, thereby putting the game out of reach for Ace of 2^nd Base. The defensive MVP for the Freeballers though was starting pitcher Brent Behler, who pitched a 6-inning shutout. Behler commented after the game, “While we were sad to say good bye to Florida Mike, our new name has revitalized the squad and we are ready to make our championship run!” Freeballers win 12-0.

Edora Park Field 2 (6pm)

Where My Pitches At (Cardinal Red) vs. RiKickulous (Neon Yellow):

It’s hard to score ten runs in an inning… But it’s even harder to score ten runs in two separate innings in one game! And that’s exactly what RiKickulous did… The game started ominously for Where My Pitches At with a double play against them to end the top of the 1^st and then a solo home run by RiKickulous to begin the bottom of the 1^st… After a 14 run barrage in that first inning, RiKickulous would start rolling again in the bottom of the 3^rd with a grand slam by Kevin Baumgartner that ultimately ended with another 10 run inning. Yikes! The game would go on to end seemingly as it started with closer Jackie Marro’s double play against Where My Pitches At. RiKickulous’ captain, Joe Bohm, said after the game that he was worried about the transition from the social league to the regular league this season, but with some free agent pick ups and two-a-day practices in the off-season, he was happy to see their hard work pay off. I’d say so!!! RiKickulous wins 26-3.

Edora Park Field 3 (6pm)

Merican Made (Texas Orange) vs. Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Carolina Blue):

This game was a two-man show for Merican Made as both Cody “Wasteland” Wells and “Nasty” Nick O’Connell notched three RBIs each through the first two innings. Kickin Grass and Takin Names was then able to ramp up the defense for the rest of the game though, especially Josh “The Diviner” Devine and “D-Fence” Derek Arrington. But those seven runs were too much for the Kickin Grass and Takin Names to overcome unfortunately. Kickball analyst Bob Costas noted after the game, “Merican Made seems focused and ready to challenge for another championship. After coming within one run of winning the title last season, they are hungry for the cup. This is even better than the Olympics!” Merican Made wins 7-0.

Edora Park Field 4 (6pm)

Flint Tropics (Tropical Blue) vs. Benny THE JET Rodriguezes (Navy):

What a great week one matchup! This contest was a nailbiter right up until the last inning… The real difference was the defense of the Flint Tropics rising to the occasion. Austin “Ice Cold” Cole had an impressive diving catch in the 3^rd inning that kept Benny THE JET Rodriuezes from adding to their 4-3 lead. Then Curtis “Rough Rider” Woodruff’s final out in the last inning off a caught bunt put the game away for good. Flint Tropics win 8-5.

Edora Park Field 1 (7pm)

Ballz n Dollz (Lime) vs. Lunchbox Violators (Neon Orange):

This matchup had to be the game of the week! With the Lunchbox Violators moving up from the social league last season, Ballz N Dollz wanted to send a statement that there are no free lunches in the regular kickball league! Ballz N Dollz found themselves on top 4-2 through three innings despite an impressive relay from the outfield to home from the Lunchbox Violators that got the runner out. (See the highlight here!) Finally, in the bottom of the 6^th, the Lunchbox Violators would tie it up at 4-4 thereby making sure we would need extra innings to decide the winner. The defenses held for several innings until Ballz N Dollz squeaked in a couple runs to claim victory! Ballz N Dollz wins 6-4.

Edora Park Field 2 (7pm)

Where My Pitches At (Cardinal Red) vs. Oilers (Violet):

Talk about a bounce back game! After losing their earlier matchup that night, Where My Pitches At had to face the defending champs in the next contest… However, they came out with a fire in their bellies and would go on to take a 4-0 lead after two innings off a triple to left field by “Kickball Corey” Palencia that scored two. Then it was time for “hang on for deal life mode”… However, the defending champion Oilers weren’t going quietly if captain Paul “The Magnet” Schwarz had anything to say about it. His nickname stems from the improbable way the ball seems to find him all over the field. After a couple diving catches, Schwarz would go on to tie up the game with an RBI in the bottom of the 6^th. Then finally Dave Smith from the Oilers would put in the go-ahead triple that allowed the Oilers to claim the lead for good. Oilers win 6-4.

Edora Park Field 3 (7pm)

Kicktease (Neon Orange) vs. HP YEN Kickball Team (Royal Blue):

In this exhibition contest, anything goes! There were tons of amazing plays on both sides, so I will just name a few highlights here: Derek Showers amazing catch in the bottom of the 2^nd for HP Kickball at third base really stood out, but let’s not forget Scott Clutter’s first run of the season for HP Kickball in the top of the 3^rd inning either!!! For Kicktease, John Flack’s two RBI home run in the bottom of the 3^rd and Josh Maranian’s unassisted double play in the bottom of the 4^th were definitely SportsCenter Top 10 worthy. Kicktease wins 18-1.