Fort Collins - Week 2 - Highlights

Edora Field 1 (6pm)

Freeballers (Purple) vs. Merican Made (Texas Orange):

In this “Kickball Game Day” featured matchup, both teams wanted to make the case that they are Horsetooth Cup worthy. Merican made jumped out early to a 3-0 lead through four innings, with perennial MVP contender Nick O’Connell making all the right moves on defense to stymy the Freeballers attack. However, finally in the top of the 5^th and 6^th, the Freeballers would burst free from Merican Made’s defensive coverage to tie up the game. It would come down to the bottom of the 7^th, with the game in O’Connell’s hands… But it was his feet that made the kick though that scored Allen Stefanik’s game winning run! O’Connell, in his press conference after the game, commended his teammates for their performance: “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the stellar play of my teammates. I mean, it would be hard to win a game 1 vs. 11, ya know?” Merican made wins 4-3.

Edora Park Field 2 (6pm)

Flint Tropics (Tropical Blue) vs. Lunchbox Violators (Neon Orange):

Talk about some highlights! The game started off with a bang as Aaron “Always Safe” Harbour from the Flint Tropics crushed a three run homer in the top of the 1^st to give his team the early lead. Then there was a déjà vu moment in the top of the 3^rd for the Flint Tropics when Tom “Ball-Busting” Burgess banged home another three run home run. That’s when the Lunchbox Violators finally turned up the defense with Christine “Catch-Monster” Kemp making two stellar grabs in a row in the top of the 4^th and Eli “Rocket Arm” Roth throwing the runner out right before home in the top of the 5^th inning. Unfortunately, defense may win championships, but offensive scoring usually wins games.

Flint Tropics win 6-2.

Edora Park Field 3 (6pm)

RiKickulous (Neon Yellow) vs. Oilers (Violet):

What a unique matchup—the social league champs from the summer versus the current holders of the Horsetooth Cup! RiKickulous was out to make a statement that they can play with the big boys/girls, and it was definitely a close one throughout. The Oilers were winning through the first two innings on the back of William Lamon’s MVP performance that included a run-scoring triple and a defensive double play. But then it was time for RiKickulous to charge into the lead, which they held through the top of the 7^th inning. They were able to keep the Oilers potent offensive attack at bay with some solid defense, led by Franchesca Lata’s amazing line drive catch. (See the highlight here!) Ultimately, experience won out though as the Oilers were able to score two runs in the bottom of the 7^th to claim victory. Let’s hope for a rematch in the playoffs! Oilers win 7-6.

Edora Park Field 1 (7pm)

Freeballers (Purple) vs. Benny THE JET Rodriguezes (Navy):

Lots of highlights again! Captain Trent “The Dash Man” Darrough had an impressive throw to second base as catcher for Benny THE JET Rodriquezes while Sam “Handsy” Hummel completed a spectacular diving catch in the outfield in the 5^th and 7^th innings for his team. Meanwhile, “Downtown” Eric Brown made his own impressive running catch in the outfield in the top of the 4^th inning for the Freeballers. It was obvious though that the first game of their doubleheader had taken its toll on the Freeballers—they just didn’t have the energy to stay in the contest. Benny THE JET Rodriquezes wins 6-4.

Edora Park Field 2 (7pm)

Kicktease (Neon Orange) vs. Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Carolina Blue):

The key difference in this game was each team’s pitching strategies. Kicktease went with a 4-person rotation that provided mixed results, while Kickin Grass and Takin Names rode their workhouse, Josh Devine through all seven innings. One of the pitchers from Kicktease, Adam Eccher, did come through with a strike out in the top of the 2^nd as well as a “kick out” from a bunt to first base. On the other hand, Devine from Kickin Grass and Takin Names got a lot of support on the defensive side including some jaw-dropping catches from Katy Forte and Bryan Salimbeni. In the end, Devine’s shut out from the plate ensured his team’s victory. Devine commented after the game, “These matchups against veterans squads are always tough. I had to use all my different pitches in this one—fast ball, curve ball, slider—just to keep it fresh. Got to keep them on their toes!” Kickin Grass and Takin Names wins 9-0.

Edora Park Field 3 (7pm)

Where My Pitches At (Cardinal Red) vs. Ballz n Dollz (Lime):

After two early season losses, Where My Pitches At was looking to bounce back… Unfortunately, the pitching duo of Phillip Alvarado and Bri Beans from Ballz N Dollz had other plans. It was close until the 4^th inning when a single inning slip up seemed to end things for Where My Pitches At after they gave up six runs in the bottom of the 4th. Meanwhile, Ballz N Dollz didn’t allow a single run the whole game. Kickball analyst Kirk Herbstreit commented after the game, “Where My Pitches At will have to shore up their mental fortitude if they want to have a shot at winning that elusive Horsetooth Cup any time soon.” Ballz N Dollz wins 7-0.