Fort Collins - Week 5 - Highlights

GO Kickball: Fort Collins Highlights (September 21st 2017)

Edora Park Field 1 (5:45pm)

Mighty Fightin Narwhals (Tropical Blue) vs. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers (Purple):

Florida Mike and the Freeballers got off to a good start with 2 runs in the first inning and proceeded to add runs each inning except the seventh. With clean runs the whole game they were playing a solid offensive game. Defensively they were jiving as well with some of the best plays of the night coming from stand-in Brandon who caught the ball off his teammate and tossed the ball to second for a double play in the bottom of the third inning and other stand-in Axe with a diving catch in the bottom of the fourth inning.  The Mighty Fightin Narwhals also had some notable plays to include Ben Strong Arm Schisler’s out from third in the top of the fourth and Chad Cheshire Cat’s diving catch in the top of the fifth. The Narwhals faced an impenetrable defense from the fourth inning onwards but team captain Lauren Tanner is optimistic of next week being more fruitful Florida Mike and the Freeballers win 13-5. 

Edora Park Field 3 (5:45pm)

Team America (Red) vs. Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Forest Green):

This was one of the closer games of the evening with Kickin Grass and Takin Names in the lead until the final inning. In the top of the second they were able to get out of a bases loaded and no outs jam only allowing one run in by their patriotic competitors. However, all changed in the top of the sixth when Team America gave it their all and jumped from 6 to 12 runs total, giving them a 4 run lead. With green up to kick last the win was on the line and they just couldn’t pull out enough runs falling short with only 2 runs.  These two teams are bound to cross paths in the tournament and my money can bet that it will be the nail biter of the season for who places second in the league for the fall season. Team America wins 12-10.

Edora Park Field 1 (6:45pm)

Flint Tropics (Pink) vs. Forney Sparks (Irish Green): 

Anytime a team sees that they are playing the multi-season league champs there is always a bit of anxiousness but Forney Sparks has yet to back away from a challenge and this week was no different. Captain Jimmy Hebbeln started his team with good mojo in the bottom of the first with a double play, but Flint Tropics ended up completely shutting them out until their first run in the top of the seventh inning. Flint Tropics seemed to treat the game as practice, but still put up a solid 18 runs with assistance from plays like Luke “not Kyle” Chamberlain’s 1 run single in the bottom of the third and Matt Kelly’s jumping catch in the top of the second. PS let us know if you found a white hydro flask at Field 1 as its owner would love to be reunited. Flint Tropics win 18-1.

Edora Park Field 3 (6:45pm)

Ballz n Dollz (Indigo Blue) vs.  99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE (Neon Orange):

Perhaps Ballz n Dollz changed their luck of the game by participating in theme week in their coordinated outfits under the category of “the search for Waldo”. Holding the lead until the bottom of the 4^th they seemed to have a sure fire win in store but 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE entered the top of the 5^th with a vengeance and capitalized on some crucial errors on the part of the defense and banked 8 runs to take a 1 run lead. Thankfully, Mike Wood’s double in the top of the sixth helped stop orange’s advance and 3 runs in the bottom of the 6^th allowed blue to reclaim their lead and hold it through the 7^th. Even though it wasn’t Friday the 13^th there was a little déjà vu on Field 3 (maybe because it was Halloween theme week) with an exact final score as the 5:45pm game. Next week might also be full of surprises. Ballz and Dollz win 12-10.

Colorado Springs - Week 5 - Highlights

Brews on First (gold) vs Gym Class Heroes (royal blue):

After falling behind 1-0 early, GCH led off the bottom of the 1st with a double by Mike Permar and a single by Erin Blessman, who then both scored on a line drive double to right field by Keith Hausam. Down 2-1 after one, BOF started the 2nd with 3 straight singles, and Kevin McLaughlin plated a pair of runners with a sac-fly to help give them a 4-2 lead. In the 3rd, BOF opened up the floodgates on offense. After loading the bases, Alex Tunell lined a bases-loaded shot through the infield for a 2-run double. Later in the inning, Sam Schultz smacked a 2-RBI triple to help give BOF a 9-run lead. In the bottom of the 3rd as GCH were hoping to start a rally, Nic Wetherill booted a line drive fly ball to left field, but Zach Schultz came in and made a superman diving catch for the defensive play of the night. In the 5th, BOF’s Craig Woolridge sent a shot to right center field off the defender’s hands for a RBI triple to make it 12-2. In the bottom half of the inning, GCH’s April & Andy VanRuler both got on base and then scored on a huge boot to left field by Erin Bernier who ended up at third base on the play. BOF got another run in the final inning to put a cap on their best offensive performance of the season.

Final Score: Brews on First 13, Gym Class Heroes 4

Blackout (black) vs Kick Pitches Get Money (carolina blue):

In the marquee matchup of the week, these two contenders fought a tough battle on both sides of the ball. Blackout got on the board first with Andy Horn’s RBI single to right field. KPGM answered in the bottom of the 1st with a RBI double by Koen Litt to help give them a 2-1 lead. Blackout quickly tied it at 2 in the top of the 2nd, but KPGM answered with 3 runs in the bottom half to take a 5-2 lead. In the top of the 3rd with runners on second and third, KPGM’s pitcher Marc O’Meara gathered a ground ball and faked a throw to first base to catch Blackout’s Nick Medina trying to sneak home for the out. Ryan Piper would make up for the base running error by nailing a 2-RBI double to left field thanks to a drop by the defender to make it a 5-4 game. In the 5th, KPGM got an insurance run with a sac-fly by Dave Fournier to make it 9-6. In the final inning, Blackout would copy the script of Kick in a Box to put together a clutch 2-out rally. With the bases loaded, Shane Jahnke kicked a perfectly placed blooper down the right field line to make it a 1-run game. Bronwen Buswell followed with a single to plate the tying run and then Nate Kischer blasted a bomb over the left fielder’s head for an emphatic 3-run home run to turn their 3-run deficit into a 3-run lead. After the huge change in momentum, KPGM was unable to get a rally together and Jillian Wilkins secured Marc O’Meara’s fly ball at second base for the final out of the game.

Final Score: Blackout 12, Kick Pitches Get Money 9

BDBK (neon pink) vs Kick in a Box (neon orange):

BDBK got the first run of the game in the 1st when Pat Morrissey scored Kelsey Siran on a fielder’s choice grounder. Kick in a Box quickly answered in the bottom of the 1st thanks to a 2-RBI single by Rex Ingham. Reid Korbelik followed with a pop-up to second base that was dropped and then thrown around the infield to try to get runners out at home and second base, and with a couple overthrows Reid scored for the unconventional 3-run home run. BDBK’s Drake Davidson led off the 2nd with a double and then scored on Lorenzo Trotter’s line drive RBI single to right field to make it 5-2. KIAB brought out the big guns in the 2nd inning, delivering a slew of back-to-back doubles to plate 7 more runs. In the 4th, Devin Williams delivered a 2-out 2-RBI single to make it 15-2. In the final inning, KIAB’s Reid Korbelik blasted a 2-run home run in the conventional way over the center fielder’s head. Mikey Brauner followed with a solo home run to seal the highest scoring output of the year for KIAB.

Final Score: Kick in a Box 18, BDBK 2

Fort Collins - Week 4 - Highlights

Edora Park Field 1 (5:45pm)

Mighty Fightin Narwhals (Tropical Blue) vs. Flint Tropics (Pink):

The Mighty Fightin Narwhals were not so mighty this week as they struggled the entire game to put scores on the board. Diving Darren Ashton was the star Narwhal of the game with his diving catch in the bottom of the 4^th, but a one man defense just can’t hold back the reigning 2 season champs. Flint Tropics had a ball of a game with an impressive 20 runs scored with 3 big homer kickers – Luke Chamberlain, Matt Kelly and Matt Dea in the bottom of the fifth. Flint Tropics were also out to practice with their defense with stellar plays throughout including Aaron Harbour’s double play in the top of the second. Yet Again Flint Tropics is undefeated, will someone in the Fall Season rankings be able to take them down? Flint Tropics Win 20-0.

Edora Park Field 3 (5:45pm)

Ballz n Dollz (Indigo Blue) vs. Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Forest Green):

While not as great as an upset as on Field 1, Kickin Grass and Takin Names almost kept their competitors off the scoreboard but Ballz and Dollz found some of their groove in the top of the 4^th, just a little too late to catch up though. The 6^th inning was the most exciting with Ballz n Dollz  captain Jeremy Glanzer putting in a 3 run home run followed by Kickin Grass and Takin Names’ Bryan Salimbeni repeat of a 3 run home run! While there was confusion across the board on kickball charging, there is no confusion over the most infamous charge inhistory.  Be ready for charging next week. Kickin Grass and Takin Names win 21-6.

Edora Park Field 1 (6:45pm)

Team America (Red) vs. Forney Sparks (Irish Green):

Another big blow out for the week let Team America try their hand at new pitchers. Captain Matt Kelly pitched a bit, but let newbie pitchers like Monica Pflugh try out the roller’s mound. The Red White and Blue had home runs in what seemed like just about every inning. Ryan Parks started his team on the right foot with a 1 run double in the top of the first followed by two standouts in the top of the second with Captain Alan Stefanik’s 2 run home run, and Jaime’s 3 run home run. Pitcher Kris Culbertson’s 3 run homer in the top of the 4^th inning was the frosting on top. Forney Sparks is starting to find their groove and did have some beautiful and lucky plays to include Shawn Loseke’s on-point foot placement that led to the ball deflecting off of it and getting a runner out! Gabe McCabe brought the energy for his team with a 2 run homer in the bottom of the first but just couldn’t get the fire going amongst the rest of his team. Team America wins 34-9.

Edora Park Field 3 (6:45pm)

99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE vs. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers (Purple):

Many of the games this week were blow outs but a pretty solid match up was seen between the orange and purple this week. Things heated up immediately in the bottom of the first when 99 Problems BUT MY KICK AIN”T ONE players were feeling the rhythm. For a bizarre but eye-popping play, the right fielder had the ball bounce off them and straight to the first baseman for an out – a true representation of everything aligning perfectly. However, Florida Mike and the Free Ballers stood tall and really sent the message that the game was theirs with Jordan Wiswell’s triple and Luke Birky’s home run both in the bottom of the 5^th inning. Captain Lac

Florida Mike and the Free Ballers win 7-3.

Colorado Springs - Week 4 - Highlights

Gym Class Heroes (royal blue) vs Kick Pitches Get Money (carolina blue):

Defense wins championships and KPGM had plenty of defense and defensive errors in this game. GCH’s Mike Permar started the game off with a double; but then on a grounder by Liz Alford, Mike attempted to score from third and got pegged out at home plate. In the bottom half of the 1st, Justin Collado booted a clutch liner to left field to plate Maria Swift and give KPGM a 1-0 lead. In the 3rd, GCH’s Christian Kambourov singled and then on a grounder by April VanRuler, KPGM overthrew the ball at first base allowing Christian to make his way to home. But KPGM quickly got the ball back to the pitcher who pegged Christian out at the plate, saving another run from being scored. Still 1-0 entering the bottom of the 4th, Joe Aguirre came up to kick with a runner on second base and proceeded to crush the ball over the outfield for a 2-run homer making it 3-0. In the 5th Justin Collado again delivered, this time with a 2-RBI triple to help give KPGM a comfortable 6-0 lead. In the final inning with a runner on first, GCH’s Erin Blessman dribbled a bunt and the catcher attempted to kick the ball to the first baseman, but it sailed over his head into right field allowing Erin to easily score for the second bunt home run (collectively) of the GKB fall season. Now with 2 outs and a runner on, GCH’s pitcher Keith Hausam (who by the way struck out a GKB season-high 4 kickers on the defensive side) had a chance to make it a 2-run game but he popped it up to center field where Nancie Mogge secured the catch for the final out of the game.     

Final Score: Kick Pitches Get Money 6, Gym Class Heroes 2

BDBK (neon pink) vs Brews on First (gold):

BOF came in looking for their first win of the season but BDBK drew first blood in the 1st, when Lorenzo Trotter scorched a liner to right field off the defender’s hands allowing Pat Morrissey to score. In the bottom half of the inning, BOF’s Dan Scogin led off with a walk and Nolan Baker followed with a bomb to left field for a 2-run homer. Allie Snatchko and Sam Schultz followed with bunt singles and Craig Woolridge sent it to the outfield for a sac fly to help give BOF a commanding 4-1 lead after one. In the 4th, BDBK’s Pat Morrissey got a leadoff single and scored on a 2-out RBI double by Mike Sparks. Drake Davidson followed with a RBI triple to make it a 4-3 game. BOF quickly responded in the bottom of the 4th, after back-to-back singles by the speedy Scogin and Nolan Baker, Sam Schultz cleaned up with a shot to right field just inside the line for a 3-run homer making it 7-3. In the bottom half of the final inning, BOF’s pitcher Dan Scogin had the BDBK kickers guessing on his curveballs, and retired them in order (including a strikeout) to give BOF their first win of the season.   

Final Score: Brews on First 7, BDBK 3

Blackout (black) vs Kick in a Box (neon orange):

In the highly anticipated rematch of last season’s championship game, Blackout was hoping to get their first win against KIAB after going 0 for 4 against their new rivals this year. KIAB scored first after Jake Strack Loerstcher grounded into a fielder’s choice for an out at second base, scoring Reid Korbelik on the play. In the 2nd, Blackout led off with a pair of singles by Lucas Bramble and Tim Menditto. Later in the inning, Todd Brewer sent a 2-out fly ball to left field and it went off the defender’s hands for a 2-RBI double to make it 2-1. In the 3rd, KIAB had a runner on 3rd with 1 out, and Tawon Jones popped it up to Todd Brewer at first base. Andrew Behan tried to tag up from third and score on the catch, but Todd relayed the ball to Tim Menditto at home plate who swatted the ball in mid-air at Behan at home plate for the double play. Still 2-1 in the 5th, Blackout’s Andy Horn sent a rainbow over left center field and the unicorn scored for a solo home run. In the bottom of the inning, Blackout got 2 outs on the first two kickers, but then KIAB pulled off another one of their epic 2-out rallies. With two runners on base, Cody Eden sent a fly ball to the outfield, but it was dropped by the left fielder for a 2-RBI triple to tie the game at 3. After a pair of singles, Michael Cope doubled to right field and Lexi Atkinson got a RBI single to give KIAB a 6-3 lead. Blackout had two innings to try and tie the game, but three fly balls in the 7th secured another comeback win for KIAB.        

Final Score: Kick in a Box 6, Blackout 3

Fort Collins - Week 3 - Highlights

Edora Park Field 1 (5:45pm)

Flint Tropics (Irish Green) vs. Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Forest Green):

What a game! Can you say championship preview??? Things started off on the right foot for the Flint Tropics in the top of the 1^st inning, with Captain Matt Kelly executing his team’s strategy perfectly to score a run on a sac-fly, thereby putting his team up 2-0. Kelly proceeded to strike out two batters in the bottom of the 1^st, and it looked like the Flint Tropics would be on their way to victory… Then Kickin Grass and Takin Names found a chink in the champs’ armor to score two runs with two outs! Kickin Grass would take the lead in the bottom of the 2^nd, then extend it in the bottom of the 4^th after Cavin Shepard’s two-RBI single with two outs yet again! Finally, the Flint Tropics would find home plate after a serious drought in the top of the 5^th inning, which included a total of six runs scored as well as a two run homer by former league MVP Aaron Gaston to cap off the offensive deluge! Kickin Grass and Takin Names would fight back to tie up the game, but the Flint Tropics found a way to score one more in the last inning to squeak ahead for the win!! Brady Andersen, captain of Kickin Grass, said after the game, “We can’t be mad about our effort tonight. We were right there the whole time. If a couple more balls bounce our way, then we could be the ones bounding to victory.” Flint Tropics win 9-8.

Edora Park Field 3 (5:45pm)

Team America (Red) vs. Ballz n Dollz (Indigo Blue):

While it wasn’t there first head off, Team America made sure to remind Ballz n Dollz of their repeat team status for many seasons. Team America started strong with three runs in the first inning, a double play by first baseman stand-in Jaime in the second inning and another 5 runs in the third inning. All the while Ballz and Dollz just couldn’t cross home plate and while they gave it their all on defense to include Jena Hately’s diving catch in the bottom of the third it wasn’t enough to stop the red, white and blue. Pitcher, Kris Culbertson’s diving stop in the top of the 6^th was the final show of talent to Team America’s new recruits including Wendell Stainsby. While Captain Allen decided to sit out a few innings, overall he was happy with his team’s performance. Team America Wins 17-5.

Edora Park Field 1 (6:45pm)

Forney Sparks (Irish Green) vs. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers (Purple):

Captain Brent “Bomberman” Behler from Florida Mike and the Free Ballers wasted no time setting the tone in this game, with a two run homer to cap off a seven score inning for his team in the bottom of the 1^st. Florida Mike also exhibited their usually solid defensive prowess, which included an impressive throw out by Sara “The Sniper” Rice in the top of the 4^th inning as the runner headed towards third base. Overall though, the Forney Sparks really showed some significant improvement on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. Another solo home run by Gabe “The Babe” McCabe run didn’t hurt ;) Unfortunately, Florida Mike and the Free Ballers’ veteran experience was just too much to overcome. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers win 15-3.

Edora Park Field 3 (6:45pm)

Mighty Fightin Narwhals (Tropical Blue) vs. 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE (Neon Orange):

The Might Fightin Narwhals continue to throw teams off their game with their incredibly slow rolls that somehow stop barely over home plate. Anxious to kick, 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AINT ONE struggled to wait for the ball to cross home plate before kicking, giving a paradoxical twist to their name. Besides twisted pitches, Mighty Fightin Narwhals came heavy out of the gate with 10 runs in the first inning, certainly catching orange off their defensive edge who was able to hold them until another breakaway in the last inning with 7 runs scored. 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AINT ONE had 2 two run home runs in the top of the third inning by stand-in Brady and Captain Lacey “Handsy” Hamel respectively leading to a catch-up of 10 runs and a 4 up lead! But, the Mighty Fightin Narwhals came to fight and retook  the lead in the bottom of the 4^th. Diving catch in the top of the 5^th by Leaping Logan Rutt, Sean Blair’s Grand Slam in the bottom of the sixth and a team effort for a double play for the final two outs was the nail in the coffin determination that Mighty Fightin Narwhals left on the field to hopefully find for next week’s game. Captain, Lauren Tanner says her team is growing stronger so to be on the lookout. Mighty Fightin Narwhals win 25-16.

Colorado Springs - Week 3 - Highlights

Blackout (black) vs BDBK (neon pink):

It looked as if BDBK would be able to hang with Blackout after the 1st inning, only giving up 1 run, but the hope for BDBK would quickly fade after the 2nd inning. In the 2nd, Blackout would go through their entire lineup getting 8 runs along the way thanks in part to RBI doubles by Ryan Piper, Shane Jahnke, and Nate Kischer. In the 4th, Blackout’s Demetrius Harris launched a rocket to right field for a 2-run homer, and Tim Menditto followed with another shot to right for a stand-up triple, later scoring on a single by Nick Medina to make it 14-0. In the bottom half of the 4th, BDBK put together a nice rally with singles by Lori Graf and Kelsey Siran. Cindy and Mike Sparks would score them both on a RBI single and sac-fly respectively to put BDBK on the board. Taking a 14-3 lead into the final inning, Blackout’s leadoff kicker Nate Kischer booted a triple followed by five consecutive singles to give them 3 more runs to seal the win.  

Final Score: Blackout 17, BDBK 3

Kick in a Box (neon orange) vs Gym Class Heroes (royal blue):

Coming off their first loss in three seasons, Kick in a Box came into this game looking to rebound and move back up in the standings. Seth Dufendock got KIAB on the board first with his RBI triple, and then scored on Lorene Halford’s sac-fly to give them an early 2-0 lead. Coming off an MVP performance last week, GCH’s Mike Permar kept his hot streak going in the bottom of the 1st with a 2-out double. Christian Kambourov followed with a RBI single, making it 2-1 after the 1st. In the 2nd, Andrew Behan laid down a bunt with 2 outs, and the GCH defense would overthrow the ball both at 1st and 2nd base allowing Andrew to score, giving him the first bunt home run of the fall GKB season. In the bottom of the 2nd, GCH’s Keith Hausam blasted a 2-out moon shot over the right fielder for a RBI triple. Andy VanRuler liked what he saw from the defense on the play and followed Keith with a similar shot to right field for another RBI triple to tie the game at 3. In the 4th, KIAB’s Mikey Brauner scorched a RBI double to the RCF gap and Lexi Taylor plated him with a RBI single. With 1 out, Caitlin Korbelik lined a kick to Mike Permar at 3rd base who then pegged Lexi out for not tagging up at 3rd for the unassisted double play. After a RBI double by KIAB’s Devin Williams in the top of the 5th to give them a 7-4 lead, GCH answered with 2 runs thanks in part to a RBI double to right field by Nic Wetherill to make it a 1-run game heading into the final inning. KIAB got 2 insurance runs in the top half and then after a leadoff single for GCH in the bottom half, the KIAB defense retired the next three kickers to preserve the win.

Final Score: Kick in a Box 9, Gym Class Heroes 6

Brews on First (gold) vs Kick Pitches Get Money (carolina blue):

After proving they are contenders last week, KPGM wanted to keep their momentum going against the Brews on First crew. In the 1st, Tommy Crone sent a bomb to RCF for a RBI triple and Koen Litt followed with another blast to the same spot for a 2-run homer to give KPGM a 3-0 lead. In the 2nd, KPGM’s Marc O’Meara sent a sharp line drive to right field for a triple. The next four kickers would all reach base with a single to plate 3 more runs for KPGM. Now up 6-0 in the 3rd, KPGM’s Justin Collado got a 1-out triple and on the following play Jessica Mogge popped it up to the catcher. Justin attempted to catch the BOF defense off guard by trying to tag up and score on the play, but pitcher Dan Scogin was ready and pegged Justin out diving into home plate for the double play. Pitcher Marc O’Meara and the KPGM defense played a clean game, not only holding BOF scoreless through four innings, but also keeping any runner from advancing past 1st base. In the 5th, KPGM plated two more runs thanks to Eric Swift’s RBI double and Marc O’Meara’s RBI triple. In the final inning down 8-0, BOF got a rally together with a pair of singles and a fielder’s choice to give Kevin McLaughlin an opportunity to get BOF on the board with 2 runners on base and 1 out. After a grounder by Kevin and a bobble on the catch by the first baseman, Nolan Baker was able to score on the play to break up the shutout.

Final Score: Kick Pitches Get Money 8, Brews on First 1

Fort Collins - Week 2 - Highlights

GO Kickball: Fort Collins Highlights (August 30, 2017)

Edora Park Field 1 (5:45pm)

Kickin Grass and Takin Names (Forest Green)  vs. 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE (Neon Orange):

99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE is still adjusting to the majors with two back to back weeks against some of the stiffest competition in the pack. Kicking Grass and Taking Names put up a defensive wall that didn’t crack until the top of the 4^th when they finally let their opponents on the board. They didn’t just focus on stopping runs though as they also put up runs in more than half of their innings. Josh Devine had a devilish triple in the bottom of the 5^th to skyrocket their score to 13. 99 PROBLEMS BUT MY KICK AIN’T ONE started to find their rhythm but most of the damage was already done. It did not stop lady duo Tessa “drink in hand” Morley and Lacey “Handsy” Hamel from their jaw dropping double play in the top of the 6^th. In the end, Kickin Grass and Takin Names did just that and are becoming more insync with each other.  Kickin Grass and Takin Names Win 13-4.

Edora Park Field 3 (5:45pm)

Team America (Red) vs. Flint Tropics (Irish Green): 

In what started out as a matchup of last season’s championship quickly deteriorated into an early-season reenergizer. After scoring six runs in the top of the 1^st, the Flint Tropics and Captain/Pitcher Matt “Ks for Days” Kelly showcased their defensive capabilities in the bottom of the 1^st with two strikeouts by Kelly. From there on out, it was all Tropics, including a two run homer past the dirt in right field from Austin “The Ball Crusher” Cole in the top of the 3^rd and a jaw-dropping throw from Kyle “Rocket Man” Kuskmik from right field to stop a score at home. These Flint Tropics just have no weaknesses! Of course, Team America’s not-top-10 moment in the 4^th inning didn’t help—check out the unfortunate series of events here. Flint Tropics win 19-1.

Edora Park Field 1 (6:45pm)

Ballz & Dollz (Indigo Blue) vs. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers (Purple):

Ballz and Dollz just weren’t feeling it this week. Their slow start left them flat on momentum for the entire game. It looked like Sarah Hoistad and Linsey Gapstur might make the energy shift their team needed with their long kick assist in the bottom of the 3^rd but it wasn’t enough to encourage big kicks at the plate. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers were full steam ahead with Luke Birky’s game changing homer in the bottom of the 3^rd followed by his 4^th inning triple. They were “free ballin” and on cloud nine for the entire game and even though they didn’t have their lucky charm ref Jordan they still pulled through a smashing win. Florida Mike and the Free Ballers win 19-3.

Edora Park Field 3 (6:45pm)

Mighty Fightin Narwhals (Tropical Blue) vs. Forney Sparks (Irish Green): After a challenging first game, the Forney Sparks were ready to bounce back and find their groove. Unfortunately, they were up against a very experienced team with a fresh, new name—the Mighty Fightin Narwhals. The Forney Sparks showed flashes of greatness early on, especially from team MVP Gabe McCabe who knocked in a solo homer in the bottom of the 1^st, then proceeded to notch one out in every inning for the rest of the game from his defensive position in center field. This guy is a true two-way threat! McCabe’s teammates also came through with some sweet plays on the defensive side including a screaming catch at shortstop by Kagen Boy, and a bobble catch in right field by Kim McAnear. McCabe commented after the game, “I think our team has real potential. All it takes is a little spark, and soon we will have a blaze of awesomeness!” Sadly, former captain Chad Cheshire and those Narwhals were just too mighty to overcome this time. Mighty Fightin Narwhals win 26-2.

Colorado Springs - Week 2 - Highlights

Gym Class Heroes (royal blue) vs BDBK (neon pink):

In the battle of the newcomers, both teams found good rhythm on offense for the entire game. Gym Class Heroes struck first thanks to a RBI line drive single to center field from Mike Permar. Elido Lezcano later plated two more runs with a bloop single to the outfield to help GCH take a 4-0 lead. BDBK would respond in the bottom half of the 1st, when Kelsey Siran scored Cindy Sparks on a double helping to bring BDBK within a run. After 2 innings, GCH led 5-4, but Mike Permar extended the lead in the 3rd with a solo home run clear over the left fielder’s head to make it 6-4. In the bottom of the 4th, BDBK’s Lorenzo Trotter doubled and plated Mike Sparks on the play to again make it a 1-run game. GCH’s Christian Kambourov and Mike Selvage both notched RBI singles in the 5th to make it an 8-5 lead. In the bottom half of the 5th, BDBK answered in a similar fashion with two RBI singles by Courtney Pacina and Tyler Siran to make it 8-7, and then loaded the bases with 1 out. However, GCH’s pitcher Keith Hausam would get the next two kickers to pop up to the infield to end the BDBK scoring threat. GCH would get a couple more insurance runs in the top of the 6th thanks to a 2-RBI double by Nic Wetherill. GCH brought in Liz Alford to pitch as the closer for the final inning, and she got the final three outs on infield pop-ups to give GCH their first win of the season. Mike Permar earned the MVP honors for the game going 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBIs including a home run, and that earned him a special gift during his postgame interview.

Final Score: Gym Class Heroes 10, BDBK 7

Blackout (black) vs Brews on First (gold):

Blackout didn’t waste any time getting on the board in the top of the 1st, when leadoff kicker Nate Kischer singled and scored on Matt Howes’ sac-fly to give them a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 1st, Brews on First’s Craig Woolridge bunted and advanced to third on an overthrow at first base and then got greedy and tried to score; however he was caught and tagged out by pitcher Matt Howes for the third out. Fast forward to the 4th, with the score still 1-0, Blackout got three straight singles to lead off the inning, loading the bases for Nate Kischer who scored Ryan Piper on a sac-fly. Matt Howes would follow with a RBI single to score Shane Jahnke making it 3-0. In the bottom of the 4th, BOF’s leadoff kicker Alex Tunell got a single, and scored on a nice line drive boot to right field by Craig Woolridge. Garrett Moulder immediately followed with a single to left field, scoring Dusty LaFrance on the kick, bringing BOF to within a run. In the 5th, after Lucas Bramble led off with a single and later scored, Todd Brewer flied out to Adam Huerta in left field who promptly pegged out Tim Menditto who hadn’t tagged up from second base for the double play and defensive play of the game. In the 7th, Blackout’s Ryan Piper led off with a single and scored, this time on a sac-fly by Bri Tammaro. Now down by 3 runs, BOF had one last chance in the bottom of the 7th and managed to load the bases with 2 outs, but pitcher Matt Howes got Kristen DeCosta to fly out for the final out of the game.

Final Score: Blackout 5, Brews on First 2

Kick Pitches Get Money (carolina blue) vs Kick in a Box (neon orange):

In the grand finale of the night, Kick Pitches Get Money came in hungry for a win against the defending champs. KPGM would get on the board first, when leadoff kicker Tommy Crone singled and scored on Mike Crone’s RBI single to make it 1-0. In the bottom of the 1st, Kick in a Box plated 4 runs thanks to 3 straight 2-out doubles by Caitlin Korbelik, Andrew Behan, and Alex Rascon to take a 4-1 lead. In the top of the 2nd, with runners on first and second for KPGM, KIAB pulled off an incredible 1-5-4 double play to end the inning. In the 3rd, KPGM broke through with a scoring rally when Marc O’Meara notched a RBI double, and JC Lopez followed with a 2-RBI double of his own to help give KPGM a 5-4 lead. KIAB immediately answered in the bottom half when Cody Eden doubled and then scored on Michael Cope’s fielder’s choice grounder to tie it at 5. In the top of the 5th with a runner on first, Koen Litt gave KPGM the lead when he scorched a ball down the right field line past the outfielder and then sped through all the bases for the 2-run homer, making it 7-5. KPGM would get one more insurance run in the 6th when Joe Aguirre led off with a triple and scored on Marc O’Meara’s ground-out. After being held off the board for 4 straight innings, in the bottom of the 7th KIAB’s Cody Eden again led off with a double and scored on a sac-fly by Michael Cope to make a 2-run deficit. Now with a runner on third and 2 outs, KPGM’s pitcher Marc O’Meara caught Reid Korbelik looking at the fourth strike to end the game.     

Final Score: Kick Pitches Get Money 8, Kick in a Box 6