Degenkolb Softball – Game 8 Recap
The Degenkolb Softball team wrapped up the 2010 regular season with a particularly difficult loss, falling to a very good Treadwell and Rollo (T&R) team at De Fremery Park. Although not necessarily indicated by the score, the team showed grit and good sportsmanship in what turned out to be a tough night.
Degenkolb’s potent lineup, which had been averaging over 15 runs a game this season, was virtually silenced by T&R’s pitching staff. However, there were some moments of excitement. In the 1st inning, team captain Andrew “Laser” Scott fired a line-drive straight back at T&R’s pitcher, the ball ricocheting off his glove and nearly knocking it off his hand. Shaken up, the pitcher had to leave the game for a bit. In the 3rd, back-to-back-to-back singles loaded the bases and put the team on the verge of scoring. Tim “I don’t want an RBI today” Nelson effectively ended that threat by grounding into a double play. In the 7th, on the verge of being completely shut-out, Kyle “Out of my way!” Chatman collided with T&R’s shortstop while running from second to third. However, Kyle valiantly recovered and was able to plate Degenkolb’s first run of the night.
Where there were struggles on the bases, there were moments of brilliance in the field. Erik “dives for anything” Kneer showed aggressiveness in Left Field, nearly making a spectacular sliding catch on a towering fly ball in the 2nd inning. In fact, the full battery of outfielders, including Gordy Wray, Mapolo Buessing, Brendan Lo, Chris Putman, and Danny Hartnell all made nice catches over the course of the game. Kevin Malley filled in nicely for the vacationing Bryan Bindrich at shortstop, coming very close to turning several impressive double plays with rotating second-basemen Kyle Chatman and Kate Coffaro. Finely Graff and Simon the Dog provided uplifting entertainment in the dugout.
Although Degenkolb rallied for 1 run in the 7th inning, the team ultimately fell to T&R by a score of 14-1, closing out the regular season with a record of 4 wins and 4 losses. In an ironic turn of events, both teams ended up celebrating at Oakland’s Pacific Coast Brewing, with T&R buying Degenkolb a round of consolation beers!
The 4 and 4 record was good enough to place Degenkolb in a tie for 2nd place in the division. Tonight, Degenkolb faces off against East Bay MUD in a one-game playoff to determine who faces T&R in the division championship game. We need your support, so please come out to cheer us on!
