In a game with many miscues, TRx endured a heartbreaking loss to the team named in honor of the Hit King- the Golden Gloves, on account of a little-known rule that Captain Elf and the rest of the team was unaware of, as the game was called on account of time. With only 9 players at the game, stud pitching machine Ben Lin knew he'd have to throw hard from the mound, and put the game in the hands of Remington and the defense. However, this was the fatal flaw, as TRx was missing a few key players, leading to others sacrificing their pride and playing out of position.
TRx started out with a bang, scoring 3 in the first. However, as fast as they scored those runs, they gave them up, as Berardi refused to give up on a fly ball that Orr clearly would have caught, leading to a devastating collision in left-center. A hush fell over the crowd, as everyone wondered, would this push Orr into a murderous rage leading to the Elf species becoming extinct? Unfortunately, no. Later that same inning, Orr did his impression of Remington in center at the beginning of last year, or Berardi anywhere in the outfield, at any time, letting a routine base hit get past him.
However, upset that the attention wasn't on them, Berardi and Remington then also decided to make the same mistake in the outfield at numerous other inopportune times during the game. This was not Remington's only grab for attention, as in a Liberty Softball first, he was called for a personal foul for standing in illegal locations. Only 5 more and he would have been ejected...
Despite playing defense that some would consider a crime against humanity, TRx stayed in the game, fueled by the Hit Princess (Golden) regaining his crown as King, with 2 homeruns, and GLG almost hitting for the cycle. Before the game, Berardi was seen giving Ben Lin baserunning tips, and after an early inning double by KB, Ben put his newfound knowledge to use, running the bases like a madman (or a Mad Elf), and getting caught in a run down between third and home.
Speaking of elves, there was another Elf sighting in centerfield, as some strange-looking, mythical creature made a catch in the outfield, and as elves sometimes do, decided to flip the ball behind his back, instead of actually attempting to throw it in, as Remington looked on in awe at such an incredible turn of events. Later this same Elf-like creature again appeared in centerfield, and showing off the (lack of) strength of his arm, slowly rolled the ball back to the infield, allowing even the crippled person with 2 broken legs on the other team to score.
Despite these defensive miscues, there were some bright spots on defense- including an amazing play at home on a relay from Legrand... Playing the mental game, Legrand initially overthrew home, allowing the first runner to score, but enticing the other runner to also attempt to score. However, that runner was unaware of Meg's speed and cat-like reflexes as she calmly retrieved the ball and threw the ball to Buonocore to get the second runner out, and laughed in the runners face at his pathetic attempt to score. No wait- that was the woman at the Seafood Factory reacting to Berardi at happy hour...
Kelly showed flashes of brilliance as well, snaring a hard-hit ball to second to prevent a run from scoring. As the game entered the bottom of the 6th inning, TRx had a 16-13 lead as the clock approached 6:30. After giving up a few base hits, Captain B-RAD decided to bring in the closer. Thinking that Ben could not seal the deal, Remington was brought in. For some reason, this did not strike fear into the hearts of the other team, as the first batter hit a towering fly ball to left. While Orr may have trouble with balls that bounce in front of him, normally his glove is where fly balls go to die. However, Berardi thought this would be the ideal time to tell Orr to play in, and as the ball flew over Orr's head, as the Elf laughed.
At this point it was 6:30, the other team had taken the lead, and the Umpire called the game on account of time, as the next game needed to start. TRx was distraught, and in a moment reminiscent of Jeff Kohl, many players banged their heads on the fence. Remington was later heard saying "Not my fault" and blaming the loss on scorekeeper Loomis, and bad-luck charm TO. But despite what Remington says about Loomis, that guy is a good dude... Twas a hard loss to take, yet TRx showed signs of greatness... with a slightly better fielding display and continued excellence at bat, hopefully the first win will come next game (Tuesday, 5/16).
For inspiration for next game, Greg had this quote: "we all hit the cover off the ball yesterday. and still came up short we just need to start acting like we've been there before and stop listening to Berardi."
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