B.I.A.'s Undefeated Streak Reaches Eight Wins

Despite the slow start in both of B.I.A.'s games, their record now stands at a franchise best 8-0, after two victories over BHP Billiton and One Kick Wonders. 

The third meeting ever between Balls In Action and BHP Billiton would start off in dueling fashion.  First kicker for BHP Billiton drove a monster shot over Roy in centerfield, resulting in the team's first home run for the season.  B.I.A., however, would bounce back in the bottom of the first inning with Ashley kicking in Jacob home from third on a sacrifice bunt, tying the game at 1-1.  Following two straight scoreless innings, BHP would open up the top of the fourth inning with another run, as Jacob would try to peg the runner heading to third but missing his target, allowing the runner to score easily and taking a 2-1 lead for BHP Billiton.  Bottom of the fourth saw an awakening by Balls In Action as the first 8 kickers would get on base.  JT and Roy would both drive in 2 runs a piece, with Claire driving in an additional runner, and B.I.A. would complete a 5 run fifth inning and a 6-2 lead.  After holding their opponents scoreless in the top of the sixth, B.I.A. would score four more runs, a two run homerun by Jacob and a 2 run double by Claire, and sealing the deal with a 10-2 lead.  Top of the seventh saw BHP Billiton score another run with a homerun over right center field.  The homerun was scored by the same guy for BHP, who hit a homerun to begin the game.  The final score would be 10-3 in favor of Balls In Action.

Balls In Action would next play One Kick Wonders, a first-time meeting for both teams.  The first three innings would be scoreless, but One Kick Wonders would make things very difficult for B.I.A., as they loaded the bases with no outs.  Luckily, B.I.A. would get out of the jam and keep their opponents from scoring.  Bottom of the fourth would see the first runs of the game as JT's 2 run triple drove in Ashley and sub Brad, breaking the scoreless streak for the game and a 2-0 lead.  Jeff's RKI double in the bottom of the fifth increased B.I.A.'s lead to 3-0.  The remainder of the game saw B.I.A.'s defense remain solid overall and preserve the 3-0 lead and their 8th victory of the season.  The shutout over One Kick Wonders was the fift shutout of the season, and 19th in team history.

Jim Kempers, former long-time B.I.A. player, would come from Phoenix, Arizona to sub in for B.I.A., who was without Chance and Doug.  Jim would go 1-for-3 total, but provided great defense and communication from the catcher position.

"It was fun.  If anyone decides to come out to Phoenix, I'll put them to work."

The night was also the debut of B.I.A.'s newest female player, Kelsey.  Kelsey would kick 3-for-7 total, scoring a run against BHP Billiton.  Her defense in right center field was solid, catching a fly ball during the team's first game.

"I had a lot of fun."

Although the wins were widely celebrated, coach Scott sees the team's performance on Wednesday night as a sign of disaster ahead.

"Our kicking was below our standards.  We didn't take advantage of early run opportunities and we were popping up too many for easy outs.  This may still result in wins over weaker teams, but not against our final two opponents.  We need to focus on consistent kicking and fielding."

Balls In Action will wrap up their tenth season with games against Kickballas (7-1) at 7:30pm and Brews On First (8-0) at 9:30pm, which will determine the 2010 Summer championship.  Both games are at Memorial Park Field #2.

McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game:

vs. BHP Billiton:  Claire (2-for-4, 2B, R, 3RKI)

vs. One Kick Wonders:  JT (1-for-2, 3B, 2RKI)

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:
vs. BHP Billiton:  Jacob's double play at first base

vs. One Kick Wonders:  Roy backing up Claire's pop-fly catch in shallow left center field

Subway Sub of the Night:

Brad and Emily

Freebird's Fan of the Night:

Norma (Jim's girlfriend)