Coach Blames Himself After Team's First Loss

What would start off as a great night for B.I.A. would end in disaster.  Last Wednesday night saw B.I.A. solve their run production problems in the first game, only to have to be faced with it again during the second game.

In the first game at Field #1, Balls In Action would take on new opponent Shake & Bake (not to be confused with Shake N Bake from their first season).  From the start, B.I.A. would take it to their opponents, scoring 4 runs in each of the first three innings.  In the first, Roy would highlight the inning with a 3 run homerun.  Scott would drive in two runs, with Matt and Kelsey each driving a run each during the second innning.  The third inning saw Chance make his return with the team with a grandslam.  B.I.A. shutout their opponents 12-0, resulting with a victory by 5th inning mercy rule.  Scott, coach and pitcher for the team, could not have been more pleased.

"We struggled last week offensively, but we really piled on the runs tonight.  We're still a real sound team defensively.  Things are starting to click with this team, despite half the team being rookies."

Those words would be challenged during the team's second game as they met rival Brews On First.  B.I.A. has seen success in their only three meetings, beating them each time, but during their fourth meeting, Brews On First had different plans.  B.I.A. struck first in the top half of the first inning with Jacob scoring on a RKI single by Jessica, making that 18 straight runs by the team without giving up a run (a team record).  However, in the bottom half of the first, Brews On First would score two runs on careless errors by B.I.A.  The second inning mirrored the first, with B.I.A. scoring one run on a sacrifice fly by Hinal, scoring JT, but giving up two runs defensively.  The third inning saw B.I.A. shutout and also giving up an additonal run, making the score 5-2.  The rest of the game was a defensive battle, and Brews On First would land their first victory over Balls In Action in four meetings.

"They got in our heads tonight," explained Jacob after the game.

Scott would be more vocal after the game about suffering the first loss of the season.

"I got my team to ignore their trash talking, their drunkeness...and we succeeded in that respect.  But we were too focused on it...we left ourselves vulnerable defensively by doing just that.  I take full responsibility for the team's performance tonight."

Scott's fiancee, Marvette, would help out B.I.A. against Brews On First, making her debut.

McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game:

vs. Shake & Bake:  Chance (1-for-1, HR, 5RKI, R)

vs. Brews On First:  Matt (2-for-2)

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:

vs. Shake & Bake:  Roy's three run homerun

vs. Brews On First:  Scott throwing out runner at home

Subway Sub of the Night:
Marvette

B.I.A. Opens Season With Two Wins Despite Cold Weather and Sluggish Offense

Balls In Action finally took to the kickball fields last night as they opened up their 11th season against Houston Taggers.  B.I.A. previously shut them out on the two prior meetings with ease, but the pressure was on to not only keep their winning streak alive, but to keep their opponent from scoring.

After a scoreless first inning, Matt and JT would open the second inning with two singles, with Abigail driving in Matt from second on a RKI double.  After an additional two scoreless innings, the fifth inning would be B.I.A.'s best.  With two outs and JT at third, Roy would blast a shot into right-center field and collect his first inside-the-park homerun of the season, making the score 3-0.  Solid defense by Balls In Action in the sixth sealed the deal and gave them the win on their opening night.

The game was briefly delayed during the fourth inning as Scott would propose to girlfriend Marvette from Houston Taggers along the first base line following an intentional walk. 

"I was very nervous.  I couldn't get all the words out.  I'm glad everybody was a part of something special tonight.  Marvette and I met on this very Field #2, so it made sense to propose to her here tonight."

After an hour break, B.I.A. met their new opponent, Where My Pitches At.  What resulted in a very slow run production for Balls In Action during the first game only got worse during the second, as the team was only able to shell out one run the entire game.  The only run came in the third inning off of a blast to right field by Scott, driving in David. 

After the game, emotions ran high from some of the players, who expected a better performance overall, including Jacob.

"We kicked the ball well.  We just couldn't get anyone home.  Our mental game is not quite there yet."

Ashley leant her theory on the lack of run production after the victory over Where My Pitches At.

"The ball wasn't pitched very fast.  It's very difficult to get a great kick in when the ball is coming at you slow."

McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game:

vs. Houston Taggers:  Roy - 1-for-2, HR, R, 2RKI

vs. Where My Pitches At:  Scott - 2-for-2, RKI

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:

vs. Houston Taggers:  JT's play at third base

vs. Where My Pitches At:  Jessica's throw to Jacob at first, tagging out the runner

Subway Sub of the Night

None

Freebirds Fan of the Night

Justin & Lynda Holub

Henry & Valerie Machala

Nam Nguyen & Rachell Austria