Summer Co-ed Softball at Irving Park Sundays

Summer softball kicked off in fine fashion on a sun-drenched field at Irving Park on Sunday. The day was capped off by a much anticipated 7:30 match-up between Sons of Pitches and Huevos Grandes, two veteran teams who are on the verge of having their jerseys on display at the Underdog Hall of Fame.
Leading the way for Sons of Pitches was Jimmer Anderson, a man whose presence on the mound has reached 2004 Schilling-like status on the diamonds around the Portland area. His command of all three pitches and ability to paint the corners was spot on from the first inning, keeping Huevos Grandes on their heels the entire game while allowing his team to swing freely at the plate, leading to an impressive 35-8 victory on opening day.
Solid work Jimmer....your willingness to give a hometown discount on your contract negotiation and off-season training program are setting a fine tone for your team early this summer season.

Claire never shies away from the good-natured smack talk. While playing catcher and taking errant pitches off the shins, she steadfastly kept her teammates in the game by cheering them on and razzing opposing batters. Claire's teammates fed off her enthusiasm and spirit en route to a double header victory. Hamilton Porter would be proud!

In the game of the day, Joy hurled a complete game to help lead her team to victory in a back and forth affair. The Angry Dragons and Kell's Irish Pub traded the lead 4 times in a 5 inning game, neither side willing to let the heat sap their offensive onslaught.

In a highly competitive, and at times, heated contest, the game's outcome hung in the balance until the 5th. After her team rallied for 5 runs, Joy went back on the mound in the bottom frame, up only two runs in a game that featured 45. Despite yielding one run, Joy kept her cool, recording the final out to secure a victory for the Angry Dragons! It's not every day you give up 22 runs and get the complete game victory, but Joy gutted it out, making the big pitches when she needed them the most!

Pizza Yolo may have taken a beating at the hands of High and Outside, but their enthusiasm was never crushed. Led by pitching workhorse Hannah Love, the 'Yolos maintained their positive vibes throughout the contest, winning over support from opposing fans with their gritty play and raucous celebrations.
Besides the lopsided scoreboard tally, Pizza Yolo also suffered several bumps and bruises, taking wicked hops off the shins and skinning their knees while hustling around the bases. This was best exemplified when Hannah tried to stretch a double into a triple. Despite wearing spandex shorts, she went in for a hard slide at third, resulting in a badly bruised thigh. Although called out, she got up, dusted herself off, and trotted back out to the mound the next inning to finish off another complete game pitching effort.
Pizza Yolo's upbeat energy and optimistic outlook toward the game remind us all that it's just that: a game we all love, no matter who wins or loses!

This is an Underdog story! There Sand Lot took a hit to the pitching core which resulted in having a first time pitcher come in for the championship game and deliver them a win! Scott was the man for that and he did exactly;y what needed to be done. Not only was it his first time pitching but he also swung the bat really well for the team and was by far the team MVP! Nice job Scott and The Sand Lot and hope to see you again next season.