MAJA: Hounds Stumble at the Final Hurdle

It was a brisk Saturday afternoon in the city and  the championship was on the line in Central Park. Weather had prevented this series from happening for about a month, and we were champing at the bit to get on the field. The trophy was on display for all to see, and all that was left was to throw the first pitch.

Our staff ace Margaret took the mound looking to continue her dominance. Unfortunately, our opponents had other plans, and we appeared to be a bit tight from the long layoff. They were able to hit bleeps and bloops all over the field, and were also aided by some Hounds miscues. By the time the top of the 1st was over, we were down 5-0. We fought right back in the bottom of the 1st, Dave hitting a 3-run homer. But after that, they shut us down. They tacked on some runs and we stayed quiet. Final Score: Soft Balls 8, Hounds 3.

For Game 2, coach took no chances and put Margaret right back on the hill. This time our defense was much better, but our bats continued to stay dormant. Let's give credit to Soft Balls too though, they made some nifty plays in the field to keep us off the scoreboard. Both teams matched each other blow for blow until the bottom of the 5th. Soft Balls scored a run on an error and heading into our last licks we were down 1-0.

The first two batters of the inning made harmless outs and now it was Alan's turn up to bat. What happened next will forever shroud this series in controversy. Alan hit a tough ground ball to the 3rd baseman, who fielded it cleanly but his throw pulled the 1st baseman off the bag. Alan was clearly safe; I was pumping my fist knowing we were still alive before I realized the ump had actually called Alan out. A massively blown call at completely the wrong time. There were even guys just walking in the park who saw that the ump blew the call. Who knows what would have happened if Alan had been called safe, but I liked our chances with one of our best hitters(Dave) due up next. Regardless, we're not going to win many games by not scoring any runs, and we shouldn't have left our fate to the umpires. An epic pitcher's duel closes out the 2-game sweep. Final Score: Soft Balls 1, Hounds 0.

The season is over but the dream continues.