It was a big week for the Blazzers this week, possibly the biggest week in the club’s history (though I could be blowing that completely out of proportion 
). A rookie pitcher took to the mound to begin what is hoped to be a multi championship winning career.
In all seriousness though, I played my first competitive game at pitcher on Monday night, when the 1Z Blazzers took on Marley in our opening home game of the season. To say I was nervous was an understatement, I’m lucky my pitches were even going near the batters in the beginning. First pitch, and I got clobbered in the chest by their opening batter, and have the bruise to prove it! However, I was able to keep my pitches on target, and together with some good fielding from the whole team, we kept the Marley bats quiet and won out 19-9.
I’m really excited to be trying my hand at pitching, being involved in every play and having more responsibility is pressure I can’t wait to have on my shoulders again. Everyone is finding their rhythm, and this week saw the debut of Jim in right center, making several catches and looking very composed.
The first team had another home game this week, taking on the Dodder Dynamoes. They added John Austin to their roster at pitcher this season, and a Blazzer, who I shall keep nameless, saying “God, I HATE his pitches!!” let me know this was a quality addition.
This game started a lot more like a premier league game than last weeks hit-fest. It was a back and forth game, with a lot of exciting plays and close decisions. The Blazzers, on the back of an eight run 4th inning, had a 10-9 lead, before Dodder leveled it up in the last to make it a 10-10 game. I thought this meant a Blazzers win on count-back (a rule I personally despise), but the umpire let us know we’d have EXTRA INNINGS. Dodder ran in two runs to have a 10-12 lead, and with the Blazzers then losing two outs, it looked done and dusted. However, the Blazzers fighting spirit (well, some kind of spirit, possible alcohol fueled) kicked in, and along with some errors in the normally solid Dodder fielding, the Blazzers ran in three to take the game 13-12.
This game was one of the most exciting I’ve watched in my (admittedly short) softball days, and I’m hoping the entertainment factor keeps up. Next week sees the start of the cup competition, with both teams going away from home. Keep up with the blazzers at the blazzer’s website, and pray I don’t mess up next time
