A Rivalry Renewed

May 7, May 28, July 2, and July 16.

What do these four dates have in common? Fleishman-Hillard’s bitter rival, Edelman. Following two rainouts and a scheduling conflict that led to cancelling a makeup game in early July, FH was out for blood. Both squads knew the result of the game would lead to major bragging rights in the District, as FHDC’s own Mary Lojacono, Bill Black, and Juliet Johnson stood in the gallery alongside Edelman’s Frank Kauffman.

However, there was nothing that Edelman could magically hide up their sleeves – not even arguments involving the league rulebook, which was broken out on more than one occasion – to avoid defeat as FH emerged victorious, 15-9.

FH established our defensive presence immediately, opening the game with three quick outs. Throughout the game play after play resulted in holding the Edelman bats at bay. At times, it didn’t even seem close, especially when FH lead 15-3 going into the seventh inning before Edelman staged a 6-run final rally before FH sealed their fourth win to jump into first place in the division.

FH’s defense proved airtight. Craig Paridy even played through injury after wounding his left hand during a play at first. The Award for Defensive Player of the Game, however, went to Callie Baum, who “refused to be pigeon-holed as an outfielder.” Baum certainly backed up the bold claim when she moved to first base for three innings, providing the game-ending play snagging a one-hopper for the third out in top of the seventh.

For as well as the defense played, the offense produced some of the best statistics of the season. Jason Werden (2-for-3) was possessed at the plate Thursday evening, patiently waiting for two pitches that resulted in a three-run triple and an inside-the-park grand slam. The first would have been a grand slam as well, but apparently you have to touch all the bases to score a run. Thankfully, Edelman had the rulebook in hand to make the controversial, yet correct call.

Dave Whiting provided the infield play of the night, lunging for line drive at short to get a critical out, and continued to produce offensively by going 2-for-3 with two runs, an RBI, and a triple. Jason Hellmann made a number of key plays in left field while also going 2-for-4 and scoring a run.

Rachelle Lacroix (2-for-2), Silvio Marcacci (3-for-3), Jon Berke (3-for-3), and Mahesh Subramanian (3-for-3) were all flawless at the plate, racking up seven of FH’s 15 runs. Lacroix was especially crafty with her ball-placement, allowing her to reach base in all three attempts. Berke smashed the ball for consecutive doubles and a single that could have easily been home runs if it were not for great fielding by Edelman. Stephanie Slobodian, Ellen Black, Stefanie Litman, Jen Anderson, and Laura DeSantis each had great defensive games and contributed clutch hits to contribute to the big win.

We know you must be thinking: “Man, I missed the last regular season game! How will I ever live with myself?” But, not to worry! The season has been extended by one week to make up for one this year’s six rainout games. And following this week’s game, playoffs are right around the corner.

So come out this Thursday for what is sure to be an enjoyable evening with our friends at GMMB for an evening of cross-company softball or follow all the action on Twitter @FHSoftball. Now is the perfect time to become the ultimate bandwagon fan!