FH Surges Into The Championship Game

Softball is meant to be a game of sportsman–(and woman) ship. However, after weeks of smack talk, hype, anticipation, and tiresome excuses, Fleishman-Hillard was ready to slaughter Edelman in last week’s semifinal matchup. “Slaughter” may seem a bit strong of a description, but slaughter is nothing without laughter, the last of which went to FH in their 10-8 victory over Edelman last Thursday.

Coach Silvio Marcacci had a score to settle with the Edelman faithful, who engaged he and a number of his FH colleagues in a battle of verbal abuse across multiple social mediums in the days leading up to the game. He put all of their childish banter to rest though, when he hit his first out-of-the-park homerun ever during his first at-bat of the game. Starting the game in leftfield and closing out the final inning on the mound, Marcacci’s performance was flawless, going 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBIs, and two doubles on top of the homerun in the first.

Not to be outdone, Dave Whiting (1-for-3, one run, two RBIs) ripped a shot into centerfield, utilizing his speed to earn a two-run, inside-the-park homerun. If Marcacci’s homer was what set the tone for FH, and Whiting’s was the steady recital of things to come, then Jon Berke’s (3-for-3, two runs, five RBIs) demolition of the ball in the fourth was the salt in the wound. Fleishman was hoping to provide the distance of the three-run homerun for the record books, but unfortunately the ball has yet to land. On the bright side, some lucky astronaut will be receiving quite the souvenir.

For those looking to trade up in their fantasy league, don’t “pass over” Jason “The Flyin’-L’chaim” Hellmann (1-for-2, one run), whose stock continues to rise on the stat sheet and in the depth chart. Mahesh Subramanian turned in another solid game, going 1-for-2 and contributing solid outfield play, and Dave Forman chipped in his standard two-hit, airtight middle-infield defense effort.

Jason Werden and Laura DeSantis accounted for three runs between them, and Callie Baum, Lowen Baumgarten, Matt Navitsky, Andy Logan, and Rachelle Lacroix were all essential assets to Fleishman’s defensive stand. Realizing the importance of the game at hand, legendary FH Softball alumni Bill Garber prowled the sidelines, dispensing sagely advice and pep talks to his FH progeny. The FH fan club was well-represented by Cheryl Haas and Juliet Johnson, who tweeted the night away.

Edelman’s frustration was transparent. They chose the road less traveled in a league meant for clean play and camaraderie, as an Edelman player leveled Craig Paridy (P, six innings, 1-for-2) while he attempted to tag the runner out on a play at home plate. As both benches watched on, the runner lowered his shoulder and speared out his elbow, catching Paridy off guard right in the jaw. Fleishman was up in arms over the collision, but cooler heads prevailed, and FH let the scoreboard speak for itself.

With three outs to go in the top of the seventh and the bottom of their order due up, Edelman stepped up to the plate for one last-ditch effort to salvage their season. Two pop flies to centerfield and a bunt single brought up Edelman’s powerful leadoff hitter. Swinging on the second pitch, a screaming liner was hit into shallow left field, but lucky for FH, none other than David Wickenden was patrolling the gap. The Wizard lived up to his name by stabbing the liner and flipping the ball to DeSantis for the game-winning force out at second base. Marcacci exploded with excitement, and hoisted DeSantis in the air, as the Edelman batter fell to his knees en route to first base, and the FH squad charged into the infield to celebrate.

For one FHer, Thursday’s game was her last, as Ellen Black completed her internship. Black, best known for her incredible speed and tenacious spunk, returns to Vanderbilt University this week to begin training for the upcoming cross country season. FH bids her adieu and wishes her the best of luck.

Next up, we’re going to the ‘Ship; it is what we have played for all season long. The Championship Game is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park in Rock Creek. Our opponent: an undefeated Ketchum squad looking to complete their perfect season, but FH is out to make certain this does not happen. Through a three-year championship drought, through two tough losses early in the season, through Mother Nature’s infinite rainouts, up to the six-game winning streak that has brought us to this point - we have not come this far to leave empty handed now.

It does not matter if you are an avid fan or a first time follower, now is the time to come see FH Softball in action. So turn back to the clock to silver spandex, gratuitous amounts of hairspray, and your favorite pair of zubaz pants, because it’s THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Now It Matters

Following two consecutive seasons of tough playoff losses, Fleishman-Hillard started their trek toward a league championship with a first-round win over an animated and energetic GMMB squad in a 17-7 victory on Thursday. The win propelled FH to the semi-finals of the playoffs where they will face sworn enemy, Edelman.

Lead-off hitter Jason “The Flyin’-L’chaim” Hellmann saved his best offensive game of the season for the playoffs with a 4-for-5 effort that included two doubles, two runs and an RBI single in the sixth. For his effort, Hellmann received the coveted award for Offensive Player of the Game. Needless to say, he was ecstatic.

Mahesh Subramanian played multiple positions in Thursday’s game – or at least it seemed so – as the right-centerfielder/leftfielder/shortstop/second baseman racked up a number of web gems that put Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays to shame. Subramanian (3-for-4, 3 runs, 2 triples, 1 RBI) was named the Defensive Player of the Game, and it was all the commentators could talk about Thursday evening.

Jon Berke (3-for-5), Dave Forman (2-for-4), and Silvio Marcacci (3-for-5) continued to pad their stats, between them with seven extra base hits, eight runs, and nine RBIs. Amanda Schildt and Callie Baum both had great field presence with solid defense that anchored the right side of the diamond throughout the game. Jason Werden (4-for-5) scored a run and added two RBIs to his season total of 14, still three behind Marcacci’s team-leading total of 17.

Matt Navitsky and Lowen Baumgarten split time at DH, producing two runs and two RBIs, while Ellen Black and Laura DeSantis shared the vacancy behind home plate. DeSantis may have found her true calling not with a bat in-hand, but a BlackBerry, sending an astonishing 37 tweets to keep FH’s anxious fans in the know with an aggressive play-by-play.

The game’s MVP was not any FH player, however; it was the entire GMMB team. Not only did they display excellent defense throughout the game, swing the bats well all day, and enjoy the camaraderie of the atmosphere, but they joined their company kin out afterward for a drink (or twelve) and a few laughs. Cheers to GMMB, for being an absolute class act.

But now things get serious again. The second round of the playoffs hold a game some think is sheer destiny in the making, as FH will face arch-rivals Edelman, yet again. The saga that is FH v. Edelman is one as old as time, as bitter as unsweetened lemonade, and as tense as a blind date. The 5-and-4 firm defeated Porter Novelli in the quarterfinals to make it to this semifinal matchup versus the red hot Fleishman squad. This should be the fifth meeting of the year for these bitter rivals. I wonder why that is not so…

What you need to know to survive: The game is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Rock Creek Park. Here’s a map. Now even those who claim they are not familiar with D.C. are out of excuses. Come support your colleagues for what proves to be an epic battle. Winner goes to the league championship; loser takes the long, bumpy road home. And I don’t know about you, but we’re enjoying this road trip and don’t feel like turning it around just yet. We’ll see you there this Thursday! GO FH!