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!
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!
posted by Silvio @ 11:18 AM
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