Late Rally Falls Short In Season Opener

On paper, at least, everything looked to be in Fleishman-Hillard’s favor for the season opener versus Ketchum. A deep roster, full of new talent, mixed with a strong set of veterans to lead the charge; a group poised to avenge the team that snatched FH’s chance at a league championship in 2009; even the Bob-Ley-narrated “Outside the Lines” special on the ambitious coach who loved the game so much he sacrificed his body for a chance to play just a few more innings. But, alas, it was not enough to overcome Ketchum’s early onslaught of runs, and FH dropped their opening day game, 15-19.

It took a few innings to knock off the cobwebs, as rusty fielding plagued FH early and often, leading to several unearned runs. Jason Hellmann was kept busy in left field, as a majority of Ketchum’s hits flew in his direction. Offensively, Hellmann (2-for-4) contributed just as much, earning the first run of the 2010 season in the FH stat sheet, and bringing in two runs on a double in the fourth.

Pitcher Craig Paridy went 3-for-3 on two singles, a double, and an RBI, scoring on each at-bat. Third baseman Dave Whiting (2-for-3) racked up two runs, and three RBI off a homerun in the third and a triple in the sixth. David Wickenden, who must have come straight from the batting cages, brought in three runs on two – count ‘em, two! – inside the park homeruns. Take that, Father Time! Heralded rookie Abby Parr made her FH debut by fooling the defense with her speed to run out shallow hits, going 2-for-3.

Our colleagues at VOX made notable contributions of their own, as Channing Barringer (2-for-3), husband of FH’er Ariel Barringer, earned his spot on the roster unanimously. Though new to our squad, Barringer proved he was no stranger to the game with spectacular fielding in left center field matched with two doubles at the plate, resulting in two runs and an RBI. One Ketchum hitter, foolish enough to jog to first on a bloop hit to center, was surprised to see Barringer unleash a perfect throw that beat him to first base by half a step. Meanwhile, Callie Baum and Jen Anderson were their typical defensive rocks at first and second base, respectively.

Even though we were losing, FH showed great endurance late in the game. A late flurry of hits at the plate brought FH back within a few runs of victory. Paridy led off with a double, followed by a triple by Whiting, and then a homerun by Wickenden, and all of the sudden FH was back in the game. Doubles by Jason Werden (1-for-3, RBI) and Barringer kept the groove going, while Matt Navitsky (2 RBI) crushed a deep fly ball to left field that brought in two more runs.

Intern season always brings a great infusion of talent, and Bonnie Walters, Matt Turnier, and Carrie Soforenko create high hopes for 2010. Soforenko sat out on with a bum ankle, but that did not keep her from cheering on her teammates. Walters (2-for-3) scored early and added a key hit and run in the sixth-inning comeback attempt. Turnier (2-for-4) brought in the seventh run of the inning, and FH was just four runs away from a tied score. Just as things started to go in FH’s favor, the game was called by darkness, final score 15-19.

However, the season has only just begun and a good team has a short memory. Come out for the “Fight For .500” as FH faces Hill & Knowlton this Monday evening.