Sports
Summer Nights Softball Produces Lots of Runs and Learning Opportunities
Early game in the SNL Elementary Softball Division produces 30 runs between both teams in a Wednesday night contest.
Time on the official game clock had already expired when the Reds of the Summer Night Lights (SNL), Elementary Softball Division went into their last at bat on Wednesday night.
The Reds were down 15-6, to the visiting Angels before pushing nine runs across the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning to end the game in a 15 all tie.
While these summer league games are certainly low-stakes, Reds head coach Antonio Jimmy said they still provide important learning opportunities for players.
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“That’s the way the game goes,” Jimmy said. “That’s what we look forward to, having challenging games like this that brings the kids morale up.”
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Jimmy said some of the girls on his team were down due to the lopsided score when he told them, “We can do this.”
With runners on second and third, and no outs, a fielding error committed by the Angels allowed the Reds to score their first two runs of the final inning.
According to SNL rules, a game is played for six innings or 90 minutes, whichever comes first. The home team also receives a final at bat if the game clock expires during the top of an inning.
The Reds plated four more runners, cutting the Angel lead down to 15-12, prior to Crystal Quinones stepping into the batters box with two outs and two on.
Quinones ripped a shot into right field and rounded the bases for a home run, evening up the score at 15.
“It felt really good to hit it and my teammates cheered me on,” Quinones said.
The Angels held a two run lead over the Reds, 8-6, prior to tacking on seven runs and extending its lead to 15 in the top of the fourth.
The Angels received a pair of runs on a bases loaded walk and a passed ball.
Isabel Camacho and Justene Fernandez were both hit by pitches, allowing two more runs to score, before three base runners would eventually cross the plate.
SNL closes out the summer next week when the final game of the season takes place. Selected teams will be headed to regional playoffs, however, the elementary division will not compete.
Angels assistant coach Willie Camacho said, “The most important thing is that they are learning and they’ll be ready for next season.
