Needham Fastpitch's Middle School Team Edges Minuteman Rival

Needham Fastpitch's middle school team took part in an epic, come from behind game last Tuesday as the girls beat their Minuteman League rival, Newton, in what can only be called a dirt dog performance. 

There was a light rain from the first pitch to the last and both sides struggled at times with throwing the wet ball.  Newton's starting pitcher kept Needham in control for three innings with only one hit and two runs surrendered.  Meanwhile, Needham was struggling, allowing 11 runs with some pitching struggles and some fielding errors. 

Needham never gave up though.  In the 4th inning, 7th grader Emily Rizzo entered the game as pitcher and held opponents to three runs, while Newton allowed five runs.  The comeback had begun. 

Entering the last inning with a score of 15-7, the game was within reach, but it was going to take a big effort. 

Rizzo went back to the mound and held Newton to one run with two strikeouts and a pop out to third.  Then the fireworks began.  During the last half inning, the Needham girls were on their feet cheering their teammates with every pitch.  Starting halfway through the Needham order, the team showed its depth as it took walks and made hits until it was clear to all that the game was getting close. 

With the score 15-11, Newton went to a new pitcher to close out the game.  At that point, Needham was bringing up the top of its order.  Sarah Paulson started it off with a rocket shot to right field, which brought in two runners that were on base.  The score was now 15-13.  Emilie Kahn-Boesel and Sarah Wright walked to bring up Alli Rubin.  Alli hit a bunt, allowing base runners to score advance and ran like the wind to first to just beat out the throw, which went into right field. 

Sophie Shulman came up to bat next, walked, stole second, stole third, and ended up stealing home to tie the score.  Katie Santaniello followed suit, coming across the plate for the winning run.