White Sox Upset Marlins to Secure Spot in NCLL Softball Majors Finals

The White Sox and Marlins played an exciting New City Little League Majors Division softball semifinals game that ended in extra innings on Thursday at Strawtown Field.

Both teams played an excellent game, with solid pitching, hitting and fielding on both ends.  By the end the game, the White Sox were able to bring home the winning run off a slightly wild pitch and missed catch in the top of the ninth. 

Both teams left it all on the field in this nail-biting competition, with the Marlins finishing an excellent season and the White Sox continuing on to play the winner of Friday's game in a best of three series that starts on Sunday.

After an initial run by the White Sox, the Marlins were able to tie it up in the bottom of the second as the White Sox walked in the tying run.  The White Sox recovered in the top of the third to bring them back in the lead, 2-1.  They maintained their lead in the bottom of the fourth, with some excellent fielding to close out the inning after allowing a double steal.

The Marlins came back strong in the fourth, retiring the side to bring them up to bat only down by one.  After the White Sox walked three to load the bases with only one out, the Marlins hit a shot to center.  One run scored off the play, though the White Sox recovered to get the out at second and the third out at home as the runner was waved on.  Though the White Sox were forced to make a tough play at home by the aggressive base running from the Marlins, they stepped up and got out of the inning with the score tied.

The Marlins again came out strong defensively, retiring the side in the top of the fifth.  This began an excellent defensive stretch of the game, where both sides fought through difficult competition to keep them tied until the top of the ninth.  By this time, new pitchers were in for both sides, as they are only allowed to pitch eight innings in one game.  After striking out one and walking one, the White Sox hit a single to right, followed by another strikeout.  However, the White Sox were able to bring home the winning run off a wild pitch and missed catch to bring the score to 3-2.  The Marlins rallied to strike out the last batter and bring them a chance for the comeback.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, and despite a great effort from their batters, the top-notch pitching and fielding from the White Sox kept them at bay in the bottom of the ninth.  This brought the game to its dramatic finish, as the White Sox fielded a shot to second for the final out of the game.

This upset for the White Sox was a tremendous feat against such tough competition from the No. 2 ranked Marlins.  They look to continue the trend in the initial finals game on Sunday.  Though the Marlins are finished for the season, they left the field that day with an exemplary record and having played a final game to be proud of.

"The girls played a great season" said Marlins head coach Steven Cohen. "We played a lot of close games and came in second overall, but most importantly the girls had a great time doing it."

The finals will commence at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday at Strawtown Field in New City.