Cougars: Ready to Roll

Opening night. What a thrill!

Even in our tenth year, excitement among the Cougars mounted as warm-ups began under a Van Gogh sky. After all this time, you would think our nerves would be at ease as we step our spikes across the white chalk lines onto soft brown dirt. Even so, we still feel like kids playing the game for the very first time.

Before the game, many of us recounted the very first time we played together. On the opening night of our maiden season, we played the best team in the league. In the top of the first inning, they scored 17 runs. Our heads were spinning as they circled the bases. While we were all athletes (mostly) and as kids all had swung a bat, ran the bases and threw a ball, but we were out of our league in that game. In that 35-1 loss, the intricacies of 16-inch softball were lost on us. We were not prepared.

Last night, we played our mirror image from ten years ago. Our opponent was young, quick, athletic, and inexperienced.

The Cougars beat Ready for Tuesday 18-1 in a slaughter-rule five inning game.

Our foe got the Ready portion of their team name correct by showing up. They just forgot Set and Go.

Let’s get to the action. The Cougars were ready and willing for the game!

First Inning

In the top of the first inning, we had three straight walks by Boom, Rads and Martini. Fort drove Boom home for the first tally of the year.

Our opponent scratched out a dribbling hit and it was four up and three down.

Cougars 1-0.

Second Inning

Ready or not, here come the Cougars! What an inning! Lipsey led us off with a three-bagger! Bobi crushed a double to score Peter. Not to be outdone, Li’l Rads followed suit and punched a double to left center. Baby Kale laced a single scoring Bobi. Philthy, with his patented sweet smooth swing, struck a single scoring Li’l Rads. Pastor Ted singled to continue our opponent’s baptism to the league. Diamond Dave moved the runners over and Boom got his second walk of the game to load the bases. Rads poked a double to left center and cleared the bases, which was highlighted by a headfirst slide into home by Boom. Martini and Fort both singled to score Rads. With two men on, JD came to the plate and pummeled the ball past the outfielders for a three run homer. What an inning – ten runs!

We put Not Ready for Tuesday down 1-2-3 in their half of the inning.

Cougars 11-0.

Third Inning

The Cougars were at the ready in the third. Consecutive hits by Bobi, Li’l Rads, Kale, Philthy and Pastor Ted plus a couple of singles by Boom and Rads led to another five runs.

We put Not Ready for Tuesday down 1-2-3. Again.

Cougars 16-0.

Fourth Inning

Our opponent must have learned a thing or two from us because they retired us in order for three quick outs.

Ready for Tuesday did reach base when they were at bat, but Martini picked the runner off first base so Jeffy got us out of the inning in a jiffy.

Cougars 16-0.

Fifth Inning

Bobi, Li’l Rads and Philthy all paddled the ball and we scored two runs.

Our opponent scored a lone run in the bottom of the frame.

Cougars win 18-1.

The postgame was an even bigger blowout. Bobis treated Cougar Nation to a fantastic friends and family festivity.

People get ready, it’s going to be a great season!