MEDIA CONTEST: 71st RQS edges 347th MXS for softball crown

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  The 71st Rescue Squadron squeaked out a 9-8 victory over the 347th Maintenance Squadron at the Moody intramural softball championship Aug. 29.

The game was competitive until the final out and featured four lead changes and several momentum shifts.

The 347th MXS faced an uphill battle even before the first pitch; coming from the losers' bracket, they had to win consecutive games over the 71st RQS to take the championship. Despite this challenge, the team was upbeat about their chances of winning the crown, said Derrick Thompson, 347th MXS second baseman.

"We should be fine to win both games," said Thompson, before the game. "I'm very confident we'll do whatever it takes to win. If we just play defense like we need to and win each inning, I don't see any problems."

In the top of the first inning, the 71st RQS gained an early lead when coach Gene Manner ripped a double to center field, scoring Jason Morris. Manner soon rounded the bases himself, giving the 71st RQS a 2-0 lead by the inning's close.

The 347th MXS gained ground on the deficit in the bottom of the first, when Josh Alambar scored after Casey Thompson smashed the ball deep into centerfield. But with the bases loaded, the 71st RQS turned a double play; squandering the 347th MXS threats to take the lead.

The teams traded scores in the next two innings, tying the game at 4-4 by the fourth inning. But the 71st RQS soon showed their offensive strength, which carried them throughout their undefeated playoff span.

In the top of the fourth, 71st RQS lead-off hitter Morris slammed a double to centerfield and later scored after Manner hit an outfield blooper that was mishandled by the 347th MXS defense. 71st RQS outfielder Timothy Crainack also scored after hitting a triple to left field in the next inning.

The 347th MXS responded in the bottom of the fifth inning after a barrage of singles that led to three runs, giving them a 7-6 lead.

The successful inning gave the 347th MXS a morale boost, as the momentum finally swayed to their side, said Richard Jenkins, team coach.

"I think we'll hold on and win this game," said Jenkins. "We've just started hitting the ball and defensively we're holding it down now. I think our guys were having a case of the jitters since it's the championship game, but we've settled down."

Over the next few innings, the 347th MXS gained on this lead by shutting down the 71st RQS offense and scoring another run. By the seventh and final inning, it looked like the 347th MXS was on their way to forcing a second game by maintaining an 8-6 lead.

The momentum soon shifted once again when the 71st RQS took to bat for the final time. With two runners on-base, Thompson hit a high fly ball to deep centerfield. The 347th MXS defense failed to catch the ball and Thompson rounded the bases, giving the 71st RQS a 9-8 lead.

"It was fortunate for us the outfielder didn't come up with it cleanly," said Thompson. "I was just trying to do anything possible to give our team the lead, and I'm pretty happy it happened."

In the bottom of the seventh, the 71st RQS defense forced three easy outs sealing the team's victory.

At the final out, the 71st RQS team erupted with joy as they earned the Moody's softball crown.

"We didn't play our game, but we overcame a lot of adversity to win," said pitcher Brian Mitchell. "The 347th MXS is a super team, and it was a close game and could've gone either way. To beat them means a lot to us, and there is no better feeling than being champions."