Rebels Report Rebels vs. Lightning Saturday, April 17th (9:00 am) L 4-0

After a day's rest, the Rebels hit the field under seemingly perfect conditions: a crystal-clear sky and cool temperatures. Who knew that today was the day the Rebels would be struck by Lightning? The Lightning pitcher was certainly an imposing figure. And if she had her stuff today... well, it could be rough!

The Rebels hit the field in the first inning (they have been home team 5 of the first 6 games). Alyssa was the Rebels pitcher, and she had a tough task -- to contain the Lightning bats. She struck out the first batter. Then it seemed all at once that dark clouds covered the horizon (of course, no one else could see it except me). The next batter cracked a single to right field that Kathryn promptly got back in to the infield. The next Lightning hitter had gone without a hit all year. All of a sudden, CRACK!, Lightning struck. The batter lifted a huge homerun over our left fielder. Mary Cameron gave chase, but to no avail. An in-the-park homer netted two runs. The Lightning assault continued as the next 3 batters cracked hard, very hard hits to the outfield. There were no Rebels errors...just well-deserved hits by the Lightning batters. The last hit, a triple by the tall Lightning pitcher, was corralled in right center field by Kathryn, who fired to Elizabeth at second, and then on in to Alyssa. The Lightning runner ended up at third, but Kathryn and Elizabeth did prevent another homer. Alyssa struck out another batter. With the score 4-0 and runners at second and third base, the ump called the baserunner at second "OUT!" because she left too early. On to the bottom of the first, with the Rebels in a hole 4-0.

Allie led off with a hit off Coach Rodney. This should be Coach Rodney's only mention in this report because he pitched only this one pitch during the game. Allie stole second. Alyssa attempted a couple bunts but the Lightning pitcher's heat was too much. Alyssa fell on strikes. Ashley came to the plate swinging. She got a foul ball, but eventually fell on strikes too. Cleanup hitter Kaiti came to the plate with two outs and a runner in scoring position. Kaiti smacked a hit to right field. As she ran down to first, she apparently got struck by lightning, as she wasn't able to beat the throw from the right fielder. A putout from right field! OUCH!! It was 4-0 after the first inning.

Here is the summary of the second inning: Strikeout by 3 Lightning batters, and 3 swinging strikeouts by the Rebels (Lisa, Kathryn, and Kristen). A true pitchers' duel (if you disregard those four runs in the first!).

In the 3rd inning, the Rebel defense hung tough. A couple strikeouts and a couple hits put runners at second and third with two outs. The next batter bounced a ground ball to the pitchers mound. Alyssa gloved it clean and fired on to Allie for the third out. No runs score! Yea! In the bottom of the third, the next set of victims (Mary Cameron, Brittany, and Elizabeth) fell on 9 straight strikes. OUCH! The Lightning pitcher was in a zone.

In the fourth inning, an opening Lightning hit and stolen base didn't turn into anything interesting. Alyssa struck out two and gunned down another runner at first base. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rebel of the Day honors were still up for grabs. Allie and Alyssa came to the plate and struck out swinging. Alyssa did have a gorgeous bunt attempt that was just barely foul. That brought Ashley to the plate. Who could stop the Lightning pitcher's domination? Who could prevent 3 straight innings of striking out the side? Who could stand up to the pitcher's heat and smack the ball with total abandon? Yes, it was our fearless Ashley! The same Ashley that hit two balls off the hard-chunking Danye in an earlier game hit a big single to the outfield. And let me make sure it's clear...Ashley pulled the ball...Oh yeah!! A stolen base put Ashley in scoring position. Kaiti came to the plate. Every other Rebel had struck out against the Lightning pitcher. Kaiti swung 3 times and fell on strikes. Join the crowd, Kaiti. Game over. Rebels lose 4-0.

Except for the first inning where 5 straight Lightning batters crushed the ball, it was a very close pitching duel. I guess that's like saying except for one little iceberg, the Titanic passengers had a nice cruise! The Rebels definitely had to tip their hats to the Lightning today. Their pitching was fierce and their strong bats were too much... Coach Rodney was proud of the Rebels going to the plate and swinging. There is no fear in the heart of the Rebels. And the Rebels best example is today's Homer's Hero, Ashley!! She swung with total confidence, cracking the only base hit off the Lightning pitcher and keeping the strikeout string from getting longer. Way to go Ashley!!

Your faithful Rebel Reporter,
Major Homer K. Fielding