Summer Co-ed Softball at Irving Park Sundays

Blood Bath and Beyond (no commas needed, Oxford or otherwise) might be new to the Irving Park league, but they're well-seasoned in the poise needed in tight-knit ballgames. A week after outlasting PDX Derm, they held off a resilient Pitches Be Trippin' to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

At the forefront of this was Todd, who not only threw a complete game, but then stuck around to do the same for The Sandlot in order to avoid fielding a less-than-ideal 8-player roster. As Todd was learning the ropes of the strike zone, his personal cheering section ignited an infectious "TWO-RUN-RAL-LY!" from behind home plate. Clearly, this struck a chord with BBB, as they did indeed rally for seven 2-out runs in the decisive 5th inning. Great effort Todd and the BB&B cheering section!

The man they call "Jimmer" took the mound for the first time in ages in place of absent Sons of Pitches workhorse starter Sean Evans. Jimmer proceeded to spin 5-innings of 1-run softball. When asked if he thought his other 2 innings of 14-run ball were a black eye on his stat line, Jimmer responded resolutely, "I love black eyes."

Despite a 9-run fourth inning, Jimmer was by and large able to keep a loaded Sandlot lineup in check. He also came through in the clutch with a 'Water Bomb Splash Soaker' to help keep the umpire cool when the sun's heat got near intolerable levels. Nevermind that he forgot the Ginger Ale he promised, when it came to delivering when it counted most, Sons of Pitches could rely on Jimmer!

Jake's Jort Report drew the lucky straw of playing the 7:30 game in another boiling day at the ballyard. Together with Back Up Off Me Pitches, both teams engaged in a high-scoring affair. Now, I'm not sure about the standings (and kindly direct any playoff inquiries to the office), but word around the campfire is neither of these two teams is near the top. Judging from the competitive spirit from both squads, you could have fooled me.

After Jort Report rallied from 9 down with an impressive 10-run 4th inning, things started to turn in BUOMP's favor when they had their own 9-run 5th. As the darkness descended upon the field and the runs piled up in BUOMP's favor, the Jort Report captain defeatedly conceded it might be time to make preparations for the fall season.

But then, something uplifting happened. To his captain's remarks, pitcher Jake earnestly replied, "I'm having fun." This admission seemed to bring his captain back to the present, and Jort Report proceeded to record the final out in the inning. Their final-inning rally came up short and they left the field without a win for the summer season. Despite their outcome in the standings, the players left the field in good spirits with heads held high. In true form, Justin was all positivity as he wheeled away his ubiquitous stereo.

Way to keep it positive, Jort Report! All the best at Montavilla in the fall league, chins up as always!

Crystal balled out on Sunday. She made literally a half dozen impressive running catches to take hits away and keep runs off the board for Syndicate and Fireballz. In an afternoon full of talented players, she was far and away, the best on the field. Crystal was equally as steady at the plate, smacking the ball around the yard and making an impact when it counted. Ultimately, Sons of Pitches came up short in the championship game, but Crystal was the indisputable MVP on Sunday!