Have Mercy at Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, July 29 vs Glencairn MB
As moral victories go, last night's game ranks near the top for recent years.
Not only did we score 14 runs last night, but we had our first offensive mercy
inning in recent memory (at least my memory, which might be good but short).
With eleven players, five fans, and a coach, we were fully prepared for the
night. We started off well, holding Glencairn scoreless in the first two
innings while scoring one ourselves.
The third inning saw a bushel of runs for each team. Glencairn, the
visiting team, scored seven runs in the top of the inning, including a few
cheap ones off "swinging bunts" that only got a few feet from home. Such is
life. We responded in the bottom of the inning, with the first three batters
scoring runs.
In the fourth, Glencairn extnded its lead by scoring another five runs,
putting them up 12-4 at the middle of the fourth. First Mennonite rallied,
however, sending all eleven batters to the plate. The only out recorded was
on a force out that scored the eighth run of the inning. This was the first
time we have been cut off by the mercy rule this season, and quite likely for
longer. It also left the score tied at 12 after four innings.
Although we held reasonably tightly on defense, allowing only three, three,
and one run(s) per inning for the rest of the game, we could only eek out two
more ourselves before sunset. The game had good hitting, some nice defensive
plays (Dave Frey made sliding catch in right, even though the ball came on his
bad eye side), and just enough tension to keep it interesting. Thanks to Susan
Pries, the Moyers, and Romy (who combined bus and bike to make it out to watch)
who cheered us on, and the injured Peter Jutzi who helped coach and cheer.
Two reminders from mistakes this games. One, when running towards home, do
not step on the plate, but rather step on the ground just beyond the chalk
line that extends from the plate to the fence. (Also, remmber that once you
have passed the other chalk line, the "committment line", you can't go back to
third, but it is a force play at home.) Second, when running the bases, make
sure not to interfere with a fielder making a play, or you will be called out.
Also remmeber these rules when you are umpiring.