NMSU Aggies vs Bakersfield Roadrunners Softball 4-23-16 Game 2

The stands cleared out after Game 1.  I’m still not sure where these people are going.  They weren’t at the bathrooms or the concession stand where I was.  This time, the fans mostly came back, along with some more additions.  Members of the volleyball, basketball, and football teams were present. 

I turned off my little radio between games this time.  Good move.  The charge ran out just after Game 2 ended, so I was able to stay with Adam Young’s commentary until the post-game.  Ron had bought a new pair of stadium cushions for the double-header.  It was pretty comfortable for Game 1, but by the second game I was getting uncomfortable again.  Ron agreed and may be looking into more serious options for the football season (which also has metal bench seating).  I was heartened during the radio broadcast when the Athletic Director was a guest.  He said that the University is looking at upgrading the softball facility with seats and shade (which it definitely also needs). 

While still pretty warm, a strong breeze kicked up.  It was blowing in and going right to left.  The wind cooled things off in two ways.  It cooled off the crowd and kept the ball from flying out over the fence.  This produced a much closer game.    In the 2^nd, the Aggies took a 3-0 lead after three straight hits to start the inning.  In the 3^rd, the wind seemed to start affecting the game.  #24 Corrin Green had an epic at-bat, likely going over 10 pitches.  Most of them were foul balls flying out past left field (including hitting the groundskeeper’s utility vehicle).  She ended up working a walk, but was no doubt frustrated because she clearly had home run on her mind.     

#11 Makayla McAdams, Friday’s starter, was in for Game 2 and looked sharp early.  She gave up one run in the 3^rd, but her other three full innings went 1-2-3.  If there was a pivotal moment in the game, it was probably in the 4^th.  Up 3-1, #23 Aggie senior, Fiana Finau, came up with the bases loaded.  She hit a powerful blast to center field that would have easily cleared the stadium.  Again, the wind knocked it down.  #4 Sydney Raeber made a great catch over the wall to end the inning.  The crowd literally buzzed after that hit and catch. 

#14 Kayla Green came in in relief in the 5^th.  She’d pitched out in the rain to finish the game on Friday.  Kayla’s offspeed looked killer here.  She’s definitely not the same girl I saw earlier in the season against UTEP getting hit around.  It seems like pitching motion has evolved since the last time I saw her too.  Good defense helps as well.  #7 Brennalyn Nakamura made an awesome play from second to end the 5^th, diving to her right and throwing from her knees to get the runner at first.  The Aggies would tack on another run in the bottom of the frame thanks to pinch hitter #32 Nue Sivia (Newy See-v-a, I love that name).  Ron began a good-natured heckling of the ump this inning, as nobody else was giving him any trouble. 

In the 6^th, the crowd gave Fiana a big cheer for her final home at-bat.  At the end of the inning, friends and family of the seniors were asked to go to the left field bullpen, but we weren’t done yet.  Kayla got the first two batters of the final inning out.  The second one was impressive, as she went from a 3-0 count to striking the batter out looking.  Ron started humming the Aggie fight song.  Unfortunately that last at-bat may have gassed Kayla and she became hittable.  A single and a triple later, the score was 4-2.  #21 Karysta Donisthrope came in for her final home pitching appearance to get the save with the final out.  Aggies win 4-2. 

   

My player of the game is hands-down #18 Rachel Rodriguez at shortstop.  She was part of 9 put-outs in the game without an error.  She’d hit a rough patch earlier in the season and has really improved since.  (She also seems to get her picture in the paper a lot, a definite advantage of playing an action-oriented position.)  Of course first base #17 Kelsey Horton was also part of 14 ground ball put-outs.  Let’s not forget Aggie pitching inducing 13 grounders. 

For the Roadrunners, #11 Amber Mills really battled out in the circle for the complete game.  She scattered 8 hits, 6 walks, worked through some long at-bats, and kept the Aggies having a knock out inning.  The team still had a chance in the 7^th thanks to the score being close.  I hate to say this, but were it not for the wind and a couple of great defensive plays (#30 Julea Cavazos in Game 1 and Raeber in Game 2 both went over the wall to pull back home runs), the scores could have been worse for them.

 

After the game, the seniors were honored.  Surprisingly, the Roadrunner senior players were first given recognition.  The girls lined up on the foul line and received flowers.  I wasn’t expecting that much sportsmanship.  Unfortunately, the girls long evening would continue.  When we left the stadium, the team was still standing around the parking lot waiting for their bus to show up.      

For their ceremony, the Aggie seniors came out with their friends and family members through a double line of their teammates as the PA read off their career accomplishments.  The girls got flowers, a large portrait, and a framed jersey.  A ladder was brought out and the girls stood by their numbers in the outfield for an overhead picture (which I’m still hoping somebody will post online, because I’d like to see it).  The girls all looked pretty happy during the ceremony.  #9 Catcher Tatum Reedy still had on her shin guards the whole time.  I think she wanted to keep playing.  I’ll miss Tatum.  She’s a gamer.         

While getting pizza afterward, I pronounced Ron’s shirt “lucky,” and that he needed to wear it to the baseball game this weekend.  He reminded me that the Aggies have also lost when he’s worn the shirt.  “It must be your underwear then.  Don’t change your underwear this week.”  Ron still doesn’t understand the softball substitution rules (neither do I), but he’s looking forward to next season (as am I).

It’s hard to sum all this up.  I’m glad I decided to give softball a chance, I’ve certainly enjoyed it.  While I still prefer baseball, I have more affection for the girls.  Beyond the obvious, the intimate nature of the field brings you closer to the players, perhaps forming more of an attachment.  They show a lot of spirit during the game that is pretty contagious.  They are gritty on the field, while still often maintaining a lady-like quality, and then acting like a bunch of rambunctious little girls at other times.  I’ve mentioned Kayla and Karysta as my favorites.  I find their gracefulness while executing their violent pitching motion fascinating.  Good luck to the graduating seniors and to the team for the rest of their season.  And, I hope to see more of you guys next year.