The Breast Cancer Game--Providence vs Watauga

To me it was a strange game. I don't know if it was because Providence just played a very intense, emotional game the night before or if it was the environment of playing the game for an important cause, but what should have been a raucous crowd and high intensity, it felt more like a backyard neighborhood pickup game.

Don't get me wrong: Both teams played hard and really played well. Wautaga jumped out to a 4-0 lead spearheaded by Baine Martin's shot over leftfield. But to Providence's credit, they never panicked and have the confidence they will never lose at home. Providence came up to their last inning with Tyler Zupcic leading off. Of all the great players Providence has, Zuppy is the last one I want to face. I told the Watauga players that he is the key to their offense and they must keep him off the bases.....and unfortunately for them, they did---to the tune of a walkoff homerun. That kid is magical!

I've seen some crazy umpire calls this year, but yesterday's situation takes the cake. In what clearly was a bad call on a groundball double play was accentuated with a makeup call that was so horrible that everyone on both teams were laughing. A groundball was scooped and thrown to first beating the runner, not by a foot----But by 3 yards!!!!!!! SAFE!!!!!! It was so hilarious that the HP umpire was smirking.

It was a very good game, played extremely well for a beautiful cause...but it lacked the intensity I came to expect. It was like two family friends coming over for a picnic. But you know what? For the reason this game was being played......it was probably the perfect environment.

Here's some pictures I took. Don't blame me, I borrowed Stretchy's camera:

Will Dicus, Coach Hignight and a pickpocket I had caught

 

I have to post this pic of Coach Hardee, sporting his pink jersey and a few of his buddies

 

Ill post the box score and play by play as soon as I can get my laptop up. What a great day, great game and a great atmosphere. Both teams played with alot of intensity. I knew WHS could not keep PHS hitting down for long. I was very happy for the Pioneers to tie it in the 7th.

Mark it down, both of these teams will play each other again, in the playoffs with alot more on the line. Providence is the class of the SW4A and WHS needs to take care of business in the NW4A.

The two calls by the field umpire was probably the WORST two calls ive ever seen, and thats alot of sports. The first one, Baine Martin beat out a double play attempt by 2.5 steps, the first baseman wasent even on the bag and the ball bounced. Baine was in the outfield grass slowing down and hears, he's out. What a crock. Then Cal Hardee grounds out to short, is about 4 feet away from the bag when the ball gets there, runs through, takes his helmet off. Providence starts to walk off the field. Bang, SAFE!!!

That guy needs to give it up when you can't see those two plays. First time ive ever seen two fanbases agree on consecutive calls that were bad.​

 

Sorry brother. The game started about 45 minutes late and I had to leave for my scoring duties with the Charlotte Knights before the end of the game.

 

Box and Plays attached