Another Win

Legion Team Drops Pine Bush

By Rob Potter
LIBERTY — July 7, 2000 -- On Sunday afternoon, for the second time in three weeks, the Sullivan County American Legion Big League Softball team picked up a win in the first game of a scheduled doubleheader.
And for the second time in three weeks, the team could not continue its winning ways and sweep the doubleheader — because the second contest was not played. On both occasions, the SC big leaguers had no control over the fact that the afternoon’s second game was cancelled.
Back on June 11, the SC squad defeated New Windsor 5-2. But during a short break between games, a severe thunderstorm hit the White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Field. The heavy rains and strong winds quickly forced the umpires to call off the second game.
This past Sunday at the Liberty Elementary School softball field, the SC team rallied to defeat Pine Bush by an 8-5 margin. But only one inning into the second game, the contest became a scrimmage rather than an officially sanctioned game.
Pine Bush pitcher Adrianne Quinn injured herself in that first inning in a play at first base. In the bottom of the first (so that each team has the chance to have the last at-bat, the visiting big league squad becomes the designated “home” team in the second game of the doubleheader), Quinn bunted a pitch from SC’s Jessica Wright and raced towards first base. Quinn then collided with SC second baseman Jen Pellman, who was fielding the throw to the bag.
Quinn toppled over Pellman and stayed on the ground for a few minutes. With some help, Quinn walked back to the dugout. She then came out to begin to pitch the top of the second, but couldn’t continue as she was still feeling some pain.
Since both of the Pine Bush substitutes left after the first game because of summer jobs, Quinn’s absence left the squad with only eight players. The umpires — Chrissy Clark and Charles Taylor — then conferred with the coaches as to how to proceed. After a few moments, a decision was made to continue playing – but only as a scrimmage.
In the game that was completed, however, SC scored seven times in the bottom of the sixth inning to ensure the 8-5 victory.
Down by a 3-1 margin, Pellman led off the frame with a double to left center. Marissa Rivera then singled up the middle to bring Pellman to the plate. The next batter, Amanda Irwin, then ripped a triple to right field, which allowed Rivera to score the tying run.
A few pitches later, Irwin scored on a wild pitch to give SC a 4-3 advantage. Just a few moments later, Linnea O’Mara scored on a throwing error to give the locals a 5-3 lead.
Karin Blaut, who pitched all seven innings for SC and gave up only three hits while striking out three and walking five, added a two-run triple in the frame.
Although Pine Bush scored twice in the top of the seventh, the Sullivan County squad — which is sponsored by the Floyd Keener American Legion Post 315 of Roscoe — held on for the win.
“We did a really good job today,” said SC manager Joe Meola. “Once one player started to hit the ball, it just snowballed.”
“There is no quit in this team,” added SC coach Gene Smith. “They are a good group of kids.”
Meola noted the team is working well together, despite recent rains that have limited the number of games and practices the team has had. In fact, the win over Pine Bush was only the third complete game the team has played this season.
The SC team will look to improve its 2–1 record this Sunday. At 4 p.m. at the White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Field, the team will face Newburgh in a doubleheader.
Back on June 28 in Newburgh, the SC squad was shut out by Newburgh, 13-0.
Meola said the the team is still looking for donations. Anyone seeking more information about the team or wishing to make a donation should contact Meola at (607) 498-4615.