By Ted Waddell
MONTICELLO — August 23, 2005 – In last week’s Monticello Men’s Softball League semifinal series game between the Fitness Factory and Lewis Auto Parts teams, the lads who are sponsored by the local gym proved they were in shape as Alex Salazar hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to win the game, 8-5.
The Fitness Factory opened up with two runs in the first frame.
Lewis Auto Parts made it a 2-1 ballgame by scoring a run in the third inning.
Lewis Auto Parts tied it up 2-2 in the top of the fifth and went up by a run in the sixth.
In the bottom of the seventh, Lewis Auto Parts tied the game at 5-5 after Fitness Factory scored one in the top of the seventh to take the lead.
Shane Conner earned the win for Fitness Factory, while Lewis Auto Parts pitcher Tim “Chopper” Ackermann was tagged with the loss.
Note: Fitness Factory and Ma & Pa’s were scheduled to begin the best of three game championship series last night at Sommerville Field.
As of yesterday afternoon, the exact series schedule had not been determined. Under one plan, the teams were to play two games last night. If the squads split those contests, the third and deciding game would be played tonight.
However, if Fitness Factory and Ma & Pa’s only played one game last night, then the second game of the series will take place tonight at Sommerville Field. If the third game is necessary, it will be played tomorrow evening.