By Rob Potter
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — June 29, 2007 — Despite the hot, humid conditions, both the Dutch’s/T&C Tanning and New Hope softball teams played with determination for seven full innings during Tuesday night’s Sullivan County Women’s Softball League (SCWSL) “A” Division game at Gary A. Bradley Memorial Field at the White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Park.
New Hope recorded a 15-13 win and improved its record to 3-5. Dutch’s/T&C is now 5-5 this summer.
New Hope held a 13-10 advantage as the seventh inning began.
With two outs and no one on base, Tammy Sondermeyer doubled right center field.
The next batter, Heather Bachmann, hit the ball into left center field. Sondermeyer scored and Bachmann sprinted around the bases for a two-run, inside-the-park home run to give New Hope a 15-10 advantage.
However, Dutch’s/T&C rallied in its final at-bat. With two outs and two teammates on base, Theresa Murdock safely made it to first on an error. Theresa Nietzel scored on the play, pulling Dutch’s/T&C to within four runs.
April Nash then singled to left field, which allowed Lisa Hummel and Murdock to cross home plate and make it a 15-13 game.
Hilda Quick reached base on an infield single to keep the inning going for Dutch’s/T&C.
But New Hope pitcher Darlene Malewit then got the next batter, Rebekah Peters, to hit into a fielder’s choice. Shortstop Jessica Miller fielded the ball and threw to third baseman Brianne DeMeis to record the final out to seal the victory for New Hope.
After each team scored three runs in the first inning, New Hope took the lead in the top of the second. With two outs and the bases loaded, Miller hit the ball to right center field. She raced around the bases for an inside-the-park grand slam, which gave New Hope a 7-3 lead.
As the sixth inning began, New Hope enjoyed an 11-8 advantage. Melissa Bachmann scored on a groundout and Miller crossed the plate on a single by Lori Kimmes to give New Hope a 13-8 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, Dutch’s/T&C registered two runs to narrow its deficit. Quick hit a two-out double to left center field to bring Murdock in to score. Nash crossed home plate when the next batter, Peters, singled to shortstop.