Day 173/365 - June 22

It's game day ba-be!!!

The girls were not very happy to find out that after a coin toss last night, we are home team tonight. We have been visitors both games in the tourney and they feel we "have better luck" as visitors - silly girls.

To top things off, there was an orientation/open house at Forest Avenue for new families that Wes felt I needed to attend. Of course, it started at 5:00 and our game started at 6:00 - waaay away from the school. Needless to say, this mama was not very happy! 

Luckily, the meeting only lasted an hour and I made it to the game within the first half hour. Let me tell ya, I had not missed much! I did make it in time to see my sweet baby strike out though.

It broke my heart to see her so upset!

The game was scoreless until the 4th inning. Suburban West scored 4 runs and then it was our at bat. Let me tell ya, everyone was on the edge of their seat! 

First batter - walked (thrown out at second) = 1 out

Second batter - single (unassisted out at third) = 2 outs

Here we are, down by FOUR runs with TWO outs!!!

Third batter - walked

Fourth batter - single

Fifth batter - walked - bases are now loaded!

Sixth batter - double - 2 RBI's, runners on 2nd and 3rd

Seventh batter - walked - bases loaded again!

Eighth batter - walked - score is now 4-3

Ninth batter - walked - score is now tied 4-4

At this point, the other coach calls time out and brings in a new pitcher.

Avery is up to bat with a tied score, new pitcher, bases loaded and two outs. Nervous mom? Heck yeah!!!

Avery - Tenth batter - single - line drive just over short stop's glove to bring in the go ahead run!!! 

Eleventh batter - struck out to end the inning

All of us thought the game would be called since they played 75 minutes, but there is NO time requirement in All-Star tournament play. Everything is based on innings - 5 inning games. This hadn't effected us before due to the 10 run rule after the third inning.

So, into the 5th inning we go. Our third pitcher for the night heads in since our other two had pitched two innings each. She had been patiently waiting for her chance to pitch all tournament long and let me tell ya, she delivered tonight! Four batters and the inning was over.

We won the game with a final score of 5-4!!!

This is by far my FAVORITE picture of the entire tournament!

Following the close of the game, each girl was presented with trophies and certificates.

Then, the entire team was presented with the championship trophy.

Of course I had to grab a picture or two when we got home as well!