NMSU Aggies vs Seattle U Redhawks Softball 4-2-16 Double-header

Game 1

Back for another double-header.  It was a cloudless, mid-60’s Saturday late 4:00 afternoon, a stunningly perfect day for baseball.  I might have shown up to watch the Aggies take infield on a day like this (but not if I had to pay to get in).  Ron, having enjoyed our last outing, was with me.  He was now proudly sporting an Aggie T-shirt.  Adam Young and William Peck would be providing the rare radio call for the softball game.  It was good to be getting the extra information during the game, though still no explanation concerning some of my questions about the rules.  The Aggies were 11-0 against the Redhawks, including Friday night’s 12-0, run-rule shortened game.  Highlights from last night included #9 Tatum Reedy having two home runs in one inning and #7 Brennalyn Nakamura hitting a grand slam. 

Also accompanying me and Ron were a big pink foam pad and a thick towel.  After my first outing to the softball stadium, I really should have thought to bring something to sit on thereafter.  Ron’s experience with the hard, metal bleachers had prompted him to look for stadium cushions while he was getting his T-shirt at Wal-Mart.  Coming up empty, I improvised.  The towel was okay for Game 1, not so much for Game 2.  Ron was pleased with the pad, but I was embarrassed every time he got up and left me sitting alone next to it (not to mention, I also walked in with it under my arm). 

There was a good crowd in attendance.  Once again, we were seated in the section by the opposing dugout, but the facing the Aggie dugout.  The cadre of senior citizen regulars were there.  They all seemed to know each other.  I wonder how these people ended up coming to the games, though at least in front of us were what looked like a grandfather taking his adorable little granddaughter to a game.  The regulars all had something to sit on.  A few people had umbrellas for shade.  A high school softball team from Lordsburg was also taking in the game.  Some of the Aggie Men’s basketball team came in to watch.  They also provided some comedy as a foul ball into the stands sent one of them diving for cover.  (I don’t blame him.)  The crowd got a good-hearted laugh out of it.  Everyone also enjoyed the interpretive dance during 5^th inning stretch by a senior, dancing to the tune of YMCA.       

Our ceremonial first pitch was hurled by a representative of a national bank, who is big sponsor of Aggie softball.  The representative and what I’m guessing was her co-worker sat below us.  The lady had a signed softball and later acquired an Aggie rally towel thrown into crowd, not a bad outing.  This sponsor was mentioned many times by the PA and on the radio, much to Ron’s discomfiture, as our employer is a direct competitor.  He was once again wondering about our lack of sponsorship.  For my part, these two women were really hot and was I thinking about defecting . . . err opening a new account . . . err just enjoying the view. 

The game began with what was I think a new recording of the National Anthem.  It sounded more grand than what I’d remembered.  They should keep it.  I noticed that the Aggie players in the field were all doing the Aggie “Guns Up” behind their backs while standing at attention. 

I’ll give you my player of game up front.  #21 Karysta Donisthrope, one of my favorites, pitched a complete game shutout with seven strikeouts.  Trouble never found her during the game.  #18 Rachel Rodriguez moved back to short and had a solid defensive effort (and two stolen bases offensively).  Seattle for their part, also had a good game defensively behind #28 Andie Larkins.  Aggie #17 Kelsey Horton was robbed of a hit twice by diving plays, and there was even a rare 3 to 4 putout at first (that’s the first baseman throwing to a covering second baseman).  Offensively in the third, the Aggie put up three hits to score two runs, with #3 Victoria Castro driving in the first run with a triple.  That would hold up for the game. Aggies win 2-0.  It was a tight and closely played game in a very efficient hour and 23 minutes. 

Game 2

Perhaps it was a bit too efficient.  We got a lengthy intermission as the next game wasn’t scheduled until 6:00 pm.  I had a hot dog with water in the interim.  Ron declined to eat at the time.  After the game, we went to Wienerschintzel, which I should have waited for, but I did have a Tastee-Freeze dipped cone that made my night.  Several of the Aggie girls were playing a hacky-sack on the field, while waiting.          

A cool breeze started up late in Game 1.  Later in Game 2, it became a cold one.  I had my jacket on and was still cold.  I also found out how long my little radio would last on a charge, as it dropped out halfway through the game.  There was a chatter going through the crowd about a Final Four game going on.  I’d forgotten all about it.  The crowd size was about the same for Game 2, though the composition was a bit different.  The highlight of this game was a little girl sitting below us.  She was loud and pumping out encouragement for the girls like she was on the team.  I got tickled listening to her and nudged Ron, who was annoyingly still able to listen to the game on his phone.  He started chuckling as he heard her.  After another round of rally towels were thrown to the crowd, two people behind us caught them and tossed them at the girl.  She turned around and waved, “Thank you!” as our section had a laugh.      

 On to the game.  This was another tight one.  The Aggie offense picked up a bit for this game.  #17 Kelsey Horton would not be denied in this time.  She started off with a single and would be driven in by #23 Fiana Finau.  In the fourth, Reedy, pulling hard, would drive three pitches into her own dugout before hitting a double.  (I’d noticed there were girls with mitts on, guarding the dugout entrances.  They’re there for a reason.)  Her and Finau would be driven in by sacrifice flies.  In the 5^th, Kelsey would deliver the knockout blow with a monster two-run shot to left field.  She’s my player of the game for that. 

My other favorite Aggie, #14 Kayla Green, started for the Aggies.  Adam Young mentioned she’d been sick this week and was uncertain to start.  She pitched well for 5+ innings and made a couple of good fielding plays.  Her offspeed was really working well.  (It seemed like Reedy was calling the game this time, instead of the pitches coming from the dugout directly to the pitcher.)  In the 6^th, Kayla seemed to be getting tired.  After having trouble fielding a slow grounder, #11 Mackayla McAdams, Friday night’s pitcher, came in.  #5 Emma Adams came in with her, going to third.  With two on, Emma would start a double play and then get the put out on the next batter.  Nice coaching by Kathy Rodolph there.  The Redhawks would not threaten again.  Aggies win 5-0.  Again, it was a quick game, about an hour, 40 minutes.  We were done before 8:00pm.      

For Seattle, #3, first base, Rose Saenz was rather attractive with her dark hair in a long braid.  She kept up a steady chatter during the game.  Lefty reliever, #7 Savannah Loomis looked cute with a nice smile in the pitching circle.  I may be trying too hard to find positives for the other team.  I felt kind of bad for them, but they certainly had a couple of good bounce back games after their Friday night’s thrashing.  Much like after the Aggies were swept out two weeks ago, the girls still seemed to be in good spirits.  I could hear their dugout going for both games whole time.  They huddled up in a circle and let out a big cheer before the game, and huddled up every inning and seemed pretty tight knit.  (Except for a couple of bouts of singing, the Aggie dugout was fairly quiet.  They might have been being a bit respectful.)  What can you say after losing three games by a combined 19 to 0? 

Okay, the girls have one more homestand this season.  I’d like to see the seniors honored after the game, and Ron seems to like seeing the girls too.  I pronounced his new shirt to be lucky, and he was humming the Aggie fight song for the rest of the night.  We hope to be back later this month.