Despite a big first inning for the KCS Marketing Slammers, the defending champions couldn’t hold on against the Heat to kick off the Senior Women’s Fastball League on Monday evening.
The Slammers started off strong with a four-run first inning, but it was a six-run third inning by the Heat that changed the momentum of the game and giving the Heat the 10-6 victory.
“They played a really good game,” said Penny Barker, catcher for the Slammers. “We weren’t necessarily on the top of our game. We started out strong, but we just weren’t hitting the ball…we were hitting right at them.”
Kristin Coupland was the losing pitcher, but pitched strong throughout the entire seven innings and had two doubles on the evening and Aly Bell also added a double. Karli Bell added a triple in the loss.
“It wasn’t our strongest game, but it’s a good sign,” stated Baker. “We were hitting the ball, it just so happened we were hitting it to them. Timely hits by them, they got runners on base and cashed them in…we seemed to leave a few on base.”
The Heat wanted to use this game as a test to show where they need to improve and what their strengths are that they can build off for the season. With a victory, the team now has some confidence and hopefully the boost will continue deep into the season.
“It was excellent,” said Denise Burns, head coach for the Heat. “Very happy with the start.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
