Krillers Dominate School of Information from Start to Finish, Win 14-4 in 5 Innings
In search of their first win of the young 2021 season, the IOF Krillers Softball Club faced off against the iSchool 796’s late Wednesday night. Boasting a full line-up and showcasing increased confidence on the field, the Krillers were not fazed by the famed sabermetrics supporting the iSchool squad. Lively bats and solid fielding from the IOF kept the 796’s at sixes and sevens all game long. A rough first half inning saw the Krillers fall behind 2-0 but they quickly regained composure, playing shut-out softball on defence and scoring a 5 run second, 3 run third and 5 run fourth inning to take a 13-2 lead. In the fifth and final inning the 796’s battled back and scored two runs in the top half before the game was called for darkness and general confusion, 14-4, following one IOF run in the bottom half of the inning.
With a team record 14 runs scored, the entire IOF lineup got in on the action. Skipper Kristen Sora once again led the way, going 3-4 with 2 RBIs from the lead-off spot. The newly minted PhD candidate had this to say “Sure, passing my comprehensive exam felt nice, but getting that first win of the season tonight is the payoff I’ve been waiting for.
Asked to comment, IOF superfan Dr. William Cheung was effusive: “Kristen may have passed her comps on Tuesday, but as far as I’m concerned she became a PhD candidate on the field tonight”.
Batting second, Dr. Juan Jose Alava found himself all over the field. Alava went 4-4 and both pitched and played catcher. “Give me a place to stand” the softball every-man said “and I will play softball against the world”
Hitting behind Alava and playing in her first game of the season was Anna McLaskey. Blasting Brandon Flowers from the dugout and a home-run threat every time she stepped to the plate, McLaskey looked at ease back on the softball field. “There were only two ways out of my hometown” the San Juan Island native said “you either became a marine scientist or a graduate softball league hero; obviously, I chose softball”.
Also playing in their first game of the season was “Hey now, you’re an” Alastair Roberts. Displaying the skills that made him a top softball prospect, Roberts hit his first pitch of the season for an RBI double. Going 3-4 on the day with 3 RBIs, Roberts was happy to beat up on iSchool. “A librarian killed my father” he said, “so this was my Inigo Montoya moment.”
Power-hitter Polina had a productive performance at the plate. Going 4-4 with several RBIs Orlav credited her success to a new batting stance: “Evgeny’s been telling me all week to keep my elbow up in my batting stance. We’ve actually converted one of the incubator rooms into an indoor batting cage and the practice is paying off”
Humble author Jacob Lerner absolutely ripped a pitch to left field for an inside the park home-run. The understated heavy hitter went 3-4 on the day with just one RBI. When asked if the IOF had run up the score on iSchool Lerner had this to say “I’ve never seen a librarian show any mercy, I don’t know why we should be so inclined”.
Ana “Buster” Pozas had a strong day at the plate, coming up clutch in several bases loaded situations with key singles. More significant than her hits; however, were her intimidation tactics on the opposing team. With light fading in the fifth, and the IOF up by 10 runs, the 796s offered to call the game. “You go home when we say you can go home!” Pozas told the iSchoolers, browbeating them back onto the field. Pozas was later seen taking lunch money from several of the iSchool players.
Karly McMullen also had a good day at the plate, going 3-4 with an RBI, but it was her stellar play at shortstop that defined her game. Asked the background behind her infielding prowess the gold glove contender is quoted as saying “Obviously my hero is Ron Cey, but I take inspiration from everyone from Rizutto to Jeter”.
Oliver “Ridley Sea Turtle” Murray went 3-4 on the day in his first game of the season. He scorched a ball for an inside the park home-run and made some compelling defensive plays at first base and shortstop. “Maybe I was the missing piece” Murrary stated after the game “They say you can’t win all the time but they must not have seen our lineup”.
Though the 14-4 romp has IOF dreaming big a tougher game vs the Pub Meds lies ahead. The Krillers can look forward to a return of 2021 top draft pick Max Miner but will be without Jacob Lerner, who departs for a three-week badminton barnstorming tour of the American West. Cheer on your IOF team next week to see if they can maintain their momentum.
Next Game
Wednesday, August 4, 6PM
IOF (1-1) vs The Pub Meds (0-2)