There was plenty of action on the field as Lakeland's three teams combined for big hits, impressive individual performances, and one play that deserves a closer look. The Middle Team led the way with 23 runs, the Visitors finished with 14, and the Home Team mounted a late rally to finish with 13.
Visitors — 14 Runs
The Visitors got things going early when Stu led off with a triple. Luis followed by getting on base, and Karl added a base hit as two runs crossed the plate.
After a quiet second inning, the bats came alive in the third. Danny got on base, Stu helped move the runners, and Ralph, Gary, Karl, and Nelson delivered base hits as five runs scored.
The fourth inning produced another run when Juan tripled and Herbie brought him home with a base hit. After a scoreless fifth, Karl and Juan came through with base hits in the sixth, producing another run.
Then came the seventh-inning offensive outburst! Ron and Danny singled, Dennis got on base, Ralph delivered another hit, and Karl doubled as the Visitors put five runs on the board in the open inning to finish with 14.
Middle Team — 23 Runs and Plenty of Hitting!
The Middle Team's hitters put together some impressive numbers on the way to a 23-run performance.
Kim went a perfect 5-for-5 with four runs scored, while JD was also perfect at 5-for-5 and crossed the plate five times. Jack went 4-for-5 and scored three runs, and Steve added a 4-for-5 performance with two runs scored.
Luke chipped in three base hits and scored three runs. Jeff E contributed two singles and scored twice, while Regis collected three base hits. John and Doug T also found their way home.
With that much production throughout the lineup, the Middle Team kept the pressure on and finished with the day's highest run total.
Home Team — A Triple Play and a Late Rally!
The Home Team got off to a slower start. Skidmore and Chris collected base hits but were left stranded. Mark then launched a HOME RUN, and Kenny followed with a single as the team scratched out one run.
Greg and Skidmore singled in a later inning, but once again the runners were left waiting on the bases.
Then came the fourth inning — and a play that deserves its own story! Rumor has it Pat was involved with an unbelievable TRIPLE PLAY. I wish I had been there to see it! If anyone witnessed that play, please share how it happened. We don't see triple plays every day in senior softball!
The Home Team got back to work when Bob D and Matt singled, Ernie tripled, and Kenny added a base hit as three runs crossed the plate. The fifth inning was quiet, but the Home Team wasn't finished yet.
In the sixth, the bats finally erupted! Pat launched a HOME RUN of his own, followed by singles from Bob D, Matt, and Mark. Ernie, Kenny, Tom, Deana, and Howard also got on base and scored as the Home Team put up eight runs in the inning!
The Home Team added one more run in the seventh, with Pat crossing the plate, to finish with 13.
It was a strong late rally, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Still, eight runs in one inning and two home runs made for an exciting finish!
That's a wrap on another day of Lakeland Senior Softball! And don't forget — if you saw Pat's fourth-inning triple play, we'd love to hear how it happened. That's one play we definitely need to hear about!