From Slump to Surge: Storm Shakes Off Two-Week Rust Just in Time for Final-Inning Fireworks

 Storm struggled early at the plate. And when we say early, we mean for the first six innings. In six innings Storm only went through the batting order twice and scored only two runs which both came off an unlikely two run homer from Jeff. Surge’s pitching and defense was spectacular through six and Storm was in trouble.

Thankfully, Storm also had great pitching and defense. Brad was doing his best Brooks Robinson impression at third base making a couple of really nice plays, including a third to first double play, and the outfield was a Bermuda triangle where most balls went to die. Rene was solid as the opener allowing four runs (but it should have been just one), and Jeff came in an only allowed two runs from the 3rd to the 6th innings. One defensive miscue while Rene was pitching, and one bad pitch from Jeff meant Storm was trailing 6-2 going into the 7th.

Storm finally had a power surge in the 7th. Whether it was shaking off the dust that had accumulated on their bats over a two week weather induced break, or they finally figured Mike out, but Storm stormed back sending 15 runners to the plate and scoring 9 runs off helped out by Duran’s two run homer.

It wasn’t quite over yet. Surge had a chance for a bottom of the 7th rally. They got two runners on and it looked like they were about to mount a comeback, but Storm slammed the door shut and managed to hold on to the 11-6 win. At the handshake the umpire congratulated them for their good inning.

Statisticians studied the standings after the game, and it is believed that Storm has now clinched 2nd place with 27 wins, although Storm would like to win out and get to 30. The Falcons have noted that Surge seems to be better than their record, and this game would tend to prove the point. As the standings currently sit, Storm and Surge would be set up for a rematch in the playoffs. Although there is room for change in the bottom of the standings, there is starting to be some separation and things are getting clearer. Four days of games remain and many meaningful games will be played for a lot of teams.

Game Highlights

• Offensive Power: Jeff and Duran each had a 2 run, home run,.
• Defensive Spotlight: Brad made 3 great plays at 3B including a double play
• On-Base Machine: Mills set the table perfectly at the top of the lineup, reaching base 3 times (2 hits, 1 walk) for a .750 OBP.
• Team Effort: The team wasn't firing on all pistons and combined for a .462 batting average with only 18 total hits (13 singles, 3 doubles, 2 home runs).

Game Line Score

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R
Storm	0	2	0	0	0	0	9	11
Sunbelt Surge	4	0	0	0	2	0	0	6