Wolverines Take Down Titans 6-0

On the first spring-like night of the season, West Potomac took the down the Titans in a 6-0 victory, and that’s no April Fool’s joke. Though the West Po bats had trouble adjusting to the pitching speed of the TC pitcher, their defense assured the Wolverines attained another shut out, still not giving up any runs.  Jayne Orleans pitched spectacularly with 12 strike outs and only allowed one hit all night long.

Jayne struck out all 3 in the top of the first, with 2 of them looking. In the bottom of the 1st, the Wolverines got two free passes. With 2 base runners on, Raven Williams managed to get her bat on the change-up pitch, scoring Grace Moery and putting West Po up 1-0. 

 West Potomac Wolverines sport their new white jerseys. 

(This may be the only time they are this white.)

After two strike outs in the top of the second, Jayne gave up her only hit of the night. After a mean foul ball that almost took out our beloved West Po announcer JP Moery (it’s ok, he quickly waved his blue hat out the press box window – assuring his fans he was still alive and kicking), TC William’s Sarah Leckman ripped a ball to far right field. Perhaps when right field is shortened 15 feet next season this hit would be a home run – but no such luck tonight for TC. Leckman had to settle for a triple. The West Po defense was determined not to let that run score - and that determination paid off; an easy fielder’s choice on the next batter secured the 3^rd out.

West Po’s first hit of the night came in the bottom of the third when Jayne hit a short fly to right center, easily reaching first base. This hit scored Grace Moery, who walked earlier in the inning, putting West Po up 2-0 after 3.

Not to be left out, Olivia Manous decided she wanted to join the hitter’s list tonight. She tripled on a ball hit to deep left field. Anyone who knows Olivia, knows she will most likely score if she’s on third base. She didn’t disappoint. The next batter hit a hard grounder to third. Instead of taking the fielder’s choice at first, the third baseman saw Olivia advancing to the plate and went for – what should have been – an easy tag play at home. However, the TC defense failed to take into account two things: Oliva’s speed, and her wicked hook slide. Olivia easily slid around the tag, and put another run up on the scoreboard for West Po, giving them a 3-0 lead after 4 innings of play.

West Po’s defense stood strong in the top of 5. Kudos to Annabelle Miller for chasing down an accidental bunt and getting the out at first; and to Kate Gregory for making a great back-hand play on a grounder up the middle, securing the out. Raven made some spectacular catches at first. Who knew she was so flexible?! Oh to be 16 again.

By the bottom of the 6^th, the West Po batters had figured out how to adjust to this pitcher from T.C. Their bats came alive. Olivia started things off with a single. She then safely stole second base, putting herself in scoring position. Maddie Miller followed suit, finding that hole between third and short, scoring Olivia. Nikki Minnis then hit a fly ball to deep left center, scoring Maddie. Raven reached on an error, scoring Nikki. Then Annabelle found that same hole between third and short, getting herself safely on base.  (Whew, this blogger really had to pay attention during this inning.) After 6 innings, West Po was up 6-0.

Enter Christina Dillard in the top of 7. Christina pitched amazingly, securing the shutout for West Po. Striking out one, she left the rest to her defense who was backing her every step of the way. Maddie made a nice catch in right field, and Nikki showed off her skills by making an awesome on-the-run, over-the-shoulder catch. Final score:  6-0 West Po.

Wolverine Whispers: The next game is Wednesday, April 2^nd against Westfield. Jayne Orleans struck out 12 tonight, with 5 of those looking. Olivia had 2 hits tonight. The defense rocked. You will most likely have to endure two more articles from this blogger while Glen is still vacationing half-way across the world.  Remember when you read this … some stats may be slightly off -but nothing significant. (This blogger is also a socialite, and has trouble multitasking:  taking notes, taking pics, and keeping up community relations - aka: chatting with her friends - is almost more than she can handle. Almost.)  Go West Po!