Everything Happens With Two Outs
Slow Starters
Our softball team started out slow tonight as they often do. It is very nerve racking, but it happens just about every game. We can really hit, but it seems to take an inning or so to get their timing down. Tonight was no different. In the 3rd inning we found ourselves down 7-2. But then it happened.
Cut it in Half
One of our weaker batters was up, we had scored two and cut it in half. That should always be your goal going into an inning down, just cut it in half this inning then 7-4, or 7-5 doesn’t seem so bad. We had achieved our goal. Anyway, back to the batter. She was up w/ a 3-1 count and the take on. She walked. I was already content w/ the results of the inning, but this made it even better! Top of the order baby!
Grand Slam
Even then, I was just hoping for one or two more runs. Then a single, then a walk, then our power hitter. She already had hit one home run this inning, now she was up w/ bases loaded! A shot! Over the right fielders head, Grand Slam! Sweet!
One problem w/ home runs is they often kill rallies. You have to start all over again. But not this time. When all was said and done we had scored 19 runs in the top of the 3rd inning and led 21-7. The other coach left his pitcher out there for all 19 runs! He must not have had anyone else that could even come close to throwing strikes.
Everything Happens w/ Two Outs
Ever notice how many rallies happen with two outs? Why is this? My opinion is first, once there are two outs a lot has happened prior to this so runners are typically in scoring position. My other analysis has been that with two outs, everyone is moving on contact. This takes away so many other outs on the field and forces the play to first pretty much. Much harder to get that out at first than anywhere else. Also, the runner from second scores easy on a bloop to right or left and on a shot the runner from first scores.
No matter what the reason, 17 runs w/ two outs is extreme. I don’t ever remember scoring 19 runs in an inning, but it could have happened before. I know one of my all-star teams (many of the same girls that are on this current team) once lost a game 35-2. That was flat out brutal. Much funner to be on the winning side of the plate!
What is the most runs your team has ever scored with two outs? Why do you think so many two out rallies happen?
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