Tonight the team again had just enough players to play the game but there was something different in the air. Players were excited about this game. Ever since they learned to slide last night they seem to want to get dirty now.

The game opened with the 'Hearts getting runners on and stealing bases 'right and left'. Several times they stole third with a cloud of dust, sliding under and around tags that would have been outs in any other game. Before the top of the inning was over the SweetHearts looked up at the scoreboard to find that they had scored five runs. It was the best first inning - or any inning - that the 'Hearts had had in the past 5 games.

Great fielding held the Renegades in check and the 'Hearts found they had a lead for the first time since game four. By the second inning the SweetHearts added three more runs as things began to look up and this make-shift group was beginning to play as a team. Good pitching by Karli and Sara and fielding by Meghan and K.K. made fans start cheering again.

In the third inning the Lady Renegades pitcher, Dakota, began to get her game together as she held the 'Hearts hitless. The Renegades cut the 'Hearts lead to just two runs after three. Again in the fourth Dakota held the 'Hearts in check with no runs. As time began to run out the 'Hearts were holding on to a slim two run lead with two outs. They were on the verge of getting a win when thing began to slip away.

With two outs, Sara walked one batter. The coaches reminded the team that the runner didn't matter, "The play is at first, just get the out!" The next batter stood there and waited for a walk. With very limited pitching everyone knew a walk was coming. Suddenly the 'Hearts had two on with two outs. Coach Greg called time-out to talk to the infield. "Just play the out and we can win this game".

Up to the plate walked Dakota. Sara tossed a nice low arch pitch. Dakota reached down with a nice golf swing an lifted the ball to deep centerfield for a three-run homerun. From leading 8-6, the 'Hearts lost 9-8 on one pitch. It was the best game the SweetHearts played in three weeks - oh so close. A real HEARTbreaker!