Everyone knew the first game of the season would be exciting but no one expected what was to come just and hour and a half later. With both teams starting the game with only eight players, the Nightmares began with an out as per SPAR rules. That was followed by two walks, one strike out, and another walk. Jessi then threw a wild pitch allowing the first run to score. After that she shut the door by striking out the next batter.
By the time the 'Hearts batted they were up to nine players, therefore, didn't have to take the first out. Chelsea and Jessi both hit, and scored on wild pitches before Tristin walked. The Nightmare's pitcher, Fallon Fisher, then served up another walk before she settled down and struck out the side.
In the second inning Jessi faced six batters and got two to strike out and one to pop up to her on the mound. In their half, with two outs, Chelsea got a double then stole third. Jessi laid down a slap bunt that rolled down the third base line keeping Chelsea from scoring. While Tristin batted, Chelsea stole home on a passed ball making the score, 4-1.
Jessi was nearly perfect in the third as she recorded three strike outs against just one walk. Fallon shut the 'Hearts down with two strike outs and a pop-up. It seemed both pitchers just got better as the game progressed.
Things began to fall apart in the fourth as the Nightmares got the first two batters on with walks before a strike out. That was followed by a single that loaded the bases when the ever-powerful Fallon came to bat. She drove the ball to right field where Mandy came up with a great catch and then double the runner off first for the third out.
The SweetHearts could breathe a little easier but struggled themselves at the plate. The first batter struck out, Karissa walked, another out and Chelsea again came to the plate. With a long drive to center, Chelsea tripled home another run bringing the score to 5-1.
With the final inning starting, all the 'Hearts had to do was shut down the Nightmares and take home the first game of the season. Easier said than done. Jessi struck out the first batter, walked the next, then complained of a blister on her pitching hand. Following a timeout for a bandaid she then walked another. A pitching change brought in Tristin with no pregame warmups. With a count of two balls and a strike, Amber pounded a ball over the 'Heart's left-fielder and almost to the fence, scoring three runs. The score now stood at 5-4 and just one out.
"Do we leave Tristin in or go back to Jessi?" The coaches decided to stay with Tristin and hope for the best since the Nightmares were in the bottom of their order for now. It turned out to be a wise choice as Tristin got the next two batters to strike out, saving the game, 5-4.
The 'Hearts lost the opening game last year to the Nightmares so this game became even more special. The SweetHearts take on the Magic Tuesday night on field 13 at 7:15pm.
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