Rays Embarrass Older Saints as Crazed Coeds Scream

The 16U Rays defeated the 18U East Cobb Saints 10-4 this evening at Sprayberry High, out-embarrassing the returning heroines, the Crazy Coeds. The top four batters in the Rays order led the way, reaching base 14 of 16 times, scoring seven runs.

...The Rays went right to work in the top of the first, scoring three runs without a base hit. Jake, Richie, and Bradley all scored, driven in by Will, Parker, and Cole. But the older Saints looked good in the bottom of the first, tying the game on three hits and two sacrifice flies. When the Rays failed to score in the second, it looked like it would be a long game.

...But in trooped the Crazy Coeds, injecting pep and fun to the team and crowd. Fueled by discounted drinks from happy hour at Sonic, Charissa, Lisa, Hailey, Libby, and Jennalynne showed junior team members Christiana and Christine the ropes, with mixed success. Evidently junior members must be recent graduates and exhibit Christ-like qualities in their names. Tired from a long day at Six Flags, the girls still had plenty of energy, even getting some of the moms cheering.

...Surely fueled by the lively crowd, the Rays buckled down and outplayed their older opponents. In the second Richie retired the Saints in order, with help from catcher Will, gunning out the runner trying to steal second (the DJ play of the day). In the third Bradley and Will led off with walks, then Dustin and Parker scored, with help from Cole’s RBI single.

...In the bottom of the inning the Rays gave the ball to new pitcher Conner, trying out for the team. Christened “Milkshake” by Libby, the kid from Milwaukee allowed only two hits in three scoreless innings. The Rays extended the lead by scoring three more in the fourth. Milkshake, Jake, and Richie led off the inning by reaching base and scoring, driven in by Bradley’s walk, Will’s single, and Parker’s sacrifice fly.

...In the stands the fun continued. The girls worked their phones, texted, and snapped stalker pictures of Will in the dugout. For some strange reason Jennalynne took a short walk over to the other side of the stands. Junior member Christine sat engrossed with the game on her phone, drawing in Christiana. I was impressed with Hailey’s clean silver sneakers, shamed as I was in my old Pumas, which made my ankles look swollen. Libby told a school story and complimented Charissa on her flip flops. She’ll never sit near me again.

...Back on the field, the Rays rallied again, scoring two more in the sixth. Jake and Richie led off with singles, and scored on Bradley’s sac fly and Will’s sharp single to right. Dustin moved Will to third on the team’s fourth sacrifice fly of the night, setting the single-game Rays’ sacrifice fly record.

...Bradley’s pitching closed out the game, allowing a meaningless unearned run. The game ended and the teams fist-pumped. Will said the Saints were dejected, having lost to a team two years their junior. The Coeds celebrated by taking a group picture with Will (so far, none of the pictures have appeared on FB). Will went 2-2 with two walks and three RBIs.

...And the night was still young! The Coeds drove off in the sunset, for a wild night “at Taco Bell and Libby’s house.” Will watched Nathan Shetler’s game. I chatted with Joel, Willis, Charles, and Andrew at the Bates, while Anna and Matthew swam. With Ceil out with the girls, I had the night free to write recaps.