RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A five-inning game played in early Tuesday evening's baking heat at Rambler Field saw the Air Force Recruiting Service's softball squad soundly beat the Air Force Personnel Center II team 16-4.
"It was just good hitting that came together at the right time," said AFRS player-coach Jay Pascal.
AFPC II took the lead early after taking the plate at the top of the first inning, with Mat Dickens and Fred Schenk each scoring runs.
However, the bottom of the first inning saw AFRS's Doc Bolduc score when teammate Pascal hit a double to center field. Then Mike Smith hit a shot to left field, which brought in Pascal and Mike Misenhimer. Bolduc and Jeff Morris hit safely again. AFRS players scored more runs and the contest was soon 6-2 in their team's favor by the time that part of the inning ended.
Starting the second inning, it looked like AFPC II would get their rhythm back, when Brian Crites singled -- and teammate Brent Sheehan followed with a hit that moved Crites to second base.
But they lost their momentum when Brad Nielsen, Derrick Moniz and Larry Smith all popped out.
AFRS's Rod Merritt singled to left field and got on base. Pascal's long shot to left field was caught by AFPC.
Then, Mike Smith smashed a two-run homer over the center-field. That was followed by two more outs by AFRS players and soon it was the top of the third inning, with AFPC II having another chance to catch up.
Unfortunately for the AFPC II squad, they failed again to get momentum going in the third inning.
In the bottom of the third inning, AFRS's Mike Skeens doubled and David Clark singled to center field, sending Skeens to third. Morris came up and popped out--and Skeens turned on the speed and stole home for a run. Misenhimer hit to center field and then Tommy West hit a homer.
West's homer was followed by hits from Bolduc, Merritt and Pascal, who hit a double, scoring Merritt. By this time, AFRS was far ahead at 15-2. Then Mike Smith singled, scoring Pascal, bringing the score up to 16-2.
AFPC II came up at bat at the bottom of the fourth, with Schenk reaching first base. Then Marty Markos singled and Schenk moved to second. Then Crites hit and Schenk was tagged out before he could reach third base. Brent Sheehan singled, but Derrick Moniz popped out.
Another out saw AFPC II score no points and three quick outs for AFRS gave AFPC II another turn at bat again at the top of the fifth.
But the squad failed to catch fire and the time in the game ran out.
Still, with the lopsided score, the AFPC II squad's coach, Larry Smith, singled out Dickens and John Henderson for their defense. Plus, he kept the game in perspective.
"We're out here to have fun," he said, "and to build teamwork."