Kick A$$ and Clockers Finals Rematch Ends in a Draw.

HAMPTON, VA - For the past several years, the VA Peninsula tradition has been to open the season up with a rematch of the previous season's Finals. And this Fall is no different, as the 5 O'Clockers and Kick Ass faced off in week 1, only 2 short months after KA earned their first Wentworth Trophy®. But although it was only 2 months ago, both teams look significantly different than their spring versions. With so much player turnover on both rosters, it was going to be interesting to see how each squad would perform.

In the first inning, rookie Cooper Fertig used his quickness to get on safely, and was aggressive in taking extra bases. He scored 2 plays later on a bunt going up 1 that caught pitcher Brent Wentworth (3rd person alert) flat footed. After ½ and inning, Kick Ass lead the Clockers 1-0.

The Clockers would come back and threaten in the bottom of the first. Lead off kicker Trey McGlohn reached on a walk and eventually moved to 3rd. Wes McClain came up to the plate and ripped a knuckling line drive. 1B Cary Owsley had dropped back into RF and made a spectacular diving catch to rob McClain and deny the Clockers a run.

After both teams were shut out in the 2nd inning, Kick Ass came up again looking to do some damage. In fact, it looked like they were going to break the game open. KA loaded the bases with 1 out. James Salgado came to the plate looking for a big RKI, but was unable to connect with any of Wentworth's pitches and fouled out. But the Clockers would not escape unscathed. Jeff White immediately followed up with a perfect bunt up 1 that the defense was not able to handle. After 2.5 innings, KA held a 2-0 lead.

The Clocker offense started to show some life when some ladies came up in the 3rd. Randi Brown, Courtney Travis, and Matt Spies loaded the bases for Adam Henry. Henry kicked a fly ball to shallow right field. Although it was not a very deep ball, Brown tagged up and narrowly avoided a tag to score the first run. Two kickers later, Julia Hernandez would kick a beautiful sacrifice fly to RF. Travis slid home to score and tie the game up at 2-2.

In the top of the 5th inning, Kick Ass once again loaded the bases with 2 outs. Salgado came up to the plate with a chance to redeem himself after fouling out earlier. This time he would connect with a deep shot to center field. Off the foot, it looked like it would be trouble, but the Clockers' Adam Henry chased it down into the gap and made an incredible game saving catch to retire the side. KA had a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the 5th to secure the tie.

Observations & Notes 

• I know we’re only 9.09% of the way through the Fall 2013 season, but I think I already know who my choice is for rookie of the year. Kick Ass’ Cooper Fertig made a spectacular WAKA debut on Wednesday night, going 2-2 with a run scored and pitched 3 scoreless innings against a potent 5 O’Clockers offense. Great movement and speed on his pitches. And that's with the slick conditions. 
• It was a hell of a game for Adam Henry in his Clocker debut. A crucial RKI and a game saving running catch in the 5th. 
• For most of the summer, Kick Ass was in danger of not even fielding a team. In fact, if the league had not made the decision to expand to 18 teams, KA would have been out in the cold. But you have to give Manny Anderson credit. Despite only having 5 returning players from the Spring, he put together a hell of a team. This reloaded Kick Ass is going to be just as good (if not better) than they were last season. 
• Kick Ass and the 5 O'Clockers are developing a nice little rivalry. After this game, KA leads the all-time series 3-2-1. In two of those games, the Clockers were eliminated by Kick Ass. Will they meet again in the playoffs? 
• Just wanted to point out again that I fouled Salgado out. No big deal, but still. Worth repeating.