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BFAM takes 2 from Meatspins in evenly matched series
MISHAWAKA- After a last minute change of venue due to a softball team needing the field, this series would end up being played with the wind blowing in at a different location. That didn't take anything away from the excitement from this one as this was Mishawaka's inaugural series under the Meatspins name.
Going up against the Elkhart BFAM who are coming off of a strong 19-5 first season, the Meatspins showed right away that they will be able to hang with the best of the them as they would finish the day scoring the same amount of runs as Elkhart.
Trailing by 1 run in the Opener, the Meatspins tied the game in the bottom of the 5th in what was a back and forth game from the start. Reigning National League MVP Brandon Terry showed no signs of a sophomore slump as he delivered the big hit of the game, belting a go ahead 2 run Home Run that would put Elkhart up for good. Austin Traxler shut the door in the bottom of the 6th to seal the Game 1 win for Elkhart.
In Game 2, BFAM jumped out to an early 4 run but failed to score a run after the 2nd inning. In the bottom of the 5th, the Meatspins would capitalize on a close call at the plate which led to some back and forth jawing between both sides. Mishawaka sensed an opportunity after the play at the plate as they went on to score 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th to take the lead.
Elkhart was held scoreless in the 6th as the Meatspins not only evened up the series but also picked up their first win as a franchise.
The rubber match featured another back and forth ballgame between the 2 evenly matched sides. BFAM's flashed some stellar defense as Chaz Boyd made what Elkhart Manager Brandon Terry called "the greatest catch I've ever seen" in Game 3. Boyd climbed the 6 foot fence and all in one motion knocked the ball back into play while landing to make the catch.
With the game tied at 4 late in the game, Elkhart had an opportunity to take the lead with Walter Griffin III standing on 3rd base with 2 outs in the 6th inning.
That's when former Landshark picked up the biggest hit of the game as he beat out a ground ball up the middle to reach base safely and bring home Griffin III. After scoring the run, Griffin III would hold the Meatspins scoreless in the bottom of the 6th as Elkhart clinched the hard fought series win on Opening Day.
This series was certainly the most evenly matched, competitive series of Week 1 as both teams went toe to toe from start to finish while scoring 17 runs each.
Elkhart (2-1) will travel to New Carlisle (3-0) next week as they will make their first appearance at historic Migley Field. Mishawaka (1-2) will look to make a statement next week as they will host the Hudson Lake Heat who are coming off of a satisfying Opening Day series win over the Billy Goats.
