Tuesday night the Atlanta INS Wizards softball team regained sole possession of first place with a thrilling 11-10 come-from-behind victory over the Outlaws. This game was not easy. The Wizards were forced to overcome lackluster defense, an impressive Outlaw offensive attack and eventually a huge deficit to notch their 4th come-from-behind victory of the season and second extra inning victory of the season. This, coupled with Wilkins' loss to BMC put INS back on top of the standings...right where they belong. "I am just drained." commented player/coach Will Cox leaving the playing field. It was definitely an emotional victory. "One bad call woke us up." First Baseman Mike Hess exclaimed referring to an apparent blown call at second base by the second base umpire. The team came unglued in the dugout when Cox requested an appeal to the home plate umpire, which was granted, only to have the spineless slug in blue make the same, bad, call. It was a good thing afterall. INS shut the Outlaws out after that, handing them a big goose egg in the scoring column the last 3 innings of the game. Cox lead the charge offensively going 4-4 and several other INS players had a great night hitting for average. The real heroes of this game were Ritch Williams, Scott Armentrout and Jonathon Leifheit. Armentrout showed surprising speed taking extra bases on routine base knocks and eventually scoring the game tying run in the 7th, forcing the extra frame. Leifheit was his usual steady self coming up big in the 8th with a 1 out shot that set the table for Williams. Since his move to the lower half of the order, Williams has blistered the ball. Tonight was his best offensive performance to date as he Tripled early in the game and eventually won it for INS with a clutch 2 out hit sending the speedy (you wouldn't know it by looking at him) Leifheit home with the winning run. INS has a bye next week and returns to action May 27th. Check the Atlanta web page for schedule for game time.

Copyright � 1997, HippoMan
Revised -- 7/10/97