A sign of things to come?
NEON opened its season sporting new uniforms, a new name, and a new team philosophy in an efficient 5-0 victory over Alcoballics Redux Tuesday night. Winning pitcher Erin Olson (1-0) threw 5 scoreless innings, and closer Staci Gyekis continued the shutout cause by throwing 2 innings of relief and earning her first save of the season.
Chemistry was the focus, and "Continuity" was the word of the day, as NEON took the field with 3 new players. The transition was seamless. Rookies Gyekis, Kate Montague, and Lance Ramm all contributed to a 3 run 1st inning and a 2 run 3rd, creating a hole that the Alcoballics could not crawl out of.
"What we saw was great defense today", said veteran Player/Coach Chad Buege. "A feeling that everyone knew where to be, when to throw and when not to throw, and doing the little things correctly really put us in a spot to win the game. We catch the ball well, which could get us a long way this spring."
The action started early, as leadoff kicker Zach Brown started the game with a single. After a rare foul-out by Olson, veteran slugger Kevin Luther knocked home the game's first run with a double.
"Getting off to a fast start is the way we try to play", said Brown. "Running the bases aggressively and capitalizing on opportunities is the best way for us to win. We have the horses in the lineup get the runners moving, which we feel will be a big key for us and our level of success."
NEON followed with 2 more runs in the 3rd inning, but was left with a dissatisfying taste in its collective mouth.
With 2 outs and Brown on 3rd, Luther lined a rocket to short. The ball was fielded and the throw was late, yet Luther was called out on a very controversial play. Brown's run did not score.
"If that play happens late in the season, I lose my mind" Luther was quoted as saying in the locker room. "The fact that it happened Game 1, with a 5 run lead let me keep my head. I stand by the fact that it was a terrible call, though." CSC Commissioner has yet to comment on the play, but many insiders feel Luther will be hit with a fine for criticizing officials.
In perhaps the most shocking, and entertaining, play of the game, Brenda Kroeger was tagged out on a play at the plate in which the petite runner bowled over the Alcoballics starting pitcher, who was blocking the plate.
"We know it's only the first game of the year, but we're real pleased with the effort we showed tonight" 3rd baseman Patrick Heckman said. "I really look forward to watching us grow as a team, which we most certainly will."
The new uniforms were definitely bright, but the team as a whole shined brightest Tuesday night in Minneapolis.
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