Senators Ladies Win close Game in Ratingen
“If we ignore the first inning, which I would very much like to do, we narrowly won today 8-7 against a strong opponent,” Head Coach Frank Mohr explained to us, visibly satisfied, after the game against the Ratingen Goose-Necks this past Saturday.
The game began shakily, as both starting pitchers had difficulty finding the strike zone, making the start a bit sluggish. After about 50 minutes, the score was 9-5 for the Senators. “Even though we were able to extend our lead, we never felt secure because the Ratingen girls wouldn’t let up.”
At the start of the third inning, the numerous spectators, including some traveling from Düsseldorf, got to see a very good softball game.
“It was really fun to watch,” the head coach continued. Both teams changed pitchers, turning a high-scoring game into a real nail-biter, keeping the tension high until the end.
“This might sound like the starters on both sides didn’t do their jobs well, but sometimes there are days when the pitchers’ strike zones and the umpire’s just don’t match up.”
After the pitching change for the Senators, the Goose-Necks only managed to score one more run. This highlights both the excellent performance of the relief pitcher and the Senators’ defense. Offensively, the players also found the sweet spot of the bat, putting increasing pressure on the ladies from Ratingen. However, many good hits went directly into the opponent’s glove, preventing any early relaxation in the Düsseldorf ladies’ dugout.
Senators Only Found Gaps in the Seventh Inning
It wasn’t until the seventh inning that the Senators found the gaps, pulling ahead with three consecutive hits to make it 17-12, giving them a slightly more comfortable cushion for the final half-inning. “The three additional runs were of enormous importance to us and gave the girls some breathing room. It was a physically and mentally exhausting game, and last season we had great difficulty staying focused until the end.”
However, the worry was unfounded, as the Senators Ladies didn’t let anything slip and secured a well-deserved victory, bringing their record to 6 wins. The last and decisive play was made by the youngest player on the field, Olivia, and it was a balancing act of a special kind.
“The way Olivia juggled the fly ball between her glove and throwing hand to secure it was truly circus-worthy.”
“This season is already a complete success, not just because of this victory,” Frank Mohr tells us afterward. “When you see how we perform as a team; the enthusiasm with which we live, love, and play this sport; that everyone fights not only for themselves but also for their teammates—it’s something I haven’t often experienced. On and off the field, we are a united team. No ifs, ands, or buts. That makes me incredibly happy, both as a coach and as a person.”
