In one of the most exciting games in ANSLL memories the ANSLL Americans clawed/fought/struggled/willed a win at Pine Ridge tonight.

ANSLL started strong in the top of the first with a lead off double to the fence from Joe Darcy, then a single from Jack Owens set up a 2 base runner situation but a screaming liner was caught at shortstop and a strikout ended the threat in the first.  Nolan Gilbert took the mound and an infield dribbler and a walk setup a two out situation for Fairfax American and they came thru with a shot to left that Nick Santos played to the cutoff then the play at the plate had Luke Lundy go for the ball up the line but instead got a thigh to the head as the ball rolled away and although 2 runs scored, Nolan, who was backing the play up, was able get the ball and fire the ball to Steven Schrade at third and nail the runner to end the inning.

Luke led off the inning and withstood the home plate collision, then with a 1-1 count sent a slider into the trees in left field to cut the lead in half.  Steven Schwartz and Steven Schrade followed with back to back doubles to the fence to tie it up.  Jack Owens singled to put ANSLL up 3-2.  Fairfax countered with 3 runs in the second to go up 5-3.  ANSLL was unable to get anything going in the 3rd and 4th, with Joe Darcy in to relieve Nolan, Joe sent Fairfax down 1-2-3 in the 3rd but Fairfax was able to generate 2 runs in the 4th to make it 7-3 going into the 5th.

Joe, Doug Gressly and Jack loaded the bases and Tyler Pacak singled to bring in Joe and Doug.  Steven Schwartz then lined a two out single to score Jack and Alex Gebler who had pinch ran for Tyler.  Going into the bottom of the 5th Fairfax again got runners on and were poised to score with runners on first and second with one out but a classic 4-6-3 ended the inning and all tied up at 7-7 going into the 6th.

Doug and Jack started with singles and then Tyler ripped a double to score Doug and put ANSLL up 8-7,  ANSLL couldn't generate a run despite two runners in scoring position and took a one run lead into the bottom of the 6th.  Fairfax countered with a run of their own to make it 8-8 and runners on first and second and ANSLL was able to turn their second double play with a another 4-6-3, to escape the Fairfax threat.

Extra innings proved to be the real heart stopper.  Nick Santos beat out an infield hit, advanced on a single by Joe.  Doug sacrificed to get the runners to second and third.  Jack singled to bring in Nick to put ANSLL up 9-8 but that was all ANSLL could produce.  As the sun started to set Fairfax had no intention of packing it in as they got a baserunner to third and Steven Schwartz came in to relieve Joe and recorded a strike out to get two outs but the tying run was standing 60' away and eager to score from third. 

On a 3-1 pitch the ball made it to the backstop

The runner broke for home....

Luke dashed after the ball...

Steven sprinted to cover home...

Luke flipped the ball....

The runner slid....

Steven snagged the ball as Steven and the runner both slid into the plate....

The ump shouted: "SHOW ME THE BALL..SHOW ME THE BALL..SHOW ME THE BALL!!!!" 

Steven showed the ball and the ump bellowed YUUUUUUUUUUR OUT!!

The Pine Ridge stand erupted as the ANSLL Americans had prevailed 9-8 in one of the most exciting finishes and games ever played at Pine Ridge.

Although no ANSLL parents were hospitalized there is a chance several will be making appointments in the near future to make sure their hearts are still ticking properly.

ANSLL Americans (2-1) will travel to Gainsville on Saturday, July 5th to face Gainsville American at 6pm.