BOX SCORE: | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inning | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Runs |
Accelerator |
|
12 |
||||||||
Research |
|
28 |
Bats were hot at the 2009 SLAC Annual Softball Game on Sunday, September 27, as the Researchers defeated the Accelerators 28–12. The Research team started fast with 18 runs in the first three innings. The Accelerators could not close the gap, despite holding their opponents to three runs in innings 5–8 and bottom-of-the-ninth home runs from Matt Cramar and Mark Anzalone. Ryan Auer of the Research team was named MVP of the game for his solid hitting.
Organizers said they were happy to see a large turnout at this year's game; 23 people came to play and the teams had some fans to cheer them on as well. The game was a family affair for the Accelerators, with siblings Natalie and Matt Cramar and Gene Anzalone and his sons, Mark and Brian, at the core of the team.
Sunday's game also brought ten newcomers out to Roble Field. The new players hailed from across the lab, and even as far as Germany, France, and Canada. "It was gratifying to see so many new players enjoy themselves whatever their level of previous experience," said Accelerators team captain Tom Markiewicz.
The new players were shown the ropes by a SLAC Softball veteran, Richard (Dick) Zdarko, who first played in the game in 1961. The now-retired SLACer played for the Research team on Sunday. "Dick is a treasure trove of lore about the game's early days and its personalities," Markiewicz said. "He exemplifies what this game is all about: coming together and building a sense of community that can last for years."
The Bill Kirk Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Ryan Auer of the Research Team for his solid hitting.
Research: |
Accelerator: |
Winning Research Team
MVP Award winner Ryan Auer (center), with Accelerator
Captain Tom Markewiecz (right)
and Research Captain Dan Harrington