SLAC Annual Softball Game 2017

Research Overpowers Accelerator 28-13!

Game Summary

Game Highlights
The game was held October 1 at SLAC's Arrillaga Field.  Bright sunshine on a warm afternoon welcomed players and their guests for the 11^th matchup between the Research and Accelerator teams.  With their series tied at 5 wins apiece, a lot was at stake for who would have bragging rights for the next year. 
Both teams started strong in the first inning -- Research brought 8 batters to the plate with 4 of their first 5 batters scoring, while Accelerator brought 7 batters to the plate and 3 of their 4 first batters scored.  The game was close through 4 innings with Accelerator holding a slim 8-7 lead.  Research's heavy hitters dominated the rest of the game though, and Research cruised to a 28-13 win.  In total, Research outhit Accelerator 40-31, but they recorded 19 extra-base hits compared to just 4 for Accelerator!  Ryan MacLellan, Matt Solt, Kevin Turner, Tsutomu Matsui and Erick Schlimmer each contributed 3 extra-base hits with Erick enjoying the game's only out-of-the-park home run. 

This year's game was dedicated to Sid Drell who passed away in December 2016.  He and Burt Richter started the tradition of an Annual Theory vs Experiment Softball Game when SLAC was formed.  In 2007, Theory and Experiment teams joined to form the Research team that now competes against the Accelerator team.  More info and a tribute to Sid here.

As per (recent) custom, members from both teams gathered at the Dutch Goose for post-game beer and food, sharing game highlights and what's in store for next year. 

Bill Kirk MVP Award
Tsutomu Matsui was recognized as the game MVP!   He went 5-for-5 batting and was solid at 1^st base with 8 putouts.

Game Notes
Special thanks to scorekeeper Laurel Woods and photographer Heather Woods. 
Action photos from the game can be found here.
"In the Loop" item on game here.

Team Rosters

Research: Ryan MacLellan (co-captain; P) James Cryan (co-captain; CF-R) Yuanyuan Su MacLellan (C) Rona Turner (C) Tsutomu Matsui (1B) Matt Windeler (2B) Erick Schlimmer (SS) Kevin Turner (3B) Matt Solt (LF) Mike Minitti (CF-L) Ewan Minitti (CF, 2B) Ian Williams (RF)

Accelerator: Tom Markiewicz (co-captain; 1B) Brian Sherin (co-captain; 3B) Mike Woods (P) Kevin Anzalone (C) Ryan Ford (2B) Noah Sherin (2B) Brian Anzalone (SS) Gene Anzalone (LF) Marcus Balanky (CF-L) Mark Anzalone (CF-R) Petr Fuchs (RF)

Research Team Standing:  Matt Solt, Erick Schlimmer, Ryan MacLellan, Matt Windeler, Ian Williams, Tsutomu Matsui, Rona Turner, Kevin Turner Kneeling:  Ewan Minitti, Mike Minitti, James Cryan, Yuanyuan Su MacLellan

Accelerator Team Standing:   Brian Sherin, Tom Markiewicz, Marcus Balanky, Mike Woods, Ryan Ford, Gene Anzalone, Petr Fuchs Kneeling:  Noah Sherin, Brian Anzalone, Mark Anzalone, Kevin Anzalone

 Drell-Richter Trophy Presentation

 Bill Kirk MVP Award Winner Tsutomu Matsui