MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Joe Rutherford went 4-4, giving new definition to the "hot corner," (third base.) As Crash Crew overpowered Marine Corps Community Services First Pitch 17-8 in intramural softball action May 12.
Under the lights at the Main softball field, Crew started at a blistering pace as Rutherford Crew center fielder connected for a triple to clear the bases and bring in two runs. After the dust cleared, Crew had a five-run lead to open the game.
The second inning Crew continued their onslaught with four more runs.
Marine Corps Community Services First Pitch stormed right back in the bottom half of the inning scoring seven runs, while batting around in the order.
"We got a little worried (about the rally) but the biggest thing was to not worry too much," said Michael Jones, Crew right fielder.
In the third inning the Crash Crew kept their cool and momentum going by answering MCCS' rally with an impressive five-run show of their own.
After Crash Crew left fielder Daniel F. Wagner's double drove in a run, the score was First Pitch 7 and Crew 16 through four and a half innings.
"Even though we were down, we weren't about to quit," said Juanita Hunter, catcher, MCCS.
The game would end in a lopsided victory for Crew 17-8.
"We usually do not have a lot of runs. The eight we got today is something to be excited about," said Hunter. "As the season progresses, we are all doing much better."
Despite the victory, the Crew expected a little more out of their performance coming into the game.
"Our strategy coming into the game was to pour it on MCCS by hitting the ball hard," said Jones. "We didn't hit the ball hard like we usually do, but we still had a good game coming out with a win."