JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The final softball game of the season brought the best-of-the-best to West Fitness Center's field one, to face off for the championship game. After playing about 20 regular season games and competing to make it into the top five from each division, the 113th's D.C. Air National Guard team excelled throughout the playoffs to confront the unrelenting 811th Security Forces Squadron.
The showdown that took place on a mild 70 degree August evening was anything but in the double-elimination style games.
"We've already lost one game in the playoffs, yet we came all the way to the championship game from the loser's bracket," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Harris, 811th SFS protection level 1 area supervisor and coach. "The 113th Wing has won all the way through the playoffs, and they beat us in the regular season as well, so we have to beat them twice tonight for my team to win the base championship. If we lose once, it's over with and the 113th takes it."
The 811th team, who played as the guest team in the initial game, was comprised of an even mix of rookies and team veterans. Nevertheless, they played with true purpose yielding a final score of 25-5.
Senior Airman Jerome Foye, 811th SFS bravo flight response coordinator, a.k.a. "Primetime", brought on hard hits, gaining four base hits and was on base four times, making it to the top of the 2nd inning of the first game with a score of 8-1.
However, both teams played with similar setbacks.
The 113th Wing was shy six of their players due to circumstances such as deployments and PCSs, while the 811th team played with unfamiliar teammates.
"Quite a few guys are playing for the first time with us due to an issue with the amount of teams SFS put together," said Harris.
Regardless of any holdups, when the second game commenced, it was apparent that softball is truly a hitter's game.
"The team that's going to win is the team that hits," said Harris.
It appeared as if the 113th Wing team awakened from winter's hibernation as they took on the second, fate-defining, game with a vengeance, defeating the 811th SFS with a score of 22-6, claiming the title; champion.
"They kept their heads up after the first game and I'm very proud of my team," said Master Sgt. Brandon Termese, 113th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels craftsman and team coach.