Fordham's first game at Roosevelt Island's Copobianco Field felt like practice... Actually, it was practice, because the ABA Stingers didn't show--not a one of them. That means Fordham was able to post their first win of the season, which, of course, isn't the way this hungry team wants to win.
"This sucks. I wanted to play," manager Charlie O'Donnell, known for his eloquence, told reporters after the game.
The nightcap didn't prove as successful, however. It turns out that, unlike the first game, 90% of success isn't just showing up. It turns out you have to hit and field, too--two little areas that Fordham has been struggling with as of late. Monday's struggles resulted, unfortunately for this expansion franchise, in a 17-2 drubbing.
AIG took advantage of the cozy Copo confines early, scoring five in the first and six in the second--all off rookie starter and Jay Buhner impersonator Jason Gianetti.
Teammates tried to comfort Gianetti after his performance and the following exchange took place in the clubhouse:
"That ball wouldn't have been out of a lot of parks."
"Name one."
"Yellowstone."
Patti Dickerson took over in the fourth, providing one of the lone bright spots in the game. Patti turned in a solid mop-up effort and will be likely to start the team's next game.
Fordham's only two runs came late in the game. Kevin Rodricks lashed a double to left, tearing the stiches off the ball (which is amazing considering the Clincher softballs don't actually have stiches). Charlie O'Donnell, coming off a shoe string catch in center the inning before, then followed up with a monster, albeit lonely, blast to the concrete in right center. That would be it for the Fordham offence though. Rumors have it that the team is considering letting go hitting coach Amanda Hickey.
There were a couple of other bright spots for Fordham. Ryan St. Germain threw out a runner at home from right field--the other end of which featured a nifty tag from catcher Nicole Horsford. Chrissy Guerrero turned in a solid defensive effort at second base as well.
There were no photos from the game, however, due to the illness of team photographer and emerging offensive star Anntoinette Mirsberger. She should be off the DL by the next game, marking a return to the photographic documentation of the team's hijinks and shananagans.