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Col. Lawrence Hicks, 86th Logistics Group commander, runs to first base during an outfield hit Sept. 11 on Ramstein. Hicks was part of the RUfit Resilience Day Chiefs vs. Eagles game.
Even after a second rally, the Eagles could not reach the Chiefs during the 2014 RUfit Resilience Day softball game.
The game was the final event of the day, between colonels and chief master sergeants ending at the top of the seventh inning, 10-7, due to rain.
The game began with the Eagles up to bat, but they were stopped by the Chiefs’ defense.
Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, set the tone of the game batting second and hitting an in-park home run for a total of two runs. The initial momentum was only short-lived as the next three hitters were tagged and caught out.
During the second inning, the Eagles came out looking to make some plays; however, they were not only stopped by the Chiefs but were also scored on, bringing the game to 3-0.
The Eagles’ time came in the third ining when a combination of steady hits from the Eagles and mistakes from the Chiefs brought home three runs for a score of 3-3. The Chiefs could not just stand by, so after their first two hitters, a third decided to come up to the plate and smash a home run for a score of 6-3.
They brought in one more run, finishing the third inning at 7-3. The fourth inning was oddly familiar for both the Chiefs and Eagles. Both scored one run for a final score of 8-4. Spectators in the stands agreed it was a gentleman’s agreement for a rest.
The agreement for rest and the experience of both teams showed up in the fifth inning with six players coming to bat, six outs and zero runs. The crowd believed this is where the Chiefs’ rain dance happened.
As the sixth inning began, the black clouds above began to sprinkle down rain. The chiefs came in and earned two runs, leaving the Eagles with none.
The Eagles’ chances at the beginning of the seventh looked darker than the clouds with a score of 10-4.
The Eagles’ first two players came out and struck out. Two outs, zero players on base and the rain coming down harder, the Eagles needed a rally. After the game, the Eagles’ pitcher commented on their last inning.
“We came back pretty good at the end. It was a valiant effort, but thank God it’s over,” said Col. Charles Stock, 86th Dental Squadron and Eagles’ pitcher.
Stock came up to the plate ready to hit and start the rally, but ended up getting walked. Yet, he was the first to get back home and score. Following his lead, two more Eagles players came to the nest and scored. The Eagles’ second rally came to a close after their seventh hitter struck out, leaving the field 10-7.
The referees called the game due to time and weather conditions, but the Airmen in the stands also won, as they witnessed first-hand resiliency from the Eagles and Chiefs.
