Authorized newspaper of Fort Lewis, Washington
The Marines OF Justin Johnson lays into one as the team's hit parade takes down the Protectors 11-3 Friday.
The intramural softball presea-son tournament wrapped up as the 4th Landing Support Battalion took down the Protectors of 42nd Military Police Brigade in an 11-3 rout Friday at Wilson Field.
The Protectors did not go down without a fight as they got off to a solid start by scoring two in the first but the Marines were the home team and made their presence known by responding with four runs of their own and took the lead for good.
The Marines’ pitcher, Justin David, was voted the team’s M.V.P. as he made sure his team never looked back by pitching for the second consecutive night.
“He did a good job except he showed up about 10 minutes late,” second baseman Greg Chester said, “He works for me so he’ll pay for it on Monday.”
David’s late arrival may be why he did so well because the opposition never got the timing down as David worked the count and forced the Protectors to pop the ball up.
“That’s all my job, just keep the ball up so my teammates could catch it,” David said, “It’s a lot easier like that.”
David always kept his team in control as he even registered a strikeout.
By that time the game was already out of hand as David put away the seven-inning-game in fewer than 100 pitches.
The Protectors coach, Dan Naab, said he’s optimistic for the regular season despite losing in the championship game.
“We’re missing a couple of key ball players,” he said, “One or two ball players make a world of difference.” Naab said he’s looking forward to having two players on his team for the regular season who are currently serving in Iraq.
“We’re pretty excited about getting them back, they’re big-time ball players.”
Naab said that he is very appreciative of the effort his team made on Friday considering it’s reserved for family quality time.
“The guys who were here, 10 guys, hat’s off to them and everyone played well.”
He gave notice to the Marines that they better be ready for the rematch because, he said, the Protectors “are going to blow them out of the water.”
The Marines received the tournament trophy for their efforts and will be the team to beat in the Wilson League.
“We just need to keep playing like we were and that’s it,” the Marines coach and left fielder Corey Smith said. “We’re ready to play.”
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