Playoff Game 1 came with great anticipation and excitement. But the mode quickly became somber as it was learned that Annie would be out due to a sinus infection. This announcement meant that the A’s would be playing shorthanded with only 9 fielders. Regardless, the A’s took the field.

Unlike Game 13, when the A’s defense manage to triumph over being a fielder short, the A’s defense was shaky, botching many routine plays all over the infield. It was as if the A’s defense had failed to eat their supper prior to the game. These mistakes lead to a painful 14 run rally in the 2nd inning.

It became blatantly obvious that “B-Crew” was not a B-Bracket team from the start. Though the lead-off batter made a cheap, bunt like hit, he stretched it into a triple on an overthrow to first. I can understand the runner taking second, but is a triple really necessary? This was followed by some sincerely intense base running from the other players on the team. A-WOL was quoted saying “They were running as if they were trying to catch-up in a close game, ‘cept they were already up by 20 runs.”

A scary incident occurred in the 4th when Clara was hit by a line-drive off her wrist. She stayed in the game as catcher. At press time, she was listed as day-to-day.

Regardless of the challenges, the A’s offense refused to roll-over. This was fueled by the contributions of Jason and Dale, who combined for 3 HRs and 8 RBIs. Even the fans were rooting for a come-back, chanting the names of several players as they came to bat. However, it was not enough to erase the damage done in the 2nd, as the A’s fell 28-12. The game was called after the 6th due to time.

Andy Wolan is a reporter for MLSB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Softball or its clubs.