61st AMU sprints into win over 56th MDG

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit softball team charged to victory over the 56th Medical Group team late in the evening at Luke, Nov. 17, 2015.

Through a combination of steadfast defense throughout and heavy hitting in the late innings, especially in the last inning drive, the 61st AMU overtook the 56th MDG by a score of 13-4.

"We played some solid defense at the beginning and then towards the end the bat started warming up," said Airman 1st Class Levi Paulaydt, 61st AMU player.

The first three innings were marked by a relative inability by both teams to make significant gains or make hits large enough to score runs.

At times, runners would load bases enough to leave the impression of an impending score, but both defenses made a number of clutch saves and double-plays, quickly rotating squads in and out of the field.

"They're probably the best team we've played out here since the season started," said Staff Sgt. Joel Bass, 61st AMU player. "Their defense is pretty good."

The pace changed for the 61st AMU in the fourth inning when Levi scored a big run on a sliding dive after delivering the ball deep into the outfield.

"It didn't feel too great to hit the ground, but it felt good to get the run in," Levi said.

The 61st AMU exploded off the bat after that run, making big hit after big hit. The 56th MDG came back to the plate and scored a couple of well-timed clutch runs of their own in an effort to make up for the momentum shift, but it was too little too late.

"They have a really good squad but their batting just didn't come alive tonight," Levi said.

The last inning alone saw nine runs scored by the 61st AMU and saw the team's entire lineup cycle through home plate.

The 61st AMU advances with this victory and hopes to reenact their success against their next opponent.