The Dave Parker Division Championship featured a matchup between the one loss Pourhouse Outlaws and the team that handed them that loss, Hoboken Softball Club.  HSC was hoping for a repeat performance of that early season victory, but the Outlaws had other plans.  It looked like Pourhouse Outlaws would cruise to victory in this one, but Hoboken Softball Club would turn it into a late inning nail-biter.

            Both teams were on the scoreboard within the first two innings of play, with HSC taking a 3-2 lead into the third.  Pourhouse would answer right back with 4 in that third and take a commanding 6-3 lead.  Both pitchers and defenses would buckle down for three consecutive scoreless innings before the bats awoke again.  Hoboken Softball Club tried to claw their way back with a run in the seventh, but Outlaws would have none of it, getting that run back and tacking on another to extend their lead to 8-4 in the bottom half of the inning.  A scoreless eighth put Hoboken Softball Club’s backs against the wall, as Pourhouse Outlaws tried to seal their first championship victory.  Hoboken Softball Club would certainly not go down without a fight though. 

After a couple of walks and an error, they cut the lead to 8-5 with two on and one out.  Two more batters would bring the go ahead run to the plate with the bases loaded and two down.  However, Pourhouse Outlaws would not panic, slamming the door shut on their opponent and taking the championship by that final score.

            It was a solid all-around effort by Pourhouse Outlaws, as 10 of their 12 batters recorded a hit and they staved off big innings with multiple excellent defensive plays.  Brian Kunis would take home MVP honors, with his third inning grand slam proving to be the difference in the game.  This was added to his first inning RBI single that started his team’s scoring.  Gregg K. of Hoboken Softball Club had a day for his team in the loss.  He would go 3 for 3 at the plate with a walk and a pair of homeruns, knocking in 4 of his team’s 5 runs.

            It turned out to be much closer than they were hoping, but Pourhouse Outlaws would avenge their early season defeat and take down Hoboken Softball Club in the game that mattered the most.  Congratulations to both teams on a hard fought battle and a pair of excellent seasons.  We look forward to seeing you both in future seasons.