Lightning Strikes Clinton
HUGHESVILLE – It was an example of the old saying … “Sometimes you eat the bear, other times the bear eats you.” Such was the case for the Clinton 10-11 softball all-stars. They were a match for East Lycoming and were proving it on the field. Then they fell victim to Mother Nature, diminishing daylight and the intricacies of Little League rules.
After four innings of sparring with East Lycoming, Clinton was trailing 5-4 going into the top of the fifth. Then Clinton battled back and taking the lead 7-5 with one out and bases loaded. Which all sounds great for Clinton.
Then, lightning struck. Literally. Play was suspended just shortly before one of Central Pennsylvania’s famous summer thunderstorms released it’s wrath upon the field. Once the precipitation subsided, the decision was made to resume play in 30 minutes. Then another lightning bolt was spotted near the horizon and further delayed the game … then when everyone realized that with the sun setting behind heavy clouds … the game would not be able to resume.
Sounds great for the team leading on the scoreboard. Not so fast softball fans. According to the rules, when a game is suspended due to inclement weather and four complete innings have been played. The contest is considered a compete game and the final score reverts back to the last competed full inning before play was suspended, which was East Lycoming 5, Clinton 4.
The Clinton team and their coaches, while hoping for a different outcome, took it all in stride and now prepare themselves for their next game which will also be played at East Lycoming on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 6 p.m. against Jersey Shore/GSV who defeated Newberry 17-1 Monday evening.
The winner of that contest will advance to face East Lycoming on Friday July 11, 2014 at Volunteer Stadium at 8 p.m. for the D12 Championship.
