A Rebound Win for the Ages

CGBCNN
Staff Writer Randy Pifer
Updated: 4/13/13 1:27 PM

In possibly the greatest rebound game in the history of Church League Softball, The CGBC Fightin' Reformers won their first game of the year by beating Praise Cathedral 23-7.  The win evens their record at 1-1 and sets them up for the rest of the season.  The turnaround was largely in part to six new faces.  Ben Skaug, Stephen Donovan, Thomas Richardson, Lane Hatcher, Jeremy Ice and John Michael Gibson all helped right the ship with big plays both offensively and defensively.  Donovan(1-0), making his first start, was shaky at times, but recorded his first win.  He was backed up by solid defense from the whole team and the Reformers were able to close out a mercy-rule-win in four innings.

In what is sure to be the answer to a trivia question in the future, Benji Huston hit the first home run in Reformer history.  A towering shot in the second inning that got the Reformers rolling and propelled them to a historic fifteen run inning that blew the game wide open.  Not to be outdone, Gibson followed in the fourth inning with a home run of his own.  Aaron Cline hit the first inside-the-park home run in CGBC history as well as showing tremendous patience at the plate by drawing two walks.

"The team came together tonight" said OF Donny Mathis before adding "it is a sign of things to come".  Manager Justin McDaniel was not in attendance for the game due to his 31st birthday celebration, but the team expects him to return Tuesday night for their next game.  1B Skaug showed some rust, but made it clear he will be ready for the rest of the season. "I haven't swung a bat in seven years, but it's like riding a bike."

The next game will be Tuesday night at 7:30 against Highland Baptist.  GM Randy Pifer made a plea to all of CGBC, "we need some fan support.  This is a beautiful park, and the weather has been so nice!  What a great way to spend time with your family and come enjoy some Reformer softball!"  Rachel Hatcher took in the game with her two young children and would recommend the experience to anyone.  "Samantha and Levi seemed to really enjoy watching the Fightin' Reformers win tonight!"  The softball fields are located across the street from Praise Cathedral at 3390 Brushy Creek Rd, Greer, SC 29650.