Slugs softball returned for a 10th season Thursday, as the seasoned squad fell to the Chestnuts despite some spirited play.Kicking off the 2011 campaign, Slugs rookie Dustin Nicolodi delivered a two-run blast and Kevin Yamamura made the highlight reel with a fully extended catch in center field.
“The mounds of newly cut grass cushioned my dive nicely,” Yamamura said.
The Slugs' offense came to life in the bottom of the third. With two out and Jim Miller on second after a 10-foot hit, the team cut loose.
A key smack came from Kathy Fairbanks, who stepped to the dish after the ‘Nuts pitched around Nicolodi. She made them pay with a two-RBI single to right.
The Slugs set the Chestnuts down in order in the next inning. But that was a close as they got, as the youthful ‘Nuts tacked on a few more runs and won 18-9.
Game notes:
- Coach Kepley said nine runs were the most the Slugs had ever scored against the team of teal.
- Two rain-outs delayed the Slugs' season debut. On Thursday, game-time temperatures were in the 70's.
- The Tallac was the venue for post-game pizza, drinks and a Giants 2-1 Opening Day loss. "161-1 is still pretty good," Ahmed Ortiz said.
