by Matt Floyd
Contributor
Spectators got to see some high octane offense coupled with some very exciting finishes in the slate of games this past Sunday at West Park as week three concluded in the Metro Nashville Softball Association.
A highly anticipated battle of C-level foes opened Sunday's play as Time and Fury squared off for the second time this season. Fury avenged an early season loss to Time in a 7-3 victory. The loss was the first for Time this season. In their second game of the day, Time rebounded and held off a valiant effort by Good Times 7-6. Time improves to 6-1 on the season and leads the C Division.
Knoxville's Cyclones continued their torrid pace in the B Division, sweeping all four games and outscoring their opponents 43-3 on the afternoon. The Cyclones are now 8-0 on the year and have outscored their opponents 97-12 in those eight games.
Two undefeated teams remain in the D division as both the Players and Pink Panthers swept through their contests. The experienced Players team defeated their sister team Players Too 9-6 and cruised to a 16-2 victory over Double Time in their second game. The Panthers won a trio of games on Sunday by not only flexing their offensive muscles, but also using their speed and excellent defense to limit their opponents to just four combined runs. By the end of the day, the Panthers beat Players Too 9-2, Play Swingers 9-1, and Xtreme 15-1.
After a difficult second week, Blaze got back on track with three solid wins. They also had a big day at the plate, known for their aggressive base running and defense, coasted in their three victories (Holy Trinity Blue 12-2; Corkscrews 15-10; P4 8-1).
Two new teams are proving to be forces in the D Division. Both Play Swingers and P4 are playing highly competitive ball through the first three weeks. Play Swingers have a very potent lineup from top to bottom. They zipped out to a 7-0 lead over Fireballs in their first game on Sunday and held off a furious comeback in a 10-8 victory. They played solid defense in a competitive game with the Panthers. The 9-1 loss isn't a good indication of the competitive spirit displayed by Play Swingers.
P4 picked up a very surprising victory on Sunday as they scored two runs in the bottom of the last inning to shock Holy Trinity Red 14-13. P4 blanked P3 in their other game 7-0. Holy Trinity Red scored a run in the bottom of the final inning to steal a 2-1 win in their second game with Xtreme.
The Cyclones have proved they are the team to beat in B Division with a perfect 8-0 record. Time remains on top in C Division with a 6-1 record while Fury holds steady in second with a 4-3 mark.
Not to be outdone by the C Division, the D Division is proving to be very competitive this season. Both Players and Panthers remain the only two unbeaten teams in the division, setting up a "clash of the titans" this Sunday. Both Xplosion and Blaze are playing well and are near the top of standings.
Games continue next Sunday, June 7th with 22 games on the docket. The game of the week will take place on Field 3 at 4:00 as Players and Panthers square off. For a complete schedule of play, league standings and up to date news and events, please visit metronashvillesoftball.org.