Edge entered the 18U division of this tournament, having taken the State ASA “A” 16U title the week before. Edge was looking to play the toughest competition they could reasonably find to get prepared for ASA Nationals in Sioux City in August.
Xtreme Edge vs Fusion from Memphis, TN – 07/15/2005
Edge has gotten it done several ways this year, but the “nail-biter contests have always involved defense. In the 3 rd inning of a game with a strong 18U Memphis Fusion team, three Fusion runners had reached base safely on 2 hits and an error, leaving Edge to face a bases loaded, no out situation. With Edge holding a 1 run lead at that point, Edge “bowed up” played some very tight defense. The 4 th Fusion batter of the inning laid down a good bunt that edge third baseman Sammy Simon charged quickly, fielded cleanly, and forced the runner out at home. 1 down, 2 outs to go. Shortstop Amanda Jordan took care of business on the next play, fielding a well hit grounder and again forcing the Fusion runner out at home. Baillie Lott pitched well in the pressure situation and helped Edge get the final out on a popup to first baseman Alexis Pinnell. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1. Edge pulled the game out by a run in a tiebreaker.
Final: Xtreme Edge 2, Memphis Fusion 1.
Xtreme Edge vs Cincy Storm from Cincinnati, OH – 07/16/2005
A fierce 18U Storm team tested Edge’s mettle faced this weekend. Julie Harmon took the mound and allowed just 2 hits to keep Storm from scoring in a tight pitcher’s duel. Ashley Smith and Elizabeth Ferrell both had nice games at the plate with 2 hits each; Sammy Simon contributed a nice double, also. Edge scored their 1 run in the bottom of the 5 th inning when Amanda (A.J.) Jordan hit a single, Tiffany Smith laid down the good sac bunt, Elizabeth Ferrell singled, and pitcher Julie Harmon hit an RBI single to bring Jordan home. Edge won this game with defense, pitching, and executing a critical sacrifice when it most mattered.
Final: Xtreme Edge 1, Cincy Storm 0.
Pool play ended with Xtreme Edge finishing first in their pool and needing three games on the last day to win this tournament.
Xtreme Edge vs Fusion from Memphis, TN – 07/17/2005 (Game 1)
It was very hot and very humid on the last day of the tournament. The day started with Edge and Fusion going at it again. Edge scored 2 runs that started in the 1 st inning when Ashley Smith singled, Tiffany Smith bunted safely, and Sammy Simon sacrificed successfully. Then Kristie King stroked a 2-RBI hit that scored “both Smiths.” Julie Harmon provided the pitching needed to hold Fusion to no runs until the final inning when Fusion pushed 1 run across.
Final: Xtreme Edge 2, Memphis Fusion 1.
Xtreme Edge vs Scorchers from Ohio – 07/17/2005 (Game 2)
Edge got things underway in this game early with lively bats and RBIs from two girls we’ve come to expect it from. In the 1 st inning, after Tiffany Smith singled, Sammy Simon blasted a deep triple to bring Smith home. Kristie King followed with a double to bring in Simon. Elizabeth Ferrell went in to run and stole second, third, and then came home on a throwing error by the Scorcher catcher (Ferrell’s speed gives catchers “no time” to work with). Julie Harmon, pitching her 2 nd straight game, kept Edge in control at 3-1 until the Scorchers threatened in the top of the 3 rd inning, scoring once and having 2 runners on base with 2 outs. Julie Tower came to the mound in relief and closed out the inning and the game with great location and movement pitching. Edge added 2 extra runs in the bottom of the 3 rd with Simon again contributing a hit and Ferrell excelling at the plate by bringing in 2 runs on a strong hit through the infield.
Final: Xtreme Edge 5, Ohio Scorchers 3.
Xtreme Edge vs Cruisers from Nashville, TN – 07/17/2005 (Game 3)
What made this game particularly interesting was that it was the third game of the day for the team and for pitcher Julie Harmon. Edge coach Ernie Reynolds asked Harmon to consider this game a “gut check” and to rise to the occasion. What he got was a 3-hit shutout from Harmon; from the Edge team he got 10 strong hits, great stealing and sacrifice bunts, and fabulous defense. Defense was highlighted by a heads up double play in the 6 th inning by Julie Tower. With a runner on first base, Tower fielded a ground ball, tagged the runner going to second and quickly threw to first for the DP. Amanda (A.J) Jordan collected two RBIs in the contest on hard hit balls to the left side of the infield in the 2 nd and 4 th innings. As often happens when player contributes on defense, they get in on the offensive action in the same inning as well. In the 6 th inning Tower also hit a strong single to bring in Elizabeth Ferrell who had bunted safely to lead off the inning (and stole second in typical lightning fast fashion).
Final: Xtreme Edge 3, Nashville Cruisers 0.
Tournament Wrap-up
Edge took this ASA “A” 18U tournament in style playing all facets of the game well. Offense was adequate, with 13 runs scored in the tournament, but Edge brought this one home with scrappy defense and pitching (allowing just 5 runs in 5 games) and fast opportunistic base running. This 18U tournament should provide a good foundation of play to build on as Xtreme Edge goes into the ASA “A” Nationals in Sioux City, South Dakota in August……Go get ‘em, Edge!!!
