Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463’s intramural softball team, Pegasus, called in an air strike against Headquarters Battalion’s team, Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems, defeating them 18-6 at Annex Field, June 13, 2013.
The HMH-463 team dominated from the beginning of the game, taking advantage of Headquarters Bn.’s lack of what seemed like a good offensive strategy. Pegasus also deployed a strong defense and offense.
Early in the game, Pegasus kicked off the first inning loading the bases. The Headquarters Bn. pitcher walked numerous Pegasus players. By the end of the first inning, HMH-463 was ahead, 7-2.
Pegasus’ first hit of the second inning rocketed far right, resulting in a two runs. The next Pegasus player at bat hit a pop fly to left field, which was caught by Headquarters Bn., but the squadron was still able to score a run.
Michael Belmonte, shortstop for Headquarters Bn., said his team knew the score, but needed better follow through during play.
“We definitely made some good plays tonight,” Belmonte said. “We called the ball for catches more then we usually do, but we threw it away a lot as well. We threw the ball over heads instead of connecting.”
By the top of the third inning, HMH-463 held its lead, 13-3. Pegasus continued filling the bases, and scored two more runs, making it 15-3.
In the middle of the third inning, while HMH-463 was on the field, their outfielder made an epic catch after what seemed like a solid hit for Headquarters Bn. This sealed the deal for Headquarter Bn.’s next batter’s strike out, and all too soon HMH-463 was back at bat.
Pegasus scored their next three runs due to Headquarters Bn. dropping the ball. At the bottom of the fourth inning, the score was 18-3.
Looking back, Belmonte said he felt like he wasn’t hitting great.
“I felt sluggish out there,” Belmonte said. “I will be working on batting, and hopefully we will come out strong for our next game.”
Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems scored their last three runs at the very end of the game, when their offensive effort heated up but not hot enough. It was too little, too late. The game was called early, with a final score of 18-6.
Anthony Kusmierski, left center for HMH-463, said his team did well, considering their limited practices due to a busy flight schedule.
“It’s hard to get guys because of our busy lives, but we came together as a team,” Kusmierski said. “We threw the ball well and put out a good team effort. Personally, I would like to improve on batting and get ground balls instead of popping the ball up, but overall we did great. Our defense was way on.”