BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – J.R. Huerta slides into second base during a game of intramural softball Aug. 9, 2012. Huerta is a lance corporal assigned to the Marine Air Control Squadron 23. MACS 23 beat the Navy Operational Support Center, Denver with a score of 24-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – P. Dawson rounds second base during a game of intramural softball Aug. 9, 2012. Dawson is a lance corporal assigned to the Marine Air Control Squadron 23. MACS 23 beat the Navy Operational Support Center, Denver with a score of 24-1 and to add to their winning record of 11-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Jason Loeza makes a throw to first base from shortstop during a game of intramural softball Aug. 9, 2012. Loeza is a petty officer first class playing shortstop for the Navy Operational Support Center, Denver. His team lost to the Marine Air Control Squadron with a score of 24-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)
by Senior Airman Christopher Gross
460th Space Wing Public Affairs
8/14/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Navy Operational Support Center didn't stand a chance against the Marine Air Control Squadron 23 in a game of intramural softball Aug. 9, as they lost with a score of 24-1.
The Marines came out strong putting up five runs in the first inning to the Navy's big goose egg. Navy wouldn't score their first and only run until the top of the third.
MACS 23's successes during this game wasn't something unusual, they're currently 11-1 with another regular season game to play.
"Consistency; for the most part we hit and fielded well throughout the season," said Thomas VanTilborg, 1st baseman and a gunnery sergeant assigned to MACS 23, about what led to his team's regular season success.
"I could always rely on the team to be ready to go, and if someone was hurt or unavailable someone else was ready to take their place," added VanTilborg.
A weak defense and failure to put the ball in play also contributed to the Navy's downfall in the game. The Marines were able to smash the ball into all the right places, even in their weakest at bat they put up four runs and put up 14 runs in their best at bat.
Although this was a disappointing loss for NOSC Denver it didn't seem to discourage them.
"This is the first team that our unit has ever had. So we were not use to playing together," said Amanda McNeely, team pitcher and a petty officer first class assigned to NOSC Denver.
She said she felt poor communication was their biggest reason for their loss.
With NOSC Denver ending their season with a record of 1-13, McNeely said it won't discourage her team from coming out and participating next year. There's just going to be more practice, she added.
As for MACS 23 they're expected to participate in the playoffs and they're feeling confident they'll do good.
"We'll have to play smart ball and avoid errors. If we're hitting and fielding well we should have success in the playoffs. Unfortunately we are going to lose some key players before the playoffs, but we should still be alright," said VanTilborg.
