Pounders earn Coed Softball Title

The Hitchin Post Pounders pounded their way to the 2016 Malta Coed Softball League Championship, posting the league's lone undefeated record with some solid defense, excellent base running and strong hitting. Their efforts yielded them the league's first Championship Title last Monday, August 15, as they defeated Judd-Thompson 11-9 late that night.

"It feels pretty good," Hitchin Post Team Captain Shane Anderson said. "It was a lot of fun."

The tournament started last Monday at 5:15 p.m. as the Malta Recreational Team defeated the R&G Feeders 9-1. The Pounders defeated Malta Rec 7-3 after the team's first round bye in the semi-final round. Due to time, the game was called after seventy-five minutes were played.

Judd-Thompson defeated Young's Floor Covering 22-3 in the semi-final round.

In their championship win, the Pounders fell behind early giving up a couple of runs in the first innings, then Hitchin Post scored runs in a game that had multiple lead changes.

The Pounders were led by Jake Stuart and CJ Bishop, who both scored two in park home runs. Stuart also hit a triple.

Cody Oxarart scored a home run and Ryan Judd had a triple for Judd-Thompson.

The Pounders featured a strong team not only full of former high school athletes but life-long friends and family.

"We're all friends," Anderson said. "A lot of our guys played baseball in high school."

He went on to say that most of the girls on the team have also had some experience playing baseball or softball growing up.

"There was a little luck in there too I guess," Anderson said. "Because the other teams were all good too. We had some close games. The championship game came down to two points."

Anderson thanked Brandon from Malta Ready Mix for bringing lights out for the Championship Game that was played in the night sky. He was also thankful that Malta Parks and Recreation for hosting the season.

"I'm just thankful that Malta Rec is doing so much stuff and getting activities going for people," Anderson said.

The team now known as the Pounders, were formerly known as Anderson-Yeadon until one of the players, Jamie Ulrich offered to sponsor the team's jersey.

"We thought we should get some jerseys and Jamie at the Hitchin post offered to buy some jerseys so that's when our team became the Hitchin Post Pounders," Anderson said.

This season Ulrich played second base for the Pounders. Prior to this season, Ulrich had played in a similar league that nearly started a few years ago in Malta.

"It was a fun team with lots of talent," Ulrich said. "It was a fun, talented team and I'm looking forward to next year."

No matter what level of play players had before the season, many came out to play. Anderson had a few words to those that are interested but are not confident in their game.

"More than anything, it's just fun," Anderson said. "You get to meet and know other people around the community. It's something fun to do. It's nothing serious. It's just for fun."