Red Rocks Rotary seized the power vacuum Thursday, July 28, created by suspensions of two Sedona Adult Softball League players by the Sedona Parks and Recreation department.
Despite an ankle injury to infielder Mike Hughes during Rotary’s 10-0, five-inning shutout that left the team with just eight healthy players, head coach Nick Hastings’ team took advantage of A Day in the West pitcher Jason Stewart’s enforced absence with a solid 4-1 win.
“It kind of all came together for us,” Hastings said. “We’re just hopeful to keep the players coming.”
Following the doubleheader sweep and the Balloonatics’ first in-game loss of the season — a late 3-2 setback to the Mighty Ducks of L’Auberge de Sedona — Rotary pulled within a half-game of them for the league lead heading into the first of two weeks of divisional play Thursday, Aug. 4.
“Just keep playing hard,” said outfielder Jose Esquer after batting in a run and scoring in the fourth inning. “Back each other up. Hopefully, we can keep it together.”
Although Rotary began the season with 20 players on the roster, it wasn’t until the second half of the doubleheader that the team even had a bench.
“Hughes was injured but made a big play over at first base for us,” Hastings said. “He said he heard something pop rounding third in the first game.”
A handful of early-season signups have been missing in action, like regular starting pitcher Dan Schneberger
“He wanted a roster spot, said he was going to play,” Hastings said. “We have a few guys that aren’t going to make any more games, so we’re just trying to keep everybody rolling.”
Cottonwood assistant baseball coach Phil Tanner has filled in ably in the place of Schneberger in his first year with Rotary.
“Couldn’t ask for anything else,” Esquer said after his first game of the season in left-center field. “Up the middle, they were awesome.”
Shortstop Craig Eagle also scored and assisted on two big double plays in the victory, picking up the slack on defense for Esquer, normally a third baseman.
“I like him out there, too,” Hastings said. “He knows the hitters and can direct traffic on plays.”
Jeff McGrath legged out an RBI single to erase an early 1-0 deficit, get Rotary on the board and tie A Day in the West in the third inning.
“They’re still a great team — they’ve got a bunch of good players,” Esquer said. “We all bond and have fun together pretty good.”
With a Rotary win Aug. 4 over L’Auberge and a Balloonatics loss to A Day in the West, Hastings’ team would be in the driver’s seat with a week to play prior to the postseason — which, weather permitting, will begin Thursday, Aug. 18.
For league standings, scores and upcoming games, please see the Wednesday, Aug. 3, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.
