Wednesday's Special Olympics softball battle between the Stars and the Dodgers ended in a 12-3 heart-breaker for the Stars after six innings.

The Stars got off to an early lead in the top of the first when third baseman Joe knocked in first baseman Abe to get the first run of the game. The Stars held the Dodgers until the bottom of the second when no one on the Stars was available to keep score, but we know it ended with the Dodgers up 2-1.

The Dodgers struck again in the third inning, scoring two to bring the score to 4-1, but the Stars made a comeback bid in the top of the fourth when they loaded the bases with one out. Pitcher Bobbi struck out, but second baseman and leadoff hitter, Matt walked to bring in the Stars' second run. Abe went on to ground to short for a fielder's choice to end the inning.

In the fifth, the Stars loaded the bases again with no outs, and Matt P. scored when Little Robert's pop-up to the first baseman dropped. Little Robert was called out on the infield fly rule, but since the ball dropped, the runners could advance. Unfortunately, none of the base coaches knew that rule or else the Stars probably would have plated more runs. Catcher Wally went on to strike out and yours truly grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning and all hopes of contending in the game.

The Dodgers unloaded in the bottoms of the fourth and fifth innings to bring the score to its final: 12-3.

The Dodgers are a team the Stars have had good showings against in recent years, but this year they have picked up a new shortstop who throws straight and wears real baseball pants. He hit one all the way out of the park to straight-away center, but was struck out in his next at-bat, much to the joy of Bobbi.

The Dodgers' second basewoman had a very good game and managed to tag out Jon as he was sliding into second. She has a hearing problem in addition to whatever disability qualifies her for Special Olympics, so she can't actually talk, but it was clear that she was very pleased with herself on that play.

Stat leaders for the Stars after two games include:
BA: .833 -- Third baseman Joe, followed closely by left fielder Matt P with .800
OBP: .833 -- Joe and Matt P
RBI: 2 -- Joe, Matt P, and me
R: 2 -- second baseman Matt, first baseman Abe, and Matt P

Pitcher Bobbi, who first laid hand on a softball this season about 10 minutes before the game, now sports an unhealthy 18 ERA, not helped by the fact that it would be ludicrous to try to keep track of errors in SO. We were too busy fielding to keep accurate records, but we think we remember her getting four strikeouts.

Next week the Stars are back playing at the practice field, probably against the Cardinals. It's their best chance for a win so far in the young season.