WellCare Bears Softball Team Gives an Impressive Play-by-Play

The WellCare Bears Strike a Pose

Thanks to the WellCare Bears for this detailed run-down of their recent win!

WellCare Bears show heart of a champion, win in Extra Innings

New York – Out-manned, out-played, and seemingly out of luck for much of their game yesterday, the WellCare Bears seemed destined to fall to their third defeat of the season. Some of their best power hitters were unavailable for this game. For the first two innings, they played with 2 outfielders. One of the players on the team played with an injured heel. The cards did not appear to be in their favor on this night. Down by 3 runs going into the bottom of the 7th inning (the last inning), there were not many in the near-record crowd of 3 who believed their Bears could mount a comeback effort. They had not scored in 3 innings. They were making mistakes all over the field and on the base paths. It seemed over!

However, after two leadoff walks to start the inning and RBI singles by Jose Rivera & Hector Roman, the Bears had pulled to within 1 run. 2 outs later, Manager Greg Horta would call his number and step to the plate. With all the pressure mounting and obvious comparisons to Kirk Gibson as he limped to the plate in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, Greg lined a single to left and the score was in fact tied! Jose Taveras would come up and hit a deep shot to left, but it was run down by the left fielder in what amounted to be the luckiest catch of his life. The other team was left stunned at what had just happened.

Still, undeterred in their comeback efforts, the Bears went to work again in the bottom of the 8th. Jesus Rivera reached base with another walk in the bottom of the 8th and was pushed to second on a grounder to third base. Representing the winning run with 2 outs, he grabbed his lead as the pitch to Jose Rivera was delivered. Jose hit a line drive to second base. The 2nd Baseman could not handle the catch and momentarily bobbled the ball. He threw to 1st where a hustling Jose beat the throw. As the 1st baseman stood in shock, Jesus Rivera had rounded 3rd and raced home to score the winning run. The Bears erupted in celebration at a game they had just won that appeared to be lost.

The playoff push begins as the season comes to a close. The Bears are in 2nd place and vying for a first round bye in the playoffs. Don’t be afraid to support your Bears!!!!