The Reviews Are In

A riveting account of last Saturday's Newshounds victory over the Democrat-Gazette Got Paper? team. The Newshounds are 4-0 in Media League play ...

'Got Heart?' Newshounds Answer 'Yes' In 1-run Win

By Nate Hinkel and Chip Taulbee
Arkansas Business

LITTLE ROCK – In a battle of unbeatens, the Democrat-Gazette’s Got Paper? team had no answer to the Newshounds’ query “Got Heart?” on Saturday in Media Softball League action at Reservoir Park.

Playing with a slim lead for much of Saturday’s contest, the Newshounds had to dig deep with two outs in their final at-bat to overcome a one-run deficit and post a dramatic 7-6 victory.

“The guts and determination of this team is unbelievable,” said Newshounds Manager Lance Turner, who has the team off to its best start in franchise history. “We showed tremendous character and left everything we had on the field that day. Kudos go out to everyone for turning in a great effort.”

The Hounds opened the seventh with the top of their order but logged two quick outs before outfielder Chip Taulbee, who like most of the team had struggled at the plate all day, singled to shallow center to start the dramatic rally.

Power hitter Brent Birch took a couple of mammoth, yet futile, swings. Then, behind in the count and on the scoreboard, Birch reached first on an infield error.

With runners on first and second, pitcher Kat Horan hustled out a soft roller down the third base line that loaded the bases.

Seth Mulhearn came to the plate with the weight of the team’s unblemished record on his shoulders. Fortunately, he’s used to heavy lifting.

Mulhearn said, “We’ve got a little saying up ‘round Conway parts goes, ‘The pigs don’t eat ‘till somebody stirs the slop,’ whatever hell that’s ‘sposed to mean.”

On the first pitch, Mulhearn tagged an outside change-up to right center to bring in the tying and winning runs.

Pandemonium ensued as the Newshounds rushed the field to celebrate the first 4-0 team in Arkansas Business Publishing Group history.

Leftfielder Brent Birch, in his usual stoicism, declined comment, but did somehow muster a small grin before vanishing back to the Flex Dome.

Outspoken teammate Mike Ortega, however, couldn’t say enough.

“I haven’t felt this vindicated by a victory since Bush stole the election,” he said. “Aside from the much anticipated release of the new Star Wars installment, this win will be the highlight of my summer.”

Though the Hounds’ final at-bat sealed the deal, it was the team’s solid defense that kept them within striking distance.

Ortega filled in admirably for the absent Mike “Feel The Pirn” Pirnique at shortstop, while Turner had centerfield covered like a blanket all afternoon. Horan’s pitching stifled Got Paper’s? juiced lineup that couldn’t quite find a way to convert lazy fly balls into their usual home runs.

“I was still drunk from the retreat,” said Horan. “I think that played a big part in my focus and drive to get in there, get some outs, and get back home and back in bed.”

The Newshounds (4-0) will try to defend their perfect season this Saturday at 8 a.m. against the Democrat-Gazette’s other team, DemBums.