Barflies’ 16-Run Comeback Falls Short Against Rheine

In a thrilling showdown at André Hille Memorial Field, the Bochum Barflies’ valiant 16-run comeback attempt came up just short, falling 17:24 to Rheine. Despite the loss, the game showcased the team’s resilience and sportsmanship.

The Barflies, always eager to support their league neighbors, brought a scorer along at Rheine’s request to avoid a potential postponement. Bochum faced the challenge of playing without their starting pitcher (celebrating the birth of a child), backup catcher (injury), and starting third baseman (short notice work emergency). Adrien, serving as his own DH under the Ohtani-Rule, got things rolling with a leadoff single. He was only able to advance to third before the final out in the first on Tobi’s double. Adrien and Tobi teamed up again in the third, this time for Bochum’s first run of the game. A critical play in the bottom of the third was ruled ball-four which allowed Rheine to extend their at-bat and rally for nine runs putting them ahead 1:12.

The Barflies’ magic came in the fifth, an inning they’ve dominated this season. Starting with a six-run burst, followed by four runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, Bochum took full advantage of a pitching change and defensive errors by Rheine. Despite losing steam and facing the impact of missing personnel, the team fought on. A critical injury to the starting catcher and the bench infielder further complicated the game, causing a defensive shakeup.

Stephan, taking over as the reliever from the end of the third inning, delivered a commendable performance. Yet, Rheine found gaps in the seventh, scoring back-to-back-to-back 2-RBI hits, capped by a two-run homer. Even then, just one run away from the mercy rule, the Barflies showed grit, retiring three batters consecutively to stay in the game. They added two more runs in the eighth, but the comeback fell short, concluding the four-hour game just before the rain hit.

Standout performances included Tobi’s impressive 5-for-6 day at the plate, featuring a double and four runs scored. Adrien and Coach Pete each crossed home three times, with Tobi and Daniel driving in four and three RBIs, respectively. Jakob made his mark with clutch catches in the third and eighth innings. Stephan pitched a solid five and a third innings in relief, and Kevin stepped in as catcher, contributing to an exciting 8-4-2 out at home (Daniel-Michael-Kevin).

Despite the outcome, the Barflies demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and unwavering sportsmanship. On to the next game!