If it weren't for KK, Team NPF would have won Friday night. Although they also might have won if they had a better coach. Read on.

Thanks to the Jamie Clark's (Chicago Bandits) hitting (a 2-run HR in the second, a solo shot in the 4th), Team NPF was up 5-1 going into the bottom of the 4th. Starting against Team USA was Katie Burkhart.

Sure, she's a great pitcher who just lead her team to the WCWS championship, which finished up just this Tuesday. But that's also a reason she should not have been out there. Not only did she pitch a bunch of games over the last week, she also pitched 5 innings on Thursday against Team China. Plus, she was shaky already in this game, loading the bases in the first, then giving up doubles to KK and Andrea Duran in the third.

Perhaps it was time to switch pitchers?? Hey coach, take a look at the roster! Ever hear of Kristina Thorson (Rookie of the Year) or Desiree Serrano (Pitcher of the Year)? Even Jocelyn Forest, currently third in the NPF in ERA, or Megan Gibson (although she also pitched a bunch in the WCWS) would be good choices. Idiot coach left Burkhart in for the 4th, when she gave up 3 more runs, to cut the lead to 5-4. To be fair, the bases were loaded thanks to 2 errors (both by SS Jamie Clark) and an intentional walk. But she had to face KK again, who had just doubled off her the previous inning. Seems like a good time to have a different look out there. Nope, another double, bringing in 3 more runs.

Finally, for the bottom of the 5th, the other pitchers on the roster ganged up to kidnap head coach Patti Gasso (Oklahoma) and lock her in the porta-john. But wait! Team NPF has co-head coaches, and Cindy Bristow (a private instructor, very impressive!) was still around to keep Burkhart in the game. After the bases were loaded by 3 straight singles, Burkhart stayed in to get a fielder's choice from Mendoza and bring up Bustos. She had already intentionally walked Bustos twice, but the bases were loaded and there was nowhere to put her. So she pitched to her, and Bustos doubled in two more runs. Finally the Team NPF pitchers were able to surprise the other head coach and tie her up out back, allowing Forest to take over in the circle.

Although Forest did get KK to groundout (which scored a run), Duran homered, bringing in two more, before ending the inning. Team NPF trailed 10-5. They tried to rally in the 7th with a walk, single, and 3 run blast from Kellie Wilkerson (Philadelphia Force), but two more swinging strikeouts ended the game.

Cat Osterman started for Team USA, giving up 5 runs (3 earned). Jennie Finch came on in relief and got the win, though she also gave up 3 runs (all earned). This just proves that the NPF can hit against this supposedly awesome team, we just need to use our entire roster a little more wisely. (Who cares about beating China or Canada - save the players we need to beat Team USA!)

The Glory's Amber Jackson pinch hit, striking out swinging in the 7th. Serrano's only action was helping to kidnap the coaches.

Here are two (similar) stories, one from USA Softball and one from the NPF website.

The GameTracker is still available as I write this, for all the stats and play-by-play. (Note, right-click the link and choose open in new window, because in some tabbed browsers it will resize your current browser window for you.)