So I made the long trek from my apartment in Walnut Creek to Alameda (it’s definitely not the nicest ride in terms of traffic) for today’s Alameda-Berkeley softball game and man, I’m glad I did. It was a nine-inning thriller and the host Hornets came out on top, beating Berkeley 1-0 on an RBI single by Lacey Parodi.

A few things that won’t make it into tomorrow’s story because of space. Alameda’s Jill Yastishak and Berkeley’s Sarah Neuhaus were absolutely stellar in the circle all day long. Yastishak showed tremendous courage pitching through a nagging elbow injury that had her reaching for the ice bag between innings. Neuhaus was equally impressive, only allowing two hits over nine innings.

I guess what struck me most was the overall high level of play that was on display. There were only two errors in the entire game and both teams made play after play to keep things scoreless for eight innings. Even the game-winning play was well executed. The throw beat Alameda runner Megan Averitt but got away from Berkeley catcher Katie Wishnoff just enough so that Averitt could reach back and touch home.

So, I say bravo to both Alameda and Berkeley for playing the best softball game I’ve seen in person yet this year. And guess what? We could see it again down the road because, if both teams win out, they would have to play a one-game playoff on May 17 to determine the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League champion.