Someone needs to tell the softball gods that it takes at least one hour to warm up properly for game time -- because having to play game one at 8:30 a.m. was not welcome news. The California Crushers (12-4) of Burbank arrived at McCambridge Park at 7:30 a.m. for game one against Heatwave(7-9). This would be the last weekend before the start of the Amateur Softball Association fall ball tournament (Saturday, Nov. 11).

The Crushers batted first, as Heatwave had won the coin toss to be home team, but five batters did not produce a run. The first Heatwave batter Maddy Long (4-2) faced was her opposing pitcher, who struck out on three pitches. Things were looking good for the Crushers .

The next batter grounded out on a 5-3 play, leaving two outs and what appeared to be a coach's dream: 3 up, 3 down. However, five batters later and Heatwaveended the inning on top, 2-0.

The second inning was another bust for the Crushersas they failed to score, while Heatwave sent four batters to the plate to gain one more run. The third inning saw the Crushers down 3-0 and feeling the effects of the early start. Cassie Colon started the action off with a single to the left side.

Four batters later, Amy Leos stepped into the batter's box to find the bases loaded and an opportunity for an RBI or two. Leos fouled off the first pitch and number two was a ball. As the third pitch came to the plate, the world seemed to stop for a second as Leos swung and her bat connected with the ball.

The fans went wild as they watched the ball sail into center field; runners began advancing and coaches flapped their arms as if to take flight. Leos reached first base, turned and crossed second on her way to third.

Coach Andy Van Pelt waved Leos home where she touched the bag for a Grand Slam. For the game, Leos would bat two for three, with five RBIs. The Crushers ended the inning with a homerun by Angela Parker, who picked up three RBIs. Heatwave seemed to fizzle as they sent four batters to the plate without scoring a run. So at the end of three innings, the Crushersled Heatwave, 7-2.

The fourth and final inning saw the Crusherssend six batters to the plate, scoring four runs. Heatwaveadded four of their own but ended the inning losing 11-7.

Amy Leos was the hero of the game in many ways. The daughter of Fidel and Martha Leos (owners of Los Tacos in Pasadena), Leos received her first pair of softball cleats at the age of two and has played since age 5. During the sixth grade, Leos suffered a serious medical complication and was advised to discontinue strenuous sports (she was playing softball as well as soccer for Crown Club). Supported by her parents and older sister, Leos gave up soccer but continued to play travel ball softball. Leos is an outfielder and pitcher for the Crushers, but has also played second base.

Next Saturday, the Crushers enter the last weekend of ASA fall ball. I'm sure Amy Leos would welcome fans coming out to see her play and wish the team well.