Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin County. As of Thursday, June 18, the Champs are undefeated—the top of the Gilpin County Adult Co-ed Softball League. They are after their third championship, and so far the only team that comes close are the Acers, with a 6-1 record.

Coach of the Champs Dave Patterson pitched for most of the game last Wednesday as they played Mean Machine and moved ahead, 12-5. Although Patterson said the secret to their success was the great beer they consumed throughout the evening, it is actually their consistently accurate hits, balls that know where how to fall behind the infield and short of the outfield.

They also have a talented, athletic defense with the ability to pull short hard hits out of the air and stop bases-full run opportunities.

After 28 games into the league season, the Mean Machine and the Players are vying for third place in the standings. This can all change rapidly with a losing streak or shift of momentum in the next couple of weeks.

On Tuesday, June 30, the Players will play the Champs at 6 p.m. and Whistlers will play the Champs at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, July 1, Whistler’s will play the Acers at 6 p.m. and the Blue Sox will play the Misfits at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, July 2, the Players will play the Acers at 6 p.m. and the Mean Machine will play the Misfits at 7 p.m.

The Misfits, their first season under the new name, are looking for their first win.