The 2017 season began for the Eclipse nine commemorating the one hundredth and fiftieth anniversary of the first meeting against the Red Rovers from Plymouth. Under a beautiful blue sky, the Eclipse tallied four in the opening inning led by a TinMan double and a run batted in by newcomer, Badger. The Red Rovers responded with two tallies in the bottom of the frame courtesy of a double from Whizbang and a single to right by Hoss. Had the anniversary match be concluded after five innings like the original meeting, the Eclipse would have celebrated a 7-6 victory. However, quick play and strong defense enabled the match to continue much to the delight of the assembled gallery at Hines Park. Soapdish began the sixth inning with a four base hit into deep center and worked his way around the diamond to even the game. Two consecutive quick innings by both teams in the seventh and eighth led to a dramatic final frame. Mac energized the Eclipse with a two out hit, advanced to second on a surprising steal of second base and advance to third on TinMan’s single to the left side. The Beast was able to control momentum for the Red Rovers by inducing Bender to end the inning on a bouncer back to him. This eventually allowed a chance for the Rovers to secure a win in their final at bat. Beanpole led off the bottom of the final inning with an infield single and proceeded to score on a deep two base hit to right center by Sausage, who finished the afternoon with three hits, two tallies and two batters driven in. The Eclipse were led by Scratch who tallied four hits and two runs and TinMan who also recorded four hits. Mac and Badger contributed three hits apiece for the Northville nine, who look to defend their cup in Flint while also accomplishing their first win of the season.