Irma: The Little Town That Could

Irma, population 493.  Who'da thought ? Last week this determined little town in east-central Alberta hosted the U21 National Fastball Tournament.   Great ball diamonds, scoreboard, other facilities and food.  How did they do it?  Determination, cooperation and vision.
The hometown Tigers in the final game provided the perfect climax to a great week.  The first two innings were close and then the opposing Napanee team scored 2 runs.  The crowd collectively held its breath.  Things weren't looking good.  Then in the fourth inning, Irma hit a home run.  The score at the end of the fourth, 2-1 for Napanee.  In the fifth inning, a hit followed by a strategic bunt placed a runner on second.  A flurry of hits added three runs to Irma's score.  Now the scoreboard showed Irma 4- Napanee 2.  What looked like the darkling shadows of an approaching storm only intensified the suspense. 
Irma's pitcher rose to the challenge in the following innings and with a minimum of pitches struck Napanee batters out- 1,2 and 3.  Could he do the same thing in the seventh inning?  Yes!  1,2,3 and as they say, the crowd went wild. 
The best possible ending for the little town that could and the Irma Tigers.  Congratulations- coaches, players, organizers.  A wonderful event.

PS- photo credit:  Gwynneth Gulbraa
PSS- I apologize if I remembered the innings and scores incorrectly.  Even my husband didn't remember for sure.
I can make corrections if someone lets me know.  I just wanted to recognize the Tigers and Irma.