The wind was howling as TBS’ animated series American Dad took the field to defend its Prime Time Softball League title against upstart contender All Rise. CBS’ legal drama put up a brave fight but ultimately couldn’t “rise” to the occasion, losing 22-4 in the championship game.
After umpire Gene Sokol declared it was time to “play ball,” All Rise jumped out to a quick lead, as Jason, Dan and Bart all doubled in the top of the first inning to help their team take an early two-run lead. With JT opting to play in the Opening Day game of the Stuntman’s League, All Rise would be forced to rely on their big bats all day, though it was the team’s porous defense that led them to defeat.
Down 2-0, American Dad stormed back with five singles as well as a triple from Artie to take a 5-2 lead. The All Rise bats were held to just one base hit in the 2nd inning by Mark, who knocked in Roric.
American Dad would break the game open in the bottom of the 2nd, scoring five more runs, including a three-run, inside-the-park home run from Artie. All Rise would only score one more run in the game on a pair of doubles from Dan and Randy, as American Dad’s pitching from Paul M and defense held strong.
American Dad would continue pounding the ball, scoring 12 more runs, including a 3-run triple by Sam and hits from Jordan, Joel, Artie and Paul M. It was a lopsided victory in the end, as American Dad showed no mercy in its mission to reclaim the PTSL’s championship trophy.
Jason, Dan and Bart led All Rise with two hits each, while Jordan led American Dad by going 5-for-5 at the plate. American Dad’s defense was strong as well, as Artie threw out seven batters from his position at shortstop, Jordan made a great catch in deep left-center, and Teresa caught a tough pop-up behind the plate.
The American Dad team, which is largely comprised of members from the show’s writers room, celebrated with some post-game tacos in the parking lot, where they enjoyed a victory playlist prepared ahead of time, just in case they won. Fortunately, that didn’t prove to be a jinx for them, and in the end, the best team won.
It is extremely unlikely there will be a Spring 2022 PTSL, though the league is expected to return in the fall, with Opening Day slated for Sept. 10. Until then, stay safe out there, folks!
Final Score: American Dad, 22 – All Rise, 4
This has been a special report from BTL contributors Scott Marshall and Kamla Maya Franklin
