Defeating the Big Sur Deli 14-9 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park late Tuesday afternoon, Nepenthe's Outlaws captured their 23rd Big Sur softball championship.

While few were surprised to see the talented team win yet another softball crown, old-timers were startled to see them trade their traditional black and gold jerseys for new ones made of green and gold. But the luck of the Irish turned out to be on the Outlaws' side.

The champions' lineup Tuesday was truly a family affair, with five members of one family taking the field, including Rowan, Jonah, Jacob and Adam Trosky, and cousin Ian Mattiace. The latter smacked a timely home run to left field that sparked a 6-run seventh inning. 

The Deli was paced on offense by Allen Villalobos, who hit a home run into the left field parking lot, along with Robbie Hunter and Hatton Vandervort, but a ninth inning rally came up short.

 

Big crowd turns out

Several hundred fans, including a sizable canine contingent, showed up at the ballpark, which is located in the state park’s day use area on a sunny flat alongside the Big Sur River. Thanks to some very generous locals, there were hot dogs and tacos for everybody. Singer and softball player Jessica Swan delivered the National Anthem, while Congressman Jimmy Panetta tossed out the ceremonial first pitch, and then stuck around to mingle with locals.

After the game, the Outlaws headed to sponsor Nepenthe restaurant, where they were treated to a well-deserved post-game dinner and celebration.