Lovelock softball in full swing

Itatty Espinoza hits with Brian Smokey on deck.

Itatty Espinoza hits with Brian Smokey on deck.

About 100 softball players meet at McDougal Park every Monday and Thursday evening. That's a large portion of Lovelock. 

Many of them have been playing since the league started six seasons ago and it shows on the field.

"We want for everyone to enjoy themselves and have a place to compete and have fun," says Phillip Schmith, the Lovelock Softball Association president.

This past week saw some close games. Monday, Goyo's Garage outscored US Silica (9-7). Thursday, Goyo's Garage got the best of the Weekend Warriors (15-14). It was a comeback for Goyo's Garage since they lost their first two games.

Thick N Wild remains undefeated (4-0). But there's no telling how the year will wind up. 

Each team will play 17 regular season games plus compete in the end-of-season tournament.

Thick N Wild's Morgan Delarosa warms up.

Twice a week, high school kids, recent grads, parents and grandparents gather to play one of Lovelock's favorite sports. In between games they wander to the concession stand for snacks and drinks.

"We sell popsicles, candy, corn dogs, hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos, cheese fries and hot Cheetos smothered in melted cheese," says Schmith.

By this Friday, the players will eat their burgers in the shade. 

Plans to install covers on all three dugouts are underway. To raise funds, the LSA is holding its first-ever season-long 50/50 raffle. 

Tickets are $10. They'll draw the winner on Aug. 3. 

The winner gets half the pot. The rest will help pay for continued improvements to the park.

To buy a ticket, visit the concession stand. You may also contact any board member including Schmith, Amanda Holland, Sean Luna, Brian Smokey, Tommy Meyers or Tiffany Rhodes. 

They're also planning a "Bombs Away for Summer Night" on Aug. 4. It will include a home run derby, cornhole tournament and games for kids.