552nd MXS captures large squadron softball crown Published Sept. 3, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 552nd Maintenance Group has done it again. The kingpins of the large squadron softball diamond claimed their seventh consecutive crown with a 24-8 triumph over the 72nd Medical Group at the Tinker Sports Complex Field on Aug 26. "This is our opportunity to make history," said Mark Upchurch, 552nd MXS pitcher and head coach. The big bats of the MXS squad reigned supreme throughout the contest. They scored seven runs over the first three innings to open the scoring. The hit parade was led by Upchurch, who had two doubles while driving in fours run. The Med Group tried to rebound, scoring three runs in their half of the third inning. The hitting stars for the Med Group were center fielder Mike McCabe and pitcher Marcus Brown, who each stroked run scoring doubles. MXS extended their lead over the next three innings. The run scoring was spearheaded by Upchurch and third baseman Kevin Bush, who both hit triples that each plated three runs for their team. The Med Group plated five runs in their half of the fifth inning to close the gap, but it was just too wide to make much of a dent in the score. McCabe, Brown and center fielder Marquis Mitchell, who each had a double and two run batted in to lead the attack. "We just could not match them run for run," said Brown. "We congratulate them on their championship win."