Perhaps they did this after expressing hope that they could

Perhaps they did this after expressing hope that they could play ball with each other.中文意思是：
A diplomat in reporting on negotiations with diplomats from different countries may say they "touched all bases" during many hours of talks.This means they explored all issues involved in the situation.Perhaps they did this after expressing hope that they could play ball with each other,meaning that they could learn to cooperate.
Perhaps they did this after expressing hope that they could play ball with each other,meaning that they could learn to cooperate.这句话结构怎么划分呀,怎样译呢,