Game vs. Force 4/25/2008 (L 8-6)

With the exception of one bad inning in the field, the team played well.  For whatever reasons, our defensive mistakes seem to come in small bunches.  We hit decently (especially in the first inning) and actually out-hit our opponents.  Except for the "inning from Hades", when the other team scored five runs, defense was fine.

Everyone makes and will make mistakes; we must try not to make them all in the same inning.

Kudos to:

• Caroline, pitched a complete game, had two hits and score two runs.
• Katie, scored two runs and had three runs batted in.
• Tessa, had (another) terrific catch at second base.

No worries, we'll be fine! :)

Mr. B. and Mr. T.

Game vs. Thunder 4/24/2008 (W 6-2)

This was a very well played game.  We won this one because of excellent defense and pitching and enough hitting early in the game.  If we play defense like this in every game, we will win many more than we lose.

Kudos to:

• Tessa, game ball, for an truly outstanding snag of a line drive headed for right field, that saved at least one run.
• MaryGrace, made two great catches in the outfield.
• Kelsey, pitched (another) complete game and only allowed one hit!  She also had a hit and two runs batted in.
• Katie, two hits, a triple, and two runs batted in.
• Caroline, two hits, including a triple.
• Nicole B., scored two runs.

Well done...keep it up!

Mr. B. and Mr. T.

Game vs. Force 4/19/2008 (L 8-4)

Defense was the name of this name.  Although we out-hit the other team 9 to 6, we made four errors and they made none.  If we tighten up the defense a bit, with our offense, we'll win a lot more games than we lose.

Kudos to:

• Maggie, game ball, had two hits and drove in a run.
• Caroline, pitched the entire game and struck out 10 batters.
• Maria, coming back from an injury, had a hit and drove in two runs.

One very positive thing:  as Mr. B. mentioned after the game, we are very proud of the spirit on this team!  Some of the things we noticed:

• We had nearly everyone show up for the team picture! (trust me, this is a big deal; last year I think we had less than half the team show up.
• Before the game, Mr. B. asked the team to worm up.  Usually this would mean the team would simply throw to each other up until game time.  You all did much more; you stretched together, threw some, and had some organized drills.  Very impressive, indeed!
• The cheering for each other during the game.

We are proud of you all for your spirit.  Keep it up!

Mr. B. and Mr. T.

Game vs. Thunder 4/18/2008 (T 7-7)

Not a bad game at all, you played well.  Not quite the result we would have liked, but our opponents made some good defensive plays or we would have stomped them.  We out-hit them 11 to 6.

Kudos to:

• Katie, game ball, three hits and a walk and scored two runs.
• Kelsey, pitched a great complete game and struck out 12, with only four walks.  She also had two hits and three runs batted in (quite a day, indeed).
• Nicole B., had two hits and scored three runs.
• Elizabeth, had two hits and had some defensive gems while playing third base.

No complaints about the way you all played in this game; except maybe one or two instances where we needed to tighten up our defense.

We are in an unlucky hitting streak.  Not to worry, we'll bust out soon!

Mr. B. and Mr. T

Game vs. Force 4/15/2008 (W 7-3)

Another excellent game.  Even though we had trouble bunching hits early in the game, we hung in there played outstanding defense, and finally broke through with three runs in each of the last two innings.

Kudos to:

• Amelia, game ball, for a clutch two-out, two-strike hit that drove in our fourth run, putting us ahead to stay.
• Nicole B., scored two runs.
• Tessa, had two hits, and was unlucky the one time she made an out -- it was crushed into the outfield, but right at a fielder.
• Kelsey, pitched three great innings.
• Maggie, for a hit on an excellently placed bunt, right near the first base line.
• Nicole C., for her first base coach skills.
• The Team, for committing no errors on defense.

Well played, ladies.  should be our first win of many.

Mr. T.

Game vs. Thunder 4/12/2008 (L 5-3)

Not much to add to what Mr. B. said after the game.  Even though we lost, it was a great effort by the entire team.  Considering it was our first game, there's not much more the coaches could ask from the team.  You showed great heart in this game.

Kudos to:

• Kelsey, game ball, came off the disabled list and gave us three great innings pitched.
• Katie, absolutely crushed a monster triple.
• Nicole B., a very well hit opposite field double and played great defense at shortstop.
• MaryGrace, had a clutch hit to drive in a run.
• Megan, pitched two strong innings at the end.
• Maggie, also pitched two good innings and had a well placed sacrifice bunt.
• Amelia, had an important hit in our two-run rally.
• Nicole C. and Caroline, for coming to the game to support and cheer on their teammates, even though they could not play.

Be proud of yourselves, you played well.

Mr. B. and Mr. T.

Players' Contest

Update:  the contest is over...congratulations to Elizabeth!

Hello,

A little contest to see if anyone is paying attention. :)

• Question 1:  What was the final score and result of the ARA Penn State game on 6/10/2006?
• Question 2:  Who was the winning pitcher?

Hint:  Start with the Links link on http://www.mrbsoftball.com.

The first player (except for coaches' daughters, sorry Maggie and Nicole!) the calls, emails, or tells me in person before the close of Sunday's practice, will win a $25 gift certificate to Walmart (or any other store of their choosing).

Take care,

Rich