March 27: Mudcats at Scrappers

The opening ceremonies were over and it was time to play ball. Lead-off Leyton started the Mudcats off again with a hit. Three singles in the inning led to 2 runs and the early lead. Someone call ESPN because the first batter in the bottom of the inning grounded sharply to the whole between first and second. Adam made a diving stop, scrambled to his feet, and won a foot race sliding to first to collect the out. The number three batter hits a hard line drive to left center about 145 feet where Christopher found a way to catch the ball twice. The ball was hit so hard that it took the glove out of his hand which he caught again, amazing. The Scappers did manage to plate one run in the inning. After 1 the score was 2-1.

The top of the second went pretty quickly with no runs scored and only batting five. The Scrappers had five singles turning into three runs. After 2 the score was 2-4.

The bats came alive in the third for the Mudcats. Back to back doubles by Leyton and Tyler really got things going and Adam hit a one hop triple off the fence. Anthony kept the inning alive with a two out RBI bringing the total runs in the inning to five. Christopher started the defense catching a high infield fly at second base. After 3 the score was 7 to 7.

Inning number four went by in about four minutes with both teams going 3 up and 3 down. A nice backhand of a grounder to Jacob at short was all that anyone will remember of it. After 4 the score was 7 to 7.

Gabe collected his second hit of the game to start the fifth inning running hard as usual. Adam cleared the bases on a ground ball just inside of first that went to the fence and he kept on running. Zack singled for his third hit of the game and the Mudcats score three. The Scrappers came back. After 5 the score was 10-11.

The Mudcats needed a run to continue the game. Smiley singled and made it to second base. Charley came up with two outs and hit one back to the pitcher. The pitcher bobbled the ball and all you could hear was Coach Joe telling Smiley to round third and go! In a play that looked like slow motion, Smiley was half way home and Charley was almost at first, when the slow arched throw finally beat him and ended the game. Final score was 10-11.

After the game Coach Andrew has some words for the Mudcats. "You have to stay awake" he told the boys. "Keep your head in the game" he reminded them. He wants the players to anticipate the play before it happens. Be moving forward on the pitch and play what is going to happen out in their heads. One sticker will be issued to all the players for the effort shown today, but they only get it if they show even more next game. The sticker will be held to then and two will be awarded.

There were two extra stickers given out at this game. The first to Christopher for making two really nice catches, including the 2 for 1 catch. The other to Adam for his amazing defensive play in the 1st.

The Mudcats will look for their first win on Monday against the Thunder. Maybe being the Home team will be the key to victory. We will have to wait and see.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-up by Frank
Pictures by Tonya and Scott