March 29: Thunder at Mudcats

After the booming thunder last night and rain all morning, the field was in decent condition, and all the players were excited that we were going to play ball. The Mudcats were happy to have the home field advantage for the first time this season.

Things were tight after the first inning of play but in the second things got a little looser. The Thunder scored 10 in the inning creating a sizable hole for the Mudcats to did out of all evening. Into the third they went and things did get better with a stronger defencive showing. After 3 the score was 11 to 1.

In the fourth the Mudcats made a defensive stand retiring three batter in a row on ground balls. Including solid play at short by Jacob showing off the arm with a long throw and nice stretch at first base. A single by Leyton got things going and Adam hit an RBI single to the right center field fence. That proved to be the only run of the inning. After 4 the score was 11 to 2.

The Thunder cranked the bats back up in the fifth scoring three in the top of the inning although there were three nice plays by the defense. Jacob tagged a runner going from second to third, Sticks and Anthony connected for a put out at second, and there was a nice play from the Pitcher to first. The Mudcats would only send four to the plate with one single in the bottom of the inning. After 5 the score was 14 to 2.

Again the defense came to play in the sixth. A nice catch by Zach in left field on a high fly ball got things started. Then the rare center field to second for the put out. Then Smiley catches a pop up at pitcher and you think maybe the momentum is turning. It was not meant to be tonight and the Mudcats go scoreless in the sixth. Final score was 14 to 2.

After the game Coach Andrew did his best to encourage the players. You could see that things are starting to get to them. Coach reminded them that you got to have fun when you win and when you loose. "We are better than our record" he encouraged them again letting them know that they can all make better hits, throws, and catches.

Coach Rob added that we need to play with more confidence. Coach Mike reminded the players to concentrate on the little things. And Coach Joe told them "Don't give up!" They need to forget the past and focus on the next game.

No stickers were given out after this game.

Although this was a tough loss you can see the desire in the players eyes to win. The way they swing with all they have. The way they stand in the way of a hard hit ball. They way they run hard around the bases. The score board may not show it right now but all of these players are winners and in the end this team will show how great it can be.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-up by Frank
Pictures by Tonya