Game #1: Scrappers 2, Mudcats 1

In a defensive battle of historic proportions, the Mudcats dropped Saturday's season opener to the Scrappers, 2-1. The two runs allowed by the 'Cats were the fewest the team has allowed since a shutout of the Thunder on May 16, 2009 (at least, according to the records in the blog, which is generally recognized as historically infallible). The only current Mudcats who played in that game were Drew and Smiley; many of the other current Mudcats were probably watching Thomas the Train two years ago. The game was the lowest scoring West Raleigh Minor League game since at least last spring, marked the first errorless performance by the All Blacks since at least last spring, and was a significant improvement over the two fall contests against the Scrappers, which the Mudcats lost by a combined score of 28-7.

In recognition of the tremendous effort, Coach Andrew opened his postgame talk with a simple request: "Get your batting helmets out." The implications were clear, as he'd deemed it a sticker-worthy effort. After the preseason scrimmage, Coach Andrew had told the team he was less concerned about the scoreboard than he was about their focus and hustle. All were in abundance on Saturday on the immaculately groomed Nowell Field (courtesy of Proctor Grounds Crew, LLC).

The tone was set early, as on the second Scrapper batter of the game, Gavin speared a line drive in center field. Needless to say, for a play Coach Andrew called, "maybe the first time I've ever seen a 6-year-old catch a ball in the outfield in live action," Gavin was awarded a helmet sticker.

Unfortunately, the Scrappers were turning in some equally stellar defensive plays. They finished the game with three double plays, including double plays in three of the final four innings, as the Mudcats were never able to advance the potential tying run to third base.

Despite the 2-1 loss, Coach Andrew had high praise for his team. "You absolutely played to win today," he told them. The Mudcats (0-1) celebrated with helmet stickers for everyone, followed by cupcakes for everyone in honor of Drew's eighth birthday.

The challenge now becomes maintaining the same focus for games tomorrow and Monday. Thanks to the gentle guidance of the league administration, tomorrow's first pitch is at 3 p.m. Drew's party begins at noon, followed by him making one of the only one-armed first pitches in Boshamer Stadium history prior to the Carolina-Clemson game at 1 p.m. An abbreviated pregame will be held once the team arrives at Nowell Field.

Potential homework: given the intimidating all-black uniforms, everyone needs to memorize this. I don't know if it will help the Mudcats play any better, but it sure would look cool.

Saturday's Mudcat scoring plays
Fourth inning
Smiley led off with a perfectly placed line-drive triple down the right-field line. Charley followed him with the only Mudcat RBI of the day, picking up a run-scoring groundout to short.
Score after three and a half innings: Mudcats 1, Scrappers 0


Saturday's Web Gems

• Both Christopher and Zach made impressive scoops at first base.


• Gavin caught a low line drive in center field.


• Hayes saw his first extended action at shortstop and played flawlessly, including a heads-up forceout to Smiley at third in the first inning.


• Gabe made a diving catch of a pop fly at pitcher in the fifth inning.

Saturday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Mudcats	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	6
Scrappers	0	0	0	2	0	X	2	8