Game 5 - Rangers

After opening against the Rangers and hustling through a difficult first game, we were all eager to measure our progress by seeing how we competed against the Rangers with a few games under our belt. The Red Sox played the Rangers very tough. This game was very close all along and our boys played hard until sunset. We held the Rangers to three scoreless innings, unfortunately we also gave up the five run limit in the other two. Since most of their hits in those two innings came off of coach pitches we should tip our cap to them for hitting well. Our boys did make some nice plays on the hit balls that we were able to get our hands on. Joe made a nice play at catcher to throw a runner out at first to a sure handed "Dos Manos" Roberto. Trevor also made a terrific hustle play by sticking with a hard hit ground ball that he knocked down and outracing the batter to first base. We had a few plays where we did get to the ball but were unable to make a timely, accurate throw due to either a tough hop or from being in a difficult spot on the field. I'd like to get our boys to the point where they can make their own decisions on where to throw the ball before the ball is hit. This is very difficult at this level, but I can see their gears turning each pitch. If they know where to go with the ball, they will not hesitate in making the easy play and we should execute more put-outs in the field. This will lead to shorter, less-run innings and more at-bats. If possible, take some time to watch a baseball game at home with your kid and slowly walk through an inning situation so they can understand the way decisions get made on where to throw the ball as a defensive player. Ask them questions, you'll be surprised at how much they already know.

We hit the ball very well with 8 hits. We are getting close to cracking the double-digit hit line each game. We manufactured 7 runs on 8 hits thanks to timely RBI hits by Mason, Grant, Angelo and William. Our baserunning was not excellent. We gave up a couple of cheap outs by over-running bases and not getting back to the bag. Remind the kids that first base is the only base you can over-run. Second and third base should be slid into, unless the coach tells you to stand-up, in which case you can slow down before hitting the base and stop without over-running the base. Also, help me tell the kids not to watch the ball while running. Watching the ball significantly slows down your pace between bases and doesn't provide you with any benefit.

Comparing this with our first game against the Rangers is like night and day. The kids are really hitting their stride. We still have much room for improvement but I am pleased with our progress.

Saturday's game is at 11:30 against the Tigers. Outfielders, get ready to play deep, this team has a bunch of big kids who can really hit. See you on Saturday.