After a few weeks off thanks to a particular pizza bar and a rough re-entry back in to training, the U15s turned it on at East Torrens to defeat the Redsox 22-3.
Snagging our second win for the season, we charged out of the gate from the first pitch collectively; swinging hard, stealing bases, and the cleanest plays in the field I have seen them make.
In 5-innings, we powered through four of the Redsox’s best pitchers and strung together 15 hits, 20 RBIs and 16 stolen bases – with two run limit innings (7 runs). Almost everyone recorded a safe hit for the day, with multiple safe hits awarded to Cyrus (2), Ollie (2), Sam (2 - 1 double), Wren (3) and Henry (4 – 1 double).
Starting pitcher Charlie blitzed them, pitching 4 innings with no hits, he struck out 9 of the 14 batters he faced.
Wren closed it out on the mound, striking out 2 batters in the final dig.
The kids have come so far as individuals, but as a team they are now making massive leaps ahead. It’s encouraging that the team first approach we are working on is now rewarding them with the results they deserve.
To get these kids to the successes they are now achieving has been a challenge at times and a complete change of mindset, but with the support and backing of Kristian, Grant, Thommo and Adam, the journey is worth the battle. It is pleasing to now have the kids in a position that they are asking for more and engaging as they are.
It’s impressive. And we are looking forward to building on it further.
A few comparative statistics to close and to encourage the positivity:
RUNS
HITS
ON BASE
Golden Grove Central Districts made the journey out to the home of the GBC for our first game since the COVID lockdown. The U11’s were pumped to be back playing baseball!
Our starting pitcher Jimmy Newbold came out raring to go. GGCD managed to collect 2 hits and with a couple of walks added into the mix, they scored the maximum 4 runs.
The team were eager to bat and fire back… until they saw Dodgers starting pitching warming up. He was throwing absolute gas and kept us scoreless for the 1st inning.
Lincoln Harris made his debut on the mound after weeks of eagerness. He did not disappoint by keeping the opposition bats quiet, with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.
With a GGCD pitching change and a bit of a pep talk, the U11’s were ready to begin their fight back! With some great pitch selection we managed to get runners on and with Mason Osborn picking up a hit, we were able to score 2 runs.
Zac MacLean took the mound to start the 3rd inning and made quick work of GGCD with 3 strikeouts in just 12 pitches.
We headed into the bottom of the 3rd down by 2 runs and again we were patient in the box. A combination of 5 walks and hits to Owen McHugh and Zac, we managed to take the lead 6- 4.
Going into the final inning the wind decided to pick up. At one stage most of our infielders were chasing down their hats, it was quite comical. The wind kept the game interesting with 3 hits and a run but Zac struck out the final batter to secure the win 6-5.
