Played Prescott/Waitsburg WA for the first game of spring break and got the victory 8-4. Ryan Webb got the start on the hill for the TigerScots and threw the ball well, limiting the Tigers to 1 hit in 3 plus innings. Control issues hurt the pitch count as 7 walks will do that. However, conditions were less than ideal for pitching and overall, we did a good job of being around the plate (no help from umpire for either pitcher). Brian Duke came in with 2 runners on in the 4th and was able to control the situation giving up only 1 inherited runner to score. Once again, team defense was able to help get out of an inning with a solid first and third defensive play by Duke, Elliot Salter, and Miles Thul getting the Tigers baserunner at the plate.
Defensively we had 5 errors and that needs to be cut down. 2 on pickoffs, (had them picked as well) 1 on a steal (great effort trying to stop bball but in the situation, up by 5 runs shouldnt happen). However, there were some good plays and routine ones that have hurt us in the past that we are making so far this year. That is a terrific sign and bodes well of staying in games. Once again, If the routine plays are made and you do not give the other team extra outs (or atbats...ie walks, errors ect) most teams will be able to compete and put yourself in a position to win.
Offensively I was pleased with our approach and aggressiveness. Seemed like we were putting pressure on them ALL day with baserunning (several mishaps again which is gonna hurt later, yet proper reads were made. Tthat is what preseason is for...if we are making those mistakes in 3 weeks, then it will be a little more stressful) Ryan Webb had 2 hits again as well as Elliot Salter (who did great controlling the pitching staff). Up and down the lineup the boys put good swings on the baseball in terrible hitting condions (wind, HIGH and THICK grass that killed any hard hit ball...yet, the wind killed any ball that was lifted!) Casey Riddle did a good job at lead off. Brian Duke got several hits taken away but swung the bat well. Shane Bond and Webb did a good job up the middle of the order. Dallas Reich absolutely crushed a ball over the head of the left fielder, into the wind and over the fielder who was playing deep! Drew Greenwalt put some good swings on the ball as well, and hustled around with a couple stolen bases. Elliot Salter did a great job in the 7 hole with a couple hits and great at bats prolonging innings. Miles Thul battled and protected and then got hosed on a call. Gabe Quaempts did an excellent job in the 9 hole with a hit and hit the ball hard multiple times.
Grades:
Offensively: B- (terrible hitting day with weather and conditions but numerous great at bats and putting the ball in play with 2 strikes.
Defensively: C- (5 errors) (good 1st and 3rd but numerous pick opportunities missed.
Pitching: C (too many walks...yes some calls were not made but not 9 walks of bad calls) When pitching ahead, great job! Only 2 hits on the day!!!!