The team played short-handed at the Artesia Punishers friendly (we had several players either out sick or playing soccer). On the positive side, everyone got lots of playing time and we took 2 out of 3 games.
In the first game against the Punishers, we came up short in a 9-8 game that was called at the drop-dead time limit with our squad threatening with bases loaded and only 1 out. Unfortunately we got behind due to some shaky defense early in the game and waited a little too long to start our comeback. The take-home lesson from this game was to not give our opponents extra outs on defense. Tiffany (3 for 3) and Rachel (2 for 3) had good games at the plate.
Against Invasion, we jumped out to an early lead and won 7-4. Lauren H pitched a good game and scattered 5 hits. On offense, Rachel was 2 for 3 (including a home run) and Tiffany was 2 for 3. Jessie had a nice assist in left by throwing a strike to home to cut down a runner, and Naomi finished up her 2nd game behind the plate in brutal heat. This was a good team win.
In the third game against SoCal Mirage, our offense took charge and we banged out 14 hits, including 2 home runs and 3 triples. Tiffany threw really well and gave up no hits in a game called by mercy rule (19-0). Offensive stars included Lauren H (3 for 3), Jessie (2 for 3), Brianna (2 for 3), and Lauren P (2 for 3).
The team continues to show improvement and our pitching has been consistent. We've been talking a lot to our pitchers and catchers about the importance of getting ahead in the count. The coaches have worked up our pitching stats since the beginning of April and they drive home the point about working ahead when pitching. Over the past 5 weeks (19 games), when our pitchers got ahead in the count, we got an out 82% of the time. When our pitchers got behind in the count, we got an out only 38% of the time. We've given our pitchers (and catchers) something to think about!
Keep working hard Renegades -- our record over the last 5 weeks is 15-4.
Coach Dan
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