Game 4 - Tue 4.15 - L

Wow, what a difference a couple of days make. The girls are finally waking up out there and it's really great to see. We've got a little way to go yet in that department, but it's starting to feel like a brand new day. Thanks to our Who parents for whatever you did to motivate the girls. At the very least, thank you for getting them pumped up for their games and giving them the support that they need. It's really starting to show on their faces and in how they are playing out there.

I have to mention that, so far, this has been my favorite game of the season. We were just having fun out there and that's what it's all about.

Now, on to the game results.

FINAL SCORE
Whos: 2
Army Brats: 5

Even though it was a loss for the Whos, making it 2 in a row, we still had some solid game play out there and it was a pretty close game. Speaking with other coaches at the end of the day, they seemed pretty impressed by the competitiveness of the game due to the low scoring.

To put it into perspective, the Army Brats are currently the #1 team in our division and we held them to only 5 runs. That means that our defense is pretty solid, but we definitely need to work on getting points on the board. So, a big hand goes to the Whos for playing their strongest defensive game to date.

RECAP (got a little too carried away to call this section HIGHLIGHTS this time)
To begin the game, the Whos took their at bats and were able to score 2 runs against the Brats. It was a valiant effort which saw us score our only runs during the game. A very consistent Brats pitcher and some good Brats defense was able to shut us down.

Undeterred, the Whos took the defense and managed to hold the Brats to 1. A spectacular heads up play between Shelbey and Hylah, at pitcher and catcher respectively, prevented the Brats from adding to their total and great pitching by Shelbey crushed the Brats rush maintaining the Who lead going into the 2nd. I think we may have found our battery in this pitch and catch combination - so far they've been the most consistent together.

In the 2nd inning, the Brats mounting a good defense of their own managed to get our girls out before any of them crossed the plate. We had a few in position, but we weren't able to bring any home. On defense, the Whos took the field, this time with Jade at the rubber. The Brats threatened to score a couple of times but our infielders were able to handle the charge. Hylah threw to Shelbey on 3rd for one of the outs. Mari guarded 1st like no tomorrow to get another out and Jade at pitcher struck out the last Brat at bat holding on to our slim lead.

Coming on strong in the 3rd, the Brats put their 'teaser' pither in. She managed to get our girls to swing at some very tempting pitches, but didn't allow us to get on base. On our end, Jade started to struggle a little and we gave up 4 runs to close out the third.

Finally, the Whos tried to rally in the 4th, but it was all for naught as the Brats tapped their A pitcher again to throw smoke and close out the game.

Not to worry, we get another crack at the Brats Thursday at 5:30. Let's keep this train rolling Whos and see if we can redeem this loss. I know you have it in you!

GAME BALL
I have to mention that Hylah, played her most impressive game to date at catcher. With her help blocking the ball, making heads up plays to 3rd and at home and controlling the Brats runners all game, we managed to limit the amount of runs awarded to the #1 team in our division. This performance earned Hylah the game ball. Congratulations!