Just to set the record straight…We did get 2 Strike Outs and a 1-5 Combo in the 4th Inning in last nights game.

Christian finally finds his swing in tonight’s game against Harbor Square.  At his first at bat he was a little slow swinging through hit the ball but got caught by the pitcher.  His next at bat was in the 3rd inning and he got a single.  Video down below.

The one thing that has been really missing with this team has been the kids talking to other and cheering each other on.  Coach Kevin was always great at getting the team in to the game and my mission tonight was to get that team spirit going.  At the top or middle of each inning I got all the guys together in a huddle and came up with a cheer.  I also got them fired up in the field with the ‘Phatoms Ready?’ call.  Still needs work, but it was a great start.

Christian let the ball get away from him on defense this game…Sometimes the old habits die hard.  Still need to work with him on that, but he’s only had a couple lapses this year.  He almost had a 4-6 combo with Zach in the 2nd, but Zach dropped the ball.  All in all I can count on him to know the right defensive play.

It was pretty cool to see former teammates Sam and Reece on the other side.  They each played positions that they wouldn’t have played on the Padres.  I think I got Sam into the game by calling him ‘wiggles’ and he had a nice hit to left center field…Which then started a rally to get 5 runs in the inning to put them over the top.

Our next game is a late one, Monday at 7:00 pm on field 2 against Brock and Kameron’s team Olympic Paving.  See you there!

Final Score: Harbor Square 7 – Coldwell 4

[Updated 4/4 – Added video highlights below]

After our game was rained out on Saturday, we were able to reschedule the game quickly the next day.  What a beautiful day it turned out to be for baseball…the sun was out and we got to play on field one!

Christian again has been solid in defense.  He played pickle at second base and got a 4-6 out with shortstop Zach in the 2nd.  I can always count on those 2 players to call out every play on the field.  The rest of the team has started talking later in the game…Hopefully we’ll see more.  Christian also got to play the catcher position since our number one guy Jackson is out because of spring break.

The Coldwell Banker Phantoms is a team that hasn’t gelled yet.  We have a couple kids that are brand new and it shows on the field.  A couple times routine plays were blown because players were out of position…the right fielder was at 1st base when the ball was hit hard into right.  Us coaches and parents were wondering what happened to our right fielder.

In another instance a runner that was running from 1st to 2nd and our 1st basemen was confused on who to throw to.  The left fielder was at 2nd base with both our shortstop and 2nd baseman close by.  Unfortunately what should have been an easy out also got bobbled.

The main thing is that we need to get out players alert and have them play their position.  We gave team Sparta’s too many opportunities to score with our defensive errors.

I’m hoping that Christian will find his swing at the plate.  He’s been tentative and not swinging at close pitches.  I’d rather he go down swinging than watching the ball go by.  This game he managed to walk both times he was up.  Christian scored in the 2nd by stealing home and made it to second base in the 5th but got stranded.

Our next game is Tuesday evening on field 2 at 5:00 pm against team Harbor Square.  See you there!

Final Score:  Sparta’s 13 – Coldwell 4

[Updated 4/6 – Added video of Christian Pitching]

Christian has been solid at defense and got an out at 2nd base throwing the runner out at 1st in the first inning.  He also got an out in the 5th inning catching a pop fly in right field and started a double play 9-1-6.

The 3 3D Roofing pitchers all pitched in the minors last year.  They shut down our our entire lineup.  No one was was able to get any hits.  Although the bottom half of our lineup did manage to get on base.

This was Christian’s first game pitching.  He had a couple control issues, but was able to pitch pretty straight.  His arm got tired as the inning continued and started throwing the ball short to our catcher Jackson.  He walked a couple batters and gave up 5 runs. A couple adjustments and I think he’ll do fine his next outing.  His official pitch count for the inning was 35.

He was pretty down on himself after the half.  But his teammate Zach gave him encouraging words and tried to cheer him up.  He even said that he hit 2 players and hit the ump twice his last game…and it wasn’t Zach’s first game pitching.  All in all, I was proud of him to go out there and give it his best.

Final Score: Coldwell 0 – 3D Roofing 9