Games 10 & 11, May 29th & 31st

Well, we had 8 days between games due to the Memorial Day break and it may have affected the Grizzlies a little bit on Thursday night's game. We struggled to make defensive outs more than usual and our bats weren't as lively as we've seen the past. But there were still some positive things to note:

• Kudos to Spencer, the MVP of the game. Spence made a couple unassisted outs at 1st Base on ground balls and looked sharp! He showed a lot of hustle on the bases and had a couple nice singles.
• On a game where our hitting as a team struggled, Zack was 3 for 3 at the plate!
• We started the game with back-to-back-to-back doubles by Brad, JD, and Toby!

Today's game, our 11th, was a very rewarding game. We started a little slow with the bats again and through the first 2 innings we hadn't scored a run. We were making plays in the field, but falling just short of finishing the plays for outs. I thought it might be a long day for the Grizz. But then, I saw something very fun...the team starting showing some BIG hearts and turned the game around big time!

The 3rd innning we batted all the way through the lineup and had some amazing hits and great hustle on the basepaths. TJ started us out with a single and then Zack scorched one of his signature doubles down the 3rd base line! Then after Brad and Jamison kept the rally going with singles, JD smacked a double into left field. The inning finished out with more good hits by Kyle, Blake, Spencer and Ethan. Now that's what I call a breakthrough offensive performance!

Other great moments included:

• TJ, who took home the MVP award, made an incredible catch of a line drive while playing at the pitcher's area. He almost made another one at shortstop earlier and he was 3 for 3 at the dish. Stellar game!
• Kyle made a sharp play on a grounder off the pitcher's area and threw a bullet to JD at 1st base, who stretched out for the catch. Kyle was an animal playing pitcher today making good decisions and getting to ground balls very quickly.
• Toby did a great job cutting off a ball in the outfield and nearly got an out at 2nd base with a solid throw to TJ
• Zack cleanly fielded a ground ball down the 1st base line. He was smart enough to grab it before it went foul and tag the runner out.

I am sure there were other nice plays that I failed to mention above. I am really proud of the kids for keeping a positive attitude after our slow start and turning things around.