| Teams | Innings | Runs | Hits | Errors | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| Dolphins | 14 | 1 | 6 | 21 | 14 | 2 |
| Us | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Faber, C | 1-2, RBI, R, BB |
| Linnane, J | 1-2, RBI, R, BB, SB |
| Sadhani, T | 2IP, 6H, 7R (1ER), 5BB, |
TL;DR; Not enough runs / hits; too many errors.
We had one “good” innings i.e. scored lots of runs. But they only threw 24 strikes out of 76 pitches. We sat back and took a lot of walks, many of which forced in runs due to the walks conceded earlier. Of course, you take the walk and the run, but it doesn’t help us learn the game. A positive spin – we didn’t chase too many pitches in this period and didn’t give up easy outs. If they had stuck with their first pitcher a little longer or gone straight to their last pitcher, the score line may have been even more lopsided.
Fielding was a big weakness for us. Better defense in the first innings might have seen it end with only two runs conceded. It would have limited Dan’s pitch count to about 30, which would have given us the option for him to pitch the second innings (and perhaps a third) as well.
Given our inexperience, errors will be a part of our game, many may be costly. I think one of the concerning issues I observed in this game could be called the “stand still and watch” syndrome. A ball hit to some other part of the ground than the bit I’m in, doesn’t mean I can just watch what happens next. More often than not I still have a role to play. Do I need to be the cut off on the throw in from the outfield, can I back up a throw across the infield, can I get to the ball faster than my team mate who may be marginally closer to the ball? Backing up and staying involved are key. Before each pitch you need to ask yourself some questions – if the ball is hit to me what do I do? if the ball is hit to a team mate near me what can I do to help? It’s easier to plan before the pitch than it is to react once it has been hit.
In case anyone was in any doubt, we need more pitchers and more catchers. If you fancy having a go at either or both talk to Dan at first opportunity. I can’t carry the catching load for a summer season. I’m too old. Besides, in the really warm days ahead catching will exhaust even the young guns, and we should aim to use two catchers per game.
Next game: Bosco (B) v St Pats at Heathcote on 12:30 Sun (15/10)
