| Teams | Innings | Runs | Hits | Errors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||||
| St George | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 13 | 3 |
| Us | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Poole, M | 3-4, 5RBI, 2R |
| Linnane, J | 1-2, 3R, 2BB, 2SB |
| Poole, D | 1-2, 3R, 2BB, SB |
| Wilcock, A | 1-2, R, 2BB, SB |
| Linnane, J | 3IP, 8H, 6R (5ER), 2BB, K |
So close. A run here or there, a play here or there and a different result was possible.
More of our rookies are putting the ball in play or just having better at bats. This explains why we competed so well this week. Two double plays and some very effective pitching also made a huge contribution.
The first double play was pretty much regulation – line drive to Dan at shortstop, who then walked on to the bag for the second half of the double. It was the third out of the innings. The runner from second who was doubled off was scratching his head all the way back to the dugout. There was nothing he could have done.
The second double play was less regulation and was seriously helped by some atrocious base running. There were runners at 2nd and 3rd. A batted ball bat to the pitcher, so the first out went 1 to 3. The runner from 3rd started to advance, so the ball went 3 to 2. Adam chased the runner a bit up the line then threw to 5 for the tag out. “1 – 3 – 2 – 5”. Nicely done. It didn’t close the innings but it snuffed out any chance of mounting a big innings. The problem with the base running was the runner from 2nd took off as if forced, which “encouraged” the runner from third to, at least, advance up the line as if hoping to score. He was never in the hunt. If he didn’t turn around he was dead at the plate. The runner at second was not forced, as as the trail runner should not have attempted to advance unless and until the lead runner took off.
[Less familiar with the fielding numbers? Those involved in that double play were 1 = pitcher, 2 = catcher, 3 = first base and 5 = third base.]
It was good to see Wade in the dugout again. It would be even better if we could get him on the diamond, but we’ll take what we can get.
Those of us with a bit more experience need to be selective about how and when our coaching is provided. I observed a lot of coaching from the third base dugout to the runners at first, even when there was an experienced player in the first base coaches box. It was at least a little unhelpful, somewhat disrespectful of the coach in the box and potentially very confusing for the runner. We all want to help and encourage, but perhaps we need to be more aware of the situation.
Next game: St Pats v Bosco (S) at Phil Austin 1 on 10:00 Sun (05/11)
