Strike Out Cancer a Success

Strike Out Cancer a Success

The 'Strike Out Cancer' game hosted by TVS was a huge success. The game was well attended and the crowd was enthusiastic. The game raised about $1400 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Coach Robinson wanted to thank all who helped make this is a success: “Thanks to the fans of both teams for donating so generously.  I'd also like to thank my players' parents for putting together some of the most awesome theme baskets that we've ever raffled off.  Finally, I'd like to thank Joe Ferriell, of Power Play Productions, for providing his announcing and DJ skills, as well as all of his equipment at no cost.  His generosity allowed us to be able to reach and exceed our donation goals.”

Oh yeah, and there was a game too! South got back in the win column against rival TCN with a 6-1 win. After losing 3 games in a row last week, South was determined to get this week off to a strong start. South was able to dominate offensively and defensively. They got some big hits early to get the lead and didn't look back. Although South had a couple of errors, they did not cause much damage. North's strategy was to use the bunt to get on base, but the South infield did a good job of scooping up the ball and making plays.

Pitcher Emily Froment recorded the win and helped her cause with a home run. Kaelee Rivers also touched all the bases when she went yard. Cayla Hartley put the game out of reach with a 2 run double in the 6^th inning. Coach Robinson commented afterwards that, “The adjustments we've made with our hitting seems to have helped us cut down on our team's strikeouts.” That sure seems to be true as the team was definitely putting the ball into play.

Coach Robinson had plenty of kudo's afterwards, “It sure is nice getting back to winning!  We had a couple of errors on defense, but luckily they didn't cost us the game, as they did last week.  Outside of those 2 errors, I thought we played a great game.  Our outfield play was much better, and I thought we defended the bunt well too.  I thought Emily pitched a really strong game, especially having to pitch against such a strong wind.  I actually think it caused her breaking pitches to break even more dramatically.  Shelby did a really nice job behind the plate, catching her.”

South's next game was against a quality opponent – Versailles. This would prove to be a tough game for South and they did not help themselves as the team would cough up 5 errors. Making the mountain even tougher to climb. Froment did an admirable job on the mound. She struck out 17 batters and pitched her way out of the 3^rd inning where the bases were loaded – but did not allow a run to cross the plate.

Offensively the team was able to maintain its trend of scoring early. Shelby Spaeth was hit by a pitch and Katie Strazheim hit a sacrifice fly to score her. Midway thru the game South had a big 3^rd inning - Froment walked, then Strazheim doubled and Kaelee Rivers successfully bunted. Leanne Johnson stepped up with a big double to score two runs. This rattled the Versailles pitcher, and next Ali Robertson was hit by a pitch. The next batter grounded out, but advanced the runners. Alyssa Kube hit a single to score 2 more runs. The last South run was scored by Ashley Robertson who hit a single then scored off of a Kaelee Rivers double.

Although South had 5 errors, they only gave up 4 runs - giving South their second victory of the week. Coach Robinson commented after the game, “This game reminded me of the opening line to A Tale of Two Cities: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'  The best of times was Emily Froment striking out 17 batters, our offense scoring 6 runs against a good Versailles defense, and holding Versailles scoreless in the 3rd inning with one out and bases loaded.  The worst of times involved 3 unearned runs while committing 5 errors.  I'm proud of our team, that they didn't totally shut down after having the bad inning in the 5th that allowed two runs to score.  We also had some players come through with solid hits with runners in scoring position.  Emily had her best outing of the season tonight on the mound.  As I've said before, she's getting stronger and stronger with each outing...hopefully right in time for tournament play.”