**GUEST BLOGGER**
~ Eric Hendrickson ~
Game 1 - May 17th
Rainout- rescheduled May 20th (scheduling conflicts)- rescheduled twice - June 1st
Although this was supposed to be Game 1, it was our third game. We played the Douglas #1 team at Haysville. Our offense was not at its best. We won the game 3-0. Sarah had 2 strikeouts. She did have a force out at third base while playing pitcher. Good play Sarah.
Immediately after the game, the girls and coaches are lined up to say "good game" to the other team.
Good Game Girls! Diamonds are 3-0.
Game 2 - May 19th
Rainout- rescheduled May 20th (actually ended up being Game #1 due to rainouts)
After the Phoebe's t-ball game, I headed to Clearwater for our first softball game. Sarah rode with coach DJ so she didn't miss the pre-game warm-ups. I arrived about 40 minutes prior to game time.
It was a beautiful night for baseball. We started off with 4 runs in the first and 5 in the second.
Sarah's first at bat was a strikeout. She ended up with two strikeouts and one line drive, to right field, single.
Coach DJ ran the pitching machine and I coached 3rd base. Dennis, DJ's dad, coached first base and Coach Matt handled the dugout.
Sarah played first base, pitcher, and right field. She had one good play throwing to first base. The batter was safe, but it was close.
Our offense slowed down after the 2nd inning and the other team got some life. We ended up winning 9-6 and played a complete 5 inning game.
The uniforms look great. I am glad we decided to go with pants instead of shorts for the girls.
We posed for a picture before heading out to Manhattan for the weekend. Way to go Sarah!
Game 3 - May 24th
We started off strong again this game as we scored 4 in the first inning. I have been working with Sarah on her swing because she has one thing she needs to correct to get it where it needs to be. Her first at bat was great. The issue with her swing was gone and she hit a hard line drive to left center field for a double.
Stacee was sitting right behind me while I was coaching third base so she took a picture of my behind.
Sarah played first base, pitcher, and right field.
After the first inning, we only scored 2 more runs. We won the game 6-0. Sarah struck out at her next at bat and reverted back to her old swing. Something we will continue to work on. We are 2-0 and haven't yet played to our potential.
Game 4 - May 26th
Rainout- rescheduled June 8th
We played Mulvane #11 this evening. It was hot (90s) and very windy.
We are still working on Sarah's swing. She is putting weight toward the back and getting better with her hands. She needs to work on keeping from getting her weight out in front of her front leg during the swing and not dropping her hands/bat while the pitch is coming towards the plate. Not quite done tweaking yet. I am excited for when it all comes together because she does have a good, powerful swing.
Sarah had a hit between 2nd and 3rd the first at bat. She ended up with a triple. After the second inning (We were up 5-0.) I had to leave early to coach tball so I missed her first home run of the season, a hard hit grounder between shortstop and 3rd base, that made it out into the outfield. She also got a double at her third at bat of the evening. She is starting to make good contact. I also missed the police who came after one of the Mulvane fans became unruly. I guess he didn't like that our girls were much more prepared and better players than their girls.
We won 15-1. The other team was overmatched. All of our girls are hitting now and we will be hard to beat. 6-0!
Game 5 - May 31st
Rainout- rescheduled June 27th - LAST GAME of the season
Due to a cancellation by one of the teams for our last game on June 28th, tonight's game was our last game.
I do fielding practice with the girls prior to the game. They really enjoy pop flys. I split them into two groups and hit the ball to them. The team that gets (5) catches first wins.
Sarah's swing looks much better. She has her weight shifted back and her hands swing through nicely. Only thing you will notice is she is not looking at the ball the entire way to contact.
Sarah had 2 hits in her 3 at bats. One was a hard ground ball that got past the first baseman. She turned up her speedy legs and ended up with a homerun.
Above, Coach Matt and I enjoying some time on the bench while the girls were in the field. No, we did not pose for this picture.
Thanks for coming to so many of Sarah's games this season, Popee and Nanee!
Below, our team - the Diamonds
Front Row (left to right): Brittany, Desa, Alayna, Madilyn, Jada, Ilysia
Second Row (left to right): Rhyan, Hope, Lexy, Mylie, Sarah, Aleigha
Back Row (left to right): Coach Eric, Coach DJ, Coach Grandpa (Dennis), Coach Matt
We had another great year, 11-0. Last year, we won our last 9 games, so we have won 20 consecutive games. We have plans to keep this team together next year as we move up to kid pitch. Thank you parents and players for a great year!
Game 6 - June 2nd
We played the Belle Plaine #2 team at Haysville. We started off the first inning strong with 4 runs.
Sarah's first at bat was a strikeout, but she did get some foul balls.
Sarah had a foul tip that hit the catchers chest. The girl left the game. I pulled Sarah over and talked to her about it.
Sarah played well in the field and recorded an out.
Sarah's second (and final) at bat was also a strikeout. Although we worked at it this past week, Sarah's swing is not quite where we would like it to be. Notice the bat position in the left picture. The bat should be flat and her hands are also too low. We will keep working on it.
We won 9-3. Another strong start and not so strong finish with the bats. The defense was better. The girls are being more aggressive towards ground balls.
Uncle Eric, Aunt Lindsee, Popee, and Nanee made it to the game. They got to watch another Diamond victory. We are 4-0.
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