Sarah Softball - Week 1 - Games 1 & 2

**GUEST BLOGGER**

 ~ Eric Hendrickson ~ 

Game 1 -  Monday, May 16th

Our first official game was against Winfield.  We had heard that Winfield was very good, and what we heard was correct. 

I could tell the girls were nervous during pre-game fielding so I pulled them together to let them know we will be alright.

Hannah pitched a good game for the three innings she pitched.  We were up 5-4 after 2 innings and down 7-5 after 3 innings.

Sarah got walks at both of her at bats (None of our girls got a hit this game.  All our runs were from walks).  She stole all the way around (sliding into home once) both times to score two runs for the team.  I have been working on a shorter, quicker swing with Sarah and I saw her use that swing at one of her at bats.

Sarah played 3rd base, shortstop, and catcher.

Quinn came in at the 4th inning and struggled a little.  We were down 12-5 after 4 innings.

Above, I am telling Sarah to steal once the ball leaves the pitchers hand.

Emerie had her first experience pitching ever during the fifth inning.  She struggled at the start to throw strikes but then started to get the hang of it.  Sarah caught for her and Quinn.  We lost the game 17-9 but all in all we played ok against a very good team.  We haven't lost since our first game 2 years ago, so losing isn't something our girls are used to.  Hopefully that is the reason some of the girls seemed disinterested.  We will look to rebound on Wednesday against another Haysville team.

Game 2 - Wednesday, May 17th
We played Haysville #1 at an 8pm game.  This was a big game for us because the Haysville team with the best head to head record gets to go to the state tournament after the regular season games.  Before the game, Coach Matt and I met with the umpires and opposing coaches.

 Sarah played 3rd, shortstop, and second base.  Below she is playing 3rd.  Quinn was the starting pitcher.

Sarah's first at bat was a high pop up out to the pitcher.

 Below, Sarah is playing short stop.

Below, Lexy stealing home.

 In Sarah's second at bat, she hit a hard line drive double to right center field.  She then stole 3rd and home.

 Below Sarah is playing 2nd base.  She made two good plays in the field and was doing a great job of hustling.

The coaches had to have a talk with the girls before, during, and after the game about getting motivated and excited to play.  Don't know what the reasoning for the lack of excitement.

We won the game 16 - 9.  I was happy with Sarah's play and hustle.  Hopefully her good example will rub off on others.