On a day that starts with a last minute call out facing the leagues #1 team, we knew that it would take a team pulling together to keep it close, let alone have a chance to beat the hot hitting Royals.     After giving up a quick 3 to start the game, we would need to answer quickly or we would be playing chase for 7 innings.      After the top two immediately were retired Kyzer Hoover demonstrated team play taking a walk, followed by a Dustin Bone singles and finishing it off with a David Fiorello triple!     Without the “team player” walk, the other two probably don’t happen.     The Mariners were able to tie things up after a lead off walk allowing Kyzer Hoover to drive in the tying run!   Again a “team first” walk lead to that run.     The pitching on both sides stayed strong heading into the bottom of the 5th where we had 3 “team first” walks helped allow Dustin Bone and Kyzer Hoover to drive in 3 between them to extend our lead to 6-3.     The Royals were able to plate one more in the top of the 6th but time ran out on them allowing to Mariners to grind out a “team first” victory against the leagues hottest teams!!!!   Special shout out and our game MVP Joseph Sanchez who played despite injury and actually drew a walk which would eventually come home to score the go ahead run.   It was a pleasure to take the field with this group and winning, despite adversity.    

On to game 2 and being able to secure a sub for this matchup against the defending champs Casper’s Red Sox we were ready to build on this momentum.     Then life quickly shows that just because you succeed against the odds, doesn’t guarantee success when you should be squared away.    Hats off to Wayne Casper and the Red Sox who made a couple outstanding defensive plays and did enough offensively to shut us out and eventually run rule the good guys.    Back down to earth.

I want to focus on game 1.   This group showed Grit!!!     We have had to scratch and claw for every run we have achieved this year.   Played 7 of 8 games into the wind.    We picked up a brother who needed help, scratched out a split.   We have learned early in the season how to win the close one.   Once the wind turns and we play with our full roster I’m excited on what will be.    Excited to take the field next week with my brothers.   Let’s focus on our “team first” mentality!