The first few games of the season are more like scrimmages. As coach, I use the first few games to give each player an opportunity to play many different positions. Winning takes a back seat to getting each kid accustomed to playing new positions, determining which ones can pitch, and taking additional time to teach the the game.
Griffey came into pitch in the 3rd inning of a 0-0 game. Griffey doesn't throw hard but can have decent control. Today he didn't trust his arm 100% as he didn't throw with very much authority and left several balls short of the plate. Fortunately, kids at this level in our league swing at anything close. Griffey struck out the first two batters he faced. The third batter reached on a hit. The next two batters reached base thanks to 2 balls going right through the legs of our 3rd baseman and shortstop. Griffey walked the next 2 of 3 batters. With three runs in, Brady fielded a ground ball at 2B and forced out the runner unassisted to end the 3rd inning. Brady is a bit uncoordinated. He doesn't throw well and his hitting is still a work in progress. However, his baseball IQ as a 2nd baseman is very high, and he almost always stops balls hit in his direction.
With us scoring 4 in the bottom of the inning and Griffey throwing strikes, I sent him back out to the mound. Griff looked more comfortable in the 4th. He trusted his arm and was letting loose. He struck out the side having thrown only 5 pitches called for balls. Three up. Three down!
Offensively, Griffey and Brady were aggressive at the plate. They took hard swings. Brady reached base via a walk all three times he was up. I love when Brady gets on base because I can always trust that he will be looking to advance given the chance. I never have to worry about him not advancing on wild pitches or missing a steal sign. Being fast helps as well. Griffey was 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout. However, he did make contact as he grounded into a fielders choice.
Overall, I was pleased with the boys and our team in general. We held out to win 4-3. Christian worked out of a bases load jam to save the game.
Highlights
Griffey Win 2 IP, 5K, 2BB
Brady 0-0 3BB, 1R 4U
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