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MAY 15, 2007 - Tuesday - Dodgers vs. Padres - City Center #1 - Padres Win 16-9

As a coach I found tonight’s loss still a quite rewarding experience for our team. Whether we won or lost made little difference by the time the last inning came around. We saw out team come to life on offense and hit the ball. Our Achilles heel is still the routine defensive play. We gave the other team too many extra outs. We look to the future knowing that there will be less of the botched plays as the season progresses.

ELI - The deepest hit Dodger ball of the season came off the bat of Eli when he drilled it to straight away left field. The outfielder was stunned as he watched the ball sail 35 feet over his head and landing about 8’ in front of the fence. The result was a stand-up triple. The switch in the lineup to put ELI first in the order really paid off big for us as he got on base each time he came to the plate and then scored each time as well.
NATE - Nathan also had a big night with the bat but the joy of the evening came as Coach Chuck put Nathan in to pitch in the last inning. His parents quickly took me aside and stated, “You realize that he has never pitched before.” Being our tallest player he is also our scariest looking pitcher on the mound. As the first batter came to the plate our catcher Adam said “The last time Nate pitched he about broke the guys arm.” And with that intro Nate threw his first pitch and he about hit the batter in the head. Trembling the batter continued stepping into the box. And while accuracy is not yet Nate’s strength, he has quite a gun for an arm. I think that we will all remember the joy on Nate’s face as he caught the little pop-up fly that came half way back to the mound. Immediately after the catch he looked over to the bleachers and gave his Mom the greatest smile.
ADAM - Adam had been sick for the prior 3 days and he showed up at the game with a fever and digestive issues. That did not stop his enthusiasm and he drilled a line drive to right center field his first time at bat. He then stole and scored. The second time around he hit a fly out to center. The third at bat he made it on due to a poor throw to first and then proceeded to steal his way around and score on a hit. Adams highlight came in the third inning when the Padres were having a hit fest. A deep ball was hit to left and Eli went out and got the cut off throw and fired it home. Adam had perfect placement and caught the ball as the steel cleats were coming his way. He caught the ball, placed the tag down, and stopped the runner one foot in front of home plate...... “Heeee’s Oouuttt!!!” yelled the umpire for the last out of the inning. As a Father I could not be prouder of my son’s play tonight.
OTHER MENTIONABLES - Zach has continued to get his good bat on the ball and drive the frozen ropes. Brian also had a great line drive late in the game. Nathaniel fought the sun well in right field and after losing it in the sun he was able to chase down the well hit fly and get it back into the infield. Both Jeremy and Matt did a fine job pitching. I must also give At-A-Boys to Julian, Dylan, and Josh because they are always set to go and play hard out in the field. It should also be noted that Aaron took a line drive off the bat of Eli during our practice and he has a deep bruise that leaves him out of both tonight and Thursday‘s games.