Battle of the Borders Goes to the Cornhusker State

The Omaha Pacesetters hit the dirt batting, pitching, and fielding well enough to secure a solid 4 and 0 start to the 2010 season last weekend at the Battle of the Borders Tournament in Council Bluffs. The Pacesetter 12s led the Nebraska cohort to a victory over four challengers from across the river.
The Pacesetters walked away with the winner’s plaque and bragging rights as the team with the Least Runs Allowed in the tournament.

Q pitched the opening game in chilly weather Saturday against the DSM Tigers. Nick (who also contributed behind the plate, throwing out 3 runners in game 2) was the closer for the first win of the season. Just a few hours later, the Pacesetters managed an exciting offensive rally in a come from behind win against the Diamond Dreams, a team which came out fighting under the leadership of a strong and talented pitcher, but in the end, the Dream died as the team was unable to quell growing Pacesetter confidence at the plate.

In their next match up, the Pacesetters again faced a strong starter from the Cougars Gold team; however, in the end, timely hitting, Jack’s own strong pitching arm, superior defensive play, and timely hits, including a triple to right by Will, resulted in the inevitable win for the Pacesetters.

In the final game against a newly formed Gator team, the Pacesetters defense allowed only 2 runs, and the team clinched a convincing 13-2 victory. The Pacesetters could see this team once again April 16 to 18 at the Kick Off Classic in Des Moines.

Pat, Jerred, and Drew coached an excellent tournament, encouraging technical and mental excellence every inning—and their efforts were reflected in the class and focus shown by the Omaha Pacesetter 12s in the opening tournament of the season.
Let the games begin.

by Valerie Calderon