A Chance to Shine

A Chance to Shine

by Valerie J. Calderon

Our week started off with hot bats and a win against Frozen Ropes Black.  Coach Pat noted “our boys came out to play and showed that consistant bats and great defense wins games.” “Lucas R. has had to step up and be the man behind the plate and has come along way and I appreciate his effort.” 

This weekend in Council Bluffs, IA at the Tagge Rutherford 2012 River Cities Invitational the Pacesetters pulled out a tight win against the Lincoln Sox (6 – 5) with two amazing catches by Nate L. to stop runners from scoring. We followed that up with a big win against the Iowa Stix Elite (9 – 2). Our pitching from Mitch, Eddie and Drew shutdown their offense and kept us in the running for the trophy.

Tournament directors opted to play only the championship game of the bracket for the 14U Open division Sunday night. Gladiators held the top seed after allowing only five runs in pool play, earning the spot in the championship game against the Pacesetters. The boys squeaked the game in between rainstorms and they finally had a chance to shine in bracket play, even if the sun decided not to.

Lefty pitcher, Q V.A. was consistent and finessed—even with weather threatening. Q was on the mound six innings and led the Pacesetters to a 7 – 2 win over the Gladiators. Matt A. led the offense with two big base hits to deep left. The Pacesetters capitalized on uncharacteristic Gladiator defensive errors, running the bases aggressively to take early control of the game. Coach Pat notes, “I believe these boys are one of the best teams I have ever coached. They play ball well together and they are fun to watch.”

After two championship day rainouts in the last two tournaments, players and parents alike were eager to play on Sunday. For the third tourney in a row, the Pacesetters were seeded second after pool play on Saturday. The Pacesetters are currently 18 – 1 for the season. They are scheduled to play three mid-week games against the Papillion Monarchs, the Lincoln Dominators, and the MAA Blue team. Pacesetter families will enjoy a weekend off from tournament play. Looks like it’s time to mulch and mow. What are the chances it will rain this weekend?  

For the Players

It will be a good weekend to rest, reflect, and yes, make mom breakfast. You have great moms. I know—and not just because I am one.  You have the blessing of calling them “mom,” and I have the privilege of calling them “friend.” Your moms are the cream of the crop. I know you may have a few gripes and groans along the way. That’s to be expected I suppose, but trust me. Your moms rock. Enjoy your days off. Give thanks. And EXPRESS thanks. Especially to your mom.