Tough loss but a game a firsts for 3rd and 4th baseball

3rd & 4th baseball suffered another tough loss Thursday night to a well coached Nevada 1 team. The Nevada 1 team was a solid group that hit the ball as good as any team the Royals have faced this year. Along with some outstanding pitching from Nevada 1's lead pitcher for the first 3 innings, the Royals were hard pressed in all areas of the game. As many parents and fans can attest the wind was definitely a big factor as howling winds made it difficult to see at times let alone catch a pop up or throw a ball that would stay over the plate. Side Note here: As a coach I have been concerned that our lack of offense would start to frustrate the kids and cause them to start pressing but I have been very impressed by the attitude of the kids as they continue to make contact during their at bats and even put the ball in play but are just not getting the breaks that get them hits. What impresses me is that when they head back to the bench they are still managing to crack a smile or feel a sense of confidence that they made contact and are getting better. I'm glad the kids are taking the game for what it is, that it is just a game and that you are supposed to have fun. Back to the game, we had some definite firsts - Austin Britten, playing second base, made a nice play on a ball hit up the middle as he stopped the ball behind second and stepped on the bag for his first putout of the year, Grant Tiarks, in pitching relief, recorded his first strikeout ever, Garret Tiarks put his first ball in play at the 3rd & 4th grade level and although Parker Eley probably doesn't really want to consider this a first of note, this was Parker's first game at 3rd & 4th baseball where he hasn't been hit by the opposing pitcher. Parker as one of the youngest members of the team has really showed his older teammates how not to be intimidated by the ball and how to stay aggressive at the plate. Peyton Larsen continued his hot hitting going 1 for 2 for the third game this season and Ben Pepper also went 1 for 2 hitting the ball sharply both times. The Royals will, on Monday in Zearing, look for another first, that elusive first win.