Well, it was not where we had dreamed of finishing, only in the top four of 20 teams, but it was an improvement.  If you count that it is early in the season and a couple of new players breaking in to the style of Bugs play, it was a successful weekend.

Playing in the SYSA Spring Fling at Mundy Park, Mt. Juliet TN, the Bugs learned a few things on which to work. The batting has become more of a science with players being more conscious of strikes and balls. The pitching rotation continues to grow and become more fine-tuned for tournament play.  We are progressing towards team unity and friendship which is required for great baseball.

Following Baseball Chapel Service on Psalms and the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals, we went into the semi-finals to face the TN Ravens.

As usual both teams and parents approached this game with a lot of excitement knowing this would be a great game of excellent coached and played baseball.  The Bugs batting in the top of the first, with two runners on,  attempted a squeeze play that did not work to perfection and moved us into the bottom of the first. Gresham taking the mound with focus however the butterflies made their appearance on defense.  Four misplayed fly balls gave the Ravens a 4-0 lead.

Both teams struggled to get runners in scoring position the rest of the game.  Gresham pitched with power and confidence and our defense rose to the occasion.  It was like we had burned the butterflies after the first inning.  No more errors. Patrick, playing third, stops a hot grounder to turn a double play.  Justin makes two stops at short to throw out the runners.  Alex makes a key play at second to stop a hot grounder and throw the runner out at first.  Patrick makes a diving backhand behind the bag at third and throws across the diamond to an outstretched, I mean girl-splits, seriously hurting stretch, Chase for the catch and out.  This play would have make the ESPN’s Top 10, guaranteed!

Innings 3, 4, and 5 were 3-up-3-down for the Ravens.  Unfortunately innings 3 and 4 were for the Bugs, with only four batters coming to the plate in innings 1, 2, and 6.  In the fifth the Bugs were able to manufacture a run with a RBI shot to right by Bryce. But it wasn’t enough.

In the end it was a great game.  Gresham was able to pitch the entire game walking one and striking out five.  If we could erase the butterflies in the first inning we might still be playing this morning.  Two great teams fighting it out every time.

Come support the Smyrna Bugs at our next tournament: Tennessee Super NIT, April 30, Music City Park.