chatter from the Library Monkey

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday we lost 23-10 and it would have been much worse if there wasn't the 5-run rule. The rule says you can't get any more than x amount of runs in an inning, but allows for unlimited scoring in the last inning. Most games the other coach and I agree on five runs. In Monday's game the other team got five the run limit in each of the first three innings.

I had told all the pitchers that at the end of the year they would get a shot at a full game. Monday's picture didn't make it all the way and the pitcher who was suppose to pitch in Friday's game came on. The second picture did well in one inning, but not so good in the others. The real reason we lost is none of our hitters were hitting.

Tonight was different.

We win tonight 9-6. Though the score seemed close, there wasn't much doubt. It was kind of key when the girl — who had not pitched for us before — shut them down 1, 2, 3. We followed with the five run limit in our half of the fifth.

I think the other coach had to wonder where we came from to be such a night and day kind of team from the game the night before. Like I suspect he thought that I might not be playing the same kids from the night before. I think I started the game with a stronger line-up, but ultimately everyone played, except for two girls out with injuries and sickness. Those two were better players, so it isn't like that helped ups.

as in:

POSITIVE SUBTRACTION
The art of improving a team by trading or releasing a poor player. The term was coined by baseball executive Branch Rickey.

Got that from: http://turntwo.mlblogs.com/.

I think the key was the hitting. They had good pitching, but weak fielding — something we didn't exploit on Monday. After our first inning, there was no doubt what we could do to their pitching and fielding. It's interesting to see that players can control a game emotionally — even if the girls are ages 12-14. Once they realize they could win, they played like they could win.

For us, it was a good way to end the season. For them, it was a cold long night.

Now if the Tigers can come back and beat Kansas City, my night will be complete!

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