Trying to Beat the Heat

The first and only Saturday game of the season and boy was it a scorcher! The players lathered up with sunscreen and drank a bunch of liquids before mentally preparing themselves for a rematch against the best team we’ve played all season. Amelie Soslow was a highlight reel in this game. In the first inning she helped get USN out of trouble by earning two of the three outs. And then as the Tiger’s lead-off hitter, she set a beautiful bunt down the first baseline. While our following batters were aggressive at the play, the Mt. Juliet Christian Academy pitch and coach showed savvy strategy and hit all the right spots. Despite fouling the balls off and battling, the Tigers weren’t able to bring Amelie home. 

The second inning followed that same story defensively. Alena Ellis earned two of the three outs from third base and Victoria White was able to track a short pop fly into left field! Unfortunately MJCA’s pitcher just had the team’s number and was very disciplined in finding her spots. While the Tigers stayed aggressive at the plate, they weren’t able to get hits out of the infield. 

Going into the third inning the heat and the weariness from the previous week caught up to the Tigers. The MJCA was able to catch a few triples and a double and due to some untimely errors USN got caught in MJCA’s momentum. When opening pitcher Ellie Rothman started to overheat and hit her pitch count limit, Alena Ellis came in with runners on and after warming up ended up getting the Tigers out of the inning with a well timed strikeout! The long top of the inning drained a lot of focus and energy out of the young Tigers and when they went up to bat, they were met with corner strikes, which put away the game. 

It was a tough game against the best pitcher they have played/will see all year. Despite the tough losses it’s truly fun to see this young team make great plays and learn as they go. When these teachable moments present themselves, this Tiger’s team takes the opportunity to grow and support each other. They will continue to smile, have fun, and turn their focus on the next one. Keep battling Tigers for a foundation and community worth playing for!