Week 2 - Giants vs. Astros, Twice

Easter break did not cool off the streaking Giants.  Facing a tough two-game test against the Astros, our Giants responded with two come from behind victories.  Talking to the team after the second game I told them how proud I was of their effort late in the game and how confident I am in their ability to respond to a challenge. 


In Game 1 against the Astros, Ethan, Savion, Trevor and Nick combined for 5 innings of solid pitching against a very good-hitting Astros team.  Our pitchers did a nice job of bending, not breaking allowing 9 hits against 9 strikeouts and 11 walks.  We had some decent support from our defense.  I was surprised to see our infielders execute the "look the runner back then go to first" play.  It didn't prevent runs from scoring but as we do this more often we will see runs choked off from third with this move.


As with our first two games, offense was the story in this game.  Our Giants erupted for 15 runs on 11 hits, most importantly putting up 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to come from behind for the victory.  Ben Linberg had an outstanding game going 3 for 3 in the cleanup spot with key RBIs.  Easton Fetch also added some crucial RBI in the late innings with some clutch hitting. 

Game 2 was more of the same for the Giants and Astros.  One of the main differences in this game versus the first was the number of baserunners we allowed on walks.  Our pitchers were around the strike zone all day but it was a  very tough strike zone to find. The big difference maker was our defense, which gloved up for 10 put-outs, including an excellent catch in centerfield by Jordan and a sensational play at shortstop from Trevor who rifled a bullet from deep short to beat the runner at first.  Both Brayden and Roberto made terrific plays to save runs at a critical points in the game.  Roberto, Ethan and Nic and Ben allowed 9 hits and 14 walks against 7 strikeouts.  Our pitchers need to continue to work on our accuracy, we cannot give away this many free bases.

Everyone in the lineup hit well.  Our team strung together 17 hits and 9 walks to combine for 14 runs, including the two we needed in the bottom of the 6th inning to take the game.  Joe Fedota got the party started early with a triple to deep center.  Trevor added to his team-leading hit total with a 4 for 4 day with 4 runs scored.  That is Superman-like production from the leadoff spot. Nic Kennedy went 3 for 4 including the game-winning RBIs.  Easton and Brayden continued their consistent hitting in clutch situations.

A funny story about the game winning RBI.  The bases had just been loaded after the Astros INTENTIONALLY WALKED Joe Fedota with one out.  I'm convinced this is going to be a special season since we've already seen a TRIPLE PLAY and an INTENTIONAL WALK all in one little league season.  Nic took three pitches to work the count in his favor 3-0.  Nic stepped out of the box, looked at Coach Dude who told him, under no circumstances, should he swing at the next pitch.  As instructed (ugh..), Nic crushed the 3-0 pitch to right field for a two-run double to win the game.  All I can say is you can't coach instinct..

Great job Giants, lets keep it rolling.  Cubs on Wednesday, Dodgers on Saturday.  Go Giants...