This weekend, we traveled to Ozarow Mazowiecki for a doubleheader with the Warsaw Dragons.
In the first game, I started at first base and hit eighth in the lineup.
When I walked up to the plate for my first at bat, we were in an advantageous situation with runners in scoring position. Unfortunately, it was an unsuccessful plate appearance that resulted in a strikeout.
To briefly break it down, the pitcher had a decent fastball and breaking ball, which had me guessing. I fouled off the first pitch, whiffed on a breaking ball, and got caught sitting off-speed for strike three.
In my second at bat of the game, I got hit by a pitch. Admittedly, it stung a little, but I made sure not to give a reaction, and jogged to first base. I later went on to score.
I reached base again in my third at bat, this time on a fielder’s choice. I hit a groundball to third base, but somehow Kiryl, the runner at second base, managed to get out. A couple batters later, I scored again.
The next inning, I was tested defensively.
A slow groundball was hit to Kiryl at shortstop, who proceeded to field the ball, and throw it wildly, a short hop that bounced very close and fast.
On pure instinct alone, I was able to stretch and backhand the ball cleanly, getting a much needed out with runners in scoring position. It was an incredibly difficult play, and I appreciated the props I received from many of my teammates.
In my final at bat of the game, I hit a ground rule double to left field and scored shortly after. The field we were playing on was relatively small, and I was hoping it was enough to clear the fence. Unfortunately, I didn’t get enough of it, and the ball landed a couple feet short. Still, it was a solid hit.
We ended up winning the game in dominant fashion, 21-4.
After a break, we began the second game.
I started at first base and hit seventh in the lineup.
In my first at bat, I got hit by another pitch, this time on my right forearm, just below the wrist. This definitely hurt worse than the previous one, but again, I tried my best not to show it.
The next time we were in the field, I received more defensive action. That inning, I had two ground balls hit to me. I was able to field each of them cleanly and record two outs, unassisted.
Back at the plate for my second at bat, I hit a two-run double to left field. I did not hit the ball cleanly, getting jammed on an inside pitch. If I had barreled the ball, I believe it would have gone a lot further. Nonetheless, it was a productive at bat, and I later scored.
In my final at bat of the day, I walked.
The game concluded shortly after and we won with another run rule, 12-1.
Here are some thoughts on the day.
The Warsaw Dragons were a decent club, but I expected more out of them and for the games to be closer. We definitely played well, but I was surprised it wasn’t remotely competitive.
Defensively, we seemed to slightly improve. Our pitchers did well, and we were able to make routine plays, for the most part.
At the plate, we had many hits and took advantage of the other team’s mistakes, resulting in a lot of runs. We took care of business, and the results spoke for themselves.
Shifting toward my performance, I would say I did well.
I reached base nearly every at bat, scored a few runs, and had two extra base hits, one almost being a home run. On the defensive side of things, I did my job and was steady at first base. I fielded two routine groundballs and had the high-quality backhand scoop.
Total stats for the day: 2/4, two doubles, two RBI’s, four runs scored, one strikeout, one walk, and two HBP.
We finished up Baltic League play with a bang, two run rule victories that extended our winning streak to four and pushed our overall record to 13-3 on the season.
We are off again next week but will return on June 18 to play Deby Osielsko on the road. This will be our final Polish First League matchup for the remainder of the season.
Soon, Baltic League postseason play will be upon us.
Stay tuned and go Piraci Wladyslawowo!