We cannot get focused on results early in the season. That's what I told my players before, during and after our opening weekend games. Last weekend, we played our first four games of the season to Missouri Valley College in Bolivar, MO. On a field played in mud, we lost by the scores of 3-1, 10-0, 3-2, and 3-2. The field was wet both days with temperatures in the 40's on Saturday and a balmy 75 on Sunday.
Just getting outside to play was extremely beneficial for us. We didn't play great in any games, but we saw a lot of good things. Our starting pitching was good, we played pretty decent defense for three games, and we had some quality plate appearances. On the other hand, we need to improve offensively, in the bullpen and with some defensive skills.
Thomas Pickett and Ethan Opsahl, two of our most experienced pitchers, were very good considering it was their first starts of the year. Joey Fitzgerald was also very good in his DWU debut on the mound. Patrick Dennis showed signs of good stuff even though his first start of the season yeiled mixed results from both he and his defense.
Our offense struggled, but showed signs of life at different points. We believe we can put together a pretty good lineup if our players understand that our offense has to be balanced and disciplined.
Our record was disappointing, but our effort was not! We will improve and we will continue to work hard. Our players have too much integrity not to.
I want to thank Missouri Valley for their hospitality and setting the games up on a field that did not have snow on it. A special thank you to Bolivar High School and their head coach for all the work they put in to get the field in playable condition.
It was a good weekend for us. The experiences of the four-game set will help us continue on our path to seek excellence.
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