Elder showing their mettle. Never quit.Bases loaded in Bottom of the 6th. New Albany changes pitchers. Elder needs to jump on this, likely their last opportunity, to claim victory from the jaws of defeat. Go Panthers!
Great run E. No reason to hang your head. Way to represent Cincinnati and of course the GCL. Hats off to a class ACT. GBMThey surpassed most peoples' expectations. It's tough to make it that far and come up just a little bit short. They still should be proud of the state runner-up finish.
Early in the game they were being patient and that's why they had opportunities in the 1st and 2nd innings. After they went down 5-1 it seemed like they started pressing a little. The NA starter had a great curveball that locked up several Elder hitters.Anyway, I just got back. More thoughts:
This team showed a lot of grit fighting back. I hate cliches, but I don’t know how else to describe it.
Kammerer was outstanding in relief. It felt like Elder was teetering on getting run ruled, but he came in, threw strikes and gave Elder a chance to rally.
The Home Plate ump was awful and should feel awful about his impact on the game. That said, Elder needed to adapt quicker to how the game was called. They should’ve been much more patient and worked the count instead of going up and taking big hacks.
Great run Elder. You made the Elder nation proud.Elder has a nice nucleus back for next season. Coming up a little bit short will leave this team hungry next season.
Returning starters
C Luke Vaughn
1B
2B Kevin Hilton
SS Jeremy Ward
3B
OF Chris Kammerer
OF
OF
SP Kellen Sandhas
SP Jared Eckstein
I have some thoughts on who will fill in for the departing seniors, but I just wanted to list the returning starters they have coming back.
This Run was proof you need to 2 studs you can count on if you want to make a deep run. Before last night, Elder’s Relievers threw 2 total innings the entire Tournament. I’m not sure if they keep Ward & Kammerer as Relievers or try to move 1 or both to Starters. I believe Ward started a handful of games this yr.Great run Elder. You made the Elder nation proud.
This team loses 10 seniors. IF they keep the 3 jrs/rising seniors that played on JV this year that would leave 7 spots open IF everyone comes back?
They have a lot of returning talent. Pitching is always important and I could see Westerkamp (jr) and Curliss (soph), possibly Aamonn (soph) getting a chance on Varsity next yr.
I was right behind home plate, which is why I’m still angry. There was no reason for him to squeeze those Pitchers like that. It’s like a ref in basketball who calls a lot of ticky tack fouls and the game turns into a FT shooting contest. It’s also why the game took so long. That guy sucked, no two ways about it.I ended up being able to make last night's game. A few thoughts:
- Stadium was small but very nice for hosting the games. Ended up spending way more time there than anticipated due to the late start. Plenty of easy parking in the area. I'll definitely be back for a Rubberducks game.
- Home plate ump had a horrible strike zone all night. Felt like it was favoring NA but I definitely had some moments when calls went in Elder's favor and I wondered where those pitches were missing. I was sitting down the third base line so I didn't have a great view but it was extremely frustrating.
- The turning point in the game was when the Panthers left the bases loaded early. After that you could tell they were getting visibly, and understandably, frustrated by the inconsistent strike zone. Hence why they didn't get a hit until the big rally in the 6th.
- Runners on the corners with only one out and not able to bring in at least the tying run was heartbreaking. At that point I got wrapped up in the excitement and was starting to think they would take the lead and keep the game from getting to the bottom of the 7th.
- Despite everything they never gave up and came so close to completing the comeback. Players and coaches should be proud on a fantastic season!
I can’t give you specifics Bc I don’t know them but a Moeller sophomore pitcher is coming to Elder for next year. He will be a junior and should be among the top 3 pitchers.
From St Ignatius?I can’t give you specifics Bc I don’t know them but a Moeller sophomore pitcher is coming to Elder for next year. He will be a junior and should be among the top 3 pitchers.
From St Ignatius?
Correct, St Ignatius grade schoolHe said from Moeller. Are you asking if a kid from St. I grade school went to Moeller and now transferring to Elder?
Maybe it’s not strictly sports related? I’d say it’s possible both know players at Elder and maybe feel they fit in better at the school?X and Moeller both have good baseball programs. What would cause them to want to transfer to Elder? If they weren't happy with the innings they were getting, they might just not be good enough and the situation won't change at Elder. Or are they just moving to the westside?
Given he's only going to be a junior, is this commitment more of a fallback option in case he doesn't get drafted after his senior season? Also, is UCF a good baseball school? Don't know much about NCAA baseball.