Never "inning"

Palm Coast Observer
Sports

After surrendering an early run, the Palm Coast Junior All-Stars cycled through the batting lineup four times, forced two pitching changes, was hit by five pitches, turned multiples walks into runs, capitalized on many Eustis All-Stars’ errors, stole numerous bases, compiled 22 runs, and then came the second inning.

By the time Eustis secured its third out, 8:30 p.m. had rolled by, the sun decided to go in and the game was far out of reach.
The Palm Coast All-Stars eventually would rack up 36 runs, while allowing Eustis to score a run in the opening and closing inning in the shortest time allotted Thursday, July 9, at the Indian Trails Sports Complex.

“The team practiced and played hard, and their efforts showed in the game,” coach Brian Walberg said. “The other team’s pitching wasn’t as good as ours, but I was thankful for the first inning to come to an end.”

The game, only five-and-a-half hours, lasted for more than three hours, finishing around 10:20. When Eustis didn’t walk a batter, it seemed like Palm Coast made them pay for it with a single or double to the outfield.

While playing beyond the level of their competition, Walberg used some of the All-Stars’ mishaps to keep his kids modest, after cruising to a 34-run win.

“I explained to them that there were a lot of mistakes, and we still have a lot of things to improve upon,” he said. “The other team gave us a lot of runs, so we need to stay hungry and not count on the other teams giving us freebies.”

Throughout the game, league officials and onlookers began to ask about a potential earlier mercy rule than that which currently stands. If the Palm Coast All-Stars wanted to, they could’ve scored 100 runs.

“We decided to take out some of the starters and put the subs in a little earlier than I anticipated, to keep the game flowing,” Walberg said. “Unfortunately, our mentality is that we want to win, and It’s hard to shut off a group of kids who have practiced so hard during the week.”

Palm Coast has a quick turnaround, as they will travel to play the South Putnam All-Stars tonight.