By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Still looking to pick up their first home win of the season, Galion Graders fans will have to wait a little longer to savor that first home win as the Graders fell to the Irish Hills Leprechauns 9-1 Saturday night.
Spotting the Leprechauns a 2 run lead through the first two innings, The Graders brought the game within a run after an error by the Leprechauns led to Center Fielder Robbie Jones scoring from third.
That would be the only score the Graders would make Friday night. The Leprechauns extended their lead in the fourth scoring three runs to go up 5-1. The Leprechauns added two more runs in the sixth, and a run in the seventh and ninth innings to close out the game.
The Graders finished the game with 9 hits with Reilly Hawkins leading the way with two hits.
The Leprechauns had 10 hits over nine innings with Catcher Andrew Dayfield leading the way reaching base safely three out of four at bats and scoring one run.
With the loss the Graders fall to 2-4 on the season, while the Leprechauns improve to 2-4.
Galion Graders Manager Taylor Baker explained that the team is still trying to find their groove early in the season.
“I think we have some guys out of position right now, at the same time that isn’t an excuse. I understand mistakes that are tough plays, but when you consistently don’t make routine plays it puts pressure on everybody else, it puts pressure on the pitcher,” Baker said. “Guys are thinking in their head at certain positions, I think we are just struggling to find that guy to make that two out play, and to carry that moment over on offense.”
“It is a long season, a really long season,” Baker continued. “We have started off 2-4, which is better than last year. I think when we can get to the point where we are comfortable at certain positions things will be better.”
Baker explained how he as a manager hopes to help the team reach that comfort level.
“I told them tonight that I will make myself available tomorrow for early work,” Baker said. “It is hard with the schedule taking batting practice, because we don’t really take infield and outfield before games so guys are put in certain positions they really don’t get ground balls, even in the outfield are put under pressure because they don’t get that game-like feel. But I think it just comes down to being comfortable and guys making a play under pressure to get that psyche back up, and becoming confident.”
Galion will next play the Grand Lake Mariners at home on Saturday.
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