Reds split Braves

Times Reporter    

 

The Strathmore Reds midget boys took on the Red Deer Braves at Kinsmen Park on April 27, but began their double-header with some weak bats.

“We just couldn’t get anything rolling. That was only our fifth game outside. The batters are always behind and the pitchers dominate early in the season,” Reds coach Zane Anderson said. “They had the momentum.”

After losing the first game 5-2, the Reds stormed back – and had plenty of walks – in the second game, winning 12-8.

“Some of their pitchers got into a little bit of trouble,” Anderson said. “We had better quality at bats. Guys were swinging at strikes – not being too aggressive but getting pitches they could handle. It was good to see.”

The Reds hope to play at home this weekend – their potential last exhibition matchup – if they can find an opponent. They then have a week off before departing for Montana’s Wood Bat Classic, their first official tournament of the summer.

“When we go down to the States, the teams will be a little bit more physical, and a little bit older,” Anderson said. “Usually when you face the Montana teams, they’re primarily 18-years-old or 19-years-old, so it’s a little different in terms of talent level.”

Anderson doesn’t have to worry about his starting lefty, Quentin Kopjar.

“We’ve had a couple of players step up. Our most consistent pitcher has been one of them,” Anderson said of Kopjar. “We’ve been sort of leaning on him in the big games but hopefully other players will step up.”