Reds trying to limit early season errors

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Reds triple-A midget team showed promise during a home-opening double-header against the Spruce Grove White Sox on May 1.
“I think the first game we didn’t come out to play, we struggled a bit,” said bench coach Ryan Kennedy. “I think our pitching staff gave up 13 free bases, doing that puts you in a tough situation to win a game.”
Despite a blowout loss in the first game, the Reds were able stay pitch-for-pitch, but were still making small mistakes compared to the Sox.
“In the second game I was impressed that the boys came back. Again there were some mistakes made that shouldn’t happen but we are early in the season and there are a lot of young guys on this team,” said Kennedy.
“They’re a really well-coached squad and they didn’t make those mistakes. I think that’s why they take a 4-3 win over us, where late in that game we make a couple plays and moved the infield in and don’t throw to first base and things like.”
He added that the mental side would need to be worked on for next game.
“Most of it’s mental, I don’t think we made too many physical errors (which) happen in baseball, we get over that,” said Kennedy. “There is a lot of room for growth and I see it happening. We got five guys coming back from academy, so there will be a little more experience there and some guys will be competing for a position.”
The Reds did not play at this level last year and know they are going to have to react a lot quicker.
“I think it’s the speed of the game, you play tournament play, and you know there is four games in a weekend and you know what you’re going to do with your pitching staff,” said Kennedy. “In this league it’s solid competition every game, every team is good in this league.”