This was from the first inning. After that, my camera ran out of battery. In a way, that was a blessing because then I could just concentrate on watching the game. He actually pitched better in the second inning by striking out the side!
OB got up to bat in the bottom of the second. He had been on a bit of a cold streak with no hits in his last few games. He promptly ripped a shot that the third baseman gloved but it ricocheted into left field for a double.
At the end of three innings, I thought he might either be pulled for another pitcher or pitch one more. One of the coaches let me know that he had thrown 38 pitches. The limit for ten year olds in a game is 75. So on he went.
The game was actually scoreless until the bottom of the third. Two runs for the Twins helped give a little breathing room. After a scoreless top of the fourth, the Twins added to the lead with three more. With runners on second and third, OB could have added on but he ended up striking out.
The game went on and after a few quick at-bats, it was suddenly the top of the sixth. OB was still back out on the mound. After striking out the first batter, he had only given up two singles so far. The next batter promptly ripped a double over the centerfielder's head. Still, there was no move from the dugout. He would go on to get a tapper back to the mound for the second out. On his last pitch, he got a lazy fly ball to center to end the game.
The final tally was three hits, no walks, and no runs. I know that he struck out at least six batters, but to be honest I got so caught up in the game I lost count. While the team he beat wasn't one of the best teams in the league, it still featured a number of 12 year olds much taller and stronger than him!
I am extremely proud of my boy. No matter what happens the rest of the season, he can always look back at one cherished memory. He rode home proudly clutching his well-deserved game ball.
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