Summer NIT Game 1: WR 8U Blue 8, Southern Heat 0

The day began with Bryce showing up wearing freshly washed gray pants. The only problem was that the rest of the team was wearing white. Luckily, Coach Kevin always travels with an extra pair of white baseball pants (never know when you might need them), and was able to save the day:

This unique strategy enabled Bryce to both play second base and catch fish at the same time.

Quite honestly, Bryce's pants (no, he didn't actually wear them for the game) were kind of the highlight of the first game. 8U Blue took an 8-0 win in a game shortened to four innings by the run rule, and it's always nice to win, but a lack of energy in the dugout, on the field and in the box led to some pointed suggestions from the coaches as to some things that needed to be improved on in the second game.

On the bright side, although the Heat weren't hitting the ball particularly hard, the Blue infield did make almost all the plays they were given, holding the Heat without a hit and not allowing a runner past first base.

If for no other reason, the game was worth watching because it featured a machine-pitch first (at least for me): the Heat opted to intentionally walk Joey in the fourth inning to try and set up a force at home to prevent the potential game-ending run from scoring. Why the rules would allow for intentional walks in a format that doesn't allow any other kind of walks is another question.

With short turnaround, 8U Blue prepared to play the Rubber Arm Rockets immediately after the win.

Game 1 8U Blue scoring plays
First inning
Bryce ripped a one-out single. Gavin singled him to second. With two outs, Chace lifted a double to left that scored both runners.
Score after one inning: 8U Blue 2, Heat 0

Third inning
Elias led off with a seeing-eye single, then moved to second on Andrew's single. Bryce singled to load the bases, and then Gavin cleared them with a mammoth three-run double.
Score after three innings: 8U Blue 5, Heat 0

Fourth inning
Singles by Mason, Ben and Asher loaded the bases. Carter drove in a pair with a double, and then after an intentional walk--yes, that really happened--loaded the bases, Elias ended the game with an RBI single to center.
Score after four innings: 8U Blue 8, Heat 0

Game 1 Web Gems

• With all the plays taking place in the infield, most of the outs recorded were of the routine variety. But Chace made a nice scoop on a short-hop throw to first to end the third.
• He then followed that up by tracking down an errant throw in the fourth, then hustling back to slap his glove on the bag to get the force. 
• The around-the-horn combination of JT, Gavin, Bryce and Chace combined to make 7 of the outs (in a four-inning game) flawlessly.

Game 1 line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Southern Heat	0	0	0	0	X	X	0	0
WR 8U Blue	2	0	3	3	X	X	8	14