BASEBALL UPDATE NUMBER 2 (2012)

Tribe Slumping Down The Stretch..... as they have dropped 5 of 6 games to fall to 8 and 8 overall and 5 and 3 in Region 3 4A. This bad streak started when they lost a heart breaker at home to Region 3 leader Northwestern and continued through the Southeastern Baseball Classic in Hartsville, South Carolina where they lost 3 of 4 games. The Tribe limped home from their disappointing performance in Hartsville to host rival and State Runner-up Byrnes on Monday. The Rebels had their way with the Indians, winning 18 to 8.

What Is The Problem?..... The pitchers throwing strikes has been a big problem. The pitching staff only gave up eleven hits in the four games at the Southeastern Baseball Classic but, they lost 3 of 4. Their inability to win the close game has also been a problem. They are finding ways to loose games instead of finding ways to win them. They just didn't play well in the game against Byrnes.

Can They Salvage Their Season?..... They stand at 8 and 8 overall and 5 and 3 in Region 3 but, they still control their own destiny and can finish second in Region 3 4A with wins in their two remaining region games this week against Rock Hill on Tuesday and Spartanburg on Friday. Both games are at home at Commissioner's Field. If they split the two remaining games they will need some help to finish second.

My View From The Stands.....(1) I really expected this Gaffney team to win more games this season. They have a lot of talent. They just haven't gelled as a team. Ace pitcher Micheal Wright has not had the senior season on the mound that most people expected. They have lacked the ace pitcher to win the big game when they had to have it. (2) I do expect them to win their two remaining games this week and finish in second place in the Region 3 standings. (3) They can win a game or two in the playoffs but, I see their playoff run ending sooner rather than later.

Until Next Time.