Game 9: (Playoff #2) Hastings vs Layritz

The Hastings spectators have let out almost all of their nerves yesterday, and today is for the leftovers. Layritz is a team I definitely want to beat, but lets not jinx it. knock on wood. Again, the music is spectacular, and the lyrics seem to fit the mood perfectly. The umpires are even dancing. Both teams today are wearing their team colours, and the energy is contagious. Lets play ball!

The top of the 1st inning starts off with Taylor, and a ball from Layritz. Taylor gets a base on balls after fouling for a while, and Ryan quickly follows after to get a man on 1st and 2nd. You can see the upset faces on the coach and Layritz pitcher. During Robbey’s up to bat, Taylor and Ryan both steal to get to 2nd and 3rd. Robbey walks after to load the bases. Anthony strikes out for the first out of the inning. Taylor then steals home during Josh’s up to bat for the first run. For the second out, Josh pops one up just past the 1st baseman, who catches it. It’s a base on balls for Keenan, and this loads the bases once again, and brings Shota to the plate. Shota then strikes out, and the Layritz pitcher is at 39 pitches. It’s three outs for Hastings, and the Hastings stand is joined by White Rock players and parents.



It’s the bottom of the 1st inning, and Shota is our starting pitcher. Keenan cannot pitch for the rest of the tournament, and some strategizing will be needed for the pitchers today. Layritz gets a base hit, after Robbey steps off the base. There is now one out for the inning, after Shota striking out the Layritz pitcher. A failed double play brings out the angry side of Vito, as well as some of the parents. The Hastings All-Stars are a bit shaken up, with now a man on 2nd and 3rd. Josh makes a great catch in the outfield for the 2nd out, and quickly throws it home to protect the plate. A hit to center field from Layritz brings in a run, and there is now a man on 1st and 2nd. Shortly after, a hard hit over Keenan’s head to center field brings in another 2 runs. The score is now 3-1 Layritz. An infield single from Layritz brings in a man to first, and there is a man on 3rd as well. A play from Taylor to Ryan gets the last out at 2nd base and cancels out a run home.

The top of the 2nd inning brings the same pitcher from Layritz, and a base on balls from Christian. For the 1st out, Ian strikes out from nice pitching from the Layritz pitcher. Taylor strikes out after Ian for the 2nd out, and Ryan gets out at 1st for the final out.

Shota is still pitching at the bottom of the 2nd, and he strikes out the first Layritz batter for the 1st out. Following the out, a Layritz player gets a double, and this brings up the pitcher up to bat who strikes out for the 2nd out. Robbey ttags first for the last out.

The top of the 3rd brings Robbey up to bat, who strikes out. Anthony is up next and he gets a base on balls. Katie goes in for Anthony as pinch runner, but Layritz gets a double play for the last 2 outs.



The bottom of the 3rd starts off with an out by Robbey, after a fast-reflexes catch for the 1st out. Layritz then gets a base hit and steals second. A bad play by Hastings brings a man o 1st and 3rd. Shota strikes out Layritz for the 2nd out, and a pinch runner is put in for the man on 3rd. Another base hit for Layritz brings in another run. The score is now 4-1 for Layritz. A catch by Anthony ends the inning. Phew.

It’s now the top of the 4th inning, and Scot gets out at first for the 1st out. Shota reaches first base after a hit to left field, and this brings Katie up to bat. Katie soon strikes out, and Shota steals second. Taz get out at first for the last out. >:(

The bottom of the 4th begins with a solo home run from Layritz. An out at 1st is the first out, and another double for Layritz puts Hastings further into depression. A throw from Taylor to Robbey gets the second out. Hopefully this game will not be the same as last year, but we can only hope. Robbey catches a pop fly for the last out.



It’s the top of the 5th inning and we need hits like people need oxygen. It’s the top of the batting order, with Taylor starting us off. Taylor gets out by a play at 1st base, and Ryan gets a base hit following. Layritz changes their pitcher, stalling the game once gain. Robbey pops one up to center field, and this is another out for Hastings. The spectators have almost gave up until… Anthony gets a two run, out of the park home run!! Anthony even knocks down Josh in a fit of excitement. This brings the score to 5-3, Layritz. Josh gets a base hit to left field straight after. Layritz attempts to shake up Hastings by changing their pitcher again. Keenan strikes out to bring Layritz up to bat.




It’s the bottom of the 5th inning and Shota continues pitching. Layritz gets a base hit to left field and following, another base hit. At this point, Robbey goes in as pitcher to bring out Shota. Coincidentally, “Staying Alive” also begins playing. Layritz then gets a base on balls to load the bases. Robbey strikes out a batter for the first out. A 2 run single from Layritz to bring the score to 7-3. The score is now 8-3 on a single. This is really bringing down the Hastings fans, as well as the players. Layritz gets a base on balls to load the bases again. Vito now brings in Anthony for Robbey. Ryan gets an out at home for the 2nd out. Anthony strikes out Layritz for the last out.



It’s now the top of the 6th inning and our last chance. Layritz seems warmed up, but are we? Shota starts us off with a base hit, until Layritz calls another time out. Christian gets a base on balls to the pleasure of the Hastings fans. The first out of the inning is Ian, who pops one up behind 1st base. Taylor gets an infield single to load the bases. Ryan then gets the 2nd out by a pop fly in center field. Layritz calls a time out once again and then walks Robbey to bring in a run. The score is now 8-4. Anthony gets a base on balls to bring the score to 8-5. Josh hits to the pitcher’s mound, and the pitcher then throws it to first for the final out of the inning, the tournament, and the Hastings 2008 All-Stars.



These boys played amazing for the entire Provincials, and I know that they will go on to do great things. I mean, we’re East Vancouver Ghetto, and 3rd in BC! We played great and fairly, and even though all of us believe we deserved to win… but hey, win as if you’re used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change. If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win. This is only the beginning, and for the last quote.. it’s not weather you win or lose, it’s how you play the game, and these boys and girl played the game incredibly and even inspired a baseball sister.