Staff writer
The losing record of Marion’s Babe Ruth team for 16- to 18-year-olds may be a bit deceptive, coach Phil Unruh said.
Half of the team’s eight losses came in one-run games, where one lucky break could change the outcome.
The team is young, with a couple of 15-year-olds playing up a division, Unruh said. The team has 15 players, including one each from Lincolnville, Peabody, and Strong City.
Players are hitting well, and if pitching and defense improve the team should have a better record down the stretch, Unruh said.
“I think we’re learning from our mistakes,” he said.
First baseman and pitcher Marshall Ragland said the close losses were frustrating, but showed that the team could win.
“I think we’ll get over it,” he said. “We’ll start playing better and winning.”
The team needs to work better with new teammates and play better while behind to finish the season strong, Ragland said.
The Warriors played a double-header Tuesday night at Halstead. They will play Abilene today at home, and travel Friday to play Lyons.
The team’s final regular-season games will be July 11. They will then compete in districts and possibly state.
Team members are Mitch Cady, Wil Case, Abe Eldridge, Isaac Hett, Heath Hill, Erik Kjellin, Cole Lewman, Adam Maag, Colton Olsen, Marshall Ragland, Mitchell Ragland, Corey Seacat, Matt Sprowls, Tommy Tajchman, and Shawn Talkington.