Showing they can keep their minds, as well as hearts, in a game, the Bradwell Tigers got their first win of the year on the road at Windsor Forest Tuesday night making them 1-1 in region 3-AAAAA.
It may be the win the Tigers needed to stiffen their resolve and stay mentally focused for the next game.
"It was a much needed victory, Tiger coach Rhett Hellgren said. "And it couldn't have come at a better time than against a regional opponent. We've worked hard this year and it finally paid off. We played some quality opponents and it has been a tough road so far. It still feels nice to get that first one. They say that the first one is the hardest."
Hellgren hopes to build off the win.
"Once you get one, you want more."
Kentrell Hargrove stood on the mound for all seven innings. Although he walked 5 batters in the first four innings, he clamped down and ended up striking out 6 batters.
Hellgren said he just got stronger as the game went on. Not only did he pitch well the coach said Hargrove had two nice hits.
The Tigers' coach said he was pleased his team kept coming out with the will to win every game despite their sluggish 1-8 overall start.
"It takes a lot of heart to keep coming out and being focused with the record we had," he said. "We still need to improve and get better."
The Tigers have the rest of the week and a non-regional game on Saturday against Long County to prepare for their third region game against Beach at home on Tuesday.
Saturday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday's game against Beach is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Player stats
Daniel Materne 1 for 5 with a single and 1RBI
Kentrell Hargrove 2 for 5 with 2 singles and 1RBI
Jeff Polk 2 for 5 with 2 singles and 1RBI
Ulrick John 1 for 3 and a double
Steven Dill 2 for 4 a single and a double, 1RBI
Dustin Belletty 1 for 4 a single, 2 RBI
DeAnte Day 1 for 4 a single, 1 RBI
It may be the win the Tigers needed to stiffen their resolve and stay mentally focused for the next game.
"It was a much needed victory, Tiger coach Rhett Hellgren said. "And it couldn't have come at a better time than against a regional opponent. We've worked hard this year and it finally paid off. We played some quality opponents and it has been a tough road so far. It still feels nice to get that first one. They say that the first one is the hardest."
Hellgren hopes to build off the win.
"Once you get one, you want more."
Kentrell Hargrove stood on the mound for all seven innings. Although he walked 5 batters in the first four innings, he clamped down and ended up striking out 6 batters.
Hellgren said he just got stronger as the game went on. Not only did he pitch well the coach said Hargrove had two nice hits.
The Tigers' coach said he was pleased his team kept coming out with the will to win every game despite their sluggish 1-8 overall start.
"It takes a lot of heart to keep coming out and being focused with the record we had," he said. "We still need to improve and get better."
The Tigers have the rest of the week and a non-regional game on Saturday against Long County to prepare for their third region game against Beach at home on Tuesday.
Saturday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday's game against Beach is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Player stats
Daniel Materne 1 for 5 with a single and 1RBI
Kentrell Hargrove 2 for 5 with 2 singles and 1RBI
Jeff Polk 2 for 5 with 2 singles and 1RBI
Ulrick John 1 for 3 and a double
Steven Dill 2 for 4 a single and a double, 1RBI
Dustin Belletty 1 for 4 a single, 2 RBI
DeAnte Day 1 for 4 a single, 1 RBI