2009 Westfield Blue 11S Summer Travel Baseball: Westfield Blue drops one to Bridgewater Americans, 11-1

The Westfield Blue team returned to the field Wednesday night after a long, wet break from baseball, losing 11-1 to the Bridgewater Americans.

The late evening game gave the boys a chance to shake off some rust after nine-day layoff and prepare for a weekend of baseball that includes their first outing in the Babe Ruth District tournament.

Westfield bats were rather quiet in the game, but Rowan Oberman and Parker Hess did provide a few fireworks to get the Blue Devils on the board. Oberman, who had two hits for the night, hustled out an infield single in 1st inning and later advanced on a walk by Steven Barmakian. Hess came to the plate and scorched a double off the centerfield fence, driving in Oberman for our only run of the game.

Justin Lin got his work in as our starter, throwing hard and fast for two and one-third innings. Oberman relieved Lin, and his combination of change-ups and fastballs baffled the power-hitters in Bridgewater’s lineup. Parker Hess then took the mound to face six batters—Coach Murray is looking to use him more as the season progress. Tyler Roth did a great job finishing the game against the tough Bridgewater lineup.

Despite the loss, there were other flashes of greatness—including the fence-hugging catch of a foul ball by Oberman, and a double play worthy of description. Bridgewater hit a grounder to third baseman Owen Colwell, who threw to Roth at first to get the runner out. Roth quickly shot the ball back Colwell at third to nail a runner trying to advance. 5-3-5 double play….sweet!

Coach Murray after the game said the defense played well, noting Michael Jeffery’s great catch in right, Owen Murray’s workout in center and Owen Colwell’s strong play at third.

“The best news of the night is that this one’s over, and there are dozens more to play,” Coach Murray said as he departed the swampy field.

See you Friday!