Blue Devils Week 2 Review
Week two for the Blue Devils was loaded with adjustments, additions, subtractions, evaluations, and action. Three games this week means 6 games are now complete on the season for the Varsity squad with a record of 2-4.
On Tuesday, the Blue Devils sent Junior Thomas Williams to the mound to start against Auburn. This would be both his first start and first appearance in the pinstripes. Williams took full advantage of it, going 4 1/3 giving up 6 hits with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Columbus was leading 5-2 when Williams left the ballgame, but things didn’t go well after that. It was an amazing start for Thomas and he solidified his place in the rotation coming in on relief against Harris County in the lone Blue Devils victory of the week.
Thursday’s game was played in Alaska. Or at least it felt like it. Bobby Howard’s return to Randy Jordan field on the Brookstone side was a magical thing nonetheless. It was the first time Coach Howard had seen his newly placed HOF sign next to Frank Thomas’ in left field. The game however, did not go well for the Blue Devils. This was a write-off in many ways. It was too cold to really glean any meaningful information out of the loss, similar to the conditions in Newnan the previous week. Probably worse. But it goes on the record book and we move on.
Under the Friday night lights, RJ Griffin took the mound and pitched beautifully against Harris County. The Blue Devils ended up taking the win 6-4.
Overall, there are things to review, such as the strikeout rate being too high. Giving up too many walks. But the signs are showing in a positive direction. The offense looked much better in week two at the hitters start to catch up to the pitching in terms of preparation to be game-ready. 9 hits on Tuesday and 9 hits on Friday were early season highs. They will look to keep improving in the upcoming week.
The record, which is of little importance this early, could be different. A lead given up in the opener at Harris County, and a lead given up against Auburn really changes the landscape, but it also sheds positive light on things to come.
The Tuesday game against Carver is likely to be moved because Carver is still in the state playoffs in Basketball. Wednesday we host Pacelli, and Friday we host Hardaway in Region play
Down on the Farm
The Blue Devils put together a very nice performance on Saturday against Jordan. The scheduled 5 innings per game double-header was converted to a single game of 7 innings. They put up 6 runs against good pitching from Jordan. Carter Dixon and Lucas Stewart pitched very very well for the Blue Devils who capitalized on a big first inning which matched Jordan’s first inning. Then locked it down to secure the win 6-4.
