These kids are clutch
June 10th, 2008, 3:33 pm · Post a Comment · posted by barstowsports
The Barstow City Little League Championships had all the thrills of an action-packed Major League Baseball playoff game on Saturday.What is really astonishing at this level is the reaction kids have to pressure situations. In both the 9-and 10 -year-old and Major division games, these kids were flawless.A quick example of the heroics under pressure is 9 and 10-year-old Yankees pitcher Alfredo Lopez. Lopez, who walked one batter and let another get on base because off a passed ball, could have crumbled. For a second, Lopez looked hittable. He had dazzled with his fastball and developing curveball for three straight innings, striking out nine.
A quick hit back to the pitcher with two men in scoring position could have resulted in a catastrophe for Lopez’s game and the Yankees with the score being deadlocked at zero. The whole complexion could have been changed in a flash and the Red Sox, stifled all day by Lopez, could have been rejuvenated with the knowledge that he was mortal. Instead, with lightning reflexes, Lopez didn’t hesitate to make a heads up throw back to his catcher, Desi Santos, preventing them from getting a 1-0 lead in the third inning. A quick tag by Santos and the umpire screaming, “Your out” was the catalyst that made his 15-strikeout performance happen in six innings of work.Another example of performing under pressure situation happened in the next game.
With two runners in scoring position and two outs, a routine fly ball hit to centerfield could have spelled disaster for the Red Sox. However, the centerfielder made the play, in an important moment of the game, look routine. Performance under pressure isn’t easy at even the big league level. The Little Leaguers made everything look easy, and reminded everyone why they were playing for the championship game.
-Jason Blasco, sports reporter
