The FC Pilots fell to a scrappy no quit Rams team last night at Twin Silo in the final frame, 13-12.  Strong performances at the plate, on the mound, and around the basepaths fell just short of landing back in the win column.  That said - the Pilots battled to the last pitch and look poised to finish out the regular season schedule with strong performances from every player en route to the 2020 playoffs.

A quick game recap ... there is much to celebrate:

Pilot Bats:  Jack R, Ben and Corte led the Pilots at the plate, combining for a collective 9 RBIs on 5 hits.  Jack R continues to rake as we are seeing his focus and determination on every pitch pay huge dividends.  2 doubles - a late game walk - a run scored - 4 runs driven in?  Those are quality at bats right there.  Ben kept a high scoring Pilot 3rd inning alive via his grit, hustle and after burners by legging out a single and sparking a 6 run rally.  Ben stole a base after taking a throw down to second off the ankle.  And co-Pilot of the Game Corte was perfect at the plate going 2 for 2 with a walk - driving in two runs in clutch two out situations.  Hats off to these 3 Pilots who kept the lineup rolling and set the Pilots up with an impressive day at the plate.  Luke, Oliver, Kevin and Cooper all chipped in with hits and hustle around the bags.  One pretty sweet stat that jumps out:  8 of our 10 Pilots scored.  True team effort.

Pilot Arms:  Extremely proud of the way Jack T, Henry and Ben were dealing on the mound - notching 8 of the 10 outs turned by the Pilots in the game via the strikeout.  Jack started the game for the visitors and faced 16 Rams over two strong innings of work.  He was relieved by hard throwing co-Pilot of the Game  Henry who recorded all 4 outs of his time on the mound via the swinging K.  In one unbelievable at bat Henry battled back from a 3-0 count to record strike looking, strike looking, striking swinging.  So clutch!

Pilot Gloves:  The Pilots were able to record only 2 outs in the field last night as the Rams played a game of hit-them-where-they're-not ball and took advantage of the breaks the baseball gods gave them.  A few tricky hops here - a few missed opportunities there - and the Pilots were unable to stop the final frame rally.  Hats off to CF Carson for his hustling bustling catch in shallow center in the 1st - to Ben for throwing a strike from 1st base foul territory to nail a runner at home - and Oliver for 3 strong innings of leadership behind the dish.

Pilot Baserunning:  10 stolen bases is an impressive stat.  The Pilots were moving around the basepaths last night - picking up the steal sign and motoring with heads down focused intentionality.  Jack T led the way with 3 steals and plated 3 of the Pilots 12 runs on the evening.  Ollie successfully nabbed his second steal of home against the Rams for the season.  After tripling in the top of the 3rd inning, Oliver pounced on an outside pitch and pitcher/catcher day dreaming to score the first of 6 two out runs in the inning.  He actually picked up the ball and handed it to the catcher during his post slide strut back to the dugout dust off.  Epic play Ollie!

Next Up:  With just three regular season games remaining, the Pilots look to right the ship this Wednesday the 22nd @ Spring Park vs the 10-1 Spartans.  This is a talented Spartans team that you will recall bested the Pilots in a thrilling come from behind victory at Lee Martinez in late June.  Lee Martinez and all his buddies are still talking about that game by the way.  It is a 5:45pm first pitch and I'd love to see every Pilot focused and ready to warm up by 4:45.

Quick Coach's Note:  My goal for this inaugural Pilots season continues to be giving our lads a memorable summer of baseball.  Especially this summer when baseball feels like one of the few safe spaces going.  There is no doubt that wins are more fun than losses.  Just recalling last night's post game Pilot circle tells me that.  But my intention as a coaching staff and baseball family is to provide an opportunity to each of our boys to compete.  That includes the opportunity to make an unbelievable plus play in the field and clutch bases clearing line drive that we all get to celebrate - but also the space and the freedom and the support to  take baseball chances and fall just short.  Effort and belief in yourself are as important in baseball as your glove and bat.  I want every Pilot to know that.

Thanks Moms and Dads and Families for being part of this adventure.  Let's close out this season playing positive Pilots baseball.  Let's close out this season celebrating OUR Pilots.

 Go Pilots!

Coach Chris