The Bombers went 1-1 in pool play, not the start we were hoping for, but the boys worked through it. Our bracket play started 10:45 on Sunday morning, the sunshine was plentiful, already a toasty 81 degrees and climbing, and a slight breeze blowing. Our boys didn't care they were on a mission - make it through 3 games then to the Championship Game at 7:00.
First on the list the Arkansas Bearcats. Our bats were on fire, the boys blazed by them, 18-2 in three innings, run rule in effect, game over. One down 2 more to go.
Our 
second game of the day started at 2:30. We had seen this team before, a scrappy little team from Fort Smith. They had us down 5-0 until the bottom of the third. Then with two outs #50 steps up to the plate, he turns to the third base coach for any last minute advice, "step in there and swing the bat." With his teammates looking and waiting he steps into the box, one foot in, both feet in, back foot digs in, pitcher throws his fast ball, bad move, Bryce turns perfectly on it, ping the ball is over the left field fence, it is outta here! Two run home run. We're rallying back, we ended the inning 8-5 and held them for the rest of the game. Two down, one more to go.
second game of the day started at 2:30. We had seen this team before, a scrappy little team from Fort Smith. They had us down 5-0 until the bottom of the third. Then with two outs #50 steps up to the plate, he turns to the third base coach for any last minute advice, "step in there and swing the bat." With his teammates looking and waiting he steps into the box, one foot in, both feet in, back foot digs in, pitcher throws his fast ball, bad move, Bryce turns perfectly on it, ping the ball is over the left field fence, it is outta here! Two run home run. We're rallying back, we ended the inning 8-5 and held them for the rest of the game. Two down, one more to go.It's 4:45 next up the Dragons. This team is a good team, full of talent, good pitchers and
hot bats, however their coaches struggle getting them to play as a team. Each player wants to be number one, you don't win ballgames with that attitude. Kyler gets the call to pitch this one. He's ready, he knows what's on the line. They have to win this one to make it to the Championship Game. He knows is job, throw strikes, no junk, if they hit it the defence will back him up. That's what he did they shut them down 14-2. Our boys bats were smokin hot! They were hitting the ball all over the diamond! They did it, three wins in a row! They made it to the championship game!
hot bats, however their coaches struggle getting them to play as a team. Each player wants to be number one, you don't win ballgames with that attitude. Kyler gets the call to pitch this one. He's ready, he knows what's on the line. They have to win this one to make it to the Championship Game. He knows is job, throw strikes, no junk, if they hit it the defence will back him up. That's what he did they shut them down 14-2. Our boys bats were smokin hot! They were hitting the ball all over the diamond! They did it, three wins in a row! They made it to the championship game!The sun was setting, and the temperature was beginning to fall and the breeze was picking up. Game time 7:00 under the canopy of the lights. Magtel Twisters were coming into this game undefeated for the tournament. The knew the journey we had to get here, and they had saved their best pitchers or our boys. Bombers win the coin toss, home team. Top of the first, not our best effort, the boys allow 5 runs to score before getting three outs. We start to chip away one or two runs an inning, but our defence was wearing down mentally. They never recovered, final score 15-13. Second place.
Even though it wasn't a first place victory when the dust settles on home plate and after all the pitches, catches, hits, stolen bases, fly balls, line drives, and home runs are over, our boys of summer can look back and remember that they beat the odds, made it the big game, and did it all as a team.
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