A short memory is a necessity for good baseball players. There isn’t enough time to worry, grovel, and cast doubt. There are too many games, too many opportunities. If something bad happens, you’ve got to put it behind you.
After losing a 2-1 heartbreaker to the 6A Colquitt County Packers on Monday night, it would have been easy for the Coffee Trojans to feel sorry for themselves – especially given the way that game got away in the final inning. And, to be honest, things didn’t get much better when the Camden County Wildcats, another 6A program, came to town for the Trojans’ home opener on Tuesday.
Coffee’s run of bad luck continued in the top of the first. The Wildcats weren’t very accommodating guests, torching the Trojans for four runs right out of the gate.
Coffee, however, never fretted. They had an answer and then some. In the bottom of the first, the Trojans retaliated with 11 runs, including home runs by Ben Fussell and Gavin McElroy. Coffee nearly batted around twice and never let up.
The Wildcats tried to get back in it. They scored runs in the second, third, and fourth. The Trojans, meanwhile, scored another run in the second then three in the fifth to win 15-7.
In addition to the homers by Fussell and McElroy, Eli Wood tripled. Eli Vickers had two hits as well. Will Day, Coffee’s second pitcher of the game, picked up the win in 2 1/3 innings of work. He gave up one earned run and struck out two. Evan Lingenfelter threw four innings, striking out four and giving up one earned run as well.
Coffee is back in action today at Charles Wilson Field against the Glynn Academy Red Terrors. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
