Coach Venegas (Owlz) on the Saturday Game of the week

The Routt Roofing Owlz Coach Rick Venegas writes:

Two teams that made it to the playoffs in 2011 square off this Saturday in the first Game of the Week at Bartholomew Sports Complex. The first pitch  will be at 7 p.m. The Owlz, Division Champs last year are off to a good start in 2012. With Michael Chappelle and Jack Roselli, leading their pitching staff and starting catcher Austin Archuleta they will no doubt keep the Owlz in every game this year. Early in the season, the bats are thumping the ball well, with Andrew Jones, Ryan Ames, Ethan Moreno each having extra base hits and driving in runs in the clutch. Youngster Jesse Eckley is roaming the outfield and made a sliding game saving catch in the season opener against a tough River Dogs team. Young ss/catcher/pitcher Josh Caldwell is a defensive star early in the season. With leadoff batter Zach Aquila getting on base, he is setting the table for the big bats including Tyler Lantsberger, Jack, Austin and Andrew to bring them home. Jacob Peak, Mike E. and James Shurtz have all have made contributions on the field and at the plate.

The Owlz coming off a win over the Rvier Dogs in the firrst game of the season, they had a last inning comback scoring 5 runs against the Beavers to take a 9-6 lead before the game was postponed due to darkness. According to Coach Venegas, "We are a young team with five returning players who are learning new positions but have a lot of heart and confidence in there abilities. I know the kids will only improve over time, as our system works year in and year out." "With so many games being piled together each week, the key is to try and avoid injuries with my pitchers." Combining non-baseball injuries along with tired arms, the first few weeks will no doubt be a challenge as the team learns the fundamentals and gels as a team.

Look for a scrappy team ready to do battle with a lot of pop in the bats! Coach Venegas, Kennicutt and Roselli are very impressed with the athleticism seen so far.