Kody and Klay's playoff run came to an end last night in the semifinals in an 8 inning, back and forth, affair. I feel awful for Kody because a key defensive play by him cost us 2 runs in a crucial point. There were kids on 2nd and 3rd and no outs for the Weirton, WV team and they hit a groundball to 2B. Klay fielded it, checked the runner at third (he did not break) and threw the guy out at first. The kid at third then broke for home on the throw and the first basemen threw a strike to the plate. The kid coming home froze and went back to third. Meanwhile, the kid that was on second was also at third. Kody ran at the kid coming from third and we were all yelling to run him back to the bag thinking the second runner was going to stay there. Then the second runner broke back to second... he was dead at second... Kody turned and air mailed it over Klay's head at second. Both runs ended up scoring.
Kody was just sick. In hindsight, with a 4 run lead at the time, he should've just ate the ball. But, heat of the moment and the excitement got to everyone and he just tried to make a play. It is one of those plays that just can't be simulated in practice and when it happens in the game you just hope execution occurs. He did everything right, just that throw was a bit high. Good learning experience though.
On the flip side, Kody was 2-3 with 2 doubles, a walk, and a K. Klay was 3-4 with 3 singles and a line out to 1B. They both had a great season. Kody gets to continue on with the tournament team. I feel bad for Klay because he just loves playing and he's out of games now. But, he will be starting football practice soon. He's begged me for years now to play pee-wee football. I finally caved in since he is in 6th grade. I figured I'd let him play one year before junior high. So, he will be busy soon enough. We used to always do fall ball, but football is taking over this year. Klay in pee-wee and Kody in 7th grade. I'm not sure I'll handle the baseball withdrawal after tournaments are over for Kody.