The past 2 weeks have been tough on the Indians as they ran into a tough stretch in their schedule, with the majority of their games against the upper echelon teams. After struggling with only 1 win in games vs. top ranked Cloverdale Black, Mounties, and Abby the Indians took to the road this weekend with 5 games. Friday night started with the completion of the earlier protested game from April, which did not turn out well for the Indians as Nanaimo tallied 4 times in the bottom of the 6th inning to prevail 6-2. The next morning the Indians travelled up to Parksville to play a much improved North Island team. The park we played at this day was second to none and I must say featured as good umpiring as we have had all season. The bats continued to struggle early although the Indians did score in every inning but one, but lacked the big hit to put their opponents away.  Nic provided a solid outing going the full distance to pick up the pitching win and put the Indians in good shape going forward. Garinder followed Nic's strong performance on the mound in game 2 and also pitched a complete game as the Indians bats began to show life. Josh, Jordan, Evan, Nic, and Dignan led the way on offence and the Indians played solid defence behind G to win going away. Full kudos, though, to the North Island team who are very well coached and have 6 first year players, which should ensure a much more successful 2013 season. Back to the hotel for a great team dinner and the inevitable early curfew to anger the boys who seem to think they can stay up all night and still be at their best the next am. "Had a later curfew when I was in grade 1" was one comment that was overheard. LOL !!

On Sunday we travelled to Cowichan Valley for a DH vs. the expansion team from the Mid-Island. Our opponents had battled through a tough DH earlier on the Saturday with rival Victoria and had used some of their top pitchers putting them behind the 8-ball against the now red hot Indians bats. Once again the Indians got complete game pitching performances first from Lucas who, although he struggled some early, got stronger as the game went on and cruised to the decision. Jordan started both games with a bang doing the Ricky Henderson routine by homering to start the game. Dignan, Trevor H, and Nic also homered and Trevor M pitched a great second game as the Indians romped to lop-sided wins vs. their over-matched opponents. Despite the lop-sided scores, the Indians showed great sportsmanship by not stealing bases after the 1st inning and, for the most part, simply going base to base on many of their base hits. In the end, although the opponents were not that formidable, it was a great confidence boost for the Indians to get back to their winning ways and bond a little more as a team. Overall the Indians pounded out 42 hits in 22 innings and many players broke out of slumps which is a great sign going forward.

The Indians still have a tough schedule going forward with 4 games left as they attempt to fend off Ridge Meadows for 4th place. Tuesday the Indians travel to Aldergrove to take on the tough LA Dodgers who beat us 3-2 at home a few weeks ago. Let's pick it up boys and sew up 4th place!!!