It was de-ja vu all over again. Cold bats and playing from behind early in a game. The Red Sox give up a first inning run then suffer through their own version of Ground Hog Day. In each of the first three frames the Sox advance a runner to third base with one out or less. In each frame we came up short getting that runner across home plate. Our best shot came in the third with runners on second and third with one out. Eddie does a great job of putting the ball in play only to see a fine defensive play and base running error lead to an inning ending double play. Fortunately, we played solid defense (Simon's great run saving catch) and had great pitching the whole game. Jonah gave the fourth inning a look much like the first three. A runner in scoring position with hopes of reaching home. But this inning would not end as the first three did. Jonah applied pressure to the Mets defense on the base paths and they could not respond. Jonah tied the game and raised the team confidence all in one play. With storms dictating a five inning finish pressure was building. Dalton would take the mound against the heart of the Mets batting order. After four stellar innings by T-Man Dalton followed his lead by striking out the side. Prior to the game the coaches talked to the players about taking the next step. To finish off games, put the ball in play, get on base any way possible, play with confidense and most important, play smart and have fun. The bottom of the fifth would show how they respoded. With a patient approach, Owen got the team going by earning a walk. He quickly turned that walk into a tripple by stealing second and third. Owen would have to show even more patience waiting to score as Dalton earned a free pass via the base on balls. While the intensity built Jack quickly got on after an errant pitch found his body. Cold rain drops falling, lightning in the distance, tie game, bases loaded, last inning and pregame speach, do you think Luke was just a little nervous coming to bat? Nah, with his teammates cheering him on Luke did whatever it took, in this case a ball to foot. Owen was finally on the move. Game over.  A come from behind 2-1 victory. I would say the Red Sox met the challenge!

After a very important practice Thursday we get a few days off for the weekend. The Red Sox face yet another very good team on Monday in the Giants. We will be going after our first winning streak of the year. I hope the kids see that they are capable of winning each game they play. I'm very proud of this team and I know the other coaches are as well. Good luck next week and to all the Dads, Happy Fathers Day.

(player stats will be updated on Friday)