South Oakland lost to the Devils 9-7 last Wednesday to fall to 2-4 on the season.

Brian Strom pitched well in relief, so did Ben Phillips. Limbach had a sweet double. Culp and Tuomisto hit well. Dover was 3-for-3 RBI.

We lost this last one without five regulars, but still made it close, I guess. We had the winning run at the plate when we had a runner picked off first when he got caught between first and second on a past ball.

Not to take anything away from the Chris Wojton-led Devils, but they were 2-7 coming in to the game, and we made it easy on them. It was another frustrating loss.

We have five games in ten days against good teams. It would have been nice to bank a couple early wins. We have to play better. We need to cut out the lazy plays, and do a better job with basic situational stuff. Most of that’s on me.

Good teams find ways to win close games, and we haven’t done that yet. But the losses haven’t been due to a lack of talent, it’s mostly been coaching decisions. I take responsibility for not doing a better job of putting players in position to succeed.

At the 1/4 mark of the season, I’m still trying to see where everyone fits, with the goal of getting the team ready for the playoffs. As we move forward with players in more defined roles we will have more success. I am confident in this team and our ability to make a run in the post-season.

South Oakland plays next against Cranberry at our home away from home, Magee Field in Greenfield, 8PM Monday night.

Quack.