With the 2011 season only days old, Elk Grove Babe Ruth’s initial Saturday night Game of the Week nevertheless promises an exciting match-up as the Valley Farm Transport River Cats square off against the Raptors at Bartholomew Park.
The River Cats, helmed by two-time championship coaches Joe Matlen and Rodney Osborne, are looking to start the season a sparkling 2-0 despite the injury bug striking early and often in this young season. On Thursday, the River Cats handled the Thunder 9-4, but the strong performance came in spite of a decided numbers disadvantage, as the team had only eight healthy players due to recent injuries to Benjamin Pigg and Ben Moore. This left the team undermanned but not overwhelmed by any means, as the strong pitching of southpaw hurlers Thomas Marini and Austin Magdaleno made their season opener successful. Marini was particularly impressive in drawing the opening day start, striking out seven Thunder hitters over three hitless innings. Marini also collected a trio of hits at the plate in as many at-bats, helping pace an offense that also saw contributions from Christian Scott, who went 2/2 with a double, and Magdaleno, who notched a pair of hits himself.
Looking to Saturday, Coach Osborne spoke about his team’s ability to rebound and handle adversity. “We lost our last scrimmage game 18-0 and came back with determination and won Thursday's night game…with only 8 players,” said Osborne. “I am looking forward to the game!”
Coach Matlen agreed with his partner's assessment while lamenting the circumstances that will keep him away from Bartholomew Park. “I can only say that I am bummed to miss the game; [I’m] attending a cheer-leading tournament in Anaheim this weekend with my wife and daughter, who is competing.”
In the other dugout, the Raptors are guided by rookie skippers Jeff Hansen and Ryan Hall, both EGBR alumni, and they have also started their season on a strong note, taking their opener 15-1 with a decisive victory over the Red Wings. Hard-throwing lefty Brandon Malonson went three strong innings to lead the Raptors on the hill while backing an offense paced by the Roberts brothers, Ethan, Jeff, and Jim, returning traveling all-stars Andrew Davidson and Michael Reese, and impressive EGBR rookie Jacob Alvidrez, among others.
Both squads are playing things close to the vest and not tipping their hands to Saturday strategy, but the match-up should be an exciting one to kick off the season!
