Lockport beat the Warriors by a score of 12-1 in six innings in the opening game of the Lockport Tournament.
The Warriors failed to take advantage of a strong pitching performance by Matthias Dietz. Matthias threw just over 90 pitches in five innings. He kept the Lockport hitters off balance by varying the speed and location of his pitches. He also paced himself so that he could work through five innings. Matthias is continuing to evolve from a strong thrower into a pitcher.
Ryan Novak pitched an inning of relief for the Warriors. Ryan also did a nice job mixing speeds and locations. He has developed an effective knuckle ball--which he used six or seven times successfully in the inning. With a little more experience (some more innings), Ryan should be able to work his way into the "Big Three"--or should we say the "Big Four"?
Jack Lebert led off the game with a single into leftfield. But, the Warriors would manage just three more hits and one run throughout the rest of the game. Mike Rafferty, Jayson Lenzen and Robbie Maxfield each had hits.
The Warriors look to bounce back against a New Lenox Rebels team that beat the Warriors in tournament play last July. Fortunately, this game will be played under the lights--which should be more pleasant for the players and fans given the excessive heat and humidity.
2011 Chicagoland Tournament Champions & 2011 Lombard Tournament Champions!
