KEENE, NH — Lynn Babe Ruth’s 15-year-old All-Stars are within two steps of punching a ticket to the World Series.
Lynn was scheduled to take on Waterford (Conn.) in a regional semifinal matchup at 10 a.m. today at Keene State College and, if victorious, will play in the finals at 4 p.m against the winner of Keene (N.H.) and Three Corners Vt., slated to start at 1 p.m.
While Lynn is only two games away from the World Series, Manager Leon Elwell made it clear that the team is taking it one game at a time.
“I think for us, we just focus on winning every inning. But more importantly, what we have been trying to stress since we won the game yesterday (Sunday), and we will reiterate in our team meeting tonight and tomorrow morning before we take BP (batting practice), is you cannot get to the second game unless you win the first game,” said Elwell.
He added, “So, that is our mindset right now. It is just doing everything we possibly can and have to do to win the first game, and if we get to the second game, we will worry about that game and anything that is going to happen after that when we get to that point.”
Lynn’s great play throughout regionals got it the No. 1 seed in group B and a bye Monday, which helped give players some rest, something Elwell says is a significant advantage. Its opponent will not have the same luxury as it will be Waterford’s fifth game in five days.
“It is a huge advantage. You get the day off, you do not have to play five days in a row, and you are playing someone that is going to be playing their fifth game in five days. The biggest thing for us is we got to reset our pitching, everyone will be available, and we got to rest some key guys,” said Elwell.
Lynn had actually locked up the bye after its 6-5 victory over Pittsfield Saturday and was able to rest some players Sunday, meaning some key players have had two consecutive days off.
Even with the advantage, Lynn will have its work cut out for it today as it goes up against a team in Waterford that has had a great run in regionals so far. Waterford finished 2-1 in pool play in group A and defeated a formidable team in Pittsfield to make the semifinals.
“You have to continue to do the things that got you here. Running every ball out hard, do not take any plays for granted, do not take any plays off. So those are the things that we try to stress and just the execution,” said Elwell.
Going into a big semi finals matchup, there will surely be nerves on both sides, but Elwell and his coaching staff make sure to tell the kids to play like it is any other game.
“What we tell them is it is the same game they have played since they were 5-years-old. The only difference is the diamond is a little bit bigger, and the lights are a little bit brighter … If you play to the maximum of your ability and to your potential, whether you win or lose, you still come out on top,” said Elwell.
