The North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department 7-8 year old machine pitch all-star team lost their first two games at the state Dixie Youth tournament in Florence over the weekend and were eliminated from the tournament. North Myrtle Beach first lost to the Bluffton Nationals squad by a 10-1 score and then lost their game in the losers bracket, as Saluda beat them 10-0.
NMB coach Rian Spencer stated that despite the scores, his team had played well. “It might not sound like we played well but we played two very tough opponents. We hit the ball hard but they were tough defensive teams. I told them they had nothing to be ashamed of,” Spencer said.
Spencer stated that his team had won two tournaments at Green Sea Floyds, going 2-2 in each to advance to the state. “We ended up with a record of 4-6, so I know these kids know how to win. I also know they learned a lot and left this tournament knowing more about baseball and baseball fundamentals. It was fun to see how far they came as players and a team throughout these tournaments,” Spencer said.
Spencer also felt he gained a lot throughout. “As a coach I am proud of their play and the whole experience. I know that I learned a lot and am a better coach because of this experience. We had fun playing and they really played their hearts out. They did not give up and the scores were not indicative of our play,” Spencer said.
Coach Spencer also complimented the team’s commitment. “We were together for five weeks, with a lot of practices and scrimmages. They always showed up ready to play. They went from playing two games a week to playing baseball every day and they never complained and always gave their best. I am so proud of them,” Spencer concluded.