Ducks Finish 3rd

We finally know that we got third place this season and will be heading to the playoffs to play against the A's.  They don't start till the 15th of September to we still got some time off . We have split with them both times we played them so it's going to be a good series to start off the playoffs. They are a best of 5 and the higher seeded team get to choose where they want to play the first two games at home or away.
   This past week I got to work a baseball camp. I love working with little kids, they have so much fun playing. I love seeing the smile on a kids face when he throws a strike after making an adjustment. This reminds me of a quote that one of my good friends Jeremy Webb shared with me "Behind the player that you have become the stats, the fans, the glory and the upsets- was a little boy that fell in love with baseball. So play the game like that little boy would and thank God for all he has done". That is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Baseball is suppose to be fun and those little kids at camp just had a blast playing wiffle ball.  On the last day of camp is was pretty hot and the kids had a good week so far. So after lunch we had a huge water fight including water ballons, water guns and a slip and slide. It was Armin and me taking on about 25 kids needless to say I think we lost.
   So the seasons final stats are in and I had a pretty good year, I was 11-2 which was the most wins for a pitcher. I threw 123.3 innings which was the second most in the league. I had 152 strikeouts(3rd best) with only 15 walks. My ERA (earn run average) was 1.82. I had a great time this season playing with these guys. It fun to watch players grow over the year and become better players. I can't wait to get started with playoffs, we have won our last 4 regular season games and the 2 yesterday against a Dutch team. Yesterday we got to play a Dutch team to help us play in game shape for the playoffs. We played well in both games and really swung the bats. I only threw 4 innings since it was only a 7 inning game and other guys needed work. I was perfect in my outing no hits or walks and had 6 strike outs. It was a good day on the mound. I continue to thank God everyday I get to put on a uniform and go do what I love to do.

Playoff Bound

This past weekend we needed to win one game to make the playoffs. We decided why not just win both. The first game went into extra innings and Clemens threw all 11 innings. He only needed 125 pitches, which is a very good day on the mound. In the second game we won 5-3. I threw all 9 innings and had 10 strike outs. It was great to win both. That 4 straight for us which is a great way to enter the playoffs. We got 4 weeks till the playoffs so we have plenty of time to rest up. We still don't know who we are going to face in round one.
One of my friends asked me yesterday what was your dream job as a little kid? It was a pro baseball player of course. Then I realized I am living my childhood dream. Yeah I know I'm not playing for the Braves or having baseball cards made of me. But I'm getting paid to do what I love. What I have dreamt about so many nights laying in bed. I can remember playing in the back yard wanting to be John Smoltz. Looking back all the sweat and hours of work I have put in have been worth it. God has blessed me in many ways. I have always been patient and gone where God led me. My mom has always been there to remind me that God has a plan for my life and it's not a ordinary one. My Dad has been there to encourage me through this whole this even when I felt like just giving up. I also want to say thanks to all my coaches along the way, even the bad ones. I wouldn't be where I am today with y'all. I feel blessed everyday I get to put on a uniform and am very grateful for this opportunity.

Ducks Sweep Again

With only 4 games left we needed to win three out of the next four to make playoffs. We took care of business Saturday. It started in game one when Clemens threw all 13 innings and had the game winning hit. It was a big win for us not only to keep us in the playoff hunt but just for the team. The momentum carried over into game two where we scored 7 runs. I threw all nine innings with 16 strike outs 1 walk and one run. It was a great sweep for us.  This up coming weekend is a big one for us.
       My sister and her husband decided to come over and see me as well visit some cities. After my game we headed back to Vienna since we were heading to Prague the next morning. It was a really fun trip. When I see some old buildings it just amazes me that they could build something like that so long ago. I had fun picking on my sister again. I am very blessed to have the relationship that I do with her. She has always been there to support me along this journey. After seeing my Dad and sister I realized how much I miss my mom. I can't wait to be home and go eat Mexican with her again. I'm pretty sure we could both have it for dinner at least three times a week. I am excited to see what happens this next weekend. I love playing in games that can decide the rest of your season. Have a great week.

Second Loss

Sorry this blog is about a week late, I had a busy week last week. We will start off with the games against the Indians. In game one Clemens threw really well, he didn't give up a run till the 9th inning. He also had a two run home run in that game. It was one of his best all around games of the year. In the second game  they scored two runs off some hits and a error but the third run the winning run was scored on a past ball.  After they scored that run in the third I only allowed one more hit in the game. We ended up losing 3-2. I pitched 8 innings had 12 strike outs and only one walk. On our trip across Austria we had to go through Germany but we got lost. So I had a idea of making a video in the car. It actually turned out pretty good, I'll post the link on here. This past weekend I was in the Czech Republic to watch the U21 European tournament. It was really cool to see guys playing for their country. They had some really nice stadiums there. The one day we were there we got to go see some caves. It was really pretty inside them minus how cold it was in there. It was about 40 degrees and I only brought shorts with me.  For half of it we were walking and the other half we were on boats going through the waterways. Its still crazy to me that you can just drive from one country into another.
    This weekend my sister and her husband are coming to my game. They are in Venice right now then coming to Vienna on Friday night. On sunday we are heading to Prauge with team america(Amber, Joe, and Mandy).  I have heard it really nice there and the food is cheap.  Which my brother in law will really like since eating is one of his favorites things to do.
    It's weird to think there are only four games left in the season it has really flown by. I remember when we were planning my sisters trip here how far away it seemed and now it's here.  I guess I can tell how long I have been here from my hair. I haven't cut it since I left home and its the longest it's been in my life. I'm excited for these next two weeks to see what we can do and hopefully make a run at this thing. Remember God is always there for you to talk to and he is your number one fan. Have a great week.

Esp 1The Franchise Austria Esp 1