Goats go 1-2 over the weekend against Blaine, Connell

CHELAN - The Chelan Goats baseball team looks about ready to turn the corner. 

After losing 11-0 in their morning game on Saturday against Connell, the Goats regrouped and game out firing on all cylinders in the second game and won 13-10. The win was the largest run output Chelan had put forward all season. 

In between the two games on Saturday, Head coach Dana Papasedero chatted with his players to remind them of their talent. 

“We have a young group since we are starting five sophomores and two freshman, so sometimes they lose their focus,” coach Dana Papasedero said. “So I tried to redirect their focus and remind them that they are good players and not playing to their capabilities.” 

Because in their game on Friday against Blaine, Papasedero saw some of his teams potential. 

“Blaine is ranked two in the 2A rankings in the state, so that is a tall order to start with, but we felt like we could compete and we did, we just need to hit the ball a little better,” coach Papasedero said after the 7-4 loss on Friday. “We have just been in an offensive slump offensively and that has been hurting our chances, but we feel that we are capable of busting out of it soon.” 

That breakout might be happening already as the Goats looked in tune in the latter game on Saturday. Just listening to the sound of the bat between the two games proves that the Goats are starting to square up the ball more often than not. 

Coach Papasedero acknowledged the battle was more mental rather than skill. 

“If you watch us take batting or infield, we think we can go out and beat the Yankees,” coach Papasedero unwaveringly stated, “then when the game comes around, I don’t know if it is nerves or inexperience, but we seem to have difficulty with that. Our kids are working hard though so I think the light switch will go on soon.” 

Now the Goats just need to find some consistency and they will be alright. 

“Offensive, defensive and on the mound, we have have good games and bad games in all three,” coach Papasedero said. “We need to take what we learn on the practice field to the game. It is a celebration when you get to show off what you do in practice, and there is just a disconnect right now, but it is going to happen. I don’t have the secret potion, but we are sure trying.” 

Another positive takeaway is that the kids seem to be all in for the season, evident by an optional practice over spring break in which everyone showed up to get some work in. 

“I wasn’t surprised, but that really shows me how much they care and how much they are all in this together,” coach Papasedero stated enthusiastically. 

The Goats will look to capitalize on their momentum in their next game on Friday, April 14 against Okanogan, before returning for a double header at home against Nooksack Valley on Saturday, April 15. First pitch for the game on Friday is 3 p.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213