LVBA 8u was back on the diamond this past President’s Day weekend, playing in the 8u division of the Red, White and Blue USSSA tournament. The Lightning got the weekend started against a familiar opponent in the local Sin City Thunder. A hot start at the plate and strong defense early helped secure an 8-7 win in game one. LVBA jumped out to an early lead with quick work from their top of the order; JaBron J (2-3) doubled to right field to start the game followed by a walk from Derek K, then Lucas O-S (3-3) would take it from there with a 3 RBI home run to left field on an 0-1 count for his first of the 8u season. LVBA would tac on two more in the top of the first and would hold the lead for the remainder of the game. The Lightning pitching staff combined for 7 strikeouts in 4 innings, with Chase L and Rocco R both putting up 3 Ks. Late in the game Lucas O-S led off the top of the fourth inning with his second triple of the day and third extra base hit to left field, followed by a single up the middle by Rocco R (1-1) giving the Lightning an 8-4 lead in a game that would finish in the bottom of the fourth at 8-7.

The magic number seemed to be eight on day one, as the 8u Lightning put up an 8-6 victory in five hard fought innings. Battling a tough California opponent in the Temecula Tornados, it would be the bottom of the order in game two that would come up big for the Lightning. Collecting 5 of the 8 hits and 5 of the 6 RBI; Maverick C (1 RBI), Dillin T (1RBI), Giovanni G, Chase L (1RBI) and Hudson C (2 RBI’s) all tallied one hit on the day. Derek K collected a hit and run scored and Rocco Ri saw the ball well in game two, going 2-2 with an RBI, 2 runs scored and a walk, reaching base all three times for LVBA. On the mound the Lightning would turn to Dillin T, going a solid 3 innings striking out 3 and only giving up 2 ER. Maverick C got the call from the bullpen, giving LVBA just what they needed. Making quick work of the Tornadoes, Maverick faced 5 batters striking out 1 and giving up no runs. JaBron J would come in next and shut the door, getting the save and collecting a strikeout in the process to help secure a 2-0 day 1 for the Lightning.

There was not much going for LVBA at the plate in day two. After a strong start to the tournament in day one and already securing a playoff spot for day three, LVBA went to work. It was a full day of learning and experience, as guys got opportunities all over the field. Everybody in the lineup made the most of their opportunity and impressed a coach at some point in day two with their defensive play in a new position. In game three the 8u Lightning found themselves on the wrong end of a lopsided defeat Sunday. A few standouts from the 15-2 defeat to the LA Xtreme; JaBron J (2-2) and Rocco R (1-2) with a triple to collect the only 3 hits for LVBA.Game four LVBA ran into a heat wave, losing to a very talented California Heat team 19-6. An impressive game defensively for the Lightning as they recorded 0 errors on 15 outs in a three-inning game. The Heat put up 23 hits Sunday night, proving too much to overcome. JaBron J (1-1) and Rocco R (1-2) would stay hot at the plate for the Lightning, both tallying 2 RBIs. Lucas O-S (1-2) and Giovanni G (1-2) both added hits to their weekend with Chase L (1-2) adding a double and Enzo Z going 0-0 in two plate appearances with 2 walks and 1 RBI.

The 8u Lightning earned themselves the 3 seed in the gold division Monday, with strong bats and timely pitching and defense. But they would need all three to be working for them in the semifinals as they played the team, they fell to the previous day 15-2, the LA Xtreme. LVBA eventually would come up just short in a hard fought 5-3 loss but would turn in one of their best all-around performances as a team to date. Once again, the Lightning got off to an early lead, with a big two out single in the top of the first from Lucas O-S (1-3) followed by a clutch single from none other than Rocco R (2-2). Chase L got the nod on the mound for the semifinal, looking to keep the Xtreme off the scoreboard as much as they were in game one. Chase L would do just that. With the help from his defense and a big throw early from Enzo Z from left field, Chase L battled through a hard-hitting California offense throwing 3 solid innings, giving up 4 ER on 5 hits and striking out 3. Dillin T pitched a huge bottom of the fourth, getting 3 quick outs with time starting to expire to give LVBA one more chance at the plate. Unfortunately, a 4-run inning in the bottom of the 3rd for the Xtreme proved to be too much to overcome for the 8u Lightning, falling in five. Other notables at the plate, JaBaron J (1-2) with an RBI, Chase L (1-2), and Hudson C (2-2) with an RBI and a huge leadoff single in the top of the fifth to keep LVBA alive late.

Overall a very competitive weekend as our first true chance to play as a team. As appreciative as we have been to have players come down to help for tournaments in the past, it was nice to play as a team with 10 strong. The 8u Lightning get right back to work this week with practices and will be right back on the diamond next weekend in the March Mayhem Tournament March 2nd- 3rd playing in the 9u division.