The Banner Staff
Altus — Duncan struggled to take advantage of opportunities and Altus was more than up to the challenge as the Bulldogs rallied from a 6-5 deficit to pick up a 13-8 win.
The Demons committed three errors that resulted in seven runs scored and left 10 runners on base. Twice Duncan ended the inning with bases loaded as it fell to 1-3 on the season.
“We got guys that are pressing in the box right now,” Duncan coach Darren Briggs said, “and when you start pressing, it looks like a three-inch golf ball. That is the worst thing that can happen.
“The thought of negativity in the back of the mind begins to creep to the front of the head and you lose focus on the process and don’t get results.”
Dylan Linke got the start for Duncan and pitched through five innings. Linke gave up five runs in the first two innings and settled down to hold down the Bulldog attack as Duncan took a 6-5 lead. Linke was taken out after hitting the leadoff batter and gave way to Randal Snider, who gave up eight runs, three of which were earned.
“We did a better job of swinging the sticks,” Briggs said. “We had hits, but we didn’t have some at the right time. We gave away free bases and it’s hard to avoid the big inning when you do that. When we have the opportunity, we don’t get production. When you have guys on base that is when you really them.
“The thing about baseball is this. It’s a mentally tough game and if you let one play, one at-bat define who you are or how your game is going to wind up, you are going to be in trouble. And that is where we are at. We are playing seven innings, we are going to make mistakes. There is no panic. We are only four games into the season and we are a good ball club.
One at-bat is all it takes.”
