Less than a week removed from an emotional series against the top seeded Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen the TSJC baseball squad has the task of preparing for rival Otero.
The Trojans went to Sterling as big underdogs. They won the first game 4-2 on Saturday giving them a big advantage as they headed into Sunday’s play. The Plainsmen shut the Trojans out in game two setting up an exciting finish to the series. The final game lived up to everyone’s expectations with the Trojans taking a huge lead and the game Plainsmen fighting back. The Trojans were able to hold on by a final score of 7-5.
The celebration on the field following the game has raised some controversy. The Trojans have been called “Champs”, “Chumps” and some things in between.
All the discussion has prompted Trojan Coach Scott Douglas to respond, “I’ve heard lots of stuff since our series ended with Northeastern and it is unfortunate in the fact that it is taking away from a very good series. We were called chumps, not champs by a reporter. It is too bad that emotional comments get out there before you have a chance to think about what happened and what you are saying and what your perspective was on the whole thing. I’m not going to add to it. We are not chumps or champs, we haven't won anything yet. We won a tough series against an excellent team, our guys deserved to celebrate. If Northeastern beat us here they would have celebrated as well.
Both sides said and did some things that need to be addressed, we'll address ours. It will be up to Bryan (NJC Coach Bryan Shepherd) on how he handles his. I can tell you that there are always two sides to every story and this situation is no different. Bryan and I exchanged words about a few things that we both didn't appreciate, and there was a miscommunication I guess. We have since talked and that will stay between Bryan and myself. The only thing I thought that was unfortunate was some of the stuff going on in the stands, the fans seemed to be getting pretty involved with each other. All this stuff takes away from a solid series, it was fun and there was lots of pressure. It is just unfortunate when emotion boils over and people start writing letters and columns and giving their perspective on the whole thing. If our guys did anything to show up people, it will be discussed and dealt with. I will get the facts and deal with stuff that needs dealing with. The only perspective that would interesting to hear is the umpires perspective. They know what goes on and how players and coaches behave all season long. It would be interesting to hear what they would say about the different programs and coaches. My goal right now is to put this behind us and get ready for a tough series with Otero. It is too bad all this emotional stuff has taken away from the actual games which were excellent. Northeastern has a solid program and I’m sure that they are disappointed with the loss. I was in that situation last year when we lost in the championship to Western Nebraska. Watching them celebrate wasn't enjoyable at all, but they deserved it. We are neither chumps nor champs, it is unfortunate that a reporter would have to say that, but I guess he is entitled to his opinion.”
Off the field drama aside the Trojans and Plainsmen played a great series in the new Region IX Playoff format and the underdog came out on top. Otero had a similar experience against perennial powerhouse Lamar as they went to Lamar and upset the Lopes’ on their home diamond.
The format changed from last season when all the region teams faced each other in a double elimination tournament. This year they decided that only the top four teams would advance to the post season. As a result there was definitely more excitement down the stretch as Western, Otero and TSJC battled over the final two spots with defending tourney champ Western failing to make the playoffs. Otero defeated the Trojans twice at home to claim the third spot and TSJC held onto fourth.
Now it is the third and fourth seeds playing for the Region Title in La Junta this Friday and Saturday. Otero won the regular season series 4-2 but this is a fresh start and from the first pitch at 1 p.m. on Friday La Junta with ringo the excitement of playoff baseball.
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