Challenging week for Majors Dust Devils

2013 Majors Dust Devils
T. Lucas photos

Coach Jeff Kaupp, Contributor

• Two games against Sparwood scheduled for Sunday June 2 at Lions Park in Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek's “Majors” Dust Devils had a challenging week, facing two good teams, the always tough Claresholm team on Wednesday and then the Crowsnest Pass on Thursday. Both games were played at Lions Park field in Pincher Creek.


Wednesday May 29 vs. Claresholm

The Dust Devils came out a little slow on this day and when you’re facing a talented team such as Claresholm you're bound to fall behind. Dust Devils starting pitcher Wes Krampe was at the mercy of the Claresholm bats, but when an athlete with Wes’s character faces adversity they always find a way to help their team, and he did that with his batting, going to the plate with determination to get runs in and help his team rally.

Always ready for a challenge, Colter VanEe is always a threat at the plate and kept his hitting streak alive and well. Matthew Smith showed great improvement on this day and for a player in his rookie year he is showing remarkable talent and potential. Michael Kleinhans-Kaupp finished off the game on the mound and showed great skills for his first game pitching, striking out 6 batters and limiting Claresholm's runs. The last inning was definitely the best inning for the Devils batting in 6 runs before Claresholm managed to get three outs.   The final score was 19-8 for Claresholm.

Exhibition game Thursday May 30 vs. Crowsnest Pass

The Dust Devils came out on this day with a renewed determination and ready to play, which is what you need when competing against a strong hitting team such as the Crowsnest Pass.

Both teams were making big hits throughout the game. Taite Jessen started on the mound for the first time ever and I can be assured it won’t be his last.  He displayed a confidence that resembles a seasoned veteran, throwing hard straight pitches throughout his three innings.

Great defense helped limit the Pass’s hitting ability, Easton Fitzpatrick made a great catch on a line drive hit that showed he is capable of playing any position on the field. Wes Krampe and Ritchie LaGrandeur were a solid wall, snagging ground balls on third and short stop that forced the hitters to find new places to hit. Tomas Sherger had a great day at the plate getting a double and a single, his hitting ability is on full display now, and with his on base percentage growing he can now carry the label as “Solid Sherger”. Ritchie LaGrandeur finished the game on the mound (another rookie pitcher) and was absolutely awesome, striking out many and confusing batters with his abilities. Final score 12-12 tie!

These games showed that this team is full of raw potential with many players playing positions they are not accustomed to and excelling at them. It was also a great display of character of all these kids to pick themselves up after a tough loss and come back out the next day to play again, characteristics not found in many professional athletes. This team is fun to watch and fun to be a part of, always laughing and smiling regardless of the score and as a coach I cannot wait till the next game to see what surprises these players have in them.

Two games against Sparwood scheduled for Sunday June 2
On Sunday June 1 the Majors Dust Devils are hosting Sparwood for a double header. Game times are 12:00 and 2:00 at Lions Park Field.

Year-end Tournament to be held third weekend in June
Seven teams are scheduled to play in the year end tournament hosted by Pincher Creek June 14 - 16 at Juan Teran Park.