Published: May 06, 2008 12:18 pm            

CITY SOFTBALL SERIES 2008: Bulldogs play host to Hearts Wednesday

Effingham St. Anthony High School would definitely like to turn things around when it comes to the City Softball Series.

The Bulldogs have only won one event since the series began in 1999. That means that Effingham holds a 7-1 winning margin. Both coaches agree, however, that this year's City Series is going to be another close one.

"I think it will be a pretty close matchup this year," said St. Anthony Coach David Schuette.

"St. Anthony will be tough," said EHS Coach Jerry Trigg. "This could be the year they sweep us. It should probably have that feel, but with the series, folks have come to learn that it's not your record that counts. Both teams will be competitive and I know my kids get up for it, sometimes too up because they get overly nervous. I know Dave's kids probably feel the same way."

Effingham swept three straight series from 1999 to 2001. Then in 2002 the weather wouldn't cooperate and the series was canceled.

Effingham came back in 2003 for the title, but the Bulldogs finally broke into the win column in 2004. Since then, it's been the Hearts with three straight.

Last year, Effingham opened with an 11-1 victory, then came back with a 6-2 win. The Hearts swept the series by downing the Bulldogs 3-0 in the final game.

"We have to improve on our hitting again, it's faltered," said Schuette. "Defensively we're playing really good right now.

"Our biggest thing is to try and control the game as far as playing offense. We definitely need to put the ball in play, be smarter at base running and take the extra base when possible.

"Defensively we need to be on our game for pitching. We need big improvement in the steals and we need to keep the errors down."

Lately the Bulldogs have been squeaky clean when it comes to errors. In two games before the National Trail Conference Tournament championship game Monday, they had committed no errors.

"We're young and inexperienced, but we've been gaining confidence and playing good ball recently," said Trigg. "We won three at Robinson and played well. We've played Charleston tough and we gave Flora a good game Monday and they've had a very good season.

"I'm optimistic about our improvement. I think we can play with them. Three weeks ago I wouldn't have thought we had much of a chance, but we've turned a corner.

"We're going to have to be aggressive and go after them. St. Anthony has solid pitching and that will keep them in games. But with young teams you never know. We just want to keep on rolling right now."

EHS will go with Amber Walker and Laren Brummer on the mound, while St. Anthony will throw Kristen Winkler and Hannah Esker. The Hearts are 8-15 and St. Anthony is 15-11.

The opener Wednesday will be held at Bulldog Field beginning at 4:30 p.m. The second game will switch to EHS Field Thursday, also at 4:30. The final game Friday will be held before the boys contest at 4:30 p.m. at Evergreen Hollow Park.

Millie Lange can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 123 or millie.lange@effinghamdailynews.com.