Boy, was it tough to pitch in that wind last night! It was even tougher to hit in it, though. 

Only two home runs left the ballpark in Blaine, four opposing batters struck out, I scorched a double almost to the left-field fence.

The home run I gave up pitching for Hoggsbreath D-league softball team just barely made it over the fence, because wind was knocking down fly balls all night. Line drives were the way to win a game, and we only succeeded once in the win category last night. 

I pitched two games -- 14 innings -- and went 3-for-7 at the plate with a run and two runs batted in. Good batting order last night. I was batting fifth and then first, after the best power hitter on our team.

I was meant to be a table-setter, either at the top or the bottom of the order. Not a lot of power in my bat, but I'm pretty patient and I get on base more than half of the time. I didn't do that last night, but over the course of the season, I expect to raise my batting average. 

And I don't mind batting last. Sometimes, I even ask for that. It takes the pressure off. With the bases loaded last night, I had to bat, and I get nervous in those situations. 

I hit better after I reminded myself to keep my head down and eyes on the ball. In softball, you have to hit the ball at the front of the plate, too. Wait for it, wait for it, and then swing hard and fast.