The Pride mission team won its first game today 16-10 in Yuma, Dominican Republic. There were a couple of hundred people come out and watch the game. The Mayor of the city spoke to the Pride players before the game, and told them how thankful he was that they came to his city.
The team from Yuma was an All-Star team from the city, made up mostly of players aged 17-22. The starting shortstop was a great player, even though he was only 13 years old. Players in the Dominican can sign a professional contract when they reach the age of 15.
The game was close early, with the score 1-1 after three innings. The Pride erupted for 7 runs in the fourth inning. The big hits were run-scoring singles from Richard de la Cruz and Luke Stageberg, a 3-run double by Josh Baker, and a run-scoring single by Kale Rhame. The Yuma team came right back, scoring 5 unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Baker hit a 2-run bomb in the top of the 5th, but Yuma countered with 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th. The Pride, up by a run 10-9 going into the 6th, put the game away with 6 runs in the 6th. The big hit was again delivered by Baker with a 2-run single.
After the 16-10 win, the Pride shared the gospel with the other team, and many of the fans. Winning pitcher John Brocklebank gave his testimony, how last year on this same trip to the DR, he recommitted his life to Christ. Coach Joe Hudak shared with listeners how they too could become a Christian. After the talks, the Pride players gave 45 Spanish New Testament Bibles to the other team, coaches, and fans.
Tomorrow, the Pride will play a game in San Pedro and then travel into Santo Domingo for a meal at the home of Pride player Richard de la Cruz. Mr. and Mrs. De la Cruz are very excited to have Richard home, and look forward to feeding the Pride players.
