COURTLAND – A little extra practice in a new batting cage led to an unforgettable memory in the baseball career of 8-year-old Reed Kohmetscher.

When Reed walked out to bat on June 6, he had yet to get a hit during any Pike Valley Coach Pitch game. Pike Valley was down by one run and had a runner on base. There were two outs already, and Reed got two strikes. On the next pitch, he swung hard, hitting the ball down the third baseline. He scored the game-winning run for the team!

After sliding across home plate, he was bombarded by cheering teammates who congratulated him all the way back to the dugout.

Before the game, the coach had spent time with Reed in a new batting cage to improve his hitting technique and boost his confidence. Other players on Pee Wee and K18 teams have also shown a noticeable improvement in their hitting abilities, and spectators benefit from the safety provided by the high quality batting cage.

The cage, which was purchased with grant funds, was installed by five team dads.