Baseball with a Purpose
We had a great day in the Dominican Republic on Monday. We left the SCORE complex at 8:15 a.m. and didn’t return until 7:15 p.m. During that time, we were able to play two games against teams from the Dominican Republic.
The Tri-State baseball team was able to pick up wins in both of their games on the day. We defeated Mendoza by a score of 15-6 in the first game and Trinitarios by a score of 15-13 in the final game. (Rumor has it they plan to turn up the level of competition on Tuesday though.)
Jason Foley picked up the win in the first game, allowing only three runs in five innings of work. Buddy Robinson got the win in the second game, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings.
Jordan Gurley was the hitting star for Tri-State with home runs in each of the first two games. Dustin Smith and Buddy Robinson each had three hits in the first game. Gurley, Robinson, and Logan Blackwelder each had a pair of hits in the final game.
After the games, we got to take part in the real reason for our trip to the D.R. Each player presented a bag with baseball cards, sunflower seeds, candy, and a Gospel tract. The teams gathered together and we shared the Gospel with each team and any of the crowd that wanted to participate.
Ben Woodhouse shared his testimony after the first game and Grey Falanga presented the Gospel. Andy Timmons presented his testimony after the second game and Scooter Kellum presented the plan of salvation to the crowd.
I am extremely proud of all of these young men in just the short time we’ve been here. They are having a great time, while at the same time, realizing the real purpose for being here.
I pray that each player and coach that is on this trip will come back to the States with a deeper understanding of Christ’s love for us. We spent some time tonight reflecting on John 3:16 and the fact that we are indeed important in the eyes of God.
Our plans tomorrow (Tuesday) include watching a Major League Baseball Academy game in the morning. We will return to the SCORE complex for lunch and play a game tomorrow afternoon.
We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we “press on” for the cause of Christ.
Brian Reid
