With just twelve games left in the first half of the season, your Chico Outlaws currently sit in second place of the North division of the Golden Baseball League with a 14-12 record, just two games behind first place Calgary.
Right now is the time for the Outlaws to pick it up, if they want to win the first half, and clinch a spot in the postseason.
Outlaws Outfielder Blake Gailen says, "we have to focus on what we can control and that's just playing the game hard and playing the game the right way and hopefully after these twelve games, we'll be up on top of Calgary."
The word desperate is a bit strong, but at this point of the season, the best way to describe your Outlaws play is, with a sense of urgency. Two games separate Chico from first place Calgary and as the first half of the season winds down, the Outlaws would love to surpass the Vipers and take sole possession of the top spot in the North division.
Outlaws Infielder Darrick Hale says, "ooh man, first place would be great, you know, I mean, here you are, you're in first, you have first place clinched, the second half, I wouldn't say you can a have a little bit more fun, but at the same time you want to have fun and enjoy your job and we're just trying to do that right now."
The twelve remaining games will be split right down the middle, six at the friendly confines of Nettleton Stadium and six on the road, including a three game series to close out the first half against Long Beach in Southern California.
Hale adds, "we're gonna end on the road and that's going to be tough, the road is the road, it's very hostile. Fans aren't necessarily with you, they're really against you. we're just trying to go in there and play our ball, Chico Oulaws ball, get after it and win some games."
Outlaws Infielder Jason Crosland says, "I'd just say we need to be relaxed, play well and if we do that, things will take care of themselves."
There's no doubt that winning the first half is the Outlaws number one priority right now, but if that doesn't happen, at least they can try again in second half of the year.
