Carson manager Trent Osmer has a simple philosophy heading into the 13-15 Year Old State Babe Ruth Tournament being held at Governor's Field. Don't screw up.
"I'm real excited about this tournament," Osmer said. "This is a pretty good team. I just hope I don't screw it up."
Carson will open the tournament at 7 p.m. Saturday against Elko. Carson's team features many players who advanced to the championship round of the state tournament as 13-year-olds, so Osmer likes the chances of this year's squad to make a run at the state title.
This year's team also features many players who have played in high school and also saw action this summer at a higher level with the Carson Cardinals. One of those players is Tyler Smith, who is the scheduled starting pitcher against Elko. "He's a fireballer," Osmer said.
"I think the experience these kids have is a blessing," said Osmer about the experience some of his players have had in high school and with the Cardinals. "They've played in the big games and faced some of the better pitching. It can't do anything but help.
"I think we have a really good all-around team. They're a very good group of kids. They all have good character. They're good kids to work with. It makes it fun."
Along with playing junior varsity baseball last year, Smith was called up to the Carson varsity at the end of last season. Along with Smith, Osmer said he has a strong pitching staff which also includes Tyler Simms, who Osmer said has an excellent curve.
"I think we're really deep in pitching," Osmer said. "I'm really pleased with the pitching we have and the amount of sticks we have."
At catcher is Keith Jones, who Osmer described as the best catcher around who has an excellent arm. "He's something to watch," Osmer said.
At first base are Konrad Perkins, who played for Dayton's JVs, and Tom Purcell. Simms also plays second and rounding out the infield are Eric Murphy at shortstop and Cody Barr at third. Among those in the outfield are Jared Baxter in left and Tom Preston in center, who is another starting pitcher. David Perce is another pitcher who figures to see a great deal of action out of the bullpen.
Others on the roster are backup catcher Kyle Price, who will see time as a pinch runner as well, outfielder Casey Good, Cody Swanson and Justen Marsola. "We have a very, very solid bench," Osmer said.
Osmer is assisted by Mark Preston and former Carson standout Jason Alcasas, who is the pitching coach.
Osmer knows that the tournament will be strong as ever and that the Reno teams will be tough to beat. "All of the Reno teams are really solid teams," Osmer said. "They're always solid."