Maroons offensive woes continue

Things haven't been pretty at the plate this season for Elgin, which will take a season-long offensive slump into next week's playoffs.

The Maroons are averaging a measly 2.2 runs per game and have only 123 hits in 610 at-bats, which amounts to a .202 team average.

Much of the problem stems from the fact that Elgin has simply had trouble making contact. The Maroons have struck out 197 times as a team, which is almost four times more than the 50 walks they have taken as a team.

Junior Tom Roth has been the lone bright spot in the order, batting .328 with five home runs, 19 RBIs and 10 runs scored -- all of which are team highs. After Roth, the dropoff is severe as the next highest RBI total is five and the next highest batting average among regulars is .258.

Although the numbers are far from impressive, the offensive woes aren't from a lack of effort, according to Elgin coach Dave Foerster.

"We're trying new things and we're making adjustments," Foerster said. "But we have way too many strikeouts. Making contact and putting the ball in play is half the battle, and right now we're just struggling to do that."