By ROBERT L. LEE

EDGARD – The effort was there, but the total points at the end of seven innings wasn’t Thursday evening and the West St. John Rams fell to Buras 8-5. Rams head coach Lennix Madere said his team definitely had a chance to win over Buras, but explained there were “just some things the team needs to work on and do in the game.”

He maintained that the explanation wasn’t an excuse, merely the fact that the group of Rams is still young and making too many mental mistakes on the field. While most of the mistakes have been worked on in practice, they still haven’t filtered through to the actual games and into a winning season. Currently, the Rams hold a 5-10 overall record and a 2-7 district record.

Their latest loss was a fight until the final moments. The Rams returned from a 5-1 deficit in the third inning to eventually wear down Buras and close the gap to within three runs.

“What bothers me the most is the players haven’t had success,” said Madere. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids. They stick together and come to every practice and work hard. They have a lot of spirit and a lot of heart. We’re going to get there.”

The Rams may have the spirit, but the overwhelming fact that they are a young team continues to put close games on their record as losses. Under the blue jerseys are only two seniors, one junior and the remaining players freshmen, sophomores and even eighth-graders. On the positive side of this year’s team, is the fact that Madere will have players such as freshman pitcher Marcus Isom who will have one season under his belt and three more to continue improving.

Also, for the first time in approximately 10 years, the Rams have a junior varsity team which will help feed the Rams more experienced players. Madere said he is also looking forward to a summer league to allow the players to simply “play more ball.

“You have to have experience to play baseball,” he continued. “It’s a combination of conditioning, being physical and 90 percent mental. Before this group graduates, we’re going to play some good ball.”