On July 26, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza stepped up to the challenge throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history and the fifth in the major leagues this season, beating the Detroit Tigers 5-0. Ever since the All-star break the Rays performance began to slump. The team was struggling, and their confidence level was low. “We needed one. I don’t care who it came from. We just needed one for our own confidence. The guys are just as excited as I am. It’s fun,” Garza said.

Your baseball or softball team’s confidence is crucial for success. Garza came into the game confident and ready to perform. As the game progressed, Garza’s performance on the mound infected his teammates. His confidence spread throughout the Ray’s dugout.

His teammates became focused and determined to help their pitcher finish what he started. “I recognized it and didn’t want to look up. I was like, ‘Just keep looking down and stay focused and get ready for the next inning,” Garza said. By focusing on the process of performing his best on each pitch Garza was able to stay in the zone late in the game. “That ninth inning, I kept telling myself, ‘Just finish it, just finish it, just battle, battle. If it’s meant to happen, it’s going to happen.”

The pressure was on, but he kept his composure and stayed relaxed on the mound focusing on each pitch. When hitters made contact, the Rays defense was prepared to backup the pitcher. “It was one of those days where everything lined up,” Garza said. “The defense made great plays. I really can’t say enough about them.” Thus, your inner belief and confidence in your team can spread to other members of the team and spark momentum. Garza finished the game facing the minimum 27 batters, allowing only one walk in the second inning.

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