10U Pitching Order

[starman]

I have five pitchers on my 10U team. I'm going to use two of them for game one, both scheduled for three innings, with the other three as relievers. Both of the pitchers have good control, we've had a few scrimmages and both threw a pitch count around 25 - 30 for two innings. Both throw hard for thier age, but one defintley throws harder than the other.
My question is which one should start, and why? Now this might sound like a no brainer to most of you, but we have a 4 inning, ten run mercy rule in our travel league and I have some good hitters.
Thanks Starman

[Chris O'Leary]

I have five pitchers on my 10U team. I'm going to use two of them for game one, both scheduled for three innings, with the other three as relievers. Both of the pitchers have good control, we've had a few scrimmages and both threw a pitch count around 25 - 30 for two innings. Both throw hard for thier age, but one defintley throws harder than the other.
My question is which one should start, and why? Now this might sound like a no brainer to most of you, but we have a 4 inning, ten run mercy rule in our travel league and I have some good hitters.
Thanks Starman

I generally pitch my better pitcher second. By better, I mean able to throw strikes, not velocity. That way I have someone to go to if the first guy blows up.

For whatever reason, my guys react better if we have to come from behind than if we blow a lead late.

[TG Coach]

At age ten I wouldn't throw a pitcher more than two innings unless he done in twenty-five pitches or less. At forty, he's out.