[Dave Pritchard sent this note about a recent game featuring Braves alums Chris & Jason]:
Ex-Braves Chris Pritchard and Jason Blacher played key roles in their team’s never-say-die, come-from-way-behind victory in a tournament in West Bend Saturday afternoon.
Chris and Jason’s Wildcats were down, 12-0, before they even came to bat, the Wildcats’ best pitcher having been pounded, hammered, shelled, and battered by a very strong BOSS team. But the pitcher held his head high after a 59-pitch inning, and so did the rest of the Wildcats. The team dedicated itself to winning every inning from there on.
They chipped away at BOSS’s lead little by little, and going into bottom of the last inning they were down only – only! – 15-7, in large part because Jason had taken over on the mound and held the powerful opponents in check.
I won’t keep you in suspense. The Wildcats scored nine runs for a walk-off 16-15 victory, with everyone in the lineup contributing in the fateful last inning (including Chris with a line-drive RBI single).
The victory meant that the Wildcats won their pool in the tournament. They will play in the semi-finals Sunday morning, and if they win that game they will play for the championship at noon.
All in all, an exciting game that reminded me of what I read on the blog about the Braves’ amazing victory over the Red Sox. These are the kinds of games that reveal the character of a team.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon at Water Tower!
Dave
Showing posts with label Jason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Braves alums Jason & Chris
Kathy Rogers, Chris' Mom, sent this fine photo of Braves alums Jason & Chris. Kathy says they continue to follow and cheer for the Braves, as we salute them, playing traveling baseball at a high level.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Braves Alumni: Chris & Jason
Hello Braves!
Chris and I saw this year’s Braves practicing at the high-school softball field a couple of days ago, and we got nostalgic about how much fun we had with last year’s Braves. It seems as if this year’s group is off to a great start.
Jim Higgins asked me to write a bit about what the two Braves’ alumni are doing this summer. Here goes:
Jason Blacher and Chris Pritchard now play on the Wisconsin Wildcats travel team for 13-year-olds. Jason and Chris are regularly in the starting lineup for the Wildcats, who play games on fields that are much bigger than the Majors field at Water Tower. Some of their games are played on diamonds with 80 feet between the bases and the pitcher’s rubber 54 feet from home plate. Other games are played on fields with major-league dimensions (90 feet between bases, the rubber 60 feet, 6 inches from home).
Jason plays mostly at shortstop and Chris mostly at first base, though both of them have also played other positions and pitched. Like most of the guys on the Wildcats, they had some initial trouble adjusting to the unfamiliar distance of the pitcher but lately they have been striking the ball with authority.
For example, Wednesday evening at Harden field on Milwaukee’s south side – a field with major-league dimensions including a center-field wall 380 feet from the plate – Chris clouted a long double to right field and smoked a triple down the right field line. He also pitched two hitless innings.
Chris’ second hitless inning ended when Jason making an amazing full-extension Sports Center top-play-worthy dive to snare a line drive that seemed headed for center field. You won’t find many 13-year-old shortstops better than Jason in the field. Jason was also productive at the plate, smashing a line-drive hit over the shortstop’s head into left field.
Wednesday’s victory left the Wildcats with a 9-4 record. Overall, the team will play 50-55 games, with the season ending the last weekend in July. There are 12 guys on the Wildcats, and playing time is distributed very equally. The team is a travel team, but other than one soggy April weekend in Iowa the travel is limited to southeast Wisconsin.
Chris and Jason really enjoy the guys on the Wildcats; the players’ parents get along well, too. Five of the Wildcats are from Whitefish Bay, three from Fox Point, and one each from Cedarburg, New Berlin, Greenfield, and Pewaukee. The head coach is a soft-spoken former college player in his mid-20s who the players and parents like a lot.
If any of the Braves are considereing a more intense baseball experience next year than the Juniors will offer, I’d encourage them to consider the Wildcats. Tryouts for the 2011 Wildcats will be in late summer. You can learn a little bit more about the Wildcats by going into the Roster and Calendar portions of http://wsbcc.com/.
Meanwhile, keep up the fantastic play at Water Tower! I follow your games via Jim’s blog, and when you get to the championship game I’ll make sure that Chris and I are in the stands to cheer you on.
Dave Pritchard
Chris and I saw this year’s Braves practicing at the high-school softball field a couple of days ago, and we got nostalgic about how much fun we had with last year’s Braves. It seems as if this year’s group is off to a great start.
Jim Higgins asked me to write a bit about what the two Braves’ alumni are doing this summer. Here goes:
Jason Blacher and Chris Pritchard now play on the Wisconsin Wildcats travel team for 13-year-olds. Jason and Chris are regularly in the starting lineup for the Wildcats, who play games on fields that are much bigger than the Majors field at Water Tower. Some of their games are played on diamonds with 80 feet between the bases and the pitcher’s rubber 54 feet from home plate. Other games are played on fields with major-league dimensions (90 feet between bases, the rubber 60 feet, 6 inches from home).
Jason plays mostly at shortstop and Chris mostly at first base, though both of them have also played other positions and pitched. Like most of the guys on the Wildcats, they had some initial trouble adjusting to the unfamiliar distance of the pitcher but lately they have been striking the ball with authority.
For example, Wednesday evening at Harden field on Milwaukee’s south side – a field with major-league dimensions including a center-field wall 380 feet from the plate – Chris clouted a long double to right field and smoked a triple down the right field line. He also pitched two hitless innings.
Chris’ second hitless inning ended when Jason making an amazing full-extension Sports Center top-play-worthy dive to snare a line drive that seemed headed for center field. You won’t find many 13-year-old shortstops better than Jason in the field. Jason was also productive at the plate, smashing a line-drive hit over the shortstop’s head into left field.
Wednesday’s victory left the Wildcats with a 9-4 record. Overall, the team will play 50-55 games, with the season ending the last weekend in July. There are 12 guys on the Wildcats, and playing time is distributed very equally. The team is a travel team, but other than one soggy April weekend in Iowa the travel is limited to southeast Wisconsin.
Chris and Jason really enjoy the guys on the Wildcats; the players’ parents get along well, too. Five of the Wildcats are from Whitefish Bay, three from Fox Point, and one each from Cedarburg, New Berlin, Greenfield, and Pewaukee. The head coach is a soft-spoken former college player in his mid-20s who the players and parents like a lot.
If any of the Braves are considereing a more intense baseball experience next year than the Juniors will offer, I’d encourage them to consider the Wildcats. Tryouts for the 2011 Wildcats will be in late summer. You can learn a little bit more about the Wildcats by going into the Roster and Calendar portions of http://wsbcc.com/.
Meanwhile, keep up the fantastic play at Water Tower! I follow your games via Jim’s blog, and when you get to the championship game I’ll make sure that Chris and I are in the stands to cheer you on.
Dave Pritchard
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Game 4: Braves 16, Athletics 7
Shaking off rust that built up after two rainouts, the Braves defeated the determined As 16-7 Saturday morning at Water Tower.
Connor led the parade of lumber-thumpers with 4 hits, including two homers, and six RBIs. Nick scored three times, and Evan was 4 for 4 with two doubles. Many players contributed today on offense with their legs as well as their bats.
The Braves took a 4-0 lead in the first inning through a combination of singles and aggressive baserunning. But the As took a 5-4 lead in the second inning, hustling to take advantage of a few Braves miscues. The Braves tied in the third by manufacturing a run with 2 outs: Nick singled, stole second and scored on Connor's single.
In the top of the 4th, Evan tomahawked a double into the outfield, and scored on Ryan's hit. Then Tyler ripped a fly ball into the right field that the As outfielder couldn't handle. Tyler zoomed around the bases to score. While an official scorer in major-league baseball might rule that as a single and a three-base error, I am not going to be the one to tell Tyler it wasn't an inside-the-park home run.
The As scored two in the bottom of the fourth to make it 8-7, but that's as close as it would get. In the fifth inning, Alec reached safely, then Connor brought him by crushing a homer to center field. With two outs in the same inning, Evan doubled again, stole third on a passed ball and scored on another Ryan single. 11-7, Braves.
Alec took the mound in the 5th, bringing the Big Red Express with him. Stridingly confidently toward the plate, he pounded the strike with fastballs. Will speared a liner at second base to contribute to Alec's one-two-three inning.
The Braves broke the game open in the 6th. Will, Matt and Alec all reached safely. Then Nick ripped a triple into the right-center gap. Connor followed with his second homer of the game, a booming shot over the right-center fence.
Alec closed out the game in the 6th, with Nick knocking down a line smash and stepping on first base for the final putout. (Alec needed only 16 pitches over the final two innings.)
In pitching notes, Matt and Tyler picked up the Braves in the middle innings. Through no fault of his own, Tyler found himself pitching with the bases loaded and no outs, but kept his composure. He induced two grounders to third that the sure-handed Anthony grabbed and threw home to induce forceouts.
Former Braves skipper Dave Pritchard watched our game this morning. He promises an update on Braves alums Chris and Jason in the near future.
Probable talking points from the game:
Good: Only two called third strikes on the Braves today. The boys took Coach Ross' exhortation to swing the bats to heart, and it showed.
Less good: This is my opinion, not the coaches. Boys needs to remember to run everything out, whether it is a fly ball to the outfield, a pop-up near the plate or a grounder to an infielder. This is Little League. You can never assume the other kid will make the play and give up. The very act of running as hard as you can might make an opponent drop a ball or throw it wildly.
NEXT GAME
It's 6 p.m. Monday May 17 vs. the Cubs. Coaches ask that your Brave be at Water Tower by 5 p.m.
Connor led the parade of lumber-thumpers with 4 hits, including two homers, and six RBIs. Nick scored three times, and Evan was 4 for 4 with two doubles. Many players contributed today on offense with their legs as well as their bats.
The Braves took a 4-0 lead in the first inning through a combination of singles and aggressive baserunning. But the As took a 5-4 lead in the second inning, hustling to take advantage of a few Braves miscues. The Braves tied in the third by manufacturing a run with 2 outs: Nick singled, stole second and scored on Connor's single.
In the top of the 4th, Evan tomahawked a double into the outfield, and scored on Ryan's hit. Then Tyler ripped a fly ball into the right field that the As outfielder couldn't handle. Tyler zoomed around the bases to score. While an official scorer in major-league baseball might rule that as a single and a three-base error, I am not going to be the one to tell Tyler it wasn't an inside-the-park home run.
The As scored two in the bottom of the fourth to make it 8-7, but that's as close as it would get. In the fifth inning, Alec reached safely, then Connor brought him by crushing a homer to center field. With two outs in the same inning, Evan doubled again, stole third on a passed ball and scored on another Ryan single. 11-7, Braves.
Alec took the mound in the 5th, bringing the Big Red Express with him. Stridingly confidently toward the plate, he pounded the strike with fastballs. Will speared a liner at second base to contribute to Alec's one-two-three inning.
The Braves broke the game open in the 6th. Will, Matt and Alec all reached safely. Then Nick ripped a triple into the right-center gap. Connor followed with his second homer of the game, a booming shot over the right-center fence.
Alec closed out the game in the 6th, with Nick knocking down a line smash and stepping on first base for the final putout. (Alec needed only 16 pitches over the final two innings.)
In pitching notes, Matt and Tyler picked up the Braves in the middle innings. Through no fault of his own, Tyler found himself pitching with the bases loaded and no outs, but kept his composure. He induced two grounders to third that the sure-handed Anthony grabbed and threw home to induce forceouts.
Former Braves skipper Dave Pritchard watched our game this morning. He promises an update on Braves alums Chris and Jason in the near future.
Probable talking points from the game:
Good: Only two called third strikes on the Braves today. The boys took Coach Ross' exhortation to swing the bats to heart, and it showed.
Less good: This is my opinion, not the coaches. Boys needs to remember to run everything out, whether it is a fly ball to the outfield, a pop-up near the plate or a grounder to an infielder. This is Little League. You can never assume the other kid will make the play and give up. The very act of running as hard as you can might make an opponent drop a ball or throw it wildly.
NEXT GAME
It's 6 p.m. Monday May 17 vs. the Cubs. Coaches ask that your Brave be at Water Tower by 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Season Wrap-up: Jason
From Coach Dave:
Jason: Very glad his family moved from Shorewood to Whitefish Bay! Chris had been urging me to draft this great athlete who no one in Whitefish Bay knew about. He was pretty insistent, so we made Jason the first sixth grader drafted. Thank you Chris! There was no better shortstop in the league than Jason, and he turned out to be a great clutch hitter, too. I think we all will remember his fire-in-the-eyes intensity.
Jim's footnote:
I agree with Dave: there was no better shortstop in the WFBLL this year. Jason is also my Throwback Player of the Year: the way he danced off bases to annoy pitchers and catchers, the way he scooped up grounders at short and fired to first, his fabulously aggressive baserunning -- he scored from SECOND BASE on a passed ball. He reminds me of the best of old-time baseball.
All posts that mention Jason
Friday, July 10, 2009
Playoff Game Report: Cubs 10, Braves 8
The Braves’ season ended Thursday evening with a 10-8 loss to the Cubs, but our guys went down fighting. They can hold their heads high.
The Cubs, who had a very rough time winning during the regular season, played extremely well Thursday. Their coaches were amazed at their team’s flawless performance.
The Braves played well, too, with several solid hits and some sparkling defense. Our fielding was simply great.
In the first inning, for example, with a bright sun burning into his eyeballs, second baseman Ryan somehow caught a pop-up in short right field. In the third inning first baseman Tyler saved several runs by s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g ever so far to catch three less-than-perfect throws for outs. Everyone marveled at how he was able to keep his toe in contact with the base on those plays.
The Cubs started to make a move in the fourth, but the Braves cut them short with two nice plays. The first came with a runner on third, Jason pitching, and Ryan catching. A pitch got past Ryan, and the runner sprinted for home. Ryan scrambled back to the fence to retrieve the ball and made a perfect toss to Jason covering the plate for the out. The second play came with two outs and runners on the bases. The batter smoked a line drive toward center field. Chris, at shortstop, dove to his left and somehow snared the ball in the webbing of his glove for the out.
The Braves had lots of success at the plate, too, slamming seven extra base hits. In the first inning Chris bombed a three-run homer to right-center field. Later in the first, Ryan laced a triple down the right-field line, scoring on Alec’s RBI single.
In the second Scott led off with a line shot to the left-center-field fence for a double. Then Matt drove in Scott with a double of his own, this one to right-center. Not to be outdone, Jason blasted a double to left-center, driving in Matt.
The Braves had runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings, but could not get them home. Then the sixth, with the Braves down 10-6. Chris led off with a solo homer over the center-field fence. Jack followed with a double, and after two outs Alec drove him in with a single. Now the score was 10-8, with a good base runner on first. We wanted to stay aggressive and maintain pressure on a flustered defense. We gave Alec the sign to steal. Sadly (for us), the Cubs’ catcher made his best throw of the season to nip Alec at second, and the game was over. The good feelings about the season, however, were not over – and never will be. The evening ended with perfect weather and a wonderful team party at Liam’s house. All of the Braves were there, and everyone had a ball.
Thanks to all of you.
Dave
The Cubs, who had a very rough time winning during the regular season, played extremely well Thursday. Their coaches were amazed at their team’s flawless performance.
The Braves played well, too, with several solid hits and some sparkling defense. Our fielding was simply great.
In the first inning, for example, with a bright sun burning into his eyeballs, second baseman Ryan somehow caught a pop-up in short right field. In the third inning first baseman Tyler saved several runs by s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g ever so far to catch three less-than-perfect throws for outs. Everyone marveled at how he was able to keep his toe in contact with the base on those plays.
The Cubs started to make a move in the fourth, but the Braves cut them short with two nice plays. The first came with a runner on third, Jason pitching, and Ryan catching. A pitch got past Ryan, and the runner sprinted for home. Ryan scrambled back to the fence to retrieve the ball and made a perfect toss to Jason covering the plate for the out. The second play came with two outs and runners on the bases. The batter smoked a line drive toward center field. Chris, at shortstop, dove to his left and somehow snared the ball in the webbing of his glove for the out.
The Braves had lots of success at the plate, too, slamming seven extra base hits. In the first inning Chris bombed a three-run homer to right-center field. Later in the first, Ryan laced a triple down the right-field line, scoring on Alec’s RBI single.
In the second Scott led off with a line shot to the left-center-field fence for a double. Then Matt drove in Scott with a double of his own, this one to right-center. Not to be outdone, Jason blasted a double to left-center, driving in Matt.
The Braves had runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings, but could not get them home. Then the sixth, with the Braves down 10-6. Chris led off with a solo homer over the center-field fence. Jack followed with a double, and after two outs Alec drove him in with a single. Now the score was 10-8, with a good base runner on first. We wanted to stay aggressive and maintain pressure on a flustered defense. We gave Alec the sign to steal. Sadly (for us), the Cubs’ catcher made his best throw of the season to nip Alec at second, and the game was over. The good feelings about the season, however, were not over – and never will be. The evening ended with perfect weather and a wonderful team party at Liam’s house. All of the Braves were there, and everyone had a ball.
Thanks to all of you.
Dave
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Game story: Orioles 6, Braves 1
The Braves' regular season ended the way it began, with a lineup of nine Braves facing the Orioles at Water Tower Park. This time, however, the Orioles prevailed, 6-1, behind strong pitching from Os' hurler Nick Cafaro.
As Coach Dave pointed out after the game, a few concentration lapses by the Braves helped the Orioles take the game. But Dave also saluted fine defensive work by our catcher-pitcher combos (Scott-Jason and Scott-Evan) who tagged out three Orioles runners who were trying to steal home.
The Braves got their run, and temporarily tied the game, in the 4th inning. with 1 out, Tyler walked, and went all the way to third on a groundout by Liam. Then Tyler scored on Jason's hard single to center field.
Jason, taking his turn as the last batter in the lineup, also torched a double down the third-base line.
Batting: Nick doubled deep to center field in the first inning; Chris singled to center in the third, and hit another ball hard that was snared by the Orioles shortstop in a fine running play.
Defense: Matt made several plays at third. At first base, Tyler stretched his compact frame to the max to retain a throw from third to record an out.
The Braves finished the regular season with a record of 9-6-1, in 4th place in the 10-team Majors. Dave said: "Fourth place for an expansion team that has 11 5th graders on it. You guys should be really proud." He also saluted the Braves' six-game winning streak as a factor in the team's upper-division finish.
Urging the team to "be more mentally sharp" than they sometimes were against the Orioles, Dave reminded the team that their playoff games start with a 4 p.m. contest Tuesday July 7 against the Rays.
As Coach Dave pointed out after the game, a few concentration lapses by the Braves helped the Orioles take the game. But Dave also saluted fine defensive work by our catcher-pitcher combos (Scott-Jason and Scott-Evan) who tagged out three Orioles runners who were trying to steal home.
The Braves got their run, and temporarily tied the game, in the 4th inning. with 1 out, Tyler walked, and went all the way to third on a groundout by Liam. Then Tyler scored on Jason's hard single to center field.
Jason, taking his turn as the last batter in the lineup, also torched a double down the third-base line.
Batting: Nick doubled deep to center field in the first inning; Chris singled to center in the third, and hit another ball hard that was snared by the Orioles shortstop in a fine running play.
Defense: Matt made several plays at third. At first base, Tyler stretched his compact frame to the max to retain a throw from third to record an out.
The Braves finished the regular season with a record of 9-6-1, in 4th place in the 10-team Majors. Dave said: "Fourth place for an expansion team that has 11 5th graders on it. You guys should be really proud." He also saluted the Braves' six-game winning streak as a factor in the team's upper-division finish.
Urging the team to "be more mentally sharp" than they sometimes were against the Orioles, Dave reminded the team that their playoff games start with a 4 p.m. contest Tuesday July 7 against the Rays.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Game Story: Braves 16, Cubs 1
Coaches Dave and Ross have drilled and hammered the Braves on their defensive responsibilities in practice during the last week-plus. The Braves proved they've been paying attention in a 16-1 victory over the Cubs Monday evening at Water Tower Park.
While the Braves hit well on this windy and rain-interrupted evening, they weren't hammering the ball out of the park. Instead, they took advantage of every Cub mistake, while playing stout defense they deprived the Cubs of any chance to make it a game.
Liam led the parade with stellar fielding in right field and left field. He caught a deep fly ball in right field with no outs and a runner on first base, likely preventing a run. He also cleanly picked up two other singles hit to the outfield, and made strong, accurate throws to the cutoff men. Coach Dave was beaming about Liam's outfield play.
Jason started the game on the mound, and helped his own cause by spearing a liner and grabbing a grounder.
Then the Braves batted around in the first inning. Jason doubled. Chris brought him home with a single to right field. Jack walked, and Alec singled Chris home. Matt walked, Jack stole home on a passed ball. Evan singled, driving in Alec and Matt. Nick singled. Evan scored on a passed ball. Tyler walked, Anthony singled, scoring Nick. Connor singled, bringing Tyler home. Jason came to bat for the second time in the inning, and ripped a hard liner that was snared by the Cubs shortstop. The inning ended with the Braves up 8-0.
More highlights:
Batting: Each Brave reached base at least once, and 10 different Braves scored at least one run.
As Coach Dave pointed out after the game, three Braves took one for the team, getting hit by pitches: Scott, Alec and Tyler, all in the second inning.
Two Braves hit the ball hard, took off running, and never stopped until they cross home plate. In the third inning, with Jason on base, Scott ripped a ball into center field that bounced hard and got past the Cubs centerfielder. Scott made it all the way home. Coach Rick scored it a triple and error by the Cubs, but the boys treated it as a homer and rushed out to greet Scott.
Then, in the fourth inning, Nick smashed a ball down the right field line and zoomed around the bases before sliding safely across home plate. Coach Dave called it a legit inside-the-park home run, as the Cubs made no errors on the play, and joked that he had never seen Nick run so fast. What I noticed was how flawlessly Nick turned at each base.
Connor was 3 for 3 with 3 singles. Jason, Chris, Alec, Nick & Anthony each had 2 hits. Matt walked 3 times. With a single and a walk, Evan drove in 3 runs.
Pitching: Scott made his Braves pitching debut in the 4th inning. Aided by their stingy defense, Jason, Matt, Chris and Evan turned in scoreless innings. Evan finished off the final out with a running snow-cone grab of a soft liner.
Defense: At shortstop, Chris snagged a hard liner by Cubs' slugger Zach Casey. In the 4th inning, with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, shortstop Jason scooped out a hard grounder and threw alertly to Matt at 3rd to get the lead runner. (I love watching Jason in the field -- he always has his head in the game.) In addition to his other fine plays, Liam almost threw out the lead runner going to second on a single to right field.
Debuts: In addition to Scott's pitching debut, Jason made his Braves' debut as a catcher in the 6th inning.
Next game: 6:30 p.m. Thursday July 2, vs. the Orioles. Have your Brave at Water Tower by 5:45 p.m. for warmups and practice.
While the Braves hit well on this windy and rain-interrupted evening, they weren't hammering the ball out of the park. Instead, they took advantage of every Cub mistake, while playing stout defense they deprived the Cubs of any chance to make it a game.
Liam led the parade with stellar fielding in right field and left field. He caught a deep fly ball in right field with no outs and a runner on first base, likely preventing a run. He also cleanly picked up two other singles hit to the outfield, and made strong, accurate throws to the cutoff men. Coach Dave was beaming about Liam's outfield play.
Jason started the game on the mound, and helped his own cause by spearing a liner and grabbing a grounder.
Then the Braves batted around in the first inning. Jason doubled. Chris brought him home with a single to right field. Jack walked, and Alec singled Chris home. Matt walked, Jack stole home on a passed ball. Evan singled, driving in Alec and Matt. Nick singled. Evan scored on a passed ball. Tyler walked, Anthony singled, scoring Nick. Connor singled, bringing Tyler home. Jason came to bat for the second time in the inning, and ripped a hard liner that was snared by the Cubs shortstop. The inning ended with the Braves up 8-0.
More highlights:
Batting: Each Brave reached base at least once, and 10 different Braves scored at least one run.
As Coach Dave pointed out after the game, three Braves took one for the team, getting hit by pitches: Scott, Alec and Tyler, all in the second inning.
Two Braves hit the ball hard, took off running, and never stopped until they cross home plate. In the third inning, with Jason on base, Scott ripped a ball into center field that bounced hard and got past the Cubs centerfielder. Scott made it all the way home. Coach Rick scored it a triple and error by the Cubs, but the boys treated it as a homer and rushed out to greet Scott.
Then, in the fourth inning, Nick smashed a ball down the right field line and zoomed around the bases before sliding safely across home plate. Coach Dave called it a legit inside-the-park home run, as the Cubs made no errors on the play, and joked that he had never seen Nick run so fast. What I noticed was how flawlessly Nick turned at each base.
Connor was 3 for 3 with 3 singles. Jason, Chris, Alec, Nick & Anthony each had 2 hits. Matt walked 3 times. With a single and a walk, Evan drove in 3 runs.
Pitching: Scott made his Braves pitching debut in the 4th inning. Aided by their stingy defense, Jason, Matt, Chris and Evan turned in scoreless innings. Evan finished off the final out with a running snow-cone grab of a soft liner.
Defense: At shortstop, Chris snagged a hard liner by Cubs' slugger Zach Casey. In the 4th inning, with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, shortstop Jason scooped out a hard grounder and threw alertly to Matt at 3rd to get the lead runner. (I love watching Jason in the field -- he always has his head in the game.) In addition to his other fine plays, Liam almost threw out the lead runner going to second on a single to right field.
Debuts: In addition to Scott's pitching debut, Jason made his Braves' debut as a catcher in the 6th inning.
Next game: 6:30 p.m. Thursday July 2, vs. the Orioles. Have your Brave at Water Tower by 5:45 p.m. for warmups and practice.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Game Day: Braves 5, Rays 5
[Photo courtesy of Joe Kimple.]
The Braves battled from behind to tie the mighty Rays, 5-5, in a rematch Saturday afternoon at Water Tower Park. (Earlier this season, the Braves beat the Rays in a tense 4-3 thriller.)
If I told you Chris Pritchard led the team effort, you might assume Chris had a couple of mighty clouts. But Chris' magic today came from his quickness and his golden arm.
After the Rays took a 1-0 lead in the first, Matt walked with two outs in the top of the second inning, stole second and third, and scored when Ryan pounded a double to left field.
In the third, the Braves went up 3-1 after Connor singled in Scott, and Jason doubled Connor home. The Braves might have stretched the lead further in the 4th, but Jack was thrown out at home on a very close play.
With a few big hits and aggressive base running, the Rays opened up a 5-3 lead. Runs for the Braves were looking scarce, because the talented Rays are loaded with quality pitchers. So the Braves manufactured some offense.
In the top of the 6th and final inning, Jason walked, and Chris singled to left field. Both runners moved up on passed balls. then Jason scored on a wild pitch with 1 out to cut the Rays' lead to 5-4.
As Coach Dave pointed out after the game, the speedy Jason scoring on a passed ball isn't a big surprise. But Chris moved to third base on the same play, and scored on another passed ball to tie the game.
Chris took the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning, striking out the first two batters (one looking, one swinging) before inducing the dangerous Chris Siebert to fly out to Evan at in foul territory near first base.
You may ask: Why a tie game? The rules of our league stipulate a maximum of 6 innings, no matter where the score stands. That'll change for the playoffs.
While we're on the subject of Chris, kudos to him for fine defensive plays, too: He caught a deep fly ball to center field by the powerful Brandon Turer in the third inning, and speared a hard liner while playing shortstop in the 5th.
Next practice: 5:15 p.m. Sunday (June 28) at Atwater in Shorewood.
Next game: 6:30 p.m. Monday (June 29) vs. the Cubs. Plan to have your Brave at Water Tower by 5:45 p.m. that evening.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Game Story: Yankees 13, Braves 11
Sometimes the other team makes good plays and beats you.
That's what Coach Dave told the Braves after a 13-11 loss to the Yankees Monday night at Water Tower Park.
The defensively sound Yankees made two double plays in the game, snuffing out potential Braves rallies. One was a typical Little League double play, a combination of alertness and luck: the Yankees first baseman caught a line drive and stepped on first to double off a baserunner.
But the other DP was special. The Braves had the bases loaded with no outs. Scott hit a hard grounder toward third base. The Yanks' third baseman grabbed the ball, stepped on third and threw to second base to get a second Braves out. One batter later the game was over.
The Braves were down 3-0 entering the bottom of the 1st, but responded with a fine team rally. Ryan walked and moved to second on a passed ball. Connor beat out an infield single, with Ryan smartly holding at second. Evan reached on an infield single, loading the bases. On a 2-ball, 2-strike count, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield, driving in Ryan and Connor. Three batters later, Jack smashed a double to center field, bringing Nick and Jason home. ("I thought it was going to go out," Nick said of Jack's mighty jack.) The Braves were up 4-3.
In the bottom of the third, the Braves lit up the scoreboard again. Chris singled to right, then stole second and third. Ryan walked and stole second. Connor singled, driving in Chris. Ryan scored on a passed ball. Evan was plunked on the helmet by a pitch: it wasn't thrown that hard, and Ev was OK. See for yourself in this video clip, courtesy of Joe Kimple. Nick then lifted a towering sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Connor home and giving the Braves a temporary 7-5 lead.
Unfortunately for Braves fans, the Yankees scored 8 runs in the 4th through a combination of timely hitting, well-executed bunting, heads-up baserunning and Braves miscues. The Braves battled back with 3 runs in the fourth and one in the sixth, but couldn't close the gap.
One bright spot was the return of Connor from the disabled list. Connor singled twice, scored twice and pitched two flawless innings, striking out 5 Yankees. It appears all of our flu victims have recovered, and the Braves are healthy and ready to close the season strong. (Sigh. I hate writing the words "close the season.")
More highlights and notes:
Defense: As he habitually does (though we never take it for granted), Jason made several fine plays at shortstop, including two straight bang-bang throws to Tyler to nab consecutive batters in the second inning. Connor made two strong, accurate throws from center field to home plate to prevent runners at third from scoring. Ryan stuck with a tricky grounder to throw out a runner, and also caught a hard liner to end an inning.
Batting: Ryan, Connor, Evan, Nick and Jack all reached through hits/walks/HBP twice. Tyler, continuing his recent improvement, singled sharply up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 11 a.m. Saturday June 27 is our rematch against the Rays. The coaches will expect to see players about 10:15 a.m. at Water Tower.
That's what Coach Dave told the Braves after a 13-11 loss to the Yankees Monday night at Water Tower Park.
The defensively sound Yankees made two double plays in the game, snuffing out potential Braves rallies. One was a typical Little League double play, a combination of alertness and luck: the Yankees first baseman caught a line drive and stepped on first to double off a baserunner.
But the other DP was special. The Braves had the bases loaded with no outs. Scott hit a hard grounder toward third base. The Yanks' third baseman grabbed the ball, stepped on third and threw to second base to get a second Braves out. One batter later the game was over.
The Braves were down 3-0 entering the bottom of the 1st, but responded with a fine team rally. Ryan walked and moved to second on a passed ball. Connor beat out an infield single, with Ryan smartly holding at second. Evan reached on an infield single, loading the bases. On a 2-ball, 2-strike count, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield, driving in Ryan and Connor. Three batters later, Jack smashed a double to center field, bringing Nick and Jason home. ("I thought it was going to go out," Nick said of Jack's mighty jack.) The Braves were up 4-3.
In the bottom of the third, the Braves lit up the scoreboard again. Chris singled to right, then stole second and third. Ryan walked and stole second. Connor singled, driving in Chris. Ryan scored on a passed ball. Evan was plunked on the helmet by a pitch: it wasn't thrown that hard, and Ev was OK. See for yourself in this video clip, courtesy of Joe Kimple. Nick then lifted a towering sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Connor home and giving the Braves a temporary 7-5 lead.
Unfortunately for Braves fans, the Yankees scored 8 runs in the 4th through a combination of timely hitting, well-executed bunting, heads-up baserunning and Braves miscues. The Braves battled back with 3 runs in the fourth and one in the sixth, but couldn't close the gap.
One bright spot was the return of Connor from the disabled list. Connor singled twice, scored twice and pitched two flawless innings, striking out 5 Yankees. It appears all of our flu victims have recovered, and the Braves are healthy and ready to close the season strong. (Sigh. I hate writing the words "close the season.")
More highlights and notes:
Defense: As he habitually does (though we never take it for granted), Jason made several fine plays at shortstop, including two straight bang-bang throws to Tyler to nab consecutive batters in the second inning. Connor made two strong, accurate throws from center field to home plate to prevent runners at third from scoring. Ryan stuck with a tricky grounder to throw out a runner, and also caught a hard liner to end an inning.
Batting: Ryan, Connor, Evan, Nick and Jack all reached through hits/walks/HBP twice. Tyler, continuing his recent improvement, singled sharply up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 11 a.m. Saturday June 27 is our rematch against the Rays. The coaches will expect to see players about 10:15 a.m. at Water Tower.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Game Report: Pirates 14, Braves 7
The Braves fell behind big early, then battled their way back into the game, but ultimately lost to the Pirates 14-7 on a warm Saturday evening at Water Tower Park.
Pirates slugger Kyle Rogers homered twice, and the slick-fielding Pirates snuffed out potential Braves rallies in the 5th and 6th innings with strong defense.
Pirates coach Dave Arnold told me that Rogers has hit about a dozen homers this season.
While the Braves were disappointed with losing, many bright spots are worth noting from this exciting game.
Matt, our last available pitcher in uniform tonight, took the ball in the top of the 5th inning with nobody out and Pirate runners on 1st and 2nd. He struck out a batter. Then, after a walk loaded the bases, Matt induced a pop-up that Alec grabbed, and a ground-out that ended the inning.
Entering the bottom of the third inning, the Braves were down 10-1, but woke up with a furious rally that was fueled as much by aggressive baserunning as by hitting. With 1 out, Tyler started the excitement by drawing a walk. Nick ripped a hard single to center field. Matt singled up the middle, loading the bases. Scott's infield single scored Tyler. Jason blasted a pitch down the left-field line that became a ground rule double when the ball bounded out of play, bringing Nick and Matt home. Then, with Chris batting, both Scott and Jason (from second base) scored on a passed ball. Chris walked, stole second, went to third on Alec's groundout and stole home.
This all happened so quickly I'm not sure I got all the names right. The outcome was a 6-run inning, and a credit to the Braves' resiliency.
More highlights and notes:
Pitching: Evan put up a goose egg in the 4th inning, striking out a batter and helping himself by grabbing a ball in play and throwing to Tyler for the 3rd out.
Fielding: Jack, with a phalanx of family and friends watching in the stands, grabbed a flyout in right field, and made several smooth pickups at third base. Matt helped himself grabbing a pop-up on the mound, and Alec made a fine running catch of a flyball in center field.
Batting: Nick was 2 for 2, his other hit a booming double to center field. Ryan doubled, also to center field. Chris started our potential last-inning rally with a single up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 6:30 p.m. Monday June 22 against the Yankees; players should be there at 5:45 p.m., per the Braves coaches.
Pirates slugger Kyle Rogers homered twice, and the slick-fielding Pirates snuffed out potential Braves rallies in the 5th and 6th innings with strong defense.
Pirates coach Dave Arnold told me that Rogers has hit about a dozen homers this season.
While the Braves were disappointed with losing, many bright spots are worth noting from this exciting game.
Matt, our last available pitcher in uniform tonight, took the ball in the top of the 5th inning with nobody out and Pirate runners on 1st and 2nd. He struck out a batter. Then, after a walk loaded the bases, Matt induced a pop-up that Alec grabbed, and a ground-out that ended the inning.
Entering the bottom of the third inning, the Braves were down 10-1, but woke up with a furious rally that was fueled as much by aggressive baserunning as by hitting. With 1 out, Tyler started the excitement by drawing a walk. Nick ripped a hard single to center field. Matt singled up the middle, loading the bases. Scott's infield single scored Tyler. Jason blasted a pitch down the left-field line that became a ground rule double when the ball bounded out of play, bringing Nick and Matt home. Then, with Chris batting, both Scott and Jason (from second base) scored on a passed ball. Chris walked, stole second, went to third on Alec's groundout and stole home.
This all happened so quickly I'm not sure I got all the names right. The outcome was a 6-run inning, and a credit to the Braves' resiliency.
More highlights and notes:
Pitching: Evan put up a goose egg in the 4th inning, striking out a batter and helping himself by grabbing a ball in play and throwing to Tyler for the 3rd out.
Fielding: Jack, with a phalanx of family and friends watching in the stands, grabbed a flyout in right field, and made several smooth pickups at third base. Matt helped himself grabbing a pop-up on the mound, and Alec made a fine running catch of a flyball in center field.
Batting: Nick was 2 for 2, his other hit a booming double to center field. Ryan doubled, also to center field. Chris started our potential last-inning rally with a single up the middle.
NEXT GAME: 6:30 p.m. Monday June 22 against the Yankees; players should be there at 5:45 p.m., per the Braves coaches.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Game Day: Braves 12, Phillies 10
At some point this season, the Braves will lose a close game. But not today, as the team squeaked past the very tough Phillies in a 12-10 nail-biter.
The victory left the Braves, with an 8-2 record, in sole possession of second place in WFB Majors. The Phillies’ record fell to 6-3.
As usual with our guys, it was a total team victory. The first inning featured the team’s first home run of the season, a titanic blast to straightaway center field by Nick. Alec took two for the team in the early going, getting hit by hard pitches in both the first and second innings. Connor smashed doubles to the outfield fence in both the first and second innings.
The highlights didn’t end there. Matt made a sensational catch of a pop fly in short right field to end a Phillies’ rally in the third inning. Scott, playing catcher, fired a strike to second base to snuff out a Phillies’ rally in the fourth inning. In the Braves’ half of the fourth, Chris clouted an RBI double to the fence. In the fifth Jason turned on the afterburners to beat out an RBI infield single with two out, knocking in a run that proved to be very important.
Then came the fateful sixth inning. The Braves were leading 12-7, but no lead is safe against the dangerous Phillies. And indeed, the Phillies didn’t give up. One run scored. Another run scored. Evan strode to the mound to try to save the game with one out, Phillies dancing off the bases, and the top of their order coming up.
Evan knew what to do – throw strikes and trust the defense. A third run scored, but Evan got one batter to pop up to Jason and the last batter to hit a grounder to short. Jason scooped it up, fired to Chris at first to beat the runner by a step, and your Braves had sole possession of second place!
-- Dave
* * *
This Day in WFBLL Braves History
First home run: Nick
The victory left the Braves, with an 8-2 record, in sole possession of second place in WFB Majors. The Phillies’ record fell to 6-3.
As usual with our guys, it was a total team victory. The first inning featured the team’s first home run of the season, a titanic blast to straightaway center field by Nick. Alec took two for the team in the early going, getting hit by hard pitches in both the first and second innings. Connor smashed doubles to the outfield fence in both the first and second innings.
The highlights didn’t end there. Matt made a sensational catch of a pop fly in short right field to end a Phillies’ rally in the third inning. Scott, playing catcher, fired a strike to second base to snuff out a Phillies’ rally in the fourth inning. In the Braves’ half of the fourth, Chris clouted an RBI double to the fence. In the fifth Jason turned on the afterburners to beat out an RBI infield single with two out, knocking in a run that proved to be very important.
Then came the fateful sixth inning. The Braves were leading 12-7, but no lead is safe against the dangerous Phillies. And indeed, the Phillies didn’t give up. One run scored. Another run scored. Evan strode to the mound to try to save the game with one out, Phillies dancing off the bases, and the top of their order coming up.
Evan knew what to do – throw strikes and trust the defense. A third run scored, but Evan got one batter to pop up to Jason and the last batter to hit a grounder to short. Jason scooped it up, fired to Chris at first to beat the runner by a step, and your Braves had sole possession of second place!
-- Dave
* * *
This Day in WFBLL Braves History
First home run: Nick
Friday, June 12, 2009
Game Night: Braves 5, White Sox 4
The parents of our Braves players practice a variety of noble professions: professor, lawyer, veterinarian, architect, journalist, pharmacist. But if the Braves' recent trend of 1-run games continues, we may have to recruit a cardiologist.
The Braves defeated the well-coached White Sox 5-4 in a rematch of two teams that played just a few nights ago. It must have been one of the fastest 6-inning games of the season. Both teams made excellent defensive plays. Both teams also made errors or mistakes that cost them runs. No fan could feel cheated by the intensity level of the action.
This was the Braves' third 1-run victory. That's "testimony to good teamwork and good pitching," Coach Ross told the Braves in his postgame remarks.
Braves player Jack was ill and couldn't make the game. Coach Dave said he told Jack's mom that the Braves were going to try to win the game for Jack Kivley, and they did so.
Chris proved in striking and dramatic fashion that he is the Braves' counterpart to both Prince Fielder (fearsome lefty slugger) and Trevor Hoffman (efficient closer).
The Braves came to bat in the top of the last inning, trailing 4-3. Jason ripped a ground-rule double to left field (had it not bounded out of the field of play, he might have gotten more), and went to third on a passed ball when Scott walked. Then, with one out, Chris smoked a huge double to right field, scoring both Jason and Scott, and giving the Braves a 5-4 lead.
On the mound in the bottom of the last inning, Chris faced the White Sox's best hitters. Chris struck out the first batter looking, and struck out the second batter swinging when catcher Anthony hung on to a foul tip. After a walk, Chris struck out the White Sox's slugger to end the game.
The Braves swing right back into action Saturday morning June 13, with Picture Day at 10 a.m. followed by a game against the Phillies at 11 a.m.
More highlights and notes:
BATTING & BASERUNNING: In the top of the first inning Connor and Chris worked a double steal, with Connor swiping home for the Braves' first run. In the second inning, Matt singled, and hustled all the way to third on fielder misplays. Then, with 2 outs and 2 strikes, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield to drive Matt home with the Braves' second run. Alec tripled to right field in the 4th, and scored by stealing home on a passed ball.
FIELDING: Jason continued his excellence at shortstop, vacuuming two hard grounders in the third inning and throwing the runners out.
PITCHING: Alec, with his distinctive neo-submariner motion, pitched three innings and struck out six batters. He grabbed a pop-up to snuff out a White Sox rally in the 4th inning.
The Braves defeated the well-coached White Sox 5-4 in a rematch of two teams that played just a few nights ago. It must have been one of the fastest 6-inning games of the season. Both teams made excellent defensive plays. Both teams also made errors or mistakes that cost them runs. No fan could feel cheated by the intensity level of the action.
This was the Braves' third 1-run victory. That's "testimony to good teamwork and good pitching," Coach Ross told the Braves in his postgame remarks.
Braves player Jack was ill and couldn't make the game. Coach Dave said he told Jack's mom that the Braves were going to try to win the game for Jack Kivley, and they did so.
Chris proved in striking and dramatic fashion that he is the Braves' counterpart to both Prince Fielder (fearsome lefty slugger) and Trevor Hoffman (efficient closer).
The Braves came to bat in the top of the last inning, trailing 4-3. Jason ripped a ground-rule double to left field (had it not bounded out of the field of play, he might have gotten more), and went to third on a passed ball when Scott walked. Then, with one out, Chris smoked a huge double to right field, scoring both Jason and Scott, and giving the Braves a 5-4 lead.
On the mound in the bottom of the last inning, Chris faced the White Sox's best hitters. Chris struck out the first batter looking, and struck out the second batter swinging when catcher Anthony hung on to a foul tip. After a walk, Chris struck out the White Sox's slugger to end the game.
The Braves swing right back into action Saturday morning June 13, with Picture Day at 10 a.m. followed by a game against the Phillies at 11 a.m.
More highlights and notes:
BATTING & BASERUNNING: In the top of the first inning Connor and Chris worked a double steal, with Connor swiping home for the Braves' first run. In the second inning, Matt singled, and hustled all the way to third on fielder misplays. Then, with 2 outs and 2 strikes, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield to drive Matt home with the Braves' second run. Alec tripled to right field in the 4th, and scored by stealing home on a passed ball.
FIELDING: Jason continued his excellence at shortstop, vacuuming two hard grounders in the third inning and throwing the runners out.
PITCHING: Alec, with his distinctive neo-submariner motion, pitched three innings and struck out six batters. He grabbed a pop-up to snuff out a White Sox rally in the 4th inning.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Updates: Games, Picture Day
Braves,
Excellent practice today! The weather was perfect, the guys fielded beautifully, and they pounded the ball against my best pitching in scrimmage! Jason popped a walk-off single to left to win it for his team.
Two items:
FRIDAY June 12, please have your Brave at Water Tower by 5 p.m. so that we can have on-field batting practice. We did this before Tuesday's game and our bats came alive, so I'd like to do it again.
SATURDAY June 13 is Picture Day. Please have your freshly scrubbed Brave at Water Tower no later than 10 a.m. The picture-taking area is at the south end of Water Tower. Please fill out your order forms before you get to Water Tower -- everything's easier that way.
See at Water Tower tomorrow for our rematch against the White Sox.
Dave
Excellent practice today! The weather was perfect, the guys fielded beautifully, and they pounded the ball against my best pitching in scrimmage! Jason popped a walk-off single to left to win it for his team.
Two items:
FRIDAY June 12, please have your Brave at Water Tower by 5 p.m. so that we can have on-field batting practice. We did this before Tuesday's game and our bats came alive, so I'd like to do it again.
SATURDAY June 13 is Picture Day. Please have your freshly scrubbed Brave at Water Tower no later than 10 a.m. The picture-taking area is at the south end of Water Tower. Please fill out your order forms before you get to Water Tower -- everything's easier that way.
See at Water Tower tomorrow for our rematch against the White Sox.
Dave
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Game Story: Braves 8, White Sox 1
The Braves put it all together Tuesday night, scoring seven runs in their last two at bats to break open a close game and defeat the White Sox, 8-1. The victory moves the Braves into a tie for second place in the Majors. Both the Braves and the powerful Phillies have six wins in eight games.
Tuesday’s victory featured power pitching, superb defense when it counted, and timely hitting. The pitching was especially impressive because the White Sox had been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 10 runs a game.
Connor allowed no runs in the first two innings, fanning four White Sox. Alec took over in the third inning; the top of the White Sox order was coming to the plate. With one out and White Sox runners on first and third in the scoreless game, first baseman Chris made a diving stab of a soft line drive to get the second out and prevent the runners from advancing. The next batter smoked a line drive toward left-center field. It had two RBIs written all over it, but shortstop Jason leaped high – very high – and snared the ball in the webbing of his glove to end the inning with no White Sox player having crossed the plate.
The game was still scoreless in the bottom of the third. Matt led off with a single and advanced to third base on two groundouts. Then came a wild pitch, and Matt dashed for home plate, scoring standing up for the game’s first run.
Jason took over pitching in the fourth inning, holding the White Sox scoreless. When the Braves came to bat in the fourth, Connor led off with a booming triple over the right fielder’s head. Chris walked and stole second, and Alec rifled a single to the outfield to score both of them. Alec stole second and third, which enabled Ryan to drive him in with an infield single. Braves ahead, 4-0, after four innings.
The White Sox got a harmless unearned run in the fifth inning, and then the Braves’ bats got really hot. Jason and Scott hit singles; they both advanced on a passed ball. Connor lined a single to the outfield, driving in two runs, and then kept on running himself, scoring as the White Sox booted the ball all over the field. Chris lined a double to the fence in right center, stole third, and then trotted home when Alec got his second RBI hit. Four runs on five consecutive hits.
Chris strode to the hill in the final inning with a seven-run lead. The first White Sox batter got on base via an infield error, but Chris struck out the next three hitters to seal the victory.
A complete team victory – the best kind.
The Braves have a rematch against the White Sox Friday, followed by a tussle with the Phillies Saturday at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss those games!
-- Dave
Tuesday’s victory featured power pitching, superb defense when it counted, and timely hitting. The pitching was especially impressive because the White Sox had been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 10 runs a game.
Connor allowed no runs in the first two innings, fanning four White Sox. Alec took over in the third inning; the top of the White Sox order was coming to the plate. With one out and White Sox runners on first and third in the scoreless game, first baseman Chris made a diving stab of a soft line drive to get the second out and prevent the runners from advancing. The next batter smoked a line drive toward left-center field. It had two RBIs written all over it, but shortstop Jason leaped high – very high – and snared the ball in the webbing of his glove to end the inning with no White Sox player having crossed the plate.
The game was still scoreless in the bottom of the third. Matt led off with a single and advanced to third base on two groundouts. Then came a wild pitch, and Matt dashed for home plate, scoring standing up for the game’s first run.
Jason took over pitching in the fourth inning, holding the White Sox scoreless. When the Braves came to bat in the fourth, Connor led off with a booming triple over the right fielder’s head. Chris walked and stole second, and Alec rifled a single to the outfield to score both of them. Alec stole second and third, which enabled Ryan to drive him in with an infield single. Braves ahead, 4-0, after four innings.
The White Sox got a harmless unearned run in the fifth inning, and then the Braves’ bats got really hot. Jason and Scott hit singles; they both advanced on a passed ball. Connor lined a single to the outfield, driving in two runs, and then kept on running himself, scoring as the White Sox booted the ball all over the field. Chris lined a double to the fence in right center, stole third, and then trotted home when Alec got his second RBI hit. Four runs on five consecutive hits.
Chris strode to the hill in the final inning with a seven-run lead. The first White Sox batter got on base via an infield error, but Chris struck out the next three hitters to seal the victory.
A complete team victory – the best kind.
The Braves have a rematch against the White Sox Friday, followed by a tussle with the Phillies Saturday at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss those games!
-- Dave
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Game Day: Braves 8, Yankees 3
The Braves rapped out 12 hits, including a pair of triples, in a solid team victory Sunday afternoon against a young but scrappy and well-coached Yankees team.
Matt got the scoring started in the top of the 2nd inning, driving in Anthony and Alec with a hard single to center field.
In the words of Coach Dave, Tyler took one for the team that same inning, getting plunked on the leg. In the top of the 4th inning, Tyler delivered a piece of sweet-swinging payback, ripping a single to right field. Mr. T stole second and eventually came around to score on a grounder by Jason.
On the mound, Chris opened up the game by tossing 5Ks in 2-plus innings. Matt battled through a strange rule-book drama (more on that later). Alec continued his recent mastery with two scoreless innings to close out the game. All three pitchers benefited from strong defense. Jack picked a hard hit ball at third and threw a runner out. Chris caught a big fly to center field. And a tip of the catcher's mask to Anthony, who threw out a runner trying to steal second, with Jason applying the tag.
Rule book believe it or not: Bottom of the third, the Yankees batting, bases loaded, one out. Matt pitching. The Yankees batter hit a short fly just past Matt's grasp. Ryan picked up the ball and fired to catcher Nick standing on the plate. So that's easy to figure -- two outs, and the bases are still loaded, right?
Umm, not in this case. When the short pop-up was in the air, one of the umpires invoked the infield fly rule, a rule of sportsmanship designed to avoid situations where the team on defense could let a short fly ball drop to the ground and get a quick double play. Because the umpire had invoked that rule and the ball dropped to the ground, the batter was automatically out, and the other runners could advance at their own risk. Because the runner racing from third was then not forced to run home, he had to be tagged out. So he was called safe.
Yes, this is esoteric and confusing, and I doubt any of our boys had that in mind, nor could we expect them to at this age.
More highlights and note:
Batting: Chris reached safely each time, with a walk, a single and a triple. Connor slammed a triple to left center: the force of hit had me wondering if that would be our first homer of the season. Scott hit two singles and scored twice.
Give the other guys credit: Jason hit a rocket liner down the third base line, which was speared by the Yankees' third baseman.
Next game: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday June 9, vs. the White Sox. Look for a future email from the coaches on particulars.
Matt got the scoring started in the top of the 2nd inning, driving in Anthony and Alec with a hard single to center field.
In the words of Coach Dave, Tyler took one for the team that same inning, getting plunked on the leg. In the top of the 4th inning, Tyler delivered a piece of sweet-swinging payback, ripping a single to right field. Mr. T stole second and eventually came around to score on a grounder by Jason.
On the mound, Chris opened up the game by tossing 5Ks in 2-plus innings. Matt battled through a strange rule-book drama (more on that later). Alec continued his recent mastery with two scoreless innings to close out the game. All three pitchers benefited from strong defense. Jack picked a hard hit ball at third and threw a runner out. Chris caught a big fly to center field. And a tip of the catcher's mask to Anthony, who threw out a runner trying to steal second, with Jason applying the tag.
Rule book believe it or not: Bottom of the third, the Yankees batting, bases loaded, one out. Matt pitching. The Yankees batter hit a short fly just past Matt's grasp. Ryan picked up the ball and fired to catcher Nick standing on the plate. So that's easy to figure -- two outs, and the bases are still loaded, right?
Umm, not in this case. When the short pop-up was in the air, one of the umpires invoked the infield fly rule, a rule of sportsmanship designed to avoid situations where the team on defense could let a short fly ball drop to the ground and get a quick double play. Because the umpire had invoked that rule and the ball dropped to the ground, the batter was automatically out, and the other runners could advance at their own risk. Because the runner racing from third was then not forced to run home, he had to be tagged out. So he was called safe.
Yes, this is esoteric and confusing, and I doubt any of our boys had that in mind, nor could we expect them to at this age.
More highlights and note:
Batting: Chris reached safely each time, with a walk, a single and a triple. Connor slammed a triple to left center: the force of hit had me wondering if that would be our first homer of the season. Scott hit two singles and scored twice.
Give the other guys credit: Jason hit a rocket liner down the third base line, which was speared by the Yankees' third baseman.
Next game: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday June 9, vs. the White Sox. Look for a future email from the coaches on particulars.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Game Night: Braves 5, Brewers 4
Coach Dave is fond of calling this level of baseball developmental, meaning that helping youth become better ballplayers is the priority.
Then he must have truly enjoyed Friday's 5-4 Braves victory over the Brewers in a battle of Milwaukee team namesakes at lovely Water Tower Park.
Several Braves players displayed improvement at the plate, on the mound and in the field during this game. Even more impressive, these lads stepped up in a close game in which every single break and close call went against the Braves, and in which the experienced Brewers made several fine catches to rob Braves batters of hits.
Alec took the mound in the top of the 4th inning, with our Braves down 4-3, and promptly turned in a 7-pitch inning that managers dream of. He induced a comebacker from the first batter, which he fielded confidently and whipped to first for an out. The next batter hit a liner up the middle, which Alec coolly grabbed for the second out. Then Tyler snagged a liner near first base to finish off the inning.
Tyler has been working on this hitting; it showed in his at-bats tonight. He put the ball in play in his first AB and nearly beat it out. In his second trip to the plate, he ripped several hard fouls and stayed alive until the Brewers finally retired him.
Evan and Liam also showed a fine blend of plate discipline and sweet swinging in their at-bats. Evan drew a walk and pounded a Texas League single to right field. Liam ripped a double to the outfield.
Scott was a bit gimpy from a recent soccer injury, but there was nothing wrong with his stroke in this game. He drove in three runs, including the game-winner. In the bottom of the second, his hard single plated both Jason and Jack. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, he drove in Jason for the game's deciding run.
More highlights and notes from Friday's game:
Hitting: Nick hammered a double to left-center field in the first inning, and was later robbed of a single by a leaping grab by the Brewers' second baseman. Speedy tablesetter Jason reached safely twice, stole multiple bases and scored twice.
Pitching: Connor struck out 4 while battling calmly through some adversity. Evan struck out a batter to strand a runner on 2nd. Chris struck out 4 in the final two innings, stranding baserunners, and induced ground balls that his crisp fielders Hoovered up.
Fielding: Shortstop Jason smoothly grabbed a hard grounder and tossed to Scott to get the important first out in the final inning. Second baseman Ryan closed out the game with a surehanded pick and throw.
Next game: 1 p.m. Sunday June 7 at Water Tower, vs. the Yankees. Coaches request that players be at Water Tower by 12:15 p.m.
Then he must have truly enjoyed Friday's 5-4 Braves victory over the Brewers in a battle of Milwaukee team namesakes at lovely Water Tower Park.
Several Braves players displayed improvement at the plate, on the mound and in the field during this game. Even more impressive, these lads stepped up in a close game in which every single break and close call went against the Braves, and in which the experienced Brewers made several fine catches to rob Braves batters of hits.
Alec took the mound in the top of the 4th inning, with our Braves down 4-3, and promptly turned in a 7-pitch inning that managers dream of. He induced a comebacker from the first batter, which he fielded confidently and whipped to first for an out. The next batter hit a liner up the middle, which Alec coolly grabbed for the second out. Then Tyler snagged a liner near first base to finish off the inning.
Tyler has been working on this hitting; it showed in his at-bats tonight. He put the ball in play in his first AB and nearly beat it out. In his second trip to the plate, he ripped several hard fouls and stayed alive until the Brewers finally retired him.
Evan and Liam also showed a fine blend of plate discipline and sweet swinging in their at-bats. Evan drew a walk and pounded a Texas League single to right field. Liam ripped a double to the outfield.
Scott was a bit gimpy from a recent soccer injury, but there was nothing wrong with his stroke in this game. He drove in three runs, including the game-winner. In the bottom of the second, his hard single plated both Jason and Jack. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, he drove in Jason for the game's deciding run.
More highlights and notes from Friday's game:
Hitting: Nick hammered a double to left-center field in the first inning, and was later robbed of a single by a leaping grab by the Brewers' second baseman. Speedy tablesetter Jason reached safely twice, stole multiple bases and scored twice.
Pitching: Connor struck out 4 while battling calmly through some adversity. Evan struck out a batter to strand a runner on 2nd. Chris struck out 4 in the final two innings, stranding baserunners, and induced ground balls that his crisp fielders Hoovered up.
Fielding: Shortstop Jason smoothly grabbed a hard grounder and tossed to Scott to get the important first out in the final inning. Second baseman Ryan closed out the game with a surehanded pick and throw.
Next game: 1 p.m. Sunday June 7 at Water Tower, vs. the Yankees. Coaches request that players be at Water Tower by 12:15 p.m.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Practice report: Baseball, Sportsmanship
Great practice today, Braves -- and perfect weather!
Our end-of-practice scrimmage today was a classic, with a team captained by Jason edging a team captained by Chris, 3-2.
Scott (for Chris' team) and Jason slammed home runs. Jason and Chris, each playing shortstop, made superb catches of tough pop flies.
With two outs in the bottom of the last inning, Chris' team had the tying run at first base and the winning run at the plate. The batter hit a hard grounder to third, where Liam calmly gloved the ball and flipped it to Ryan at second for the game-ending force out.
We did have one "issue" to deal with today. A player in our scrimmage flipped his bat in frustration after striking out. I stopped the scrimmage to tell the guys that I had received complaints after our last game about players throwing their bats and helmets after they had made an out.
I told the players that anyone who does that in a game from this point forward will be removed from the lineup immediately. It violates league rules, and it's just plain immature. Our guys need to be good sports, to respect their opponents, and to act with class and dignity.
I know that players are disappointed when they don't perform as well as they'd like to, but all of them are old enough to have the self-discipline to avoid displays of disgust or anger.
Rick, Ross and I absolutely love this group of guys, and I'm not saying that we have a huge problem. But we have enough of a problem that people complained.
Thanks for your help in reinforcing the coaching staff's messages about good sportsmanship!
Dave
Our end-of-practice scrimmage today was a classic, with a team captained by Jason edging a team captained by Chris, 3-2.
Scott (for Chris' team) and Jason slammed home runs. Jason and Chris, each playing shortstop, made superb catches of tough pop flies.
With two outs in the bottom of the last inning, Chris' team had the tying run at first base and the winning run at the plate. The batter hit a hard grounder to third, where Liam calmly gloved the ball and flipped it to Ryan at second for the game-ending force out.
We did have one "issue" to deal with today. A player in our scrimmage flipped his bat in frustration after striking out. I stopped the scrimmage to tell the guys that I had received complaints after our last game about players throwing their bats and helmets after they had made an out.
I told the players that anyone who does that in a game from this point forward will be removed from the lineup immediately. It violates league rules, and it's just plain immature. Our guys need to be good sports, to respect their opponents, and to act with class and dignity.
I know that players are disappointed when they don't perform as well as they'd like to, but all of them are old enough to have the self-discipline to avoid displays of disgust or anger.
Rick, Ross and I absolutely love this group of guys, and I'm not saying that we have a huge problem. But we have enough of a problem that people complained.
Thanks for your help in reinforcing the coaching staff's messages about good sportsmanship!
Dave
Monday, June 1, 2009
Game Story: Braves 4, Rays 3
In baseball, just like in life, there is a time to run, and a time to stay put. The Braves made the correct hardball decisions at the right time Sunday evening in winning a taut, exciting game against the Rays, 4-3.
This game had plenty of friendly subplots: Several boys on the Braves were coached by Rays coaches on different teams last year in the Minors.
In addition to good basepath decisions, simply getting bats on the ball helped the Braves to victory. Our boys beat out several infield hits when the opponents couldn't field the ball cleanly.
A tone was set in the bottom of the 2nd with the Braves down 1-0. Nick singled through the right side of the infield on an 0-2 count, and moved to second on a passed ball. Then Connor slapped a ball to the third baseman. Nick stayed put at second, and the third baseman had no play. Our boys moved up a base a piece on a passed ball, and Jack drove in Nick with a productive groundout to the right side. (Note the theme: putting the ball in play can be good even when you make an out.)
In the 4th, the Braves were down 3-1, but kept battling a good Rays team. Anthony beat out a single and Chris singled up the middle. Both runners moved up on a passed ball. Jason walked to load the bases. A hard grounder by Connor drove in Anthony. (Note theme: putting the ball in play can be good, even when you make an out.)
Alec may not be the Brave who first makes you think of Maury Wills or Rickey Henderson, but he put on a clinic on how to manufacture a run in the bottom of the 5th. With 1 out, Alec beat out an infield hit (this is why you always run hard to 1st base). He stole second base on a passed ball. Then he stole third, and scored on the overthrow on that play. The game was now tied 3-3, setting the stage for the final inning.
Pitcher Chris shut down the Rays on two Ks and a groundout (Matt to Tyler). The Braves came up to bat against Rays pitcher Chris Siebert, a very talented and experienced player.
Anthony led off with a booming double to right center, and alertly took third base on a passed ball. Chris put the ball in play, but Anthony held third to avoid being an easy out at home. (I'm assuming that Coach Ross was giving helpful advice at third on that play.) Chris took second on fielder's indifference.
Nick came to the plate. Ross and Dave have worked with Nick a bit recently to help him tap his latent power at the plate, and I had high hopes. But I also knew that Chris Siebert was a quality pitcher.
Nick worked the count to 1-2, including a hard foul liner to the right that would have ended the game were it fair. Then he smoked a hard single down the right field line, driving in Anthony and starting the celebration.
Later that night when we were home Nick, who can be a bit reserved in public, told me he remembered the faces of every teammate running toward him after the hit. It was like they were in slow motion, he said, and described what each one did.
More notes and highlights:
Pitching: More mastery by Connor: 5 Ks in his two innings. Stellar relief by Chris over the final two innings: 4Ks and two groundouts.
Fielding: Jason helped himself on the mound by spearing a hard liner for an out (while runners were on 2nd and 3rd). Ryan fielded a hard grounder and fired to the sure-handed Evan for an out.
Injury report: In case you did not hear the explanation, Scott started the game but was unable to continue on an injured ankle. I am not a doctor, but my hunch is he will be OK for our next game, Friday against the Brewers.
This Day in WFBLL Braves History: First walk-off victory
This game had plenty of friendly subplots: Several boys on the Braves were coached by Rays coaches on different teams last year in the Minors.
In addition to good basepath decisions, simply getting bats on the ball helped the Braves to victory. Our boys beat out several infield hits when the opponents couldn't field the ball cleanly.
A tone was set in the bottom of the 2nd with the Braves down 1-0. Nick singled through the right side of the infield on an 0-2 count, and moved to second on a passed ball. Then Connor slapped a ball to the third baseman. Nick stayed put at second, and the third baseman had no play. Our boys moved up a base a piece on a passed ball, and Jack drove in Nick with a productive groundout to the right side. (Note the theme: putting the ball in play can be good even when you make an out.)
In the 4th, the Braves were down 3-1, but kept battling a good Rays team. Anthony beat out a single and Chris singled up the middle. Both runners moved up on a passed ball. Jason walked to load the bases. A hard grounder by Connor drove in Anthony. (Note theme: putting the ball in play can be good, even when you make an out.)
Alec may not be the Brave who first makes you think of Maury Wills or Rickey Henderson, but he put on a clinic on how to manufacture a run in the bottom of the 5th. With 1 out, Alec beat out an infield hit (this is why you always run hard to 1st base). He stole second base on a passed ball. Then he stole third, and scored on the overthrow on that play. The game was now tied 3-3, setting the stage for the final inning.
Pitcher Chris shut down the Rays on two Ks and a groundout (Matt to Tyler). The Braves came up to bat against Rays pitcher Chris Siebert, a very talented and experienced player.
Anthony led off with a booming double to right center, and alertly took third base on a passed ball. Chris put the ball in play, but Anthony held third to avoid being an easy out at home. (I'm assuming that Coach Ross was giving helpful advice at third on that play.) Chris took second on fielder's indifference.
Nick came to the plate. Ross and Dave have worked with Nick a bit recently to help him tap his latent power at the plate, and I had high hopes. But I also knew that Chris Siebert was a quality pitcher.
Nick worked the count to 1-2, including a hard foul liner to the right that would have ended the game were it fair. Then he smoked a hard single down the right field line, driving in Anthony and starting the celebration.
Later that night when we were home Nick, who can be a bit reserved in public, told me he remembered the faces of every teammate running toward him after the hit. It was like they were in slow motion, he said, and described what each one did.
More notes and highlights:
Pitching: More mastery by Connor: 5 Ks in his two innings. Stellar relief by Chris over the final two innings: 4Ks and two groundouts.
Fielding: Jason helped himself on the mound by spearing a hard liner for an out (while runners were on 2nd and 3rd). Ryan fielded a hard grounder and fired to the sure-handed Evan for an out.
Injury report: In case you did not hear the explanation, Scott started the game but was unable to continue on an injured ankle. I am not a doctor, but my hunch is he will be OK for our next game, Friday against the Brewers.
This Day in WFBLL Braves History: First walk-off victory
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