The best team in the regular season was the best team in the playoffs.
The Braves won the Whitefish Bay Little League Majors championship Monday evening, defeating the Rays 14-7 at Water Tower Park.
Will Koch pitched a complete game for the victory. Nick Higgins homered twice, Connor Kimple hit a towering home run and drove in two more runs with a double, Anthony Pogorelc hit a backbreaking triple, and every Brave contributed positively to the outcome.
I'll post a complete game story either later Monday night or Tuesday morning. Jodi, Will's mom, promised to send some postgame celebration photos as soon as she can clean the champagne out of her camera.
Showing posts with label Rays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rays. Show all posts
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Playoff Game #4: Rays 8, Braves 3
Behind the complete game-pitching of Ryan Hummer, the Rays defeated the Braves 8-3 Sunday evening at Water Tower Park. That means one final game for the playoff championship at 6 p.m. Monday at Water Tower, Rays vs. Braves.
The Rays cashed in a pair of walks to go up 2-0 in the first. Meanwhile, the Rays outfield defense stifled several Braves opportunities with good catches and fine throws.
In the top of the 4, Rays player Cole Miller tripled to right field and scored on a sacrifice fly. 3-0, Rays.
The Braves clawed back in the bottom of the fourth. Matt led off with a walk, then scored on Alec's double, with Alec moving to third on the throw home. Connor drove in Alec with a groundout to second. 3-2, Rays.
But the Rays extended their lead with 5 runs in the top of the 5th, topped by a two-run homer by Will Alt.
In the bottom of that inning, Tyler doubled with one out, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Scott's groundout to the pitcher. That capped the scoring, with a final result of 8-3, Rays.
Afterwards, the Braves shook off the outing, and celebrated a fantastic season with a party at Liam's house. Thank you Liam and family!
The Rays cashed in a pair of walks to go up 2-0 in the first. Meanwhile, the Rays outfield defense stifled several Braves opportunities with good catches and fine throws.
In the top of the 4, Rays player Cole Miller tripled to right field and scored on a sacrifice fly. 3-0, Rays.
The Braves clawed back in the bottom of the fourth. Matt led off with a walk, then scored on Alec's double, with Alec moving to third on the throw home. Connor drove in Alec with a groundout to second. 3-2, Rays.
But the Rays extended their lead with 5 runs in the top of the 5th, topped by a two-run homer by Will Alt.
In the bottom of that inning, Tyler doubled with one out, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Scott's groundout to the pitcher. That capped the scoring, with a final result of 8-3, Rays.
Afterwards, the Braves shook off the outing, and celebrated a fantastic season with a party at Liam's house. Thank you Liam and family!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Playoff Game #2: Braves 3, Rays 2 (7 innings)
Tyler drove a single through the middle, scoring Evan with the winning run as the Braves defeated the Rays 3-2 in extra innings Saturday afternoon in a Whitefish Bay Little League Majors playoff game.
For the Braves, Connor pitched 5 and two-thirds innings, nearly a regulation complete game.
While the score was low, the action was intense and the fielding was usually crisp.
After Connor held the Rays scoreless in the first, Matt led off the bottom of the first with a walk. Nick then ripped a double to right center field. Matt scored and Nick went to third on the throw. Alec walked. Connor hit a sacrifice fly deep to right field, scoring Nick. 2-0 Braves.
After neither team scored in the 2nd, the Rays threatened in the top of the third. A Rays batter walked, then moved to third on wild pitches. With one out, Rays batter Paul Presberg hit a fly ball to right field. Will made the catch, and threw home to Ryan to tag the runner trying to score. A 9-2 double play.
The Rays tried to breakthrough again in the 4th. With one out, Brandon Turer singled to right field. Cole Miller hit a fly ball to right, but Liam slid to the ground to make the catch, and Connor fanned the next batter to end the inning.
After the opening inning, Rays hurler Ryan Hummer was just as effective as Connor, changing speeds subtly (as former Braves coach Dave Pritchard noted) and keeping our batters off-balance.
In the top of the 5th, Rays pulled closer when Connor Nethen homered over the center field fence. The next batter walked. Then a Rays batter hit a low bouncer to third. Evan got to his knees to knock it down, then calmly through to Jack at second base for a force out. Rays hitter Paul Presberg singled, but our Connor struck out the next batter to end the inning. 2-1, Braves.
In the top of the 6th, the last regulation inning, Connor induced a pop-up to himself for the first out, but then Cole Miller homered to left field, tieing the game. Connor got a second out on a fly ball to Nick at second base before turning the ball over to Alec, who struck out the next batter to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 6th, Matt singled with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch, but Rays reliever Brandon Turer induced pop-ups from the next two batters. With the score tied at 2, the teams went to extra innings.
Pitcher Alec first faced dangerous slugger Connor Nethen, who grounded the ball up the middle. It deflected off Alec's glove, but second baseman Matt alertly fielded it and threw to Nick at first for the out. Coach Ross pointed out afterwards that it was the second game in a row where Matt alertly grabbed a deflected ball for an out. Alec struck out the next two batters, setting the stage for walk-off drama.
In the bottom of the 7th, Connor hit a hard grounder to Rays' Brandon Turer at short, who made a fine play to throw him out. Then Evan doubled to right field. Will singled through the right side, with Evan moving to third.
With two outs, Tyler came to the plate. If you've followed this team for the past two years, you know that Tyler is a vastly improved hitter this season. He knows the strike zone, takes bad pitches and swings at good ones. He ripped a hard single back up the middle, scoring Evan from third with the winning run. Final score: Braves 3, Rays 2.
Coach Ross praised the effort and intensity of the boys. Game balls were awarded to Connor for his heroic pitching performance, and Tyler for his magnificent walk-off hit.
Other notable moments from the game: Anthony put down a perfect sacrifice bunt in the second to move Tyler to third base. Tyler and Will also caught fly balls in the game.
The Braves have Sunday off before playing the disciplined Yankees at 4:30 Monday at Water Tower. Look for a future e-mail from Coach Ross on reporting time to the ballpark.
For the Braves, Connor pitched 5 and two-thirds innings, nearly a regulation complete game.
While the score was low, the action was intense and the fielding was usually crisp.
After Connor held the Rays scoreless in the first, Matt led off the bottom of the first with a walk. Nick then ripped a double to right center field. Matt scored and Nick went to third on the throw. Alec walked. Connor hit a sacrifice fly deep to right field, scoring Nick. 2-0 Braves.
After neither team scored in the 2nd, the Rays threatened in the top of the third. A Rays batter walked, then moved to third on wild pitches. With one out, Rays batter Paul Presberg hit a fly ball to right field. Will made the catch, and threw home to Ryan to tag the runner trying to score. A 9-2 double play.
The Rays tried to breakthrough again in the 4th. With one out, Brandon Turer singled to right field. Cole Miller hit a fly ball to right, but Liam slid to the ground to make the catch, and Connor fanned the next batter to end the inning.
After the opening inning, Rays hurler Ryan Hummer was just as effective as Connor, changing speeds subtly (as former Braves coach Dave Pritchard noted) and keeping our batters off-balance.
In the top of the 5th, Rays pulled closer when Connor Nethen homered over the center field fence. The next batter walked. Then a Rays batter hit a low bouncer to third. Evan got to his knees to knock it down, then calmly through to Jack at second base for a force out. Rays hitter Paul Presberg singled, but our Connor struck out the next batter to end the inning. 2-1, Braves.
In the top of the 6th, the last regulation inning, Connor induced a pop-up to himself for the first out, but then Cole Miller homered to left field, tieing the game. Connor got a second out on a fly ball to Nick at second base before turning the ball over to Alec, who struck out the next batter to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 6th, Matt singled with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch, but Rays reliever Brandon Turer induced pop-ups from the next two batters. With the score tied at 2, the teams went to extra innings.
Pitcher Alec first faced dangerous slugger Connor Nethen, who grounded the ball up the middle. It deflected off Alec's glove, but second baseman Matt alertly fielded it and threw to Nick at first for the out. Coach Ross pointed out afterwards that it was the second game in a row where Matt alertly grabbed a deflected ball for an out. Alec struck out the next two batters, setting the stage for walk-off drama.
In the bottom of the 7th, Connor hit a hard grounder to Rays' Brandon Turer at short, who made a fine play to throw him out. Then Evan doubled to right field. Will singled through the right side, with Evan moving to third.
With two outs, Tyler came to the plate. If you've followed this team for the past two years, you know that Tyler is a vastly improved hitter this season. He knows the strike zone, takes bad pitches and swings at good ones. He ripped a hard single back up the middle, scoring Evan from third with the winning run. Final score: Braves 3, Rays 2.
Coach Ross praised the effort and intensity of the boys. Game balls were awarded to Connor for his heroic pitching performance, and Tyler for his magnificent walk-off hit.
Other notable moments from the game: Anthony put down a perfect sacrifice bunt in the second to move Tyler to third base. Tyler and Will also caught fly balls in the game.
The Braves have Sunday off before playing the disciplined Yankees at 4:30 Monday at Water Tower. Look for a future e-mail from Coach Ross on reporting time to the ballpark.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Playoff Game #1: Braves 6, Brewers 5
The resilient Braves overcame their own errors and clawed their way back to beat the sharp, aggressive Brewers 6-5 Friday afternoon at Water Tower.
That means the Braves will next play the Rays at noon Saturday in the Whitefish Bay Little League Majors double elimination playoffs.
A combination of the tournament scheduler and a rainout pushed the Braves into a challenging pitching position. A pitcher who throws more than 19 pitches in a game must rest from pitching the next day. With that in mound, Coach Ross had a strict pitch count on some of our players.
The Braves were the home team. Alec started on the mound, but was relieved by Will after 19 pitches with two outs and the Braves down 1-0. Will threw strikes, but a couple of Braves errors let in 2 more runs. In the bottom of the first inning, Matt walked with one out and stole second. Alec singled into center field. When Matt tried to score on the hit, he was thrown out a home on a close play, the first of several defensive stops the Brewers turned. 3-0, Brewers.
The Brewers scratched out another run in the top of the second to go up 4-0. Tyler made a fine catch in center field during that inning.
In the bottom of the second, Will and Tyler started a two-out rally with walks. Scott beat out an infield single to load the bases. Will scored the first run on a wild pitch. Then Anthony singled through the right side to drive in two runs. After two, the score was Brewers 4, Braves 3.
In the top of third, the Brewers scratched out another run to go up 5-3. They might have scored more, but Matt made a head's up play. With a Brewers runner on first, the batter hit a hard grounder that bounced off shortstop Alec as he tried to grab. Second baseman Matt alertly grabbed the ball in the air and stepped on second base for a forceout, ending the inning.
With one out in the bottom of the third, the Brewers pitcher hit Nick in the side with a hard fastball. We could hear the sickening thud in the bleachers. Nick glared at the pitcher briefly before running down to first base. Matt then singled, with Nick dashing to third base and rounding the bag just in case of a miscue. Alec then hit a deep fly out to right field. Nick scored easily on the sacrifice fly, and Matt, zooming around the bases, alertly scored as well, knotting the score at 5. Connor doubled to center field, but the Braves couldn't bring him in.
In the top of the 4th, with Will continuing on the mound, all four Brewers batters hit the ball at shortstop Alec, who caught two liners and threw out the final batter at first. In the bottom of the first, Evan reach on a single past the shortstop, but an unusual 6-3-5 double play snuffed out the scoring threat.
In the top of the 5th, Evan took the mound. Like Will, he is a pitch-to-contact hurler who pounds the strike zone. The first two batters singled, then Evan struck out the next one. A fly out to Connor in left field and a fly ball to Alec at third ended the threat, with the score still 5-5.
Scott led off the bottom of the 5th with a single through the right side. Anthony walked, and with one out Liam walked to load the bases. Nick, with his side still hurting from the pitch that hit him, ripped a single into center field, scoring Scott with what would be the winning run. 6-5, Braves.
Connor took the mound on the top of the 6th. He struck out the first batter. The next batter hit an infield fly that second baseman Nick ranged to his left to catch. Connor struck out the final batter to end the game.
Coaches awarded the game ball to Will for giving the Braves three strong innings on the mound.
In post-game remarks, both Coach Ross and Will exhorted the team to come out more alert and prepared Saturday against the Rays.
We parents probably shouldn't forget that tonight's game was the Braves' first game in a whole week. I fully expect the boys to sharp on Saturday.
That means the Braves will next play the Rays at noon Saturday in the Whitefish Bay Little League Majors double elimination playoffs.
A combination of the tournament scheduler and a rainout pushed the Braves into a challenging pitching position. A pitcher who throws more than 19 pitches in a game must rest from pitching the next day. With that in mound, Coach Ross had a strict pitch count on some of our players.
The Braves were the home team. Alec started on the mound, but was relieved by Will after 19 pitches with two outs and the Braves down 1-0. Will threw strikes, but a couple of Braves errors let in 2 more runs. In the bottom of the first inning, Matt walked with one out and stole second. Alec singled into center field. When Matt tried to score on the hit, he was thrown out a home on a close play, the first of several defensive stops the Brewers turned. 3-0, Brewers.
The Brewers scratched out another run in the top of the second to go up 4-0. Tyler made a fine catch in center field during that inning.
In the bottom of the second, Will and Tyler started a two-out rally with walks. Scott beat out an infield single to load the bases. Will scored the first run on a wild pitch. Then Anthony singled through the right side to drive in two runs. After two, the score was Brewers 4, Braves 3.
In the top of third, the Brewers scratched out another run to go up 5-3. They might have scored more, but Matt made a head's up play. With a Brewers runner on first, the batter hit a hard grounder that bounced off shortstop Alec as he tried to grab. Second baseman Matt alertly grabbed the ball in the air and stepped on second base for a forceout, ending the inning.
With one out in the bottom of the third, the Brewers pitcher hit Nick in the side with a hard fastball. We could hear the sickening thud in the bleachers. Nick glared at the pitcher briefly before running down to first base. Matt then singled, with Nick dashing to third base and rounding the bag just in case of a miscue. Alec then hit a deep fly out to right field. Nick scored easily on the sacrifice fly, and Matt, zooming around the bases, alertly scored as well, knotting the score at 5. Connor doubled to center field, but the Braves couldn't bring him in.
In the top of the 4th, with Will continuing on the mound, all four Brewers batters hit the ball at shortstop Alec, who caught two liners and threw out the final batter at first. In the bottom of the first, Evan reach on a single past the shortstop, but an unusual 6-3-5 double play snuffed out the scoring threat.
In the top of the 5th, Evan took the mound. Like Will, he is a pitch-to-contact hurler who pounds the strike zone. The first two batters singled, then Evan struck out the next one. A fly out to Connor in left field and a fly ball to Alec at third ended the threat, with the score still 5-5.
Scott led off the bottom of the 5th with a single through the right side. Anthony walked, and with one out Liam walked to load the bases. Nick, with his side still hurting from the pitch that hit him, ripped a single into center field, scoring Scott with what would be the winning run. 6-5, Braves.
Connor took the mound on the top of the 6th. He struck out the first batter. The next batter hit an infield fly that second baseman Nick ranged to his left to catch. Connor struck out the final batter to end the game.
Coaches awarded the game ball to Will for giving the Braves three strong innings on the mound.
In post-game remarks, both Coach Ross and Will exhorted the team to come out more alert and prepared Saturday against the Rays.
We parents probably shouldn't forget that tonight's game was the Braves' first game in a whole week. I fully expect the boys to sharp on Saturday.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Game 8: Braves 10, Rays 5
The Braves jumped out to an early lead, then rode pitching and defense to a 10-5 victory over the talented Rays on Monday afternoon at Water Tower Park.
With one out in the first, Alec singled up the middle and Nick drew a walk. Connor then crushed his 4th homer of the season over the left-field fence. 3-0, Rays.
Alec started the game on the mound. He set a tone with the first Rays batter, Chris Siebert. Chris hit the ball hard right back up the middle, but Alec grabbed the comebacker and threw him out. With his height, athleticism and basketball-honed leaping ability, Alec has a gigantic, pteryodactyl-like range as a fielder, and puts it to good use.
Later in that inning, a Rays runner tried to steal second, but catcher Ryan threw him out, with shortstop Connor moving swiftly to the second-base side of second to make the tag.
In the top of the second, the Braves broke the game open. Scott and Anthony singled. Ryan singled down the first-base line, driving in Scott. Matt walked. Will hit a long fly deep to right field; Anthony tagged and showed his hockey toughness by barreling through the catcher to score. Alec singled to bring Ryan home. Then, with runners on first and third, Nick ripped a line drive into the right-field corner, plating both Braves on base. The fleet-footed Nick dashed to third and scored when the Rays mishandled the ball. It was Nick's third triple of the season. Braves 9, Rays 0.
Braves' strong defensive play continued in the middle innings, highlighted by Connor in right field throwing a runner out at first (in the third inning), and Matt at short throwing out the speedy Chris Siebert in the fourth. Braves first basemen Tyler, Will and Scott provided steady, surehanded service at the bag.
In a potentially scary moment, Rays batter Paul Presberg got plunked in the head with the pitch: this is why kids wear helmets. Paul got up smiling. I checked with him after the game and he said he was fine. Of course, he's a famous tough guy and Junior Blue Dukes football player.
The Rays pecked away at the Braves lead, narrowing it to 9-4 in the fifth inning. Connor came on as the closer in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and runners on second and third. He induced a fly ball from the powerful Connor Nethen that Will speared to end the rally.
In the top of the 6th, Connor helped himself with his second homer of the day (and fifth of the season), a line drive that cleared the center-field fence. 10-4, Braves.
The Rays pushed across another run in the bottom of the final inning, but Connor closed out the game by inducing a comebacker and tossing to first for the final out. Final score, 10-5 Braves.
Notes: The previously scheduled June 5 against the Yankees will be rescheduled. So the Braves' next scheduled game is 6:30 p.m. June 9 against the Red Sox. Coach Ross Harmsen did indicate he will schedule a practice between now and next week's game.
With one out in the first, Alec singled up the middle and Nick drew a walk. Connor then crushed his 4th homer of the season over the left-field fence. 3-0, Rays.
Alec started the game on the mound. He set a tone with the first Rays batter, Chris Siebert. Chris hit the ball hard right back up the middle, but Alec grabbed the comebacker and threw him out. With his height, athleticism and basketball-honed leaping ability, Alec has a gigantic, pteryodactyl-like range as a fielder, and puts it to good use.
Later in that inning, a Rays runner tried to steal second, but catcher Ryan threw him out, with shortstop Connor moving swiftly to the second-base side of second to make the tag.
In the top of the second, the Braves broke the game open. Scott and Anthony singled. Ryan singled down the first-base line, driving in Scott. Matt walked. Will hit a long fly deep to right field; Anthony tagged and showed his hockey toughness by barreling through the catcher to score. Alec singled to bring Ryan home. Then, with runners on first and third, Nick ripped a line drive into the right-field corner, plating both Braves on base. The fleet-footed Nick dashed to third and scored when the Rays mishandled the ball. It was Nick's third triple of the season. Braves 9, Rays 0.
Braves' strong defensive play continued in the middle innings, highlighted by Connor in right field throwing a runner out at first (in the third inning), and Matt at short throwing out the speedy Chris Siebert in the fourth. Braves first basemen Tyler, Will and Scott provided steady, surehanded service at the bag.
In a potentially scary moment, Rays batter Paul Presberg got plunked in the head with the pitch: this is why kids wear helmets. Paul got up smiling. I checked with him after the game and he said he was fine. Of course, he's a famous tough guy and Junior Blue Dukes football player.
The Rays pecked away at the Braves lead, narrowing it to 9-4 in the fifth inning. Connor came on as the closer in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and runners on second and third. He induced a fly ball from the powerful Connor Nethen that Will speared to end the rally.
In the top of the 6th, Connor helped himself with his second homer of the day (and fifth of the season), a line drive that cleared the center-field fence. 10-4, Braves.
The Rays pushed across another run in the bottom of the final inning, but Connor closed out the game by inducing a comebacker and tossing to first for the final out. Final score, 10-5 Braves.
Notes: The previously scheduled June 5 against the Yankees will be rescheduled. So the Braves' next scheduled game is 6:30 p.m. June 9 against the Red Sox. Coach Ross Harmsen did indicate he will schedule a practice between now and next week's game.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Game 7: Braves 8, Rays 6
In the best game I have watched this season at Water Tower, the Braves came from behind to defeat the disciplined Rays, 8-6, on a warm Monday evening.
With smart, aggressive baserunning, the Rays parlayed a couple of first-inning Braves errors into a 3-0 lead. The Braves pulled one back in their half: Alec tripled to center field, then scored with 2 outs on Connor's single to right field. 3-1 Rays after one inning.
The Rays added to their lead with a single, a walk and an RBI single to left field. In the bottom of the second inning, both Will and Tyler hit the ball hard into the outfield, but the sure-handed Rays outfielders made the catches. After two innings, Rays 4, Braves 1.
The Rays tacked on another run in the third, scoring a run before a Rays player was tagged in a rundown. At the end of three innings, Rays 5, Braves 1.
Alec relieved Connor on the mound with one out in the top of the 4th inning. He struck out one bat, but the next one singled. The ensuing batter lifted a fly to center field, but centerfielder Tyler made a tumbling catch for the third out.
In the bottom of the 4th, Evan singled to right field, and Jack followed with a double to center field. Will singled to center, driving in Evan. Tyler singled to load the bases. Then Anthony singled to right, driving in Will and Ryan to make it 5-4 Rays. Tyler dashed home on a wild pitch to knot the score at 5-5.
In the top of the 5th, pitcher Alec worked around a double and an infield single. He grabbed the third out, a short fly ball, himself.
With a capacity crowd watching, including former Braves coach Dave Pritchard and a number of boys from other teams, the Braves came to bat in the bottom of the 5th. Alec beat out an infield single, then Connor doubled to center field, with coach Ross Harmsen holding Alec at third. Evan walked to load the bases. With two outs, Will ripped a double into the outfield, scoring all three baserunners. Will was tagged out at home, but the Braves had gained an 8-5 lead.
The Rays, though, would not go meekly. Their first batter in the 6th, Brandon Turer, homered to cut the lead to 8-6. The next batter singled. Then Rays player Cole Miller hit a foul fly very close to the third-base dugout fence. Third baseman Evan charged over and caught the fly while banging into the fence. One out, runner on first. The next batter bounced to Ryan at second base, who alertly got the lead runner on the fielder's choice. Two outs, runner at first.
Rays player Will Alt singled to put runners at first and second, setting the stage for defensive drama. The next Rays batter grounded to Evan at third, who stepped on the bag to force the lead runner and end the game. Braves 8, Rays 6.
Note: By the way, the photographer you saw at the game is my friend Nathan Wallin, an Air Force Reserve communications specialist (and soon to be UWM graduate) who enjoys photographing sports. He took a variety of photos at the game. I will send links to the photos out after Nathan has a chance to edit and post the pictures.
Next game: The next Braves game is a rematch against the Rays at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday June 1. We'll await word from Coach Ross on procedures and arrival time for that game. Ross also said the Braves would hold a practice between now and then.
With smart, aggressive baserunning, the Rays parlayed a couple of first-inning Braves errors into a 3-0 lead. The Braves pulled one back in their half: Alec tripled to center field, then scored with 2 outs on Connor's single to right field. 3-1 Rays after one inning.
The Rays added to their lead with a single, a walk and an RBI single to left field. In the bottom of the second inning, both Will and Tyler hit the ball hard into the outfield, but the sure-handed Rays outfielders made the catches. After two innings, Rays 4, Braves 1.
The Rays tacked on another run in the third, scoring a run before a Rays player was tagged in a rundown. At the end of three innings, Rays 5, Braves 1.
Alec relieved Connor on the mound with one out in the top of the 4th inning. He struck out one bat, but the next one singled. The ensuing batter lifted a fly to center field, but centerfielder Tyler made a tumbling catch for the third out.
In the bottom of the 4th, Evan singled to right field, and Jack followed with a double to center field. Will singled to center, driving in Evan. Tyler singled to load the bases. Then Anthony singled to right, driving in Will and Ryan to make it 5-4 Rays. Tyler dashed home on a wild pitch to knot the score at 5-5.
In the top of the 5th, pitcher Alec worked around a double and an infield single. He grabbed the third out, a short fly ball, himself.
With a capacity crowd watching, including former Braves coach Dave Pritchard and a number of boys from other teams, the Braves came to bat in the bottom of the 5th. Alec beat out an infield single, then Connor doubled to center field, with coach Ross Harmsen holding Alec at third. Evan walked to load the bases. With two outs, Will ripped a double into the outfield, scoring all three baserunners. Will was tagged out at home, but the Braves had gained an 8-5 lead.
The Rays, though, would not go meekly. Their first batter in the 6th, Brandon Turer, homered to cut the lead to 8-6. The next batter singled. Then Rays player Cole Miller hit a foul fly very close to the third-base dugout fence. Third baseman Evan charged over and caught the fly while banging into the fence. One out, runner on first. The next batter bounced to Ryan at second base, who alertly got the lead runner on the fielder's choice. Two outs, runner at first.
Rays player Will Alt singled to put runners at first and second, setting the stage for defensive drama. The next Rays batter grounded to Evan at third, who stepped on the bag to force the lead runner and end the game. Braves 8, Rays 6.
Note: By the way, the photographer you saw at the game is my friend Nathan Wallin, an Air Force Reserve communications specialist (and soon to be UWM graduate) who enjoys photographing sports. He took a variety of photos at the game. I will send links to the photos out after Nathan has a chance to edit and post the pictures.
Next game: The next Braves game is a rematch against the Rays at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday June 1. We'll await word from Coach Ross on procedures and arrival time for that game. Ross also said the Braves would hold a practice between now and then.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Game 6: Braves 24, As 5
The Braves rapped out 23 hits and ran the bases aggressively on the way to a 24-5 victory Saturday afternoon at the occasionally fog-shrouded Water Tower Park.
Each Brave got at least one hit and scored at least one run. Will drove in 5 runs, and Jack was 4 for 4.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Evan singled, and moved around the bases on wild pitches. Anthony drove him in with a groundout. With two outs, Alec singled, and Scott drove him in. After Nick and Connor walked to load the bases, Will cleared them by crushing a double into the outfield and kept running until he scored himself. 6-0 Braves, after 1.
After pitcher Connor shut down the As in the second, the Braves turned the hit machine back on. Jack, Evan, Anthony and Alec all singled; Nick tripled, and came home on a wild pitch. 11-0 Braves.
In the top of the third Evan, who was pitching, working around a single and a walk to shut the As down.
In the Braves half of the inning, Ryan and Jack doubled, then Liam singled, coming around to score himself on Anthony's single. 14-0, Braves.
The As put up 4 runs in the fourth inning. It could have been more, but Will alertly tagged a runner who approached 3rd base when he had the ball.
In the bottom of the fourth, Connor tripled with one out and stole home on a wild pitch. Will singled. Ryan was hit by a pitch. Jack drove in Will with a single; Liam drove in Jack; Evan plated Liam. 18-4, Braves.
Anthony made his season debut on the mound in the 5th inning, posting two strikeouts and limiting the As to a single run.
The Braves batted around in the bottom of the 5th, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring 6 times, with Will's double to center field the big hit.
On the mound, Connor closed out the 6th and final inning impressively, striking out the 3 batters he faced. Braves 24, As 5.
Next game: 6 p.m. Monday May 24 against the Rays. Please have your Brave to Water Tower at 5 p.m.
Each Brave got at least one hit and scored at least one run. Will drove in 5 runs, and Jack was 4 for 4.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Evan singled, and moved around the bases on wild pitches. Anthony drove him in with a groundout. With two outs, Alec singled, and Scott drove him in. After Nick and Connor walked to load the bases, Will cleared them by crushing a double into the outfield and kept running until he scored himself. 6-0 Braves, after 1.
After pitcher Connor shut down the As in the second, the Braves turned the hit machine back on. Jack, Evan, Anthony and Alec all singled; Nick tripled, and came home on a wild pitch. 11-0 Braves.
In the top of the third Evan, who was pitching, working around a single and a walk to shut the As down.
In the Braves half of the inning, Ryan and Jack doubled, then Liam singled, coming around to score himself on Anthony's single. 14-0, Braves.
The As put up 4 runs in the fourth inning. It could have been more, but Will alertly tagged a runner who approached 3rd base when he had the ball.
In the bottom of the fourth, Connor tripled with one out and stole home on a wild pitch. Will singled. Ryan was hit by a pitch. Jack drove in Will with a single; Liam drove in Jack; Evan plated Liam. 18-4, Braves.
Anthony made his season debut on the mound in the 5th inning, posting two strikeouts and limiting the As to a single run.
The Braves batted around in the bottom of the 5th, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring 6 times, with Will's double to center field the big hit.
On the mound, Connor closed out the 6th and final inning impressively, striking out the 3 batters he faced. Braves 24, As 5.
Next game: 6 p.m. Monday May 24 against the Rays. Please have your Brave to Water Tower at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Game 3: Braves 25, Brewers 10
In a game that could have given a scorekeeper a severe case of writer's cramp, the Braves defeated the young Brewers 25 to 10 in a battle of Milwaukee namesakes past and present.
Five Braves pitched, including season debuts for Tyler and Scott.
With the Braves batting first, Alec and Scott got the offense started by -- getting hit by pitches. Connor then crushed a no-doubter homer over the left-field fence for a 3-0 lead.
Evan started on the mound, pounding the strike zone. After a Brewer reached on an infield single, Connor (at shortstop) started a double play that Tyler finished at first to end the inning.
In the second inning, Matt, Evan, Alec (double), Anthony and Scott (double) hit safely consecutively to stretch the Braves' lead to 6-0.
The Brewers grabbed three runs back in the second inning, but Liam put an end to their rally by grabbing a flyout at second base. (The Braves' improvement in catching fly balls and line drives, especially in the outfield, is a positive trend this season.)
Taking advantage of a tiring pitcher, the Braves broke the game open with a 9-run third inning. The Braves batted around (Connor, Ryan and Tyler all batted twice in the inning). Big hits included a 2-rbi single by Liam and a double to right field by Scott. After reaching first on a single, Nick showed his wheels by scoring easily from first on a double by Connor.
Speaking of wheels, Jack raced home on a wild pitch in the 4th inning to make the score 16-4. In the same frame, Evan ripped a liner to left field, but a fine catch by the outfielder took a possible double away.
The Brewers battled back with a 6-run 4th inning to make the score 16-10. Matt put a stop to the bleeding with an excellent catch in right field.
With one out in the 5th and Scott on first base after a single, Nick pounded a homer over the center field fence. Connor doubled and Tyler drove him home with a single. Braves, 19-10.
Alec continued his stellar season of pitching in the fifth. Anthony grabbed the first out on a fly to right, then Alec struck out the next two batters.
The fifth inning ended just short of the time cutoff, so the teams decided to play one more inning. In the Braves' half of the 6th, Alec singled in Liam, who had walked. Then, with two outs and two on, Nick hit his third homer of the season, over the right-centerfield fence. Connor followed with a single and Ryan doubled him home, bringing the score to 25-10.
Connor threw a scoreless frame, including two strikeouts, to close out the final half-inning.
You might be tempted to say that the Braves, as an older team, should beat the Brewers, a younger game. What impresses me are the many signs of improvement in the Braves: making plays on defense, catching flies, running the bases smartly, taking care of the baseball and not making wild throws.
Saturday's game: Remember that Saturday's game against the Rays begins at 9 a.m. Please make sure your Brave gets to the Water Tower batting practice area by 8 a.m. Saturday.
Five Braves pitched, including season debuts for Tyler and Scott.
With the Braves batting first, Alec and Scott got the offense started by -- getting hit by pitches. Connor then crushed a no-doubter homer over the left-field fence for a 3-0 lead.
Evan started on the mound, pounding the strike zone. After a Brewer reached on an infield single, Connor (at shortstop) started a double play that Tyler finished at first to end the inning.
In the second inning, Matt, Evan, Alec (double), Anthony and Scott (double) hit safely consecutively to stretch the Braves' lead to 6-0.
The Brewers grabbed three runs back in the second inning, but Liam put an end to their rally by grabbing a flyout at second base. (The Braves' improvement in catching fly balls and line drives, especially in the outfield, is a positive trend this season.)
Taking advantage of a tiring pitcher, the Braves broke the game open with a 9-run third inning. The Braves batted around (Connor, Ryan and Tyler all batted twice in the inning). Big hits included a 2-rbi single by Liam and a double to right field by Scott. After reaching first on a single, Nick showed his wheels by scoring easily from first on a double by Connor.
Speaking of wheels, Jack raced home on a wild pitch in the 4th inning to make the score 16-4. In the same frame, Evan ripped a liner to left field, but a fine catch by the outfielder took a possible double away.
The Brewers battled back with a 6-run 4th inning to make the score 16-10. Matt put a stop to the bleeding with an excellent catch in right field.
With one out in the 5th and Scott on first base after a single, Nick pounded a homer over the center field fence. Connor doubled and Tyler drove him home with a single. Braves, 19-10.
Alec continued his stellar season of pitching in the fifth. Anthony grabbed the first out on a fly to right, then Alec struck out the next two batters.
The fifth inning ended just short of the time cutoff, so the teams decided to play one more inning. In the Braves' half of the 6th, Alec singled in Liam, who had walked. Then, with two outs and two on, Nick hit his third homer of the season, over the right-centerfield fence. Connor followed with a single and Ryan doubled him home, bringing the score to 25-10.
Connor threw a scoreless frame, including two strikeouts, to close out the final half-inning.
You might be tempted to say that the Braves, as an older team, should beat the Brewers, a younger game. What impresses me are the many signs of improvement in the Braves: making plays on defense, catching flies, running the bases smartly, taking care of the baseball and not making wild throws.
Saturday's game: Remember that Saturday's game against the Rays begins at 9 a.m. Please make sure your Brave gets to the Water Tower batting practice area by 8 a.m. Saturday.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Cubs game today, then what might be beyond that
Because people have been asking.....
If we beat the Cubs Thursday, we will play the Yankees Saturday at 10 a.m. (unless the Yankees beat the Dodgers, in which case we would play the Dodgers at that time). If we win both Thursday and Saturday, we will play Sunday at 2 p.m. (there's no way to predict against whom).
But first we need to win Thursday. We can't let our heads droop and shoulders sag if the Cubs take an early lead. We've had several come-from-behind victories this year because we didn't give up. We forgot that important lesson against the Rays Tuesday, and they trounced us.
Our season ends with our next loss, so let's get back to never-give-up Braves baseball against the Cubs!
Players, please report to Water Tower at 3 p.m.
See you there,
Dave
If we beat the Cubs Thursday, we will play the Yankees Saturday at 10 a.m. (unless the Yankees beat the Dodgers, in which case we would play the Dodgers at that time). If we win both Thursday and Saturday, we will play Sunday at 2 p.m. (there's no way to predict against whom).
But first we need to win Thursday. We can't let our heads droop and shoulders sag if the Cubs take an early lead. We've had several come-from-behind victories this year because we didn't give up. We forgot that important lesson against the Rays Tuesday, and they trounced us.
Our season ends with our next loss, so let's get back to never-give-up Braves baseball against the Cubs!
Players, please report to Water Tower at 3 p.m.
See you there,
Dave
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Game Story: Rays 16, Braves 5
Maybe you've heard the song, written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and also sung by Mary-Chapin Carpenter:
"Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug."
Unfortunately, the Braves were the bug on the windshield of the speeding Rays in a 16-5 playoff loss Tuesday afternoon at Water Tower Park.
The Rays jumped out early and, after a short Braves rally, pulled away steadily. Their defense was spectacular, as they made outstanding catches of several balls hit hard by the Braves.
A couple of Braves bright spots: Chris crushed a 3-run homer to right-center in the final inning. Liam deftly slid under a tag attempt at third base to avoid getting caught stealing.
Season's not over! Playoffs continue: This is a double-elimination playoff tournament, so the Braves have at least one more game (and I am hoping they will play several more). After the loss Tuesday, Coach Dave exhorted team members to bring their passion and focus to the next game.
It's at 4 p.m. Thursday July 9 at Water Tower vs. the Cubs. Players should be at Water Tower at 3 p.m. for practice.
A team party will follow Thursday's game at the Scobey-Polacheck home from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I'll post the details on that separately.
Let's go Braves!
"Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug."
Unfortunately, the Braves were the bug on the windshield of the speeding Rays in a 16-5 playoff loss Tuesday afternoon at Water Tower Park.
The Rays jumped out early and, after a short Braves rally, pulled away steadily. Their defense was spectacular, as they made outstanding catches of several balls hit hard by the Braves.
A couple of Braves bright spots: Chris crushed a 3-run homer to right-center in the final inning. Liam deftly slid under a tag attempt at third base to avoid getting caught stealing.
Season's not over! Playoffs continue: This is a double-elimination playoff tournament, so the Braves have at least one more game (and I am hoping they will play several more). After the loss Tuesday, Coach Dave exhorted team members to bring their passion and focus to the next game.
It's at 4 p.m. Thursday July 9 at Water Tower vs. the Cubs. Players should be at Water Tower at 3 p.m. for practice.
A team party will follow Thursday's game at the Scobey-Polacheck home from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I'll post the details on that separately.
Let's go Braves!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Updates: No practice Monday, be at Water Tower at 3 p.m. Tuesday
Braves,
No practice Monday. Atwater School's diamond will be in use at 4 p.m., as will the fields in Whitefish Bay. So rest up for our Big Game against the Rays Tuesday.
Tuesday's game begins at 4 p.m. Please be at Water Tower by 3 p.m. so that everyone can get in some solid pre-game batting practice. We will need to swing the bats very well to beat the Rays!
Dave
No practice Monday. Atwater School's diamond will be in use at 4 p.m., as will the fields in Whitefish Bay. So rest up for our Big Game against the Rays Tuesday.
Tuesday's game begins at 4 p.m. Please be at Water Tower by 3 p.m. so that everyone can get in some solid pre-game batting practice. We will need to swing the bats very well to beat the Rays!
Dave
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.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Braves clinch 4th place!
Everyone,
The Yankees beat the Rays Wednesday evening in a 3-2 thriller, meaning that the Braves will finish in fourth place in the regular season regardless of the outcome of our game Thursday against the Orioles.
Barring a change in the little-league tournament schedule, our first post-season game will be Tuesday at 4 p.m. against the fifth-place Rays. If we win that game our next game will be Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m., almost certainly against the Dodgers. If we lose Tuesday, our next game will be Thursday at 4 p.m.
We split the season series with two of the three teams that will finish above us in the standings (Pirates and Phillies). If we can bring a sharp mental focus to a game, we can beat anyone in the league.
Dave
The Yankees beat the Rays Wednesday evening in a 3-2 thriller, meaning that the Braves will finish in fourth place in the regular season regardless of the outcome of our game Thursday against the Orioles.
Barring a change in the little-league tournament schedule, our first post-season game will be Tuesday at 4 p.m. against the fifth-place Rays. If we win that game our next game will be Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m., almost certainly against the Dodgers. If we lose Tuesday, our next game will be Thursday at 4 p.m.
We split the season series with two of the three teams that will finish above us in the standings (Pirates and Phillies). If we can bring a sharp mental focus to a game, we can beat anyone in the league.
Dave
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Playoffs: What We Know Right Now
Everyone,
I write because I've been getting questions about post-season play. Here's what I know:
The Braves can finish no lower than fifth place in the 10-team Majors.
At the moment we are tied with the Rays for fourth place. If both the Rays and the Braves win their games later this week (and that's a big if in our case), I believe that the Braves would rank ahead of the Rays because we had the better record in head-to-head competition. There's an outside chance that the Braves could finish in third place, but realistically we will finish either fourth or fifth.
If we finish either fourth or fifth, our first game in the WFB Little League tournament would be Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. -- possibly against the Rays. If we win that game, our second game would be Saturday, July 11. If we lose our first game, our second game would be Thursday, July 9.
We will play until we either win the tournament championship or lose two games.
The league could change the structure of the tournament, which would invalidate what I've written above. More facts as they become available.
In any case, it would be great if you could let me know if your son will not be available July 7, July 9, and July 11.
Thanks,
Dave
I write because I've been getting questions about post-season play. Here's what I know:
The Braves can finish no lower than fifth place in the 10-team Majors.
At the moment we are tied with the Rays for fourth place. If both the Rays and the Braves win their games later this week (and that's a big if in our case), I believe that the Braves would rank ahead of the Rays because we had the better record in head-to-head competition. There's an outside chance that the Braves could finish in third place, but realistically we will finish either fourth or fifth.
If we finish either fourth or fifth, our first game in the WFB Little League tournament would be Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. -- possibly against the Rays. If we win that game, our second game would be Saturday, July 11. If we lose our first game, our second game would be Thursday, July 9.
We will play until we either win the tournament championship or lose two games.
The league could change the structure of the tournament, which would invalidate what I've written above. More facts as they become available.
In any case, it would be great if you could let me know if your son will not be available July 7, July 9, and July 11.
Thanks,
Dave
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
Schedule issues
After this evening's game (Sat June 20), the Braves will have four regular-season games remaining. Here is the schedule:
Monday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. against the Yankees
Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. against the Rays
Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. against the Cubs
Our June 16 game against the Orioles was rained out. Initially we were told that it would be made up Thursday, June 25, but that turns out NOT to be the case. Both teams would like the game to be made up on Thursday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. But of course nothing is official until it appears on the Little League web site.
Dave
Monday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. against the Yankees
Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. against the Rays
Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. against the Cubs
Our June 16 game against the Orioles was rained out. Initially we were told that it would be made up Thursday, June 25, but that turns out NOT to be the case. Both teams would like the game to be made up on Thursday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. But of course nothing is official until it appears on the Little League web site.
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
A come-from-behind victory
A dramatic victory for your Braves Sunday evening! Clawing their way back from a 3-1 deficit against the Rays, the Braves went into the bottom of the sixth tied, 3-3.
The Rays have their best pitcher on the mound. But AP pokes a double to right-center and moves to third on a passed ball. Chris gets on via an infield single, AP holding at third. Chris steals second, which puts two guys in scoring position, no outs, and cleanup hitter Nick Higgins at the plate.
Nick laces a sharp single to right field. AP scores on the walk-off hit, and the guys on the team go wild!
A very enjoyable game against a good team. Jim Higgins promises a more detailed report on the team blog later Monday.
Dave
The Rays have their best pitcher on the mound. But AP pokes a double to right-center and moves to third on a passed ball. Chris gets on via an infield single, AP holding at third. Chris steals second, which puts two guys in scoring position, no outs, and cleanup hitter Nick Higgins at the plate.
Nick laces a sharp single to right field. AP scores on the walk-off hit, and the guys on the team go wild!
A very enjoyable game against a good team. Jim Higgins promises a more detailed report on the team blog later Monday.
Dave
Friday, May 29, 2009
This Just In: Game time is 6 p.m. Sunday
All,
I just got confirmation that the Braves-Rays game Sunday will begin at 6 p.m., not at 5 p.m. as is listed on the WFB Little League website.
Braves players should be at Water Tower at 5:15 p.m. for the usual pre-game stuff.
See you there!
Dave
I just got confirmation that the Braves-Rays game Sunday will begin at 6 p.m., not at 5 p.m. as is listed on the WFB Little League website.
Braves players should be at Water Tower at 5:15 p.m. for the usual pre-game stuff.
See you there!
Dave
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