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!
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Game 16: Braves 7, Phillies 4
The Braves finished the regular season on a positive note, defeating the second-place Phillies in a battle of heavyweights Friday night at Water Tower.
Alec started on the mound. Phillies leadoff hitter Andre Vandlik singled up the middle. The Phils' Macklein Kortebein hammered a flyball to center field, but centerfielder Nick calmly made the catch. Teddy Webber drew a walk to put runners at first and third with two outs, but Alec induced a comebacker to end the threat.
In the bottom of the first, Nick hit the second pitch he saw over the fence in left center for his fifth homer of the season, and a 1-0 Braves lead. Alec and Jack walked, and Connor was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Will (Cookie) singled through the right side, driving in Alec and Jack to make it 3-0 Braves. Then Matt pounded a drive all the way to the fence in left center, bringing Connor and Will home. 5-0, Braves.
In the top of the second, Phillies batter J.T. Roemer reached on an infield single, but the Braves infield turned two forceouts at second, and shortstop Connor grabbed a fly ball to close out the inning. Anthony singled to start the bottom of the second, but was left stranded.
In the top of the third, the Phillies mounted a rally, aided by some Braves errors. With one out, Andre Vandlik singled. Macklein Kortebein hit another deep fly to center field, but Tyler caught this one. Andrew James doubled, and Teddy Webber walked to load the bases. the next Phillies batter hit a grounder that, thanks to an error and overthrow, brought home all three runners. Alec induced a grounder to end the threat. 5-3, Braves.
With one out in the bottom of the third, Jack drew a walk, and Connor singled on a tough spinning grounder the Phils pitcher was unable to handle cleanly. Will walked to load the bases. Then Evan doubled to right field, bringing Jack and Connor home. 7-3, Braves.
In the top of the 4th, the Phils placed runners on second and third with no outs. Then came the defensive play of the game. Shortstop Connor grabbed a grounder and threw out the batter at the first. Then first baseman Will fired a perfect strike to catcher Ryan, who tagged the runner from third barreling home. A 6-3-2 double play. Alec struck out the next batter to end the inning.
In the top of the 5th, with Connor now on the mound, Phils leadoff hitter Andre Vandlik drew a walk and would come around to score, but Connor struck out three batters to limit the damage. 7-4 Braves.
After the Braves did not score in the bottom of the 5th, the Phillies came up for what turned out to be their last at-bats. J.T. Roemer reached on an infield single, but Connor struck out the next 3 batters. Final score: Braves 7, Phillies 4.
Braves coaches awarded game balls to Nick, for his igniting homer, and Ryan, for fabulous tag out at home to conclude the double play.
The Braves finished the regular season in first place, with a record of 14-2. They are seeded first in the double-elimination playoff tournament, and will play Thursday afternoon July 8 against the winner of the #8 vs. #9 game. As Coach Ross reminded the team, everything starts over in the playoffs.
Ross thanked the boys for many things after the game, but especially for being excellent team players who supported each other and picked each other up.
A bevy of local celebrities were in the house for this thrilling tilt, including former Braves coach Dave Pritchard and his son (and Braves alum) Chris Pritchard (who served as bat boy, in-dugout cheerleader and roving encourager for his former teammates) and Chris' mom Kathy Rogers; Ryan's aunt and uncle Lisa and Dave; Nick's big sister Zoe and Evan's big sister Kait (a very faithful fan this season); one of Jack Kivley's older sisters; and a number of players from other teams (including Yankees player Clay Dailey, who stuck around to hear Ross' post-game speech).
Look for an email from Coach Ross in the near future with details about the first playoff game and about a practice before that game.
Alec started on the mound. Phillies leadoff hitter Andre Vandlik singled up the middle. The Phils' Macklein Kortebein hammered a flyball to center field, but centerfielder Nick calmly made the catch. Teddy Webber drew a walk to put runners at first and third with two outs, but Alec induced a comebacker to end the threat.
In the bottom of the first, Nick hit the second pitch he saw over the fence in left center for his fifth homer of the season, and a 1-0 Braves lead. Alec and Jack walked, and Connor was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Will (Cookie) singled through the right side, driving in Alec and Jack to make it 3-0 Braves. Then Matt pounded a drive all the way to the fence in left center, bringing Connor and Will home. 5-0, Braves.
In the top of the second, Phillies batter J.T. Roemer reached on an infield single, but the Braves infield turned two forceouts at second, and shortstop Connor grabbed a fly ball to close out the inning. Anthony singled to start the bottom of the second, but was left stranded.
In the top of the third, the Phillies mounted a rally, aided by some Braves errors. With one out, Andre Vandlik singled. Macklein Kortebein hit another deep fly to center field, but Tyler caught this one. Andrew James doubled, and Teddy Webber walked to load the bases. the next Phillies batter hit a grounder that, thanks to an error and overthrow, brought home all three runners. Alec induced a grounder to end the threat. 5-3, Braves.
With one out in the bottom of the third, Jack drew a walk, and Connor singled on a tough spinning grounder the Phils pitcher was unable to handle cleanly. Will walked to load the bases. Then Evan doubled to right field, bringing Jack and Connor home. 7-3, Braves.
In the top of the 4th, the Phils placed runners on second and third with no outs. Then came the defensive play of the game. Shortstop Connor grabbed a grounder and threw out the batter at the first. Then first baseman Will fired a perfect strike to catcher Ryan, who tagged the runner from third barreling home. A 6-3-2 double play. Alec struck out the next batter to end the inning.
In the top of the 5th, with Connor now on the mound, Phils leadoff hitter Andre Vandlik drew a walk and would come around to score, but Connor struck out three batters to limit the damage. 7-4 Braves.
After the Braves did not score in the bottom of the 5th, the Phillies came up for what turned out to be their last at-bats. J.T. Roemer reached on an infield single, but Connor struck out the next 3 batters. Final score: Braves 7, Phillies 4.
Braves coaches awarded game balls to Nick, for his igniting homer, and Ryan, for fabulous tag out at home to conclude the double play.
The Braves finished the regular season in first place, with a record of 14-2. They are seeded first in the double-elimination playoff tournament, and will play Thursday afternoon July 8 against the winner of the #8 vs. #9 game. As Coach Ross reminded the team, everything starts over in the playoffs.
Ross thanked the boys for many things after the game, but especially for being excellent team players who supported each other and picked each other up.
A bevy of local celebrities were in the house for this thrilling tilt, including former Braves coach Dave Pritchard and his son (and Braves alum) Chris Pritchard (who served as bat boy, in-dugout cheerleader and roving encourager for his former teammates) and Chris' mom Kathy Rogers; Ryan's aunt and uncle Lisa and Dave; Nick's big sister Zoe and Evan's big sister Kait (a very faithful fan this season); one of Jack Kivley's older sisters; and a number of players from other teams (including Yankees player Clay Dailey, who stuck around to hear Ross' post-game speech).
Look for an email from Coach Ross in the near future with details about the first playoff game and about a practice before that game.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Game 15: Braves 11, Cubs 2
With a full roster in the dugout for the first time in a couple of weeks, the Braves defeated the Cubs 11-2 Tuesday night at Water Tower.
The victory clinched #1 seeding for the Braves in the playoffs.
As visiting team, the Braves batted first. With one out, Alec, Jack and Connor all drew walks, and Alec scored on a wild pitch. Connor took the mound in the bottom half of the inning, and struck out the side. 1-0, Braves.
The Braves have a team where all 12 players can have good at-bats. They proved this in the top of the second inning, when the lower half of the batting order propelled the team to a big inning. Scott singled up the middle and Tyler drew a walk. Anthony doubled to center field, driving in Scott. Liam grounded out productively to the second baseman, driving in Tyler. Ryan walked. Nick doubled to center field, driving in Anthony and Ryan. With two outs, Jack singled over the first baseman's head, and Nick came in to score. Connor then tripled to right field, scoring Jack.
In the bottom half of the inning, Evan Miller singled for the Cubs, but Connor struck out the next two batters, and Anthony caught a fly ball in right field to end the inning. 7-0, Braves.
The game rolled quietly until the bottom of the 4th, when the Cubs scratched out a run, in part due to fielding miscues. 7-1, Braves.
In the top of the 5th, Nick singled through the right side of the infield, took second base on a wild pitch, and moved to third base on Jack's groundout. Then the fleet-footed Cambodian-American, leading aggressively off third base, drew a wild throw and dashed home to score. Connor singled up the middle, took second base on a passed ball, and scored on Will's single to right center field. Evan then singled to right center, scoring Will. 10-1, Braves.
In the bottom of the 5th, with Alec on the mound, a Cubs batter reached on an infield single. But when the next batter, Sam Horn, hit a foul fly partway down the right field line, Cookie (Will) hustled over from first base to make the catch. Alec struck out the next batter for the second out. With the bases loaded, our big redhead fanned the next batter for the third out. 10-1, Braves.
In the top of the 6th, Scott singled through the left side and moved to second on a passed ball. Tyler hit a strong fly to center field, but the Cubs centerfielder made a nice sliding catch to record an out. Anthony grounded out to the shortstop; Scott moved to third on the play, then scored when the Cubs failed to take care of the ball. Ryan ripped a liner to the right side that the Cubs second baseman speared in a fine play.
In the bottom of the 6th, Cubs batter Zach Casey walked, but was erased on a fielder's choice that left the next batter on base with one out. That Cubs runner was then caught in a rundown between first and second, with shortstop Connor throwing to first baseman Tyler, who applied the tag. Two outs.
Cubs slugged Evan Miller then smacked a ground rule double to right center. When the next batter reached base, Miller scored, and the ball squirted out to the middle of the infield. Tyler alertly scooted over, grabbed the ball and fired to second, with many of us thinking he had thrown the advancing runner out. However, he was called safe. The next batter grounded sharply to the right side, but second baseman Ryan swiftly caught to the ball, pivoted, then calmly threw the runner out. Braves win, 11-2.
Game ball: Coaches awarded the game ball to Connor for his strong three innings of pitching and his consistent hitting all year.
Playoff seeding: Coach Ross also announced that victory clinched #1 seeding for the Braves in the playoffs. The playoffs begin Tuesday July 6. Unofficially, the likely scenario right now is that the #8 and #9 seeds would play on July 6; the winner of that game would play against the Braves on Wednesday July 7. This is a double-elimination tournament, so teams continue to play until they lost two games. The scenario I just outlined is unofficial; Little League will release the playoff schedule after the regular season ends Friday.
Next game: The Braves conclude their regular season on Friday with a game against the Phillies. Game begins at 6:30 p.m.; please have your Brave there at 5:30 p.m. for batting practice and warmups.
The victory clinched #1 seeding for the Braves in the playoffs.
As visiting team, the Braves batted first. With one out, Alec, Jack and Connor all drew walks, and Alec scored on a wild pitch. Connor took the mound in the bottom half of the inning, and struck out the side. 1-0, Braves.
The Braves have a team where all 12 players can have good at-bats. They proved this in the top of the second inning, when the lower half of the batting order propelled the team to a big inning. Scott singled up the middle and Tyler drew a walk. Anthony doubled to center field, driving in Scott. Liam grounded out productively to the second baseman, driving in Tyler. Ryan walked. Nick doubled to center field, driving in Anthony and Ryan. With two outs, Jack singled over the first baseman's head, and Nick came in to score. Connor then tripled to right field, scoring Jack.
In the bottom half of the inning, Evan Miller singled for the Cubs, but Connor struck out the next two batters, and Anthony caught a fly ball in right field to end the inning. 7-0, Braves.
The game rolled quietly until the bottom of the 4th, when the Cubs scratched out a run, in part due to fielding miscues. 7-1, Braves.
In the top of the 5th, Nick singled through the right side of the infield, took second base on a wild pitch, and moved to third base on Jack's groundout. Then the fleet-footed Cambodian-American, leading aggressively off third base, drew a wild throw and dashed home to score. Connor singled up the middle, took second base on a passed ball, and scored on Will's single to right center field. Evan then singled to right center, scoring Will. 10-1, Braves.
In the bottom of the 5th, with Alec on the mound, a Cubs batter reached on an infield single. But when the next batter, Sam Horn, hit a foul fly partway down the right field line, Cookie (Will) hustled over from first base to make the catch. Alec struck out the next batter for the second out. With the bases loaded, our big redhead fanned the next batter for the third out. 10-1, Braves.
In the top of the 6th, Scott singled through the left side and moved to second on a passed ball. Tyler hit a strong fly to center field, but the Cubs centerfielder made a nice sliding catch to record an out. Anthony grounded out to the shortstop; Scott moved to third on the play, then scored when the Cubs failed to take care of the ball. Ryan ripped a liner to the right side that the Cubs second baseman speared in a fine play.
In the bottom of the 6th, Cubs batter Zach Casey walked, but was erased on a fielder's choice that left the next batter on base with one out. That Cubs runner was then caught in a rundown between first and second, with shortstop Connor throwing to first baseman Tyler, who applied the tag. Two outs.
Cubs slugged Evan Miller then smacked a ground rule double to right center. When the next batter reached base, Miller scored, and the ball squirted out to the middle of the infield. Tyler alertly scooted over, grabbed the ball and fired to second, with many of us thinking he had thrown the advancing runner out. However, he was called safe. The next batter grounded sharply to the right side, but second baseman Ryan swiftly caught to the ball, pivoted, then calmly threw the runner out. Braves win, 11-2.
Game ball: Coaches awarded the game ball to Connor for his strong three innings of pitching and his consistent hitting all year.
Playoff seeding: Coach Ross also announced that victory clinched #1 seeding for the Braves in the playoffs. The playoffs begin Tuesday July 6. Unofficially, the likely scenario right now is that the #8 and #9 seeds would play on July 6; the winner of that game would play against the Braves on Wednesday July 7. This is a double-elimination tournament, so teams continue to play until they lost two games. The scenario I just outlined is unofficial; Little League will release the playoff schedule after the regular season ends Friday.
Next game: The Braves conclude their regular season on Friday with a game against the Phillies. Game begins at 6:30 p.m.; please have your Brave there at 5:30 p.m. for batting practice and warmups.
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
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.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Majors Playoffs: The Latest Info
Everyone,
It seems as if the schedule for the post-season tournament is set, so I'm attaching it. If I hear of any changes, I will let you know pronto. The Braves will be seeded fourth, and thus will play in Game 3 at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Where we go from there will depend on whether we win or lose games.
I append some comments from Majors commissioner Darren Miller.
Dave
---
---
Coaches,
I've received comments from most of you (enough of you) that I'm near final with our playoff schedule. Here's where we're at:
* I've been able to structure the schedule so that the only back-to-back games will be on Sat/Sun July 11/12. Everyone left in the tournament at that time will play back-to-back.
* I understand the U12 All Stars will begin play during the second week of the tournament. I can't jam the tournament into the weekend for 130 kids to accommodate the handful of U12 kids that will still be in our tournament and playing All Stars (there will be 4 teams at that point). We'll work around All Star tournament times the best we can.
* All games will be played out to 6 innings - no time limit on games
* In the event the teams are tied after 6 innings, we will continue to play extra innings until a team wins (no California rule)
* You voted to have the mercy rule - if a team is up by 10 runs after 4 innings (3.5 if the home team is up), the game will be called
* If a game is suspended due to rain before the completion of the 4th inning: mark exactly where the game is (count, base runners, etc.) and we will resume the game the next day
* If a game is suspended due to rain after the 4th inning: if a team was ahead at the last completed inning, that team will be declared the winner of that game. If the teams are tied, mark exactly where the game is (count, base runners, etc.) and the game will be resumed the next day.
* If a game is suspended due to darkness, it will be resumed the next day. I could see this happening during the week with extra inning games.
* Pitch count carries over from the regular season and is the same throughout the playoffs
* The games during the second week are still in a bit of flux. I have the championship game(s) Saturday morning. If the undefeated team loses that game, they'll turn around and play another one. This could potentially take all morning, and may work out better for a second game on Sunday or Monday, but I also understand that people have other commitments starting July 19th.
* Final seeding won't be done until Friday this week (seeds 2-9 are still in flux)
Also, be aware of your conduct with the umps as we transition into the playoffs. The higher level of competition will make the games more intense. We'll have what we consider to be the better umps on the field for these games, but there will be close calls that don't go your way.
There is great competition in the Majors right now. Should be a great tournament!
Thanks,
Darren
It seems as if the schedule for the post-season tournament is set, so I'm attaching it. If I hear of any changes, I will let you know pronto. The Braves will be seeded fourth, and thus will play in Game 3 at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Where we go from there will depend on whether we win or lose games.
I append some comments from Majors commissioner Darren Miller.
Dave
---
---
Coaches,
I've received comments from most of you (enough of you) that I'm near final with our playoff schedule. Here's where we're at:
* I've been able to structure the schedule so that the only back-to-back games will be on Sat/Sun July 11/12. Everyone left in the tournament at that time will play back-to-back.
* I understand the U12 All Stars will begin play during the second week of the tournament. I can't jam the tournament into the weekend for 130 kids to accommodate the handful of U12 kids that will still be in our tournament and playing All Stars (there will be 4 teams at that point). We'll work around All Star tournament times the best we can.
* All games will be played out to 6 innings - no time limit on games
* In the event the teams are tied after 6 innings, we will continue to play extra innings until a team wins (no California rule)
* You voted to have the mercy rule - if a team is up by 10 runs after 4 innings (3.5 if the home team is up), the game will be called
* If a game is suspended due to rain before the completion of the 4th inning: mark exactly where the game is (count, base runners, etc.) and we will resume the game the next day
* If a game is suspended due to rain after the 4th inning: if a team was ahead at the last completed inning, that team will be declared the winner of that game. If the teams are tied, mark exactly where the game is (count, base runners, etc.) and the game will be resumed the next day.
* If a game is suspended due to darkness, it will be resumed the next day. I could see this happening during the week with extra inning games.
* Pitch count carries over from the regular season and is the same throughout the playoffs
* The games during the second week are still in a bit of flux. I have the championship game(s) Saturday morning. If the undefeated team loses that game, they'll turn around and play another one. This could potentially take all morning, and may work out better for a second game on Sunday or Monday, but I also understand that people have other commitments starting July 19th.
* Final seeding won't be done until Friday this week (seeds 2-9 are still in flux)
Also, be aware of your conduct with the umps as we transition into the playoffs. The higher level of competition will make the games more intense. We'll have what we consider to be the better umps on the field for these games, but there will be close calls that don't go your way.
There is great competition in the Majors right now. Should be a great tournament!
Thanks,
Darren
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
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