Mudcats Rally Past Lookouts

April 25, 2009

First Pitch at 11:03 AM

Weather sunny and hot

The Mudcats outclassed the Lookouts in a tough game that featured 3 lead changes. They advanced to a regular season record of 9 wins and no losses.

Showing up just in time for the pregame pep-talk by coach Vaughn, Dane took his first crack at a baseball from behind the plate. He reached on a single and then advanced to second on throwing errors. Ryan hit an infield single, moving Dane to 3rd. Joseph hit a sac-fly to bring Dane home. Matt knocked a double to left, moving Ryan to third, and then scoring on a Cade single up the middle. Luke advanced on an FC and Adam hustled for an infield hit. Mudcats posted 3 in the top of the 1st.

Mudcats recorded their first out in the bottom of the first on a 4-3 from Cade (ranging to second to grab the ball) to Joseph. The next Lookout advanced on a throwing error, followed by a Ryan to Cade 6-4 for the second out. An infield hit put runners of 1st and 2nd with 2-out. A shot to left was tracked down by Leyton, who threw it into Ryan, who tagged out the runner from 1st going to 3rd, but after the lead runner crossed home. After 1, Mudcats 3, Lookouts 1.

Tyler hustled for an infield hit to lead off the 2nd. Leyton hit a liner up the middle, moving Tyler to 3rd. Jacob Mitchell hustled for an infield hit, scoring Tyler. Andrew hit a shot toward right center that was brought down for an F4. Dane singled to load the bases for Ryan. Ryan nailed one down the third base line, only to have a great play made on it by Fall Mudcats player Zach Clover, who turned the 5U-3 DP to end the inning.

The Lookouts kept it to within 2 in the bottom half, leading off the inning with the bases loaded and none out. After a fabulous 1-2 from Jacob to Luke, Lookouts had bases loaded, 1 out. Then a K for 2 outs. The Lookouts would then score only 1 run on a throwing error before the next batter K’d to get the Mudcats out of the jam with minimal damage. 4 runs to 2 favoring the ‘Cats after 2.

Top of the 3rd was a rare occurrence, as the 3,4,5 hitters went down in order, changing the tide of the game. The Lookouts capitalized in the bottom half, scoring 2 and bringing the score to even at 4. A 4-3 from Cade to Joseph was the first out, followed by a 1B, then an L6 to Ryan. Then a double and single would score the two runs before Ryan finished them off with a P6.

Mudcats jumped back in front in the top of the 4th, but they had to earn it. Luke nailed a line drive to left center for what should have been a stand-up double, only to see it brought down on an incredible diving play. But back-to-back hits by Adam, Jacob, Tyler, Leyton, and Jacob Mitchell would score 2, giving the Mudcats a short-lived 2 run advantage.

The Lookouts outplayed the Mudcats in the 4th, scoring 3 runs in their half. The leadoff batter singled, with a good backup by Adam to hold the runner at 1st. Then Zack Clover would bat his way to 3rd, brining 1 run home, helped along by Mudcats throwing errors. Another base hit would bring Zach home, the score now tied again at 6 runs each. Another hit, and the Lookouts had runners on 1st and 2nd, none out, and already two runs in. A shot to center was fielded by Leyton, quick throw to Ryan, and then to Matt who made the tag at the plate to save the tie and get the 1st out. Now 1st and 3rd and 1 down, a 5-4 from Dane to Cade gets the 2nd out as a 3rd run scores. Ryan would get a 6U to end the inning, Mudcats losing 6 runs to 7.

Top of the 5th, Mudcats come right back. Dane leads off with a single and gets to second on throws. Ryan doubles to left-center and scores Dane, tying the game again. Then Joseph does the same, trading places with Ryan. Matt then singled, scoring Joseph and getting to 2nd on the throws. Then Cade singled, moving Matt to 3rd. Luke would then smash one right at the second baseman, who made a tough catch and throw to 1st, for an L4-3 DP. Adam then cranked one to left-center, scoring Matt. Mudcats scored 4 to regain the lead.

In the Bottom of the 5th, the Lookout would bring it to within 2 runs again. An F6 to Ryan and then a 1-3 from Dane to Joseph had the Lookouts staring at 2-out and none on. But then back-to-back doubles would score 1 run, before a P6 to Ryan ended the inning, Mudcats now leading 10 runs to 6.

Top of the 6th, two-run game, bottom 4 hitters in the order up to bat. Mudcats would need to stage a solid offensive and/or defensive stand to win this game. How about both? Tyler led off with a single. After a P5 and an FC, Andrew was up to bat with two outs, Jacob Mitchell at 1st. With two strikes, he hit a line-shot over the third-baseman, pelting the Southwest.com sign, and scoring Jacob Mitchell. With the top of the order back up, the Mudcats staged a two-out rally. On a left-center shot by Dane, Andrew would get to third on a bang-bang play, sliding under the tag. A Ryan single sharply hit to left scored Andrew, and moved Dane to 2nd. Joseph then doubled to left-center, scoring Ryan, and giving the Mudcats a 14 to 8 advantage going into the bottom of the 6th.

Ryan took the first out on an L6. After a base-hit, Cade, Ryan, and Joseph hooked up for a sweet 4-6-3 textbook double-play to end the game at 12:28 PM. Big win for the Mudcats with a final score of 14 to 8.

Mudcats Survive Battle with the Bulls

April 23, 2009

First Pitch at 5:42 PM

Weather perfect for baseball

The Mudcats prevailed in their toughest game of the season to date, moving to a league leading regular season record of 8 wins and no losses. The boys currently hold a game and a half advantage over the second ranked Bees, at 6 and 1.

Top of the 1st, Mudcats posted 3 runs on 4 hits. Ryan beat out an infield hit, Joseph knocked a shot through the shortstop, Matt reached on a fielder’s choice, and then Cade tripled, scoring Joseph and Matt. Bags hustled one out while Cade scored. Luke followed up with a shot to left, but would be left stranded along with Bags.

In the bottom half the Bulls got 2 runs back. Ryan connected with Joseph on a 6-3 for the first out. The next double was nearly an out on a great back-up play by Jacob in center. Joseph hauled in a soft liner for the second out. No defense could stop the 2-run homer before the inning would end, Mudcats up 3 runs to 2.

Top of the 2nd, Jacob led off with an infield hit, Tyler traded spots with Jacob on a fielder’s choice, then Leyton traded spots with Jacob and yet another FC. Jacob Mitchell smacked one to short for a 6-4. The Mudcats posted no runs in the 2nd.

In the bottom of the frame Luke hung on to a 3rd strike foul tip to record the first out. The Bulls helped out with a second K; then a single, and then a 5-4 from Matt to Cade to finish off the inning, Mudcats hanging on to their 1 run advantage.

Andrew led off the top of the third with a single up the middle. Dane traded out with Andrew on an FC. Ryan then smoked one past short, moving Dane to 2nd. Joseph then hit a rocket up the middle that nearly ended the life of Coach Vaughn, who took a minute to regain composure after the fly by. The bases were loaded for Matt, who proceeded to hit a line shot to the left gap, clearing the bases for two bags. Cade traded places with Matt on a double of his own, a shot to center. Bags hustled to first, and would stay there, along with Cade on second. Inning ended with 4 runs scored.

In the bottom of the third, the Bulls came right back, scoring 2. It was a rocky inning, starting off with two on and none out for the Bulls. A 6-4 DP with Ryan getting the tag and then tossing it to Cade for the force at second changed the complexion of the inning, now 1 runner on and 2 out. But the Bulls would then stage a 2-out rally, with a double, single, and single. Luke would end the inning on a fantastic catch coming from behind the plate, mask off quick, and making a basket catch half way to the pitcher’s mound. After three, Mudcats held the advantage, 7 runs to 4.

Jacob led off the top of the fourth with an infield single. Then the FC trades took place, first Tyler for Jacob, then Leyton for Tyler. Then Jacob Mitchell hit into a 5-4.

In the bottom half, the Bulls inched 1 run closer, starting with a leadoff single. Jacob connected with Joseph on a 1-3 for the first out, runner going to second. The next hit got past second, and Andrew came up with the back-up, getting the ball in quick to hold the runner at first, but the runner from second scored on the play. Another single gave the Bulls 1st and 2nd with 1 out and 1 run already in. The Mudcats would get out on a P4 by Cade and then a classic 6-3 Ryan to Joseph. After 4, Mudcats led 7 runs to 5.

Andrew led off the top of the 5th with another shot up the middle, this one snagged by the pitcher for a 1-3. Dane hit a line shot to left center for a double. Ryan then hit a much needed line-drive homer for 2 insurance runs. But the inning wasn’t over. Joseph doubled to left, then Matt singled to center, scoring Joseph. Cade singled to center, moving Matt to second. Bags reached on a FC and Luke cranked one to short for a 6-3. 3 runs scored for the Mudcats.

The next three half innings were critical for the Mudcats, with only the top of the 6th and bottom order batters remaining, while the Bulls had their full lineup ahead of them, and 6 outs to play with. Bottom of the 5th, the Bulls last batter reached on a single. The top of the order batter then K’d, helping the cause. A P3 to Joseph left the Bulls with 1 on and 1 out, but they staged another 2-out rally, scoring 2 runs on a single and a double. An F4 to Cade ended the run, Mudcats hanging on to a 10 to 7 advantage.

Adam led off the top of the 6th with a line drive smash toward right center, only to have it hauled in by a spectacular catch at 2nd. After an F5 by Jacob, the Mudcats tried to stage a 2-out rally, with infield singles by both Tyler and Leyton. Jacob Mitchell then hit one towards 3rd, and it was trouble…, but the Bulls 3B made a great unassisted play, diving back to the bag to escape the inning with no runs scored.

Bottom of the 6th, the Mudcats were hanging on to their 3 run lead, and the Bulls led off with a single. A pop to short caught by Ryan was out 1, followed by another Bulls K. A single put runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. Then Cade met Joseph for a 5-3 to end the game, securing the 10 to 7 advantage.

The game ended at 7:13 PM and featured 18 Mudcats hits, but more impressive, 0 Mudcats Ks. A close one, but good one for the boys on a great night for baseball.

Mudcats Big Win over the Bats - Game highlights by John Stewart

It was another perfect spring afternoon for baseball – 80 degrees, clear skies, no humidity and just a breath of wind as the Mudcats prepared to face the Bats. It was a strange sight to see the Mudcats line up for the Pledge of Allegiance first and wait for the other team’s pep talk to end as Vaughn usually corners the market in that area!

The Mudcats set the tone early and it was clear that they came with their hitting shoes on as they sent 9 hitters to the plate and scored 4 runs in the first inning. Dane led off with a sharp line drive up the middle and then Ryan promptly went yard! His first of the year was a towering blast that the left fielder (who had been stationed with his back up against the fence!) had no option but to watch it sail over the fence and into the grove of trees behind the scoreboard. Joseph then reached on a hard-hit infield single that nearly took out the SS, Matt doubled down the 3rd base line scoring Joseph, Cade hit a soft liner to left moving the runners over and then Bags sacrifice fly scored Matt and recorded the first out of the inning. Luke picked it right back up again with a solid ground ball single past the 3rd basemen that almost took his head off! Then Adam hit a line drive so hard up the middle that the center fielder was able to field the ball and get the force at 2nd for the second out and then Tyler grounded out to the 2nd baseman to end the inning. The Bats came out swinging their bats in the bottom of the first but it was the All Adam Show with 2 great catches in center field – first was a shoe-string grab and the second was up against the center field fence. Next Bags almost made a snow-cone grab in left-center but it just slipped out of his glove. Ryan ended the inning on a 6-3 ground out. Mudcats led 4-1 after the first.

The Mudcats had another big inning in the second sending 10 hitters to the plate and scoring 7 runs. Jacob led off with an infield hit, Leyton singled sharply to center while Jacob hustled into second to avoid the force out. Dane hit a Texas leaguer to center scoring Jacob, then Ryan hit a fly ball into short left field that the SS made an outstanding diving play on for the second out of the inning. Joseph singled to left scoring Leyton, Matt doubled down the line for a second time scoring Dane and Joseph, Cade reached on an infield fly, Bags sharply singled to right and then Luke hit a line shot to left scoring 2 runners and ending the inning on a run rule. Mudcats took an 11-1 lead. In the bottom of the second, the Bats went 3 up 3 down on some good defense by the Mudcats. Score was still 11-1 Mudcats.

In the top of the 3rd, Adam almost knocked the cover off the ball as he led off with a scorched line drive to right field for a double. Tyler almost legged out an infield hit, Jacob reached on a catcher’s interference, Leyton had an RBI ground out to second scoring Adam and then Jacob grounded to short ending the inning. The Mudcats demonstrated great defense again as they put the Bats down in order in the bottom of the 3rd. Ground outs to Cade and Ryan started the inning and then Dane made a nice catch in left to end the inning. After 3 the Mudcats led 12-1.

In the top of the 4th, the Mudcats exploded for another big inning only to be stopped again by the run rule. Dane had an infield hit, Ryan singled to left, Joseph singled to center, Matt singled to center scoring Dane, Cade one-hopped the fence in left scoring Ryan and Joseph, Bags singled down the line, Luke reached on an error by the SS scoring Matt and then Adam singled scoring Cade. Mudcats scored 5 runs to lead the Bats 17-1. In the bottom of the 4th, Leyton made a tremendous running catch in center to record the first out of the inning, and then a pop-up to Cade and a nice play by Ryan at short ended the inning to keep the score at 17-1 Mudcats.

The 5th inning was uneventful except for a nice double by Jacob M however he was stranded at second base to end the inning. In the bottom of the 5th, the Bats scrapped back with 4 runs to close the gap to 17-5 Mudcats.

In the 6th, Dane led off with a dinger into the tree grove, Ryan popped-up, Joseph singled to center, Matt had an infield hit, Cade singled to left, Bags singled, Luke hit a hard smash that the 3rd baseman made a very nice play on and then Adam grounded out to second to end the inning. The Mudcats made short order of the Bats in the bottom of the 6th as Ryan recorded the first out on a ground ball to second base, Dane ranged to his left making a nice play for the second out and then Ryan made a nice catch in center to end the game. Final score was 20-5 and boys played a gem of a game both offensively and defensively!! Way to go Mudcats!!!

Mudcats win over the Bulls - Guest article by John Stewart

It was a perfect evening for baseball as the Mudcats took the field. The weather was beautiful and they were squaring off against the Bulls who they last defeated in the Fall Championship game.

The Bulls were not intimidated though as they started off hot with 4 runs in the first inning. Cade made a nice play ranging to his left to throw out the lead-off hitter but then the Bulls scored 4 runs before Joseph made an unassisted put-out at first base and a strike-out ended the inning. The Mudcats struck back in the bottom of the first with a huge 2 out rally! After Dane and Ryan grounded out and popped-up, Joseph lined sharply to left field for a double. Matt reached on an error then Cade hit a line-drive to left-center for single and RBI scoring Joseph. Bags then lifted a fly ball over the center fielder’s head scoring 2 more runs. Luke reached on an error then Adam had an infield hit scoring Luke all the way from first displaying some aggressive base running skills! Jacob also had an infield hit then Tyler singled to right knocking in Adam. Leighton ended the inning with a long drive that the center fielder caught over his shoulder robbing him of what would have been at least a double. When the dust settled the Mudcats had clawed back to lead the Bulls 6-4.

In the top of the 2nd, the Bulls went 3 up 3 down as Bags made a nice play on a spinning ground ball for the first out, Ryan made a routine ground out look easy then a strike-out ended the inning. The Mudcats then exploded for 6 more runs in the bottom of the 2nd to extend their lead to 12-4. Jacob led off with an extremely hard-hit ground out to short – great contact!!. Dane reached on an error, Ryan had an infield hit and Joseph popped to short for the second out. Then the double barrage started – Matt lined to left scoring Dane, Cade traded places with Matt as he doubled over the right-fielder’s head scoring 2 runs. Bags doubled to center scoring Cade, Luke doubled scoring Bags, Adam doubled down the 3rd base line scoring Luke pushing the score to 12-4.

The 3rd inning was uneventful for both team as the Bulls went 3 up 3 down (K, ground out and pop-up to Joseph) and the Mudcats failed to score as well – Leighton sharply singled to right field but Jacob popped-up to the pitcher, Dane popped-up to the second baseman and Ryan hit soft line drive to the shortstop who made a nice diving play. At the end of 3 it was still Mudcats 12 Bulls 4.

Top of the 4th started the same for the Bulls as they went down in order again – 2 pop-ups to Cade and a strike out. It was a different story for the Mudcats however as they scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Joseph led off with a base knock to center, matt hit a hard smash down the 3rd base line then Cade brought both Joseph and Matt home with a sharp single to left. Bags reached on an error by the 3rd baseman then Luke hit a line drive which almost took the glove off the 3rd baseman's hand! Adam had a long single to right-center (over the fielder’s head), Jacob and Tyler reached on infield singles. The inning ended with the Mudcats leading 17-4.

The Bulls started the 5th inning with a couple of doubles scoring a run. Matt then caught a pop-up at 3rd before another double by the Bulls caused Vaughn to call a momentum-ending time-out effectively icing the Bulls and ending their run as Cade recorded the 2nd out of the inning and Ryan the 3rd on a bang-bang play at first. Good inning by the Bulls but the Mudcats were still up 17-6. In the bottom of the 5th, Leighton led off with another sharply hit ball to left for a double, Jacob hit a hard ground ball to the second basemen for the first out then Dane hit a soft liner to the pitcher who made a nice play for the second out of the inning. Ryan then doubled scoring Leighton, Joseph had an RBI single to center, Matt singled to left, Cade singled over the right fielder’s head then Bags singled to left which put the Mudcats up 20-6.

The Mudcats closed out the game in the top of the 6th inning. It wasn’t pretty but in the end Joseph caught a pop-up, Bags made a nice play to force the runner at second and then a line-out to Cade at 3rd base ended the game. Mudcats beat a tough Bulls team – final score was 20-11! Way to go guys!!

Mudcats top Bees in Slugfest

-April 16, 2009
-First Pitch at 5:43 PM
-Weather was Sunny & 60’s

The Bees stung first in a game that featured three back-to-back innings of matched play. Both teams entered the game undefeated. When the dust settled, the Mudcats captured their fourth win and handed the Bees their first loss.

Top of the 1st, the Bees’ leadoff hitter reached second and then scored on a base hit. After a K and a base hit, the Bees had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Matt got the second out with an unassisted force at 3rd, runners still on the first two bags. The Bees scored three more with a fly to left and then a base hit. Ryan and Joseph finally ended the half-inning with a 6-3, Bees up 4 to 0.

The Mudcats matched the Bees 4 runs in the bottom, starting with a line drive to left-center by Dane. Ryan scorched one to left-center scoring Dane from first, and getting to 3rd himself on the throws. Joseph hit into a would-be 6-3, but pure speed and hustle earned him a base hit as he beat out the solid play, scoring Ryan. Matt reached on a fielder’s choice, and then moved to third on a Cade single. Cade would make it to second on an attempt to pick off Matt. Luke hit a rope to left, scoring both Matt and Cade. Mudcats and Bees were knotted up at 4 after 1.

Defense took over in the second. Ryan and Joseph connected on a 6-3, followed by 2 Bees K’s for a 1-2-3 inning. The Mudcats did not capitalize in the bottom half, with only Leyton reaching 1st on a fly ball to right field. After 2, the score remained tied at 4.

Top of the 3rd, the Bees struck back. The Mudcats got the first out on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph. After getting two base runners, a Bees’ home run put them back on top. They followed up with a double to immediately threaten again. Out 2 came on an unassisted force at 1st by Joseph; the base runner advancing to 3rd. Two more runs scored on a double then single before coach Vaughn called a timeout to settle the boys down. The very next play was an L3 brought down by Joseph to end the half-inning.

The Mudcats gave up 5 in the top half and equaled that in the bottom. Top of the order back up to the plate, and Dane got it going again with a single to left. Ryan drilled the Moe’s sign in center for a long single, moving Dane to 2nd. Joseph doubled to right, bringing home Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt hustled for a single, scoring Ryan and moving Joseph to 3rd. Cade singled to left, scoring Joseph and moving Matt to 2nd. Bags singled to left-center, loading the bases for Luke. Luke hit a sac-fly to left, caught by former Mudcat Evan, which would score Matt. Adam hustled for an infield single, loading the bases again. Tyler earned an RBI on a 5-3. After 3, the Bees and Mudcats were knotted up again, 9 runs each.

Top of the 4th, the Mudcats put the clamp down and didn’t let up, playing solid defense to the game’s end. Out 1 came on a P6 to Ryan. The Bees put their second batter on first. On the next play, a short fly ball to right field was picked up cleanly on one bounce by Jacob Mitchell, who came up throwing to Joseph. While just missing the base runner at first, Joseph made a heads up play, getting the ball to Cade who then, with Ryan and Matt, had the runner going to 2nd caught in a rundown between 2nd and 3rd. Cade ultimately would get the out, leaving the Bees with a runner on 1st and 2 down. After a K, the Mudcats came back to the dugout with a 9 to 9 tie, bats in hand.

Bottom of the 4th, Andrew led off with a hard hit ball to 3rd and hustled to first, but out by a step on a 5-3. Jacob Mitchell sped his way to first next, setting up the top of the order with 1 on and 1 out. Dane wasted no time brining Jacob home when he hit a towering home run, clearing the scoreboard by a good 20 feet. Ryan kept it going by pounding one to shortstop for a single. Joseph then doubled, and would reach 3rd on the throw trying to catch the scoring Ryan. Cade singled to deep right-center, scoring Joseph. After 4, the Mudcats finally grabbed the lead, 9 runs to 13.

Top of the 5th, Mudcats put the Bees down in order on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, a K, and a 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph, who made a full-stretch one-hop snag for the out. In the bottom half, the Mudcats tacked on an insurance run with the bottom half of the order. Luke led off with a stand-up double to left. Adam’s 1-3 moved Luke to 3rd. Tyler brought Luke home as he hustled to first. Heading into the final inning, the Mudcats held the lead, 9 runs to 14.

The first Bee wanted to get all 5 runs back on one swing of the bat, and K’d. The second out came on a shoestring catch on a towering fly ball to centerfield, hauled in by Adam. The next batter hit a stinger to 3rd that Matt ranged over to quickly and snagged on one hop, an impressive play holding the runner at 1st. At 7:10 PM, Luke closed out the game on a P2, the ball barely reaching the top of the backstop before Luke lost the helmet, turned, and brought in the ball.

Mudcats win, 9 runs to 14. A shout out goes to Jacob for pulling for his team while sidelined due to illness, the epitome of a true sportsman.

Lookouts Batted Around by Mudcats

April 8, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:45 PM – Weather was Bright & Crisp

The Mudcats defeated the younger and considerably undermanned Lookouts on Wednesday night by a score of 21-4. With the win, the boys roll to 4 wins and no losses on the season.
Top of the 1st, Lookouts go down in order on 3 consecutive 4-3 putouts from Cade to Joseph. The Mudcats scored 1 in the bottom half. Dane led off with a single, but was tagged out by a quick throw back into second as he was sent for two. Ryan followed up with a double up the middle, this time a bang-bang play similar to Dane’s but favoring the Mudcats. Joseph singled up the middle, bringing Ryan home. Matt and Bags both advanced on infield hits and hustle, but the Mudcats would leave the bases loaded. After 1, Mudcats had the lead 1 run to none.

Top of the 2nd, Lookouts got one by third to lead off the innings, but Andrew made a good backup in left to keep the runner at first. After a base hit and an error, the Mudcats were facing a bases loaded no outs situation. The next batter hit into a 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph, but two runs scored. The Mudcats escaped the inning with no further damage on and L4-3 double play from Cade to Joseph. At the break, the Lookouts had their only lead of the game, 2 runs to 1.

Adam led off and ended the second inning with 14 at bats for the 13 Mudcats, and 9 runs scored. Adam, Jacob, and Leyton loaded the bases to get the inning going. Andrew then drove in 2 before Jacob Mitchell reached, re-loading the bases for Dane. The pitch Dane liked, he punished, and put by some accounts a good 20 feet over the scoreboard for a grand slam. The inning wasn’t done. Ryan singled. Joseph advanced on a fielder’s choice. Matt singled to center, scoring Joseph from first. Cade lined one up the middle, moving Matt to second. Bags doubled, scoring Matt. Luke singled, scoring Cade. After two, the Mudcats had the advantage, 10 runs to 2.

Top of the 3rd, the Lookouts put their first runner on. After a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph, and then a Lookout single, 1 run scored. The Mudcats then closed it out with a 4-6 from Cade to Ryan and a 5-4 from Matt to Cade.

The Mudcats kept rolling in the bottom of the 3rd. Tyler kick started the inning hustling to first. Leyton advanced, moving Tyler to second. Andrew drove one into left center to score both Tyler and Leyton from first. Jacob Mitchell advanced, moving Andrew to second. Dane reached on a fielder’s choice, moving Andrew to third. Ryan singled bringing home Andrew. Joseph singled, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to third. Matt singled, bringing home Ryan, who scored the 5th run of the inning, ending it by rule. After three, the Mudcats were over the Lookouts, 15 runs to 3.

Top of the 4th, Mudcats played excellent D. Cade and Joseph connected for a 4-3 for the first out. Then Jacob ranged to his right, knocked down an infield hit, and made a great turn and throw to Joseph for a fantastic 1-3 putout. After a Lookout base hit, Joseph finished off the inning on a P3.

A cloud rolled in, cooling off the field and the Mudcats bats in the bottom of the 4th. 1 run scored on the heels of a leadoff double by Cade. Adam lined one to right-center to move Cade to third. Jacob singled to bring Cade home and Tyler would advance before the inning ended, Mudcats leading 16 runs to 3.

Top of the 5th, the first out came on a 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph. Then, with one Lookout on first, Tyler would knock down in infield hit, turn and throw to second for the 1-4 fielder’s choice. Then, a 5-4 attempt ended up in center, but backed up by Jacob quickly, holding runners at first and second with 2 out. The runner at second scored on the inning ending play, a hit to right center fielded by Adam, cutoff by Ryan at short, and into Matt at third for the tag out on the runner coming from first.

Bottom of the 5th, Andrew led off with a line drive single to right field. Dane advanced, moving Andrew to second. Ryan singled, loading the bases. Joseph singled, bringing home Andrew. Matt singled, bringing home Dane. Cade singled, bringing home Ryan. Bags advanced on a fielder’s choice, and brining home Joseph. Luke singled, brining home Matt. 5 runs scored in all.

At 7:15 the game was called on time, with the Mudcats winning, 21 to 4.

Mudcats Survive RiverDogs

April 5, 2009 – First Pitch at 6:28 PM – Weather was Partly Cloudy, Breezy, and Warm

The Mudcats’ first home game of the season was closer than the final score of 14-6 would tell. The boys trailed 6-4 at the break in the 3rd, and were knotted up at 6-all through the fourth inning. Defensive and offensive stands in the 5th inning were the ultimate difference maker in the Mudcats’ third win of the season.

Top of the 1st, RiverDogs came to play, leading off with a double. After putting runners on 1st and 2nd with none out, the Mudcats squeezed out of a jam on an 8-6-2 from Jacob to Ryan to Luke tag-out at home, unorthodox fielder’s choice. Then with runners on 1st and 3rd, a 1-6 from Bags to Ryan and an F5 to Dane, the Mudcats escaped giving up just 1 run.

In the bottom half, the Mudcats posted 4 on 6 back-to-back singles by Ryan (to left-center), Joseph (on a rope to center), Matt (to the centerfield fence), Cade (up the middle), Bags (up the middle), and Luke (to left center). After 1, the Mudcats held a 4-1 advantage.

Top of the 2nd, the RiverDogs score 1, getting the inning going with two on and none out. After the team settled down, they got out with a 3U by Joseph, and two consecutive 5-3 plays from Matt to Joseph.

In the bottom half, Tyler led off with a line drive single to left. Andrew hit one hard up the middle, but the 2nd baseman, who was cheating right for the double play, was in position to take the Fielder’s Choice force at second. Jacob Mitchell hit the ball hard, but to no avail as the second baseman hauled it in and sent the Mudcats back into the field after 2 innings with a slim 4-2 advantage.

Top of the 3rd, RiverDogs score 4 and take the lead. The RiverDogs, as they did in the 1st and 2nd, get going with two on and none out on back to back singles. On the next play, a backup stop by Andrew in right-center hold the RiverDogs to 1 run and runners at 1st and 3rd. After putting another ball in play, Mudcats errors allowed a 2nd run to score with runners now at 1st and 2nd. After a team meeting, the boys settled in and proceeded to work out of the jam, giving up just 2 more runs, the outs coming on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, a 6-4 fielder’s choice between Ryan and Cade, and a line out to Ryan at short.

In the bottom half, the Mudcats’ top of the order would come through with 2 runs to knot it up at 6-all. Dane led off with a double to the right-center fence, Ryan split the seam all the way to the fence for a second double. Joseph hit a carbon copy of Ryan’s, but would get thrown out at 2nd by a great relay from the outfield. Matt got into the fence hitting game next, but was held at first base. Cade hit a line drive to left, but before long the inning was over, all tied up at 6.

After a leadoff single by the RiverDogs, the Mudcats gloves woke up in the top of the 4th inning. Key stops in the inning were the 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph and a pop fly pulled in by Matt.

In the bottom half of the 4th, with the score tied at 6, with the bottom 6 hitters in the Mudcats’ lineup, and with the RiverDogs meat of the order coming up, the Mudcats were poised for a possible knockout blow by their opponent. However, with two out and the last four batters in the order still to go, Tyler nailed one up the middle for a base hit. Then Leyton reached 1st on an infield hit that had him hustling to 1st. While no runs scored, it was a key inning for the Mudcats to get through 5 of the last 6 hitters, guaranteeing the team would have their leadoff batters coming to the plate in the 5th. After 4, the score remained tied 6-all.

In the top of the 5th, the 3,4, and 5 hitters were due up from the RiverDogs. Only one runner advanced on a base hit as the Mudcats would allow no runs and secure the bottom of the order was coming up for the RiverDogs in the sixth. The key outs included a 3U to Joseph, a line drive somehow snatched out of the air by pitcher Bags, and a line-drive to Cade at 2nd.

In the bottom half, the Mudcats swung the bats like they can, sending all 13 players to the batters box, and each one putting the ball into play. Jacob Mitchell, batting last in the lineup came through with a base hit. Dane crushed one to the right field fence for a double, and moving Mitchell to third. Ryan followed up with a two-bagger to centerfield, bringing home Mitchell and Dane. Joseph hit one to left center, scoring Ryan. Matt hit a double to the centerfield fence, scoring Joseph from first. Cade hustled to first next, moving Matt to 3rd base. Bags then followed up with two-bagger of his own, scoring Matt. Luke then singled, and on consecutive throwing errors, reached third while Bags scored. Adam then hit a 4-3 RBI, bringing in Luke and clearing the bases. Jacob must not have liked the empty bases, so he proceeded to hit a double up the middle, to the fence. Tyler then reached base for his 3rd time of the game. Then Leyton reached first on a 5U fielder’s choice force out at 2nd. Andrew represented the 13th Mudcat to reach the plate, and he did his part by putting the ball in play, but it was scooped up for a 4U to end the big 5th inning with the Mudcats leading 14 to 6.

For the 5th time in 6 innings, the RiverDogs leadoff batter reached 1st. In the top of the 6th, Jacob made a great stop on that leadoff hit, keeping it to just a single. Then on a 1-3 attempt, Jacob made another back-up play from center, holding the RiverDogs to runners on 1st and 2nd, still none out. Then back to back 6-5 and 5-6 force-outs at 3rd between Ryan and Matt kept the RiverDogs from ever getting past 2nd base. A pop fly caught by Cade would be the game ending play at 6:28 PM, the Mudcats winning 14-6.

Baseball Size Hail at West Raleigh – Mudcats brave Thunder

April 4, 2009 – First Pitch at 1:09 PM – Weather was Sunny, Breezy, and Warm

The Mudcats took on the Thunder for their second game of Spring play after two rainouts. The team was great on both sides of the plate, allowing only 2 runs and scoring 19. Game highlights follow:

Top of the 1st, Cade led off with a line shot, followed by Ryan dropping one in to short right to put the leadoff batters on 1st and 2nd. Joseph drilled one to left-center, bringing both Cade and Ryan home. Matt, Bags, and Luke would all reach base before the inning ended with 2 runs in.

In the bottom half, the boys allowed no runs. The first out came on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph. After allowing one base runner, they closed out the inning on a 1-6-3 double play from Bags to Ryan to Joseph. The Mudcats lead was 2-0 after 1.

Top of the 2nd, Jacob led off by hitting the left-centerfield fence for a double. Tyler hit into a 5-3, advancing Jacob to 3rd. Leyton doubled to left, scoring Jacob. Andrew hit into a 6-3, moving Jacob to 3rd. Jacob Mitchell hit one up the middle for a single, scoring Leyton and keeping the two-out rally alive for the top of the order. Cade singled, then Ryan doubled, then Joseph doubled, then Matt singled, and finally Luke doubled before the inning was stopped on the 10-run rule after the Mudcats tacked 8 onto their 2-run lead.

In the bottom half, the Thunder put runners on 1st and 2nd with none out. The first out came on a 4 unassisted tag out by Cade, leaving runners on 1st and 3rd with one out. 1 run would score on a 1-6 from Bags to Ryan, and then the Mudcats closed out the inning on a 1-3 from Bags to Joseph. The score was 10-1 after 2.

Top of the 3rd, Adam led off with a base hit up the middle. Jacob reached and moved Adam to 2nd. No infield fly rule resulted in a double play on a dropped pop fly. A second pop fly would end the inning scoreless for the Mudcats.

In the bottom half, the Thunder went down quickly on an F5 to Matt, a Thunder base hit, a 1-6 from Jacob to Ryan, and then a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph. The score remained 10-1 after 3.

Top of the 4th, Andrew hit into a 5-3 and Jacob hit into a 4-3 before the top of the order started another 2-out rally. Cade reached on a hard hit ball to 2nd, Ryan singled moving Cade over one bag, and Joseph then reached to load the bases for Matt. Matt’s hit would score two. He was followed by Bags, who dropped one into center, brining Joseph home and moving Matt to third. Luke smacked one to the left-centerfield fence, scoring Matt. Adam lined one to right-center, scoring Bags and ending the inning on the 5-run rule.

In the bottom half, the Mudcats put the Thunder down quickly again on a P4 to Cade, a Thunder base hit, a 6U by Ryan, and a line out to Ryan. The score was 15-1 after 4.

Top of the 5th, the Mudcats would score no runs on just two base hits by Tyler and Leyton. In the bottom half, the Thunder would load the bases with none out, but the Mudcats escaped giving up just one run. Key plays included a stop in left by Tyler, a 1-2 force at home from Bags to Luke, and then a 5-4 double play from Matt to Cade. The score was 15-2 after 5.

Top of the 6th, the Mudcats tacked on 4 more with the top of the order leading off the inning. Cade singled up the middle, Ryan doubled to deep left center, Joseph doubled on a rocket to center that took off the center fielder’s glove, Matt singled, Bags reached on a fielder’s choice for an RBI, Luke singled, and Adam drove one to deep left center.

In the bottom half, the first out came on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, the second on a pop fly brought in by Matt, and then a fly out to center field tracked down by Jacob with two runners on. The game ended a 2:16 PM with the Mudcats winning be a score of 19 runs to 2.

New Photos Added

Photographer Scott has added new albums from this season, including opening ceremonies, a team birthday celebration at UNC's Boshamer Stadium, and the Mudcats' latest win against the Thunder. Check out the Photo Archive on the right side bar.