May 30, 2009 – First Pitch at 11:05 AM – Weather was Sunny and Warm
Allowing 5.4 runs/game during the regular season (league leading defense), the Mudcats actually improved on that throughout the tournament, allowing an average of 4.6 runs/game. In the Championship game on Saturday, the Mudcats topped that against the 2nd best scoring team in the league, only allowing the Scrappers 3 runs. It was the Scrappers, however, that took the tournament, allowing just 1-run, a Home Run that they couldn’t play defense on.
The Mudcats finished the season 16-2-1, took the regular season championship going undefeated, and were the end of season tournament runner-up. Most importantly, Ryan Bagley (Bags) and Jacob Mitchell (Smiley) were co-winners of the West Raleigh Minor League Sportsmanship Award. They, along with all of the Mudcats were models of sportsmanship throughout the season, in both victory and defeat.
The Mudcats have 7 players that are graduating from the Minor League, playing their last games today, including Ryan Bagley, Luke Cerasi, Cade Keesling, Matthew Molee, Joseph Nunn, Ryan Sholar, and Dane Stewart. Coaches Mark, Dave, and Vaughn also coached their final game on the Minor League field. The Mudcats wish all of the graduating players and coaches success.
The championship game was a defensive juggernaut, the tone being set immediately as Dane led off the top of the 1st with a shot down to 3rd, shockingly turned for a 5-3. The 1 run for the Mudcats game quick on the 2nd at bat, as Ryan hit a line-drive rope over the left-centerfield fence. Joseph line to the pitcher, Matt singled to left center, and then Cade grounded into a 4U FC.
Bottom of 1, Joseph pulled in an F3, a major league pop to left center was brought in by Bags, then a base hit, and then Ryan got the 3rd out on a 6U. Mudcats lead after 1 inning, 1 run to none.
Top of 2, Bags led off with a base hit to left-center. Luke advanced on an FC. Adam singled up the middle. Jacob nearly knocked one up the middle that was tracked down for a stellar 6U-3 DP.
Bottom of 2, an L8 by Adam running in for a shoestring catch was the 1st out. Two base hits gave the Scrappers 1st and 3rd with 1 out. A run then scored on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade. Out 3 came on an L4 to Cade.
Top of 3, Tyler, Leyton, and Andrew all get put down on 1-3 plays; nothing getting by the Scrappers pitcher. In the bottom half, after a leadoff base hit, Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 DP. A P1 to Jacob ended the inning, teams knotted at 1.
Top of 4, Smiley hit a line drive to right, only to be set down on an unorthodox 9-3. The ball just got there too quickly, and right at the right fielder playing in. Dane would single, but a pair of pop outs ended the half inning quickly. In the bottom half, the Mudcats worked out of a jam. After a Ryan/Joseph 6-3, the Scrappers hit a double then a single to put runners on 1st and 3rd with just the 1 out. A short pop fly going foul towards the first base dugout was charged by Joseph, who made a diving catch for the out. Then on a 6-3, Joseph outdid himself scooping up a 1-hopper on a bang-bang play to end the threat and secure the 1 to 1 tie through 4 innings.
Top of the 5th featured 4 hard hits, but only one that squeaked through, a double to left-center by Bags. In the bottom half, a single, triple, and then sac-fly, caught by Adam, gave the Scrappers a 2 run advantage. After another base hit, the inning ended on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade and then a K.
The Mudcats went into the 6th inning losing 3 to 1 and made a valiant attempt to come back with the bottom of the order facing the solid Scrappers defense. Adam and Jacob both singled to start the inning. That was as much as the Scrappers would bend, as the next three Mudcats went down, 2 of which were hard hit balls, typical of the game. The tournament game ended at 12:12 PM, Scrappers winning.
The Scrappers finished their season 15-3, losing twice to the Mudcats, who finished their season 16-2-1. The Mudcats only two losses came to the Scrappers during the tournament. The Mudcats and Scrappers finished the regular season 1st and 2nd in record, offense, and defense, and it was only fitting to have these two teams playing the last game of the tournament together.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Elimination Game Victory – Mudcats Advance to Championship
May 30, 2009 – First Pitch at 9:01 AM – A Beautiful Morning for Baseball
Down 3 to 2 though 3 innings in an elimination game, the Mudcats stayed cool on a beautiful morning at West Raleigh, winning 5 runs to 9 and advancing to the Championship.
The Mudcats opened up the game in style, sitting down the Bulls in order. Top of 1 outs included a 4-3 from Cade (off of a deflected ball from the pitcher) to Joseph; a pop fly to right-center caught comfortably by Adam; and a P6 hauled in by Ryan.
Bottom of 1, the boys scored 2 runs as Ryan advanced on an error, and then Dane roped one to left center for 2 bases. Joseph hit one to short and ran out the base hit, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt knocked an RBI single into left clearing Ryan and advancing Joseph to 2nd. The inning ended on a pair of FCs to 3rd, and a pop fly, Mudcats winning no runs to 2.
Top of 2, Bulls tie the game up. After an F6 by Ryan, the next batter blasted one to 3rd knocking Matt down, but not out. Then a 2-run HR knocked the Mudcats down, but not out. The Bulls got two more singles in the inning, but a P4 to Cade and a K ended the run.
Bottom of 2, the Mudcats made a run, but did not score. Adam led off with a shot to center, a 1-hop to the Moe’s sign well played for a long single. Jacob then advanced on an FC, and then got to 2nd on an infield hit by Tyler. Leyton got a base hit to left center, moving Tyler to second, but Jacob would get tagged out at 3rd as he was rounding and coming back in. Andrew hit into a 6-4 and the Mudcats and Bulls were knotted at 2 after 2.
Top of the 3rd started with a line out to Jacob at pitcher. Then an error and base hit gave the Bulls runners of 1st and 2nd with 1 out, and the top of the order coming up to bat. The Bulls’ leadoff batter popped to 1. Then a 2-out single scored 1 run, runners advancing on the throw for a 2nd and 3rd 2-out situation for the #3 batter. No more damage as a ground ball to short was charged hard by Ryan for the 6-3 to Joseph.
Bottom of 3, only Ryan would get a hit, a double that nearly went out, pelting the Michael Jordan sign in left-center. With no runs scored, after 3 the Mudcats were down to the Bulls, 3 runs to 2.
In the top of the 4th, the Mudcats played stellar defense. Out 1 came on a Cade/Joseph 4-3, a base hit, then a P3 to Joseph, and a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade for the 3rd out. Mudcats came back to take the lead in the bottom half, with Cade getting on base with 1 out. Bags singled moving Cade to 2nd, and then Luke two-hopped it to the Moe’s sign for 2 bases, clearing Cade and Bags. An Adam base hit, then line-out, and then 6-3; and the score was 3 to 4 Mudcats after 4.
The boys held on in the 5th with the Bulls leading off the inning with two base hits. With 2 on and none out, a P4 to Cade and then 6-5 from Ryan to Matt helped the situation. A 3rd base hit then loaded the bases with 2 out. The 3rd out came on a fly ball to Joseph at 1st, where he made an excellent catch while simultaneously avoiding the crossing base runner.
Up just 1, the bottom of the order started a run for the Mudcats that ultimately secured the win. With 1 out, Andrew hit one to short and ran out the base hit. Jacob Mitchell then pulled one down to third as Andrew came in sliding to beat out the attempted 5-4. Then with Andrew and Smiley on base, the Mudcats leadoff batter Dane went Yard on a line shot over the left-centerfield fence. The 3-run homer would ultimately include the winning runs of the game. Singles by Ryan and Joseph, and a triple by Cade to score them both padded the lead further. The 5th inning ended with the Mudcats leading 3 runs to 9.
The Bulls went down fighting in the 6th, leading off with a double. A Ryan to Joseph 6-3 earned the 1st out, and also the Bulls a run as the runner hustled from 2nd to score. The next batter hit a solo HR to inch 1 run closer. Then a 3U to Joseph, a base hit, and a K ended the game at 10:31 AM, Mudcats winning 5 runs to 9. The win advanced the Mudcats to the Championship game vs. the Scrappers, starting a half hour later.
Down 3 to 2 though 3 innings in an elimination game, the Mudcats stayed cool on a beautiful morning at West Raleigh, winning 5 runs to 9 and advancing to the Championship.
The Mudcats opened up the game in style, sitting down the Bulls in order. Top of 1 outs included a 4-3 from Cade (off of a deflected ball from the pitcher) to Joseph; a pop fly to right-center caught comfortably by Adam; and a P6 hauled in by Ryan.
Bottom of 1, the boys scored 2 runs as Ryan advanced on an error, and then Dane roped one to left center for 2 bases. Joseph hit one to short and ran out the base hit, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt knocked an RBI single into left clearing Ryan and advancing Joseph to 2nd. The inning ended on a pair of FCs to 3rd, and a pop fly, Mudcats winning no runs to 2.
Top of 2, Bulls tie the game up. After an F6 by Ryan, the next batter blasted one to 3rd knocking Matt down, but not out. Then a 2-run HR knocked the Mudcats down, but not out. The Bulls got two more singles in the inning, but a P4 to Cade and a K ended the run.
Bottom of 2, the Mudcats made a run, but did not score. Adam led off with a shot to center, a 1-hop to the Moe’s sign well played for a long single. Jacob then advanced on an FC, and then got to 2nd on an infield hit by Tyler. Leyton got a base hit to left center, moving Tyler to second, but Jacob would get tagged out at 3rd as he was rounding and coming back in. Andrew hit into a 6-4 and the Mudcats and Bulls were knotted at 2 after 2.
Top of the 3rd started with a line out to Jacob at pitcher. Then an error and base hit gave the Bulls runners of 1st and 2nd with 1 out, and the top of the order coming up to bat. The Bulls’ leadoff batter popped to 1. Then a 2-out single scored 1 run, runners advancing on the throw for a 2nd and 3rd 2-out situation for the #3 batter. No more damage as a ground ball to short was charged hard by Ryan for the 6-3 to Joseph.
Bottom of 3, only Ryan would get a hit, a double that nearly went out, pelting the Michael Jordan sign in left-center. With no runs scored, after 3 the Mudcats were down to the Bulls, 3 runs to 2.
In the top of the 4th, the Mudcats played stellar defense. Out 1 came on a Cade/Joseph 4-3, a base hit, then a P3 to Joseph, and a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade for the 3rd out. Mudcats came back to take the lead in the bottom half, with Cade getting on base with 1 out. Bags singled moving Cade to 2nd, and then Luke two-hopped it to the Moe’s sign for 2 bases, clearing Cade and Bags. An Adam base hit, then line-out, and then 6-3; and the score was 3 to 4 Mudcats after 4.
The boys held on in the 5th with the Bulls leading off the inning with two base hits. With 2 on and none out, a P4 to Cade and then 6-5 from Ryan to Matt helped the situation. A 3rd base hit then loaded the bases with 2 out. The 3rd out came on a fly ball to Joseph at 1st, where he made an excellent catch while simultaneously avoiding the crossing base runner.
Up just 1, the bottom of the order started a run for the Mudcats that ultimately secured the win. With 1 out, Andrew hit one to short and ran out the base hit. Jacob Mitchell then pulled one down to third as Andrew came in sliding to beat out the attempted 5-4. Then with Andrew and Smiley on base, the Mudcats leadoff batter Dane went Yard on a line shot over the left-centerfield fence. The 3-run homer would ultimately include the winning runs of the game. Singles by Ryan and Joseph, and a triple by Cade to score them both padded the lead further. The 5th inning ended with the Mudcats leading 3 runs to 9.
The Bulls went down fighting in the 6th, leading off with a double. A Ryan to Joseph 6-3 earned the 1st out, and also the Bulls a run as the runner hustled from 2nd to score. The next batter hit a solo HR to inch 1 run closer. Then a 3U to Joseph, a base hit, and a K ended the game at 10:31 AM, Mudcats winning 5 runs to 9. The win advanced the Mudcats to the Championship game vs. the Scrappers, starting a half hour later.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mudcats Swing Flat – Lose to Scrappers
May 26, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:45 PM – Weather was overcast
The Mudcats (15-1-1) played their typically strong offense on Tuesday night. The defensive league leading team allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the regular season, and gave up 5 against the Scrappers (14-3). It was the offense that fell short, scoring only 3 runs, off from their league leading 15.6 runs per game regular season average.
The Scrappers came out ready to play, hitting every ball hard in the top of the 1st inning. It was stellar defensive play that held the strong performance by the Scrappers to just 3 runs. The Scrappers led off with 3 singles and a double before a rip down the 3rd base line was snagged by Matt for the 5-3 to Joseph. Then Ryan pulled in a P6 and Cade made an excellent play on a hard hit line to 2nd.
Dane led off the bottom half with a high fly to center for a long single and Matt hit a hard line drive down the 3rd base line into left for a single. Those were the only two hits of the inning as the Mudcats started off down 3 runs to 0.
Top of the 2nd, Mudcats played excellent defense as the Scrappers went down in order. First out came on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, then a K, and then a 1-3, where Bags came in hard toward home, made the barehanded pickup and quick throw to Joseph for the out.
Bottom of 2, Mudcats were flat again with only 2 base hits, a line drive up the middle by Luke and another by Jacob. After 2, the score remained 3 to 0 Scrappers.
Top of 3, great defense again by the Mudcats; the first out came on a 6-3 where Ryan had to range far to his right to get the ball, and made an excellent quick-release throw to Joseph in the full stretch. A fielding error allowed 1 runner on, but a P1 by Jacob and a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph ended the half inning.
Bottom of 3, the Mudcats cut the deficit to 1 after a rally sparked by the bottom of the order. Leyton hit one hard right at the pitcher, who played an exceptional game, and turned the 1-3. Jacob Mitchell then hit a base hit to over the 2nd baseman’s head. Andrew grounded into a 4-3, moving Jacob to 2nd. Dane then doubled to deep left, driving Jacob home, and then Ryan returned the favor, doubling to left-center. After 3 innings the Scrappers were up 3 runs to 2.
Top of the 4th, the Scrappers added 1 on a HR, but otherwise, solid defense for the Mudcats. The first out came on a textbook 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph. After the HR, Cade pulled in out 2 on an F4. Then the Scrappers staged a 2-out rally, with a single followed by a double. A quick throw from Adam in left-center saved the run from scoring. Then with 2nd and 3rd and 2 down, another 6-3 saved the inning with no further damage.
Bottom of 4 was a defining inning for the Scrappers. Matt led off with a deep shot to right-center for 1 base. Then Cade ripped a line drive at the pitcher who made an outstanding catch turn and throw to 1st for the double play, catching Matt off the bag. What could have been a likely 1st and 3rd with none out turned quickly into a none-on, 2-out situation. The inning ended on a P3 with the Scrappers holding onto a 4 to 2 advantage.
Top of 5 the Scrappers added an insurance run. After an error on a pop fly and great hustle the Scrappers led off with a runner on 2nd. An F6 to Ryan was the 1st out. Then after an error, Scrappers had 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Out two came on a high pop fly to center and a great catch by Jacob. The runner, tagging from 2nd to 3rd ended up scoring, as the throw in rolled into the Scrappers’ dugout. A P1 to Bags ended the inning.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats made a run, but only managed to score 1. Luke led off with a line shot to left-center. Then Adam singled to left center, runners now on 1st and 2nd with none out. Jacob lined one up the middle for an unorthodox fielder’s choice, as the centerfielder made the throw into 2nd for the force. Still, the Mudcats had 1st and 3rd with just 1 out. Tyler got his bat head on the ball and scored Luke as Jacob advanced to 2nd. A fielder’s choice and a 5U later, and the Mudcats were down 5 to 3 after 5.
The Mudcats and Scrappers both had their last batter followed by the top of the order coming up in the 6th, with the Mudcats down by 2. A come from behind win seemed possible, especially after the way the boys played D in the top half. The 1st out came on a P6 to Ryan, and the 2nd on a 3U by Joseph. Then a single for the Scrappers, followed by an attempted double to left-center. Dane came up quick with the throw into 2nd where Cade made the catch and tag for the 3rd out and a great deal of momentum for the Mudcats heading into the bottom half.
Only Dane, who went 3 for 3 on the day would get a base hit, a double to deep left-center. The game ended at 7:00 with the Mudcats suffering their first loss of the spring season. The Scrappers advance to the championship round on Saturday where they will face the winner of the Mudcats and Bulls, who play an elimination game Thursday night at West Raleigh.
The Mudcats (15-1-1) played their typically strong offense on Tuesday night. The defensive league leading team allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the regular season, and gave up 5 against the Scrappers (14-3). It was the offense that fell short, scoring only 3 runs, off from their league leading 15.6 runs per game regular season average.
The Scrappers came out ready to play, hitting every ball hard in the top of the 1st inning. It was stellar defensive play that held the strong performance by the Scrappers to just 3 runs. The Scrappers led off with 3 singles and a double before a rip down the 3rd base line was snagged by Matt for the 5-3 to Joseph. Then Ryan pulled in a P6 and Cade made an excellent play on a hard hit line to 2nd.
Dane led off the bottom half with a high fly to center for a long single and Matt hit a hard line drive down the 3rd base line into left for a single. Those were the only two hits of the inning as the Mudcats started off down 3 runs to 0.
Top of the 2nd, Mudcats played excellent defense as the Scrappers went down in order. First out came on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, then a K, and then a 1-3, where Bags came in hard toward home, made the barehanded pickup and quick throw to Joseph for the out.
Bottom of 2, Mudcats were flat again with only 2 base hits, a line drive up the middle by Luke and another by Jacob. After 2, the score remained 3 to 0 Scrappers.
Top of 3, great defense again by the Mudcats; the first out came on a 6-3 where Ryan had to range far to his right to get the ball, and made an excellent quick-release throw to Joseph in the full stretch. A fielding error allowed 1 runner on, but a P1 by Jacob and a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph ended the half inning.
Bottom of 3, the Mudcats cut the deficit to 1 after a rally sparked by the bottom of the order. Leyton hit one hard right at the pitcher, who played an exceptional game, and turned the 1-3. Jacob Mitchell then hit a base hit to over the 2nd baseman’s head. Andrew grounded into a 4-3, moving Jacob to 2nd. Dane then doubled to deep left, driving Jacob home, and then Ryan returned the favor, doubling to left-center. After 3 innings the Scrappers were up 3 runs to 2.
Top of the 4th, the Scrappers added 1 on a HR, but otherwise, solid defense for the Mudcats. The first out came on a textbook 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph. After the HR, Cade pulled in out 2 on an F4. Then the Scrappers staged a 2-out rally, with a single followed by a double. A quick throw from Adam in left-center saved the run from scoring. Then with 2nd and 3rd and 2 down, another 6-3 saved the inning with no further damage.
Bottom of 4 was a defining inning for the Scrappers. Matt led off with a deep shot to right-center for 1 base. Then Cade ripped a line drive at the pitcher who made an outstanding catch turn and throw to 1st for the double play, catching Matt off the bag. What could have been a likely 1st and 3rd with none out turned quickly into a none-on, 2-out situation. The inning ended on a P3 with the Scrappers holding onto a 4 to 2 advantage.
Top of 5 the Scrappers added an insurance run. After an error on a pop fly and great hustle the Scrappers led off with a runner on 2nd. An F6 to Ryan was the 1st out. Then after an error, Scrappers had 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Out two came on a high pop fly to center and a great catch by Jacob. The runner, tagging from 2nd to 3rd ended up scoring, as the throw in rolled into the Scrappers’ dugout. A P1 to Bags ended the inning.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats made a run, but only managed to score 1. Luke led off with a line shot to left-center. Then Adam singled to left center, runners now on 1st and 2nd with none out. Jacob lined one up the middle for an unorthodox fielder’s choice, as the centerfielder made the throw into 2nd for the force. Still, the Mudcats had 1st and 3rd with just 1 out. Tyler got his bat head on the ball and scored Luke as Jacob advanced to 2nd. A fielder’s choice and a 5U later, and the Mudcats were down 5 to 3 after 5.
The Mudcats and Scrappers both had their last batter followed by the top of the order coming up in the 6th, with the Mudcats down by 2. A come from behind win seemed possible, especially after the way the boys played D in the top half. The 1st out came on a P6 to Ryan, and the 2nd on a 3U by Joseph. Then a single for the Scrappers, followed by an attempted double to left-center. Dane came up quick with the throw into 2nd where Cade made the catch and tag for the 3rd out and a great deal of momentum for the Mudcats heading into the bottom half.
Only Dane, who went 3 for 3 on the day would get a base hit, a double to deep left-center. The game ended at 7:00 with the Mudcats suffering their first loss of the spring season. The Scrappers advance to the championship round on Saturday where they will face the winner of the Mudcats and Bulls, who play an elimination game Thursday night at West Raleigh.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mudcats Hold the Bulls – Win Second Round Game
May 18, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:40 PM – Weather was clear and pleasant
The #1 seed Mudcats (15-0-1) prevailed in their second round tournament game against the #4 seed Bulls (10-6). The win advances the Mudcats to the 3rd round of the winners’ bracket where they will face off with the #2 seed Scrappers.The boys started off with great defense in the top of the first. They put the Scrappers down in order on a P1 to Dane, an F4 and then P4, both to Cade. In the bottom half, Dane led off with a line drive to left center and Joseph doubled up the middle, moving Dane to 3rd. Matt brought Dane home on a sac fly, and then Joseph scored when Cade put the ball into play. After 1, the Mudcats were up no runs to 2.
The 2nd inning featured more solid defense by the Mudcats. After a leadoff single by the Bulls, Cade pulled in an F4 for out 1. Then Cade and Ryan connected on a 4-6FC followed by a K to keep the Bulls scoreless. In the bottom half the Mudcats tacked on 3 more. Luke led off with an infield hit demonstrating great hustle. Adam roped one to right-center, moving Luke to 3rd. Jacob put one over the 2nd baseman for an RBI, bringing home Luke. Tyler then lined to left center for 2 bags, clearing the bases ahead of him. Leyton hustled to first to give the Mudcats 2 runners on with none out, but three consecutive hard hit balls by Sticks, Smiley, and Dane went right at the Bulls. After 2, the Mudcats led no runs to 5.
Great defense again in the 3rd, after the Bulls hit a leadoff single. Cade and Ryan earned the first two outs with forces at second base on a 6-4 and then a 4-6 fielder’s choice. Matt connected with Cade on a 5-4, all three outs coming on forces at 2nd. Ryan led off the bottom half with a shot that knocked the 3rd baseman on his heels for 1B. Joseph followed up with a double, moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt lined one to left-center, scoring Ryan and moving Joseph to 3rd. Cade hit an RBI Sac Fly, bringing Matt home and moving Joseph to 3rd. Bags reached on a 5-4FC and then moved to 2nd on a line drive to left by Luke. Adam then doubled up the middle, scoring Bags and moving Luke to 3rd. Jacob then singled up the middle, scoring Luke. After 3 innings, the Mudcats were leading no runs to 9.
In the 4th, the Bulls made a run, posting 4 runs on the board. After a leadoff single and a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, the Bulls had a runner on 2nd with 1 out. A line drive to right-center was stopped by Andrew who made the throw into Cade who got the ball home to Bags for an almost out. End result was 1 run in and the batter on 3rd with still just 1 down. A single brought the runner from 3rd home, and then a 2-run home run completed the scoring effort by the Bulls. The Mudcats closed out the half-inning on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph and then an F4 to Cade.
In the bottom half, the Mudcats came back with 5 runs, starting with a leadoff effort by Leyton to turn an infield ball into 2-bags. After a P4 by Sticks, Jacob Smiley Mitchell added some hustle of his own, resulting in a 1st and 3rd situation for the Mudcats, top of the order coming to the plate. Dane hit a shot to right-center, scoring Leyton. Ryan crushed one to left-center for two bases and scoring Jacob. Joseph singled to right-center, scoring Ryan. Matt lined to left, moving Joseph to 2nd. Cade then lined one up the middle scoring Joseph. With only 1 out, the inning was called on the 5 and 10 run rule, Mudcats winning 4 runs to 14.
Each team added 1 in the 5th. After an error and base hit, the Bulls had runners on 1st and 2nd with none out. After a P2 on a great snag by Luke, then a 1-5 from Bags to Matt, who got the tag on, the Mudcats managed to not allow a runner to reach 3rd, now with 2 down. A single stopped by Tyler held the runners to 1 base, loading them up. Another base hit, and continued great defense by the boys to only allow 1 run to score. A 1-3 from Bags to Joseph got the Mudcats out of the jam.
In the bottom half, the Bags led off with an infield single, followed by another one by Luke. After an L6 and a 1-3, the Mudcats had 2nd and 3rd with 2 out. A line up the middle scored Bags before the inning ended on a P5. After 5, the Mudcats were up 10 runs, 5 to 15.
In the top of the 5th the Bulls staged a serious comeback effort, mostly with 2 outs. After a 3U by Joseph and a single, Ryan connected with Cade on a 6-4 off a missed pop-fly, giving the Bulls a runner on 1st with 2 outs. Then, the Bulls managed 6 straight hard hit singles, ultimately scoring the 5 runs. Finally, and F3 confidently caught by Joseph ended the rally and the game.
The final out came at 7:11 PM with the Mudcats on top, 10 runs to 15. The win keeps the boys in the winners’ bracket where they will face the Scrappers in the 3rd round game.
Round 2 Games Tonight
After Sunday's rain-outs, post season tournament action gets going again tonight at West Raleigh, starting with the #1 seed Mudcats taking on the #4 seed Bulls. Game time is 5:45 PM. The second game, slated to start at 7:30 PM is the #2 vs. #3 match-up between the Scrappers and Bees.
Check out the new interactive bracket being trialed by West Raleigh to keep up with the tournament by clicking here.
Check out the new interactive bracket being trialed by West Raleigh to keep up with the tournament by clicking here.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mudcats Blank Thunder – Win Opening Round Game
May 16, 2009 – First Pitch at 3:00 PM – Weather was steamy
The Mudcats (14-0-1) were a little flat on offense in their opening round game against the Thunder (0-14). But solid defense led the way as the team advances to the second round in the winners bracket.
The boys faced three batters in the top of the 1st. After a line drive base hit by the Thunder to get the game rolling, Cade turned a fabulous F4-3 double play, getting the ball to Joseph before the breaking runner could get back. A 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph ended the inning.
Bottom of 1, Dane broke out the new Vendetta, railing one to the left field fence for two bases. Ryan then hustled to 1st, moving Dane to 3rd. Joseph slapped one up the middle, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt nearly put one out for a long single, scoring Ryan and moving Joseph to 3rd. Cade lined one to right-center and would get to 2nd as Matt ended up being tagged as he was waved to 3rd. After a P1 and a 3U, the Mudcats were up none to 3 in the 1st.
Great defense again in the 2nd inning. A line shot for a single was tracked down by Leyton in the outfield, who made an excellent throw into 2nd. Then after a K and an error, it was 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A 1-5 from Bags to Matt earned the out and kept runners to 1st and 2nd. Then a shot nearly going up the middle was snagged by Cade who ran to 2nd for the 4U.
Bottom of 2, the bats went cold on the Mudcats. Adam hit hard into a 6-3, Leyton had a base-hit up the middle, and Andrew grounded into a 5-4 fielder’s choice. No runs scored and it remained 0 to 3 Mudcats.
Top of the third started with two infield singles by the Thunder. With runners at 1st and 2nd with none out, the Mudcats staged an excellent defensive run, starting with a 5U by Matt to hold runners at 1st and 2nd. Then a P6 by Ryan and another great 4U by Cade, the Mudcats escaped allowing no runs.
Bottom of 3 was the best offensive inning of the game. Dane hit a sharp grounder to left center for a single, then was moved to 2nd on an infield single by Ryan. The double-train started after that, with back-to-back doubles by Joseph, Matt, Cade, Bags, and Luke. Adam and Tyler followed up with base hits, with Luke coming home for the 7th run of the inning, which ended on the 5 and 10 run rule. After 3, Mudcats were up no runs to 10.
Top of the 4th, Thunder did most of the work with 2 K’s, and then an F6 to Ryan closed it out. The Mudcats added 3 more in the bottom half as Andrew got things going with an infield hit to 3rd for a single. Jacob then advanced on a 1-6FC, and was moved to 2nd on another left-center tagged ball by Dane. Ryan doubled to left, scoring Jacob and moving Dane to 3rd. Then Joseph doubled to center, scoring Ryan. After 4 innings, the Mudcats were up no runs to 13.
Continued solid D in the 5th started with a great scoop by Joseph on a 6-3. Cade kept the show going on a 4-3. An infield hit and a K later, and the Mudcats were coming back up to bat. The boys added 1 in the bottom half, starting with a line drive to left center by Cade. Another Luke double moved Cade to 3rd, and a Tyler infield hit brought him home. Leyton added one more hit to the inning before it was over, Mudcats on top 0 to 14.
The Mudcats put the Thunder down in order in the 6th, on a 3U by Adam playing 1st, a fly to the outfield brought in by Matt, and then an F6 to Ryan.
The Mudcats shut out the Thunder and scored 14 runs in the win. Defense was so dominant, that the Thunder never had a base runner reach 3rd base. The Mudcats continue their winning streak into the playoffs, remaining in the winners bracket and advancing to their second round game against the Bulls.
The Mudcats (14-0-1) were a little flat on offense in their opening round game against the Thunder (0-14). But solid defense led the way as the team advances to the second round in the winners bracket.
The boys faced three batters in the top of the 1st. After a line drive base hit by the Thunder to get the game rolling, Cade turned a fabulous F4-3 double play, getting the ball to Joseph before the breaking runner could get back. A 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph ended the inning.
Bottom of 1, Dane broke out the new Vendetta, railing one to the left field fence for two bases. Ryan then hustled to 1st, moving Dane to 3rd. Joseph slapped one up the middle, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt nearly put one out for a long single, scoring Ryan and moving Joseph to 3rd. Cade lined one to right-center and would get to 2nd as Matt ended up being tagged as he was waved to 3rd. After a P1 and a 3U, the Mudcats were up none to 3 in the 1st.
Great defense again in the 2nd inning. A line shot for a single was tracked down by Leyton in the outfield, who made an excellent throw into 2nd. Then after a K and an error, it was 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A 1-5 from Bags to Matt earned the out and kept runners to 1st and 2nd. Then a shot nearly going up the middle was snagged by Cade who ran to 2nd for the 4U.
Bottom of 2, the bats went cold on the Mudcats. Adam hit hard into a 6-3, Leyton had a base-hit up the middle, and Andrew grounded into a 5-4 fielder’s choice. No runs scored and it remained 0 to 3 Mudcats.
Top of the third started with two infield singles by the Thunder. With runners at 1st and 2nd with none out, the Mudcats staged an excellent defensive run, starting with a 5U by Matt to hold runners at 1st and 2nd. Then a P6 by Ryan and another great 4U by Cade, the Mudcats escaped allowing no runs.
Bottom of 3 was the best offensive inning of the game. Dane hit a sharp grounder to left center for a single, then was moved to 2nd on an infield single by Ryan. The double-train started after that, with back-to-back doubles by Joseph, Matt, Cade, Bags, and Luke. Adam and Tyler followed up with base hits, with Luke coming home for the 7th run of the inning, which ended on the 5 and 10 run rule. After 3, Mudcats were up no runs to 10.
Top of the 4th, Thunder did most of the work with 2 K’s, and then an F6 to Ryan closed it out. The Mudcats added 3 more in the bottom half as Andrew got things going with an infield hit to 3rd for a single. Jacob then advanced on a 1-6FC, and was moved to 2nd on another left-center tagged ball by Dane. Ryan doubled to left, scoring Jacob and moving Dane to 3rd. Then Joseph doubled to center, scoring Ryan. After 4 innings, the Mudcats were up no runs to 13.
Continued solid D in the 5th started with a great scoop by Joseph on a 6-3. Cade kept the show going on a 4-3. An infield hit and a K later, and the Mudcats were coming back up to bat. The boys added 1 in the bottom half, starting with a line drive to left center by Cade. Another Luke double moved Cade to 3rd, and a Tyler infield hit brought him home. Leyton added one more hit to the inning before it was over, Mudcats on top 0 to 14.
The Mudcats put the Thunder down in order in the 6th, on a 3U by Adam playing 1st, a fly to the outfield brought in by Matt, and then an F6 to Ryan.
The Mudcats shut out the Thunder and scored 14 runs in the win. Defense was so dominant, that the Thunder never had a base runner reach 3rd base. The Mudcats continue their winning streak into the playoffs, remaining in the winners bracket and advancing to their second round game against the Bulls.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tournament Starts this Weekend
The Mudcats (#1 seed) will be taking on the Thunder (#8 seed) this Saturday at 3:00. The end of season double elimination tournament will be played from May 16th through May 30th. You can download a tournament bracket here.
Closing ceremonies are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30th.
Closing ceremonies are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30th.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mudcats Strike Thunder – Win Regular Season
May 11, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:44 PM – Weather was overcast & cool
The Mudcats (13-0-1) looked as loose as they have all spring while warming up for their season closer against the Thunder (0-14). The Mudcats sat down the Thunder in order 3 of the 6 innings played, and jumped to a 10-0 lead in the 1st inning. The win secured the boys an undefeated regular season. They will face the Thunder again in the opening round of the tournament at 3:00 on Saturday.
The boys played with a purpose in the top of the 1st, putting the Thunder down in order on an F1 to Dane, a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, and an F6 to Ryan.
Bottom of the 1st, the Mudcats sent all 13 boys to the plate; all 13 getting on base, scored 10, and only suffered 1 out before the inning ended on rule. Dane hustled to 1st to get the inning started, then Ryan singled to left-center, the Joseph got one past short, then Matt put one into left, Cade advanced on a 5-4 FC, then Bags hustled for a hit, then Luke lined one to left, Adam doubled to the right-center fence, Jacob put it into play for two-bags, Tyler knocked a shot to left, Leyton put another one into left, Andrew pushed one through the 3rd baseman, and Jacob hit into left center. Thunder none, Mudcats 10 after 1.
Top of the 2nd, the Thunder managed their only run of the game after a leadoff double. The runner advanced to 3rd on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, and then scored on a 3U by Joseph. Bags finished it with an F1.
Dane hustled out again in the bottom of the 2nd to get the inning going. Ryan followed up with a line shot to center for a double. After a P6, Matt doubled to center, scoring Ryan. Then Cade cleared the bases with his first career HR, going yard over the Moe’s sign. After a 6-3 for out 2, Luke lined a rocket off one-bounce into the chest of the shortstop for a single. Credit the toughness of the shortstop who recovered quickly. Adam lined one to the centerfield fence, but would be left stranded along with Luke, the inning ending with the Mudcats leading 1 run to 14.
The Mudcats had their second perfect inning in the 3rd, sitting the Thunder down on a 6-3, 1-3, 6-3 from Ryan, then Jacob, then Ryan again to Joseph.
The boys tacked on 1 more in the bottom half, kick started by Leyton who singled to left with 1 out. Andrew lined one into left center moving Leyton to second. Then with 2-out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Dane smoked on to the fence just right of center, scoring Leyton as Andrew advanced fro 1st to 3rd. Ryan ripped one right short for an L6, and after 3 it was Thunder 1, Mudcats 15.
Top of the 4th, the first out came on a sweet 6-3 with Ryan ranging all the way to his left, snagging the ball just in front of second base, then throwing on the run to Joseph. After a base hit and a K, Cade connected with Ryan on a 4-6 to close down the Thunder.
Bottom of the 4th, 3 more runs for the Mudcats. Joseph singled to left. Then Matt hit a high shot to deep right-center that looked like it was going out. By the time it bounced once into the fence, Joseph had already motored from 1st through 3rd scoring on the hit. Cade then followed with a hard grounder into left-center, moving Matt to 2nd. Bags then hit a line shot only to have it snagged for an L6. Then Luke lined one into left, scoring Matt and moving Cade to 2nd. Adam drilled one into right-center, moving Cade to 3rd. Then Jacob got an RBI on a 1-3, scoring the final run of the game for the Mudcats. The inning ended Mudcats leading 1 run to 18.
Top of the 5th, Mudcats shut down the Thunder in order again, with some help, on an F6 to Cade playing at short, a K, and then a 6-4 from Cade to Dane. Great defense by the boys mixing it up in the field.
The bottom three batters went down in order in the 5th for the Mudcats, but not due to lack of hitting. The Thunder played their best defense of the game pulling in a nice line drive to 2nd, a hard hit 6-3, and another sharply hit 4-3.
Playing out of position again in the 6th, the Mudcats showed solid defense to win the game. The outs came on a 4-3 from Bags to Adam, an F6 to Matt, and then an L3 to Adam.
The game ended at 7:00, Mudcats winning by a score of 1 run to 18. The win gave the boys an undefeated regular season final record of 13 wins, no losses, and 1 tie. The team was loose from the pregame warm-ups through the final out. It was a fun game for all in the Mudcats family!
The Mudcats (13-0-1) looked as loose as they have all spring while warming up for their season closer against the Thunder (0-14). The Mudcats sat down the Thunder in order 3 of the 6 innings played, and jumped to a 10-0 lead in the 1st inning. The win secured the boys an undefeated regular season. They will face the Thunder again in the opening round of the tournament at 3:00 on Saturday.
The boys played with a purpose in the top of the 1st, putting the Thunder down in order on an F1 to Dane, a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, and an F6 to Ryan.
Bottom of the 1st, the Mudcats sent all 13 boys to the plate; all 13 getting on base, scored 10, and only suffered 1 out before the inning ended on rule. Dane hustled to 1st to get the inning started, then Ryan singled to left-center, the Joseph got one past short, then Matt put one into left, Cade advanced on a 5-4 FC, then Bags hustled for a hit, then Luke lined one to left, Adam doubled to the right-center fence, Jacob put it into play for two-bags, Tyler knocked a shot to left, Leyton put another one into left, Andrew pushed one through the 3rd baseman, and Jacob hit into left center. Thunder none, Mudcats 10 after 1.
Top of the 2nd, the Thunder managed their only run of the game after a leadoff double. The runner advanced to 3rd on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, and then scored on a 3U by Joseph. Bags finished it with an F1.
Dane hustled out again in the bottom of the 2nd to get the inning going. Ryan followed up with a line shot to center for a double. After a P6, Matt doubled to center, scoring Ryan. Then Cade cleared the bases with his first career HR, going yard over the Moe’s sign. After a 6-3 for out 2, Luke lined a rocket off one-bounce into the chest of the shortstop for a single. Credit the toughness of the shortstop who recovered quickly. Adam lined one to the centerfield fence, but would be left stranded along with Luke, the inning ending with the Mudcats leading 1 run to 14.
The Mudcats had their second perfect inning in the 3rd, sitting the Thunder down on a 6-3, 1-3, 6-3 from Ryan, then Jacob, then Ryan again to Joseph.
The boys tacked on 1 more in the bottom half, kick started by Leyton who singled to left with 1 out. Andrew lined one into left center moving Leyton to second. Then with 2-out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Dane smoked on to the fence just right of center, scoring Leyton as Andrew advanced fro 1st to 3rd. Ryan ripped one right short for an L6, and after 3 it was Thunder 1, Mudcats 15.
Top of the 4th, the first out came on a sweet 6-3 with Ryan ranging all the way to his left, snagging the ball just in front of second base, then throwing on the run to Joseph. After a base hit and a K, Cade connected with Ryan on a 4-6 to close down the Thunder.
Bottom of the 4th, 3 more runs for the Mudcats. Joseph singled to left. Then Matt hit a high shot to deep right-center that looked like it was going out. By the time it bounced once into the fence, Joseph had already motored from 1st through 3rd scoring on the hit. Cade then followed with a hard grounder into left-center, moving Matt to 2nd. Bags then hit a line shot only to have it snagged for an L6. Then Luke lined one into left, scoring Matt and moving Cade to 2nd. Adam drilled one into right-center, moving Cade to 3rd. Then Jacob got an RBI on a 1-3, scoring the final run of the game for the Mudcats. The inning ended Mudcats leading 1 run to 18.
Top of the 5th, Mudcats shut down the Thunder in order again, with some help, on an F6 to Cade playing at short, a K, and then a 6-4 from Cade to Dane. Great defense by the boys mixing it up in the field.
The bottom three batters went down in order in the 5th for the Mudcats, but not due to lack of hitting. The Thunder played their best defense of the game pulling in a nice line drive to 2nd, a hard hit 6-3, and another sharply hit 4-3.
Playing out of position again in the 6th, the Mudcats showed solid defense to win the game. The outs came on a 4-3 from Bags to Adam, an F6 to Matt, and then an L3 to Adam.
The game ended at 7:00, Mudcats winning by a score of 1 run to 18. The win gave the boys an undefeated regular season final record of 13 wins, no losses, and 1 tie. The team was loose from the pregame warm-ups through the final out. It was a fun game for all in the Mudcats family!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Mudcats Out on Time
May 6, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:44 PM – Weather was Humid
The Mudcats (11-0-1) played their tightest game of the season to date, ending in a 7 to 7 tie in extra innings to the Bats (4-7-1). The boys staged a bottom of the 6th come from behind run to force extra innings and preserve their undefeated season, but ran into a time limit before a victor could be decided.
Top of the 1st, fielding errors and solid hitting by the Bats, including two singles would score 2 for the Bats, giving them the early advantage. The outs came on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade after a muffed infield pop, a 4-6 between the two again, and then a nice basket catch in center by Leyton to end the half.
The Mudcats rallied back in the bottom half to take the lead. Dane led off with a sharp single to left center. Ryan followed with a single, as did Joseph, loading the bases for Matt. He followed with a 2-RBI single to left, scoring Dane and Ryan. Bags then singled, scoring Joseph from 2nd, and then Luke added one more, scoring Matt. A 1-3 double-play ended the run earlier than expected, but the Mudcats came out of 1 inning up 2 runs to 4.
The boys held their lead in the second, getting two quick outs on an L1 to Bags and then a 4-3 between Cade and Joseph. After couple of base hits, the Bats were threatening with runners on 1st and 3rd with 2-down, but a 6-3 from Ryan to Jospeph (nice scoop!) ended the half.
The Mudcats failed to capitalize in the second with only two base hits, one by Jacob, beating out the shortstops throw, and one by Andrew, a line drive to center field. After 2, the score remained Bats 2, Mudcats 4.
In the 3rd, the Bats took back the lead scoring 3. The leadoff batter hit into a Ryan to Joseph 6-3. Then an infield miscue allowed a runner on. The next hit was knocked down by a diving Ryan, but the Bats now had runners on 1st and 2nd with only 1 out. A second error allowed the lead runner to score, and now it ws 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. A base hit scored the 2 runs. Then back to back 4-3 putouts from Cade to Joseph ended the half inning, Bats leading 5 runs to 4.
The Mudcats tied it up quickly with a leadoff HR by Dane, clearing the Moe’s sign. Ryan the hustled his way to 1st, followed by a 1-3 from Joseph, moving him to 2nd. A single by Matt scored Ryan, but the inning would end abruptly on the second 1-3 double play against the Mudcats in the 3 innings played. After 3 the Mudcats were up just 1 run, 5 runs to 6.
Great defense by the Mudcats in the 4th, including a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, then a base hit, then a 5-4 FC from Matt to Cade, and then a P6 to Ryan. Bottom of the 4th, ‘Cats did just the same, sending just 4 players to the plate, the only hit being a line drive down the proprietary Mudcats 3rd base line by Luke. After 4, still Bats 5, Mudcats 6.
Top of the 5th was the best defensive inning by the Mudcats who put the Bats down in order on an L5 (nice grab by Matt), then a P6 to Ryan, and then a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph getting the whole infield in on the inning.
Tyler got robbed of a base hit on a fantastic defensive 1-3 by the Bats. Then Leyton would get a nice hit in the bottom of the 5th, and Andrew reached on a 5-4 FC. Jacob Mitchell absolutely smashed one, only to have it go into the scorecard as an L6. After 5, still Mudcats by 1, 5 runs to 6.
Top of the 6th and top of the order for the Bats. It was looking good at first when they helped out with a K. But after a pair of singles and some throwing errors, a runs scored, and the Mudcats were looking at a 6 to 6 tie with a runner on 3rd and just 1 out. The next batter hit a fly ball to RC that Adam caught and got to the infield quickly, the play at the plate was close, but safe, and the sac fly gave the Bats a 1 run advantage in the final frame. After another base hit and then error, the Bats were threatening again, runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 out. A P6 hauled in confidently by Ryan finally ended the run.
For the first time this season, the Mudcats found themselves losing heading into the bottom of the 6th inning. With the pressure of their 1st loss on the line, the boys responded with confidence. Dane led off with another proprietary 3rd base liner for 2 bags. Ryan would hustle for an infield hit, now 1st and 2nd with none out. Joseph reached on a 6-5 FC. Then Matt squeaked one out for a single, loading the bases with 1-down. Cade came through with a clutch sac fly to tie the game and preserve the Mudcats undefeated season. Another great 1-3 by the Bats, and the boys were headed to extra innings all knotted up at 7.
The team showed great confidence again in the 7th. After a leadoff single, Ryan made a great catch for the 1st out. Then on a would-be single to left-center Dane made a heads up play to get the force out at second. But a pair of base hits would load the bases for the Bats, threatening again. Joseph then made a great snag on a grounder to one with the base runner obstructing his view, for an outstanding 3U to get out of the jam.
Luke led off the bottom of the single burning it up to 1st base for a single. But the next three batters would go down, ending the 7th in a 7 to 7 tie. It was 7:24 and the 1.5-hour time limit had run over for the two teams. Both showed fantastic composure in a game that was played tight throughout.
The Mudcats remain undefeated and are 2 games up on the second place Bees, with 2 regular season games remaining.
The Mudcats (11-0-1) played their tightest game of the season to date, ending in a 7 to 7 tie in extra innings to the Bats (4-7-1). The boys staged a bottom of the 6th come from behind run to force extra innings and preserve their undefeated season, but ran into a time limit before a victor could be decided.
Top of the 1st, fielding errors and solid hitting by the Bats, including two singles would score 2 for the Bats, giving them the early advantage. The outs came on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade after a muffed infield pop, a 4-6 between the two again, and then a nice basket catch in center by Leyton to end the half.
The Mudcats rallied back in the bottom half to take the lead. Dane led off with a sharp single to left center. Ryan followed with a single, as did Joseph, loading the bases for Matt. He followed with a 2-RBI single to left, scoring Dane and Ryan. Bags then singled, scoring Joseph from 2nd, and then Luke added one more, scoring Matt. A 1-3 double-play ended the run earlier than expected, but the Mudcats came out of 1 inning up 2 runs to 4.
The boys held their lead in the second, getting two quick outs on an L1 to Bags and then a 4-3 between Cade and Joseph. After couple of base hits, the Bats were threatening with runners on 1st and 3rd with 2-down, but a 6-3 from Ryan to Jospeph (nice scoop!) ended the half.
The Mudcats failed to capitalize in the second with only two base hits, one by Jacob, beating out the shortstops throw, and one by Andrew, a line drive to center field. After 2, the score remained Bats 2, Mudcats 4.
In the 3rd, the Bats took back the lead scoring 3. The leadoff batter hit into a Ryan to Joseph 6-3. Then an infield miscue allowed a runner on. The next hit was knocked down by a diving Ryan, but the Bats now had runners on 1st and 2nd with only 1 out. A second error allowed the lead runner to score, and now it ws 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. A base hit scored the 2 runs. Then back to back 4-3 putouts from Cade to Joseph ended the half inning, Bats leading 5 runs to 4.
The Mudcats tied it up quickly with a leadoff HR by Dane, clearing the Moe’s sign. Ryan the hustled his way to 1st, followed by a 1-3 from Joseph, moving him to 2nd. A single by Matt scored Ryan, but the inning would end abruptly on the second 1-3 double play against the Mudcats in the 3 innings played. After 3 the Mudcats were up just 1 run, 5 runs to 6.
Great defense by the Mudcats in the 4th, including a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, then a base hit, then a 5-4 FC from Matt to Cade, and then a P6 to Ryan. Bottom of the 4th, ‘Cats did just the same, sending just 4 players to the plate, the only hit being a line drive down the proprietary Mudcats 3rd base line by Luke. After 4, still Bats 5, Mudcats 6.
Top of the 5th was the best defensive inning by the Mudcats who put the Bats down in order on an L5 (nice grab by Matt), then a P6 to Ryan, and then a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph getting the whole infield in on the inning.
Tyler got robbed of a base hit on a fantastic defensive 1-3 by the Bats. Then Leyton would get a nice hit in the bottom of the 5th, and Andrew reached on a 5-4 FC. Jacob Mitchell absolutely smashed one, only to have it go into the scorecard as an L6. After 5, still Mudcats by 1, 5 runs to 6.
Top of the 6th and top of the order for the Bats. It was looking good at first when they helped out with a K. But after a pair of singles and some throwing errors, a runs scored, and the Mudcats were looking at a 6 to 6 tie with a runner on 3rd and just 1 out. The next batter hit a fly ball to RC that Adam caught and got to the infield quickly, the play at the plate was close, but safe, and the sac fly gave the Bats a 1 run advantage in the final frame. After another base hit and then error, the Bats were threatening again, runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 out. A P6 hauled in confidently by Ryan finally ended the run.
For the first time this season, the Mudcats found themselves losing heading into the bottom of the 6th inning. With the pressure of their 1st loss on the line, the boys responded with confidence. Dane led off with another proprietary 3rd base liner for 2 bags. Ryan would hustle for an infield hit, now 1st and 2nd with none out. Joseph reached on a 6-5 FC. Then Matt squeaked one out for a single, loading the bases with 1-down. Cade came through with a clutch sac fly to tie the game and preserve the Mudcats undefeated season. Another great 1-3 by the Bats, and the boys were headed to extra innings all knotted up at 7.
The team showed great confidence again in the 7th. After a leadoff single, Ryan made a great catch for the 1st out. Then on a would-be single to left-center Dane made a heads up play to get the force out at second. But a pair of base hits would load the bases for the Bats, threatening again. Joseph then made a great snag on a grounder to one with the base runner obstructing his view, for an outstanding 3U to get out of the jam.
Luke led off the bottom of the single burning it up to 1st base for a single. But the next three batters would go down, ending the 7th in a 7 to 7 tie. It was 7:24 and the 1.5-hour time limit had run over for the two teams. Both showed fantastic composure in a game that was played tight throughout.
The Mudcats remain undefeated and are 2 games up on the second place Bees, with 2 regular season games remaining.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Mudcats Recover – Down Scrappers
May 2, 2009 – First Pitch at 1:06 PM – Cloudy and Warm with Spotty Rain
The Mudcats (11-0) defeated the Scrappers (8-3) in a methodical come-from-behind win. The game featured a pair of key two-out rallies and one bottom-of-the-order scoring frame to post the runs necessary to win. After giving up 7 in the first, the Mudcats tightened up, only allowing 3 more through the 5 remaining innings.
The Scrappers late pregame batting practice was brought to the plate, as their first 8 batters hit the ball solidly, scoring 6 runs before the Mudcats would earn their first out. A 7th run scored on the first out, a 1-6 FC from Dane to Ryan. Then Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 double play to get out of the inning.
Down 7-zip quick, the Mudcats had a rare offensive start, with Dane lining out to the pitcher, and then a P5 by Ryan. Heads were down in the Mudcats’ dugout, but good teams don’t quit. After an encouraging pep talk by Coach Vaughn to the team, Joseph got a 2-out rally started with a 1B hard grounder to LC. Matt pulled one into the LC gap for a deuce, scoring Joseph. Cade lined one to LC, scoring Matt. Bags put one into right, getting Cade to 3rd. Luke hit a rope that wanted to knock down the outfield fence for 3-bags, clearing the lead runners. After on inning the Mudcats chipped back into it, down 7 runs to 4.
Not wanting to get down further, the Mudcats staged a great top of 2, putting the Scrappers down in order on a 1-3 from Bags to Joseph, and then a pair of 6-3 putouts from Ryan to Joseph.
The bottom of the order came through in the 2nd for the ‘Cats. Leyton led off with a double to the LC gap. Jacob lined on hard, right at the pitcher for out one. Andrew pulled one down the left-field line, for 2-bags and scoring Leyton. Then Jacob Mitchell knocked one into center, moving Andrew to 3rd. Dane hit an RBI 6-4FC, scoring Andrew. After 2, the Mudcats got to within 1, down 7 runs to 6.
Solid D continued in the 3rd. Scrappers led off with a single, then a P5 to Matt, and then a 6-4FC from Ryan to Cade. Another 1B gave the Scrappers runners on 1st and 3rd with 2-down, only to have it snuffed by another 6-4.
The Scrappers held serve in the bottom half. Joseph cranked one into the Moe’s sign, but a friendly bounce of the wall, and a perfectly executed play by the Scrappers caught him going for 2 bags. With 1 down, Matt followed with a line-drive smash to LC for to bases, sliding. But a P1 and a 6-3 would get the Scrappers out of the inning, holding on to their 1-run advantage.
Top of the 4th, the defensive showdown continued. The Mudcats earned their first out on a textbook Ryan/Joseph 6-3. The Scrappers then hit a single, to put 1 on with 1 out. The Mudcats then ended the inning on a 6-4 double play attempt, in which interference was called on the runner going into 2nd standing.
Bottom of the 4th, Scrappers held their 1-run lead again, shutting down the Mudcats quickly. Four batters stepped to the plate, with only Leyton taking the ball down the 3rd base line, property of the Mudcats. After 4, the score remained at 7 to 6, Scrappers up.
Top of the 5th, Scrappers pad their lead by one, but the Mudcats play excellent defense to give up just that one run. Scrappers led off with 2 solid base hits. With runners on 1st and 2nd, none out, the 3rd batter nailed a base hit to center, tracked down by Dane, making a quick throw to Ryan, who in turn threw it to home where Luke was ready to make the catch and tag on the runner coming from 2nd. It was a huge out, but the Scrappers still had runners on 2nd and 3rd with just 1-down. A base hit scored the runner from third. Still just one out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Ryan pulled in a P6, then a Jacob to Joseph 1-3 ended the threat.
Now down by two, bottom of the 5th, and the bottom two hitters go down. It was time for another 2-out rally by the Mudcats, and they put on a show. Line drive by Dane to LC, then Ryan smashed one at short, literally taking the player down. 1st and 3rd Mudcats, and Joseph hits one up the middle scoring both Dane and Ryan and the game is tied. Matt doubled down the proprietary Mudcats’ left-field line while Joseph scored. Then Cade put one down the left-field line, followed by Bags, who wanted a piece of that prime real estate. Now bases loaded for Luke, who advances all runners 1B. Then Adam hits one to RC, scoring Cade and Bags. Then Leyton gets in on the left-field line action, scoring Luke. Jacob loaded the bases again for Andrew, who led off the inning. He’d line out to 1, but not before the Mudcats scored 7 runs, taking a 6-run lead to the 6th.
The Scrappers made a great effort to come back in the 6th. After an L4 to Cade, back-to-back doubles scored 1. Then Joseph made an excellent plan on a sharply hit ball taking an ugly hop for the 3U putout, lead runner advancing to 2nd. The Scrappers scored a 2nd run on an infield hit. Matt connected with Joseph on a 5-3 to end the game at 2:34 PM. Mudcats win 10 runs to 13 and are able to sit out the bottom of the 6th after trailing heading into 5… Amazing.
Another great win for the boys!
The Mudcats (11-0) defeated the Scrappers (8-3) in a methodical come-from-behind win. The game featured a pair of key two-out rallies and one bottom-of-the-order scoring frame to post the runs necessary to win. After giving up 7 in the first, the Mudcats tightened up, only allowing 3 more through the 5 remaining innings.
The Scrappers late pregame batting practice was brought to the plate, as their first 8 batters hit the ball solidly, scoring 6 runs before the Mudcats would earn their first out. A 7th run scored on the first out, a 1-6 FC from Dane to Ryan. Then Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 double play to get out of the inning.Down 7-zip quick, the Mudcats had a rare offensive start, with Dane lining out to the pitcher, and then a P5 by Ryan. Heads were down in the Mudcats’ dugout, but good teams don’t quit. After an encouraging pep talk by Coach Vaughn to the team, Joseph got a 2-out rally started with a 1B hard grounder to LC. Matt pulled one into the LC gap for a deuce, scoring Joseph. Cade lined one to LC, scoring Matt. Bags put one into right, getting Cade to 3rd. Luke hit a rope that wanted to knock down the outfield fence for 3-bags, clearing the lead runners. After on inning the Mudcats chipped back into it, down 7 runs to 4.
Not wanting to get down further, the Mudcats staged a great top of 2, putting the Scrappers down in order on a 1-3 from Bags to Joseph, and then a pair of 6-3 putouts from Ryan to Joseph.
The bottom of the order came through in the 2nd for the ‘Cats. Leyton led off with a double to the LC gap. Jacob lined on hard, right at the pitcher for out one. Andrew pulled one down the left-field line, for 2-bags and scoring Leyton. Then Jacob Mitchell knocked one into center, moving Andrew to 3rd. Dane hit an RBI 6-4FC, scoring Andrew. After 2, the Mudcats got to within 1, down 7 runs to 6.
Solid D continued in the 3rd. Scrappers led off with a single, then a P5 to Matt, and then a 6-4FC from Ryan to Cade. Another 1B gave the Scrappers runners on 1st and 3rd with 2-down, only to have it snuffed by another 6-4.
The Scrappers held serve in the bottom half. Joseph cranked one into the Moe’s sign, but a friendly bounce of the wall, and a perfectly executed play by the Scrappers caught him going for 2 bags. With 1 down, Matt followed with a line-drive smash to LC for to bases, sliding. But a P1 and a 6-3 would get the Scrappers out of the inning, holding on to their 1-run advantage.
Top of the 4th, the defensive showdown continued. The Mudcats earned their first out on a textbook Ryan/Joseph 6-3. The Scrappers then hit a single, to put 1 on with 1 out. The Mudcats then ended the inning on a 6-4 double play attempt, in which interference was called on the runner going into 2nd standing.
Bottom of the 4th, Scrappers held their 1-run lead again, shutting down the Mudcats quickly. Four batters stepped to the plate, with only Leyton taking the ball down the 3rd base line, property of the Mudcats. After 4, the score remained at 7 to 6, Scrappers up.
Top of the 5th, Scrappers pad their lead by one, but the Mudcats play excellent defense to give up just that one run. Scrappers led off with 2 solid base hits. With runners on 1st and 2nd, none out, the 3rd batter nailed a base hit to center, tracked down by Dane, making a quick throw to Ryan, who in turn threw it to home where Luke was ready to make the catch and tag on the runner coming from 2nd. It was a huge out, but the Scrappers still had runners on 2nd and 3rd with just 1-down. A base hit scored the runner from third. Still just one out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Ryan pulled in a P6, then a Jacob to Joseph 1-3 ended the threat.
Now down by two, bottom of the 5th, and the bottom two hitters go down. It was time for another 2-out rally by the Mudcats, and they put on a show. Line drive by Dane to LC, then Ryan smashed one at short, literally taking the player down. 1st and 3rd Mudcats, and Joseph hits one up the middle scoring both Dane and Ryan and the game is tied. Matt doubled down the proprietary Mudcats’ left-field line while Joseph scored. Then Cade put one down the left-field line, followed by Bags, who wanted a piece of that prime real estate. Now bases loaded for Luke, who advances all runners 1B. Then Adam hits one to RC, scoring Cade and Bags. Then Leyton gets in on the left-field line action, scoring Luke. Jacob loaded the bases again for Andrew, who led off the inning. He’d line out to 1, but not before the Mudcats scored 7 runs, taking a 6-run lead to the 6th.
The Scrappers made a great effort to come back in the 6th. After an L4 to Cade, back-to-back doubles scored 1. Then Joseph made an excellent plan on a sharply hit ball taking an ugly hop for the 3U putout, lead runner advancing to 2nd. The Scrappers scored a 2nd run on an infield hit. Matt connected with Joseph on a 5-3 to end the game at 2:34 PM. Mudcats win 10 runs to 13 and are able to sit out the bottom of the 6th after trailing heading into 5… Amazing.
Another great win for the boys!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Mudcats Blank the Bees
May 1, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:49 PM– Weather in and out of rain
The first-place Mudcats (10-0) played their most complete game of the season as they defeated the second place Bees (8-2) on Friday night in West Raleigh.
Dane got the game started by hustling to first for a leadoff runner on and none out in the first. Ryan singled down the left field line, then Joseph singled to load the bases. Matt knocked one up the middle, scoring both Dane and Ryan. Bags blasted one through short, bringing home Joseph. Luke reached on a 6-4 FC. Adam lined a single to left-center, scoring Matt.
Four batters came to the plate, with a runner reaching first for the Bees. The outs included an F5 to Matt and a 6-4 between Ryan and Cade. After one inning the Mudcats were up 4 runs to none.
Andrew got things going in the 2nd with a hit down the 3rd base line. Jacob Mitchell reached on a 1-6 FC. Dane singled up the middle, moving Jacob to 2nd. Ryan singled, but would advance to 3rd on throws with Jacob and Dane both scoring. Joseph hit a double to left-center, scoring Ryan. Matt singled, but was left stranded along with Joseph.
Bottom of two, Bees led off with a single. The first out came on an L1 snagged by Bags. The second out came on a sweet P2 basket catch by Luke, quick to get his mask off and avoid the batter interference. Another single put runners on 1st and 2nd with 2-out. That’s as far as they got, as a 6U by Ryan put the Bees back in the field. After two innings the score was all Mudcats with 7.
Third inning was the only scoreless one for the Mudcats. Bags led off with a single. Luke advanced on a 6U FC. Adam singled, moving Luke to second. Leyton singled to load the bases. Jacob hit into a 1-2 and then Andrew a 6U to end the inning.
Bottom of 3, Bees led off with a single, followed by a 1-6FC, then a 5-4FC, then a P3. The Bees never got a runner past first, and the inning ended, Mudcats still up 7 runs to none.
Top of the 4th, Dane got things going with a single before a brief rain delay. Ryan got things going once play resumed advancing on a 5-4 FC. Then Joseph drilled one up the middle, scoring Ryan from 1st. It would be the only run of the inning for the Mudcats.
Bottom half, Dane and Joseph chalked up the first out with a 5-3. Then on a shot to left, Bags fielded the ball quickly and got it in, holding the runner to 1B. That was a key play to save the shutout, as the next batter hit a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. An L4 to Cade and then a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph snuffed the Bees scoring chance. After 4 innings, it was all Mudcats with 8 runs.
Cade led off the 5th with a line-shot up the middle. Bags hustled for a 1B, moving Cade Bags to 2nd. Luke hustled for an infield single, and then advanced to second on throws as Cade scored and Bags advanced to 3rd. Then Adam singled up the middle and reached second on the throws, as Bags and Luke both scored. Leyton then hit a 2-bag shot down the left-field line. Jacob followed suit with a double down the left-field line again, scoring Leyton, and ending the inning by rule.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats put the Bees down in order on a P3 to Joseph, a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, and a P1 brought down by Jacob. After 5 innings, the Mudcats were leading 13 runs to none.
Andrew led off the 6th with a rip down the left field line for 1B. Jacob Mitchell reached on a 6-4 FC. Runners would advance 1-base at a time as Dane singled up the middle, Ryan singled on a fly to center, Joseph cranked one to left-center, Matt drilled one down the left-field line, Cade lined a single to center, and Bags hit a shot to left-center. In all, 4 runs scored before the Bees’ last ups.
The Mudcats closed out the game on a 4-3 from Bags to Adam, followed by a Bees base hit, then an L4 to Bags and an F6 to Cade. The game ended at 7:13 PM, Mudcats shutting out the Bees 17 runs to none. The game featured 6 rips down the left-field line, which the Mudcats owned for the evening. Defensively, the boys only allowed 1 runner to reach 3rd base, coming in the 4th inning. It was a great win on both sides of the field for the boys in black and red.
The first-place Mudcats (10-0) played their most complete game of the season as they defeated the second place Bees (8-2) on Friday night in West Raleigh.
Dane got the game started by hustling to first for a leadoff runner on and none out in the first. Ryan singled down the left field line, then Joseph singled to load the bases. Matt knocked one up the middle, scoring both Dane and Ryan. Bags blasted one through short, bringing home Joseph. Luke reached on a 6-4 FC. Adam lined a single to left-center, scoring Matt.
Four batters came to the plate, with a runner reaching first for the Bees. The outs included an F5 to Matt and a 6-4 between Ryan and Cade. After one inning the Mudcats were up 4 runs to none.
Andrew got things going in the 2nd with a hit down the 3rd base line. Jacob Mitchell reached on a 1-6 FC. Dane singled up the middle, moving Jacob to 2nd. Ryan singled, but would advance to 3rd on throws with Jacob and Dane both scoring. Joseph hit a double to left-center, scoring Ryan. Matt singled, but was left stranded along with Joseph.
Bottom of two, Bees led off with a single. The first out came on an L1 snagged by Bags. The second out came on a sweet P2 basket catch by Luke, quick to get his mask off and avoid the batter interference. Another single put runners on 1st and 2nd with 2-out. That’s as far as they got, as a 6U by Ryan put the Bees back in the field. After two innings the score was all Mudcats with 7.
Third inning was the only scoreless one for the Mudcats. Bags led off with a single. Luke advanced on a 6U FC. Adam singled, moving Luke to second. Leyton singled to load the bases. Jacob hit into a 1-2 and then Andrew a 6U to end the inning.
Bottom of 3, Bees led off with a single, followed by a 1-6FC, then a 5-4FC, then a P3. The Bees never got a runner past first, and the inning ended, Mudcats still up 7 runs to none.
Top of the 4th, Dane got things going with a single before a brief rain delay. Ryan got things going once play resumed advancing on a 5-4 FC. Then Joseph drilled one up the middle, scoring Ryan from 1st. It would be the only run of the inning for the Mudcats.
Bottom half, Dane and Joseph chalked up the first out with a 5-3. Then on a shot to left, Bags fielded the ball quickly and got it in, holding the runner to 1B. That was a key play to save the shutout, as the next batter hit a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. An L4 to Cade and then a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph snuffed the Bees scoring chance. After 4 innings, it was all Mudcats with 8 runs.
Cade led off the 5th with a line-shot up the middle. Bags hustled for a 1B, moving Cade Bags to 2nd. Luke hustled for an infield single, and then advanced to second on throws as Cade scored and Bags advanced to 3rd. Then Adam singled up the middle and reached second on the throws, as Bags and Luke both scored. Leyton then hit a 2-bag shot down the left-field line. Jacob followed suit with a double down the left-field line again, scoring Leyton, and ending the inning by rule.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats put the Bees down in order on a P3 to Joseph, a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, and a P1 brought down by Jacob. After 5 innings, the Mudcats were leading 13 runs to none.
Andrew led off the 6th with a rip down the left field line for 1B. Jacob Mitchell reached on a 6-4 FC. Runners would advance 1-base at a time as Dane singled up the middle, Ryan singled on a fly to center, Joseph cranked one to left-center, Matt drilled one down the left-field line, Cade lined a single to center, and Bags hit a shot to left-center. In all, 4 runs scored before the Bees’ last ups.
The Mudcats closed out the game on a 4-3 from Bags to Adam, followed by a Bees base hit, then an L4 to Bags and an F6 to Cade. The game ended at 7:13 PM, Mudcats shutting out the Bees 17 runs to none. The game featured 6 rips down the left-field line, which the Mudcats owned for the evening. Defensively, the boys only allowed 1 runner to reach 3rd base, coming in the 4th inning. It was a great win on both sides of the field for the boys in black and red.
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