The Mudcats arrived early on Saturday morning and were busy with soft-toss, live pitching and pop-flies well before the start of the game. Playing from the home dug-out, the Mudcats had rations of bubble gum, eye-black applied to their cherubic faces, and the demeanor of a team ready to play ball, and avenge the previous evening's loss. The Mudcats were set to play the Thunder.
The Thunder were prepared, and were off to a lightening start--they scored 3 runs on two hits in the 1st inning.
Unflappable, the Mudcats began the familiar chant "Six feet wide, and seven feet under..." as it was their turn to get on the board. And on the board they were, scoring 13 runs and going through the line-up. T-Rex got the club started with a double, and Adam drove him in with a fly ball to the right field gap. Sticks hits the ball into the same spot, and Smiley hits a chopper to score Adam. Luke loaded the bases, Drew scores Sticks, and Colby gets a hit and two RBIs--making the score 3-6, in the Cats' favor. Tex gets a hit down the third base line. Little Papi sends Colby to third. Logan gets on with a dribbler and scores Tex. Jacob loads the bases, T-Rex scores Little Papi, on goes the 1st inning. The score is 3-13, and the mercy rule is applied.
At the top of the 2nd, the Thunder start a rally, and score four runs. Jacob makes a double play by catching an infield fly ball, and beating the runner back to first. Rally dead.
The Cats add another run to their total, and lead 7-14.
The Thunder can't score in the 3rd, and are warned by the Cats, "If I were you, and you were me, I'd scoot my booty back." Sagacious advice, given the top of the order. The Cats score a run, but leave three ducks on the pond.
The top of the 4th was a showcase of Drew's fielding, who made all three outs by fielding and getting the lead runner. A scoreless inning for the Thunder.
The second half of the line-up looked strong with Colby and Tex safely on base. Little Papi advances Colby to third base, but ultimately left him stranded for the inning.
The Thunder were tough, and had yet another rally within them. The Thunder scored fives runs on the Mudcats in an inning which ended with Jacob throwing out the lead runner at home, with Smiley making the expert tag.
The Cats had nothing for the Thunder at the bottom of the 5th inning, but had enough for the duration, the 90-minute rule ended the game, and gave the Mudcats the victory, 12-15. The Mudcats finished the weekend in 2nd place with a record of 4-2-0.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September, 25th: Mudcats at the Bats
The Mudcats and the Bats took to battle on a wet field, hoping that the weather would allow them to play the full six innings. The batting cages were spotted with rain puddles, and the practice balls grew damp, taking on a distinct egg-like, grey color, portending a tough outing for the Mudcats. As the visitors, we were first to bat after pledging allegiance along the third base line.
True to form, the top of the order was productive early in the game. The lead-off hitter Leyton was in scoring position, after sliding in safe for a double. T-Rex, Adam, Jacob and Sticks all get hits, and soon the Mudcats were off and running with four runs to start the 1st inning.
The Bats would not be intimidated by the Mudcats play, nor their far-reaching reputation as fearless sluggers. The Bats rounded the bases and scored three runs to end the1st inning.
Tex led off the second, beating a throw at first. Little Papi, Logan and Leyton all hit well-struck grounders, but the Bats caught the lead runner every time--a quick inning for the Mudcats with three outs. The Bats are also held to a scoreless 2nd inning.
The Bats showed they can play defense. T-Rex, Adam and Jacob hit rockets to infielders for naught. On offense, the Bats were on base quickly, and managed to score 5 runs, even after two early fly outs to speedy Drew at pitcher. Big Elmo’s bat was potent.
Neither team scored in the 4th inning, though the Mudcats did have men in scoring position, while the Bats were three up/three down.
Stoking the come-back fire, Little Papi and Logan legged-out grounders to start the 5th inning with two outs. With Leyton at the plate, the crowd sensed a big hit, and a potential dent in the four-run deficit. He delivered a huge shot to center, but the Bats fielding was too good that day, and he was robbed, and our hope dashed.
Elmo added to the Bats’ margin at the bottom of the 5th, despite a great catch by Smiley at catcher, and a sliding catch by Adam.
Valiant efforts in the sixth were not enough for us to score, and the inning and the game ended with a loss, 4-9.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
True to form, the top of the order was productive early in the game. The lead-off hitter Leyton was in scoring position, after sliding in safe for a double. T-Rex, Adam, Jacob and Sticks all get hits, and soon the Mudcats were off and running with four runs to start the 1st inning.
The Bats would not be intimidated by the Mudcats play, nor their far-reaching reputation as fearless sluggers. The Bats rounded the bases and scored three runs to end the1st inning.
Tex led off the second, beating a throw at first. Little Papi, Logan and Leyton all hit well-struck grounders, but the Bats caught the lead runner every time--a quick inning for the Mudcats with three outs. The Bats are also held to a scoreless 2nd inning.
The Bats showed they can play defense. T-Rex, Adam and Jacob hit rockets to infielders for naught. On offense, the Bats were on base quickly, and managed to score 5 runs, even after two early fly outs to speedy Drew at pitcher. Big Elmo’s bat was potent.
Neither team scored in the 4th inning, though the Mudcats did have men in scoring position, while the Bats were three up/three down.
Stoking the come-back fire, Little Papi and Logan legged-out grounders to start the 5th inning with two outs. With Leyton at the plate, the crowd sensed a big hit, and a potential dent in the four-run deficit. He delivered a huge shot to center, but the Bats fielding was too good that day, and he was robbed, and our hope dashed.
Elmo added to the Bats’ margin at the bottom of the 5th, despite a great catch by Smiley at catcher, and a sliding catch by Adam.
Valiant efforts in the sixth were not enough for us to score, and the inning and the game ended with a loss, 4-9.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Weekend Pictures
Check out the great action shot from the Mudcats two wins this past weekend.
9/18/09 Mudcats at the Scappers
9/19/09Mudcats at the Bulls
Photos by Tonya Proctor
9/18/09 Mudcats at the Scappers
9/19/09Mudcats at the Bulls
Photos by Tonya Proctor
Saturday, September 19th: Mudcats at Bulls
Fresh off their big win under the light the night before the Mudcats were excited to take the field on a gorgeous midday game. Leyton started the game off with a solid hit to left for a single. Smiley kept the hitting going with a single up the middle. Adam ripped one towards right field and the runners tagged 2nd and 3rd with one out. Jacob hit a ground ball and the runner scored. On defense Jacob fielded a hard grounder on 1st to get the out. After one, the Mudcats and Bulls were tied 1-1.
In the 2nd inning, Tyler beat out the grounder and Luke got a base hit. Andrew got a line out to the pitcher but the runner tagged from 3rd to score. David rounded out the inning with a hit to short. Andrew caught a big pop fly at 3rd to end the inning. After two, the Mudcats and Bulls were tied 2-2.
The 3rd inning was a strong one. Leyton got a single. Smiley got a strong hit getting Leyton to 3rd. Adam had a hard hit to right and an RBI to pull the Mudcats ahead. Sticks hit a single to left. Tyler got a double. After 3, the Mudcats led the Bulls 5-2.
The 4th inning started with Drew leading off with a single. In the bottom of the inning Drew had two fielding plays for outs.
Colby started the 5th inning with a single. Smiley got on base. Adam got a double and Smiley hustled and scored from 1st.
In the 6th inning, Tyler started the Mudcats with a single. Logan had a big hitting fly ball to left for a single giving the Mudcats another RBI bringing the score to 9-3. The bottom of the 6th the Bulls got a rally going. The Bulls loaded the bases but the Mudcats would only give up one run. Great teamwork Mudcats! Tyler got a grounder to force an out at 3rd and then Luke fielded a grounder. Final score Mudcats 9, Bulls 4. The Mudcats close out their weekend with two wins, putting their record at 3-1-0. Check out the action.
Write-up by Malia Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
In the 2nd inning, Tyler beat out the grounder and Luke got a base hit. Andrew got a line out to the pitcher but the runner tagged from 3rd to score. David rounded out the inning with a hit to short. Andrew caught a big pop fly at 3rd to end the inning. After two, the Mudcats and Bulls were tied 2-2.
The 3rd inning was a strong one. Leyton got a single. Smiley got a strong hit getting Leyton to 3rd. Adam had a hard hit to right and an RBI to pull the Mudcats ahead. Sticks hit a single to left. Tyler got a double. After 3, the Mudcats led the Bulls 5-2.
The 4th inning started with Drew leading off with a single. In the bottom of the inning Drew had two fielding plays for outs.
Colby started the 5th inning with a single. Smiley got on base. Adam got a double and Smiley hustled and scored from 1st.
In the 6th inning, Tyler started the Mudcats with a single. Logan had a big hitting fly ball to left for a single giving the Mudcats another RBI bringing the score to 9-3. The bottom of the 6th the Bulls got a rally going. The Bulls loaded the bases but the Mudcats would only give up one run. Great teamwork Mudcats! Tyler got a grounder to force an out at 3rd and then Luke fielded a grounder. Final score Mudcats 9, Bulls 4. The Mudcats close out their weekend with two wins, putting their record at 3-1-0. Check out the action.
Write-up by Malia Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Friday, September 18th: Mudcats at Scrappers
The Mudcats first late night game began with lights blazing and the boys ready to play ball! The 1st inning the Mudcats led off strong. Jacob started the Mudcats off with a single up the middle. Andrew “Sticks” DiMeo followed with a line drive single over short stop. Luke rounded out the inning with a single and RBI to end the inning 1-0. The bottom of the 1st Jacob “Smiley” Mitchell got the first line drive in left center and tagged the out at 2nd. Jacob Maciejewski caught a pop fly in short stop for the second out. Luke made a ground ball force out at 2nd.
The 2nd inning was a big one for the Mudcats. Up to bat, Logan had a single and ran fast to 1st and beat the throw. Colby followed with a single to right and Logan advanced to 3rd. Leyton also hit a single to right and Logan score. Smiley, Adam, and Jacob all hit singles resulting in 3 more Mudcat RBIs. Tyler rounded out the inning with a double to right field ending the inning 6-0. On defense, Jacob caught a ground ball to get the first out. David fielded a ball in right center and made a good throw to 2nd and held the runner.
The bottom of the 3rd Leyton fielded a fly ball off the fence and threw the runner out at 2nd for a third out a great play.
At the top of the 4th Andrew hit a hard line to short for a single. David hit a pop fly to 1st which moved the runner to 2nd. Gabe grounded to 3rd for a single. Logan force the out and an RBI for the score to move to 7-0.
By the end of the 5th inning the Mudcats gave up two runs but gained three to end the inning 10-2. The game ended strong with Sticks catching a line drive to end the game with Mudcats 14, Scrappers 6. The Mudcats improved to a record of 2-1-0.
Write-up by Malia Hart
Photos by Tonya Proctor
The 2nd inning was a big one for the Mudcats. Up to bat, Logan had a single and ran fast to 1st and beat the throw. Colby followed with a single to right and Logan advanced to 3rd. Leyton also hit a single to right and Logan score. Smiley, Adam, and Jacob all hit singles resulting in 3 more Mudcat RBIs. Tyler rounded out the inning with a double to right field ending the inning 6-0. On defense, Jacob caught a ground ball to get the first out. David fielded a ball in right center and made a good throw to 2nd and held the runner.
The bottom of the 3rd Leyton fielded a fly ball off the fence and threw the runner out at 2nd for a third out a great play.
At the top of the 4th Andrew hit a hard line to short for a single. David hit a pop fly to 1st which moved the runner to 2nd. Gabe grounded to 3rd for a single. Logan force the out and an RBI for the score to move to 7-0.
By the end of the 5th inning the Mudcats gave up two runs but gained three to end the inning 10-2. The game ended strong with Sticks catching a line drive to end the game with Mudcats 14, Scrappers 6. The Mudcats improved to a record of 2-1-0.
Write-up by Malia Hart
Photos by Tonya Proctor
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mudcats Fall in Game 2
Fresh off their victory, the Mudcats faced the Riverdogs. Having scrimmaged them in the pre-season, the Mudcats felt good about the match-up. Commemorating the official opening day, the field was in great condition, and the batters boxes were painted in red and blue. The early start meant long shadows across the field, and a gossamer mist of dew in the grass.
The Mudcats were the home team, and held their foe to zero runs in the first. Jacob made the third out, as “Smiley” covered third base.
Again, Leyton gets the Mudcats started with a lead-off shot to center right. The Riverdogs get two outs (including the lead runner, Leyton), but the Mudcats weren’t finished. “Sticks” hits a scorcher down the third base line, bringing in Adam. Tyler “T-Rex” hits a fly ball to center for a hit, and the Mudcats close the inning with three runs.
The Mudcats’ defense was tested by the Riverdogs in the third and fourth innings. Drew made a diving catch for an out in the third. Gabe stopped a grounder, and quickly got the ball back to the infield, stopping extra bases. Jacob stabbed a line drive over his right shoulder at short, and Tyler ends a tough inning for the Mudcats by catching a would-be foul ball.
Fighting from a deficit, the Mudcats were not without offense. In the third, Colby and Adam hit balls into the outfield, advancing runners. Jacob got on base with a pop-up, and “Sticks” drove him in.
At the bottom of the 6th, the Riverdogs had scored 13 runs, and the Mudcats were down by 6 runs. With a true fighting spirit, the boys made a charge. Adam, "Sticks" and "T-Rex" loaded the bases, setting up RBIs for Colby, Drew and "Tex". The dugout was alive, as the boys chanted for their batters, and cheered on what felt like a rally.
Nevertheless, the spirited comeback couldn’t close the gap, and Mudcats suffered their first loss of the season. The final was Riverdogs 13, Mudcats 10. Check out the pictures from the game and opening ceremonies.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
The Mudcats were the home team, and held their foe to zero runs in the first. Jacob made the third out, as “Smiley” covered third base.
Again, Leyton gets the Mudcats started with a lead-off shot to center right. The Riverdogs get two outs (including the lead runner, Leyton), but the Mudcats weren’t finished. “Sticks” hits a scorcher down the third base line, bringing in Adam. Tyler “T-Rex” hits a fly ball to center for a hit, and the Mudcats close the inning with three runs.
The Mudcats’ defense was tested by the Riverdogs in the third and fourth innings. Drew made a diving catch for an out in the third. Gabe stopped a grounder, and quickly got the ball back to the infield, stopping extra bases. Jacob stabbed a line drive over his right shoulder at short, and Tyler ends a tough inning for the Mudcats by catching a would-be foul ball.
Fighting from a deficit, the Mudcats were not without offense. In the third, Colby and Adam hit balls into the outfield, advancing runners. Jacob got on base with a pop-up, and “Sticks” drove him in.
At the bottom of the 6th, the Riverdogs had scored 13 runs, and the Mudcats were down by 6 runs. With a true fighting spirit, the boys made a charge. Adam, "Sticks" and "T-Rex" loaded the bases, setting up RBIs for Colby, Drew and "Tex". The dugout was alive, as the boys chanted for their batters, and cheered on what felt like a rally.
Nevertheless, the spirited comeback couldn’t close the gap, and Mudcats suffered their first loss of the season. The final was Riverdogs 13, Mudcats 10. Check out the pictures from the game and opening ceremonies.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Friday, September 11, 2009
Mudcats take Season Opener
The Mudcats began the season on a beautiful, early-fall-like day on September 11th. Flanked on either side of the baseball diamond, the Mudcats and Lookouts pledged allegiance to the flag, and reminded us that baseball is indeed our country’s pastime.
Having spent weeks fielding grounders and running the bases, both teams were ready to play. Leyton started the game, and the season with a lead off hit. Adam scorched a hit over first base, driving in Leyton and starting what would become a five-run inning. Jacob was on with a hit, Luke batted in a couple more runs with a fly ball over second, and Drew out-ran a throw to first.
The Lookouts were on base after a single pitch, but were held to only one run, to close the first inning.
Gabe, Logan and Colby ground out, and the Lookouts were able to stay the Mudcats—three up, three down.
At the bottom of the second, Jacob and “Sticks” team up to get the first out. A batter strikes out, then Jacob makes a great play on a chopper to retire the side.
“Sticks” drives in a run in the third inning, to make it six runs for the Mudcats.
The second half of the line-up gets busy in the fourth inning, as Gabe gets on base with a grounder through the legs of the defense, and Logan almost beats the throw by digging out a grounder to first.
Practice pays, and Drew knocks down a wicked chopper at the mound and throws a dagger for an out at first. The Lookouts score, but they’re still behind the Mudcats.
“Smiley” gets in on the action with a grounder too tough for the Lookouts pitcher to handle and “Sticks” bats in another runner.
The Lookouts bats are stirring, and the Mudcats’ defense is tested. Tyler makes a stop in the outfield, and gets the ball back quickly.
Luke hits a big shot into the outfield for a lead-off single. “Tex” finds a pitch he likes and legs out a single.
The Mudcats prevail 10-8, and shake hands with the Lookouts, ending a great start to the season. The Mudcats had 16 hits and no strike outs. Way to bring your hitting shoes! Check out the picutes from the game.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Having spent weeks fielding grounders and running the bases, both teams were ready to play. Leyton started the game, and the season with a lead off hit. Adam scorched a hit over first base, driving in Leyton and starting what would become a five-run inning. Jacob was on with a hit, Luke batted in a couple more runs with a fly ball over second, and Drew out-ran a throw to first.
The Lookouts were on base after a single pitch, but were held to only one run, to close the first inning.
Gabe, Logan and Colby ground out, and the Lookouts were able to stay the Mudcats—three up, three down.
At the bottom of the second, Jacob and “Sticks” team up to get the first out. A batter strikes out, then Jacob makes a great play on a chopper to retire the side.
“Sticks” drives in a run in the third inning, to make it six runs for the Mudcats.
The second half of the line-up gets busy in the fourth inning, as Gabe gets on base with a grounder through the legs of the defense, and Logan almost beats the throw by digging out a grounder to first.
Practice pays, and Drew knocks down a wicked chopper at the mound and throws a dagger for an out at first. The Lookouts score, but they’re still behind the Mudcats.
“Smiley” gets in on the action with a grounder too tough for the Lookouts pitcher to handle and “Sticks” bats in another runner.
The Lookouts bats are stirring, and the Mudcats’ defense is tested. Tyler makes a stop in the outfield, and gets the ball back quickly.
Luke hits a big shot into the outfield for a lead-off single. “Tex” finds a pitch he likes and legs out a single.
The Mudcats prevail 10-8, and shake hands with the Lookouts, ending a great start to the season. The Mudcats had 16 hits and no strike outs. Way to bring your hitting shoes! Check out the picutes from the game.
Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Practice Change for Thursday, Sept 10th
Practice on Thursday, September 10th has been changed. Practice will now be at Pullen Park #2 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early and be ready to take the field promptly at 5:30PM.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Practice Tuesday, September 8th CANCELED
Practice is canceled due to Kentwood being flooded. See everyone at 6:15 PM on Thursday, September 10th at Pullen #1.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 1, 2009 Scrimmage Against the Riverdogs
What a great evening to be at the ball park! The Mudcats had their hitting shoes on for the second scrimmage of the season. It was great seeing the improvement all the players are making and how much fun they were having on the field. Check out the game photos to relive the evening. Go Mudcats!
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