Rain has washed out today's opening ceremonies and scheduled 3 p.m. game. The game will be rescheduled at a time and date TBA.
As of now, tomorrow's 5 p.m. game (pregame begins at 4 p.m.) against the Lookouts is still on.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Game 1: Mudcats 12, Bulls 10
The Mudcats pounded out 16 hits and scored five two-out runs on the way to a season-opening 12-10 win over the Bulls.
"I don't think you could be more pleased with how you played," Coach Sean told the team after the game.
Eight different Mudcats got at least one hit and eight different Mudcats also scored at least one run in a performance that saw contributions from up and down the batting order. The All Blacks jumped on the board early, plating three first-inning runs and showing that taking a full pregame is highly overrated.
Most impressively, though, the 'Cats also played from behind. The Bulls sprayed line drives all over the outfield in the bottom of the first and carried a 5-3 lead into the middle innings, and still led 7-5 going into the fifth. But the Mudcats sent a dozen hitters to the plate in a seven-run fifth and never looked back.
"You got behind, but then you came back," Coach Sean. "You didn't give up and kept playing hard."
The All Blacks were also stellar in the field, including the first double play of the season--this one of the unassisted variety, by Gavin in the fourth in a key spot when the Bulls were threatening to break open the game.
One of the only errors of the day was committed by Coach Sean, who--shortly after reminding everyone to bring everything they needed to the field and pack their baseball stuff the night before--admitted that he left the helmet stickers at home. The good news is that means double stickers at Saturday's 3 p.m. game against the Scrappers. A 3 p.m. first pitch means pregame begins at8 a.m. 2 p.m.
Thursday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Charley ripped a single to left-center, then ran aggressively to third on Gabe's two-out single. Brady picked up the first RBI of the year with a single through the right side, and Colin beat out an infield single to load the bases. Asher singled to left, driving in two and completing the scoring.
Score after one-half inning: Mudcats 3, Bulls 0
Third inning
Channing reached base leading off to third to ignite the Mudcat rally. After he moved to second on a fielder's choice, he scored the first run of his All Black career on Charley's RBI single. The Mudcats struck again with two outs later in the third, as Brady drove home Charley with a double.
Score after two and a half innings: Mudcats 5, Bulls 5
Fifth inning
The offensive floodgates opened in the fifth. Brenner started the scoring with a single up the middle, and then Chris reached on a fielder's choice. Will drove the ball to the left side, moving Chris to second, and then Channing loaded the bases for the top of the order by hustling out an infield single. With the bases juiced, Gavin smoked a two-run double to left-center. Charley followed with another two-run line drive, this one a single that scored Channing and Gavin. After Bryce roped a double to right, Gabe drove in a pair with a single back up the middle. Brady reached on a fielder's choice, retiring Gabe, and then moved to second on Colin's hard ground ball to third base. Asher completed the scoring with an RBI single to center, scoring Brady and giving the Mudcats a giant seven-run fifth.
Score after four and a half innings: Mudcats 12, Bulls 7
Thursday's Web Gems
"I don't think you could be more pleased with how you played," Coach Sean told the team after the game.
Eight different Mudcats got at least one hit and eight different Mudcats also scored at least one run in a performance that saw contributions from up and down the batting order. The All Blacks jumped on the board early, plating three first-inning runs and showing that taking a full pregame is highly overrated.
Most impressively, though, the 'Cats also played from behind. The Bulls sprayed line drives all over the outfield in the bottom of the first and carried a 5-3 lead into the middle innings, and still led 7-5 going into the fifth. But the Mudcats sent a dozen hitters to the plate in a seven-run fifth and never looked back.
"You got behind, but then you came back," Coach Sean. "You didn't give up and kept playing hard."
The All Blacks were also stellar in the field, including the first double play of the season--this one of the unassisted variety, by Gavin in the fourth in a key spot when the Bulls were threatening to break open the game.
One of the only errors of the day was committed by Coach Sean, who--shortly after reminding everyone to bring everything they needed to the field and pack their baseball stuff the night before--admitted that he left the helmet stickers at home. The good news is that means double stickers at Saturday's 3 p.m. game against the Scrappers. A 3 p.m. first pitch means pregame begins at
Thursday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Charley ripped a single to left-center, then ran aggressively to third on Gabe's two-out single. Brady picked up the first RBI of the year with a single through the right side, and Colin beat out an infield single to load the bases. Asher singled to left, driving in two and completing the scoring.
Score after one-half inning: Mudcats 3, Bulls 0
Third inning
Channing reached base leading off to third to ignite the Mudcat rally. After he moved to second on a fielder's choice, he scored the first run of his All Black career on Charley's RBI single. The Mudcats struck again with two outs later in the third, as Brady drove home Charley with a double.
Score after two and a half innings: Mudcats 5, Bulls 5
Fifth inning
The offensive floodgates opened in the fifth. Brenner started the scoring with a single up the middle, and then Chris reached on a fielder's choice. Will drove the ball to the left side, moving Chris to second, and then Channing loaded the bases for the top of the order by hustling out an infield single. With the bases juiced, Gavin smoked a two-run double to left-center. Charley followed with another two-run line drive, this one a single that scored Channing and Gavin. After Bryce roped a double to right, Gabe drove in a pair with a single back up the middle. Brady reached on a fielder's choice, retiring Gabe, and then moved to second on Colin's hard ground ball to third base. Asher completed the scoring with an RBI single to center, scoring Brady and giving the Mudcats a giant seven-run fifth.
Score after four and a half innings: Mudcats 12, Bulls 7
Thursday's Web Gems
- The first out of the season was recorded by Gabe at third base, who showed ninja-like reflexes by spearing a line drive that was headed for at least a double.
- Also in the first inning, Bryce made a run-saving catch of a tough fly ball at first base that could have dropped in and prolonged a Bulls first that had seen them already score five runs.
- Playing in to cut off the run at home plate in the fourth, Gavin had to back up to snag a bases-loaded line drive that appeared headed for the outfield. He alertly ran over to tag third and complete the unassisted double play, short-circuiting what looked like a big Bulls inning.
- With the Bulls threatening again in the fifth, Charley knocked down a hard ground ball up the middle, then had the poise to retrieve the ball and throw to Gavin, who was covering second, to get the force.
| Thursday's line score | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H |
| Mudcats | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 | 16 |
| Bulls | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 13 |
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Practice: Return of the blog
Not sure where the trusty blogger has been--obviously not doing his job. Hopefully, that doesn't mean push-ups anytime soon.
The Mudcats gathered on Tuesday night forpractice a feast. Oh, and there also may have been some baseball. The first hour was spent in the cages rotating between live pitching, tee work, and soft toss.
On the field, the 'Cats simulated their pregame routine for Thursday's season opener, which if executed at the same pace as Tuesday's practice may need to commence at around 2:30 p.m. for the 5:30 game. The outfield took some fly balls while the infield fielded grounders.
After the pregame simulation, the Mudcats worked on game situations. A highlight-reel play was turned in by a new outfielder known only as "Lil' Tom," who speared a well-hit ball in right-center. Multiple players got reps at several different positions, and the only baserunning error was made by Coach Sean, who was caught in a crisply executed rundown between third and home.
Practice concluded with what was allegedly a birthday meal for Donovan but looked more like the midnight buffet on a well-stocked cruise ship. Players and coaches sang for both Donovan and Coach Matt, and players also received their uniforms.
Gametime on Thursday is 5:30. Coach Sean made the very wise call that even though the team order for the pants was messed up by the vendor, the Mudcats will indeed still wear pants on Thursday. As he put it, "I should have the new pants at the game on Thursday. Just in case, wear pants anyway." Good tip. This is why he is the head coach.
Pregame begins as close to 4:30 as possible, with the Mudcats slated to take infield at 5:10.
The Mudcats gathered on Tuesday night for
On the field, the 'Cats simulated their pregame routine for Thursday's season opener, which if executed at the same pace as Tuesday's practice may need to commence at around 2:30 p.m. for the 5:30 game. The outfield took some fly balls while the infield fielded grounders.
After the pregame simulation, the Mudcats worked on game situations. A highlight-reel play was turned in by a new outfielder known only as "Lil' Tom," who speared a well-hit ball in right-center. Multiple players got reps at several different positions, and the only baserunning error was made by Coach Sean, who was caught in a crisply executed rundown between third and home.
Practice concluded with what was allegedly a birthday meal for Donovan but looked more like the midnight buffet on a well-stocked cruise ship. Players and coaches sang for both Donovan and Coach Matt, and players also received their uniforms.
Gametime on Thursday is 5:30. Coach Sean made the very wise call that even though the team order for the pants was messed up by the vendor, the Mudcats will indeed still wear pants on Thursday. As he put it, "I should have the new pants at the game on Thursday. Just in case, wear pants anyway." Good tip. This is why he is the head coach.
Pregame begins as close to 4:30 as possible, with the Mudcats slated to take infield at 5:10.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Practice #7: Gavin goes yard
The Mudcats were happy to be back on the well-manicured grounds of West Raleigh on Tuesday evening. In fact, they were so happy that they proceeded to fire the ball all over the infield during a throwing competition around the horn. Unfortunately, Coach Sean had decreed every missed throw meant three push-ups for everyone, which included the coaches. I think I blacked out somewhere around 27 push-ups, so I'm not exactly sure how many we did, but I believe the final total was 33. Coach Mike (pictured in background) was kind enough to provide supervision during the push-up portion of practice.
After taking a moment to admire their guns, the Mudcats broke into two groups. The infield worked on grounders, while the outfield was broken into two groups--one with Coach Mike firing baseballs, and one with Coach Adam and Coach Matt smacking lobs (luckily, one of the Mudcat staff photographers snapped this action shot) with the tennis racket. Charley made several nice grabs in the outfield, as did Gavin and Christopher.
The Mudcats then spent a significant portion of practice working on game situations. The coaches continue to emphasize the importance of thinking about where you will go with the ball when it comes to you. The key--those thoughts must happen before the ball is pitched, not once the ball is in your glove. Channing, Ben, Donovan and Will were much improved in backing up plays all over the field, and Will and Channing also took a moment to practice their body checks into the boards just in case any teams want to mix it up.
The highlight of the situation portion of practice came when mighty Gavin strode to the plate with the bases loaded. With the wind howling in from right field, he/Coach Sean hit a titanic blast the opposite way and nearly on to the other field.
Practice finished with some baserunning and hitting stations. The Mudcats have a two-day break before hitting the field again on Friday at 5. That gives everyone 48 hours to round up their raffle money before DeeDee sends out the leg breakers.
After taking a moment to admire their guns, the Mudcats broke into two groups. The infield worked on grounders, while the outfield was broken into two groups--one with Coach Mike firing baseballs, and one with Coach Adam and Coach Matt smacking lobs (luckily, one of the Mudcat staff photographers snapped this action shot) with the tennis racket. Charley made several nice grabs in the outfield, as did Gavin and Christopher.
The Mudcats then spent a significant portion of practice working on game situations. The coaches continue to emphasize the importance of thinking about where you will go with the ball when it comes to you. The key--those thoughts must happen before the ball is pitched, not once the ball is in your glove. Channing, Ben, Donovan and Will were much improved in backing up plays all over the field, and Will and Channing also took a moment to practice their body checks into the boards just in case any teams want to mix it up.
The highlight of the situation portion of practice came when mighty Gavin strode to the plate with the bases loaded. With the wind howling in from right field, he/Coach Sean hit a titanic blast the opposite way and nearly on to the other field.
Practice finished with some baserunning and hitting stations. The Mudcats have a two-day break before hitting the field again on Friday at 5. That gives everyone 48 hours to round up their raffle money before DeeDee sends out the leg breakers.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Practice #4: Do you know what aggressive means?
The Mudcats returned to Method Road on Thursday night for the fourth practice of the year, and just the second held in decent outdoor field conditions ("decent" being the highest praise ever afforded to Method Road).
After a quick lap around the field, Coach Sean held a throwing competition between Red (Gavin, Bryce, Will, Brenner, Noah and Chris) and Black (Gabe, Donovan, Charley, Ben, Colin, Asher, Channing). Black won the first two events--which meant 10 push-ups for the Red squad--but then got a little over-confident, agreeing to go double-or nothing on the third and final race. Predictably, Red won the third competition, which somehow--with Coach Sean channeling Karl Hess to make the ruling--resulted in everyone doing 10 push-ups.
After the competition, the Mudcats convened at home plate for a quick baserunning lesson. Coach Sean wants everyone to run the bases aggressively at all times. Gavin took the home-to-first running contest, narrowly edging out Gabe, Brenner and Charley. Players worked on running through the bag at first, rounding first and hitting the inside of the bag on the way to second, and picking up the third-base coach when rounding second.
The middle part of practice was devoted to infield and outfield stations, with everyone taking fly balls and grounders at each position. Practice ended with game situation drills, featuring a nice catch in the outfield from Colin and some impressive hustle from Donovan in the outfield tracking down the prodigious blasts from Coach Sean.
The Mudcats practice again on Saturday--as Chris put it, "not next Saturday, but this Saturday"--at 3 p.m. at West Raleigh.
After a quick lap around the field, Coach Sean held a throwing competition between Red (Gavin, Bryce, Will, Brenner, Noah and Chris) and Black (Gabe, Donovan, Charley, Ben, Colin, Asher, Channing). Black won the first two events--which meant 10 push-ups for the Red squad--but then got a little over-confident, agreeing to go double-or nothing on the third and final race. Predictably, Red won the third competition, which somehow--with Coach Sean channeling Karl Hess to make the ruling--resulted in everyone doing 10 push-ups.
After the competition, the Mudcats convened at home plate for a quick baserunning lesson. Coach Sean wants everyone to run the bases aggressively at all times. Gavin took the home-to-first running contest, narrowly edging out Gabe, Brenner and Charley. Players worked on running through the bag at first, rounding first and hitting the inside of the bag on the way to second, and picking up the third-base coach when rounding second.
The middle part of practice was devoted to infield and outfield stations, with everyone taking fly balls and grounders at each position. Practice ended with game situation drills, featuring a nice catch in the outfield from Colin and some impressive hustle from Donovan in the outfield tracking down the prodigious blasts from Coach Sean.
The Mudcats practice again on Saturday--as Chris put it, "not next Saturday, but this Saturday"--at 3 p.m. at West Raleigh.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Scrimmage: Mudcats vs. Thunder
The Mudcats and Thunder convened at the pristine grounds of Method Road Park on Tuesday evening. As usual, the field was in immaculate condition. Following nearly an hour of work by Coach Tom, Coach Mike, Coach Sean, and most importantly, Gabe, the field was deemed ready for play.
Coach Sean demonstrated his confidence in his team by originally planning to go with just four outfielders. When Coach Mike pointed out that the 'Cats hadn't had much time working on the penalty kill so far during the preseason, Coach Sean relented and used five outfielders. Every Mudcat played multiple positions and the defense was highlighted by several heads-up plays from Charley, plus good leadership in the field by Gabe.
Meanwhile, the Mudcat offense clicked most efficiently in the first inning, when the top of the order pushed across three runs with a series of hard-hit balls. Five consecutive batters reached base before the Thunder recorded an out.
With just three practices so far this year, and only one of those a true on-field practice that wasn't held either indoors or in a mud pit, Tuesday was mostly about learning some of the details of the game. For example, players discovered it is very tough to find your glove and hat when you hide it in a different place after every inning. Coach Sean also emphasized the importance of focus on defense--thinking before every pitch what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you, and being ready as soon as the ball is pitched.
The Mudcats next take the field on Thursday night at 5:00 at Method Park. Mudcats are reminded to get started on their totally optional raffle ticket sales (which, as a reminder, are not optional at all) as soon as possible.
Coach Sean demonstrated his confidence in his team by originally planning to go with just four outfielders. When Coach Mike pointed out that the 'Cats hadn't had much time working on the penalty kill so far during the preseason, Coach Sean relented and used five outfielders. Every Mudcat played multiple positions and the defense was highlighted by several heads-up plays from Charley, plus good leadership in the field by Gabe.
Meanwhile, the Mudcat offense clicked most efficiently in the first inning, when the top of the order pushed across three runs with a series of hard-hit balls. Five consecutive batters reached base before the Thunder recorded an out.
With just three practices so far this year, and only one of those a true on-field practice that wasn't held either indoors or in a mud pit, Tuesday was mostly about learning some of the details of the game. For example, players discovered it is very tough to find your glove and hat when you hide it in a different place after every inning. Coach Sean also emphasized the importance of focus on defense--thinking before every pitch what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you, and being ready as soon as the ball is pitched.
The Mudcats next take the field on Thursday night at 5:00 at Method Park. Mudcats are reminded to get started on their totally optional raffle ticket sales (which, as a reminder, are not optional at all) as soon as possible.
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