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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
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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