Game 10: Mudcats 18, Scrappers 3

In the most complete offensive explosion of the season, the Mudcats pounded out a season-high 21 hits--including at least one hit from every player in attendance--on the way to an 18-3 victory over the Scrappers. All the sprinting around the bases was very beneficial in running off some of the pregame carb load created by the traditional Mudcats 9 a.m. Buffet, which has grown so famous that even alumni coaches and parents from other fields (Hi, Coach Rob!) stopped by to eat doughnuts and Chick-fil-A say hello at chilly Nowell Field.

The slightly tweaked lineup, which featured Donovan--who during pregame proved it is in fact possible to eat an entire Chicken Mini in one bite while also holding a pair of doughnuts as backup--in the leadoff spot, began producing immediately. The 'Cats scored seven runs in the first inning, marking their biggest first inning of the season and tying for the second-biggest inning overall of the year. Almost the entire order came to the plate in the first, and by the time the morning was over, 11 different Mudcats had scored at least one run. The 18 total runs were more than the All Blacks had scored in the previous three games combined, and thirteen of the 18 runs came with two outs.

Just as impressively, the 'Cats didn't relax after the big early output, and stayed focused enough to outscore the Scrappers in every inning except the third. "The Mudcats," Coach Sean told the team as they gathered after the game, "are back!" Everyone received a sticker for the victory, while Brenner (defense), Donovan (defense) and Will (offense) received bonus stickers.

Assuming no rain for the rest of the day, the 'Cats have practice Sunday at 1:30 at West Raleigh.

Saturday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
The Mudcats' two-out offense returned, as the 'Cats plated seven runs with two outs. First, Gavin and Brady scored on Bryce's hard-hit ball to the right side. Gabe's hard shot to shortstop put runners on the corners, and Asher drove in Bryce with an infield single. Ben's infield single loaded the bases for the biggest play of the inning--a bases-clearing opposite-field triple from Colin. Brenner completed the scoring with a single to left, and the All Blacks had a big early lead.
Score after one-half inning: Mudcats 7, Scrappers 0


Second inning
In his first game in the leadoff position, Donovan ripped a one-out double, then came around to score on Gavin's single. Charley's two-out double scored Gavin.
Score after one a half innings: Mudcats 9, Scrappers 0


Fourth inning
Noah got the inning started with a one-out double to right-center. Will followed with a hard shot back up the middle that scored Noah, then moved to second on Donovan's twisting liner to left. Gavin picked up his second RBI of the day with a single to center. Charley (1 RBI) and Bryce (2 RBI) picked up important two-out RBIs, giving the Mudcats five runs in the inning and invoking the 10-run rule.
Score after three and a half innings: Mudcats 14, Scrappers 1


Fifth inning
Gabe singled and moved to third on Asher's double. Ben scored Gabe with an RBI fielder's choice, and Colin collected his fourth RBI of the day with a double to left-center that scored Asher.
Score after four and a half innings: Mudcats 16, Scrappers 1


Sixth inning
A two-out single from Gabe scored a pair, giving Gabe three hits and scoring the 17th and 18th runs of the day for the Mudcats.
Score after five and a half innings: Mudcats 18, Scrappers 2

Saturday's Web Gems

• On the very first hitter of the game, Brenner picked a line drive out of the air in right-center to set the defensive tone for the game.
• Not content with just one highlight-reel play, the Mudcat outfield turned in two of them in the first inning. Donovan took a couple steps in from center field to make the play more exciting and create some drama, then raced back and made a leaping one-handed catch to end the first.
• The Mudcat infield was tested all day, and responded with just two errors. Only four Scrappers came to the plate in four of the six innings, as the 'Cats infield made 13 of the game's 18 outs. Gavin, Charley, Gabe, Bryce, Asher, Brady, Colin and Brenner all had a hand in at least one out in the infield.

Saturday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Mudcats	7	2	0	5	2	2	18	21
Scrappers	0	0	1	0	1	1	3	8

Game 9: Bulls 12, Mudcats 1

In baseball, as a grizzled veteran once said (I think his name was "Coach Mike"), sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains. And, well, sometimes it rains and you lose. For the second straight game, the field required significant prep time to get ready after some sporadic mid-day rains. After yeoman's work from many coaches, plus Ben's dad, Kevin--who was so impressive Gabe might even hire him to do some work for Proctor & Pops Field Maintenance--the field was eventually playable. But that turned out to be the highlight of the evening, as the Mudcats dropped their second straight decision, 12-1. The loss gave the Mudcats and Bulls a split of the season series.

The Bulls led from wire-to-wire in snapping their four-game losing streak, building off a two-run homer in the top of the first and never looking back. Even the appearance of a mysterious well-dressed man--who for some reason insisted on being called "Coach Tom"--in the Mudcats dugout in the late innings couldn't reverse the fortunes. The stingy Bulls defense never cracked the door, and the 'Cats never sent more than five hitters to the plate in any one inning, making it very difficult to get a rally going. The offensive highlight belonged to Will, who recorded his first 2-for-2 West Raleigh day.

The original schedule had the Mudcats listed for practice on Friday night. That practice has been canceled due to a non-Mudcats game being rescheduled at the same time. The next All Blacks event is Saturday morning bright and early at 9 a.m. The traditional early morning Mudcat Buffet will be served, so come hungry for pregame at 8 a.m.

Thursday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Gavin reached on a twisting grounder, moved all the way to third on Charley's hard hit ball to the right side, and then scored on Bryce's RBI fielder's choice.
Score after one inning: Bulls 2, Mudcats 1

Thursday's Web Gems

• In the first inning, Charley ranged to his right and made a backhanded catch on the outfield grass of a popup that looked ticketed for the outfield.
• On the very next hitter, Donovan was heads up backing up center field, and fired the ball back into second base on a double. That's where Gavin caught the relay and turned immediately to throw to Gabe, where the hitter was trying to stretch the play into a triple.
• Brenner closed out the inning by snatching a line drive out of the air in right-center.
• On a routine grounder that turned into a very tough play because of a bad hop leading off the fourth, Brady quickly adjusted to the unexpected hop and made the throw to first to retire the leadoff man.
• Two hitters later, Brady saved a base by backing up second on an errant throw.
• Still in the fourth, Asher picked up his second outfield assist of the season, throwing to Brady at second to record the force and cutting off what looked like a big Bulls inning.
• Charley went deep in the hole between third and shortstop to snag what looked like a grounder through the hole, then went to second to get a force in the sixth.

Thursday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Bulls	2	0	3	2	0	5	12	14
Mudcats	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	8

How not to argue with the umpire

At West Raleigh, of course, there is never any disagreement with any umpiring decisions. Or, if there is, at least it doesn't go to quite these levels.

Game 8: Lookouts 9, Mudcats 4

At Thursday night's practice, Coach Sean told the Mudcats that defense would be very important over the second half of the season. Saturday's game proved him right, but probably not in the way he wanted. The 'Cats' defense suffered some rare breakdowns, the Lookouts made some terrific plays in sending the All Blacks to their first loss of the season, 9-4. The victory gave the Lookouts a split of the season series.

After West Raleigh was doused with a cloudburst just before the scheduled 3 p.m. game time, coaches and parents spent at least a half-hour getting the field in playable condition. The 'Cats took advantage, tallying a quick first-inning run after the eventual 3:30 start, but the big Lookout bats (including former Mudcat Ben Penchuk enjoying a 3-for-3 day and nearly hitting his second home run of the week) and some uncharacteristic defensive issues kept the Mudcats playing from behind for most of the afternoon.

By the time the offense--which managed a season-low eight base hits--awoke in the late innings (and Coach Sean remembered that it was unlucky for him to carry his keys in his pocket), the Lookouts had already taken a commanding lead. Time eventually ran out when the clouds opened yet again with Will at the plate in the sixth. Rain washed away the final inning, making the unsatisfying final 9-4.

The Mudcats have practice on Tuesday at Method Road before playing the Bulls on Thursday.

Saturday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Brady tripled down the right field line, then scored on Charley's hard grounder to the right side to give the Mudcats an early lead.
Score after one-half inning: Mudcats 1, Lookouts 0

Fifth inning
After the Mudcat bats went silent during the middle part of the game, they woke up for the fifth. Gabe ripped a one-out single back up the middle, and then a rare misplay by the Lookout infield on Donovan's tough grounder allowed Gabe to score and Donovan to sprint all the way around to third. Asher slapped a single to left, scoring Donovan. After a fielder's choice, Noah blasted a single to right-center that scored Asher from second.
Score after four and a half innings: Lookouts 9, Mudcats 4

Saturday's Web Gems

• In the third inning, Gavin knocked down a line drive at shortstop, stayed with the play, and threw out the Lookouts' leadoff hitter from his knees to get the first out of the inning.
• Brenner took a couple steps in to catch a bullet of a line drive in center leading off the fifth.
• Later in that same inning, Gabe fielded a deceptively difficult grounder at third and made a very strong throw to first to end the inning.

Saturday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Mudcats	1	0	0	0	3	0	4	8
Lookouts	4	0	5	0	0	X	9	11

Practice: Halfway there

After an incredibly long two-day hiatus from the West Raleigh fields, the Mudcats regrouped Thursday night for a short 90-minute session. The first 30 minutes were spent in the cage.

After moving to the field for the final hour--only after former Mudcat Ben Penchuk crushed an over-the-fence home run during the Lookouts-Bulls game--Coach Sean had one major focus: "We have to lock down our defense," he told the 'Cats. That meant a full 60 minutes of defensive work, beginning with outfielders hitting the cutoff man while infielders lined up the cutoff man and received and made quick throws. In the Minor League, unfamiliar base runners at first can sometimes mean there are force outs at second to be had on hard singles up the middle, and Coach Sean wants the outfielders to play aggressively and make those plays. The All Blacks have converted two force outs from the outfield through the first seven games.

The final 10 minutes were devoted to situations, with everyone on the play--infielders, outfielders and even the baserunners--required to think about what they were going to do before the ball was hit. Coach Sean managed to conserve his power and only hit one ball over the fence.

Even with all the defensive work, the best catch of the day was clearly by Channing. While on vacation with his family at the beach, he used his bare hands to catch what appeared to be a hammerhead shark. A photo of his wildlife taming was shown to the team, which was suitably impressed.

The next Mudcat event is a Saturday game at 3 p.m., which means pregame starts at 2 p.m. The 'Cats have now played every team in the league once, which means Saturday--against a tough Lookouts squad that was missing several players when the two teams first met--begins the second half of the season.

Game 7: Mudcats 13, Thunder 12

The last game of a long stretch of back-to-back games is usually the toughest. Such was the case Monday night at Nowell Field, which led to one of the most entertaining games of the season, as the Mudcats battled back from down 12-7 in the bottom of the sixth to claim a walk-off 13-12 victory.

The game marked the All Blacks' third game in three days and fourth game in five days. Still, even on a warm day, the Mudcats started fast, getting a couple highlight reel defensive plays early and following that with a 5-run first inning. But the Thunder, led partly by a 3-for-3 day for former Mudcat Tyler Key, fought back. When the 'Cat bats slumbered a little in the middle innings, the Thunder took advantage and eventually seized a 12-7 lead in the top of the sixth.

When the team ran in from a somewhat demoralizing top of the sixth, Coach Sean met them before they ever made it to the dugout. As the home team, the Mudcats had one final chance to tie or win the game. "Can you imagine how much fun it's going to be to score six runs and win this game?" Coach Sean asked them.

As it turns out, the answer is: very, very fun. It was a All-Blackout in the sixth, as the 'Cats scored six quick runs before they even made two outs. The day's hero was Brenner, who drove in the game-winning run and prompted a quick but hearty celebration on the field. It is believed to be his first career walk-off hit.

Postgame stickers were awarded to all Mudcats for the victory, and to Brenner (game-winning hit), Donovan (sweet catch in left field) and Asher (game-tying hit and some serious hustle on the game-winning run) for key plays.

On the way home, Asher was describing the game on the phone to a friend whose son plays for Carolina's baseball team. After describing the tense final inning (well, I wasn't tense, but Coach Mike was a little nervous) and the subsequent celebration, Asher put it this way: "I think now I know what it feels like to go to Omaha." Not through talent but through sheer good fortune, I have been in some dugouts after a team advances to Omaha. It's amazing in that moment how very similar it does feel...although the Tar Heels have never played well enough to earn a practice being canceled. Tuesday's scheduled practice is off, and the Mudcats will reassemble on Thursday at 6:30 at West Raleigh.

Monday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
The Mudcats started hot, with Gavin and Brady reaching on back-to-back liners. That set up Charley, who came through with a two-RBI double.After a fielder's choice moved Charley to third, he scored on Colin's grounder to make it 3-0. Donovan drove in a pair with a rip to left-center to finish the scoring
Score after one inning: Mudcats 5, Thunder 0

Second inning
The 'Cats did it again with two outs, as Ben--enjoying a 2-for-2 day--drove home Christopher.
Score after two innings: Mudcats 6, Thunder 4

Third inning
With Channing on third, Gavin drilled a line drive to deep center for a sacrifice fly.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 7, Thunder 4

Sixth inning
In one of the all-time great West Raleigh comebacks, Brady started the inning with a hard-hit single to right. Charley followed with another single to put two runners on base. With one out, Gabe sliced a single to left, scoring Brady and cutting the deficit to 12-8. Colin's grounder plated Charley, and the once-somber Mudcat dugout was starting to come to life. Donovan singled, and when the Thunder experienced some infield issues, used his blazing speed to advance all the way to third base, with Gabe and Colin scampering home to cut the Thunder lead to just 12-11. That brought Asher to the plate, at which point I blacked out. I have been told he singled up the middle, scoring Donovan. Noah singled to left, moving Asher to third, which brought up Brenner. Without any hesitation, Double B came up huge in the clutch, smashing a ball that was too hot to handle, and Asher sprinted home with a perfectly legal feet-first slide to plate the walk-off game-winning run.
Walk-off score after six innings: Mudcats 13, Thunder 12

Monday's Web Gems

• The 'Cats retired the Thunder 1-2-3 against the formidable top of the Thunder order, helped along by Asher starting the team's fourth double play in seven games by spearing a line drive at pitcher, then throwing to Bryce at first base, who made a nice stretch to ensure the runner was doubled off.
• On the very next hitter, Donovan soared to make a leaping, one-handed catch in left field to end the inning and lead all evening highlight shows.
• The middle of the Mudcat infield came through in the second, as with a runner on first, the Thunder hitter smacked a single to center. Charley alertly ran to cover second, where he received the throw from Asher to record the forceout.
• Bryce made a solid scoop of a low throw in the third inning to retire the Thunder's leadoff hitter.
• Gavin and Gabe helped limit what could have been an even bigger Thunder fourth. With runners on first and second, Gavin stopped a grounder to shortstop and fired to Gabe at third to force the lead runner.
• Gabe made what turned out to be a very big play leading off the sixth, as he stayed in front of a sizzling grounder and threw all the way across the diamond to record the first out of the final inning.

Monday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Thunder	0	4	0	3	0	5	12	13
Mudcats	5	1	1	0	0	6	13	12

Game 6: Mudcats 19, Scrappers 4

In an offensive explosion the likes of which has never been seen before in recorded Mudcats history--well, at least Mudcats history that has been recorded by this particular writer on this particular blog, which dates back to the fall 2010 season--the 'Cats pounded out 19 runs and 19 hits (also known in technical baseball lingo as "a ton") on the way to a 19-4 victory over the Scrappers. The All Blacks scored in every offensive inning, had every player in the lineup reach base at least once, got hits from 11 different players and had 11 different players score a run.

In other words, they played pretty well.

They also showed the total lack of knowledge possessed by Coach Adam, who had--this is a true story--emailed Coach Sean on Saturday night pointing out that the 'Cats had just nine extra base hits through the first five games this season. The Mudcats proceeded to go out and knock nine doubles in one game against the Scrappers, doubling their season total in just five innings.

In reality, the All Blacks actually got two wins on Sunday in front of a crowd that included a host of Mudcat alums, including Smiley Mitchell, Drew DiMeo, Chris Gruskin, Coach Andrew, Coach Jim and GM Jenn. After taking a 13-3 lead after two innings, there was some chatter in the dugout about the impending victory. Hearing that, the coaches challenged the players to win the final four innings, and told them the score was resetting to 0-0. The 'Cats proceeded to go out and win again, with a 6-1 margin from the third through the sixth.

The win was even more impressive because of an injury list that makes the 2012 Carolina basketball team look like the picture of health. The very serious list of injuries included Gavin (bug bite), Noah (wrist), Gabe (finger...or something?), Coach Tom (rotator cuff from waving players around third), Charley (leg), Donovan (feet on fire after racing around the bases), and Coach Sean (major leg injury after a throw from Brady). In a related story, Brady will be arriving to Monday's game two hours early to run laps. It is possible that after two hours of running, Coach Sean might be able to catch him.

Coach Sean, whose memory is impeccable, once again remembered the stickers. Everyone received a sticker for the victory, and Brenner, Bryce and Colin earned an extra sticker for solid offensive and defensive play.

Naturally, the Mudcats have another game tomorrow to close out the grueling three games in three days/four games in five days stretch. All players (other than Brady) should arrive for pregame at 4:30, with the game beginning at 5:30. Coach Adam will be sending an email to Coach Sean shortly pointing out that the team needs to hit more home runs.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Sean is too nice to talk about this (unless it is the bottom of the fifth inning and he is supposed to be pitching), but Gavin's older brother, Riley, caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in South Carolina's spring football game on Saturday. He even earned some praise from Steve Spurrier. Congratulations to Gavin for coaching up his older brother and to Coach Sean for getting out of the way and letting Gavin do the teaching. Video of the play is available online, with the very cool bonus (scroll ahead to the 1:30 mark) of getting to hear "Riley Gallaher with the touchdown" over the PA.

Sunday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Foreshadowing a double-happy day, Gavin led off with a double. Brady and Charley followed with back-to-back singles. With one down and Charley on second and Gabe on first, Colin dropped a double the other way to score a pair. Just a few pitches later, Donovan followed with still another double, scoring Colin. Donovan moved to third on Asher's single, then scored on Brenner's double--the fourth extra-base hit of the inning.
Score after one inning: Mudcats 6, Scrappers 3

Second inning
In an inning that was only shut down by the 10-run rule, the Mudcats sent eight hitters to the plate and saw seven of them score. Ben, Channing and Will got the inning started with all three reaching base, and then Gavin and Brady each reached. Charley joined the doubles club with a two-RBI rip to left, and then Bryce doubled to center to drive home Charley. Yes, if you're keeping score at home, that's six doubles in the first two innings. Gabe completed the scoring with an RBI single, giving the Mudcats a 13-3 lead and forcing the teams to change sides due to the rules.
Score after two innings: Mudcats 13, Scrappers 3

Third inning
Picking up right where they left off in the previous inning, Colin, Donovan and Asher loaded the bases immediately with no outs. Noah picked up an RBI fielder's choice, and Asher motored home on Chris's hard grounder to short.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 15, Scrappers 3

Fourth inning
Will drove the ball back up the middle, then moved to third on Gavin's double. Brady scored both 'Cats with yet another double, then came home on Bryce's RBI grounder.
Score after four innings: Mudcats 18, Scrappers 3

Fifth inning
Donovan hit--you guessed it--a one-out double, moved to third on Asher's single, and scored on Noah's grounder.
Score after five innings: Mudcats 19, Scrappers 4


Sunday's Web Gems

• To end the third inning, Gavin stopped a hard ground ball at shortstop and threw to first to complete the out.
• In the fourth, Bryce made a solid pickup at shortstop, then threw to first, where Charley--playing on an injured leg--still made a stellar stretch to nab the runner at first by a quarter-step.
• Gavin made a tough play look easy at second base leading off the fifth inning, throwing on the run to get the out.
• The series of Mudcat pitchers--including Ben, Asher, Colin, Brenner and Brady--combined to get six of the game's 18 outs from the pitcher position.

Sunday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Scrappers	3	0	0	0	1	0	4	2
Mudcats	6	7	2	3	1	X	19	19