Congratulations to former Mudcats Coach Vaughn Sholar and players Matt Molee, Joseph Nunn, and Ryan Sholar; part of the 8U Blue WR All Star team to go 28-0, and winning the southeast region Cal Ripkin tournament in Ocala, FL.
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Additional congratulations go to Mudcats Alumni Dane Stewart and Ryan Bagley (Bags) who were part of the WR 8U Red team, who won the 2009 State Tar Heel League Championship.
Last but not least, Luke Cerasi was part of the WR White All Star Team who finished their season winning both the SGAA and OGAA tournaments.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Congratulations to the Mudcats
The Mudcats finished the season 16-2-1, were the undefeated regular season champions, tournament runner-ups, and winners of the West Raleigh Sportsmanship Award (Ryan Bagley and Jacob Mitchell).
One Last Mudcats Cheer:
The Champions:
The Sportsmen of the Year:
One Last Mudcats Cheer:
The Champions:
The Sportsmen of the Year:
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Defense Wins the Tournament
May 30, 2009 – First Pitch at 11:05 AM – Weather was Sunny and Warm
Allowing 5.4 runs/game during the regular season (league leading defense), the Mudcats actually improved on that throughout the tournament, allowing an average of 4.6 runs/game. In the Championship game on Saturday, the Mudcats topped that against the 2nd best scoring team in the league, only allowing the Scrappers 3 runs. It was the Scrappers, however, that took the tournament, allowing just 1-run, a Home Run that they couldn’t play defense on.
The Mudcats finished the season 16-2-1, took the regular season championship going undefeated, and were the end of season tournament runner-up. Most importantly, Ryan Bagley (Bags) and Jacob Mitchell (Smiley) were co-winners of the West Raleigh Minor League Sportsmanship Award. They, along with all of the Mudcats were models of sportsmanship throughout the season, in both victory and defeat.
The Mudcats have 7 players that are graduating from the Minor League, playing their last games today, including Ryan Bagley, Luke Cerasi, Cade Keesling, Matthew Molee, Joseph Nunn, Ryan Sholar, and Dane Stewart. Coaches Mark, Dave, and Vaughn also coached their final game on the Minor League field. The Mudcats wish all of the graduating players and coaches success.
The championship game was a defensive juggernaut, the tone being set immediately as Dane led off the top of the 1st with a shot down to 3rd, shockingly turned for a 5-3. The 1 run for the Mudcats game quick on the 2nd at bat, as Ryan hit a line-drive rope over the left-centerfield fence. Joseph line to the pitcher, Matt singled to left center, and then Cade grounded into a 4U FC.
Bottom of 1, Joseph pulled in an F3, a major league pop to left center was brought in by Bags, then a base hit, and then Ryan got the 3rd out on a 6U. Mudcats lead after 1 inning, 1 run to none.
Top of 2, Bags led off with a base hit to left-center. Luke advanced on an FC. Adam singled up the middle. Jacob nearly knocked one up the middle that was tracked down for a stellar 6U-3 DP.
Bottom of 2, an L8 by Adam running in for a shoestring catch was the 1st out. Two base hits gave the Scrappers 1st and 3rd with 1 out. A run then scored on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade. Out 3 came on an L4 to Cade.
Top of 3, Tyler, Leyton, and Andrew all get put down on 1-3 plays; nothing getting by the Scrappers pitcher. In the bottom half, after a leadoff base hit, Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 DP. A P1 to Jacob ended the inning, teams knotted at 1.
Top of 4, Smiley hit a line drive to right, only to be set down on an unorthodox 9-3. The ball just got there too quickly, and right at the right fielder playing in. Dane would single, but a pair of pop outs ended the half inning quickly. In the bottom half, the Mudcats worked out of a jam. After a Ryan/Joseph 6-3, the Scrappers hit a double then a single to put runners on 1st and 3rd with just the 1 out. A short pop fly going foul towards the first base dugout was charged by Joseph, who made a diving catch for the out. Then on a 6-3, Joseph outdid himself scooping up a 1-hopper on a bang-bang play to end the threat and secure the 1 to 1 tie through 4 innings.
Top of the 5th featured 4 hard hits, but only one that squeaked through, a double to left-center by Bags. In the bottom half, a single, triple, and then sac-fly, caught by Adam, gave the Scrappers a 2 run advantage. After another base hit, the inning ended on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade and then a K.
The Mudcats went into the 6th inning losing 3 to 1 and made a valiant attempt to come back with the bottom of the order facing the solid Scrappers defense. Adam and Jacob both singled to start the inning. That was as much as the Scrappers would bend, as the next three Mudcats went down, 2 of which were hard hit balls, typical of the game. The tournament game ended at 12:12 PM, Scrappers winning.
The Scrappers finished their season 15-3, losing twice to the Mudcats, who finished their season 16-2-1. The Mudcats only two losses came to the Scrappers during the tournament. The Mudcats and Scrappers finished the regular season 1st and 2nd in record, offense, and defense, and it was only fitting to have these two teams playing the last game of the tournament together.
Allowing 5.4 runs/game during the regular season (league leading defense), the Mudcats actually improved on that throughout the tournament, allowing an average of 4.6 runs/game. In the Championship game on Saturday, the Mudcats topped that against the 2nd best scoring team in the league, only allowing the Scrappers 3 runs. It was the Scrappers, however, that took the tournament, allowing just 1-run, a Home Run that they couldn’t play defense on.
The Mudcats finished the season 16-2-1, took the regular season championship going undefeated, and were the end of season tournament runner-up. Most importantly, Ryan Bagley (Bags) and Jacob Mitchell (Smiley) were co-winners of the West Raleigh Minor League Sportsmanship Award. They, along with all of the Mudcats were models of sportsmanship throughout the season, in both victory and defeat.
The Mudcats have 7 players that are graduating from the Minor League, playing their last games today, including Ryan Bagley, Luke Cerasi, Cade Keesling, Matthew Molee, Joseph Nunn, Ryan Sholar, and Dane Stewart. Coaches Mark, Dave, and Vaughn also coached their final game on the Minor League field. The Mudcats wish all of the graduating players and coaches success.
The championship game was a defensive juggernaut, the tone being set immediately as Dane led off the top of the 1st with a shot down to 3rd, shockingly turned for a 5-3. The 1 run for the Mudcats game quick on the 2nd at bat, as Ryan hit a line-drive rope over the left-centerfield fence. Joseph line to the pitcher, Matt singled to left center, and then Cade grounded into a 4U FC.
Bottom of 1, Joseph pulled in an F3, a major league pop to left center was brought in by Bags, then a base hit, and then Ryan got the 3rd out on a 6U. Mudcats lead after 1 inning, 1 run to none.
Top of 2, Bags led off with a base hit to left-center. Luke advanced on an FC. Adam singled up the middle. Jacob nearly knocked one up the middle that was tracked down for a stellar 6U-3 DP.
Bottom of 2, an L8 by Adam running in for a shoestring catch was the 1st out. Two base hits gave the Scrappers 1st and 3rd with 1 out. A run then scored on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade. Out 3 came on an L4 to Cade.
Top of 3, Tyler, Leyton, and Andrew all get put down on 1-3 plays; nothing getting by the Scrappers pitcher. In the bottom half, after a leadoff base hit, Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 DP. A P1 to Jacob ended the inning, teams knotted at 1.
Top of 4, Smiley hit a line drive to right, only to be set down on an unorthodox 9-3. The ball just got there too quickly, and right at the right fielder playing in. Dane would single, but a pair of pop outs ended the half inning quickly. In the bottom half, the Mudcats worked out of a jam. After a Ryan/Joseph 6-3, the Scrappers hit a double then a single to put runners on 1st and 3rd with just the 1 out. A short pop fly going foul towards the first base dugout was charged by Joseph, who made a diving catch for the out. Then on a 6-3, Joseph outdid himself scooping up a 1-hopper on a bang-bang play to end the threat and secure the 1 to 1 tie through 4 innings.
Top of the 5th featured 4 hard hits, but only one that squeaked through, a double to left-center by Bags. In the bottom half, a single, triple, and then sac-fly, caught by Adam, gave the Scrappers a 2 run advantage. After another base hit, the inning ended on a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade and then a K.
The Mudcats went into the 6th inning losing 3 to 1 and made a valiant attempt to come back with the bottom of the order facing the solid Scrappers defense. Adam and Jacob both singled to start the inning. That was as much as the Scrappers would bend, as the next three Mudcats went down, 2 of which were hard hit balls, typical of the game. The tournament game ended at 12:12 PM, Scrappers winning.
The Scrappers finished their season 15-3, losing twice to the Mudcats, who finished their season 16-2-1. The Mudcats only two losses came to the Scrappers during the tournament. The Mudcats and Scrappers finished the regular season 1st and 2nd in record, offense, and defense, and it was only fitting to have these two teams playing the last game of the tournament together.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Elimination Game Victory – Mudcats Advance to Championship
May 30, 2009 – First Pitch at 9:01 AM – A Beautiful Morning for Baseball
Down 3 to 2 though 3 innings in an elimination game, the Mudcats stayed cool on a beautiful morning at West Raleigh, winning 5 runs to 9 and advancing to the Championship.
The Mudcats opened up the game in style, sitting down the Bulls in order. Top of 1 outs included a 4-3 from Cade (off of a deflected ball from the pitcher) to Joseph; a pop fly to right-center caught comfortably by Adam; and a P6 hauled in by Ryan.
Bottom of 1, the boys scored 2 runs as Ryan advanced on an error, and then Dane roped one to left center for 2 bases. Joseph hit one to short and ran out the base hit, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt knocked an RBI single into left clearing Ryan and advancing Joseph to 2nd. The inning ended on a pair of FCs to 3rd, and a pop fly, Mudcats winning no runs to 2.
Top of 2, Bulls tie the game up. After an F6 by Ryan, the next batter blasted one to 3rd knocking Matt down, but not out. Then a 2-run HR knocked the Mudcats down, but not out. The Bulls got two more singles in the inning, but a P4 to Cade and a K ended the run.
Bottom of 2, the Mudcats made a run, but did not score. Adam led off with a shot to center, a 1-hop to the Moe’s sign well played for a long single. Jacob then advanced on an FC, and then got to 2nd on an infield hit by Tyler. Leyton got a base hit to left center, moving Tyler to second, but Jacob would get tagged out at 3rd as he was rounding and coming back in. Andrew hit into a 6-4 and the Mudcats and Bulls were knotted at 2 after 2.
Top of the 3rd started with a line out to Jacob at pitcher. Then an error and base hit gave the Bulls runners of 1st and 2nd with 1 out, and the top of the order coming up to bat. The Bulls’ leadoff batter popped to 1. Then a 2-out single scored 1 run, runners advancing on the throw for a 2nd and 3rd 2-out situation for the #3 batter. No more damage as a ground ball to short was charged hard by Ryan for the 6-3 to Joseph.
Bottom of 3, only Ryan would get a hit, a double that nearly went out, pelting the Michael Jordan sign in left-center. With no runs scored, after 3 the Mudcats were down to the Bulls, 3 runs to 2.
In the top of the 4th, the Mudcats played stellar defense. Out 1 came on a Cade/Joseph 4-3, a base hit, then a P3 to Joseph, and a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade for the 3rd out. Mudcats came back to take the lead in the bottom half, with Cade getting on base with 1 out. Bags singled moving Cade to 2nd, and then Luke two-hopped it to the Moe’s sign for 2 bases, clearing Cade and Bags. An Adam base hit, then line-out, and then 6-3; and the score was 3 to 4 Mudcats after 4.
The boys held on in the 5th with the Bulls leading off the inning with two base hits. With 2 on and none out, a P4 to Cade and then 6-5 from Ryan to Matt helped the situation. A 3rd base hit then loaded the bases with 2 out. The 3rd out came on a fly ball to Joseph at 1st, where he made an excellent catch while simultaneously avoiding the crossing base runner.
Up just 1, the bottom of the order started a run for the Mudcats that ultimately secured the win. With 1 out, Andrew hit one to short and ran out the base hit. Jacob Mitchell then pulled one down to third as Andrew came in sliding to beat out the attempted 5-4. Then with Andrew and Smiley on base, the Mudcats leadoff batter Dane went Yard on a line shot over the left-centerfield fence. The 3-run homer would ultimately include the winning runs of the game. Singles by Ryan and Joseph, and a triple by Cade to score them both padded the lead further. The 5th inning ended with the Mudcats leading 3 runs to 9.
The Bulls went down fighting in the 6th, leading off with a double. A Ryan to Joseph 6-3 earned the 1st out, and also the Bulls a run as the runner hustled from 2nd to score. The next batter hit a solo HR to inch 1 run closer. Then a 3U to Joseph, a base hit, and a K ended the game at 10:31 AM, Mudcats winning 5 runs to 9. The win advanced the Mudcats to the Championship game vs. the Scrappers, starting a half hour later.
Down 3 to 2 though 3 innings in an elimination game, the Mudcats stayed cool on a beautiful morning at West Raleigh, winning 5 runs to 9 and advancing to the Championship.
The Mudcats opened up the game in style, sitting down the Bulls in order. Top of 1 outs included a 4-3 from Cade (off of a deflected ball from the pitcher) to Joseph; a pop fly to right-center caught comfortably by Adam; and a P6 hauled in by Ryan.
Bottom of 1, the boys scored 2 runs as Ryan advanced on an error, and then Dane roped one to left center for 2 bases. Joseph hit one to short and ran out the base hit, scoring Dane and moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt knocked an RBI single into left clearing Ryan and advancing Joseph to 2nd. The inning ended on a pair of FCs to 3rd, and a pop fly, Mudcats winning no runs to 2.
Top of 2, Bulls tie the game up. After an F6 by Ryan, the next batter blasted one to 3rd knocking Matt down, but not out. Then a 2-run HR knocked the Mudcats down, but not out. The Bulls got two more singles in the inning, but a P4 to Cade and a K ended the run.
Bottom of 2, the Mudcats made a run, but did not score. Adam led off with a shot to center, a 1-hop to the Moe’s sign well played for a long single. Jacob then advanced on an FC, and then got to 2nd on an infield hit by Tyler. Leyton got a base hit to left center, moving Tyler to second, but Jacob would get tagged out at 3rd as he was rounding and coming back in. Andrew hit into a 6-4 and the Mudcats and Bulls were knotted at 2 after 2.
Top of the 3rd started with a line out to Jacob at pitcher. Then an error and base hit gave the Bulls runners of 1st and 2nd with 1 out, and the top of the order coming up to bat. The Bulls’ leadoff batter popped to 1. Then a 2-out single scored 1 run, runners advancing on the throw for a 2nd and 3rd 2-out situation for the #3 batter. No more damage as a ground ball to short was charged hard by Ryan for the 6-3 to Joseph.
Bottom of 3, only Ryan would get a hit, a double that nearly went out, pelting the Michael Jordan sign in left-center. With no runs scored, after 3 the Mudcats were down to the Bulls, 3 runs to 2.
In the top of the 4th, the Mudcats played stellar defense. Out 1 came on a Cade/Joseph 4-3, a base hit, then a P3 to Joseph, and a 6-4 from Ryan to Cade for the 3rd out. Mudcats came back to take the lead in the bottom half, with Cade getting on base with 1 out. Bags singled moving Cade to 2nd, and then Luke two-hopped it to the Moe’s sign for 2 bases, clearing Cade and Bags. An Adam base hit, then line-out, and then 6-3; and the score was 3 to 4 Mudcats after 4.
The boys held on in the 5th with the Bulls leading off the inning with two base hits. With 2 on and none out, a P4 to Cade and then 6-5 from Ryan to Matt helped the situation. A 3rd base hit then loaded the bases with 2 out. The 3rd out came on a fly ball to Joseph at 1st, where he made an excellent catch while simultaneously avoiding the crossing base runner.
Up just 1, the bottom of the order started a run for the Mudcats that ultimately secured the win. With 1 out, Andrew hit one to short and ran out the base hit. Jacob Mitchell then pulled one down to third as Andrew came in sliding to beat out the attempted 5-4. Then with Andrew and Smiley on base, the Mudcats leadoff batter Dane went Yard on a line shot over the left-centerfield fence. The 3-run homer would ultimately include the winning runs of the game. Singles by Ryan and Joseph, and a triple by Cade to score them both padded the lead further. The 5th inning ended with the Mudcats leading 3 runs to 9.
The Bulls went down fighting in the 6th, leading off with a double. A Ryan to Joseph 6-3 earned the 1st out, and also the Bulls a run as the runner hustled from 2nd to score. The next batter hit a solo HR to inch 1 run closer. Then a 3U to Joseph, a base hit, and a K ended the game at 10:31 AM, Mudcats winning 5 runs to 9. The win advanced the Mudcats to the Championship game vs. the Scrappers, starting a half hour later.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mudcats Swing Flat – Lose to Scrappers
May 26, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:45 PM – Weather was overcast
The Mudcats (15-1-1) played their typically strong offense on Tuesday night. The defensive league leading team allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the regular season, and gave up 5 against the Scrappers (14-3). It was the offense that fell short, scoring only 3 runs, off from their league leading 15.6 runs per game regular season average.
The Scrappers came out ready to play, hitting every ball hard in the top of the 1st inning. It was stellar defensive play that held the strong performance by the Scrappers to just 3 runs. The Scrappers led off with 3 singles and a double before a rip down the 3rd base line was snagged by Matt for the 5-3 to Joseph. Then Ryan pulled in a P6 and Cade made an excellent play on a hard hit line to 2nd.
Dane led off the bottom half with a high fly to center for a long single and Matt hit a hard line drive down the 3rd base line into left for a single. Those were the only two hits of the inning as the Mudcats started off down 3 runs to 0.
Top of the 2nd, Mudcats played excellent defense as the Scrappers went down in order. First out came on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, then a K, and then a 1-3, where Bags came in hard toward home, made the barehanded pickup and quick throw to Joseph for the out.
Bottom of 2, Mudcats were flat again with only 2 base hits, a line drive up the middle by Luke and another by Jacob. After 2, the score remained 3 to 0 Scrappers.
Top of 3, great defense again by the Mudcats; the first out came on a 6-3 where Ryan had to range far to his right to get the ball, and made an excellent quick-release throw to Joseph in the full stretch. A fielding error allowed 1 runner on, but a P1 by Jacob and a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph ended the half inning.
Bottom of 3, the Mudcats cut the deficit to 1 after a rally sparked by the bottom of the order. Leyton hit one hard right at the pitcher, who played an exceptional game, and turned the 1-3. Jacob Mitchell then hit a base hit to over the 2nd baseman’s head. Andrew grounded into a 4-3, moving Jacob to 2nd. Dane then doubled to deep left, driving Jacob home, and then Ryan returned the favor, doubling to left-center. After 3 innings the Scrappers were up 3 runs to 2.
Top of the 4th, the Scrappers added 1 on a HR, but otherwise, solid defense for the Mudcats. The first out came on a textbook 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph. After the HR, Cade pulled in out 2 on an F4. Then the Scrappers staged a 2-out rally, with a single followed by a double. A quick throw from Adam in left-center saved the run from scoring. Then with 2nd and 3rd and 2 down, another 6-3 saved the inning with no further damage.
Bottom of 4 was a defining inning for the Scrappers. Matt led off with a deep shot to right-center for 1 base. Then Cade ripped a line drive at the pitcher who made an outstanding catch turn and throw to 1st for the double play, catching Matt off the bag. What could have been a likely 1st and 3rd with none out turned quickly into a none-on, 2-out situation. The inning ended on a P3 with the Scrappers holding onto a 4 to 2 advantage.
Top of 5 the Scrappers added an insurance run. After an error on a pop fly and great hustle the Scrappers led off with a runner on 2nd. An F6 to Ryan was the 1st out. Then after an error, Scrappers had 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Out two came on a high pop fly to center and a great catch by Jacob. The runner, tagging from 2nd to 3rd ended up scoring, as the throw in rolled into the Scrappers’ dugout. A P1 to Bags ended the inning.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats made a run, but only managed to score 1. Luke led off with a line shot to left-center. Then Adam singled to left center, runners now on 1st and 2nd with none out. Jacob lined one up the middle for an unorthodox fielder’s choice, as the centerfielder made the throw into 2nd for the force. Still, the Mudcats had 1st and 3rd with just 1 out. Tyler got his bat head on the ball and scored Luke as Jacob advanced to 2nd. A fielder’s choice and a 5U later, and the Mudcats were down 5 to 3 after 5.
The Mudcats and Scrappers both had their last batter followed by the top of the order coming up in the 6th, with the Mudcats down by 2. A come from behind win seemed possible, especially after the way the boys played D in the top half. The 1st out came on a P6 to Ryan, and the 2nd on a 3U by Joseph. Then a single for the Scrappers, followed by an attempted double to left-center. Dane came up quick with the throw into 2nd where Cade made the catch and tag for the 3rd out and a great deal of momentum for the Mudcats heading into the bottom half.
Only Dane, who went 3 for 3 on the day would get a base hit, a double to deep left-center. The game ended at 7:00 with the Mudcats suffering their first loss of the spring season. The Scrappers advance to the championship round on Saturday where they will face the winner of the Mudcats and Bulls, who play an elimination game Thursday night at West Raleigh.
The Mudcats (15-1-1) played their typically strong offense on Tuesday night. The defensive league leading team allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the regular season, and gave up 5 against the Scrappers (14-3). It was the offense that fell short, scoring only 3 runs, off from their league leading 15.6 runs per game regular season average.
The Scrappers came out ready to play, hitting every ball hard in the top of the 1st inning. It was stellar defensive play that held the strong performance by the Scrappers to just 3 runs. The Scrappers led off with 3 singles and a double before a rip down the 3rd base line was snagged by Matt for the 5-3 to Joseph. Then Ryan pulled in a P6 and Cade made an excellent play on a hard hit line to 2nd.
Dane led off the bottom half with a high fly to center for a long single and Matt hit a hard line drive down the 3rd base line into left for a single. Those were the only two hits of the inning as the Mudcats started off down 3 runs to 0.
Top of the 2nd, Mudcats played excellent defense as the Scrappers went down in order. First out came on a 5-3 from Matt to Joseph, then a K, and then a 1-3, where Bags came in hard toward home, made the barehanded pickup and quick throw to Joseph for the out.
Bottom of 2, Mudcats were flat again with only 2 base hits, a line drive up the middle by Luke and another by Jacob. After 2, the score remained 3 to 0 Scrappers.
Top of 3, great defense again by the Mudcats; the first out came on a 6-3 where Ryan had to range far to his right to get the ball, and made an excellent quick-release throw to Joseph in the full stretch. A fielding error allowed 1 runner on, but a P1 by Jacob and a 1-3 from Jacob to Joseph ended the half inning.
Bottom of 3, the Mudcats cut the deficit to 1 after a rally sparked by the bottom of the order. Leyton hit one hard right at the pitcher, who played an exceptional game, and turned the 1-3. Jacob Mitchell then hit a base hit to over the 2nd baseman’s head. Andrew grounded into a 4-3, moving Jacob to 2nd. Dane then doubled to deep left, driving Jacob home, and then Ryan returned the favor, doubling to left-center. After 3 innings the Scrappers were up 3 runs to 2.
Top of the 4th, the Scrappers added 1 on a HR, but otherwise, solid defense for the Mudcats. The first out came on a textbook 6-3 from Ryan to Joseph. After the HR, Cade pulled in out 2 on an F4. Then the Scrappers staged a 2-out rally, with a single followed by a double. A quick throw from Adam in left-center saved the run from scoring. Then with 2nd and 3rd and 2 down, another 6-3 saved the inning with no further damage.
Bottom of 4 was a defining inning for the Scrappers. Matt led off with a deep shot to right-center for 1 base. Then Cade ripped a line drive at the pitcher who made an outstanding catch turn and throw to 1st for the double play, catching Matt off the bag. What could have been a likely 1st and 3rd with none out turned quickly into a none-on, 2-out situation. The inning ended on a P3 with the Scrappers holding onto a 4 to 2 advantage.
Top of 5 the Scrappers added an insurance run. After an error on a pop fly and great hustle the Scrappers led off with a runner on 2nd. An F6 to Ryan was the 1st out. Then after an error, Scrappers had 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Out two came on a high pop fly to center and a great catch by Jacob. The runner, tagging from 2nd to 3rd ended up scoring, as the throw in rolled into the Scrappers’ dugout. A P1 to Bags ended the inning.
Bottom of 5, the Mudcats made a run, but only managed to score 1. Luke led off with a line shot to left-center. Then Adam singled to left center, runners now on 1st and 2nd with none out. Jacob lined one up the middle for an unorthodox fielder’s choice, as the centerfielder made the throw into 2nd for the force. Still, the Mudcats had 1st and 3rd with just 1 out. Tyler got his bat head on the ball and scored Luke as Jacob advanced to 2nd. A fielder’s choice and a 5U later, and the Mudcats were down 5 to 3 after 5.
The Mudcats and Scrappers both had their last batter followed by the top of the order coming up in the 6th, with the Mudcats down by 2. A come from behind win seemed possible, especially after the way the boys played D in the top half. The 1st out came on a P6 to Ryan, and the 2nd on a 3U by Joseph. Then a single for the Scrappers, followed by an attempted double to left-center. Dane came up quick with the throw into 2nd where Cade made the catch and tag for the 3rd out and a great deal of momentum for the Mudcats heading into the bottom half.
Only Dane, who went 3 for 3 on the day would get a base hit, a double to deep left-center. The game ended at 7:00 with the Mudcats suffering their first loss of the spring season. The Scrappers advance to the championship round on Saturday where they will face the winner of the Mudcats and Bulls, who play an elimination game Thursday night at West Raleigh.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mudcats Hold the Bulls – Win Second Round Game
May 18, 2009 – First Pitch at 5:40 PM – Weather was clear and pleasant
The #1 seed Mudcats (15-0-1) prevailed in their second round tournament game against the #4 seed Bulls (10-6). The win advances the Mudcats to the 3rd round of the winners’ bracket where they will face off with the #2 seed Scrappers.The boys started off with great defense in the top of the first. They put the Scrappers down in order on a P1 to Dane, an F4 and then P4, both to Cade. In the bottom half, Dane led off with a line drive to left center and Joseph doubled up the middle, moving Dane to 3rd. Matt brought Dane home on a sac fly, and then Joseph scored when Cade put the ball into play. After 1, the Mudcats were up no runs to 2.
The 2nd inning featured more solid defense by the Mudcats. After a leadoff single by the Bulls, Cade pulled in an F4 for out 1. Then Cade and Ryan connected on a 4-6FC followed by a K to keep the Bulls scoreless. In the bottom half the Mudcats tacked on 3 more. Luke led off with an infield hit demonstrating great hustle. Adam roped one to right-center, moving Luke to 3rd. Jacob put one over the 2nd baseman for an RBI, bringing home Luke. Tyler then lined to left center for 2 bags, clearing the bases ahead of him. Leyton hustled to first to give the Mudcats 2 runners on with none out, but three consecutive hard hit balls by Sticks, Smiley, and Dane went right at the Bulls. After 2, the Mudcats led no runs to 5.
Great defense again in the 3rd, after the Bulls hit a leadoff single. Cade and Ryan earned the first two outs with forces at second base on a 6-4 and then a 4-6 fielder’s choice. Matt connected with Cade on a 5-4, all three outs coming on forces at 2nd. Ryan led off the bottom half with a shot that knocked the 3rd baseman on his heels for 1B. Joseph followed up with a double, moving Ryan to 3rd. Matt lined one to left-center, scoring Ryan and moving Joseph to 3rd. Cade hit an RBI Sac Fly, bringing Matt home and moving Joseph to 3rd. Bags reached on a 5-4FC and then moved to 2nd on a line drive to left by Luke. Adam then doubled up the middle, scoring Bags and moving Luke to 3rd. Jacob then singled up the middle, scoring Luke. After 3 innings, the Mudcats were leading no runs to 9.
In the 4th, the Bulls made a run, posting 4 runs on the board. After a leadoff single and a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph, the Bulls had a runner on 2nd with 1 out. A line drive to right-center was stopped by Andrew who made the throw into Cade who got the ball home to Bags for an almost out. End result was 1 run in and the batter on 3rd with still just 1 down. A single brought the runner from 3rd home, and then a 2-run home run completed the scoring effort by the Bulls. The Mudcats closed out the half-inning on a 4-3 from Cade to Joseph and then an F4 to Cade.
In the bottom half, the Mudcats came back with 5 runs, starting with a leadoff effort by Leyton to turn an infield ball into 2-bags. After a P4 by Sticks, Jacob Smiley Mitchell added some hustle of his own, resulting in a 1st and 3rd situation for the Mudcats, top of the order coming to the plate. Dane hit a shot to right-center, scoring Leyton. Ryan crushed one to left-center for two bases and scoring Jacob. Joseph singled to right-center, scoring Ryan. Matt lined to left, moving Joseph to 2nd. Cade then lined one up the middle scoring Joseph. With only 1 out, the inning was called on the 5 and 10 run rule, Mudcats winning 4 runs to 14.
Each team added 1 in the 5th. After an error and base hit, the Bulls had runners on 1st and 2nd with none out. After a P2 on a great snag by Luke, then a 1-5 from Bags to Matt, who got the tag on, the Mudcats managed to not allow a runner to reach 3rd, now with 2 down. A single stopped by Tyler held the runners to 1 base, loading them up. Another base hit, and continued great defense by the boys to only allow 1 run to score. A 1-3 from Bags to Joseph got the Mudcats out of the jam.
In the bottom half, the Bags led off with an infield single, followed by another one by Luke. After an L6 and a 1-3, the Mudcats had 2nd and 3rd with 2 out. A line up the middle scored Bags before the inning ended on a P5. After 5, the Mudcats were up 10 runs, 5 to 15.
In the top of the 5th the Bulls staged a serious comeback effort, mostly with 2 outs. After a 3U by Joseph and a single, Ryan connected with Cade on a 6-4 off a missed pop-fly, giving the Bulls a runner on 1st with 2 outs. Then, the Bulls managed 6 straight hard hit singles, ultimately scoring the 5 runs. Finally, and F3 confidently caught by Joseph ended the rally and the game.
The final out came at 7:11 PM with the Mudcats on top, 10 runs to 15. The win keeps the boys in the winners’ bracket where they will face the Scrappers in the 3rd round game.
Round 2 Games Tonight
After Sunday's rain-outs, post season tournament action gets going again tonight at West Raleigh, starting with the #1 seed Mudcats taking on the #4 seed Bulls. Game time is 5:45 PM. The second game, slated to start at 7:30 PM is the #2 vs. #3 match-up between the Scrappers and Bees.
Check out the new interactive bracket being trialed by West Raleigh to keep up with the tournament by clicking here.
Check out the new interactive bracket being trialed by West Raleigh to keep up with the tournament by clicking here.
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