#1 WEST RALEIGH VS. #3 NORTH WAKE
This is the game that the 7U's have worked all All Star season for. This was finally our tournament, our game. No 8U teams to battle with no more talk about being the under dog (no more well they are only 7). It was our turn at States and we knew that our rivals wanted it as much as we did. This game would be a battle and in the end the team that would want it the most would be the team that would come out on top.
Did our boys really want it?
North Wake's boys really wanted it and they showed that they wanted it right from the start. They start the first inning off quickly with a seven run lead. After their 6th batter they had already scored four runs and we had only one out on the board. The out was made when Blake grabbed a grounder hit towards third and tagged the bag for a forced out. Grayson caught the 7th batter's fly ball to right field for out number two but another run scores after tagging up. With two outs on the board North Wake reloads the bases and the hits kept coming. By the time Blake makes the third out by grabbing another grounder hit towards third and throws to Garrett at first for out #3 North Wake has put their 7 runs on the board letting our boys know how much they wanted it.
Their defense was as solid as their offense. #9 Payton "PG" Green started our hitting off with a line drive to shallow left field for a single. Sean gets on with a bunt moving Payton over. #2 Garrett "GM" Moffett hits a grounder up the middle and Sean is forced out at second. Zach hits a hard grounder up towards second but North Wake's Short Stop gobbles it up tags second and throws to first for a 6U-3 double play. North Wake holds us scoreless after one.
The second inning our defense was starting to come around. North Wake's first batter of the inning makes it to first by beating the throw by Blake, the first out came courtesy of Brian in Right Center who made the catch but in his attempt to throw the runner out who was heading back to first over threw Garrett and the runner advanced to second. The third batter of the inning drops one into shallow right center and the runner on second moves to third, so we have first and third one out. North Wake's fourth batter hits one up the middle and Brian gets it to second for out #2, but the runner on third advanced home and NW is now up 8-0. Payton takes care of out #3 by grabbing a ground ball and tagging second base.
Bottom of the 2nd... 8-0...time to start chipping away boys...one hit at a time.
#28 Brian Rubin starts us off with a single up the middle. #98 Big Bad Blake McCain hits a double to Left Field (the wasp nest has been removed and the out field is open for business). #11 Andrew"Sticks" DiMeo pops up to 2nd base but Rubin is able to tag up and score from third and Blake is able to move to 3rd. Jacob lays a Sac bunt to score Blake. And that is where the hitting and score ends for West Raleigh. We have gotten back two.
Top of the third 2-8
North Wake's first three batters of the third inning get on base, the fourth batter hits one up the 3rd base line that Sean gets in to Blake at 3rd for out #1 and the runner from third scores. Zach follows up by catching a fly ball in Center Field for out #2. But North Wake was ready to rally and tack on four more hard hits and five more runs before the inning ends. We are now down 16-2 heading into the bottom of the third. Some were starting to wonder if our boys wanted it at all. Could this really be the way that our season would end? Could the 7U's that played so hard this summer go down like this?
#17 Ryan "Pickles" Smith didn't think we should go down like that as he hit a single past the short stop. Payton didn't think so either as he hit one hard, but NW's short stop was in ready position and gets the ball to second to force Ryan out. Sean was not ready to go down and he hit a ground ball up the third base line. Garrett wanted North Wake to know that he wasn't giving up and he hits a double to Right Field that scores Payton. #14 Zach "Attack" Hurand brought his big bat to the plate and hit a BOMB to Right Center Field scoring Sean and Garrett. Brian hit a hard grounder up the middle and gets safely to first, but Zach makes an attempt at third and gets thrown and tagged out on the way. It was time for a two out rally. Big Bad Blake wanted NW to know that he brought his bat and was ready to play as he hit a bomb to Center Field earning him a double and scoring Rubin from first. #11 Sticks hits a hard line drive for a single and Jacob has the last hit of the inning with a bunt moving the runners over. The inning is over and the 7U's have chipped away some more scoring four.
Top of the 4th 6-16 North Wake.
Our offensive has started to wake up and show that they wanted it, but could our boys do the same on D? After the first batter makes it to first in the fourth inning we hoped our boys could keep their head in the game. As the second batter hits one between second and third Payton Green grabs the ball...runs...tags second and makes the throw to Garrett at first for West Raleigh's 7U's first ever 6U-3 DOUBLE PLAY! (I'm starting to think that the boys want it). The next two batters get on base with out field line drives, these North Wake boys are peppering the field in ever hole they can find. The next batter hits one up the middle and TWO more runs score. Payton has had enough and grabs the next line drive towards short stop out of the air for out #3. (18-6 North Wake)
So it seems as if our boys want it, but do they believe they can get it? West Raleigh players, coaches and parents like to use the term "Roll Blue". But what does that really mean? At one point during the game I got a text message from a 8U Blue parent, just an hour after they won the 8U South East Regional Cal Ripken Championship asking about our game. At that point in the game we were down 16-2, I had let her know that and her simple response to me was "Never Give Up. Roll Blue!!" The best part about playing at West Raleigh is not the winning, it is the learning how to play baseball, showing good sportmanship towards others, and learning how to never give up. If you want it, prove it, make it yours. Believe in yourself and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
The 7U's will need to score at least three runs to keep the game alive. If North Wake takes us down with out three runs crossing the plate, the game is over. Everything our boys worked for over the last six weeks would come to losing this game by the "ten run rule". Lucky for us, #17 Ryan was up again and as we saw in the third inning, Ryan wanted it and he wanted it even more this time. He hit a single past third base to Left Field. Payton who again has a great hit that gets grabbed up by the short stop and Ryan is forced out at second. Sean steps to the plate, runner on first one out and hits a line drive between 2nd and 3rd for a single. Garrett knows that he needs to hit it so Payton can score and keep the drive alive to play another inning...he swings and BOOM a bomb to center field for a double and #9 crosses the plate. Zach hits a hard single back at the pitcher, #28 Brian wants to send his runners home so he smashed the ball to center field sending Sean and Garrett in. Big Bad Blake McCain hits a fly ball to Left Field sending Zach home and Rubin to third.
It is now two outs...Blake and Rubin are on base, four runners have crossed home and North Wake's lead is slowly closing but there is still a lot of work to be done. #7 Jacob hits one over first base and #28 crosses the plate. Matt hits a line drive to Center Field scoring Blake and moving Jacob to 3rd. And the kid that started it all for us is up again, Ryan hits one past third for a single and scores #7. Payton hits one over the Short Stop scoring Matt and moving Ryan to 3rd. Sean (who throughout the season if you have been following these write up you should know that he can do it all, he is a great weapon to have. He can lay the perfect bunt or smash one to the out field, what ever the coach needs) lays down a perfect bunt and Ryan crosses home. BASES LOADED 2 OUTS 9 RUNS HAVE SCORED...but Garrett doesn't think nine is enough so he hits a line drive TRIPLE to the outfield scoring Payton and Sean. Zach follows with a line drive past the short stop scoring Garrett we are now tied 18-18...still two outs. Brian hits yet another bomb to Center field moving Zach to 3rd. Blake hits a hard ground ball...so perfect that it hugs the 3rd base foul line all the way to the foul pole for a triple scoring both Zach and Rubin.
The West Raleigh 7U team has just scored 14 (wait did you not hear that I said FOURTEEN) runs in the bottom of the fourth. The score is now 20-18...top of the fifth.
North Wakes first batter hits a single towards third. The second batter hits one on the ground to G-Money in Right field that he scoops up and throw to Garrett at 1st for out #1. Next they hit a ground ball that is hugging the line at third that Blake grabs and makes the throw to first for out #2. The next batter gets on and the 5th batter for North Wake is battling, hitting foul ball after foul ball, the next one harder then the last. But then a swing and a miss and we head to the bottom of the 5th.
Jacob starts us off with a hard line drive up the middle for a single, David hits a hard one but yet again his hit is stolen away by North Wake's vacuum short stop and Jacob is out sliding into second. Payton hits another hard line drive single and Sean who now has the go ahead from coach hits a BOMB to left field for a two run double. Garrett hits a laser that ends up taking down the first basemen when he moves to field it. It was a great stop by North Wake's first basemen because if he didn't get in front of it, it was heading to deep Right Field. We have two men on and two outs when Zach hits another hard line drive over the center fielder's head scoring Sean. Brian follows with a Line Drive over center scoring Garrett and when they attempt to throw Garrett out at home Zach and Brian advance on the bases. B I G B A D Blake is up and hits another beauty on the third base line to left field scoring Zach and Rubin. West Raleigh scores another 6 runs in the 5th. Our boys came to battle and battle they have. None of these hits were due to throwing errors, North Wake's defense was too good for that. They were all perfectly placed line drives that either found a hole or simply went over their out fielders' heads. (some of these hits would have been home runs at West Raleigh's Minor League field).
The game was not over, we still needed to hold a great hitting North Wake team. NW sends their first batter to the plate and he hits one back up the middle, #7 grabs in before it hits the machine and throws to #2 at first for out #1. The second hitter gets a single. One on, one away. The third batter for North Wake swings, its a hard grounder up the 3rd baseline, and Blake traps it, grabs it, throws to first and Garrett makes the stretching catch for out #2. Man on second, two outs...bat swings, it is a hot one, a hard line drive bouncing to Right Field G-Money Nichols grabs it throws to Garrett and........
THE WEST RALEIGH 7Us WIN!!!!!!
More important then winning this game and winning the tournament and winning States our boys never gave up. Just like in the Winterville Tournament when they went extra innings against Southern Pitt, they never gave up. I said to my son after the game with a tear in my eye, that I was so proud of him and his team. Proud that they won yes, but proud that they didn't give up. It is easier to give up then it is to fight. It is easy to pack it in and sulk away when you are 7 years old and you are down 16 to 2 (after all can't they just simply say "I'm only 7"). It is hard to see a ball if your vision is cloudy with tears. We knew North Wake was a great team and that they were not going to simply give us this game, and when we were down and some would have counted us out instead our boys decided that they simply were not going to hand North Wake the game either. North Wake did not lose the State Championship game we simply won it.
"Never Give Up. Roll Blue!!"
Monday, July 19, 2010
Let the Bracket Play Begin!!!
West Raleigh vs. Wilson County
The single elimination part of the State Tournament has begun. We have to win this game to advance. Wilson County went 2-1 during pool play and only lost to North Wake 4-1, but our boys are pumped and ready to play.
Payton starts us off again this inning on defense by grabbing a grounder hit toward 2nd and makes the throw to first for out #1. Wilson's next batter hits a bouncy one back at the pitcher #7 Jacob, who makes the throw to Garrett at first for out #2. The third batter lays one in to Center Field and they have a runner at first with their clean up batter up next. He hits a one hopper back to Jacob at pitcher who throws to Garrett at first for out #3.
Wilson's defense makes quick work of our first two batters when they steal a hard hit line drive out of the sky from Payton, and manage to get Sean at first after his ground ball to third. Garrett hits a double to Center Field and #14 Zach "Attack" Hurand hits a TRIPLE to Right Field scoring #2. Brian Rubin drops one in behind second and Zach scores from third while #28 makes it safely to first. Blake who's hit could have been a triple if not a home run, was ruled a ground rule double due to a wasps nest on the fence in left field where it hit the fence, so Rubin is sent back to third and Blake has to settle for second. Sticks hit a single between 2nd and 3rd on the ground and Brian and Blake both score. #7 had the last hit of the inning with a successful bunt.
Top of the 2nd and West Raleigh is up 4-0
The Second innings outs were again started by Payton when he dug one up before it hit the dirt for a catch at short stop. Wilson's second batter hit a line drive over our short stop for a single. Ryan pops up at catcher and grabs the bunt that the 3rd batter laid down and makes a great throw to Garrett at first for out #2. Payton then charges a hard grounder and with no force at second throws to Garrett at first for out #3.
Bottom of the third and the 7U's were ready to hit. #17 Ryan lays down a bunt, Payton gets a ground rule double (due to wasps) and Sean gets a double scoring Grayson who was running for Ryan. Garrett hits one straight up the middle, Payton and Sean score and Garrett makes it to second after a bad throw in from the outfield. Zach hits a single up the middle, Brian hits a Line drive past the short stop for a single scoring Garrett. Blake pops one up and they get Rubin out at second on a FC forced out. Sticks hits pops up falling behind first scoring Zach, and Jacob's hard line drive gets picked up by the pitcher and they throw Blake out on his way to third on a FC force. David drops one in behind first and #32's G-Money's slow grounder gets him to first and Sticks in from third. Payton gets the last hit of the inning by hitting a Line drive to Left Center Field scoring Jacob and David. The inning ends and eight more runs have scored we have taken a 12-0 lead.
Wilson County steps to the plate and hits a line drive up the middle for a single. The second batter hits a grounder that Payton gobbles up and tags second for the forced out. The third Wilson batter his a BOMB to Center Field and their runner from first scores. The next batter hits a hard one up the third baseline for a single. 1st and 2nd one out. The fifth batter of the inning hits a grounder that gets by our infield, the ball gets in to Payton, Payton throws to Sean at catcher who tags the runner coming in from third at home for out #2. The 7U's hold Wilson to one run this inning. Garrett starts the hitting with a BOMB to Center Field for a double, Brian hits a single to Right Field scoring Garrett and Rubin moves to second on the throw home in an attempt to tag #2 out sliding in at the plate (but he is SAFE!). Blake hits a laser line drive to Left Field but it is caught. Sticks hits one hard up the middle for the last hit of the inning. The 7U's increase their lead by one.
Top of the 4th 13-1
The first batter for Wilson County hit a hard grounder up the middle for a single, the next hitter popped one up to the pitcher and Jacob makes the catch for out #1. Zach grabs batter #3's hard hit ball in the out field and gets the ball to #11 Sticks at second for the Fielders Choice Force for out #2. Payton takes care of the next hitter by charging and grabbing the slow roller and throwing to #11 at second for out #3.
West Raleigh 7U Blue win their first bracket game and are headed to the first ever 7U ENC Babe Ruth League State Championship game against a very talented North Wake team!!! No matter what happens our boys are apart of North Carolina history.
The single elimination part of the State Tournament has begun. We have to win this game to advance. Wilson County went 2-1 during pool play and only lost to North Wake 4-1, but our boys are pumped and ready to play.
Payton starts us off again this inning on defense by grabbing a grounder hit toward 2nd and makes the throw to first for out #1. Wilson's next batter hits a bouncy one back at the pitcher #7 Jacob, who makes the throw to Garrett at first for out #2. The third batter lays one in to Center Field and they have a runner at first with their clean up batter up next. He hits a one hopper back to Jacob at pitcher who throws to Garrett at first for out #3.
Wilson's defense makes quick work of our first two batters when they steal a hard hit line drive out of the sky from Payton, and manage to get Sean at first after his ground ball to third. Garrett hits a double to Center Field and #14 Zach "Attack" Hurand hits a TRIPLE to Right Field scoring #2. Brian Rubin drops one in behind second and Zach scores from third while #28 makes it safely to first. Blake who's hit could have been a triple if not a home run, was ruled a ground rule double due to a wasps nest on the fence in left field where it hit the fence, so Rubin is sent back to third and Blake has to settle for second. Sticks hit a single between 2nd and 3rd on the ground and Brian and Blake both score. #7 had the last hit of the inning with a successful bunt.
Top of the 2nd and West Raleigh is up 4-0
The Second innings outs were again started by Payton when he dug one up before it hit the dirt for a catch at short stop. Wilson's second batter hit a line drive over our short stop for a single. Ryan pops up at catcher and grabs the bunt that the 3rd batter laid down and makes a great throw to Garrett at first for out #2. Payton then charges a hard grounder and with no force at second throws to Garrett at first for out #3.
Bottom of the third and the 7U's were ready to hit. #17 Ryan lays down a bunt, Payton gets a ground rule double (due to wasps) and Sean gets a double scoring Grayson who was running for Ryan. Garrett hits one straight up the middle, Payton and Sean score and Garrett makes it to second after a bad throw in from the outfield. Zach hits a single up the middle, Brian hits a Line drive past the short stop for a single scoring Garrett. Blake pops one up and they get Rubin out at second on a FC forced out. Sticks hits pops up falling behind first scoring Zach, and Jacob's hard line drive gets picked up by the pitcher and they throw Blake out on his way to third on a FC force. David drops one in behind first and #32's G-Money's slow grounder gets him to first and Sticks in from third. Payton gets the last hit of the inning by hitting a Line drive to Left Center Field scoring Jacob and David. The inning ends and eight more runs have scored we have taken a 12-0 lead.
Wilson County steps to the plate and hits a line drive up the middle for a single. The second batter hits a grounder that Payton gobbles up and tags second for the forced out. The third Wilson batter his a BOMB to Center Field and their runner from first scores. The next batter hits a hard one up the third baseline for a single. 1st and 2nd one out. The fifth batter of the inning hits a grounder that gets by our infield, the ball gets in to Payton, Payton throws to Sean at catcher who tags the runner coming in from third at home for out #2. The 7U's hold Wilson to one run this inning. Garrett starts the hitting with a BOMB to Center Field for a double, Brian hits a single to Right Field scoring Garrett and Rubin moves to second on the throw home in an attempt to tag #2 out sliding in at the plate (but he is SAFE!). Blake hits a laser line drive to Left Field but it is caught. Sticks hits one hard up the middle for the last hit of the inning. The 7U's increase their lead by one.
Top of the 4th 13-1
The first batter for Wilson County hit a hard grounder up the middle for a single, the next hitter popped one up to the pitcher and Jacob makes the catch for out #1. Zach grabs batter #3's hard hit ball in the out field and gets the ball to #11 Sticks at second for the Fielders Choice Force for out #2. Payton takes care of the next hitter by charging and grabbing the slow roller and throwing to #11 at second for out #3.
West Raleigh 7U Blue win their first bracket game and are headed to the first ever 7U ENC Babe Ruth League State Championship game against a very talented North Wake team!!! No matter what happens our boys are apart of North Carolina history.
Game Two Sunday
Game #3 of Pool Play: Winterville vs. West Raleigh
Game two of the day on Sunday was Winterville at West Raleigh. This is game three of Pool Play for the 7U's and in order to clinch 1st place going into Bracket Play we will need to not only win, but hold Winterville to less then 6 runs.
Winterville started the 1st inning by getting their first batter onto 2nd base. They quickly score when their next batter hits one past second, the runner who was on 2nd scores and the hitter on first attempts to take second when a bad throw to first is made but Garrett's quick reaction time gets the ball to second where Payton is waiting and tags the runner as he reaches second. The last two outs where both courtesy of Blake fielding ground balls up the third base side and throwing them to Garrett across the field for outs 2 and 3.
Bottom of the 1st and West Raleigh came to play. We almost hit through our line up twice getting up to bat 18 times this inning. Garrett hit a double, Zach hit a double and Blake hit a triple and almost the rest of our line up peppered the field with singles. When the hitting had ended West Raleigh was up 14-1.
Our second inning defense was solid and Winterville went three up/three down. #11 Sticks made a great catch between 1st and 2nd as he grabbed one right before it hit the ground for out #1, Blake catches a pop up to 3rd for the second out and #7 Jacob snagged a hard hit line drive back at the Ump right before it hit her for out #3. And our hitting continued. David hit a BOMB to Left Field, G-Money dropped one in to shallow Left Center (this was both of their second hits of the game) and these where followed by Payton, Sean, Garrett, Zach, Brian and Blake all hitting hard balls to increase our lead to 19-1.
The third inning starts and Winterville gets on first when their first batter drops one into shallow left field. Jacob grabs a grounder hit back to the pitcher and make the throw to Garrett at first for out #1, Blake AGAIN makes the next two outs of the inning by fielding hard hit grounders up the third base side and throwing to #2 Garrett at first for the outs. The bottom of the third and the 7U's scored 3 more runs, both Matt and Ryan had BOMBS to deep Center Field.
Top of the 4th 21-1 and Winterville is starting to hit. Their first two batters tally up a single and then a double scoring a run. Payton fields a grounder hit to Short Stop and makes a great throw to Garrett at first for out #1. The fourth and fifth batters hit line drives to Center Field and another run scores. Sticks runs in on a slow ground ball between 1st and 2nd and throws to Garrett for out #2. Next up, the batter hits a hard one to Left Field Sean grabs the ball, throws to Payton who then throws to Ryan who tags their runner coming in to score for out #3 and West Raleigh has won!
Coming in first in Pool Play and insuring that they will only have two more games to play that day instead of three. Can our boys make it through two more games on this hot Sunday afternoon?
Game two of the day on Sunday was Winterville at West Raleigh. This is game three of Pool Play for the 7U's and in order to clinch 1st place going into Bracket Play we will need to not only win, but hold Winterville to less then 6 runs.
Winterville started the 1st inning by getting their first batter onto 2nd base. They quickly score when their next batter hits one past second, the runner who was on 2nd scores and the hitter on first attempts to take second when a bad throw to first is made but Garrett's quick reaction time gets the ball to second where Payton is waiting and tags the runner as he reaches second. The last two outs where both courtesy of Blake fielding ground balls up the third base side and throwing them to Garrett across the field for outs 2 and 3.
Bottom of the 1st and West Raleigh came to play. We almost hit through our line up twice getting up to bat 18 times this inning. Garrett hit a double, Zach hit a double and Blake hit a triple and almost the rest of our line up peppered the field with singles. When the hitting had ended West Raleigh was up 14-1.
Our second inning defense was solid and Winterville went three up/three down. #11 Sticks made a great catch between 1st and 2nd as he grabbed one right before it hit the ground for out #1, Blake catches a pop up to 3rd for the second out and #7 Jacob snagged a hard hit line drive back at the Ump right before it hit her for out #3. And our hitting continued. David hit a BOMB to Left Field, G-Money dropped one in to shallow Left Center (this was both of their second hits of the game) and these where followed by Payton, Sean, Garrett, Zach, Brian and Blake all hitting hard balls to increase our lead to 19-1.
The third inning starts and Winterville gets on first when their first batter drops one into shallow left field. Jacob grabs a grounder hit back to the pitcher and make the throw to Garrett at first for out #1, Blake AGAIN makes the next two outs of the inning by fielding hard hit grounders up the third base side and throwing to #2 Garrett at first for the outs. The bottom of the third and the 7U's scored 3 more runs, both Matt and Ryan had BOMBS to deep Center Field.
Top of the 4th 21-1 and Winterville is starting to hit. Their first two batters tally up a single and then a double scoring a run. Payton fields a grounder hit to Short Stop and makes a great throw to Garrett at first for out #1. The fourth and fifth batters hit line drives to Center Field and another run scores. Sticks runs in on a slow ground ball between 1st and 2nd and throws to Garrett for out #2. Next up, the batter hits a hard one to Left Field Sean grabs the ball, throws to Payton who then throws to Ryan who tags their runner coming in to score for out #3 and West Raleigh has won!
Coming in first in Pool Play and insuring that they will only have two more games to play that day instead of three. Can our boys make it through two more games on this hot Sunday afternoon?
The Game That Took Two Days...
Pool Play Game #2: North Wake vs. West Raleigh
Saturday afternoon and West Raleigh has the 2pm game against North Wake. Our boys head to the field and start to warm up. The clouds start blowing in and the rain drops began to fall. Lightning strikes and thunder rolls. All the ball players are sent to their cars to wait it out.
It starts to clear up and they head back to the field to warm up again...then again the rain. Finally they decide now is the time...the time to play.
Shortly before 5pm the boys head to the field for the 3rd time and the game begins. West Raleigh is the home team and take to the field. The first batter for North Wake has a short pop up between pitcher and catcher and #7 Jacob rushes the ball and throws to Garrett at first for out #1, Matt Magner catches a fly ball in Right Field for out #2 and Payton grabs a ground ball at short stop, makes the throw to Garrett at first for the 3rd out.
Will our bats prevail in this damp condition? Payton Green's did. He hits at single past the short stop, and Sean follows with a successful bunt. North Wakes defense makes two great defensive plays in a row on our next two batters and our runner sit at 2nd and 3rd with two outs. #28 Brian Rubin hits a single past second and Payton scores. Next Big Bad Blake McCain hits a hard Line drive that N Wake Short stop managed to tip at the top of his glove which stopped this laser from going to the fence, but couldn't stop Sean from scoring and Blake making it to first. End of the first and West Raleigh is up 2-0.
Payton starts off our defense in the second by catching a pop up behind the machine off the first batter, their next batter makes it to first on a ground ball but is forced out at second when the third batter hits one back to Payton. Next batter up hits a ball behind first base and MR. Magner runs in and makes his second catch of the day for out #3. North Wakes defense would be just as good this inning and they hold us scoreless, we had two hits this inning courtesy of a successful bunt by Ryan, who after safely making it to first advances to second on a bad throw to 1st and Payton who had a line drive to Left Field but the quick work of Wakes defense gets the ball in and to their short stop who then throws home and #17 is out sliding into home by a HAIR!
Top of the third still 2-0
#11 Sticks DiMeo grabs a grounder up the middle and throws to Garrett at first for the second out of the inning, the next hitter for NW gets on with a grounder past short stop so there is a runner on 1st two outs...batter #4 of the inning hits one back to Payton at short stop and he runs to 2nd and tags the bag for out #3. Three innings down and we manage to hold them scoreless.
Next up for WR is #12 Sean "Mini Murphy" Murphy who pops one up high behind the pitcher and makes it safely to first when it falls between the pitcher and the first basemen. Garrett is up and hits a HARD Line Drive to Left Field, Sean quickly makes it to third and Garrett settles in at second for a double...wait...out? The Ump calls him out? Out due to "throwing his bat"...Sean gets sent back to first. #14 Zach "Attack" is up and feeling that #2 got slighted on that call, so he will set things straight for Garrett. He hits a BOMB to Center Field and Sean scores from first and when they make the throw home in an attempt to get #12 sliding in #14 heads safely to 3rd. Our last run of the inning was thanks to #98 Blake who hit a single to Left Field scoring Zach.
West Raleigh is up 4-0 but the sky above has decided that we have played enough today and the rain pours down...The game will be delayed and we will have to play the rest of this game, and the last game of pool play on Sunday.
8:30am Sunday morning...Top of the fourth and the North Wake bats have come alive.
The first batter hits a hard ground between 2nd and 3rd for a single, next they hit a BOMB to Center Field for a double, they have 2nd and 3rd 1 out and they hit one to Payton on the ground who makes the out at first but 2 runs will managed to score. On the next batter there was a grounder that was hit between first and second and G-Money Grayson grabs it and makes the throw to #2 at first for out #3. Although David lays a successful bunt to get on first and Payton hits a nice single to Left Field they hold us scoreless this inning with four guys stranded.
Top of the 5th WR is up 4-2
#6 Matt "M &Ms" Magner makes his third defensive play of the game in Right Field when he grabs a hard grounder and throws the batter out at first. But North Wake was not done hitting, next thing you know they have men on 1st and 3rd with two outs, but Zach will say no to a fly ball hit to Left Field and makes the catch for out number three. North Wake will make quick work of out next three batters. We went three up three down with some great defensive plays by their short stop, third basemen and their first basemen.
Top of the 6th...4-2...CAN WE HOLD THEM?!?!?!?
Blake McCain thinks we can. He fields a ground ball hit to third and throws to Garrett at first who makes the stretching catch for out #1. The next NW batter doesn't think we can hold them and he hits a hard one to Center Field for a single. But Sean quickly reminds him that he also thinks we can hold them when he makes an awesome catch in Left Field for out #2.
West Raleigh takes the win in the wet two day battle 4-2. We have a feeling we will be seeing this talented North Wake team again very soon. So far this has been the most exciting and exhausting game of the tournament...but we still have 3 or 4 more games to go. It will be a busy Sunday.
Saturday afternoon and West Raleigh has the 2pm game against North Wake. Our boys head to the field and start to warm up. The clouds start blowing in and the rain drops began to fall. Lightning strikes and thunder rolls. All the ball players are sent to their cars to wait it out.
It starts to clear up and they head back to the field to warm up again...then again the rain. Finally they decide now is the time...the time to play.
Shortly before 5pm the boys head to the field for the 3rd time and the game begins. West Raleigh is the home team and take to the field. The first batter for North Wake has a short pop up between pitcher and catcher and #7 Jacob rushes the ball and throws to Garrett at first for out #1, Matt Magner catches a fly ball in Right Field for out #2 and Payton grabs a ground ball at short stop, makes the throw to Garrett at first for the 3rd out.
Will our bats prevail in this damp condition? Payton Green's did. He hits at single past the short stop, and Sean follows with a successful bunt. North Wakes defense makes two great defensive plays in a row on our next two batters and our runner sit at 2nd and 3rd with two outs. #28 Brian Rubin hits a single past second and Payton scores. Next Big Bad Blake McCain hits a hard Line drive that N Wake Short stop managed to tip at the top of his glove which stopped this laser from going to the fence, but couldn't stop Sean from scoring and Blake making it to first. End of the first and West Raleigh is up 2-0.
Payton starts off our defense in the second by catching a pop up behind the machine off the first batter, their next batter makes it to first on a ground ball but is forced out at second when the third batter hits one back to Payton. Next batter up hits a ball behind first base and MR. Magner runs in and makes his second catch of the day for out #3. North Wakes defense would be just as good this inning and they hold us scoreless, we had two hits this inning courtesy of a successful bunt by Ryan, who after safely making it to first advances to second on a bad throw to 1st and Payton who had a line drive to Left Field but the quick work of Wakes defense gets the ball in and to their short stop who then throws home and #17 is out sliding into home by a HAIR!
Top of the third still 2-0
#11 Sticks DiMeo grabs a grounder up the middle and throws to Garrett at first for the second out of the inning, the next hitter for NW gets on with a grounder past short stop so there is a runner on 1st two outs...batter #4 of the inning hits one back to Payton at short stop and he runs to 2nd and tags the bag for out #3. Three innings down and we manage to hold them scoreless.
Next up for WR is #12 Sean "Mini Murphy" Murphy who pops one up high behind the pitcher and makes it safely to first when it falls between the pitcher and the first basemen. Garrett is up and hits a HARD Line Drive to Left Field, Sean quickly makes it to third and Garrett settles in at second for a double...wait...out? The Ump calls him out? Out due to "throwing his bat"...Sean gets sent back to first. #14 Zach "Attack" is up and feeling that #2 got slighted on that call, so he will set things straight for Garrett. He hits a BOMB to Center Field and Sean scores from first and when they make the throw home in an attempt to get #12 sliding in #14 heads safely to 3rd. Our last run of the inning was thanks to #98 Blake who hit a single to Left Field scoring Zach.
West Raleigh is up 4-0 but the sky above has decided that we have played enough today and the rain pours down...The game will be delayed and we will have to play the rest of this game, and the last game of pool play on Sunday.
8:30am Sunday morning...Top of the fourth and the North Wake bats have come alive.
The first batter hits a hard ground between 2nd and 3rd for a single, next they hit a BOMB to Center Field for a double, they have 2nd and 3rd 1 out and they hit one to Payton on the ground who makes the out at first but 2 runs will managed to score. On the next batter there was a grounder that was hit between first and second and G-Money Grayson grabs it and makes the throw to #2 at first for out #3. Although David lays a successful bunt to get on first and Payton hits a nice single to Left Field they hold us scoreless this inning with four guys stranded.
Top of the 5th WR is up 4-2
#6 Matt "M &Ms" Magner makes his third defensive play of the game in Right Field when he grabs a hard grounder and throws the batter out at first. But North Wake was not done hitting, next thing you know they have men on 1st and 3rd with two outs, but Zach will say no to a fly ball hit to Left Field and makes the catch for out number three. North Wake will make quick work of out next three batters. We went three up three down with some great defensive plays by their short stop, third basemen and their first basemen.
Top of the 6th...4-2...CAN WE HOLD THEM?!?!?!?
Blake McCain thinks we can. He fields a ground ball hit to third and throws to Garrett at first who makes the stretching catch for out #1. The next NW batter doesn't think we can hold them and he hits a hard one to Center Field for a single. But Sean quickly reminds him that he also thinks we can hold them when he makes an awesome catch in Left Field for out #2.
West Raleigh takes the win in the wet two day battle 4-2. We have a feeling we will be seeing this talented North Wake team again very soon. So far this has been the most exciting and exhausting game of the tournament...but we still have 3 or 4 more games to go. It will be a busy Sunday.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
7U States - Let the Games Begin!
Friday night in Black Creek and the 7U West Raleigh is ready to face Wayne County's 7U team. The tournament they have worked all season for is finally here.
West Raleigh is the home team and heads to the field and starts the game on defense. After the first batter for Wayne Co hits a single over SS, Zach makes a TOP TEN diving ROLLING catch in Center Field for out #2 of the first inning. So with their man on first and their 5th batter hitting a hard grounder to Right Field Wayne Co was able to score 2 runs in the top of the first before it was WR turn to hit.
Payton starts off the Blue's by hitting a single and sliding into to second after rushing past 1st on a bad throw to first, Sean moves #9 to third and heads to first on a successful bunt. Garrett's fly ball to Center Field scores both Sean and Payton and #2 settles in nicely at 3rd with a triple. Zach hits a bomb to Center Field which scores Garrett but due to an aggressive arm by the third base coach and a great defensive play by the Wayne County third basemen Zach gets thrown out running to 3rd. Brian hits a single to Left Field, and Blake follows with a single on the ground up the 3rd base side. Sticks hits a line drive past the Shortstops glove and scores Brian from third. After an amazing catch by the Wayne Co. pitcher off of #7's hard hit line drive, their pitchers turns a double play by catching our runner going back to 1st.
Top of the 2nd 2-4
The top of the second's highlight was when Mr. David Dilday called Big Man Zach off of a fly ball to Center Field and Snagged it out of the sky for out #2. Wayne Co goes scoreless in the 2nd. David our defensive player of the 2nd inning also starts out our 2nd inning rally with a pop up in shallow right over the 1st basemen for a single. Grayson - "G-Money" hits a HARD line drive to Left Field moving David to 3rd. Payton Green is up and hits a hard grounder up the middle scoring both David and Grayson. Sean gets a single beating out the throw at 1st and moves Payton to 3rd. #2 Garrett follows up his first inning triple, with a second inning TRIPLE! He hit a HARD line drive to right field scoring Payton and Sean. #14 Zach has a sacrifice fly that was caught by the Wayne Co 2nd basemen that scores Garrett. Blake hit a grounder in the gap between 2nd and 3rd for a single. #11 Sticks finds that same gap for a single. THEN #7 Jacob Coffin hits a line drive to Right Center that rolls to the fence scoring Blake, scoring Sticks, AND THEN after rounding third and waiting for the rushed throw home...the catcher jumps up to catch the ball, but it goes over his glove and JACOB Scores! David who started us off this inning is back at the plate and hits a TRIPLE on the ground to center field that ALSO rolled to the fence. After all the hitting was done West Raleigh has scored 8 runs in the 2nd and is up 2-12 entering the 3rd.
Top of the 3rd 2-12
The first batter for Wayne Co hits a hard one back up the middle that misses the machine but takes a bad bounce off of second base and heads into the outfield for a double. We have 1 out and a guy on second, #1 for Wayne Co steps to the plate and hit one to right field...it is coming down...right in the gap behind our 3rd basemen and our left fielder...oh...no...wait...SEAN MURPHY HAS IT! He made a great running catch for out #2. The fourth batter of the inning for Wayne Co #10 hits a Hard Line Drive to Center Field, we get it at make the throw home in attempt to tag the runner out who is sliding in to the plate and #17 Ryan makes the catch and lays the tag...but the Ump calls the runner safe, #10 is now on second heading to 3rd, Ryan POPS UP and starts charging at the runner, the runner does a little dance between second and third, just daring Ryan to throw it. Ryan makes a stellar throw to second and the runner heads to third, we throw to third, he heads to second, we throw to second he heads to third....what we have hear is our very first pickle. As out team backs up at 2nd and 3rd, throw after throw is made and caught, we get the guy out at third as he attempts to slide in at third but this time when the tag is laid the ump yells "OUT!" and who is holding the ball...none other then #17 Ryan "Pickles" Smith, the very same #17 that had started the pickle from home.
Bottom of the 3rd.
#12 Sean hits a TRIPLE to left field, and Garrett who to finish up his day...HITS A TRIPLE to Right Field scoring Sean. Zach who hit one toward the short stop is out at first but hit Garrett in. Brian and Blake both hits singles this inning.
Top of the 4th 3-14...can we hold them?
The first batter for Wayne Co #12 hits a BOMB that rolls to the fence in Center field for a double. Their 3rd batter gets on first, so it is 1st and 3rd 1 out, their 4th batter of the inning hits a grounder back at Blake, who gets the runner heading the second out on the force, and the guy from 3rd scores. Then the 5th batter for Wayne Co. steps to the plate and hits a HARD LINE DRIVE but Payton Green said no and grabs the ball out of the air for out #3 and the West Raleigh 7U's win their first game of the State Tournament!
Final score 4-14
It was an exciting game, and the Wayne Co team play great defense. We wish them and our boys luck in their game Saturday.
Roll BLUE!
West Raleigh is the home team and heads to the field and starts the game on defense. After the first batter for Wayne Co hits a single over SS, Zach makes a TOP TEN diving ROLLING catch in Center Field for out #2 of the first inning. So with their man on first and their 5th batter hitting a hard grounder to Right Field Wayne Co was able to score 2 runs in the top of the first before it was WR turn to hit.
Payton starts off the Blue's by hitting a single and sliding into to second after rushing past 1st on a bad throw to first, Sean moves #9 to third and heads to first on a successful bunt. Garrett's fly ball to Center Field scores both Sean and Payton and #2 settles in nicely at 3rd with a triple. Zach hits a bomb to Center Field which scores Garrett but due to an aggressive arm by the third base coach and a great defensive play by the Wayne County third basemen Zach gets thrown out running to 3rd. Brian hits a single to Left Field, and Blake follows with a single on the ground up the 3rd base side. Sticks hits a line drive past the Shortstops glove and scores Brian from third. After an amazing catch by the Wayne Co. pitcher off of #7's hard hit line drive, their pitchers turns a double play by catching our runner going back to 1st.
Top of the 2nd 2-4
The top of the second's highlight was when Mr. David Dilday called Big Man Zach off of a fly ball to Center Field and Snagged it out of the sky for out #2. Wayne Co goes scoreless in the 2nd. David our defensive player of the 2nd inning also starts out our 2nd inning rally with a pop up in shallow right over the 1st basemen for a single. Grayson - "G-Money" hits a HARD line drive to Left Field moving David to 3rd. Payton Green is up and hits a hard grounder up the middle scoring both David and Grayson. Sean gets a single beating out the throw at 1st and moves Payton to 3rd. #2 Garrett follows up his first inning triple, with a second inning TRIPLE! He hit a HARD line drive to right field scoring Payton and Sean. #14 Zach has a sacrifice fly that was caught by the Wayne Co 2nd basemen that scores Garrett. Blake hit a grounder in the gap between 2nd and 3rd for a single. #11 Sticks finds that same gap for a single. THEN #7 Jacob Coffin hits a line drive to Right Center that rolls to the fence scoring Blake, scoring Sticks, AND THEN after rounding third and waiting for the rushed throw home...the catcher jumps up to catch the ball, but it goes over his glove and JACOB Scores! David who started us off this inning is back at the plate and hits a TRIPLE on the ground to center field that ALSO rolled to the fence. After all the hitting was done West Raleigh has scored 8 runs in the 2nd and is up 2-12 entering the 3rd.
Top of the 3rd 2-12
The first batter for Wayne Co hits a hard one back up the middle that misses the machine but takes a bad bounce off of second base and heads into the outfield for a double. We have 1 out and a guy on second, #1 for Wayne Co steps to the plate and hit one to right field...it is coming down...right in the gap behind our 3rd basemen and our left fielder...oh...no...wait...SEAN MURPHY HAS IT! He made a great running catch for out #2. The fourth batter of the inning for Wayne Co #10 hits a Hard Line Drive to Center Field, we get it at make the throw home in attempt to tag the runner out who is sliding in to the plate and #17 Ryan makes the catch and lays the tag...but the Ump calls the runner safe, #10 is now on second heading to 3rd, Ryan POPS UP and starts charging at the runner, the runner does a little dance between second and third, just daring Ryan to throw it. Ryan makes a stellar throw to second and the runner heads to third, we throw to third, he heads to second, we throw to second he heads to third....what we have hear is our very first pickle. As out team backs up at 2nd and 3rd, throw after throw is made and caught, we get the guy out at third as he attempts to slide in at third but this time when the tag is laid the ump yells "OUT!" and who is holding the ball...none other then #17 Ryan "Pickles" Smith, the very same #17 that had started the pickle from home.
Bottom of the 3rd.
#12 Sean hits a TRIPLE to left field, and Garrett who to finish up his day...HITS A TRIPLE to Right Field scoring Sean. Zach who hit one toward the short stop is out at first but hit Garrett in. Brian and Blake both hits singles this inning.
Top of the 4th 3-14...can we hold them?
The first batter for Wayne Co #12 hits a BOMB that rolls to the fence in Center field for a double. Their 3rd batter gets on first, so it is 1st and 3rd 1 out, their 4th batter of the inning hits a grounder back at Blake, who gets the runner heading the second out on the force, and the guy from 3rd scores. Then the 5th batter for Wayne Co. steps to the plate and hits a HARD LINE DRIVE but Payton Green said no and grabs the ball out of the air for out #3 and the West Raleigh 7U's win their first game of the State Tournament!
Final score 4-14
It was an exciting game, and the Wayne Co team play great defense. We wish them and our boys luck in their game Saturday.
Roll BLUE!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Preview of the 7U State Tournament
The 2010 Inaugural Eastern North Carolina Babe Ruth 7U State Tournament is set to get underway at Lee Woodard Elementary School in Black Creek, NC (Near Wilson) this Friday. Come out and support West Raleigh and the 7U Cal Ripken All Stars! Lee Woodard Elementary is located at 103 Church Street, Black Creek, NC, 27813. Coming from Raleigh, you can get to the tournament in just about an hour. The tournament schedule is as follows (subject to change):
Friday, July 16 (Pool Play)
5:00pm Wilson County vs Laurinburg Field #1
6:00pm West Raleigh vs Wayne County Field #2
8:00pm North Wake vs Winterville Field #2
8:00pm Wilson County vs Southern Pitt Field #1
Saturday, July 17 (Pool Play)
10:00am Wilson County vs North Wake Field #1
10:00am Wayne County vs Southern Pitt Field #2
12:00pm Winterville vs Laurinburg Field #1
2:00pm North Wake vs West Raleigh Field #1
4:00pm Wilson County vs Wayne County Field #1
4:00pm Laurinburg vs Southern Pitt Field #2
6:00pm West Raleigh vs Winterville Field #1
Sunday, July 18 (View the Single Elimination Tournament)
10:00am #3 Seed vs #6 Seed Field #1
10:00am #2 Seed vs #7 Seed Field #2
12:00pm #4 Seed vs #5 Seed Field #1
3:00pm Winner of #3 Seed/#4 Seed vs Winner of #2 Seed/#7 Field #2
3:00pm #1 Seed vs Winner of #4 Seed/#5 Seed Field #1
5:30pm Championship Game Field #1
Friday, July 16 (Pool Play)
5:00pm Wilson County vs Laurinburg Field #1
6:00pm West Raleigh vs Wayne County Field #2
8:00pm North Wake vs Winterville Field #2
8:00pm Wilson County vs Southern Pitt Field #1
Saturday, July 17 (Pool Play)
10:00am Wilson County vs North Wake Field #1
10:00am Wayne County vs Southern Pitt Field #2
12:00pm Winterville vs Laurinburg Field #1
2:00pm North Wake vs West Raleigh Field #1
4:00pm Wilson County vs Wayne County Field #1
4:00pm Laurinburg vs Southern Pitt Field #2
6:00pm West Raleigh vs Winterville Field #1
Sunday, July 18 (View the Single Elimination Tournament)
10:00am #3 Seed vs #6 Seed Field #1
10:00am #2 Seed vs #7 Seed Field #2
12:00pm #4 Seed vs #5 Seed Field #1
3:00pm Winner of #3 Seed/#4 Seed vs Winner of #2 Seed/#7 Field #2
3:00pm #1 Seed vs Winner of #4 Seed/#5 Seed Field #1
5:30pm Championship Game Field #1
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Game #1 @ States
West Raleigh @ East Chatham 8-4
It was a cloudy morning for the 7U's as the grab their bats and head to the plate to face the East Chatham 8u team. The pitching machine was throwing high in the first inning and for the first time in 7U history the East Chatham team got out of the inning on 3 strike outs, but not before #12 Sean Murphy hit a hard grounder over second base for a single and #28 Brian Rubin hit his single over second base to score Sean. The Each Chatham team fell victim to the high pitching machine also with two unfortunate strike outs. The one earned out of the inning was when #14 Zach fielded a ground ball up the middle and threw to #32 G-Money Grayson for the Forced Out at second.
Top of the 2nd 1-0. #11 Sticks makes it to first when the first basemen couldn't handle the hot hit by Dimeo. #6 had a nice line drive to Centerfield but #11 was out at second on the fielders choice forced out, same with #17 Ryans ball that was hit up the third baseline, which got #6 with the forced out at second. #32 G-Money followed up his nice defense out with a ground ball hit between 2nd and 3rd. Unfortunately our boys would be stranded as the East Chatam Shortstop grabbed Paytons hard hit grounder and makes the forced out at third. Their quick defense holds us scoreless in the 2nd.
#9 Payton grabs a ball hit to shortstop and throws the batter out at first with a nice catch by Garrett. The second out was courtesy of #32 G-Money Nichols catching a pop up between first and second, and the third out was thanks to the quick hands of #6 Matt at pitcher who throws to a stretched out Garrett at first for the out.
Top of the 3rd 1-0
#2 Garrett starts the hitting off in the 3rd with BOMB to Center Field, #14 Zach follows with a hard hit ball back at the pitcher. #28 Rubin hits a fly ball to Left Field, bases loaded. #7 popped one back at the pitcher, not beating the throw to first but scoring #2. Second and Third one out. #11 hits one to second, Sticks makes it safely to first and #14 scores. #6 Matt hits a LASER to Left Center for a double and #28 scores. We enter the bottom of the 3rd up 4-1.
Bottom of the 3rd and Payton grabs one right before it hits the ground off the first batter for out #1. The third batter of the inning for East Chatham hit one to the fence and the quick feet and strong arm of David in Left field kept the batter to two bases, one runner had scored. Matt fields a ground ball and throws to Garrett at 1st for out #2. The 3rd out of the inning was when the hitter hit a line drive to Center Field and as he is entering 2nd our out fielder throws it in to Payton who was covering second and Payton tags the runner out.
Top of the 4th 4-2
#10 David hits a hard grounder between1st and 2nd, but the first basemen quickly grabbed the ball and tagged the bag just a second before David could get there. #9 hits a double up the 3rd baseline. #12 Sean hits one to the Short stop and the Short Stop throws to 3rd and the third basemen tags Payton as he slides in, in an attempt to take third base. Sean reaches first safely, Runner on first 2 outs. Just then, the clouds part. A beam of sunlight hits the field and #2 Garrett steps to the plate. Here comes the pitch and CRACK goes the bat, Garrett hit a TRIPLE to Right Center and scores #12. Zach hits a fly ball to Center Field which drops in for a double and scores #2. #28 Brian hits a single up the third base line. #7 hits one to the Short Stop and gets #14 out at 3rd on a Fielders Choice forced out. Two more runs had scored for the 7U's as we enter the bottom of the fourth.
The East Chatham bats start to heat up in the fourth. The first two batters get on base. The third batter hits one between 1st and 2nd, Garrett grabs the grounder and CRAWLS to first, ball in glove, glove on plate out #1. Matt fields a ground ball hit between 1st and 2nd throws to Garrett at 1st to make out #2, and then Matt follows up that out with catching a pop up hit between 1st and 2nd for out #3.
6-3 End of 4
#11 "Sticks" Dimeo hits one over the short stops head and makes it safely to 1st. #6 hits a pop up to shallow Right Center that was was too hot for the outfielders to handle he moves #11 over and makes it safely to 1st. But that is where our hitting would end. The next three batters all take great shots at the ball but teh East Chatham defense gets our runners out all headed to third all on force outs. But our defense is holding strong. Payton grabs a ground ball hit to Short Stop and makes the throw to Garrett at first for out #1 and our final out was a nice catch by Brian Rubin in Center Field who catches a fly ball.
6-3 End of 5
#12 Sean starts off the 6th with a nice bunt, but was unable to make it to first with the first basemen guarding the front of the bag. #2 hits one between 1st and 2nd and just makes it safely to 1st. #14 Zach Hits a fly ball to Center Field and all make it safely to their bases. #28 Rubin hits one to Left Field to Score #2 and he makes it safely to second while Zach makes it to Third. #7 Jaco hits in #14 but doesn't beat the throw to first. #11 Pops up to to 3rd and we enter the bottom of the 6th.
#9 Makes ANOTHER stellar catch at Short Stop just before it hits the ground. The second out occurs when the batter hits one up to first and Garrett makes quick work of the ball and tags the bag. The last out of the game was a ground ball hit to Payton at Short Stop and he runs over and steps on the bag for the forced out at 2nd to end the game.
The West Raleigh 7U's win their first game in the States Tournament 8-4. Next game is tonight at 6pm.
It was a cloudy morning for the 7U's as the grab their bats and head to the plate to face the East Chatham 8u team. The pitching machine was throwing high in the first inning and for the first time in 7U history the East Chatham team got out of the inning on 3 strike outs, but not before #12 Sean Murphy hit a hard grounder over second base for a single and #28 Brian Rubin hit his single over second base to score Sean. The Each Chatham team fell victim to the high pitching machine also with two unfortunate strike outs. The one earned out of the inning was when #14 Zach fielded a ground ball up the middle and threw to #32 G-Money Grayson for the Forced Out at second.
Top of the 2nd 1-0. #11 Sticks makes it to first when the first basemen couldn't handle the hot hit by Dimeo. #6 had a nice line drive to Centerfield but #11 was out at second on the fielders choice forced out, same with #17 Ryans ball that was hit up the third baseline, which got #6 with the forced out at second. #32 G-Money followed up his nice defense out with a ground ball hit between 2nd and 3rd. Unfortunately our boys would be stranded as the East Chatam Shortstop grabbed Paytons hard hit grounder and makes the forced out at third. Their quick defense holds us scoreless in the 2nd.
#9 Payton grabs a ball hit to shortstop and throws the batter out at first with a nice catch by Garrett. The second out was courtesy of #32 G-Money Nichols catching a pop up between first and second, and the third out was thanks to the quick hands of #6 Matt at pitcher who throws to a stretched out Garrett at first for the out.
Top of the 3rd 1-0
#2 Garrett starts the hitting off in the 3rd with BOMB to Center Field, #14 Zach follows with a hard hit ball back at the pitcher. #28 Rubin hits a fly ball to Left Field, bases loaded. #7 popped one back at the pitcher, not beating the throw to first but scoring #2. Second and Third one out. #11 hits one to second, Sticks makes it safely to first and #14 scores. #6 Matt hits a LASER to Left Center for a double and #28 scores. We enter the bottom of the 3rd up 4-1.
Bottom of the 3rd and Payton grabs one right before it hits the ground off the first batter for out #1. The third batter of the inning for East Chatham hit one to the fence and the quick feet and strong arm of David in Left field kept the batter to two bases, one runner had scored. Matt fields a ground ball and throws to Garrett at 1st for out #2. The 3rd out of the inning was when the hitter hit a line drive to Center Field and as he is entering 2nd our out fielder throws it in to Payton who was covering second and Payton tags the runner out.
Top of the 4th 4-2
#10 David hits a hard grounder between1st and 2nd, but the first basemen quickly grabbed the ball and tagged the bag just a second before David could get there. #9 hits a double up the 3rd baseline. #12 Sean hits one to the Short stop and the Short Stop throws to 3rd and the third basemen tags Payton as he slides in, in an attempt to take third base. Sean reaches first safely, Runner on first 2 outs. Just then, the clouds part. A beam of sunlight hits the field and #2 Garrett steps to the plate. Here comes the pitch and CRACK goes the bat, Garrett hit a TRIPLE to Right Center and scores #12. Zach hits a fly ball to Center Field which drops in for a double and scores #2. #28 Brian hits a single up the third base line. #7 hits one to the Short Stop and gets #14 out at 3rd on a Fielders Choice forced out. Two more runs had scored for the 7U's as we enter the bottom of the fourth.
The East Chatham bats start to heat up in the fourth. The first two batters get on base. The third batter hits one between 1st and 2nd, Garrett grabs the grounder and CRAWLS to first, ball in glove, glove on plate out #1. Matt fields a ground ball hit between 1st and 2nd throws to Garrett at 1st to make out #2, and then Matt follows up that out with catching a pop up hit between 1st and 2nd for out #3.
6-3 End of 4
#11 "Sticks" Dimeo hits one over the short stops head and makes it safely to 1st. #6 hits a pop up to shallow Right Center that was was too hot for the outfielders to handle he moves #11 over and makes it safely to 1st. But that is where our hitting would end. The next three batters all take great shots at the ball but teh East Chatham defense gets our runners out all headed to third all on force outs. But our defense is holding strong. Payton grabs a ground ball hit to Short Stop and makes the throw to Garrett at first for out #1 and our final out was a nice catch by Brian Rubin in Center Field who catches a fly ball.
6-3 End of 5
#12 Sean starts off the 6th with a nice bunt, but was unable to make it to first with the first basemen guarding the front of the bag. #2 hits one between 1st and 2nd and just makes it safely to 1st. #14 Zach Hits a fly ball to Center Field and all make it safely to their bases. #28 Rubin hits one to Left Field to Score #2 and he makes it safely to second while Zach makes it to Third. #7 Jaco hits in #14 but doesn't beat the throw to first. #11 Pops up to to 3rd and we enter the bottom of the 6th.
#9 Makes ANOTHER stellar catch at Short Stop just before it hits the ground. The second out occurs when the batter hits one up to first and Garrett makes quick work of the ball and tags the bag. The last out of the game was a ground ball hit to Payton at Short Stop and he runs over and steps on the bag for the forced out at 2nd to end the game.
The West Raleigh 7U's win their first game in the States Tournament 8-4. Next game is tonight at 6pm.
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