Game 7 Preview - Knights vs. Storm, 6/4/2011

After taking Memorial Weekend off, Elk Grove Babe Ruth's stretch run returns with vengeance as a successful and exciting 50th season winds its way to a close and, in the penultimate offering of the Saturday Night Game of the Week, fans will watch as the surging Knights square off with the resilient Storm in a National League Corey Vaughn Division match-up that figures to include sharp pitching and big-time offensive fireworks.

Lucas (catching) leads the 2011 Knights in average and OBP.

The Knights, sponsored by Elk Grove Transmissions, are led by returning Babe Ruth coach Garrett White who, in his second year with the league, has supplemented a strong core of players from the first Knights iteration with a talented cast of additions that have the Knights making noise in the second half of the season. Coming into the final two weeks with an 8-8 record, the offense has been led by two-time all-star Mike Lucas, a 15-year-old who has been putting together a fantastic season. Lucas leads the team in batting average and on-base percentage this season to lead an offensive lineup that has averaged over seven runs per game in 2011. Key hits have also come from another returning member of the Knights, Thomas Colton, who injects an excellent speed-and-power combination to the squad, as well as former River Cat Christian Janini, who has shown power and patience out of the lead off spot, most recently with a crushed, opposite-field triple in a big win over the Red Wings.

Southpaw Joel Barragan has been sharp on the mound.

On the mound, two names stand out as true aces for the Knights: crafty southpaw Joel Barragan and supplemental righty Jeremy Caldwell. Barragan, the Knights' opening day starter and a major force on the 13-year-old all-star team that finished third in district last season, has been an absolute horse all season. Leading the team with 30 innings on the season, Barragan has been effective both in a starting role and out of the bullpen, keeping hitters off-balance with a deep arsenal from the left-side. Also performing on the mound has been the right-handed Caldwell, who recently joined the team after a stellar season with Cosumnes Oaks High School's JV team. Despite pitching in only four games, Caldwell has already generated a buzz by flashing electric stuff in his mound work. Most recently, Caldwell left the River Cats coaches raving after a dominant start in which he struck out nine batters across three shutout innings in an eventual 6-4 loss. Beyond that impressive duo, the Knights have also gotten strong innings on the mound from Lucas, Colton, Shurbir Soman, and Nick Pruitt.

"This game will be a big test for us, playing in the second half of a double header," said Coach White. "We'll need everyone with available innings to be prepared to go. It'll come down to whoever makes the least mistakes, [so] we'll find out how mentally tough we are in this big back end game. "

Saragoza has been hot at the plate in the second half.

Taking on the Knights on Saturday will be the Storm, sponsored by Mobile DJ Services, and managed by Andrew Davies. Although the Storm's record stands at 2-14-1, they have demonstrated a knack for scoring runs in bunches and battling up and down the lineup. Leading the way offensively has been speedster Grayson Fox, who has been a force from the top half of the Storm batting order, providing multi-hit games and stolen bases every game, including some impressive lines such as his 2 for 4 day against the River Cats that included a double, a run scored, and two RBIs. 13-year-old infielder and pitcher Miguel Saragoza has also had a great year at the plate, including a barrage of extra-base hits in the second half of the season. Catcher Denis Vajraca and 15-year-old Stan Dettner have also been big time contributors to an offense that averages nearly eight runs per game.

Davies was the Storm ace in the first half.

On the mound, it has been tale of two halves of the season, as the Storm pitching staff has been headed by different hurlers over different parts of the season. In the first half, the unquestioned ace was Anders Davies, a right-handed former Rockhound that has kept opponents off-balance with a deceptive pitching motion and nice fastball with movement. Davies threw 24 innings in the first half of the season alone, including three sharp innings to earn the win in the Storm's first win of the year on May 7th versus the Thunder. Although Davies continues to throw well in the second half, supplemental right-hander Matthew Kuhl has stepped up on the mound to help push his team toward respectability. After a solid JV season at Sheldon High School, Kuhl has drawn the tough starting assignments for the Storm in the second half and produced results, including pitching his team to an upset victory 11-5 over the playoff-contending Raptors with three excellent innings of work. In addition to Davies and Kuhl, Marc Gerdin has also done well as a starter and reliever this year, while Fox and Saragoza have also seen time on the hill during the season.

Singing the National Anthem this week will be the Head Coach of the Storm, Andrew Davies, who will squeeze a performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" in between writing out his lineup card and guiding his team in the seventh Game of the Week.

Impressive Pitching Reigns in 9-4 Ironbirds' Victory

( Preview / Box Score )

On another windy night at Bartholomew Park, the pre-game lineup cards of both the Hooks and the Ironbirds planted visions of a tremendous pitching match-up in the heads of spectators from both teams. But, although the strikeouts piled up on both sides and base-runners were at a premium, it was the Ironbirds that broke through with rallies in the third and fifth innings, leading them to a 9-4 victory over the Hooks in the sixth Saturday Game of the Week.

Ganzler recorded 8 of 9 outs via strikeout. He also tripled.

In the first two innings, both teams manufactured runs without the aid of their hitting shoes. After a top of the first in which Ironbirds' starting pitcher Kenny Ganzler struck out the side looking, the Ironbirds drew first blood in the bottom half. Lead-off man Quentin Kennell lined a single to right to open the inning, but he was forced out at second on a fielders' choice by Dominick Babich. Babich, though, took second base, moved to third on a wild pitch, and, on the 3-0 pitch to Sam Richardson, drew a throw from the catcher that allowed him to steal home easily to make it 1-0.

In the second, both teams were able to scratch across runs in similar fashion. Nate Abeid got things rolling in the top half on a hit-by-pitch, and he then proceeded to steal second and third, the latter drawing a wild throw that got by third base and allowed him to score the tying run. In the bottom half, the Ironbirds used the same formula, as Patrick Walker was plunked, moved to second on a single by Tyler Kelly, and then stole third to draw a wild throw, allowing him to score and make it 2-1.

Although the offense would not be done, Ganzler made even a minute lead secure with a dominant performance on the mound. After Abeid scored, Ganzler struck out five of the next six hitters, and, over three superb innings of work, he totaled eight strikeouts while walking one and plunking one but surrendering no hits. He needed only 44 pitches, 29 of them strikes, in an appearance which showed the skill that earned him a mid-season promotion to Sheldon's varsity team as a sophomore. The only out not recorded via strikeout was when Richardson gunned down Cody Tanner on a steal attempt.

Stayner struck out 9 in four innings and had a 2-run single.

With Ganzler dealing, the Ironbirds' offense got rolling during their second time through the order against the Hooks' southpaw starter JD Stayner. After recording four strikeouts in his first two innings but allowing two runs, the third inning started out roughly for the Hooks' ace. Kennell grounded a comebacker to Stayner, but his throw to first was wild and that, combined with Bartholomew Park's spacious foul territory, allowed the speedy Kennell to end up on third standing up. Babich then reached on an infield single to plate Kennell before Ganzler helped his own cause when he bombed a line drive triple to the fence in centerfield. Richardson then roped an RBI single to left field to culminate a rally that turned a 2-1 battle into a comfortable 5-1 lead.

Despite the barrage of hits, though, Stayner locked in and regained control of the game. In the third, he escaped further damage by striking out Dheaven Hutchinson and Kelly, and, in the fourth, he made sure that his team stayed in the game by striking out the side on twelve pitches. In four excellent innings of work, Stayner struck out nine hitters.

Kennell provided more hitless relief with 2 2/3 IP and 5 Ks.

After Ganzler wrapped up his day, it was Kennell charged with holding the lead, and he was more than up to the task. In the fourth, Kennell opened his relief appearance with consecutive strikeouts and then pitched around an error to finish the frame. In the fifth, it was more of the same, starting the inning by freezing Matt Walter on a called third strike before retiring Abeid and Tanner around a two-out walk to imposing slugger Irv Arellano.

The Ironbirds put up another crooked number in the fifth when Babich walked, Ganzler singled him home, Richardson tripled home another run, and Hutchinson doubled and later scored on a throwing error to increase the lead to a resounding 9-1 margin.

In the sixth, then, Kennell looked to be cruising again after his fourth and fifth strikeouts of the night to open the inning, but a walk to Cyle Ayers and an error at third base kept the inning going for the Hooks, who showed they had a rally of their own still to come. With the bases loaded, Nick Beardo walked in a run to make it 9-2, prompting the Ironbirds to make the call to the bullpen for Richardson. On his fourth pitch of the night, though, Stayner rocked a two-run single to right field that brought the score to 9-4 and broke up what had been a no-hitter by the Ironbirds. But, after a walk to Ortega, Richardson settled down and got the strikeout to the end the threat.

Abeid reached twice, including a big double, in a losing effort.

In the seventh inning, the Hooks looked to have the offense going when Abeid crushed a shot into the gap in left-center. But, pouncing on it quickly, Walker threw a seed to Hutchinson at short and the relay throw to Kennell at third was perfect to nail Abeid and short circuit the inning before it could get started.

For the Hooks, Walter had four strikeouts in two innings out of the bullpen, while Rudy Bermudez and Bryce Anderson each scored runs.

After a break for Memorial Day weekend, the Game of the Week will return with the surging Knights taking on the much-improved Storm.

Game 6 Preview - Hooks vs. Ironbirds, 5/21/2011

As Elk Grove Babe Ruth's 50th season inches closer to its home stretch, match-ups gain importance as rematches surface and teams continue jostling for playoff position. A lopsided match-up in the early going suddenly shifts with added chemistry and high school supplemental players taking the field as excitement and drama build before game time. This week, in the sixth installment of the Saturday night Game of the Week, fans will be treated to an enticing match-up between talented teams when the pitching-rich Hooks do battle with the defending champion Ironbirds in a league contest with plenty at stake.

Stayner paces the Hooks in most offensive and pitching categories.

The Hooks, sponsored by Dorminey Orthodontics, are managed by Bob Walter, and the team has been very dangerous all year despite some ups and downs. Leading the charge for the Hooks has been lefty masher JD Stayner, who leads the team in most offensive categories. Stayner's season totals include a .545 average, one triple, two homeruns, 15 RBI, and 16 runs scored, all evidence of the threat he poses in the batter's box. Stayner has also been dominant on the mound, to the tune of a 3.13 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 23 innings pitched. Most impressively, though, Stayner has been lights out and demonstrated command and control, only walking 4 batters all season long.

In addition to Stayner's heroics, the Hooks have also enjoyed major contributions from other players. Nate Abeid has been a huge weapon all over the field in the early going, batting .400 with 15 runs scored and 8 RBIs on 7 extra-base hits including a homerun to go along with 18 stolen bases, and also pitching 9 solid innings. Cody Tanner has done excellent work behind the plate, showcasing a strong arm and plenty of experience, while also hitting .360 and pitching effectively with a 4.76 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched as the team's leader on the field. 2010 13-year-old all-star Matthew Walter has only played in seven games but has been strong when present, hitting .350, playing a strong short stop, and compiling 22 Ks in 17 innings pitched. Ben Ortega has also gotten his feet wet on the mound and was deemed the team's best hitter this past week by Coach Walter, and Rudy Bermudez has been a key contributor on offense with a .387 batting average and a team-leading 12 base hits.

Tanner (left) and Abeid have both performed admirably early on.

Coach Walter's praise for his players doesn't end with those names, though. "Bryce Anderson has overcome a devastating knee injury...suffered during tryouts and has made huge strides, especially with his hitting, Ryan Dorminey, when he's not getting hit with pitches and throws...has been a ...sparkplug, [and] Toni Sampson, in her first year of hardball, has been an inspiration with her effort and improvement."

With that impressive cast, supplemental pitcher/first-basemen Irv Arellano, and a deep coaching staff, the second half certainly looks bright for the Hooks.

"After losing three one-run games in the first half--and with the addition of Arellano--we are looking forward to making a run at the playoffs, or at least making some teams very uncomfortable," said Coach Walter. "This team is a pleasure to manage and coach and we think the second half of the season can be very special. "

Quentin Kennell has been a force as a hitter and pitcher.

Opposing them Saturday night will be the Ironbirds, led by manager Chris Allen and coach Larry Stone, are the reigning league champions after a banner 2010 seasonthat culminated in a victory in the first game ever played at Bartholomew Park. This year's iteration features a few familiar faces from that run, as well as a few new faces hoping to propel their team from the fringes of the playoff race. Leading the charge this season has been returning all-star third basemen Quentin Kennell, who has lead the team at the plate and on the mound throughout the first half. At the plate, Kennell is second on the team with a .484 average via a team-leading 15 hits. He has also scored 15 runs, driven in 10, and stolen a whopping 28 bases already this year. He has also been the undisputed ace on the mound, throwing 31 innings and frequently dominating, such as in a big win over the River Bandits in which he threw 4 scoreless innings and struck out eight consecutive batters. 

Dheaven Hutchinson leads the Ironbirds with a .500 average.

Kennell has not been alone in providing a spark, though. Fellow returning Ironbird and all-star Dominick Babich has also been impressive, hitting .364 and stealing 20 bases as a vital table-setter for the lineup. 15-year-old Dheavan Hutchinson has been even more impressive, leading the team with a gaudy .500 batting average that includes four doubles, 15 runs, and 25 stolen bases, and playing crucial innings at shortstop and catcher in the first half. High-school player Ken Ganzler returns, after starring in the championship game last year and seeing time with Sheldon High School's varsity team this spring, and he figures to play a vital role on the mound and at the plate. Sam Richardson, a two-time all-star and a catcher for Pleasant Grove High School's JV team, also has added a lot to the team in his first week, including a 2 for 2 effort with 2 RBIs in his first game of the season. Patrick Walker, who has the team's only home run, Braden Trotter (.286 average, 10 SB) and Zane Jorgensen (.333 average) have also been strong contributors at the plate, while Matt Vargas and Braden Trotter have also pitched important innings as 13-year-olds for the team.

"I always looked forward to the NBC Saturday 'game of the week' when I was a kid because we did not have many games on television back then," said Coach Stone. "It was cool to see other teams from around the country.  This game tonight reminds me of that tradition and is exciting because so many other coaches and fans get to come see your team compete.  It feels more professional."

The National Anthem this week will be performed by Franklin High School graduating senior Ryan Miller, who recently performed at his graduation ceremony, singing a duet of "Stand by Me," and he played the lead role of Jean Valjean in Franklin Theatre Company's acclaimed performance of Les Miserable this past spring.

River Bandits Ice Hot Rods' Offense in 4-1 Victory

( Preview / Boxscore )

After four weeks of high-scoring games with lopsided scores, Saturday night's fifth installment of the Game of the Week provided a much-needed change-of-pace, as the Hot Rods and River Bandits took turns shutting down each other's offense. But, at the end of the day, it was a few quirky plays, one well-timed hit, and dominant pitching that buoyed the River Bandits to a 4-1 win on a cold, windy evening at Bartholomew Park.

Although the talk before the game was about the power potential of sluggers like the Hot Rods' Kelechi Ononiwu and Scott Lawrence and the River Bandits' Connor Greenwood and Andre Scott, the name of the game on this day was pitching, as the River Bandits allowed just three hits and the Hot Rods only one in a game where the margin for error was miniscule.

Greenwood threw 4 hitless innings and had his team's only hit.

One inning into the game, it looked like Greenwood's wildness on the mound might present a major opportunity for the Hot Rods. In the top of the first, Matt Pattison reached on an error and came around to score after a hit batsmen and a pair of free passes, the final ones to supplemental players Jared Spohr and Nate McKinnis. But, despite taking a 1-0 lead out of the frame, it was the last damage that the Hot Rods would produce against Greenwood, as her set down nine of the final ten batters he faced, striking out 5. Greenwood was economical, needing only 60 pitches to breeze through the maximum four innings pitched, and he did not surrender a hit.

"I was having a problem with my quad that I was landing on, so I was very uncomfortable," said Greenwood of his early struggle. "But I stretched it out, and played through it...My curve ball was breaking great last night."

"Sometimes Connor tries too hard to carry the whole team," said River Bandits' manager Kurt Thornton after the game. "Tonight, he relaxed and really came through for us."

Pattison was sharp in 3 innings but victimized by one miscue.

Making that 1-0 lead stand up early was Pattison, who kept the River Bandits' offense off balance for three hitless innings. After facing the minimum through 2 2/3 innings thanks to sharp stuff, a double play turned by Ryan Eising, and a runner caught stealing on a great throw and tag by Lawrence and Ononiwu, though, Pattison issued free passes to Tucker Elliott and Greg Nadolna with two outs. With Khalil Van Hook at the plate, Nadolna drifted off first base, but Lawrence's back pick attempt got past first basemen Devin Ashley and, thanks to Bartholomew Park's ample foul territory, rolled all the way to the foul pole, allowing Elliott to score the tying run.

In the fourth inning, with the score still knotted at one apiece, the strikezone tightened up a bit for Hot Rods' reliever Nate McKinnis, resulting in walks to Chance Landin and Antonio Jimenez that eventually brought Greenwood to the plate with runners on second and third. Still in the midst of a double no-hitter, Greenwood ripped a 2-1 fastball down the left field line, just out of the reach of third basemen Sean Bland that score both Landin and Scott and gave the River Bandits a 3-1 lead.

Elliott scored twice, and made some big plays at 2nd base.

The River Bandits would push across a final run in the sixth against McKinnis when Elliott made a great read on a wild pitch that bounced straight up and to the back stop, during a sequence of three consecutive walks and hit batsmen that made things 4-1.

With the game still tight, though, and hits at a premium, the River Bandits turned their slim lead over to lefty Tanner Adams and, although the Hot Rods scratched three hits against him over the final three frames, he was more than up to the task of making the lead stand up. In the fifth inning, Adams struck out the first two hitters before Ashley pulled a two-out single to right, but Elliott stranded him with a nice play going back on a pop up at second base. In the sixth, Adams again struck out two and, despite a hard hit double by Matthew Moberly, again escaped unscathed on a pop up caught this time by Scott. Finally, in the seventh, Adams pitched around a one-out infield single by Eising, striking out Lawrence and getting Spohr to fly out to Taylor Johnson in left field to close out the victory. Adams' final tallies were 5 strikeouts over three innings pitched to earn the save the long way.

For the Hot Rods, Spohr was sharp in relief, striking out 3 in 1 1/3 innings of work, including escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fifth, in the losing effort. The River Bandits, for their part, struggled to hit, but their offense did work 12 walks and were plunked twice in six innings, and on the bases, Scott stole three bases and Greenwood two in the victory.

Game 5 Preview - Hot Rods vs. River Bandits, 5/13/2011

As the supplemental high school players begin rolling in Saturday, Elk Grove Babe Ruth's celebratory 50th season promises to up its excitement quotient even more. Thus, as the second half rolls in and playoff chases start to take form, it is only fitting that the fifth installment of the Game of the Week feature two squads jostling for playoff position as the surging Hot Rods take on the upstart River Bandits under the lights at Bartholomew Park.

Eising (front) and Pattison have being stalwarts on the mound.

Coming into Saturday in first place with a 7-3 record, the Hot Rods, sponsored by Pattison & Associates, Inc., look poised to sustain the early success late into the year. Managed by Todd Eising and coach Mike Pattison, the Hot Rods have made their mark early on with superb pitching and clutch hitting that have made every match-up a winnable one. Through the first for weeks, the team was carried by the three-headed mound monster of 14-year-olds Ryan Eising and Scott Lawrence, and 15-year-old Matthew Pattison, all right-handers capable of shutting down an opponent. In their first ten games, Lawrence and Pattison have started five games apiece, while Eising has been superb as the ace reliever out of the bullpen. Although their hurlers have done the job all season long, the staff has taken their dominance to another level in the past few games. In fact, last Saturday, the staff shut down the prolific offense of the previously-undefeated Rockhounds 7-0 as Pattison, 13-year-old Devin Ashley, and Lawrence combined on a no-hitter.

Lawrence has starred as a pitcher, hitter, and catcher this season.

In addition to that run-prevention success, the Hot Rods also have demonstrated a knack for hitting in the clutch. A perfect example would be he team's April 26th battle with the Thunder. Faced with a gutsy effort the Thunder, the Hot Rods entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing 5-4. With one on, though, Hot Rods' shortstop Kelechi Ononiwu came to the plate a promptly crushed a mammoth 2-run shot to walk-off with a 6-5 win. But, despite Ononiwu's exploits all season, it hasn't just been the sweet-swinging lefty coming through when it matters most.

"We have had key hits and plays from every one of our players," said Coach Eising. We have the bases loaded with our 7, 8 and 9 hitters up, and they get great hits to drive in...runs."

Greenwood's clutch performance has driven the River Bandits.

Holding down the opposite dugout will be the River Bandits, managed by long-time Franklin High School baseball and football coach Kurt Thornton. Led by a band of 13-year-old rookies and a 15-year-old leader, the River Bandits have played a fun, no holds barred style of baseball.

Leading the charge are 15-year-old Babe Ruth veterans Connor Greenwood, a pitcher/catcher, and Chance Landin, an outfielder and relief pitcher. Greenwood in particular has opened the season on a tear. On the mound, Greenwood has been dominant as a starter, putting up four scoreless frames in an 8-1 win over the Sand Gnats and chipping in four innings of one-run ball with 6 strikeouts in an eventual loss to the Owlz. At the plate, though, Greenwood has been even better. As one would expect of this year’s Len Willeford Home Run Derby, Greenwood has shown power in games, coming up with multiple big hits this year including a pivotal grand slam against the Beavers and a two-run shot against the Owlz while cementing himself as a clutch hitter.

“I live in pressure. Once I hear the ding of the sweet spot, I run,” noted Greenwood of his blasts this year. “And, if I do make it [home], then…I get attacked by my team, and that is the most pleasant beating you can ask for.”

Adams struck out 6 in 3 perfect innings 5/13.

Beyond their elder statesmen, the River Bandits sport a young core that has risen to the occasion of staying in the thick of the playoff race. Tanner Adams, the young lefty that was picked first in the league’s draft this year, has been a horse for the team, drawing the start on opening day and pitching pivotal innings all year long. Most recently, Adams spun three perfect innings with 6 strikeouts in a big win against a hot Raptors squad. In addition, Tucker Elliott has performed as a catcher and relief pitcher for the squad, chipping in a three inning save in the win over the Raptors, Greg Nadolna has stepped up on the hill since the spring break, and Anthony Alves, Jeff Bowers, and Eric Inouye have also all shown their stuff in the early going. When combined with the efforts of the veterans and all-around player Andre Scott, it’s not hard to see why the River Bandits are playing well.

Saturday night, each team will also be showcasing their supplemental players for the first time and, uniquely enough, all three are lefties with ability. The Hot Rods’ lineup will include two rising freshmen: Pleasant Grove JV lefty Jared Spohr, a two-time Babe Ruth all-star who shut down East Sacramento in the District Tournament last year and had a 1.91 ERA in limited innings this spring, and Nate McKinnis, a Franklin JV left-hander who went 1-0 with a save in 6 2/3 innings this high school season. The River Bandits will counter with Franklin JV outfielder Taylor Johnson, who hit .286 in his sophomore season and, in the final game of his season, scored the tying run as a pinch-runner in the JV championship game. All three should bolster their teams as they move forward into the season and, of course, Saturday night.

“We are looking forward to playing,” said Eising. “It will be fun to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of Elk Grove Babe Ruth baseball with a…game under the lights.”

The National Anthem on Saturday night will be sung by Franklin High School student Samantha Basas, a two-year member of Vocal Ensemble and Franklin Theatre Company, most recently performing in the dramatic epic Les Miserable this past spring.

Volcanoes Erupt in 5th, Hold on to Wild 18-10 Win

( Preview / Boxscore )

On paper, the match-up looked a little lopsided, setting up the fourth Game of the Week as a potential blowout. But, as the old adage goes, that's why they play the game, and, instead of seeing the 7-1 Volcanoes dominate the 0-10 Redwings, fans were treated to an exciting, back-and-forth contest that turned on one pivotal inning which allowed the Volcanoes to walk away victorious 18-10, a final score that was much closer than it may appear.

In the first inning, the Volcanoes took a 3-0 lead after a lead-off error paved the way for an offensive rally. With a runner on second and one out, lefty slugger Dominic Muñoz crushed an RBI single to centerfield to make it 1-0, before a Cameron Rosebrooks single set the stage for Joe DeSoto, who clobbered a high fastball to deep centerfield for a two-run triple that made it 3-0. Redwings' starter Denis Delic, though, was unfazed, striking out Mason Splinter and catching DeSoto off third base to end the rally.

O'Brien's fastball was a blur en route to 6 K in 3 IP.

In the bottom half, the Redwings made their own offensive statement with a rally against the Volcanoes' right-handed ace, Chandler O'Brien. Just like their opponent, the Redwings' lead-off man, Tristen Poston, reached base on an error, and then the Redwings took advantage of early wildness to load the bases on a walk and hit batsmen. After a strikeout, though, O'Brien and the Volcanoes looked poised to escape unscathed until Dan Duhig turned a 2-0 fastball into a long double to left field that scored all three runners and knotted the score at 3-3.

The Volcanoes answered right back though with some timely hitting and a few quirky hops. Jacob Pensa walked to start the top half of the second, Malik Williams worked a walk, and Anthony Garcia then loaded the bases with an infield single that hit foul...and then bounced fair. Delic responded with a strikeout, but Volcanoes' lead-off hitter Jacob Schanning ripped a single to left field that broke the tie 4-3, and Muñoz and Rosebrooks both walked in runs to regain a three-run cushion.

The Redwings offense was still churning, but the damage wasn't as severe as the first. Paul Lorsbach lead off the second with a sharp double to left but was stranded at third as O'Brien buckled down to strikeout the side. In the third, Poston reached again via the walk and stole second, which opened the door for Tyler Lantsberger's run scoring line drive single to left that inched the home team closer at 6-4.

Delic's scoreless fourth inning, which completed a strong start that included 6 strikeouts, preserved that margin for the bottom of the fourth, when the Volcanoes went to the bullpen and brought in their #2 starter, Schanning, to relieve O'Brien. Still getting comfortable on the mound, Schanning walked Duhig and surrendered an infield single legged out by Redwings' speedster David Bustamante, but he quickly found his comfort zone, retiring Lorsbach and Jacob Medina on back-to-back strikeouts looking. With two down, Ian Ryan then hit a grounder to third for the presumptive final out, but the throw went uncaught allowing both Duhig and Bustmante to score and moving the score to 6-6. Schanning would get out of the jam with his third strikeout of the inning, but the Redwings had the momentum and seemingly had the Volcanoes on the ropes.

That momentum, though, was short-lived, as the fifth inning was disastrous. Schanning helped his own cause with a single just over the glove of shortstop Isaac Lopez. Then, on the reliever Lanstberger's first pitch to him, O'Brien crushed a shot to centerfield past the out stretched arm of Poston that bounced all the way to the fence, staying down long enough for O'Brien to cruise in with a go-ahead two run homer. An 8-6 lead was not all that the cards held, though, as the Volcanoes exploded and pushed seven more runs across the plate as part of a rally that featured another Muñoz single, a Gyovanni Hernandez double, a dropped fly ball, and another RBI knock by O'Brien that left the Redwings reeling and suddenly down 15-6.

Paul Lorsbach is held on at third by Jacob Schanning, the eventual winning pitcher.

The Redwings did not give up, though, and managed to claw their way back into the ball game in the sixth. Poston found his way to first a third time by wearing an 0-2 pitch, Willie Gormley found a hole with a bloop infield single to the right side, and Delic reached on yet another error to load the bases. Lantsberger flew out to left, but Poston did not tag, for the first out, but Lopez got the ball rolling with a single to left to make it 15-7, but the hit of inning came off the Big Cat's bat as Bustamante hit a clutch three-run double to center that narrowed the Volcanoes' lead to only five. Schanning, though, notched his fifth strikeout to escape further damage and preserve the lead.

The Volcanoes crossed the plate three more times in the sixth without a single hit to make it 18-10, and that would be the final margin as Schanning pitched around a two out single up the middle by Kyle Gonsalves to nail down the victory. 

This Saturday, the Game of the Week will showcase two teams on the rise as the surging Hot Rods take on the upstart River Bandits. Both teams mix it up on the mound with a stable of talented pitchers, and the match-up should have a unique flavor, as it pits to nicknames brand new to Elk Grove Babe Ruth.

Game 4 Preview - Volcanoes vs. Redwings: 5/7/2011

As the 2011 season churns forward and Elk Grove Babe Ruth's 50th season moves into its second full month of spring baseball, the standings begin to reflect some separation between teams. Hot starts become the fuel and momentum for extended runs; stumbles out of the gate force teams to reflect and work toward better days. Thus, looking to this Saturday's fourth Game of the Week, it might seem that the two opponents, the Volcanoes and the Redwings, are heading in completely different directions. But, although the standings belie the early dominance and struggles, respectively, of the two clubs, both enter Saturday night confident that better days are ahead.


Jacob Schanning has 22 K across 15 IP for the Volcanoes.

The Volcanoes, guided by manager Barry O'Brien, enter the fourth week with a solid grasp on first place in the Cory Vaughn division with a 5-1 record thanks to a skilled cast of players consistently pitching well and generating the offense necessary for success. On the mound, the Volcanoes showcase two pitchers with contrasting styles but very similar success in 15-year-old Chandler O'Brien and 14-year-old Jacob Schanning. In 16 and 15 innings, respectively, both O'Brien and Schanning have struck out 22 and issued only 5 free passes, resulting in sub-2.00 ERAs that evidence their early dominance and efficiency on the hill.

"The key to their success is the tremendous ability to throw strikes, pitch to contact, and limit the number of pitches. Both are averaging about 12 pitches per inning," said Coach O'Brien. "[They] have proven to be a dynamite 1-2 combo on the mound."

Along with their pitching excellence early on, the Volcanoes also sport a potent offense littered with highly-skilled sluggers. At the heart of their attack is the intimidating Dominic Munoz, a powerful lefty who leads the club with a .626 average and 12 RBIs and who represented the team in last weekend's Len Willeford Home Run Derby. Setting the table for Munoz have been Schanning, who has scored 11 runs from the lead-off spot, and O'Brien, who is hitting .500 but has worked 7 walks for a gaudy .652 OBP. In addition to that strong trio, late addition Gyovanni Hernandez has also brought a lot to the table, joining a month late but contributing a .643 OBP that has been vital to their offensive success.

Coach O'Brien also noted the strong defensive performances of EGBR rookie Jacob Pensa, who has been a standout at second base all year, and Mason Splinter, one of the squad's Tyler Routt Mid-season All-Stars who, according to the coach, "works extremely hard in the outfield."

Battling the Volcanoes Saturday night will be the Redwings, sponsored by Gormley's Retirment Home and managed by Scott Gormley. Although their squad has had an extremely slow start to the season, there have been highlights and things are definitely looking up.

Coach Gormley talks strategy during a mound visit.

"We have a great bunch of kids who are playing the game for the right reasons. We have come a long way since game one and we continue to improve," said Coach Gormley. "The first half has been tough due to our cold bats and a thin pitching rotation, [but] extra work and trial by fire have shown great improvement...The second half of the season should pay dividends."

Offensively, two of the Red Wings' bright spots have been 13-year-old Denis Delic and 15-year-old Jacob Medina. Delic is batting a robust .500 on the season and reaching base at a .670 clip to lead the team, while Medina has found a rhythm recently at the plate, crushing a triple and driving in 4 as part of a close 10-7 loss to the Beavers. Medina leads the team with 6 RBIs.

On the mound, Delic has also been a stalwart, throwing 14 innings and striking out 26 batters in the first half of the season. Tyler Lantsberger has also provided valuable innings for the Red Wings with 14 of his own to go with 18 strikeouts, stepping up on the mound after making only limited appearances on the hill last year. 

"Both are young...and learning how to pitch at this level," noted Gormley. "But each game they get better."

In addition to the contributors above, the Red Wings are lead by Willie Gormley, who has recently been fighting through a chest injury while contributing excellent defense at second base. Gormley also has hit .600 this past week, and he has been crafty and effective on the mound when called upon. Defensively, Tristen Poston has been playing a dynamite centerfield and hustling, David Bustamante and Daniel Duhig are both growing into reliable targets at first base, and Isaac Lopez continues to hone his craft behind the plate. 

"He takes a beating behind the plate but remains positive and gets better," said Gormley of Lopez.

Fans on Saturday night will be treated to a contest with many exciting questions to be answered. What kinds of fireworks can the Volcanoes offense provide? Might Munoz take advantage of the fierce winds at Bartholomew and put out the season's first Game of the Week round tripper? Can the Red Wings reverse their fortunes and claw out a win on the big stage under the lights? How will the pitching hold up? 

In around 70 hours time, we will see the answers unfold in yet another exciting Game of the Week.

Owlz Pitching Too Much in 9-1 Victory

( Preview / Box Score )

As the lineup cards for the Routt Roofing Owlz and Sports Shop Beavers came in Saturday night at Bartholomew Park, none could deny the appeal of an exciting match-up of pitching staffs. But, although the first four innings were as exciting as the fans could have hoped for, it was the Owlz who controlled the latter half of the game, offensively and on the mound, as the visiting team took home a decisive 9-1 win in the third game of the week.

The Bull, Sal Martinez, was sharp but let down by his D.

Anticipating as much, all in attendance got to see two of Elk Grove Babe Ruth's most acclaimed hurlers shutting down talented opponent. For the Beavers, it was The Bull, Salvador Martinez, keeping hitters off balance with a hard fastball and wicked breaking ball that matched his intimidating mound presence. Although Martinez did not have a 1-2-3 inning in his 4 innings of work, he never lost control and, were it not for some untimely miscues, he might have seen a different end result.

"The Bull deserved far better," said Coach Venegas. "He really threw the ball well."

After a scoreless first, Martinez plunked Owlz' shortstop Michael Chapelle on the arm, and Ryan Ames' bunt single then put runners on first and second with none out. Chapelle was not there long, though, as a pick-off attempt at first got away into the expansive foul territory of Bartholomew Park and allowed Chapelle to score to make it 1-0. Then, after another scoreless inning in the third, the fourth inning looked like another gem thanks to two Martinez strikeouts, but a two-out Christian Lemmond double to deep left paved the way for a throwing error that allowed the Owlz to push their lead to 2-0.

Taylor earned the win with 4 strong innings.

The Bull's counterpart on the mound, Jacob Taylor, also looked sharp in the early going. Taylor struck out the first two batters of the game, but the Bull's high infield chopper that went for single--the Beavers' only hit of the game--a walk to clean-up hitter Brandon Smith, and a wild pitch put runners on second and third. Fortunately for the Owlz, catcher Ames was able to catch Martinez off the bag at third and keep the Beavers scoreless. Taylor then breezed through the second and third innings, recording three strikeouts around a single walk, but trouble brewed in the fourth as the Beavers clawed their way into the game.

Leading off the inning for the Beavers was the "Wascally Wabbit," Osayi Onaghinor, who got down 0-2 but managed to work his way back and earn a free pass. Onaghinor promptly stole second, moved to third on nice situational hitting by lead-off batter Greg Teague, and, after a walk to Ryan Sutherland and another stolen bag, the Beavers were themselves threatening again as the dangerous Martinez stepped up with a chance to tie the game. Taylor, though, focused in and found the zone, inducing a 1-0 soaring pop up high in the air that was eventually gloved by Chapelle at short on the edge of the infield. At third, though, Onaghinor alertly tagged up and scampered toward the plate, scoring ahead of a bobbled throw home on an infield sacrifice fly that cut the deficit to 2-1. But, faced with the tying run on third, Taylor buckled down and ended his night with a backwards K, ringing up Smith after a seven-pitch battle to finish the night. On the evening, Taylor allowed only the one infield single, walking 4 and striking out 6, and would eventually earn the win.

P.J. Berner, who was 2 for 3, slides in safely at 3rd.

The Owlz would not keep the game in jeopardy for long, though, as the fifth and sixth innings saw their offense come alive and break the game open. P.J. Berner, already 1 for 1 on the day with a sharp single in the hole in the third, got things rolling in the fifth with a line shot up the middle. From that moment forward, it was as if the Owlz bats woke up and the Beavers gloves fell asleep, as reliever Rocket Sutherland was snake-bit by the timely hitting and a pair of miscues. After Berner's single, leadoff hitter Sam Aragon drag-bunted for a single and Jack Roselli doubled in Berner, pushing the deficit to 3-1. Sutherland found his grove, though, striking out one and inducing a groundout, but a dropped fly ball allowed Roselli to score to make it 6-1. Sutherland got out the mess with a second strikeout, but the damage was done.

The sixth inning had the same flavor, as the Owlz tallied five hits and the Beavers a couple mistakes. Ethan Moreno got his second hit of the day following a walk to Lemmond, but reliever Walker Brown got two outs to settle things down. But, alas, the Owlz bats had caught fire, as Aragon and Roselli singled, Austin Archuleta doubled, and Taylor singled to put the game out of reach at 9-1.

Roselli was perfect, K'ing 8 of 9 batters.

All of the late Owlz offense was mere gravy, though, as southpaw reliever Roselli made the 2-1 margin hold up with an amazing relief appearance. Coming in after Taylor exited, Roselli promptly struck out the first five batters he faced before inducing a Anthony Rivett groundout to end the sixth. Then, for good measure, Roselli struck out the side in the seventh to seal the victory. All in all, Roselli tossed 3 perfect innings with 8 strikeouts to earn a save the long way, needing only an economical 36 pitches to complete the tandem one-hitter.

For the Beavers, "Sparky" Rivett was a definite spark plug, drawing a walk and making the only fair contact against Roselli, and Sean O'Sullivan pitched a scoreless, hitless top of the seventh inning that was aided by a sweet 6-4-3 double play turned by the middle infield to end an uneven defensive contest on a high note.

The National Anthem was performed by Karen Cornfield, a long-time Elk Grove Babe Ruth mom. Karen will be singing at a Sacramento River Cats game in August, so keep on the look out for more details.

Next week, Bartholomew Park will host the fourth installment of the Game of the Week as the plucky Redwings will square off with the powerful lineup of the Volcanoes. Hope to see you there!