Diamond Notes

August 27,2010

AZ Pro will be having a tryout for their fall teams on Saturday August 28 at Fitch Park in Mesa.

2011 and 2012 grads will try out at 900 AM

2013 and 2014 grads will try out at 11 AM

go to www.azprocamps.com for further information

August 16, 2010

Congrats to the Arizona Firebirds for making a great run to the Connie Mack World Series. The Firebirds advanced to the final four teams in the event before being eliminated by the eventual champion Midland Redskins.

ASU signee and Chaparral grad James McDonald was selected to the All Tournament Team.

Here's a link to the complete team:

http://www.daily-times.com/four_corners-sports/ci_15776530

August 2, 2010

All Star Baseball Wins Sandy Koufax World Series

The All Star Baseball Academy, after dropping their initial game of the tournament, ran the table the rest of the way and claimed the championship in the 2010 14U Sandy Koufax World Series.

ASBA mercy ruled West Covina, CA 15-7 in the title game. After surrendering 5 runs in the the of the first, ASBA responded by hanging a 7 in the bottom half and 4 in the third inning to take control.

Earlier in the day, ASBA eliminated Michigan 4-3 in a game delayed 7 hours due to rain.

ASBA had handed Cal its first loss of the tournament on Saturday night with a 10-7 win.

Sunnyslope 2014 Calvin Lebrun was named the tournament's outstanding pitcher.

Kyle Buchda 2013 Sunnyslope, was 7-10 with 5 RBIs.

Liberty 2013 Zach Johnson had a .643 BA, went 2-0 on the mound, and also won the home run derby.

Sunnyslope 2014 Kyle Brown was 8-17 (.471) and went 5-6 with 5 RBIs over the last 3 games.

Marshall Shill (2014 Mingus) tossed a complete game 5 hitter on Friday.

Garrett Poole (2014 Corona Del Sol) was 2-0 for the tourney on the bump.

Firebirds Advance to Connie Mack World Series

Jacob Doyle (Deer Valley) and Jake Winters (Pinnacle) combined on a four hitter, while James McDonald (Chaparral) delivered three hits, including a home run, and Jorge Flores (Hamilton) two hits to lead the Arizona Firebirds to the Connie Mack Western Regional championship on Saturday in Seattle with a 6-1 victory over the Spokane Dodgers. The Firebirds will play next week in the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM. It is the fourth time in five years that the Firebirds have advanced to Farmington, NM.

The Firebirds took a strong advantage with four runs in the first inning and never looked back to complete an undefeated run in the 12-team tournament. After McDonald singled, Michael Benjamin (Basha) hit a ground-rule double to right center. Ryan Casillas (Hamilton) drove in both with a single up the middle. He came in on a single to right by Jake Peevyhouse (Pinnacle). Kendall Konopka (Marcos DeNiza) finished it off with a triple to left-center.

Arizona added a run in the second inning on a single by Flores and two errors. McDonald completed the scoring with a homer to left in the sixth.

August 1, 2010

Firebirds Remain Undefeated at West Regional

The Arizona Firebirds took advantage of stellar relief pitching by Steve Casey (Pinnacle) and an explosive two-out rally in the second inning to win, 6-3, over the Spokane Dodgers on Saturday at the University of Washington’s Husky Field to emerge as the final undefeated team in the 12-team Connie Mack Western Regional Tournament in Seattle. The winner, to be crowned on Sunday, will advance to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington NM.

With two outs in the second, Jake Peevyhouse (Pinnacle) singled to right, and Andy Nist (Corona Del Sol) singled to left. Trever Allen (Corona) then drove in Peevyhouse with a single to right before Jorge Flores drove in two more runs with a single to left. James McDonald (Chaparral) then doubled to deep center to bring in Flores, completing the rally and putting the Firebirds in front 5-1.

Spokane touched Arizona starter Zak Johnson (Hamilton) for two runs in the fourth inning to pull within two. But then Casey took the mound in the fifth and completely shut down the visiting team. He struck out seven in his three innings of work without allowing a hit. In fact, he did not allow a ball hit out of the infield.

Mike Benjamin (Basha) completed the offensive work for the Firebirds with a solo home run over the 385-foot mark in left center in the sixth inning for the final margin. In the first, Benjamin hit a sacrifice to deep center to drive in Flores, who had led off with a single.

The Firebirds play again at 7 tonight (Saturday). If they win their next two games, they advance to Farmington.

July 31, 2010

The Diamondbacks 17U team cam up short in their bid for a Don Mattingly World Series title, falling to the Burkburnett Black Sox (TX).

Game 1:

DBacks 4 ABD Bulldogs (CA) 0

Great pitcher's duel! Through 6 innings the only run was the result of a bases loaded walk in the first inning. Thomas Schellhardt was brilliant. No Bulldog got past 2nd base, as he tossed a complete game 3-hitter, recording 4 Ks along the way. He only needed 77 pitches (50 strikes), to put the DBacks in the Championship Game.

Tyler Booth blasted a 3-run HR (off the scoreboard) in the top of the 7th to give the DBacks some breathing room. For the game, he and Bobby Stahel each had 2 hits to lead the offense.

Game 2:

Black Sox 6 DBacks 4

The DBacks basically outplayed the Black Sox for 5 innings, but the 4 runs that they literally gave them in the 2nd inning proved to be too much to overcome. In that inning all 4 runs that scored were players that were on base as the result of a walk. The first run came from a bases loaded walk, and just when it appeared the DBacks would escape with just that one run, a 2-out bases-loaded dropped fly ball produced 3 more unearned runs.

The DBacks started their comeback in the 3rd inning. Here's a recap:

3rd inning: Jordy Hein led off with a single, and ended up stealing home!!

5th inning: Parker Osbourne singled home a run and Jason Parks drove in the other with a sacrifice fly.

7th inning: Bobby Stahel led off with a single and scored on Tyler Booth's single.

July 30, 2010

Don Mattingly (17U) World Series:Thursday, July 29

Game 1: D-BAT MUSTANGS (TX) 2 DBACKS 0

Game 2: DBACKS 10 CHAPARRAL (CO) 4

In the morning game, the 17U Diamondbacks stumbled in their pursuit of the Don Mattingly World Series Title, but with a victory in the 2nd game, they are still in the hunt. There are 4 teams left, each with 1 loss, so there will be semifinal games at 9:00 and 12:00, with the Championship game at 3:00. I’ve heard that the Championship game will be on ESPNU, but I’ve not been able to confirm that information.

In the 2-0 loss to the D-Bat Mustangs, the DBacks wasted a great pitching effort from Jake Andrews. He allowed only 4 hits, but was the victim of 2 costly errors and the absence of the usual clutch hits. The errors led to both unearned runs, and the Diamondbacks left 11 runners on base. They had 6 hits, but just couldn’t push across any runs.　

In the second game, the DBacks quickly built a 9-1 lead, behind 3 solid innings of work from winning pitcher Tatum Hendrix, then cruised to a 10-4 win. The DBacks offense exploded with 15 hits, getting multi-hit efforts from 6 different players. For the second time in the tournament, Bobby Stahel and Tyler Booth hit homers to pace the attack. Stahel’s was his 3rd of the tournament and 5th of the season, and Booth has 2 in the tournament and a team-leading 8 on the season.

OFFENSIVE LEADERS:

Bryce Greager, 3-4, 1 RBI

Bobby Stahel, 2-5, 1 HR, 3 RBIs

Tyler Booth, 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs

Jason Parks, 2-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI

Darian Ramage, 2-4, 1 RBI

Jordy Hein, 2-5, 1 3B, 1 RBI

The DBacks square off against the ABD Bulldogs (CA), in the 9:00 semifinal and the two Texas teams play at 12:00, with the winners playing for the title at 3:00.

Wade Pitches Firebirds to 2-1 Victory

The Arizona Firebirds used the strong right arm of Konner Wade (Chaparral) to win for the second time in as many games Thursday in the Connie Mack Western Regional Tournament at the University of Washington’s Husky Field in Seattle.

Wade, who went the distance, struck out five and allowed just four hits and an unearned run to lead the Firebirds to a 2-1 victory over the Shockers of the Pacific Northwest. He was efficient, throwing just 85 pitches in seven innings, and had uncommon command of three pitches in the dominant performance, walking none and retiring 10 of the final 11 hitters he faced.

The Firebirds got on the board in the first inning when Jorge Flores (Hamilton) beat out an infield hit, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He scored on a ground ball to the right side by James McDonald (Chaparral).

After the Shockers tied it in the fourth on a lead-off double, a single and an error, the Firebirds immediately responded with what turned out to be the winning rally. Mike Benjamin (Basha) singled through the hole between shortstop and third base and advance to third on a hit and run-single by Ryan Casillas (Hamilton). Benjamin then scored on a hard grounder by Jake Peevyhouse (Pinnacle).

Arizona has a bye in the third round and appears headed toward a key Saturday matchup against Trombly baseball.

The Arizona Dodgers were eliminated in a 2-1 loss to the Puget Sound Roxx.

All games in the 14U Sandy Koufax World Series were rained out Thursday.

Play resumes with round 2 games at 9:30 AM today

July 29, 2010

Firebirds Win, Dodgers Lose in 12 in Western Region Openers

Arizona teams won and lost Wednesday in the opening round of the 12-team Connie Mack (18U) West Regional in Seattle. The Arizona Firebirds won 4-2 over En Fuego, one of two host teams and regarded as the strongest club in Washington, while the Dodgers fell, 9-7, in a 12-inning heart-breaking decision against Trombly baseball, a long-time powerhouse out of Southern California.

The Firebirds used the dominant pitching of Jake Cole (Tucson Sahuaro) and timely hitting to win in a game at the University of Washington that was not as close as the final score indicated, at least not until the end. Cole, who struck out nine and had command of his curve ball to go along with his low 90s fastball, allowed only one hit through the first five innings and completed the job with a four-hitter.

Meanwhile, the Firebirds struck first in the third inning when Russell Vaughan (Desert Ridge) led off with a single to right and Trever Allen (Corona Del Sol) doubled to right center. Vaughan was thrown out at third on the play after he stumbled coming around second. It was one of at least three times an Arizona player would stumble on the unfamiliar field turf infield. But after Jorge Flores (Hamilton) advanced Allen to third, James McDonald (Chaparral) doubled sharply down the left field line. It was quickly 2-0 when Mike Benjamin (Basha) followed with another double, this one deep to the left-center field gap.

The Firebirds struck again in the fifth after Allen doubled and Flores lined a single over the second baseman. The final Arizona run came in the sixth when Cole Gleason (Red Mountain), leading off, took the first pitch he saw on a straight line over the 365-foot sign in left field for an impressive home run.

Both Arizona clubs lost their first round games in the Sandy Koufax World Series.

Warrior Baseball fell 18-9 to the Midland bandits out of Ohio.

All Star Baseball lost a heartbreaker 6-5 to Puerto Rico. ASBA jumped out to an early 4-0 1st inning lead but were shut down afterward. The Trailed 6-4 entering the 7th and after pulling within a run at 6-5, loaded the bases with no outs. On a double play ball, interference was ruled at second base. The runner was out, the batter was out and runners returned to second and third per the rule. A fly ball to left ended the game.

Zach Johnston, a 2013 grad from Liberty High, won the Home Run Derby at the SKWS yesterday morning. Zack stroked 15 bombs to win the event.

Liberty's Zach Johnston brings home the hardware

From The Don Mattingly World Series:

With today’s 5-2 victory over the Black Sox (TX), the DBacks are 6-0 in the Don Mattingly World Series and 39-4 for the season. They and the TX D-Bats are the only undefeated teams left and they play each other at 9:00 Thursday, with the winner ALMOST guaranteed a spot in the Championship Game.

All season the DBacks have been winning with outstanding pitching and timely hitting, and that was the winning formula again today. Heath Dwyer totally dominated a very good hitting Black Sox team, facing only 24 batters in his complete game victory. From the 2nd through the 6th innings, Heath recorded 5 straight 1-2-3 innings!! He issued only 1 walk, struck out 5 and finished with a 3-hitter.

Most of the offense came in the 2nd inning as the DBacks used 6 singles from Tatum Hendricks, Mitch Nay, Bryce Greager, Darian Ramage, Bobby Stahel and Jordy Hein to plate 4 runs, and never looked back. 　

July 28, 2010

From the Don Mattingly World Series.

Round 1: DBacks 9 Rio Rancho (NM) 0

Round 2: DBacks 6 ABA Stars (NM) 0

The DBacks won their first 2 tournament round games on Tuesday, posting back-to-back shutouts. In the first round win over host Rio Rancho (NM), Hunter Lambert tossed a 2-hitter while the DBacks bats pushed across 9 runs in the 5-inning victory. Lambert was in command from start to finish, recording 5 strike outs along the way.

Pacing the 11-hit attack was Bobby Stahel (3-3), who hit a towering home run on the 2nd pitch of the game and added a double and a single to, finishing with 4 RBIs. Darian Ramage was 2-2 with 1 RBI and Tatum Hendrix was 2-4 with a single and a double.

In the second game Daniel Will picked up the complete game victory, striking out 5 while allowing 7 hits. The ABA Stars had opportunities, but Will consistently got "big" outs when he needed to, to preserve the shutout.

The DBacks were outhit 7 to 4, but 2 of the 4 hits left the yard. Bobby Stahel homered for the 2nd straight game - this time it was a 2-run blast that cleared the 25-foot high fence in centerfield and hit a parked truck on the other side. Tyler Booth drove in 3 runs with a solo home run and a big 2-out, 2-run single that put the game out of reach.

The Dbacks play at 9:00 Wednesday against the Burkburnett Black Sox (TX), who upset the #1 seed AZ Angels in the second round.

July 27, 2010

The Angels Red team took home the Connie Mack State Title with a winove r All Star baseball Academy on Saturday night. Travis Flores cranked a 3 run blast in the top of the 7th to send the Angels to the win.

The Angels did not accept the spot in the western regional championship in Seattle.

The two Arizona representatives at the Regional will be the Arizona Dodgers and the Arizona Firebirds. They will compete in a 12 team tournament starting Wednesday the 28th with the winner advancing to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, N.M.

The AZ Angels Red and the Diamondbacks 17U teams are competing in the Don Mattingly World Series this week in Albuquerque.

The Angels took a pair in yesterdays first round action 17-0 and 6-2

July 19, 2010

The Arizona Amateur Baseball Association crowned a pair of State Champions on Saturday Night.

All Star Baseball Academy 15 took home the hardware in the Mickey Mantle 16U division, defeating the AZ Angels Black in a run rule victory. ASBA will head to West Covina, CA for the Western Region championships this weekend.

All Star Baseball 15U

In the 17U Don Mattingly Division, the AZ Angels Red team defeated All Star Baseball 16 in the title game. The Angels head to Albuquerque New Mexico where they will join the Diamondbacks 17 team as Arizona representatives.

AZ Angels Red

Good luck to all these teams in post season play.

July 14, 2010

AZ Pro went 6-0 to win the Mid-Summer Classic in Peoria over the weekend. Outstanding pitching & solid defense was the theme for the weekend as AZ Pro gave up only 3 runs in 42 innings played. Game 1 saw Jared Gaynor (Scottsdale Christian), Travis Decker (Desert Edge) and Tony Blanford (Pinnacle) combine to beat ASBA 2-1. In Game 2, Joey Ford (Cactus Shadows) allowed 1 hit in 6 IP with 11 SO's as AZ Pro downed the Clash Bears 6-0. Game 3 Andy Roberts (Prescott) threw 6 shutout innings before allowing a run in the 7th as AZ Pro defeated Ventura County (CA) 3-1. In bracket play, Jaron Long (Cactus Shadows) threw a 1-hitter with 8 SO's vs. SBA Dirtbags in winning 2-0. The semi-finals saw Cody Jones (Boulder Creek) throw 6 2/3 of scoreless ball vs. the D-Backs 18U before being relieved by Gaynor who gave up a late unearned run as AZ Pro prevailed 2-1 to advance to the Championship game. Ron Rutledge stole home vs. the DBacks in the 5th for what proved to be the decisive run. In the Championship game, Alex Shepherd (Gilbert) threw 5 2/3 scoreless inning before giving way to Gaynor who came in and closed the door as AZ Pro defeated the Clash APST 3-0. The game ended on an outstanding diving stop by Ryan Comford (Saguaro) who got to his feet and threw out the hitter to end the game and give AZ Pro the title. With the win, AZ Pro qualifies for the 2010 Senior Fall Classic in October.

Scores:
AZ Pro 2 ASBA 1
AZ Pro 6 Clash Bears 0
AZ Pro 3 Ventura County 1
AZ Pro 2 SBA Dirtbags 0
AZ Pro 2 DBacks 1
AZ Pro 3 Clash APST 0

June 30, 2010

The 17U Diamondbacks Scout Team has earned a spot in the Don Mattingly World Series as a result of winning the Cherry Creek Classic Tournament in Denver, Colorado. The DBacks played 6 games in 4 days, compiling a

5–1 record, which included an 8-inning, 7¬–5, come-from-behind victory in the Championship Game against the host team, Cherry Creek. The team overcame some uncharacteristically poor defense with outstanding pitching (team 1.02 ERA) and a relentless hitting attack that produced

66 hits, 66 runs and a .366 team batting average. Averaging 11 runs a game in a wood bat tournament is truly outstanding. The Dbacks did it with a combination of great team speed, alert base-running and power. A breakdown of the 66 hits shows 12 infield hits and 19 extra-base hits

(11 doubles, 7 triples, and 1 homerun).

Scores:

Game 1 Diamonbacks 7 Regis Jesuit HS 3

(Winning Pitcher: Tatum Hendrix, 5 Innings Pitched, 6 Hits, 0 Earned Runs, 5 Strikeouts)

Game 2 Diamonbacks 8 Arapahoe HS 0

(Winning Pitcher: Thomas Schellhardt, 6 Innings Pitched, 3 Hits, 0 Earned Runs, 7 Strikeouts) Schellhardt was in total control, allowing only 1 baserunner to reach 2nd base.

Game 3 Diamonbacks 4 Cherry Creek HS 5

We wasted solid pitching efforts from Aaron Bummer and Darian Ramage, by committing 4 critical errors, leading to 4 unearned runs.

(Combined stats: 7 Innings Pitched, 5 Hits, 1 Earned Run, 9 Strikeouts)

Game 4 Diamonbacks 15 Southern Colorado All Stars 9 (Winning Pitcher: Hunter Lambert, 3.3 Innings Pitched, 5 Hits, 0 Earned Runs, 2 Strikeouts)

Game 5 Diamonbacks 13 Chaparral HS 3

(Winning Pitcher: Joey Bielek, 5 Innings Pitched, 6 Hits, 1 Earned Runs,

5 Strikeouts)

Game 6 Diamonbacks 7 Cherry Creek HS 5

(Winning Pitcher: Chris Freudenberg, 8 Innings Pitched, 4 Hits, 2 Earned Runs, 10 Strikeouts) After a rocky 1st inning in which Freudenberg allowed 3 hits and all 5 runs (3 unearned), he was outstanding from that point on. To show his resolve, in the 2nd inning - facing the top of the order again, he bounced back by striking out the side on 14 pitches. From innings 2 through 7, Chris tossed a 1-hit shutout.

OFFENSIVE ATTACK: Great hitting up and down the line-up. Leading the way were 5 DBacks who all batted over .400 for the tournament.

Tatum Hendrix: .612, 8-14 with 3 doubles and 3 RBIs.

Jordan Hein: .523, 9-16 with 1 double, 1 triple and 4 RBIs.

Jason Parks: .500, 3-6 with 3 doubles and 4 RBIs.

Casey Scott: .476, 10-21 with 1 triple and 5 RBIs.

Lucas Leifeld: .455, 5-11 with 1 triple and 2 RBIs.

OTHER NOTABLE EFFORTS:

Joey Bielek: 6 hits, 2 doubles, 1 triple and 8 RBIs Tyler Booth: 6 hits, 1 double, 2 triples and 5 RBIs Bobby Stahel: 5 hits, 2 triples, 1 homerun and 3 RBIs Bryce Greagor: 5 hits, 1 triple and 3 RBIs Mitch Nay: 5 hits, 2 doubles and 5 RBIs

NOTE: Bryce Greagor tripled to deep right leading off the 8th inning in the championship game and scored the eventual winning run on Mitch Nay’s clutch single.

June 25, 2010

Team Arizona holds it together for a 4 -3 victory over Arkansas.Abney ,starting pitcher for team AZ was breezing along with giving up only 3 hits in 5 inn. 6k's an no BB. The flat bats and energy of the offence seemed to get worse on game 7. The only highlights really was in the bottom of the 4th when team AZ put 3 hits together and a questionable bomb to left by Hunter Zwart over the left field fair pole. A 2 out single by Rocky High and Ty Webster. Then Hunter Zwart hit a towering shot 50 feet over the left field fair pole that was called foul instead of a 3 run HR. The coach came out to contest it but to no avail, the call remaind a foul ball and Hunter drew a walk to load the bases. Then Kevin Wirth again came through with a clutch 2 run RBI single to make it a 4 to 0 game. Wirth was caught trying to advance to 2nd for the 3rd out.Arkansas got an unearned run in the 6th to make it 4 to 1. We had 5 errors in the game and no real control or energy it seemed other than that inning. We tried to give it back to Arkansas in the 7th. Ryan Cota came in in the bottom of the 7th. 1st batter got a base hit,second HBP,3rd batter BB to load the bases with 1 out. The next batter hit a double to score 2 making it a 4 to 3 game. Then came a fly out for out #2. Then a BB. With runners on 1st and second and 2 outs Arkansas hit a ground ball to TJ Bennett who flips it to Tucker Esmay to end the game but the ball was mis player and runner called safe while the tying run was coming to the plate Esmay regathers the ball and throws home for a bang bang play called out to end the game in nail biting fashion. Team Az will have to wait till late tonight to see if they play for 3rd-4th or 5th-6th place.

Highlights

Gonzalez 1-3 3B

Esmay 2-3 2 singles

High- 1-2 1-RBI

Mc Owen 1-2

Webster -1-2

Wirth 1-2 2 -RBI

David Abney gets the win 7ks,0 BB, 1 HBP gave up only 3 hits.

The 2010 AZ Connie Mack World Series Qualifier is in full swing, and the Arizona teams have represented very well to this point. This is probably the best opportunity to see some of the nation's top players in an event where they actually compete rather than "showcase".

3 AZ clubs made the ten team championship bracket: Arizona Firebirds (4-0 in pool play) Angels Red (4-0) and Angels White (3-0-1).

Bracket play began last night with the Firebirds downing the Dallas Patriots behind a great mound performance from Jake Winters. BOth Angelsteams lost the first round game and will face off this morning in an elimination tilt.

The team to beat is still probably the DBat Mustangs from Dallas, who feature two arms who look to go in the 1st round of the 2011 draft: Dylan Bundy and Archie Bradley, both from Oklahoma.

Games are going o all day long for the next two days in the main stadium, come check it out.

June 24, 2010

Maryland takes team Arizona in 8 inn. Kevin Wirth has his second great game of the series going 3-3 and a BB. But to no avail.

Maryland wins 6 to 5 and drops team Arizona to 2-3 in the tourney. Team AZ just didn't get the bats going. Dan Slania started out a little tight and Vega ,High and Purdy came in to hold it together. A couple of mental errors and the game was over.

Wirth 3-3 3B.2 singles and a walk

Esmay 2-3 with a walk

Mark 2-4 with a walk

Cota 1-2 with 2 walks

Game 2 vs Oklahoma was a better game for team AZ. To start the game off Gonzalez got a single followed by a BB to Esmay and then a double play. Then a 2 out HBP to Bennett a BB to Mc Owen and an Rbi single by Wirth. 3 runs came across in the first with the help of a couple errors by Oklahoma which had only one loss in the tourney. In the 2nd inn Vega gets HBP and Esmay follows with a single. TC Mark then hits a 2 out single that scores 2 more. Maryland got 2 runs off Janke in the first as Janke was having trouble controlling his hard cut fastball. It was 5 to 2 after 2. In the 3rd Mc Owen walks and wirth walks. With runners one 1st and 2nd Zwart puts down a bunt that is picked up by the pitcher who tries to get the lead runner at 3rd and over throws it. Both runners score and Zwart scampers to 3rd for a little league bunt tripple with of course an error on the pitcher thank you. With no outs they hit the ball to short and looked Zwart back to 3rd then goes to first with the throw as Zwart steals home to make it 8 to 2 after 4. Janke at this point has regained complete control and was easing along. In the bottom of the 5th with 1 out Wirth draws a walk. Zwart comes up to the plate and takes the first pitch he sees over the left field scoreboard for a 2 run walk off. That was the first HR for team AZ. That was also a much needed win for team AZ and gave Oklahoma its 2nd loss. Team AZ is now 3-3 and plays at 3:30 against Ark. next.

Esmay 1-2 with a BB

Mark 1-3

Wirth 1-1 and 2 BB 1-Rbi

Zwart 1-3 HR 2 Rbi

Janke got the win with only the 3 hits in the first inn and shut em down after that.3ks,2BB and 1 HBP

June 23, 2010

Game One vs Georgia.

After going out 123 in the first, az sent 7 to the batters box in the second but could only plate one. They also went 123 in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. In the 7th, down 4 to 1, TC Mark had his second double of the day to lead off, then after two outs, Rocky High singled. Kevin Wirth then hit a grounder into the 5 hole that the SS handled but made a bad throw to first allowing TC to score and moving Rocky to third. Wirth took second to put the tying runs at 2nd and 3rd with 2 out. Juan Vega hit a sharp line drive that the too tall 1st baseman jumped up a snagged.

Greg Ryan started on the mound giving up only one hit thru 2. In the third, after a line out to third, a batter was HBP but was gunned down trying to steal. Then came a single, HBP, and another single tying the score at 1. A 123 4th was followed by the 5th which started with a single, sac bunt moving the runner to second, another HBP and an infield single loading the bases. A fly ball was misplayed in the outfield to let one run in with the bases still loaded. Malcolm Purdy was called from the bullpen and induced a ground ball but the batter beat the relay by a whisker. The next batter struck out, but it was now 3 to 1. Georgia added 1 in the sixth on a HR, making it 4 to 1 before Team Arizonas valiant come-back try in the 7th.

Game Two vs Texas

They hit our pitching, we didn't hit theirs. 9-1 in six. We K'd 11 times, they K'd 1

June 22, 2010

The 2010 Senior Heartland Classic (formerly the Sunbelt) kicked off with opening ceromonies on Monday night in Norman, Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park- home to the Oklahoma Sooners. The day kicked off with the Player Showcase for any unsigned/uncommitted players and was followed by a heartfelt opening ceromony that paid homage to the former Sunbelt founder, Gordan Morgan. After an outstanding tribute, Team Arizona began its quest in defending the Homerun Derby Championship won in 2009, by Buena's Taylor Stone. TJ Bennett (Red Mountain H.S.) and TC Mark (Pinnacle H.S.) were chosen by their peers to represent the maroon and gold of Arizona. With the leader (from Ohio) at 5, Bennet couldn't get anything going and Mark chased with 3 in a 3-way tie for 2nd. In a swing off with all tied at 3, Mark proved to clinch 2nd with a lazer off the right field wall to win in the 3 swing tie-breaker playoff system. Although Team AZ didn't defend its championship in the derby, it didn't go down without a fight.

Opening Day paired Team Arizona (2009 Defending Champs) against Team Ohio at L. Dale Mitchell Park in a noon matchup. Big Dan Slania (Salpointe Catholic) took the rubber for the defending champs and did not disappoint in the 9-3 victory, surrendering only 2 hits (a drag bunt and a eye-seeing single) over 4 outstanding innings. Slania struck out 3 and didn't walk any as he was ahead of hitters and pounded the zone the entire outing. Juan Vega was also fantastic on the bump in relief with his "knee-buckling breaking ball" going 2 1/3, giving up no hits and K-ing 3. Slania picked up the win as Team AZ came out big putting up all nine runs in the first 2 innings. Although Team AZ had 12 hits, it could have been a lot worse as many balls were hard hit outs or kicked by Team Ohio (4 errors). Arizona played awesome defense, lead by Kevin Wirth (Sinagua) and Tucker Esmay (Casa Grande). Offensively, all starters contributed with everybody reaching base and 6 players posting extra-base hits. TC Mark, Ryan Cota (Canyon del Oro), Rocky High (Mesquite) and Wirth all had a pair of knocks to lead AZ. Team AZ will go to battle with Team Canada tonight at 7 p.m. (local time).

Gonzalez (Mesquite) 1-4, 2B, HBP
Esmay 1-3
Bennett 1-5, 2 runs, 2B, RBI (2 hard outs)
Kaczmarek (Desert Ridge) 1-2, run, 2B, 2 BB
Mark 2-4
Cota 2-3, 2 runs, 2B, 2 RBI, BB
High 2-4, run, 2B, SB, RBI
Wirth 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI

In game 2, Alex Brown started for Team Arizona against Canada and gave up only 2 hits in 4 innings. Unfortunately, the first hit was a HR after a BB and a HBP in the first inning. He faced only 11 batters in innings 2-4, allowing only a single. Canada loaded the bases in the 5th on a single, 2 BB but the infield turn a slick 4-6-5 DP too keep the damage to 1 run. Rocky High pitched the 5th. On the offensive side, AZ got 2 in the second without a hit, 1 in the third to tie on back to back dbls by TJ and TC. AZ send 15 batters to the plate in the 4th to break it open.

June 21, 2010

The 2010 Arizona National Connie Mack World Series Qualifier begins tomorrow at the Tempe Diablo Complex, and the event features some of the nation's top summer teams competing for a huge prize: a berth in the Connie Mack World Series. This tournament is a great opportunity for Arizona players to see some of the top talent in the country in a truly competitive event. This is no showcase tourney here.

I'm expecting several of the teams from Texas to be really loaded for bear. This should be required viewing for every AZ high school player to see how they stack up against their peers from other parts of the country.

AZ Pro ended up going 5-0 in the College World Series Tourney in Omaha, but Mother Nature ended things with a deluge before the event could be completed.

From Sunday at the USA Baseball 16U Championships:

SABA 520 Elite came from behind to win 7-4 over Team Anderson 2013.

With the score 4-1 at the top of the 4th, Alec Beyersdorf had 3 RBI triple down the line to tie the score 4-4.

At the top of the 5th, Ryan Penaflor had a lead off single with 1 out. 2nd batter walked to have runners at 1st and 2nd. Penaflor stole 3rd but the catcher threw underneath the 3rd baseman's glove giving the opening for Penaflor to score 5-4.

Trevor Griffin came in relief to pitch 3 scoreless innings and the save. Kyle Petty started the game and got the win.

OTHER SCORING PLAYS:

Zachary Taylor had a 2 RBI single at the top of the 7th to get some some insurance runs.

Joseph Serrano had a double RBI at the top of the 3rd to grab a 1-0 lead.

SABA 520 Elite 8 San Diego Show Black 1.

520 Elite got a very solid pitching performance today from winning pitcher Travis Chavez allowing only 1 run in 6 innings. Ryan Penaflor replaced Chavez and pitched a scoreless top of 7th to preserve the win.

The team also got a lot of offensive support especially from Joseph Serrano, AJ Alexander and Alec Beyersdorf.

Scoring plays

Botom of 1st:

Joseph Serrano --- 3b with 2 outs.
Carlo Tacchia ---- 1b RBI ( 1- 0)

Bottom of 3rd

Joseph Serrano --- BB.. stole 2nd and 3rd.
Benny Garcia --- 1b RBI bringing in Serrano (2-0)
Carlo Tacchia --- BB
Zachary Taylor --- FC..force out Tacchia at 2nd.
Jake Matthews ---1b RBI bringing in Garcia (3- 0)
Fernando Careaga --- 1b RBI bringing in Taylor (4- 0)
AJ Alexander --- 1b RB I bringing in Matthews (5-0)

Top of 5th.. SD Show Black scored on an UER (5-1)

Bottom of 5th

Pen Nakazato --- BB
AJ Alexander --- 2b RBI bringing in Nakazato (6-1)
Manny Lopez ---BB
Alec Beyersdorf --- pinch hit 2 RBI single bringing in Alexander and Lopez ( 8-1)

The 520 elite team will await re-seeding process for their next game tomorrow 6/21/10. The team has only allowed 5 runs in 3 games.

Here are scores form the 16U championships over the weekend. Two AZ teams, Saba 520 Elite and PBA Storm Red go into today undefeated.

							Record
52 Austin Wings (0) 49 SABA 520 Elite (6)
49 SABA 520 Elite (7) 51 Team Anderson 2013 (4)							SABA 520 3-0
50 San Diego Show Black (1) 49 SABA 520 Elite (8)

59 PBA Storm-Red (8) 58 Quakes Baseball Academy (2)
57 CVBA Titans (3) 59 PBA Storm-Red (9)							PBA Storm Red 3-0
60 Houston Heat (7) 59 PBA Storm-Red (15)

4 Four Corners (9) 1 Angels Amateur BasebalL Program (10)
2 ABD Bulldogs (8) 1 Angels Amateur Baseball Program (9)							Angels 2-1
Angels Amateur Baseball Academy (6) 3 East Bay Lookouts (7)

8 UBA Blue (12) 5 AZ Clash A.P.S.T. (13)
5 AZ Clash A.P.S.T. (9) 7 Southern California Bombers (8)							Clash 2-1
6 San Diego Show (11) 5 AZ Clash A.P.S.T. (1)

28 Gladiator Baseball (2) 25 AZ Athletics (3)
25 AZ Athletics (2) 27 Norcal 2012 (12)							AZ Athletics 2-1
26 ABD Reddogs (11) 25 AZ Athletics (2)

48 MountainWest (2) 45 All Star Baseball Academy (7)
46 HB Nitro (1) 45 All Star Baseball Academy (4)							All Star BB 2-1
45 All Star Baseball Academy (13) 47 EJ Sports Warriors (14)

56 Dallas Tigers-Holmes (11) 53 AZ Diamondbacks (12)							AZ Dbacks 2-1
53 AZ Diamondbacks (1) 55 So Cal Elite (6)
54 ABD Boxers (6) 53 AZ Diamondbacks (15)

72 Albuquerque Baseball Academy (2) 69 NuttyBuddy (0)
70 So Cal Dirtbags (1) 69 NuttyBuddy (2)							Nutty Buddy 1-2
69 NuttyBuddy (5) 71 Norcal 2013 (7)

32 Baseball Northwest Oregon (2) 29 The Show 2012 (9)
30 San Diego 2012s (21) 29 The Show 2012 (4)							Show 2012 2-1
29 The Show 2012 (9) 31 Danville Hoots-Zoots (1)

36 NW Timberjacks (14) 33 PBA Storm-White (4)
33 PBA Storm-White (5) 35 San Gabriel Valley Arsenal (11)							PBA Storm White 0-3

June 20, 2010

AZ Pro 17U continued it's hot play in the CWS Tourney on Sat. morning defeating North Texas 7-3 in the quarterfinals.

Brent James (Coconino) started on the hill and threw 6 1/3 strong innings for AZ Pro. James allowed 3 runs and 5 hits while striking out 2. James got into a bases loaded jam in the 7th before giving way to Jake Tant (Fountain Hills) who struck out 2 consecutive hitters with the tying run at the plate.

Offensively, Shane Beyl (Peoria) got the scoring going with a long triple in the 2nd inning scoring James, who had singled earlier. Beyl scored one hitter later on an infield ground out by Tanner Stokey (Desert Edge). AZ Pro plated 3 more runs in the 4th on an error and a single by Beyl and a 2-RBI double by Stokey.

AZ Pro (5-0) now advances to the semi-finals on Sunday at 10:30 AM vs. Kansas City Stars. The winner plays the 8:00 AM semi-final winner for the 17 yr. old CWS tournament championship at 1:00.

Shane Beyl Loads up (L) as Brent James delivers

June 19, 2010

AZ Pro continued their hot road trip winning twice on Day two of the CWS tourney in Omaha 15-4 over Winfield (KS) and 18-1 over host Elkhorn Storm.

Game one saw AZ Pro's 2-3-4 hitters carrying the offense. Logan Domenico (Scottsdale Christian) was 2-3 with 3 runs scored. Logan Gangsei (Scottsdale Christian) was 3-4 with 2 RBI's. Brent James (Coconino) was 2-2 with 2 RBI's. Every hitter in the line-up had at least one hit as they scored 15 runs in pounding out 15 hits. Dallas Volkman (Peoria) did the work on the mound, pitching all 5 innings allowing 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 SO's.

Game two saw more of the same as AZ Pro jumped out to an early lead in an 18-1 rout of host Elkhorn. Alan Garcia (North Point Prep) and Austin Daus (O'Conner) both had 3 hits and 5 RBI's combined. Tanner Stokey (Desert Edge), Logan Gangsei and Brent James all collected 2 hits each. Spencer Long (Shadow Mountain) went the distance allowing only one run on 5 hits with 5 SO's.

AZ Pro advances to the final 8 (of the 40 team tournament) on Sat. at 8:00 AM vs. another pool winner. The semi-finals and final is Sunday at 1:00.

Above L to R: Spencer Long, Alan Garcia and Austin Daus

June 18, 2010

AZ Pro 17U won it's first 2 games at the College World Series 17U tournament in Omaha, Nebraska.

Az Pro won game one 10-0 in 5 innings against Overland Park (KS). Jake Tant (Fountain Hills) allowed only 2 hits in 5 innings while striking out 7. Tant was in command all day as he needed only 58 pitches in 5 innings against the team from Kansas. Hitting stars were Logan Domenico (Scottsdale Christian) who was 4-4 with two singles, a double, a triple and 3 RBI's. Brent James (Coconino) was also a perfect 3-3 with 3 singles and 3 RBI's. Tanner Stokey (Desert Edge) had a 2 RBI double and Logan Gangsei (Scottsdale Christian) had a single and an RBI.

Game 2 saw AZ Pro again prevail in 5 innings, 14-1 against host Omaha Burke. Solid pitching and hot hitting was the story of the game. AZ Pro starter Alex Lownes (Bloulder Creek) pitched 5 solid innings allowing only 1 run on 3 hits. The defense turned a double play and was solid behind Lownes. Offensively, AZ Pro was led by a trio of guys. Sam Griffin (Notre Dame) was 3-3 with a triple and a walk and scored 3 runs. Kenny Slattery (O'Conner) was 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI's. Stokey was hot again going 3-4 with 3 RBI's. Logan Gangsei was also 2-4 with 2 RBI's.

AZ Pro continues on Friday with two more pool play games. The club is hoping to see hometown ASU play on Sunday night

(L to R Above) Alex Lownes, Logan Domenico and Jake Tant

June 17, 2010

Tuesday from the Junior Sunbelt Tourney:

Tennessee -6, Arizona - 3

Arizona lost their last pool game to Tennessee, setting up a 3/4 game with Texas.

Tyler Crawford started and deserved a better fate. After a fly out to start the first, a fly ball was lost in the sun in deep right, resulting in a triple. A bloop single and a bloop double had Arizona down two with only one out in the first. Crawford then got a come backer and trapped the runner off second for the second out with a runner at first. A fly ball appeared to end the inning, but was miss-played in center allowing the runner to score from first for an early 3-0 deficit.

Tennessee manufactured a run in the third on a bunt single, two stolen bases and a sacrifice fly. They got another on a one out triple and a seeing eye single in the fourth.

Down 5-0, AZ gathered themselves and attempted a comeback. Michael Howard doubled with one out and Colby Targun followed with another double to score Howard. A hit by pitch and walk loaded the bases and the AZ faithful were thinking comeback with one out. Steve Casey hit a sacrifice fly to score a run, but AZ could do no more, down 5-2 after 4 1/2.

Tyler Crawford kept AZ close through five innings. Things would hold until Zach Davies was greeted with a second pitch home run to make the score 6-2 Tennessee. Casey Thomas led off the top of the 7th with a double and came around on Steve Casey's second sacrifice fly, but AZ would get no closer, losing 6-3.

Crawford went 5, allowing 6 hits, 4 earned runs, 3K's, no BB or HBP. Nothing was really hit hard, they just fell in the right places. Davies allowed the lead-off HR, but went 1,2,3 with a K after that.

For AZ on offense, there isn't much to say. A total of six hits, most of which were highlighted above. Not enough offense to get the job done in this one.

June 15, 2010

Georgia - 11, Arizona - 6

We established one certainty this morning, Georgia can hit. 3 HR's, a three run, two run and solo inside the park job, throw in a three double and you have the makings of a big game.

Arizona bounced, rolled and lined into three double plays to end the first three innings, each of which started with a lead-off walk or hit.

Drew Stankiewicz double home Michael Howard who had singled in the third to score a run.

Down 5-1, AZ rallied to tie in the top of the fourth. Tyler Booth led off with a double and advanced to third on steve Casey's single. With Jake Peevyhouse batting, Casey stole second and the Georgia catcher missed the pitch for a passed ball, scoring Booth. Peevhouse singled, Colby Targun singled scoring Casey and Howard singled to score Peevyhouse. Stankiewicz closed out the scoring Targun.

With the score tied at 5, Georgia put up a 6 spot in the bottom of the 4th.

Steve Casey homered in the 5th to close out the scoring.

Scott Squire took the loss. Nick Johnson pitched two scoreless innings to finish for AZ.

Stankiewicz was 2-3 with a 2b and 2 RBI, Steve Casey is something like 13-19 on the tournament including a 4-4 with a HR. Michael Howard was 2-2 with an RBI.

Tennessee is up next. AZ must win and hope Georgia loses to OK Gold to make the championship game.

June 14, 2010

Junior Sunbelt Day 4

Arizona – 10, Mississippi – 2, 5 Innings

For the third consecutive game, AZ took care of business convincingly. Today an 8 run bottom of the 1st put this game out of reach early.

Like many big innings, this one started with a lead-off walk by Oscar Gonzalez. A wild pitch sent him to second where Drew Stankiewicz singled him home and advanced to second on the throw. Another wild pitch followed, then Cole Gleason singled Stankiewicz home. Tyler Booth followed with a single, Steve Casey walked to load the bases. Ryne Dean then hit a blast to dead center, that would’ve been out any other day but today the wind was blowing in. Still it hit off the wall for a two run double. Colby Targun singled home Casey and Michael Howard scored pinch runner Jordan Dunatov on a fielder’s choice. Gonzalez joined the party with a single and then Stankiewicz hit a two run double to end the festivities until the fourth inning.

In the fourth, Stankiewicz (I’ve typed his name a lot) led off with a single and promptly stole second. Gleason walked and then AZ pulled off yet another double steal to put runners on second and third with one out. Steve Casey delivered a single with the infield in to score both and cap the scoring.

While all this was going on, Aaron Bummer was pitching a gem. The only blemish was in the third when a couple of bloopers and seeing eye grounders loaded the bases. Ryne Dean picked off the runner at third and it looked good to end without a run, but an infield single was thrown away and scored two unearned runs. Bummer went 4 innings, 5 K’s, 2 BB’s, 5 hits and the two unearned runs. Michael Howard gave up a couple of singles to start the 5th, but 2K’s and a fly to left ended the game. For Bummer it was his second win of the tournament, having picked up a win in relief against Canada.

Stankiewicz was 3-3 with 3 RBI, 2 SB and 2 R. With only 4 offensive innings and many pinch hitters in the fourth, there were no other multiple hit players. Gonzalez was 1-1 with a BB and 2R, Gleason was 1-2 with a walk, SB, 2R and RBI. Steve Casey was 1-2 with a BB R, and 2 RBI. Ryne Dean had a 2B and 2 RBI. Casey Thomas was 1-1 with a 2B. Colby Targun was 1-2 with an RBI.

We have two games tomorrow against Georgia and then Tennessee. As you can see from the standings (current as of an hour ago) these are two VERY important games.

Tennessee 6-0

Arizona 6-1

Georgia 4-2

Texas 3-3 (that opening loss is starting to look bad)

Colorado 3-2

Oklahoma Gold 3-2

Missouri 2-4

Mississippi 2-5

Oklahoma Blue 1-5

Canada 0-6

June 13, 2010

Sunbelt Day 3:

Arizona – 9, Oklahoma Blue – 2

After a scoreless first, team AZ turned on the offensive switch. Shaun Chase homered to lead off the second. Scott Squire reached on an error and was advanced on a swinging bunt by Tyler Crawford. Squire scored when Jake Andrews hit an infield single that was kicked into shallow right by the short stop. Andrews went all the way to second on the play. Casey Thomas then sent a ground ball to short and Andrews was thrown out going to third. Thomas advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a Jordan Dunatov double in the VERY friendly confines of Wilburton High (310’ to left, 350’ to center, 295’ to right). AZ up 3-0.

In the top of the third, Cole Gleason led off with a home run that would’ve left any park in any state. Shaun Chase followed with a single. Pinch runner Oscar Gonzalez was wild pitched all the way around. Scott Squire started it off again with a triple off the center field wall. Tyler Crawford scored Squire on a ground out and a 6-1 lead.

AZ added a run in the fourth when Cole Gleason doubled to score Zach Davies, who had walked. In the fifth, Squire walked and was running on the pitch when Tyler Crawford drove a ball into the right center field gap. Squire came all the way around to score, but Crawford was out at second. In the 7th, AZ got another spare when Gleason singled on an absolute bullet to center, where it was miss-played allowing Gleason to reach second. After a wild pitch, Shaun Chase scored him on a sacrifice fly.

Meanwhile on defense, Cody Moffett was holding OK – Blue at bay. A run scored in the second on a line drive to center that was miss-played for an error. An infield single was thrown away at first, allowing the runner from second to come all the way around. Other than that, Chase was quick with his calls and Moffett quick pitched OK-Blue, keeping them off balance. Moffett left after 5, with one unearned run, 3 hits (two infield hits), 4 K’s and no BB’s or HBP’s.

Jordan Dunatov relieved in the 6th, allowed a lead-off infield single that came around on 3 wild pitches leading to a walk before he found his grove and struck out 5 of the last 6 batters he faced with a dominating fastball and wicked curve. He finished with two strong innings with a hit, walk, run and 5 K’s. The one walk in the sixth was the only free pass AZ allowed all day, which was key in keeping the runs against down.

Gleason was 3-4 with 2 RBI and a triple short of the cycle. Chase was 2-3 with 2 RBI, Squire reached base all four times with 2-3 and three runs scored. Moffett gets credit for his second win of the tournament.

AZ is now 5-1. At last available info time, Tennessee was 4-0, Georgia was 3-1 (with only loss to Tennessee), Texas was 4-1. I don’t have any of today’s scores yet but will update tomorrow with what I find out as things should start to shake out after tomorrow. Tomorrow’s game against Mississippi is a must win and then Tuesday will make the tournament with Georgia and Tennessee up.

Some other worthy stats: There are exactly 18 speed limit changes in the 32 miles from Wilburton High to the Best Western in McAlester. There are only a couple in the first half of the ride, which has a stop sign popping up in 65 mph zone. I don’t know why I highlight this, other than to say I counted them as a way of trying to stay awake on the drive home.

Arizona - 9, Missouri - 1, 5 innings.

In Sunday's first game, AZ came out swinging from the first inning. Drew Stankiewcz singled to lead off the first and stole second, Tyler Booth followed with a solid single, sending Stankiewcz to third. Booth promptly stole second. Jake Peevyhouse scored Stankiewcz on a sacrifice fly. Steve Casey scored Booth on a single to give Arizona a 2-0 lead.

A7 kept up the pressure in the third with an Aaron Bummer single followed by a Colby Targun opposite field Home Run making the score 4-0.

In the third, 4 walks, a Steve Casey single resulted in a run on a wild pitch and the bases loaded for Drew Stankiwcz, who delivered a grand slam to give AZ a 9-1 lead after 3.

Meanwhile on the defensive side, Steve Casey was inducing ground balls and Stankiwcz was making every play. I had three stars in my book on defense and they all belonged to Stankiwcz. He was amazing.

Except for a home run in the top of the fifth, Casey would've had a shut out, going all 5 innings, scattering 6 hits, 2 K's, no BB or HBP.

Stankiewcz was 2-3 with a line-out, HR and 4 RBI. Steve Casey was 2-2 with an RBI, Colby Targun had a 2R HOUR and a walk. AZ benefited from 6 BB's in 4 offensive innings. Every ball was hit hard...

The night cap is just getting ready to start against OK-Blue. The team has been eating pizza, noodling (or at least attempting to noodle) and playing out on the lake in paddle boats. They're getting their game faces on as I type this in the shade of the Wilburton High Snack Bar.

June 12, 2010

From Saturday's Day 2 of the Junior Sunbelt tornament:

Game #3, Arizona – 5, Canada – 4

Team Canada jumped out front 1-0 in the first on a single, wild pitch and errant pick-off throw, followed by a Brandon Collins single. AZ Pitcher Sean Maxon-Maldonado got a fly ball and a couple of strike outs to squash the rally. In the second, Canada scratched across another without a hit after a lead-off walk came around on a sacrifice bunt, error and a double steal of home and second.

AZ struck back quickly in the bottom of the second on a Ryne Dean double, which was followed by a Tyler Booth home run. Canada answered with two of their own in the top of the 3rd. AZ kept it close, scoring on a Ryne Deane walk, a stolen base by pinch runner Jordan Dunatov and a double by Cole Gleason to make it 4-3 after 4.

In the top of the 5th, Tyler Crawford relieved Saxon-Maldonado, who went a very game four innings. Two singles put runners at first and third with two out, when Canada tried to steal a run with the ‘send the runner from first and have him stop’ play. Dean threw down to Stankiewicz, who made a great speed play running down the base stealer, tagging him out just a whisker before the runner from third crossed, preventing the run. Arizona tied the game in the bottom of the 5th when Michael Howard singled, stole second and went to third when the throw sailed into center field. Oscar Gonzalez then scored Howard with a ground ball.

Both teams would get base runners in the 6th, but no harm on either side. Crawford struck out two to get out of a small jam, started by a fielding error. Aaron Bummer pitched a strong 7th for AZ, striking out two. In the bottom half, Sean Casey led off with a single, was sacrificed to second by Howard and promptly singled home by Gonzalez for a walk off win. Arizona had 8 hits total, with Dean and Howard having two each. Bummer’s strong 7th earned him the win. Crawford provided a strong two innings as the bridge to Bummer.

Game #4, Arizona – 7, Colorado 5

Oscar Gonzalez took the hill for Arizona in the second game of the day. Arizona combined three home runs with 9 stolen bases to generate 7 runs of offense. In fact, Arizona stole 12 bases combined in the two games today with the only caught stealing taking place on a delayed steal. Aggressive base running has been key to the offense.

Arizona took the lead in the bottom of the first on a double by Nick Johnson, steal of third and a sacrifice fly by Cole Gleason. Colorado answered in the top of the second on a hit by pitch, stolen base and single. A double by Evan Escabota was retrieved in time to keep another runner from scoring. Gonzalez induced a strike out and ground out around a walk to escape further damage.

Arizona took the lead for good in the bottom of the second when Jordan Dunatov singled and stole second. Jacob Thomas drove a fly ball to right, moving Dunatov to third. Jake Andrews then drove him in with a ground out. Zach Davies started a two out rally with a single, steals of second and third and a single by Steve Casey provided a 3-1 lead. AZ added another in the third. Scott Squire singled with one out and went to second on a single by Dunatov. After a wild pitch moved both runners up, Casey Thomas drove in a run on a fielder’s choice for a 4-1 AZ lead.

Gonzalez struck out the first two batters in the 4th, but Escabota hit his second double and Bryan Tibbett doubled him home to make the score 4-2. Nick Johnson answered right back with a home run for a 5-2 AZ lead after 5. Tyler Booth relieved Gonzalez in the 5th and got a 1,2,3 inning thanks to a running catch deep in the left field corner on a slicing line drive by Zach Davies. In the 6th Colorado started squaring the ball up. Jess Amedy led off with a single and David Boat followed with a double with Amedy running on the pitch. As Amedy rounded third, he slipped and fell. Instead of a close play at the plate, catcher Shaun Chase threw to Cole Gleason for an easy tag. Austin Darby followed with another double to plate Boat and cut the lead to 5-3. A line out to left and a ground out off Booths glove, retrieved on a nice play by Nick Johnson retired the side.

AZ got a couple of spares on back to back home runs by Steve Casey and Cole Gleason to take a 7-3 lead into the 7th.

Jake Peevyhouse relieved Booth and quickly got a ground out. Another ground ball in between first and second resulted in an error. Jerrod Smith followed with a single and another difficult error on a bullet to the backhand side at short loaded the bases. Peevyhouse then walked in a run on a very close 3-2 pitch. A fielder’s choice ground ball wasn’t quite turned to end the game, leaving the score 7-5 with runners at the corners with two outs. Peevyhouse rose to the occasion with a game ending strikeout.

Arizona banged out 9 hits, three leaving the yard. Johnson had a 2B and HR. Dunatov also had two hits. Gonzalez got the win with 4 solid innings against a very good hitting team. He struck out 6, hit two but didn’t walk anyone, allowing two runs. Booth gave up just one in his two innings. Peevyhouse gave up two unearned runs in the 7th, with a K. Previously unbeaten Colorado had a total of 9 hits of their own and several ‘at em’ balls.

From Day 1 of the Junior Sunbelt Tournament

Game #1 Texas – 4, Arizona - 1

Team Arizona got off to a bit of a sluggish start offensively in game #1, possibly due to the 21 hour bus ride the day before. Zach Davies started for Arizona and pitched 5 strong innings, allowing only 2 runs. The first after two walks begin the second inning. A balk had runners at second and third. Davies then struck out the next two hitters and seemed about to pitch his way out of it when the Texas 8 hole hitter chopped a weak ground ball to third base for a single and RBI. Texas added another with a single, stolen base and a ground rule double to right, the only well hit ball Davies surrendered all day. He finished with 9 K’s, 2 runs, 1 earned, 5 hits in 5 innings. Scott Squire finished the 6^th and 7^th. He struggled a little in the 6^th as the first two batters got hits and scored around a couple of walks.

The real story in this game was the lack of offense. Arizona only had two hits, one a mammoth home run to right field in the 3^rd by Jake Peevyhouse into a stiff breeze, the other a Ryne Dean’s single which was immediately doubled off on a line drive. With no other base runners, Texas held Arizona to one over the minimum on a grand total of 83 pitches.

Game #2 Arizona – 14, Oklahoma Gold – 5

With a much better offensive approach against a string of Oklahoma pitchers, Arizona opened it up in the nightcap. A dropped fly ball in a tough crosswind to leadoff batter Casey Thomas placed him at second. After a passed ball moved him to third, Zach Davies walked. Thomas came home on a wild pitch, which moved Davies to second. He proceeded to steal third and was knocked in by Jordan Dunatov on an infield single.

Arizona finally started teeing off on their second trip through the lineup. With a grand total of 2 hits first their first nine innings, they got four in the third inning. Drew Stankiewicz led off with a single, but was caught stealing just before Thomas, Davies and Cole Gleason doubled in succession to push the lead to 4-0.

Cole Gleason had the rock and cruised through the first two innings. In the third, he ran into difficulty. A lead-off strikeout was followed by a hit by pitch, a Brian Anderson single was followed by a fielder’s choice, then two walks, another hit by pitch and a three run double by Drew Arnold had team Arizona down by a run. Cody Moffett came in to get the last out of the third.

Arizona came right back when Scott Squire reached second on an infield hit and throwing error. With two out Stankiewicz singled to drive in the tying run. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and was scored by a single by Thomas and team Arizona had the lead 6-5. Moffett pitched the fourth, allowing a leadoff single. With a runner at third after a sacrifice and ground out with two outs, Arizona grabbed the momentum for good. Shawn Hendricks ripped a 3-2 fast ball towards the left field corner for a potential game tying double, but a full extension dive by Nick Johnson, who got up and made a perfect throw to retired the speedy Hendricks and end the threat.

They carried momentum to the offense in the bottom of the fifth. Gleason led off with a single, Shaun Chase walked with one out and Nick Johnson doubled in Oscar Gonzalez, who was running for Gleason. Squire then singled home Johnson and Arizona was up 9-5.

Michael Howard came in and assured there would be no Oklahoma rally, striking out five batters in the next two innings in a dominating performance. While Howard was keeping the door shut, Arizona added another run in the 6^th on a line drive home run to left center by Steve Casey. In the 7^th the final four runs scored when Johnson was hit by a pitch, Squire walked and Howard walked to load the bases. Drew Stankiewicz followed with a two run single on one of the few strikes relief pitcher Josh Cline offered up in his four batter appearance. Jake Peevyhouse drove in Howard with a ground out and Casey concluded the scoring with an RBI single. Jake Andrews pitched a strong 7^th to close out the game.

Offensive stars, Stankiewicz 3-4, 3 RBI and a line-out, Scott Squire 2-3, RBI, Cole Gleason 2-3, 2B and RBI, Steve Casey 2-2, HR & 2 RBI, Casey Thomas 2-4, 2R, RBI.

Moffett gets the win, but Howard was dominating and Andrews sawed off three hitters with good inside fastballs inducing weak ground balls.

Defensively, the great play by Johnson sticks out as did several plays by SS Drew Stankiewicz during the day. All things considered, the defense was very solid all around.