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Diamond Notes May 2005

5-27-05

For those of you who were wondering, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth this week. I've been battling a couple of very nasty computer infections, Trojans and some won't-go-away adware. A real pain in the back side and its put me behind schedule by several days on post season teams, an article I'm preparing and my regular work chores. Bear with me and things will be back to normal after this weekend.

Seth Furmanek, 2006 grad of Mesquite has been extended an invitation to the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars in Joplin this summer. Congrats to one of our rising stars on a great honor.

Baseball America has updated its Top 200 prospects for the 2005 draft Ike Davis of Chaparral is the highest rated position player at 119 and the only Az high school player in the top 200. In the pitchers list, St. Mary's Brian Matusz is the top rated Az high schooler at #66 and Brett Jacobson of Cactus Shadows comes in at 91 amongst the pitchers.

I don't anticipate this being a strong year for Az high schoolers in the draft. While the 2005 class is arguably the deepest pool of talent that we have ever produced in this state, the issue of signability looms extremely large this year. Pretty much all of the top prospects in this class have very handsome college scholarships and with very few exceptions, are not likely to go high enough to command a signing bonus that will make forgoing college an option. For the same reason, many of the players who in most years would be expected to be selected as draft and follow guys probably aren't seriously considering that option due to their 4 year college situations.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, some of it generated by the local print media. This morning the Tribune published their All Trib team and named Brett Jacobson their player of the year. In the article they make the statement that Brett "likely will be a first round pick" and that "he has been clocked at 95 MPH". In fairness to Brett, while he has reportedly flashed velocity in this range in the past, he has never showed this kind of working velocity on the mound. This spring he has been extremely effective, going 10-1 with an E.R.A. less than 1.00, but according to scouts and in the 2 times I saw him this spring, he has generally been hitting 90-91 and working in the 87-88 range. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this, but it generally isn't what MLB wants to see in a high first round pick. I expect Brett to be a Vanderbilt Commodore in the fall.

Also named as an honorable mention 4A player is Jules Calderon of Pinnacle. I'm sure he would be elated if he wasn't in Millington, Tn. competing in the Junior College Div. II World series for Mesa Community College.

Anyone who is heading out to the USABF tournament in Palm Springs this weekend please send me reports if you can.

5-23-05

Rich Warnol has been named the new varsity baseball coach at North Canyon High School. Coach Warnol is a former assistant at Horizon.

South Mountain Community College has advanced to the NJCAA Division 1 World series in Grand Junction Colorado May 28- June 4.

Also, Mesa Community College has advanced to the NJCAA Div.2 World series in Millington, TN.

The following four Arizona players have received invites to the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars in Joplin Missouri this summer:

Charles Brewer- Chaparral

Taylor Lewis- Canyon Del Oro

John James- Catalina Foothills

Sean O'Neil- Salpointe

3 or 4 more names are being considered and will be announced later.

5-19-05

8:00 AM

Chaparral junior right hander Charles Brewer gave a verbal commitment to UCLA on May 7 to pitch for the Bruins in the 2007 season. Brewer, who finished his junior campaign with a 7-0 record and an ERA under 1.00, averaged an excellent 1.3 strikeouts per inning. He generates hi 80s velocity from his 6-4 frame, and has excellent command of a breaking ball with very good downward movement. In the 4A championship game, Brewer came on in relief of Ike Davis with 2 on and no one out in the 5th inning. Brewer proceeded to get a strikeout and a routine double play ball followed by a perfect 6th inning to close out the title for the Firebirds. Chaparral Coach Jerry Dawson says " Charles has great discipline and ability. His development has been remarkable. That championship-game performance – under great pressure – told the story about Charles." Congratulations to Charles and family on a wonderful accomplishment.

If you take a closer look at the AZBCA 5A All State team, you'll find a conspicuous lack of catchers. Apparently this was not an oversight, as the policy of the committee is to select the top 14 players regardless of position.

Here's a list of the teams that will be representing the state of Arizona in the Junior Olympic West tournament June 17-25, 2005:

All Star Baseball Academy Jonn Freitas

Arizona Boys of Baseball Black 16 Eric Gardner

Arizona Boys of Baseball Gray 15 Eric Gardner

Arizona Pilots Jeff Fallon

AZ Baseball Academy Mike DeVito

Baja Baseball Academy Jerry Stitt

Chili Davis Premier Craig Maggi

Rocky Mountain Black Joe LeFebre

Storm Elite Baseball Robert Brewer

Tucson Tribe Anthony Tarantola

Tucson Wildcats Paul Ortega

5-18-05

Coach Roger Leblanc of Mountain Pointe announced to his players yesterday that he will be leaving his position as head baseball coach.

Eric Anderson of Horizon is one of 3 finalists for the AIA Scholar Athlete Award and will take part in the festivites at "Everyday Heroes 2005". The Academy Awards style show from the Orpheum Theatre will be broadcast live on Cox 7 on Saturday May 28 at 6:45 P.M.

Congratulations to Dan Butler of Greenway who signed a letter of Intent with the Univ of Arizona today to play for the Wildcats in the 2006 season. The 'cats get one of the most solid receivers in the state and a big time stick from the right side.

5-15-05

There was a taste of the anti-climactic yesterday in the 4A and 5A finals, as Chaparral and Horizon laid claim to the the 4A and 5A championships in identical 10-0 run rule victories.

In the 4A clash, Tucson Catalina Foothills had earned the right to avenge a loss in last year's championship game, and had pointed to this day all year long. After dominating their opponents all season, losing only one game to an Arizona team, the Falcons were outwardly confident heading into the title game. They had their ace, John James, on the mound, and their eye on the prize. Unfortunately, on this day it was not to be for the Tucson bunch.

From the outset, it was readily apparent that Foothills might be seeing something they hadn't encountered this season. After two early 1st inning runs and the Falcons first look at Ike Davis on the mound, it looked like a long afternoon for Foothills. Davis wasn't nearly the best I've seen him, but the 85-87 velocity and slider he showed seemed to be a problem for CFH. Davis appeared to tire in the heat of the year's hottest day so far, and was replaced by righthander Charles Brewer with 2 on in the fourth and no one out. Brewer, bringing another level of velocity to the table, promptly got a strikeout and a routine double play ball to dash any hopes for Catalina. The decision not to bunt with 2 on and no one out in a 2-0 game would prove costly for the Tucson group. Chap immediately pounced on James in the fifth as Davis smoked a ringing triple down the right field line and a throwing error allowed 2 runs to score. Foothills then turned to Joey Rohe in relief. The big lefty got out of the inning with only 2 runs scored, but after Brewer made quick work of Foothills in the bottom half of the inning., the Firebirds exploded for 6 runs, aided largely by Foothills' rapidly unraveling defense. In the bottom of the sixth, Brewer mowed down the overpowered Falcons with 88-90 heat and a slider that was simply filthy, to give Chap the convincing three-peat. Jason Jarvis and Davis were both 2-3 with 2 RBI apiece in the win.

Jason Jarvis escaped this rundown for Chap against Foothills

In the nightcap, the dominant pitching storyline continued, as sophomore Tim Alderson put the crowning touch on a simply masterful season. The 6-6 righthander blew away a Hamilton lineup that was widely considered one of the best offensive groups in the state, striking out 11 and allowing only 3 hits. As I mentioned yesterday, Hamilton hadn't seen anything near Alderson's velocity (he was 88-89) or the sharp breaking slide piece he brought to the table. It was obvious early on that this would prove impossible for Hamilton to adjust to. Meanwhile, the Horizon bats had one of their best performances of the season, pounding out 13 hits on the night. Hamilton starter Jason Kudlock hung on through 4, allowing only 2 runs. In the fifth, Matt Hall provided an exclamation point with a laser beam homer over the left field advertising as Horizon scored 3 more times. Kudlock gave way to Kasey Pierson and Horizon added a 5 spot in the sixth to close the deal. Jeff Urlaub, who had been red hot all week, was 3-4 as was Jay Green. Tucker Rubino and Urlaub each had 3 RBI.

5-14-05 10:10 A.M.

Thoughts on the 4A Final:

- Chaparral will be trying to become the first 4A team in AIA archives to win 3 consecutive state titles

- Catalina Foothills ace John James tossed 7 innings last Saturday and 7 on Tuesday against Moon Valley when I saw him last. I assume he'll start tonight on short rest again. James is a demonstrative 6-4 righthander who is typically 85-86 from a relatively low arm angle and relies on a low 70s breaking ball that he'll have to command and get good downward tilt with tonight if he hopes to be successful. James will walk on at the U of A in the fall with a verbally assured roster spot.

- Starting shortstop Jimmy Dever will more than likely be the main guy in relief of James. He can get it up there in the hi 80s and is a competitor who also shows a lot of emotion.

- The likely starter for Chap will be lefty Ike Davis, with Charles Brewer available in relief. Davis is the top 2 way player in the state and if he throws, will get an opportunity to show his mound presence on a big stage as he has done with his bat for the last couple of years. He has flashed 90 velocity this year and seems to have so much more in the tank. He features a slider than can be downright nasty when he's on.

- If Brewer is needed, Foothills will see the top right hander in the 2006 class. He'll touch 90 at times and has command of 3 pitches which he'll throw in any count. He gets good downward plane from his 6-4 frame.

- Chap's bats are hitting their stride at the right time. They've scored 64 runs in their last 5 games. With 3 D1 signees (Davis, Austin Yount and Tim Sherlock) and several of the top 2006 players (Jason Jarvis, Adam Bailey, Kyle Williams) in the lineup they can be a handful for any pitcher.

-Sherlock has been on fire all season and is in my opinion the most under appreciated player in 4A.

-Foothills' Center Fielder Brayden Ashdown is also on my list of top 2006 players. He runs well in center and can swing it a bit.

- I think a big key will be Foothills ability to catch up with some velocity they haven't seen in a while.

- Foothills normally starts 2 freshmen on the right side of the infield: Kayvon Bahramzadeh (1B) and Austin Kent (2B)

- Both teams feature solid catching in John Murphy (Chap) and Kyle Houlton (Foothills)

5A Final

- If sophomore Tim Alderson is on the bump for Horizon and he's on, Hamilton will see some heat they haven't come close to seeing this year. The ability to catch up and to react to off speed stuff will be the biggest key in my opinion.

- Key match up: Alderson versus Hamilton's Hunter Pace. Pace has hammered everybody he seen this season and is the engine that drives the Hamilton offense. Alderson, however, brings another gear to the race. If Pace can lead the way, look for the southernmost Huskies to 3 peat.

- He doesn't get as much recognition, but if Horizon sophomore Kevin Roderick is called on in relief he's a shut down guy as well. He's upper 80's with one of the best high school sliders you'll see.

- Both teams have good speed and should be able to run if they choose to.

- Hamilton plans to start righty Jason Kudlock, who missed Thursday's semi-final with a bug. He's been very effective this year. Kudlock is normally an 85-86 guy who comes out of low arm slot so doesn't get the downward plane that would help him. He changes speeds pretty well. Look for him to keep Hamilton close against Horizon.

- Travis Peep is available for mound duty for Hamilton if needed. He's a vicious competetitor out of the same mold of the previous two final game winning pitchers for Hamilton, C.J. Retherford and Brandon Farmer.

5-14-05

After Thursday's riveting 5A semi-final games, the 4A teams had a tough act to follow on Friday night. In the end, the rematch that has been eagerly anticipated will come to fruition,

Jason Jarvis leads Chap to the title game

In the early game, Agua Fria's Kenny Houser got the unenviable task of facing off with the red hot lineup of Chaparral. Houser, relying on a mid 70s fastball and a slow curveball, kept the Firebird hitters off balance early. The sophomore allowed only one hit through the first 3 innings while the Owls' Sammy Solis doubled home a solo run off Chap starter Jason Jarvis to take a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth. At this point the lug nuts began to loosen for AF. Ike Davis led off the bottom of the fourth with a drive into the left center field gap that was misplayed for a triple. Austin Yount then singled home Davis and John Murphy followed with another base hit. On an Adam Bailey bunt the throw to first eluded second basemen Mitch Wolfe allowing 2 runners to score and signaling the beginning of the end. In the fifth the 'birds continued to square up balls with regularity, scoring 6 times and nearly hitting the 10 run mercy rule mark before the inning ended. In the sixth, Ike Davis launched a mammoth walk off blast over the advertising in right center to send Chap into tonight's championship game.

Kenny Houser (L) kept Chap off balance early, but John Murphy and company eventually dialed in

In the nightcap, freshman right hander Kayvon Bahramzadeh allowed only 3 hits and struck out 12 as Catalina Foothills earned the long awaited rematch with Chap in a 6-1 win over Cactus Shadows. CFH struck early for 2 first innings runs on 2 walks and a base hit. Shadows answered with a run in the second on a Chad Daleiden single, a Garrett Patterson double and a sac fly RBI from Trask Switzenberg.. CS starter Frankie Pena eventually settled down and held Foothills scoreless for the next 4 innings, but the offense had no answer for the freshman righthander from Tucson. Bahramzadeh sat at 83-84 and featured a slurve type breaking ball that Shadows hitters chased out of the zone all night. In addition, at least 4 of the 12 Ks came on called third strike fastballs. Foothills added a run in the fifth and then took control, scoring 3 times in the sixth off Daleiden, who was on in relief of Pena.

5-13-05

The 2005 state tournaments continue to provide great theatre, and after a pair of absolute barn burners in the 5A semi-finals on Thursday at Phoenix Muni, the stage is set for a classic final on Saturday night.

In the early game, Horizon and Desert Vista went to the bottom of the sixth inning locked in a 2-2 tie. With 2 outs, a runner on first, and Horizon in a "no-doubles" defense, DV's Chris Brown sliced a line drive to left field past Husky left felder Kevin Roderick for a two base hit, giving the Thunder a 3-2 lead. In the top of the seventh, DV starter Roy Metter quickly coaxed a pair of routine ground balls and the Thunder seemed poised to celebrate. However, in a scene straight out of a Capra movie, Roderick cranked a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left field to tie the score. In the top of the ninth with a runner on, Horizon pinch hitter Brandon Schoeneck drove an 0-1 fastball from DV reliever Max Mooney up the gap in left center to score the winning run. Husky lefty Jeff Urlaub, who went the distance for the win, gave up a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth, but promptly picked off the pinch runner for the first out. Two ground balls later and Horizon was in the final for the second time in 3 years. Tim Alderson went 3-4, and Matt Hall, Urlaub and Roderick all had 2 hit games for the Huskies. Eric Soeth went 3-4 to lead the Thunder attack.

DV's Roy Metter (L) was outstanding on Thursday, but Matt Hall and Horizon move on

In the nightcap, Yuma Cibola took a one run lead into the bottom of the seventh inning, but never say die Hamilton prevailed in a 6-5 thriller. Cibola starter Jorge Molina, who had allowed only 3 hits on the night, issued an ill advised walk to lead off hitter Kyle Peterson to start the final frame. The next hitter, Adam Saylor, laid down a bunt and Molina made a failed attempt to force the lead runner at second. With runners at first and second, Husky all everything center fielder Hunter Pace drove a deep fly ball to left center. At second base, Peterson had to tag and when the ball fell in, still had plenty of time to score, but slipped rounding third and was tagged out in a run down for the first out. With runners at second and third, Cibola Coach Duane Evans elected to pitch to Dylan Johnston, whose ground ball through the right side easily scored Saylor and the fleet Pace for the winning margin. Senior Jeremy Jimenez got the win for Hamilton in relief of surprise starter Colin Laufenberg.

Some random thoughts on the 5A final:

- This is a rematch of the 2003 title game, when C.J. Retherford, one of the grittiest high school competitors I've ever seen, baffled a Horizon lineup led by 1st round draft pick Brandon Wood and the powerful Paul Franco. It was the first state championship for Hamilton, who will try to become the first team to 3 peat since Tucson High in the '50s.

- Many people in the stands were commenting that Cibola should have walked Dylan Johnston to set up the double play in the bottom of the seventh. Keep in mind that the on deck hitter, Travis Peep, gave Hamilton the Fiesta Region championship in an identical situation last week against Mesquite. In other words...pick your poison.

- Hamilton's Hunter Pace continues to square up balls with uncanny frequency. For those of us who saw him a year ago and over the summer, he is easily the most improved player in the state at the plate. Dude can flat out run too.

- Hamilton's Jason Kudlock, one of the Husky's top hitters and a likely candidate to throw on Saturday, was under the weather and did not play on Thursday. Travis Peep has not thrown for Hamilton this week and could get the ball on Saturday if necessary.

- I firmly expect to see sophomore fireballer Tim Alderson take the ball on 3 days rest for Horizon in the final. If so, this is a great matchup of a power pitcher and a fastball hitting team.

- The Desert Vista loss closes another chapter for a group of kids who have played together since their pre-teen years. A good portion of the seniors competed on the Phoenix Yankee travel team before high school and have been teammates for the better part of a decade. Their performance this year shows the value of chemistry and hard work.

- I don't think you can minimize the impact that mental toughness played in getting both of these teams to the final. Coaches Mike Woods and Eric Kibler have been to the well with their teams numerous times this season and last. It would have been very easy for both of these groups to be wearing street clothes on Saturday night.

- With all the talk on the message boards lately concerning the upcoming 2005 draft and the likely Arizonans to go in the early rounds, one name is rarely mentioned. Don't be surprised when Hamilton shortstop Dylan Johnston goes way early. He has arguably the best overall tools in the state, including a ridiculously strong arm that he can launch from any fielding position. He's also answered any questions that existed regarding foot speed and he's carried himself quite well on the field in the second half of the season.

- Hamilton's Pace and Peep will reportedly attend the U of A next season and have been verbally assured of roster spots.

5-12-05

It was nothing short of a baseball junky's dream yesterday at the Maryvale Complex, where the 4A Quarterfinals were taking place on the outer fields and 2 of the 5A quarterfinal games were going on in the stadium. The games certainly didn't disappoint. Four of the five early games were decided by one run.

Chaparral found itself in a first inning 2-0 hole against Sabino, but the Firebirds came alive in the bottom of the second, hanging a 6 spot on the Sabercats and cruising to a 12-2 six inning victory. Austin Yount settled down after the rocky start to allow no runs and only 3 hits after the first. Adam Bailey's lead off triple in the third started the onslaught and after Tim Sherlock cranked a towering blast off the screen behind right field the 'birds poured it on. Karl Whitley, who had thrown a gem last week in handing Catalina Foothills their only Arizona defeat of the season, took the loss for Sabino.

Ike Davis holds on big Paul Hartman of Sabino

Adam Bailey strokes a triple to left center for Chap

Agua Fria scored twice in the fifth and twice in the sixth to snatch a victory from Centennial 8-7. Agua Fria's Kenny Houser picked up the win for the Owls in relief of Matt Jones.

Agua Fria's Danny Peralta awaits the pitch

Catalina Foothills got a little more than they bargained for from a very scrappy Millenium team, but the Falcons prevailed 2-1. Eriic Lewis threw an outstanding game for the Tigers, allowing only 6 hits to the potent Falcon lineup. For CFH, big lefty Joey Rohe and Jim Dever combined on a 3 hitter. Adam Kaiser went 3-3 and drove in the game winner in the bottom of the sixth.

Cactus Shadows' Tommy Buck scattered 6 hits in 8 innings of work as the Falcons squeeked out a 2-1 extra inning win over Mingus. Frankie Pena's line drive single in the 8th after a dropped fly ball put the winning run on second, won it for CS. Mingus'sophomore Sean Simons baffled CS for 5 2/3 before giving way to Tyler Backus. Chad Daleiden homered for the Falcons.

Trailing 4-1, the never say die Desert Vista Thunder scored 3 times in the 4th and added 3 more in the sixth to eliminate Mountain Ridge 8-7. After Mountain Ridge put up a run in the 5th to retake the lead, DV's Andy Mees launched a mammoth solo shot to right center to tie the score. In the bottom of the sixth, Ryan Phillips tripled in the lead run and Mees followed with a two run double to put the Thunder up by 3. Ridge clawed back in the seventh, putting 2 men on before Kurt Keller drove a ball to the center field fence for a 2 run double and putting the Lions a base hit away from the tie. However, DV reliever Roy Metter coaxed a ground ball to second to end the game. Metter got the win in relief of Derek Deroche. Mees had 3 RBI and Martin Gordon was 3-3 for the Thunder. Cory Burns was 3-4 with a double and a triple for Ridge.

Horizon, trailing 6-3, erupted for 5 runs in the fifth inning to take control and down Mesquite 9-6. Jeff Urlaub had a pair of doubles and 2 RBI for the Huskies. Eric Anderson got credit for the win and Kevin Roderick pithced 2 scoreless innings for the save. Joe Cuttone had 2 hits and 3 RBI Ifor the Wildcats and Nolan Church had a pair of RBI.

Mesquite's Chase Frampton at the dish

Across town at Phoenix Muni, Hamilton ended the run of Red Mountain with a 7-1 victory. Kasey Pierson tossed a 2 hit complete game and added a 3 run homer for the Huskies. Brad Gruner had a double and a triple and Hunter Pace added 2 hits for Hamilton.

In the nightcap, Yuma Cibola advanced to the semis for the second consecutive year as the Raiders downed Goldwater 5-3. Cibola catcher Cale Thompson's 2 run fifth inning single proved to be the game winner. Goldwater starter Shawn Fleet had a one hitter going through 4 innings before Cibola scored 4 times in the fifth.

Give credit where credit is due. Hamilton coach Mike Woods again has his team at the doorstep of a state title, and for the second consecutive year late season pitching performances from unsung players seem to be the difference. Last season it was the emergence of Tommy Cronenwett in the second half. This year junior Kasey Pierson has been absolutely money down the stretch after Jake Bartholomew went down with an injury.

Here's some bad news for 5A opponents. Both Hamilton and Horizon have the majority of their pitching staffs coming back next year. Pierson and Jason Kudlock of Hamilton are both juniors. Horizon's Tim Alderson and Kevin Roderick are (gulp) sophomores along with Evan Foreman.

5-11-05

Ronnie Welty threw a complete game and Caleb Barclay had a solo homer as Mesquite eliminated Sunrise Mountain 3-2. Sunrise loaded the bases with one out in the 7th and Louie Templeton singled in 2 runs to cut the lead to one. A 5-4-3 double play clinched the deal for Mesquite.

Mountain Ridge's Cory Burns had a grand slam and threw a 5 inning complete game with 7 Ks as Ridge mercy ruled Desert Mountain 14-4. Jeff Fox had a 3 run homer for DM and Kameron Kasik added a 3 run walk off bomb for Ridge.

Ridge's Cory Burns (L) and DM's Reid Kelly dueling on Tuesday

Tim Alderson tossed a 3 hit shutout as Horizon beat Mountain View 2-0.

Jason Kudlock struck out 8 in a 2-0 shutout of Mountain Pointe.

Goldwater's Justin Bloxom had a 3 run homer as the Bulldogs dropped Cesar Chavez 6-3.

Cibola's Jorge Molina and Mario Montes each homered in an 11-2 win over St. Mary's.

Desert Vista smoked Tucson Sahuaro 14-2 with Max Mooney getting the win and Jordan Redfield, Martin Gordon and Andy Mees collecting 2 hits apiece.

Red Mountain's Chris Love allowed only 1 run in five innings of relief work to lead Red Mounatin to a 7-5 win over Tucson High.

Agua Fria pounded out 8 runs on 10 hits to beat Greenway 8-1. Sophomore lefty Sammy Solis earned his 7th win of the season, striking out 15 batters to raise his season total to 122 K's. Mitch Wolfe, Jeremiah Arredondo and Levi Kester each went 2 for 3 and Danny Peralta had 3 hits and 3 RBI's for the Owls.

John James tossed a 3 hitter as Catalina Foothills downed Moon Valley 8-0.

Cactus Shadows defeated Pueblo 3-0 as Brett Jacobson threw a 4 hit shutout and Chad Daleiden homered.

Cottonwood Mingus edged Coronado 12-11in 9 innings as Tyler Backus homered and had 3 RBI.

Chaparral's Charles Brewer scattered 6 hits and struck out six in a 10-0 run rule win over McClintock.

Centennial defeated Sunnyside 5-3 with Chase Lehr picking up the win.Joe Caskey and Junior Hackworth had 2 hits apiece.

Millenium dropped Tucson Cholla 12-7.

Sabino edged Rincon 5-4.

A full day of action at 2 sites today. Maryvale will host four 4A games at 4:00 while the Main Stadium will have 5A action at 4:00 and 7:00. Phoenix Muni has the other 2 5A games at 4:00 and 7:00.

Only 3 of the 8 #1 seeds are still alive in 5A. 2 of the 3 (Hamilton and Desert Vista) had 1st round byes.

7 of the 8 #1 seeds remain in 4A. All had first round byes.

5-10-05

Two #1 seeds fell victim to quality arms and the single elimination format of the 5A state tournament in the first round on Monday.

Tucson High's Fito Grijalva used a sharp breaking 12-6 curveball and mid 80s velocity to shut down Brophy's offense and take a 4-1 victory. Freddy Telemantes' hit a three run homer to give Grijalva all the runs he would need.

The state's scouting contingent caravanned to Tucson to see the matchup between Salpointe with Sean O'Neil and St. Mary's with Brian Matusz on the mound. The Knights prevailed 4-3 as Matusz also did the damage at the plate with a homer and a pair of doubles.

St. Mary's J.D. Sprague reaches for the throw against Salpointe

Tucson Sahuaro took a 3-0 lead in the third inning and held on for a 3-2 win over Highland.

Mountain View's Nick Shannon went to 9-0 on the year with 5 strong innings as the Toros elimanted Sandra Day O'Connor 6-1. Stetson Banks had a pair of doubles and 2 RBI.

Mesquite's Seth Furmanek tossed a complete game 7 hitter and cranked a 2 run shot off Taylor Lewis to oust Canyon Del oro 8-1. Ronnie Welty added his 10th blast of the season along with a double.

Mountain Pointe's Jason Mitchell scattered 4 hits and homered to give the Pride a 5-3 win over Deer Valley in the first round.

Horizon shut down Camelback 11-1 behind Kevin Roderick's complete game 5 hitter. Jeff Urlaub led the offense, going 3-4 with a homer. Matt hall added a double and triple.

Red Mountain's Jerry Pajak threw a one hitter to give Red Mountain a 1-0 win at Kingman.

Mountain Ridge, playing without coach Rob Kiepke, outlasted Dobson 12-9. Danny Duffy was 3-3 for Ridge. Brian Budrow earned the win with Eric Green getting the save.

Desert Mountain pummeled North 15-1 in 5 innings. Matt Woerle earned the win on the mound and Tony Rodriguez homered twice.

Cibola dropped Ironwood 4-2 as Jorge Molina homered and got the win on the mound.

Goldwater's Joe Gustafson homered and closed out the game on the mound as Goldwater ended the hopes of Marcos De Niza 5-3. Kevin Bartlett was 4-4 for the Bulldos. Shaun Deisler homered for Marcos.

5-9-05

Tucson schools made a statement on Saturday in the first round of the 4A State tournament. The first day featured 8 match ups between 2 and 3 seeds and the result was six # 3 seeds advancing. Tucson area schools went 4-0 on the day.

Saguaro's Tyler Sanford fires to first against Millenium

The game of the day was a matchup between Greenway and Thunderbird at TBird. Danny Butler led off the top of the seventh with a solo shot that proved to be the winning margin as the Demons prevailed 3-2. Righthander Zach Luckey threw a complete game for the win. T Bird's Alex Sogard went out in style with a pair of homers for the Chiefs.

Zack Luckey delivers for Greenway on Saturday

5-7-05

Tucson Salpointe edged Sahuaro 2-1 last night to earn the #1 seed in the 5A South Region. As a reward, the Lancers will host St. Mary's and ace lefty Brian Matusz on Monday while Sahuaro will open the state tourney at home against Highland.

The 4A tournament starts today with games around the state at 11:00.

The 3A Tournament is underway at Maryvale. Friday's winners:

Fountain Hills 16 Greyhills 1

Seton 8 Show Low 1

Blue Ridge 3 River Valley 2

Sahuarita 27 Tuba City 0

Winslow 8 Safford 7

Snowflake 6 Chino Valley 2

I'm in the process of collecting and will post them soon. If you have a copy of All region selctions please feel free to e mail to me.

5-6-05

Marcos De Niza advanced to the state tournament with a 6-5 win over Corona Del Sol. The loss brings the curtain down on the marvelous coaching career of Corona's Ron Davini, whose 28 year tenure created an impressive body of work and a lasting impression on Arizona High School Baseball. Davini has assumed the full time position of Executive Director of the National High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Marcos' Robert Gonzales knocked in the winning runs with a 6th inning double that plated 2 runners. Gonzales also tossed 4 innings of one hit ball in relief of Kasey Boyles. Corona had an opportunity in the seventh with men on second and third and one out. Howver, Gonzales coaxed an infield pop up from Jeff Sinay and a fly ball to center from Tyler Ladue to seal the deal.

The rubber match between Brophy and Horizon slowly progressed from blowout to instant classic. Horizon starter Eric Anderson showed good velocity and placement as he mowed the Broncos down in the opening two innings. The Horizon offense tattooed Brophy starter Andrew Tonner and reliever Michael Abbott to take a 9-2 lead after three innings at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Then, things began to get interesting. Brophy's bats woke up and Anderson left the game after 5.2 innings and Horizon up 9-4. Jeff Urlaub relieved Anderson and let three more runs score. After six, Horizon led 9-7. Matt Newman shut Horizon down in the seventh and Brophy tied the game at 9 with two runs off reliever Evan Foreman. Horizon had a chance to score in the top half of the eight inning, but Brophy's Thomas DeAngelis threw a laser from left field to nail the Huskies runner at home. After eight, it was tied at 9.Horizon managed a run off of Mark Appel in the ninth, and Brophy's Chris Highmark responded with a sac fly in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game at ten. Appel held Horizon to a scoreless frame in the tenth and now, bring on the fireworks. Brophy's Paul Crowder sent an Evan Foreman pitch 350-plus feet off a billboard in leftfield for a walk-off solo home run. Brophy wins 11-10 in 10 innings and they clinch the #1 seed from the Desert Valley region.

Desert Vista claimed the Central region's #1 seed with an 11-9 eight inning win over Mountain Pointe. Jayson Brugman homered and went 3-4 for the Thunder. Chris Brown also went yard for DV. Pointe's Austin Wooldridge was 5-5 with 2 homers and 3 RBI.

Mountain Pointe's David Nash takes a hack.

In 4A Agua Fria pounded Buckeye 13-3. Kenny Houser pitched all 6 innings for the Owls and earned the win. AF will go on to play the winner of the Thunderbird/Greenway matchup on Tuesday.

In ceremonies at their respective high schools, Ike Davis of Chaparral and Brett Jacobson of Cactus Shadows will receive formal invitations to the 2005 All-American Baseball Game presented by PlayStation. The game is slated for June 13, 2005 at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This national all-star game will pit 36 top prep baseball players in the nation against each other in an east versus west format and will be televised live on Fox Sports Net with a 7:00 p.m. (MST) first pitch.

Congratulations to Tucson Salpointe senior Evan Leblanc for accepting an offer to play for the University of Arizona in 2006. Leblanc was a first team All Arizona selection as a junior and has led the Lancers to a state tournament berth this year. The Wildcats get a powerful bat and a player who can play first base or man an outfield spot.

5-5-05

5A Region tourney scores

Mountain Ridge senior Brian Budrow set the 5A career wins record with a gritty 7 inning complete game victory over Goldwater 5-2. Budrow, fighting a case of the flu, had a rocky start with a 41 pitch first inning where he allowed 2 runs on a walk 2 bloop base hits and a misplayed double play ball that would have ended the inning. He K'd the last 2 hitters of the first inning and then went to work, allowing only 2 more hits the rest of the way and showing the command that has been his trademark. The Lions struck 4 times in their half of the 1st against GW starter Joe Gustafson. The big blow was a triple by Dan Duffy that one hopped the center field fence at Maryvale Stadium. The win secures the #1 seed from the NW region.

Career wins leader Brian Budrow deals against Goldwater

Hamilton rallied in the bottom of the seventh, scoring 3 times to take a 6-5 win over Mesquite and claim the Fiesta Region #1 seed. With the score 5-4 in the seventh and men on second and third with one out, Mesquite chose to pitch to the clutch Travis Peep with first base open. Peep promptly made the 'cats pay with a sharp liner to center that scored Hunter Pace and Dylan Johnston with the winning runs. Kasey Pierson got the win for Hamilton and Ronnie Welty pitched very well in a losing cause for Mesquite.

Three run homers from Mike Pettibone and Matt Femenia propelled Highland to an 8-4 win over Chandler and earned the Hawks the 3 seed from the Fiesta. Julio Tapia got the win for Highland.

In the Desert Valley, Horizon evened the score with Brophy with a 10-0 five inning mercy rule win. Tim Alderson allowed only 1 hit for the Huskies. The 2 teams play tonight at 7:00 at Phoenix Municipal Stadium to deceide the region #1 seed.

Desert Mountain blanked St. Mary's 6-0 behind six innings of shutout ball from Justin Hendrick. Dustin Kaats was 3-3 while Jeff Fox and Hayden Parrot each had 2 hits for the Wolves.

Dobson claimed the 4th and final seed from the East Valley Region with a 2-1 win over Mesa. Matt McConnell outdueled Caleb Hunsaker for the win.

Chris Love threw 6 innings of 1 hit ball as Red Mountain clinched the #3 seed in the East Valley in a 9-1 win over Westwood. Kyle Frasard had 3 RBI for the Lions.

Ironwood beat Peoria 13-8 in the Desert west tourney.

Chaparral rolled Saguaro 20-3, collecting 21 hits in 5 innings. Austin Yount, Chares Brewer and Ike Davis combined on the win. Jason Jarvis and Adam Bailey each went 4-4 for Chap.

Elsewhere in the East Sky, Coronado laid the wood to Arcadia 17-3. The Dons scored 5 times in the first and then laid an 11 spot on Titan picthing in the second. Joe Jacobson homered and had 5 RBI. Phil Ortez also went yard and had 4 RBI.

Brett Jacobson tossed a four hit shutout as Cactus Shadows blanked Notre Dame 2-0.

Buckeye blasted Agua Fria 12-2.

Greenway downed Lake Havasu 5-2.

5-4-05

Region tournament scores:

Brophy 3 Horizon 2: Sean Nicol ripped a double down the left field line off Kevin Roderick to give Brophy a 3-2 win over Horizon in DV region play. Steve Streich got the win for the Broncs in the first of a best of 3 set.

Marcos 8 Corona 6 : Kyle Brule earned the win for the Padres with Channing Brown going yard. The team's best of 3 resumes Thursday. Corona Coach Ron Davini has made public his intention to retire at the end of the season.

Dobson 3 Mesa 2 Austin Kocchi drove in Brit Bingham with the winning run in the top of the ninth.

Mountain Ridge 8 Goldwater 3 Ridge scored first on back to back 2 out doubles by Budrow and Mutchler to take an early lead. Goldwater answered back with 2 in the top of 2 with 3 straight 2 out hits, a double by Reed was the big blow. Ridge scored 4 runs in the bottom of 2 with only 2 hits combined with 3 walks, 1 hit batter and 2 fielding errors. Goldwater closed 5 - 3 in the 5th. In the Ridge half of the 6th Jeff Mutchler crushed a 3 run home run to cement the deal. Cory Burns got the win, pitching a complete game scattering 9 hits and striking out 5. Game 2 is today at 4pm at Maryvale Stadium.

Desert Mtn 14 St Mary's 4 Reid Kelly gets the win for the Wolves but gets out of there after 3 to preserve some juice. Dustin Kaats had a triple and 3 RBI. Kaats, Tony Rodriguez and Drew Beurlein all went 3-4.

Red Mountain 4 Westwood 1 Jerry Pajak scattered 5 hits for the win.

Hamilton 9 Mesqite 3: Dylan Johnston led a Husky 12 hit attack with 4 RBI as Hamilton erased a 3-0 deficit. Lucas Kirkland was 3-3. Jason Kudlcok earned the win for Hamilton.

Mtn. View 13 Cibola 3 Nick Shannon went the distance for the Toros. Stetson Banks was 4-4 with 4 RBI.

Deer Valley 6 SD O'Connor 0 Calvin Lewis struck out 10 in the win. Santiago Maldonado went 3-3 for the Hawks.

Desert Vista 8 Mtn Pointe 5 Eric Soeth cranked a grand slam and Max Mooney threw 6 strong innings as the Thunder took game 1 of the best of 3.

Canyon Del Oro 1 Tucson High 0 TJ Steele's solo shot was the difference in a pitcher's duel between CDO's Taylor Lewis and Tucson's Marc Damon, both of whom allowed only 4 hits.

Sahuaro 6 Mtn View (Marana) 3 Pat McCoy and Brian Souris combined on the win. McCoy threw 5 innings of no hit ball.

Arcadia 4 Desert Ridge 3 JJ Nace set a school record with his 10th win of the season.

Saguaro 13 Coronado 3 Anthony Davini earned the win for the Sabercats. Christian McDaniel, Tyler Sanford and Jake Greenberg all had 3 RBI games. McDaniel homered for Saguaro.

Saguaro's 2B Steve Boren lays out in a game last week

McClintock 4 San Luis 0 Jeremy Greenhalgh tossed a five hit shutout with 7 Ks for the Chargers.

Cactus 9 Prescott 6 James Bateman got the win on the bump. Chase Brunke went 3-3 with a double and 2 triples for the Cobras

Centennial 5 Bradshaw Mtn 2

Sabino 3 Catalina Foothills 1 Brian Nichols knocked in 2 runs and Karl Whitley tosseda complete game 5 hitter to give Sabino the Kino region championship.

Cholla 13 Sunnyside 10 Cholla scored 6 runs in the 5th and 4 in the seventh to upend the Devils

Pueblo 2 Amphi 1 Sophomore Jorge Martinez got the win despite Amphi's Drew Evans tossing a one hitter.

Rincon 5 Nogales 2

5-3-05

Region tournaments are underway.

At Maryvale, Cesar Chavez and North split a doubleheader and will play again tonight to determine the #1 seed in the Metro Region.

Tolleson, who was forced to forfeit a game due to a paperwork error and became the fifth seed in the Desert West region as a result, lost a pigtail game to Peoria 4-3. Peoria's Andy Guerrero hit a 3 run homer off Tolleson ace Brett Fisher in the sixth inning after Fisher relieved starter Aaron Capono. Peoria advances to play Sunrise Mountain today.

Sandra Day O'Connor defeated Alhambra 11-0 in the pigtail game of the Northwest region.

Chandler elimintaed Gilbert in the Fiesta region pigtail game 5-2.

St. Mary's, behind Brian Matusz, claimed the last spot in the Desert Valley tournament with a win over Kofa in the pigtail qualifier.