Playing their fourth game in 8 days, the Irvine Cubs' bats once again led the way tonight in the Cubs' 10-4 win over the Astros in the first game of the Semi-Final round of the Irvine City Championship -- a game that was closer than the final score indicated.
Mario was the perfect lead-off hitter tonight -- and led off three separate innings. He looked at a lot of pitches, worked counts, and finished 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Mario added great baserunning, stealing an extra base after one of his hits when the pitcher dropped a throw-in from one of his fielders. Kaden walked twice and scored both times. Michael, who reached base all three times up, drove in four runs and scored twice, ripped a bomb down the right field line, dusting the chalk for an inside the park home run which gave the Cubs the lead that they would not relinquish. Sean hit the ball hard twice with a single, a run-scored and an RBI on the night. Anon hit the ball hard, scored a run and drove one in. Kanade ripped a hard single to left and scored during the key 5-run outburst in the third inning. Matthew B. hit the ball hard all three times up, did some great situational hitting in the third, driving in Kanade from third and moving Anon to second with a ground ball (just what the coaches asked for) and hit a rocket to right field in the fifth. Wyatt hit the ball hard three times, with two singles -- the second a key two-out hit that drove in a run -- and almost a third hit in the fifth inning. Matt L. walked once, Brandon barely missed another hit on a good play by the Astros shortstop, and Zach put some good swings up in two at-bats.
On defense, special recognition goes to our catchers -- often the forgotten men out there. Our catchers know they are "brick walls" and think of their body as impenetrable force fields. One of our catchers, who shall remain nameless, in full gear, got things started even before the game began in the dugout, creating a force-field of sorts (I can't say more, because what happens in the dugout stays in the dugout). In the first inning, Sean got things started by throwing out a potential base-stealer at third (actually two, but only one was called). Michael and in particular Kaden also did a good job blocking pitches to keep runners from advancing. Nice job, catchers.
In addition to our catcher, Mario made two very nice plays at third base, Kaden made a nice play at pitcher on a hard hit grounder, Matthew caught three pop ups at first base, and Anon made two nice plays at second -- fielding a smash grounder in the third inning (with his stomach getting an assist) and snagging a hard liner in the fourth inning -- a play that saved two runs and the Cubs' momentum. Zach and Brandon each tracked down balls in the outfield.
It was testing week last week in the Irvine Public Schools. On the mound in this game, our pitchers were all tested, and all passed the test. Kaden started us
off, survived the first inning where two seeing-eye "swinging bunts" led to minimal damage, and then closed things out in the second and part of the third. Mario closed out the third and fought hard in the fourth inning to overcome a couple of defensive challenges behind him. Michael came in, took a few batters to find his release point, closed out the fourth, and then threw shutout innings in the fifth and sixth to close out the game. All in all our pitchers scattered seven hits and showed good toughness in overcoming adversity to finish each outing strong. Nice job.
Awards:
Energy: Matt L.: Matt had a nice steal of second -- and was on his way to a steal of third too, but thought better of it when saw Wyatt standing on the base and hustled back to second. Matt also ran hard in our pre-game and post-game workouts.
Effort: Wyatt. His 2-3 at the plate was impressive. But even more impressive than those great results was the effort he gave at the plate. His second hit was a key two-out RBI single and required him to run hard down the line to beat it out. In fact, he hustled hard all three times he hit the ball.
Focus: Mario. In addition to his three hits, three runs scored, stellar play at third, and good pitching, the highlight of the game was a subtle one -- taking the extra base when the pitcher dropped a throw-in from his fielder. Mario had rounded first after a single, was anticipating the play, and when the opportunity arose, exploded to second base. In a two-second play, it showed energy, effort and most obviously, focus. Nice job.
Physical Toughness: Anon. Coaches tell players to put their bodies in front of ground and block the ball with their chests and stomach if there is a bad hop. Players then think to themselves, "easy for you to say." Well, Anon got himself in front of a hard ground ball, fielded it with the help of his stomach, and recorded the out. Excellent toughness.
Mental Toughness: Kaden, Mario and Michael: Each had challenges on the mound, and each battled through them. Pitching is a unique position -- out there on an island. It requires many skills, but perhaps the most important: a short memory. Nice jobs, pitchers.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
ILLC Game 3 (May 19) vs. A's
On a beautiful Wednesday night in Irvine, the Cubs' bats, gloves and arms all came together in a command performance 11-2 victory over the A's. With the win, the Cubs closed out the opening round of the Irvine City Championship with a perfect 3-0 record and a #1 seeding heading into the semi-final round.
On offense, the 11 runs scored was the Cubs highest output of the season. The hitting started in the bottom of the first inning, when the Cubs, undaunted by a 1-0 deficit, let loose the lumber ... errrr, composite aluminum. Kaden, Michael, Sean and Anon each reached base and scored, with RBIs provided by Sean, Anon and Matthew. The Cubs blew the game open in the third, with Michael, Sean, Anon and Kanade scoring -- with Kanade's run coming after his beautiful drag bunt for a hit, getting him all the way to third (and 4/5th of the way to home) on a throwing error.
In the bottom of the fourth, Brandon ripped a mighty blast, his second hard-hit ball of the game, and made his way around the bases, finishing with a slide worthy of Baryshnikov (see photo left) -- a play that the spectators all scored the same way: Home Run. Kanade and Matthew rounded out the scoring in the fifth inning -- 
with Kanade stroking a double and Matthew ripping the ball and also making his way around the bases in what was uniformly scored as a home run (see photo right). Mario, Sean, Matthew and Kanade each had two hits. Wyatt hit the ball hard in his first at bat, and Matt L and Zach put some good swings on the ball. In addition to the hitting, our baserunning was crisp, with lots of extra bases taken when the opportunity arose. A true offensive explosion.
On defense, Kaden got things started with the first batter, snagging a hot line drive back to the box for the first out. Anon, Wyatt and Mario all made nice plays in the infield. Matt L., Brandon, Zach and Kanade all ran down balls in the outfield, and Matthew B. made his usual stellar plays at first base.
Of special note was a play which in the scorebook just reads "3-1" but was in fact one of the most beautiful defensive plays of the season which required three plays to know their responsibilities, communicate and execute. And all three did.
It was a softly hit ground ball to the right side -- the "Bermuda Triangle" of the baseball diamond because balls get hit there and sometimes never get out. But the Cubs executed to perfection. (See photo left)Matthew, playing first base, saw that Anon, playing second, would not be able to get to the ball in time to get the speedy runner out. So Matthew called for the ball and charged to get it.
Kaden, at pitcher, reacted instantly, knowing that once the ball got by him, his responsibility was to cover first and he sped to first, taking the proper angle. Anon, hearing that Matthew called for the ball, knew his job then was to back up the toss to first and he charged immediately to his spot behind the bag (see photo above right). And then, without missing a beat, Matthew fielded the ball, turned, made a perfect toss to 
Kaden on the run, who caught it and stepped on first for the out, with Anon right behind him (see photo below left). Major league teams work on that play for hours and hours 
in spring training and still, during the season, you see them mess it up when the pitcher forgets to cover, or the first baseman lets the ball go through, or the second baseman forgets his job.
The Cubs executed that play better than the pros do. Perhaps most impressive is that the Cubs considered the play routine and thus could not understand why their coach was jumping up and down and making a scene clapping and whooping it up for just a regular 3-1 putout (see photo right).
On the mound, the combination of Kaden, Mario and Michael combined to hold the A's to just two runs, scattering three hits and striking out eight. A great effort on the mound.
Awards:
Energy: Kanade, who (1) while on second base, taking an aggressive secondary lead in first inning, drew a throw on a routine grounder to shortstop, allowing our batter to reach first; (2) made it all the way to third on a perfect bunt; and (3) ripped a double and had scored within two pitches.
Effort: Brandon: his home run was not just the result of good hitting, but more importantly, maximum effort getting around the bases.
Focus: Mario: great pitching and solid hitting.
Toughness: Sean, who took a ball off the eye in warmups and didn't miss a beat.
On offense, the 11 runs scored was the Cubs highest output of the season. The hitting started in the bottom of the first inning, when the Cubs, undaunted by a 1-0 deficit, let loose the lumber ... errrr, composite aluminum. Kaden, Michael, Sean and Anon each reached base and scored, with RBIs provided by Sean, Anon and Matthew. The Cubs blew the game open in the third, with Michael, Sean, Anon and Kanade scoring -- with Kanade's run coming after his beautiful drag bunt for a hit, getting him all the way to third (and 4/5th of the way to home) on a throwing error.
In the bottom of the fourth, Brandon ripped a mighty blast, his second hard-hit ball of the game, and made his way around the bases, finishing with a slide worthy of Baryshnikov (see photo left) -- a play that the spectators all scored the same way: Home Run. Kanade and Matthew rounded out the scoring in the fifth inning -- 
with Kanade stroking a double and Matthew ripping the ball and also making his way around the bases in what was uniformly scored as a home run (see photo right). Mario, Sean, Matthew and Kanade each had two hits. Wyatt hit the ball hard in his first at bat, and Matt L and Zach put some good swings on the ball. In addition to the hitting, our baserunning was crisp, with lots of extra bases taken when the opportunity arose. A true offensive explosion.On defense, Kaden got things started with the first batter, snagging a hot line drive back to the box for the first out. Anon, Wyatt and Mario all made nice plays in the infield. Matt L., Brandon, Zach and Kanade all ran down balls in the outfield, and Matthew B. made his usual stellar plays at first base.
Of special note was a play which in the scorebook just reads "3-1" but was in fact one of the most beautiful defensive plays of the season which required three plays to know their responsibilities, communicate and execute. And all three did.
It was a softly hit ground ball to the right side -- the "Bermuda Triangle" of the baseball diamond because balls get hit there and sometimes never get out. But the Cubs executed to perfection. (See photo left)Matthew, playing first base, saw that Anon, playing second, would not be able to get to the ball in time to get the speedy runner out. So Matthew called for the ball and charged to get it.
Kaden, at pitcher, reacted instantly, knowing that once the ball got by him, his responsibility was to cover first and he sped to first, taking the proper angle. Anon, hearing that Matthew called for the ball, knew his job then was to back up the toss to first and he charged immediately to his spot behind the bag (see photo above right). And then, without missing a beat, Matthew fielded the ball, turned, made a perfect toss to 
Kaden on the run, who caught it and stepped on first for the out, with Anon right behind him (see photo below left). Major league teams work on that play for hours and hours 
in spring training and still, during the season, you see them mess it up when the pitcher forgets to cover, or the first baseman lets the ball go through, or the second baseman forgets his job. The Cubs executed that play better than the pros do. Perhaps most impressive is that the Cubs considered the play routine and thus could not understand why their coach was jumping up and down and making a scene clapping and whooping it up for just a regular 3-1 putout (see photo right).
On the mound, the combination of Kaden, Mario and Michael combined to hold the A's to just two runs, scattering three hits and striking out eight. A great effort on the mound.
Awards:
Energy: Kanade, who (1) while on second base, taking an aggressive secondary lead in first inning, drew a throw on a routine grounder to shortstop, allowing our batter to reach first; (2) made it all the way to third on a perfect bunt; and (3) ripped a double and had scored within two pitches.
Effort: Brandon: his home run was not just the result of good hitting, but more importantly, maximum effort getting around the bases.
Focus: Mario: great pitching and solid hitting.
Toughness: Sean, who took a ball off the eye in warmups and didn't miss a beat.
Monday, May 17, 2010
ILLC Game 2 (May 17) vs. Rangers
Tonight, the Irvine Cubs got off to a strong start, relaxed a bit and learned a valuable lesson, and then finished strong to win the second game of the Irvine City championship first round over the Rangers, tying their highest offensive output of the season, 10-5.
On offense, our table-setter, Mario, reached base all three times, with two walks and a single, and scored twice, showing great speed and awareness on the bases. Kaden also did his job to perfection in the number two slot, as he walked, singled and scored three times. Sean, in the clean up spot, did what a cleanup hitter should do, and then some, going 3-3 with 3 RBI and scored 3 times (see photo left). Michael, who batted third, had two hits, two RBIs and scored once. Matthew B. singled and drove in a run. Kanade walked, showed great speed on the bases, scored and had an RBI. Brandon rocked a base hit to the left side. 
Zach walked twice and showed good focus and speed on the bases (see photo right). Wyatt hit the ball hard on a ground out to short, Anon hit the ball hard twice and Matt L. put up a couple of good at bats. On the bases, Sean stole two bases on one pitch and and later scored from second on a single wild throw, and Zach motored around the bases as well.
On defense, our pitchers were encouraged before the game to throw strikes and let our defense shine.
To back up those words, Anon made two nice plays at second base, one for a 4-3 putout (see photo right) and another getting the lead runner on a 4-6 assist to Sean covering second. Michael got things started in the first inning, catching two humpback liners at shortstop, drawing oooohs and ahhhhs from the crowd and helping Kaden to a remarkable 6 pitch first inning. Michael later made a very nice play on a ground ball to shortstop for the assist as he fired the ball to Matthew for the putout on a speedy runner. 
Sean made a nice play on a pop up at shortstop (see photo left) and Wyatt made a nice play on a ball at second base. In the outfield, Zach and Kanade each ran down a couple of balls and got them into the infield.
On the mound, Kaden shut down the opposition, throwing three amazing shutout innings in only 34 pitches, striking out 5 -- exactly what the Cubs needed. Sean did his job, throwing strikes, getting routine ground balls, and giving up no earned runs. Mario came in and closed things out, striking out the side in the fifth inning and finishing the sixth inning for the save.
Awards:
Energy: (1) Michael, for getting our defense started with two diving plays at shortstop, causing the ESPN-sound DA-DA-DA .... DA-DA-DAAAAAH to go off,(2) Brandon, for beating out another base hit and (3) Zach, for his work on the bases, and his speed in Centerfield tracking down a hit and making a perfect throw to second base to put a play on a runner trying to stretch a hit into a double.
Effort: Kaden, getting 9 outs on 34 pitches, not to mention scoring 3 times in three at bats. That is efficient work.
Focus: Sean, who came up with runners on base and delivered each time with efficient at bats to drive in runs -- even when the opposition threw a little chin music his way.
Toughness: Matthew, who took a ball of the shin in warmups, but stuck it out to do yeoman's work at first base.
Teamwork: Anon who made a big personal sacrifice to come to the game for the team. Thank you, Anon!
On offense, our table-setter, Mario, reached base all three times, with two walks and a single, and scored twice, showing great speed and awareness on the bases. Kaden also did his job to perfection in the number two slot, as he walked, singled and scored three times. Sean, in the clean up spot, did what a cleanup hitter should do, and then some, going 3-3 with 3 RBI and scored 3 times (see photo left). Michael, who batted third, had two hits, two RBIs and scored once. Matthew B. singled and drove in a run. Kanade walked, showed great speed on the bases, scored and had an RBI. Brandon rocked a base hit to the left side. 
Zach walked twice and showed good focus and speed on the bases (see photo right). Wyatt hit the ball hard on a ground out to short, Anon hit the ball hard twice and Matt L. put up a couple of good at bats. On the bases, Sean stole two bases on one pitch and and later scored from second on a single wild throw, and Zach motored around the bases as well.On defense, our pitchers were encouraged before the game to throw strikes and let our defense shine.
To back up those words, Anon made two nice plays at second base, one for a 4-3 putout (see photo right) and another getting the lead runner on a 4-6 assist to Sean covering second. Michael got things started in the first inning, catching two humpback liners at shortstop, drawing oooohs and ahhhhs from the crowd and helping Kaden to a remarkable 6 pitch first inning. Michael later made a very nice play on a ground ball to shortstop for the assist as he fired the ball to Matthew for the putout on a speedy runner. 
Sean made a nice play on a pop up at shortstop (see photo left) and Wyatt made a nice play on a ball at second base. In the outfield, Zach and Kanade each ran down a couple of balls and got them into the infield. On the mound, Kaden shut down the opposition, throwing three amazing shutout innings in only 34 pitches, striking out 5 -- exactly what the Cubs needed. Sean did his job, throwing strikes, getting routine ground balls, and giving up no earned runs. Mario came in and closed things out, striking out the side in the fifth inning and finishing the sixth inning for the save.
Awards:
Energy: (1) Michael, for getting our defense started with two diving plays at shortstop, causing the ESPN-sound DA-DA-DA .... DA-DA-DAAAAAH to go off,(2) Brandon, for beating out another base hit and (3) Zach, for his work on the bases, and his speed in Centerfield tracking down a hit and making a perfect throw to second base to put a play on a runner trying to stretch a hit into a double.
Effort: Kaden, getting 9 outs on 34 pitches, not to mention scoring 3 times in three at bats. That is efficient work.
Focus: Sean, who came up with runners on base and delivered each time with efficient at bats to drive in runs -- even when the opposition threw a little chin music his way.
Toughness: Matthew, who took a ball of the shin in warmups, but stuck it out to do yeoman's work at first base.
Teamwork: Anon who made a big personal sacrifice to come to the game for the team. Thank you, Anon!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
ILLC Game 1 (May 14) vs. Orioles
A walk-off win. Extra innings. A combined one-hitter. Overcoming a three-run deficit. Defensive heroics. A violent collision. A rollicking barbeque. On Friday night, the Irvine Cubs packed all of that excitement and more into just one game, edging the Orioles in extra innings in thrilling walk-off fashion, 4-3 to open up the Irvine City Championship first round.
It's hard to know where to begin with this one. The Cubs' pregame talk was again about mental toughness and overcoming adversity, and after falling behind 3-0 in the third inning, the team came through with a least a half-dozen plays to keep them in the game and claw their way to victory.
On the hill, our pitchers Kaden, Sean, Mario and Michael combined to hold the Orioles to one hit over seven innings. Not one batted ball left the infield. Kaden pitched 2 1/3 innings, striking out 5. Sean pitched 2/3 of an inning, struck out one and gave up no earned runs. Mario pitched one inning and gave up no runs, working his way out of a second and third jam. Michael pitched the final three innings, giving up no runs and striking out 5.
In the field, the Cubs combined routine plays with stellar ones to keep the score close while they waited for the bats to explode. The leader of the defense was Matthew B (the B stands for "Ball-Magnet") at first base. Matthew started with a nice play on a ground ball in the second, beating a fleet-footed runner to the base for the unassisted putout. In the top of the six, after the Cubs had worked back to tie the score in the bottom of the fifth, Matthew prevented what looked like a likely leadoff double and possible triple when we faded back on a towering, twisting pop-up and caught it reaching way back over his head in a seemingly impossible kinesiological position (if it were a yoga pose, I think it would be called "upward facing dog"). Matthew followed that up the next inning, in the top of the seventh, by making a nice stop on a smash down the line for another unassisted putout -- a ball that had it got by him would have been a lead-off triple. But the highlight play for Matthew -- the play that was the turning point of the game, took place in the top of the fourth. The Orioles had just scored 3 in the third and were leading 3-0. They had gotten runners on second and third with just one out. A base hit would score 2 and leave the Cubs facing a 5 run deficit. Things looked bleak. The Cubs needed a spark. And that's when then the ball found the ball magnet again. The Orioles hitter lined a smash that seemed destined to make it to right field and drive in two. But Matthew, with cat-like reflexes and a quick cross-over step, darted to his right, reached up and snagged the liner as it was about to go by him, recording the out and saving two runs. Mario then struck out the next hitter, preventing any runs from scoring, and in the bottom of the frame, the Cubs, fired up by the defense by Matthew, put two runs on the board to start their comeback and put doubt into the minds of the opposition. Great job, Matthew.
The rest of the defensive effort helped stem the tide as well. Mario made two nice defensive plays -- recording an unassisted tag-out on a runner at third after fielding a ground ball and catching a pop-up and surviving a collision in the fifth inning (more on that below). Anon made a nice play at second base to record a force out at second.
However, one of our best defensive plays (actually it was four separate nice plays in succession) came at an unexpected moment -- and wound up being one of the differences in the game. Following an errant throw, the Orioles scored their three runs. It was a tough moment for the Cubs. For some other teams who lack focus and mental toughness, the results of the play could have been four runs allowed, not three. But the combined efforts of Brandon, Kaden and Michael saved the day. Seeing the errant throw, Brandon hopped on his horse in right field and ran down the ball with great speed (nice play number one). Brandon then fired the ball right to the cut-off man, Kaden (nice play number two). Kaden then turned glove-side and quickly fired the ball to home (nice play number three). At home, Michael caught Kaden's perfect throw, blocked the plate perfectly, and applied the tag to the fourth runner, getting him out by a whisker (nice play number four). Had any link in that chain not functioned perfectly, that runner would have been safe. Had that runner been safe, the Cubs would have lost 4-3 instead of winning 4-3. By showing focus and mental toughness even at the toughest of moments, the Cubs defense worked together to help save the day.
Offensively, it took the Cubs' bats a while to get going. In fact, through 3 and two-thirds innings, the Cubs did not have a hit, had had only one baserunner and had not hit the ball out of the infield. But with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, trailing 3-0, Kaden got things started with a hard single. Michael followed Kaden with a double to right-center field, driving in Kaden and foreshadowing future events. Sean then followed up with a single to drive in Michael. Suddenly it was 3-2 and the tide continued to turn. In the bottom of fifth, Kanade got things started with a single (in his prior at bat, Kanade had missed extra bases by an inch on a hard smash just foul down the third base line). Matthew B. hit into a fielder's choice, replacing Kanade on first. Matthew B. then stole second and third and coiled on third base, like a cheetah waiting to pounce. On a pitch in the dirt, Matthew exploded off of third base, beat the pitcher, who was covering home, by five feet, and scored the crucial game tying run. Zach, who was at the plate, announced to the umpire that the score was now tied 3-3, and the Cubs could feel things going their way. Zach, Mario, Anon and Matt L. each hit the ball well and Wyatt and Brandon each had productive at bats, putting good swings on the ball.
Of course, the offensive highlight came in the bottom of the seventh. Kaden led off and worked a walk. Michael was due up next and the Orioles pitching coach took a visit to the mound. During that visit, Michael met with his third base coach and told him he saw a lot of room out in right field. Then, on the first pitch, Michael drove a rocket down the line in right field that landed safely and rolled into the corder. Kaden took off like a shot from first base and never looked back. Kaden rounded second, rounded third and slid into home before the ball had made its way back into the infield, scoring the winning run in dramatic walk-off fashion, 4-3. The Cubs players mobbed Kaden and Michael at home plate as the Cubs fans went wild in the stands.
After a team meeting, the wild celebration re-adjurned just a few feet away at the Dove Creek barbeque pits and picnic tables. The team-barbeque-turned-victory-celebration was a great event. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it such a success, especially our grillmasters Alex A., Jeff L. and Rafael C., as well as Bobbi A. for organizing and coordinating things. A great night on lots of fronts.
Awards:
Energy: Michael: Michael went 2 for 2, walked, doubled and tripled in the game-winner, finished with two RBIs and scored a run, caught two innings behind the plate and pitched three shut-out innings to close out the game.
Effort: Kaden: In addition to his 2 and 1/3 innings on the mound, his three innings behind the plate at catcher, Kaden scored two runs, including the game winner, coming all the way around from first, giving maximum effort.
Focus: Brandon: Although he was playing right field and the ball was hit only a few feet in front of home plate, Brandon stayed focused, knowing that just because the ball isn't hit to you doesn't mean you won't be in the play. When a throw got loose down the right field line, Brandon stayed alert, ran it down and hit the cutoff man, all of which helped lead to gunning out a player at home plate -- saving a run that made the difference between winning and losing.
Mental Toughness: Sean: He battled on the mound in the third and fourth inning. But when he came up with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, he knew the rule: what happened in the past is passed -- what matters is right now. His two-out single drove in Michael with the Cubs second run, keeping the momentum going. If Sean hadn't gotten that hit, the Cubs would have lost.
Physical Toughness: Michael and Mario: Their collision in the field on a pop up was violent. After the play, both stumbled a few feet and then collapsed briefly to the grass. It looked like a scene from a war movie, with people calling for ice and medics, and morphine and transfusions and helicopters swirling around to evacuate the wounded (well, just ice and no helicopters but a little poetic license is allowed). Yet each of them continued to play, with Mario hitting in the bottom half of the inning and Michael pitching and then driving in the winning run the next inning.
Yoga Award: Matthew, for inventing his new pose "upward-facing dog." Let me know if you need a patent attorney.
It's hard to know where to begin with this one. The Cubs' pregame talk was again about mental toughness and overcoming adversity, and after falling behind 3-0 in the third inning, the team came through with a least a half-dozen plays to keep them in the game and claw their way to victory.
On the hill, our pitchers Kaden, Sean, Mario and Michael combined to hold the Orioles to one hit over seven innings. Not one batted ball left the infield. Kaden pitched 2 1/3 innings, striking out 5. Sean pitched 2/3 of an inning, struck out one and gave up no earned runs. Mario pitched one inning and gave up no runs, working his way out of a second and third jam. Michael pitched the final three innings, giving up no runs and striking out 5.
In the field, the Cubs combined routine plays with stellar ones to keep the score close while they waited for the bats to explode. The leader of the defense was Matthew B (the B stands for "Ball-Magnet") at first base. Matthew started with a nice play on a ground ball in the second, beating a fleet-footed runner to the base for the unassisted putout. In the top of the six, after the Cubs had worked back to tie the score in the bottom of the fifth, Matthew prevented what looked like a likely leadoff double and possible triple when we faded back on a towering, twisting pop-up and caught it reaching way back over his head in a seemingly impossible kinesiological position (if it were a yoga pose, I think it would be called "upward facing dog"). Matthew followed that up the next inning, in the top of the seventh, by making a nice stop on a smash down the line for another unassisted putout -- a ball that had it got by him would have been a lead-off triple. But the highlight play for Matthew -- the play that was the turning point of the game, took place in the top of the fourth. The Orioles had just scored 3 in the third and were leading 3-0. They had gotten runners on second and third with just one out. A base hit would score 2 and leave the Cubs facing a 5 run deficit. Things looked bleak. The Cubs needed a spark. And that's when then the ball found the ball magnet again. The Orioles hitter lined a smash that seemed destined to make it to right field and drive in two. But Matthew, with cat-like reflexes and a quick cross-over step, darted to his right, reached up and snagged the liner as it was about to go by him, recording the out and saving two runs. Mario then struck out the next hitter, preventing any runs from scoring, and in the bottom of the frame, the Cubs, fired up by the defense by Matthew, put two runs on the board to start their comeback and put doubt into the minds of the opposition. Great job, Matthew.
The rest of the defensive effort helped stem the tide as well. Mario made two nice defensive plays -- recording an unassisted tag-out on a runner at third after fielding a ground ball and catching a pop-up and surviving a collision in the fifth inning (more on that below). Anon made a nice play at second base to record a force out at second.
However, one of our best defensive plays (actually it was four separate nice plays in succession) came at an unexpected moment -- and wound up being one of the differences in the game. Following an errant throw, the Orioles scored their three runs. It was a tough moment for the Cubs. For some other teams who lack focus and mental toughness, the results of the play could have been four runs allowed, not three. But the combined efforts of Brandon, Kaden and Michael saved the day. Seeing the errant throw, Brandon hopped on his horse in right field and ran down the ball with great speed (nice play number one). Brandon then fired the ball right to the cut-off man, Kaden (nice play number two). Kaden then turned glove-side and quickly fired the ball to home (nice play number three). At home, Michael caught Kaden's perfect throw, blocked the plate perfectly, and applied the tag to the fourth runner, getting him out by a whisker (nice play number four). Had any link in that chain not functioned perfectly, that runner would have been safe. Had that runner been safe, the Cubs would have lost 4-3 instead of winning 4-3. By showing focus and mental toughness even at the toughest of moments, the Cubs defense worked together to help save the day.
Offensively, it took the Cubs' bats a while to get going. In fact, through 3 and two-thirds innings, the Cubs did not have a hit, had had only one baserunner and had not hit the ball out of the infield. But with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, trailing 3-0, Kaden got things started with a hard single. Michael followed Kaden with a double to right-center field, driving in Kaden and foreshadowing future events. Sean then followed up with a single to drive in Michael. Suddenly it was 3-2 and the tide continued to turn. In the bottom of fifth, Kanade got things started with a single (in his prior at bat, Kanade had missed extra bases by an inch on a hard smash just foul down the third base line). Matthew B. hit into a fielder's choice, replacing Kanade on first. Matthew B. then stole second and third and coiled on third base, like a cheetah waiting to pounce. On a pitch in the dirt, Matthew exploded off of third base, beat the pitcher, who was covering home, by five feet, and scored the crucial game tying run. Zach, who was at the plate, announced to the umpire that the score was now tied 3-3, and the Cubs could feel things going their way. Zach, Mario, Anon and Matt L. each hit the ball well and Wyatt and Brandon each had productive at bats, putting good swings on the ball.
Of course, the offensive highlight came in the bottom of the seventh. Kaden led off and worked a walk. Michael was due up next and the Orioles pitching coach took a visit to the mound. During that visit, Michael met with his third base coach and told him he saw a lot of room out in right field. Then, on the first pitch, Michael drove a rocket down the line in right field that landed safely and rolled into the corder. Kaden took off like a shot from first base and never looked back. Kaden rounded second, rounded third and slid into home before the ball had made its way back into the infield, scoring the winning run in dramatic walk-off fashion, 4-3. The Cubs players mobbed Kaden and Michael at home plate as the Cubs fans went wild in the stands.
After a team meeting, the wild celebration re-adjurned just a few feet away at the Dove Creek barbeque pits and picnic tables. The team-barbeque-turned-victory-celebration was a great event. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it such a success, especially our grillmasters Alex A., Jeff L. and Rafael C., as well as Bobbi A. for organizing and coordinating things. A great night on lots of fronts.
Awards:
Energy: Michael: Michael went 2 for 2, walked, doubled and tripled in the game-winner, finished with two RBIs and scored a run, caught two innings behind the plate and pitched three shut-out innings to close out the game.
Effort: Kaden: In addition to his 2 and 1/3 innings on the mound, his three innings behind the plate at catcher, Kaden scored two runs, including the game winner, coming all the way around from first, giving maximum effort.
Focus: Brandon: Although he was playing right field and the ball was hit only a few feet in front of home plate, Brandon stayed focused, knowing that just because the ball isn't hit to you doesn't mean you won't be in the play. When a throw got loose down the right field line, Brandon stayed alert, ran it down and hit the cutoff man, all of which helped lead to gunning out a player at home plate -- saving a run that made the difference between winning and losing.
Mental Toughness: Sean: He battled on the mound in the third and fourth inning. But when he came up with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, he knew the rule: what happened in the past is passed -- what matters is right now. His two-out single drove in Michael with the Cubs second run, keeping the momentum going. If Sean hadn't gotten that hit, the Cubs would have lost.
Physical Toughness: Michael and Mario: Their collision in the field on a pop up was violent. After the play, both stumbled a few feet and then collapsed briefly to the grass. It looked like a scene from a war movie, with people calling for ice and medics, and morphine and transfusions and helicopters swirling around to evacuate the wounded (well, just ice and no helicopters but a little poetic license is allowed). Yet each of them continued to play, with Mario hitting in the bottom half of the inning and Michael pitching and then driving in the winning run the next inning.
Yoga Award: Matthew, for inventing his new pose "upward-facing dog." Let me know if you need a patent attorney.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Game 12 (5/4) vs. Astros
On this perfect evening for baseball, the Irvine Cubs needed a win to secure the AAA league championship. Leaving nothing to chance, the Cubs' bats, in the best outing of the season, exploded for 3 runs in the first inning, 8 runs in the first 3 innings, finishing with 3 triples and two doubles as the team never looked back in a 9-2 win over the Astros. The win -- the Cubs fifth in a row -- nailed down the league Championship on the last day of regular season, and set off a wild celebration that the Cubs have not seen since 1908 -- the last time the Chicago Cubs won a World Series.
The bats tonight were the stars. Sean (see photo left) ROCKED not one but two triples (the second of which almost knocked over the fence it hit so hard), scored all three times he was up, and drove in two.
Kaden CRUSHED a double (see photo right) and a triple, both shots leaving the crowd gasping, scored twice (NASA replays show him scoring a third time) and drove in a run. Anon BLASTED a ground rule double on one hop over the left-center field fence (see photo left),
had another single, drove in two and scored once. Michael singled twice, scored twice, had two RBIs and was robbed of extra bases in his last at bat. Wyatt SMACKED a single to left field on one of the hardest hit balls of the night (see photo below right). 
Mario singled once and scored once. Matthew hit a key ground ball to drive in a run in the key third inning. Kanade laid down a beautiful drag bunt. Zach popped out on a nice play by the Astros shortstop. Matt L. put up a great at bat, fouling off a tough pitch and then hitting a towering pop up that the second baseman had to scamper to grab. Brandon put up a couple of good at bats as well. The bats were afire tonight.On defense, Wyatt made a fine catch on a twisting pop-up at second base. Anon's new nicknamne is "Hoover" because he was like a vacuum cleaner at second base, snagging everything that came his way. Mario helped his cause while on the mound, catching a pop-up and getting an assist. Kaden made a nice running catch on a pop-up from the mound as well.
On the mound, Kaden, Mario and Sean combined for 12 strikeouts, giving up only 4 hits over 6 innings. Kaden got things started, striking out three. Mario got a strikeout as he handled some middle-inning relief. Sean pitched the final three shutout innings, striking out 8 and slamming the door shut. Great job pitchers, and great effort from catchers Sean, Michael and Kaden on a hot night.
Awards:
Energy: Entire Team. From the first pitch to the last, the Cubs came ready to play tonight.
Effort: Entire Team. From the first pitch to the last, the Cubs gave maximum effort tonight.
Focus: Entire Team. This game was the culmination (so far) of a season of hard work, dedication and most importantly, focus.
Thanks to Coach David for the incredible Shirts prepared for the Cubs, highlighting each player and our three concepts of Energy, Effort and Focus. Thanks again to everyone who has helped so much this season, including Coaches David N. and Jeff S., Bobbi A. as team mom, Celestine M. as scorekeeper, Kathy L. as pitchcounter, Craig B. and Tom M. as volunteer umpires, and Amy S. our official photographer.
Congratulations, Cubs. 2010 Central Irvine Little League AAA CHAMPIONS!!
Now, on to the ILLC and then the aptly-named Tournament of Champions!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Game 11 (4/27) vs. Rangers
A wise man once said that winning baseball is all about three things: (1) Good Pitching; (2) Good Defense; and (3) Timely Hitting. Tonight, the Cubs brough plenty of great pitching, great defense, and just enough timely hitting, in the form of a rocket double by Zach (see photo to right), driving in Kanade for the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth inning to lead the Cubs to a nail-biting 2-1 win over the Rangers, the Cubs' fourth win in a row.
On the mound, Kaden and Michael held the Rangers to just one hit. In fact, the dynamic duo of Kaden and Michael limited the opposition to just 5 fair balls all game, with none reaching the outfield grass. Kaden got things started (see photo to left), throwing three scoreless innings, finishing strong striking out 6 of the last 7 batters he faced. Michael threw the final three innings, giving up just one run and no hits, striking out five, and closing out the final two innings 1-2-3 each time. Tremendous job.In the field, although there weren't a lot of opportunities, when the Cubs had a chance to make a play, they did. Sean made a nice unassisted putout in the first inning at shortstop and also made some key stops behind the plate to hold runners. Anon had a nice assist in the first inning as well.
Michael made a beautiful play on a bunt in the second, jumping out from his catcher position like a cat, pounced on the ball, and fired to Matthew B. at first for the out. Later in the game, Michael made another nice play, making a running catch on a tough pop-up from his pitcher position to end a threat in the fourth (see photo to right). Speaking of Matthew B., he made a nice unassisted putout in the fourth, ranging to his right. Mario had a fine assist on a ground ball to third and Kaden made a super play at catcher, catching a foul pop behind him to record the all-important first out of the sixth inning. Great defensive effort.At the plate, the Cubs started and finished strong -- when it counted.
In the first inning, Mario reached first, then stole second and third and finally scored on a wild pitch -- reading the play perfectly and ending with great slide (see photo to left). Michael, Kaden and Matthew also each walked in the first inning. In a great at-bat that saw him fight off some tough pitches, Mario singled in the third but was left stranded. Overall, though, the Cubs bats were a little cold in the middle innings. Wyatt hit the ball hard twice. Matt L. popped out, just missing one. Brandon put some good swings on some pitches. Anon and Sean also hit a couple of towering pop-ups. In the all important bottom of the fifth, Kanade fell behind 0-2 but battled to beat out an infield single and went to second when the throw went awry. 
One out later, Zach stepped up to the plate. He put behind him a questionable call in his previous at bat and when the pitcher tried to sneak a fastball by him, Zach turned on it and drove it down the left field line, driving in Kanade for the game-winning double (see photo of the winning run to right). On the next pitch, Zach stole third. That timely hitting was the difference in the game.If the message of our last game was put the ball in play and good things will happen, the message of this game what the wise man said: pitching, defense and timely hitting will go a long way.
Awards:
Energy: Kanade for once again showing that its not always how far you hit the ball, but how fast you run after you hit it that matters.
Effort: Michael and Kaden. They both threw the ball like warriors tonight.
Focus and Toughness: Zach. He showed what we have preached all year long. It's not what happened in your last at bat that counts. It's what's going to happen in your next at bat that matters. Zach put behind him a really tough call from the umpire and did not let it distract him. He knew he'd get another chance. Baseball is about second chances. There will always be another at bat and another play in the field and another pitch. When that chance came, Zach seized it and drove in the game-winning run. Nice job.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Game 10 (4/24) vs. A's
The Irvine Cubs opened strong, scoring 7 runs in the first two innings, and then held on to beat the A's 8-3. Today's win, the Cubs' third straight, truly was a team effort in which everyone contributed. The lesson of today was put the ball in play and good things can happen.
Offensively, Brandon delivered a key RBI single in the second inning, scored a run himself (see photo to left) and put the ball in play three times. Mario registered a single and a double, scored twice and had two RBIs. Mario also executed the runner on second advancing to third on a ground ball to third to perfection, timing his race to third on the throw to first, then drawing a return throw, and scoring on the play.
Kaden walked, singled and scored a run. Michael walked and eventually scored on a steal of home following a great slide (see photo to right). Sean, batting cleanup for the first time this season, delivered a 2-RBI single in the opening frame and also walked.
Wyatt also had some timely hitting, rapping two singles. Zach hit a hard line drive and also walked and scored, on another great slide just under the tag following Brandon's single. Anon drew an important walk.
Matt also walked and scored (see photo below right) and hit a scorching line drive that sent fans scurring for cover
. And last, but not least, Kanade delivered the shortest home run in the history of baseball -- a four foot blast that with Kanade's speed and keen baserunning eye he was able to turn into a four-bagger and an extra insurance run for the Cubs in the sixth and final inning.
Offensively, Brandon delivered a key RBI single in the second inning, scored a run himself (see photo to left) and put the ball in play three times. Mario registered a single and a double, scored twice and had two RBIs. Mario also executed the runner on second advancing to third on a ground ball to third to perfection, timing his race to third on the throw to first, then drawing a return throw, and scoring on the play.
Kaden walked, singled and scored a run. Michael walked and eventually scored on a steal of home following a great slide (see photo to right). Sean, batting cleanup for the first time this season, delivered a 2-RBI single in the opening frame and also walked.Wyatt also had some timely hitting, rapping two singles. Zach hit a hard line drive and also walked and scored, on another great slide just under the tag following Brandon's single. Anon drew an important walk.
Matt also walked and scored (see photo below right) and hit a scorching line drive that sent fans scurring for cover
. And last, but not least, Kanade delivered the shortest home run in the history of baseball -- a four foot blast that with Kanade's speed and keen baserunning eye he was able to turn into a four-bagger and an extra insurance run for the Cubs in the sixth and final inning.
On defense, Mario (see photo left) and Kanade each had nice assists at third base, Anon had a nice assist at second (with help from a fine scoop by Matthew at first), Kaden had an unassisted putout at second, and our outfielders, particularly Wyatt, Zach and Kanade each made good stops and hit their cut-off men quickly. And of course, on any day where the temperature gets above 70, special note goes to our catchers, Sean, Michael and Kaden, who did yeoman's work behind the dish on a hot, dry day.
On the mound, Kaden, as usual, got us started with 2 2/3 shutout innings in just 37 pitches. Mario came in to close out the third and opened the fourth. Sean came in and finished up the final 2 2/3 innings, striking out the side in the fifth inning . As a group Cubs hurlers held the opposition four hits and three runs, while striking out 11. Nice job.
Awards:
Energy: 
Wyatt, who he ran hard on his two hits, stole second base and on the same play executed a nifty pop-up slide (see photo right) and went to third on an overthrow, tracked down a ball in the outfield to hold a hitter to a long singel, and even on a play where he was called out at first, ran hard down the line to first. Don't cut that hair.
Effort: Kanade, for turning a little hit into a big hit based only on hustle, smart, aggressive baserunning and effort. It showed that when we hit the ball, no matter where, good things can happen. It also goes to show that we should never worry about what happened our last at bat, because there will always be another chance.
Focus: Mario: Mario had two hits, pitched, and made a nice play at third, but his baserunning in scoring from second base on a routine groundout to third showed that he knew the situation, knew what he was supposed to do, and executed, delivering a key insurance run.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Game 9 (4/17) vs. Astros
On April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 spacecraft, following a mission marred by bad luck and misfortune outside the control of the astronauts and Houston mission control, led by the steady hands of the astonauts and NASA workers who overcame all the obstacles put before them, safely returned to earth in one of the great moments of American history.
Forty years later, on April 17, 2010, the Irvine Cubs, following a game marred by some bad luck and misfortune outside of the control of the players and coaches, led by eleven steady hands at the plate, on the bases, on the mound, and in the field, overcame all obstacles put before them and safely notched another win, 8-6, over the Astros in one of the great wins of the season.
The Astros jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but the Cubs, led by timely hitting and keen eyes at the plate, responded with 5 in the bottom of the frame to take a 5-2 lead -- a lead they never relinquished. Everyone participated in the offensive onslaught for the Cubs. Kaden rapped a single, walked twice, scored twice and had an RBI.
Matthew B. also singled, walked scored once and drove in three runs. Mario had two hits and scored a run. Sean walked and scored. Michael ripped a double, walked and scored. Kanade singled, scored and drove in a run. Anon singled and drove in a run. Wyatt singled (see photo to right) and walked. Matt L. walked and delivered and RBI. Zach walked once, and Brandon put some good swings on the ball. A good team effort that saw lots of baserunners.
On defense, once again, "baseball magnet" Matthew B. turned in his ESPN web-gem highlight reel, making a diving catch of a pop up in the fourth inning, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd, and then topping it with an over-the-shoulder catch and tumble of a high, twisting pop up in the fifth inning (see photo left). Cubs parents are planning to install a "Matthew Cam" trained on first base to make sure to get videos to submit to ESPN next game. Sean also turned in a great defensive performance all over the diamond, starting the game with a great play at catcher (see photo below, right)
, popping out to throw out a batter on a 2-3 play, then having a hand in all three outs in the third inning at shortstop by catching two pop ups and getting an assist on a ground ball, and lastly making a fine play on a hard-hit ball at pitcher. Kanade made a nice play at third. Mario made a very nice play at third base to end a threat, and also helped the cause with two assists at pitcher. Michael also made a two key plays at pitcher in the last inning, the final one to close out the game. Our outfield saw a good deal of action today and proved up to the task with Matt L., Brandon, and Zach each making plays and showing some hustle. Also special kudos go out to our catchers, Sean, Michael and Kaden, who had to really perform under pressure with so many runners at third base -- runners who did not score.
On the mound, Kaden, Mario, Sean and Michael, like the astronauts of Apollo 13, each overcame some adversity to guide the Cubs' ship back safely into the victory column. Kaden got us started by pitching out of a bases loaded jam in the first. Mario threw two solid innings, also pitching out of trouble in the third, when the Astros got a man on third with no outs and Mario was able to escape without allowing the runner to score. Sean came in and also pitched two solid innings, giving up only one run, striking out run, and helping out the cause with a fine assist on a hard-hit ball back to the box. Finally, Michael came in in the final inning and proceeded to close out the game with a Francisco Rodriguez-type save (meaning the kind of save that gives fans and coaches heartburn, but is effective). The pitchers came through when it was needed -- in all six innings, the Cubs recorded the third out of the inning on defense with an opponent's baserunner on third base (twice with the bases loaded). It was kind of like watching that final "re-entry" scene in the movie version of Apollo 13 (except unlike in the movie, Cubs fans didn't know how this one would end).
Thankfully, Cubs Coaches did not have to exclaim "Houston (Astros), we have a problem" during the game today. Instead, the Cubs players dug deep when they needed to, overcame adversity and lots of base runners against them, and came through when it counted. I don't know if this game was for the Cubs what Gene Krantz, NASA Flight Director, called the Apollo 13 mission -- "our finest hour" -- but it was a tense, fun-filled hour and forty-five minutes of baseball with a happy ending.
And yes, I did just see Apollo 13 on TV.
Awards
Effort: Matthew, for his diving plays, getting good and dirty, and Wyatt, for running faster than anyone today trying to beat out an infield hit
Energy: Pitchers Kaden, Mario, Sean and Michael for digging deep when they needed it
Focus: Matt and Brandon, for have a good approach and good discipline at the plate today.
The Keyshawn Johnson Award: To Michael who, when asked if he was ready to come in to pitch and close out the game in the sixth inning, told his coach "Give me the darned ball." But please don't tell his mother his father taught him to talk like that.
Forty years later, on April 17, 2010, the Irvine Cubs, following a game marred by some bad luck and misfortune outside of the control of the players and coaches, led by eleven steady hands at the plate, on the bases, on the mound, and in the field, overcame all obstacles put before them and safely notched another win, 8-6, over the Astros in one of the great wins of the season.
The Astros jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but the Cubs, led by timely hitting and keen eyes at the plate, responded with 5 in the bottom of the frame to take a 5-2 lead -- a lead they never relinquished. Everyone participated in the offensive onslaught for the Cubs. Kaden rapped a single, walked twice, scored twice and had an RBI.
Matthew B. also singled, walked scored once and drove in three runs. Mario had two hits and scored a run. Sean walked and scored. Michael ripped a double, walked and scored. Kanade singled, scored and drove in a run. Anon singled and drove in a run. Wyatt singled (see photo to right) and walked. Matt L. walked and delivered and RBI. Zach walked once, and Brandon put some good swings on the ball. A good team effort that saw lots of baserunners.
On defense, once again, "baseball magnet" Matthew B. turned in his ESPN web-gem highlight reel, making a diving catch of a pop up in the fourth inning, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd, and then topping it with an over-the-shoulder catch and tumble of a high, twisting pop up in the fifth inning (see photo left). Cubs parents are planning to install a "Matthew Cam" trained on first base to make sure to get videos to submit to ESPN next game. Sean also turned in a great defensive performance all over the diamond, starting the game with a great play at catcher (see photo below, right)
, popping out to throw out a batter on a 2-3 play, then having a hand in all three outs in the third inning at shortstop by catching two pop ups and getting an assist on a ground ball, and lastly making a fine play on a hard-hit ball at pitcher. Kanade made a nice play at third. Mario made a very nice play at third base to end a threat, and also helped the cause with two assists at pitcher. Michael also made a two key plays at pitcher in the last inning, the final one to close out the game. Our outfield saw a good deal of action today and proved up to the task with Matt L., Brandon, and Zach each making plays and showing some hustle. Also special kudos go out to our catchers, Sean, Michael and Kaden, who had to really perform under pressure with so many runners at third base -- runners who did not score.On the mound, Kaden, Mario, Sean and Michael, like the astronauts of Apollo 13, each overcame some adversity to guide the Cubs' ship back safely into the victory column. Kaden got us started by pitching out of a bases loaded jam in the first. Mario threw two solid innings, also pitching out of trouble in the third, when the Astros got a man on third with no outs and Mario was able to escape without allowing the runner to score. Sean came in and also pitched two solid innings, giving up only one run, striking out run, and helping out the cause with a fine assist on a hard-hit ball back to the box. Finally, Michael came in in the final inning and proceeded to close out the game with a Francisco Rodriguez-type save (meaning the kind of save that gives fans and coaches heartburn, but is effective). The pitchers came through when it was needed -- in all six innings, the Cubs recorded the third out of the inning on defense with an opponent's baserunner on third base (twice with the bases loaded). It was kind of like watching that final "re-entry" scene in the movie version of Apollo 13 (except unlike in the movie, Cubs fans didn't know how this one would end).
Thankfully, Cubs Coaches did not have to exclaim "Houston (Astros), we have a problem" during the game today. Instead, the Cubs players dug deep when they needed to, overcame adversity and lots of base runners against them, and came through when it counted. I don't know if this game was for the Cubs what Gene Krantz, NASA Flight Director, called the Apollo 13 mission -- "our finest hour" -- but it was a tense, fun-filled hour and forty-five minutes of baseball with a happy ending.
And yes, I did just see Apollo 13 on TV.
Awards
Effort: Matthew, for his diving plays, getting good and dirty, and Wyatt, for running faster than anyone today trying to beat out an infield hit
Energy: Pitchers Kaden, Mario, Sean and Michael for digging deep when they needed it
Focus: Matt and Brandon, for have a good approach and good discipline at the plate today.
The Keyshawn Johnson Award: To Michael who, when asked if he was ready to come in to pitch and close out the game in the sixth inning, told his coach "Give me the darned ball." But please don't tell his mother his father taught him to talk like that.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Game 8 (4/13) vs. Brewers
Tonight, the Cubs put together an unbeatable combination of great pitching, staunch defense, and timely hitting and recorded the team's second shutout of the season, notching a 4-0 victory over the Brewers in a hard-fought game between two tough teams.
A few statistics from the game: (1) No opposing runner got past second base tonight; (2) Cubs pitchers scattered only three hits and one walk in six innings; (3) 13 of the 18 outs recorded by the Cubs defense were on batted balls. On that last point, when we last played the Brewers, we had the same percentage of defensive outs on batted balls --showing a remarkable consistency from our defense. Once again thanks to Amy S. for great pictures. I've added a few extra to this game report, but to fit everything in the thumbnails are smaller. For bigger versions, just click on the pictures.
First, Kudos to our pitchers. Kaden got us started (photo to left), throwing two shutout 
innings with two strikeouts and staking us to the early lead. Mario came in and threw a gutty third inning (see photo to right). Finally, Michael came in and shut down the Brewers for the final three innings, getting stronger as he went along, ending the game with a 1-2-3 inning (see photo below, left). 
Great job throwing strikes and trusting our defense. In fact, Kaden, Mario and Michael were key components to the defense on the mound, as our pitchers recorded five defensive assists on ground balls (including two very nice plays by Michael on bunts) and two putouts on pop ups. Great job, pitchers.
On defense, special recognition goes to Matthew B., who was a "ball magnet" over at first base, making two unassisted putouts on ground balls (including the game-ender), catching two pop ups, a great diving effort on a foul pop (see photo to right), getting good and dirty, and a nice stop on a tough throw to hold a runner at first. Anon caught two key pop-ups at second base. Kanade made an important stop an a hard hit ball to centerfield, holding a runner to a single, as did Zach. Kaden, Michael and Sean did a great job behind the plate, really limiting the opposition's running game. Wyatt, Matt L. and Brandon worked hard in the outfield, keeping to the "yo-yo" backup responsibilities.
At the plate, we saw key situation hitting and head's up baserunning. Sean got us started with a first inning blast that fans were still talking about after the game, a rocket to the fence in left field resulting in a stand-up triple (see photo left of Sean rounding second). 
Sean also beat out an infield single with great hustle in the third inning, scoring both times for half of our runs. Kanade had two hits, legging out an infield hit and dropping down a perfect bunt for a hit. Michael's offensive line was 1 for 1 with a run scored, an RBI and a walk and a steal of third with maximum speed (see photo above right). Kaden had a walk and an important first inning RBI, driving in Michael with exactly what situational
hitting called for, a ground ball with less than two outs and a runner on third. Matthew walked and scored our key third run after stealing home, punctuating it with a great slide. Zach ripped what 
should have been a single to left (see photo to left), but he was thinking extra bases the whole way and turned a routine hit to left into a double with heads-up running. Anon just missed having an RBI on a close fielder's choice play at the plate. Wyatt had a hard hit line drive (see photo to right). Matt L. and Brandon both put up good at bats.
Awards:
Energy: Zach, for turning a single into a double with pure hustle; Sean for legging out an infield single; and Kanade for legging out two infield singles, including a beautiful bunt.
Effort: Matthew, for his diving effort on a foul ball at first base, and Michael, for giving us three solid innings pitched.
Focus: Entire Team. Everyone came ready to play from warmups to snack.
Like Father, Like Son Award: Kaden and Coach David think alike in providing some assistance to the umpire on a close play at home (see photo to right).
Also, special thanks to Kaden, Zach, Michael, Matthew B. and Wyatt, who each arrived a full hour before the game, 15 minutes earlier than required, to get loosened up and ready for the game. It really paid dividends.
Great energy, effort and focus, Cubs!
Lastly, Amy S. caught photographic evidence of the post-game run out to left field for a team meeting. For those of you who did not hear the conversation on the way out there, I've added the dialogue to the time-lapse photography below each picture:
A few statistics from the game: (1) No opposing runner got past second base tonight; (2) Cubs pitchers scattered only three hits and one walk in six innings; (3) 13 of the 18 outs recorded by the Cubs defense were on batted balls. On that last point, when we last played the Brewers, we had the same percentage of defensive outs on batted balls --showing a remarkable consistency from our defense. Once again thanks to Amy S. for great pictures. I've added a few extra to this game report, but to fit everything in the thumbnails are smaller. For bigger versions, just click on the pictures.
First, Kudos to our pitchers. Kaden got us started (photo to left), throwing two shutout 
innings with two strikeouts and staking us to the early lead. Mario came in and threw a gutty third inning (see photo to right). Finally, Michael came in and shut down the Brewers for the final three innings, getting stronger as he went along, ending the game with a 1-2-3 inning (see photo below, left). 
Great job throwing strikes and trusting our defense. In fact, Kaden, Mario and Michael were key components to the defense on the mound, as our pitchers recorded five defensive assists on ground balls (including two very nice plays by Michael on bunts) and two putouts on pop ups. Great job, pitchers.
On defense, special recognition goes to Matthew B., who was a "ball magnet" over at first base, making two unassisted putouts on ground balls (including the game-ender), catching two pop ups, a great diving effort on a foul pop (see photo to right), getting good and dirty, and a nice stop on a tough throw to hold a runner at first. Anon caught two key pop-ups at second base. Kanade made an important stop an a hard hit ball to centerfield, holding a runner to a single, as did Zach. Kaden, Michael and Sean did a great job behind the plate, really limiting the opposition's running game. Wyatt, Matt L. and Brandon worked hard in the outfield, keeping to the "yo-yo" backup responsibilities.
At the plate, we saw key situation hitting and head's up baserunning. Sean got us started with a first inning blast that fans were still talking about after the game, a rocket to the fence in left field resulting in a stand-up triple (see photo left of Sean rounding second). 
Sean also beat out an infield single with great hustle in the third inning, scoring both times for half of our runs. Kanade had two hits, legging out an infield hit and dropping down a perfect bunt for a hit. Michael's offensive line was 1 for 1 with a run scored, an RBI and a walk and a steal of third with maximum speed (see photo above right). Kaden had a walk and an important first inning RBI, driving in Michael with exactly what situational
hitting called for, a ground ball with less than two outs and a runner on third. Matthew walked and scored our key third run after stealing home, punctuating it with a great slide. Zach ripped what 
should have been a single to left (see photo to left), but he was thinking extra bases the whole way and turned a routine hit to left into a double with heads-up running. Anon just missed having an RBI on a close fielder's choice play at the plate. Wyatt had a hard hit line drive (see photo to right). Matt L. and Brandon both put up good at bats.Awards:
Energy: Zach, for turning a single into a double with pure hustle; Sean for legging out an infield single; and Kanade for legging out two infield singles, including a beautiful bunt.
Effort: Matthew, for his diving effort on a foul ball at first base, and Michael, for giving us three solid innings pitched.
Focus: Entire Team. Everyone came ready to play from warmups to snack.
Like Father, Like Son Award: Kaden and Coach David think alike in providing some assistance to the umpire on a close play at home (see photo to right).
Also, special thanks to Kaden, Zach, Michael, Matthew B. and Wyatt, who each arrived a full hour before the game, 15 minutes earlier than required, to get loosened up and ready for the game. It really paid dividends.
Great energy, effort and focus, Cubs!
Lastly, Amy S. caught photographic evidence of the post-game run out to left field for a team meeting. For those of you who did not hear the conversation on the way out there, I've added the dialogue to the time-lapse photography below each picture:
SEAN: Hey coach, is it OK if I barrel-roll those two guys over there?
COACH: [Absent-mindedly] Sure, Sean.
SEAN: OK, thanks, Coach! Here I go!!
COACH: [What did I just agree to?]
MATT: This is gonna be GREAT!
MATT: Hey guys, hurry up, Sean is going to barrel-roll two guys!!
COACH: Uh oh, I hope the league has liability coverage for this.
MICHAEL: I'll pick up the spare!
KAAAAABAMMMM!!
UMMMMMMFFFF!!
MATT: That was AWESOME!!COACH: Did any parents see that??
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Game 7 (3/31) vs. Yankees
On a cold night at Las Lomas, though blessed with great pitching performances, the Cubs bats just did not heat up in time to prevent a 3-1 loss to the Yankees. On the mound, Sean, Mario and Kaden combined to hold the Yankees to just 3 runs. In the first two innings, the Yankees only put the ball in play once. On defense, Anon made a nice play at second base and Kanade made a nice play at third. 
Matthew B. turned in his usual stellar performance at first base and Kaden and Sean took turns behind the plate. In the outfield, Matt tracked down a ball in left-center field and Brandon stayed prepared in right. However, the two "Web Gems" of the night were: (1) Wyatt, who circumnavigated a tough spinning ground ball at second and then alertly dove onto second base for an inning-ending and run-saving force out (see photo to left); and (2) Zach, who sped to track down a long drive into right center field, and despite his coach's doubts 
about the throw, fired the ball all the way to home to catch a runner trying to score at the plate on a nice tag by Sean at catcher for a key run-saving out, giving Zach his second outfield assist of the season, leading the league (see photo to right). On Zach's throw, the Cubs' coach has to admit that he heard the sounds of his old basketball coach's voice as he shouted "NO NO NO ...... YES!!") Those were two of the top defensive plays of the year and both showed energy, effort and focus.
On offense, the cold air seemed to chill the aluminum (or space age composite material) of our bats, as we just couldn't seem to get going at the right time until the final inning when consecutive singles by Kanade and Mario were followed by a smashed double by Sean (his second hit of the game), and only a perfect throw for left field prevented the Cubs from pulling within a run with the tying run on third. Earlier in the game Anon legged out an infield single and Matthew worked an important walk.
Awards:
Energy: Zach, for turning on the jets to run down a ball in right center field, air-mailing the cutoff man to nail a runner at home
Effort: Michael, who came to support his teammates while he could despite being too sick to go to school (don't tell his teachers that you saw him at the game)
Focus: Wyatt, for knowing the situation on his great play at second base. That required him to know (1) because he was at second and the ball was hit hard, he had time to block the ball and pick it up; and (2) with a runner at first, he had a force play at second so he could just dive to the base rather than trying to make a play on the runner or at first. It also had the added benefit of getting dirty, always another plus Nice job.
Matthew B. turned in his usual stellar performance at first base and Kaden and Sean took turns behind the plate. In the outfield, Matt tracked down a ball in left-center field and Brandon stayed prepared in right. However, the two "Web Gems" of the night were: (1) Wyatt, who circumnavigated a tough spinning ground ball at second and then alertly dove onto second base for an inning-ending and run-saving force out (see photo to left); and (2) Zach, who sped to track down a long drive into right center field, and despite his coach's doubts 
about the throw, fired the ball all the way to home to catch a runner trying to score at the plate on a nice tag by Sean at catcher for a key run-saving out, giving Zach his second outfield assist of the season, leading the league (see photo to right). On Zach's throw, the Cubs' coach has to admit that he heard the sounds of his old basketball coach's voice as he shouted "NO NO NO ...... YES!!") Those were two of the top defensive plays of the year and both showed energy, effort and focus.
On offense, the cold air seemed to chill the aluminum (or space age composite material) of our bats, as we just couldn't seem to get going at the right time until the final inning when consecutive singles by Kanade and Mario were followed by a smashed double by Sean (his second hit of the game), and only a perfect throw for left field prevented the Cubs from pulling within a run with the tying run on third. Earlier in the game Anon legged out an infield single and Matthew worked an important walk. Awards:
Energy: Zach, for turning on the jets to run down a ball in right center field, air-mailing the cutoff man to nail a runner at home
Effort: Michael, who came to support his teammates while he could despite being too sick to go to school (don't tell his teachers that you saw him at the game)
Focus: Wyatt, for knowing the situation on his great play at second base. That required him to know (1) because he was at second and the ball was hit hard, he had time to block the ball and pick it up; and (2) with a runner at first, he had a force play at second so he could just dive to the base rather than trying to make a play on the runner or at first. It also had the added benefit of getting dirty, always another plus Nice job.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Game 6 (3/24) vs. Giants
Once again, the Cubs fell behind 3-0 in the first inning, this time to the Giants. Once again, the Cubs came storming back, this time scoring 9 unanswered runs, allowing only two Giants to reach base after the second inning. The offensive highlight was Anon's two-run triple to the fence in right center-field, which drove in two-runs. Since the game ended, baseball officials, using images from a super-secret NASA satellite, have concluded that the "triple" was, in fact, a home run. The 9-3 comeback win marked one of the Cubs most complete performances of the season, showing focus, energy, effort and mental toughness.
On the bump, Kaden, Mario and Michael each threw two innings and combined to shut out the Giants over the final five innings, holding them to only one hit in that span. On defense, Anon made two stellar plays at second base. On the first, he recorded an unassisted tag play to end the first inning.
On the second, he dove to stab a hard ground ball, then fired to first base, where Matthew B. did some multi-tasking: (1) scooping the ball out of the dirt; (2) while falling toward right field; (3) while keeping his foot on the base for the out; (4) while remember to hop up to hold a runner at third from scoring. Speaking of Matthew, moments before his multi-tasking play, he caught a towering, twisting, tantalizing foul pop -- a play so nice he caught the ball twice. Sean also caught a high pop up and had a nice assist at shortstop. Michael and Kanade each had nice plays at third base, with Michael's punctuated by a rocket of a throw to nail a runner at first by a half a step. Matt L. made a nice stop on a hard-hit ball to right, and Sean, Kaden and Michael each did yoeman's work behind the dish.
At the plate, Anon's triple-turned-dinger was perhaps the hardest hit ball of the season. Mario rapped a double and two singles, had two RBI's and scored a run. Sean got things started on the Cubs rally by ripping a double to lead off the game and singled later. Kaden reached base safely three times and scored twice. Matthew B had a nice offensive game, getting a single and a walk, scoring a run and driving in two. Wyatt walked twice and came around to score each time, the first on a steal of home marked by a super slide under the tag which really seemed to stir up the crowd and the team. Michael hit the ball hard three times. He only had one hit to show for it -- but two Giants' players had something else to show for it -- red seam marks. Kanade walked once and almost beat out a routine ground ball to first base. Brandon almost had an infield hit too on a ball that just went foul.
Awards:
Focus: Matthew, for his stellar play at first base, focusing on the ball, his glove, his foot and the game situation
Effort: Anon, on his triple/home run, who not only focused on speeding around the bases, but also focused on using his hand to keep his helmet on. We'll have to do some Willie Mays drills on how to lose your hat with style.
Energy: Wyatt for his steal and great slide into home
Teamwork: Zach, for showing up hurt to support his teammates
On the bump, Kaden, Mario and Michael each threw two innings and combined to shut out the Giants over the final five innings, holding them to only one hit in that span. On defense, Anon made two stellar plays at second base. On the first, he recorded an unassisted tag play to end the first inning.
On the second, he dove to stab a hard ground ball, then fired to first base, where Matthew B. did some multi-tasking: (1) scooping the ball out of the dirt; (2) while falling toward right field; (3) while keeping his foot on the base for the out; (4) while remember to hop up to hold a runner at third from scoring. Speaking of Matthew, moments before his multi-tasking play, he caught a towering, twisting, tantalizing foul pop -- a play so nice he caught the ball twice. Sean also caught a high pop up and had a nice assist at shortstop. Michael and Kanade each had nice plays at third base, with Michael's punctuated by a rocket of a throw to nail a runner at first by a half a step. Matt L. made a nice stop on a hard-hit ball to right, and Sean, Kaden and Michael each did yoeman's work behind the dish.
At the plate, Anon's triple-turned-dinger was perhaps the hardest hit ball of the season. Mario rapped a double and two singles, had two RBI's and scored a run. Sean got things started on the Cubs rally by ripping a double to lead off the game and singled later. Kaden reached base safely three times and scored twice. Matthew B had a nice offensive game, getting a single and a walk, scoring a run and driving in two. Wyatt walked twice and came around to score each time, the first on a steal of home marked by a super slide under the tag which really seemed to stir up the crowd and the team. Michael hit the ball hard three times. He only had one hit to show for it -- but two Giants' players had something else to show for it -- red seam marks. Kanade walked once and almost beat out a routine ground ball to first base. Brandon almost had an infield hit too on a ball that just went foul.Awards:
Focus: Matthew, for his stellar play at first base, focusing on the ball, his glove, his foot and the game situation
Effort: Anon, on his triple/home run, who not only focused on speeding around the bases, but also focused on using his hand to keep his helmet on. We'll have to do some Willie Mays drills on how to lose your hat with style.
Energy: Wyatt for his steal and great slide into home
Teamwork: Zach, for showing up hurt to support his teammates
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