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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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??