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.