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!!