Season Statistics
There are those who judge a season by how it ends. Based on that criterion, the 2008 Wayne County Post 11 edition was a miserable failure.
We know better.
The program was coming off perhaps the most substantial loss of pitching in its history. The top four all went to play at the next level, taking with them 90 percent of the innings pitched. Coach Brad Reaves was left to construct a staff almost from scratch.
Much of the offense returned, and it usually didn't disappoint. John Wooten led the way with a team-high 12 home runs, 23 extra base hits and 40 RBI. The next base Walker Gourley steals will give him the career mark in that category, surpassing Derek Matthews. In a combined 301 plate appearances, Gourley and Tyler Edwards struck out 12 times.
The pitching was a constant worry, and at times the offense couldn't rescue it. The low point of the season was losing to Clayton 20-2 on home turf and issuing 14 walks.
But as Reaves said after the final game, Wayne didn't get to the state tournament on offense alone.
Wayne went into the regular season finale at Kinston with a lot on the line: the top spot in the division or a fourth-place positioning and maybe two road series. The task fell to Michael Douglas, and he delivered. He worked 6 2/3 scoreless innings before Jay Rose finished it out. Douglas was money in the bank against Pitt in the second playoff series in not allowing an earned run in six innings.
Speaking of Rose, the guy with the funky delivery, he was almost automatic in the latter part of the season. Excepting the "Night of Horror" against Clayton, the lefty threw 15 1/3 innings, allowing 18 runners and two runs.
Taylor Allen took a tough loss against Pitt, and Jesse Randolph had several strong relief appearances.
But as can happen with pitching, it all went up in smoke in Gastonia.
What about 2009? The road to the state tournament will be tougher because Pitt 39 will get a bid as the host team, so Wayne will have to win the Area I title series.
Personnel? Wayne will return 11 players, including all but one regular pitcher. Gone are Thomas Pilkington, Alex Casey, Bryant Hill, Nolan Lancaster and Randolph. Eric Dubose, who was being counted on to pitch this season, should be back after recovering from an injury.
So, we reach the end of the road. Or maybe it's a rest stop. Thanks to everyone who made those late nights worthwhile by telling me how much they appreciated my efforts. Good luck to the players who are leaving the program; don't forget us. And to the players returning: don't be lured away by the siren song of promises of fame elsewhere. You're with the best program in Area I and, if you all come back next season, we have a great shot at bringing home the trophy that has been within our reach five times.
e enjte, 7 gusht 2008
e mërkurë, 6 gusht 2008
Wayne Exits State Tournament
Box is here. Final stats will come later today. I will also have a few thoughts about the end of the season.
Wayne County Post 11 coach Brad Reaves was concerned that this year's team would have a difficult time making the playoffs. Instead, it won the Area I East championship and a berth in the North Carolina American Legion state tournament.
Unfortunately for this overachieving team, its stay in Gastonia was a brief one.
Gastonia Post 23, which entered the tournament with eight wins and was playing only because of its role as the host team, rallied from a five-run deficit and ousted Wayne 9-8 at Sims Legion Field Wednesday afternoon. It was the first time in five appearances that Wayne (24-8) did not win a game in the double-elimination event.
Wayne seemed to be in good shape after scoring five runs in the third to take a 7-2 lead. The offense, which was limited to five runners in Tuesday's 9-1 loss to Rowan County, banged out nine hits in the first three innings.
Post 11 starter Adron Hollowell gave up a two-run homer in the first but held Gastonia scoreless over the next three innings. Then everything blew up in Wayne's face in the fifth.
It all started when right fielder Alex Casey couldn't make a diving catch of Trey Ferry's liner, resulting in a triple. Hollowell struck out the next batter before Preston Lyon singled home a run. He gave up three more hits, including a two-run single to Matt Crisp before departing the mound. At that point, Wayne still led 7-5 with runners on second and third.
Josh Ghurley doubled off reliever Taylor Allen to tie it. Allen got ahead of Tony Ayers 0-2 only to have him slap the ball through the left side of the infield to give Gastonia the lead. After a fly ball for the second out, Ferry came through again with an RBI single to right. Post 11 needed 39 pitches to get out of the inning.
"They just strung all those hits together," Reaves said of the rally. "We misplayed that one line drive. That was the hit that got it started. A lot of those hits were with two strikes. We just didn't put anybody away. We couldn't make a pitch.
"There were a couple of little flares, too. There was a flare where I brought the infield halfway and if I don't do that....You're darned if you do and darned if you don't."
Wayne still had plenty of time to come back and did pick up a run in the sixth. Bryant Hill drew a lead off walk and stole second. He moved to third on a fly ball and scored on a ground out by Tyler Edwards.
That would be it for the Wayne offense, as it got only two runners over the final three innings. Gastonia mounted a threat in the seventh with a two-out single and double, but Allen retired the next batter on a ground out to end the inning.
Reaves still had confidence that the offense would erase the deficit. "I still thought we would fight back from that. Taylor did a good job of keeping us there. But I think we were exposed a little bit in our pitching and inexperience.
"Normally, we have so many pitchers on the bench that I can get somebody up and ready. This year, two of our better ones are in the field."
But he added, "We got some big pitching performances lately that got us where we are."
Tyler Edwards got Wayne going in the first with a misjudged double over the head of the left fielder. John Wooten singled him home. Wooten stole second and scored on Jay Rose's hit to center.
Gastonia tied it in the home first on an error and a two-out home run by Brandon Harris after he fell behind in the count 0-2.
Wayne put together its big inning in the third. Walker Gourley doubled to center to start things and scored on Wooten's second hit. He came around to score on the same play on a pair of throwing errors in the infield. Gastonia starter Matt Crisp retired the next two batters but kept the inning alive with a throwing error on Thomas Pilkington's ground ball to the mound.
Nolan Lancaster walked after starting off 0-2. Hill singled to left, and Pilkington came home on another throwing error. Lancaster and Hill worked a double steal, and Casey singled to right to give Wayne a 7-2 lead.
Wayne lost five runners on the bases, and most of those were highly questionable calls, especially the one in the fifth inning. Rose had a lead off single and advanced to second on a grounder. Nolan Lancaster singled to center with two out, and Rose was thrown out at the plate. "We're safe there, too," Reaves insisted. "That play was not even close. I don't think it was close, and I don't think anybody else did either."
Wayne loses its starting outfield in Hollowell, Lancaster and Casey. First baseman Pilkington also ages out. Jesse Randolph is the only loss among the frequently used pitchers.
The 2009 state tournament will be held at East Carolina.
Wayne County Post 11 coach Brad Reaves was concerned that this year's team would have a difficult time making the playoffs. Instead, it won the Area I East championship and a berth in the North Carolina American Legion state tournament.
Unfortunately for this overachieving team, its stay in Gastonia was a brief one.
Gastonia Post 23, which entered the tournament with eight wins and was playing only because of its role as the host team, rallied from a five-run deficit and ousted Wayne 9-8 at Sims Legion Field Wednesday afternoon. It was the first time in five appearances that Wayne (24-8) did not win a game in the double-elimination event.
Wayne seemed to be in good shape after scoring five runs in the third to take a 7-2 lead. The offense, which was limited to five runners in Tuesday's 9-1 loss to Rowan County, banged out nine hits in the first three innings.
Post 11 starter Adron Hollowell gave up a two-run homer in the first but held Gastonia scoreless over the next three innings. Then everything blew up in Wayne's face in the fifth.
It all started when right fielder Alex Casey couldn't make a diving catch of Trey Ferry's liner, resulting in a triple. Hollowell struck out the next batter before Preston Lyon singled home a run. He gave up three more hits, including a two-run single to Matt Crisp before departing the mound. At that point, Wayne still led 7-5 with runners on second and third.
Josh Ghurley doubled off reliever Taylor Allen to tie it. Allen got ahead of Tony Ayers 0-2 only to have him slap the ball through the left side of the infield to give Gastonia the lead. After a fly ball for the second out, Ferry came through again with an RBI single to right. Post 11 needed 39 pitches to get out of the inning.
"They just strung all those hits together," Reaves said of the rally. "We misplayed that one line drive. That was the hit that got it started. A lot of those hits were with two strikes. We just didn't put anybody away. We couldn't make a pitch.
"There were a couple of little flares, too. There was a flare where I brought the infield halfway and if I don't do that....You're darned if you do and darned if you don't."
Wayne still had plenty of time to come back and did pick up a run in the sixth. Bryant Hill drew a lead off walk and stole second. He moved to third on a fly ball and scored on a ground out by Tyler Edwards.
That would be it for the Wayne offense, as it got only two runners over the final three innings. Gastonia mounted a threat in the seventh with a two-out single and double, but Allen retired the next batter on a ground out to end the inning.
Reaves still had confidence that the offense would erase the deficit. "I still thought we would fight back from that. Taylor did a good job of keeping us there. But I think we were exposed a little bit in our pitching and inexperience.
"Normally, we have so many pitchers on the bench that I can get somebody up and ready. This year, two of our better ones are in the field."
But he added, "We got some big pitching performances lately that got us where we are."
Tyler Edwards got Wayne going in the first with a misjudged double over the head of the left fielder. John Wooten singled him home. Wooten stole second and scored on Jay Rose's hit to center.
Gastonia tied it in the home first on an error and a two-out home run by Brandon Harris after he fell behind in the count 0-2.
Wayne put together its big inning in the third. Walker Gourley doubled to center to start things and scored on Wooten's second hit. He came around to score on the same play on a pair of throwing errors in the infield. Gastonia starter Matt Crisp retired the next two batters but kept the inning alive with a throwing error on Thomas Pilkington's ground ball to the mound.
Nolan Lancaster walked after starting off 0-2. Hill singled to left, and Pilkington came home on another throwing error. Lancaster and Hill worked a double steal, and Casey singled to right to give Wayne a 7-2 lead.
Wayne lost five runners on the bases, and most of those were highly questionable calls, especially the one in the fifth inning. Rose had a lead off single and advanced to second on a grounder. Nolan Lancaster singled to center with two out, and Rose was thrown out at the plate. "We're safe there, too," Reaves insisted. "That play was not even close. I don't think it was close, and I don't think anybody else did either."
Wayne loses its starting outfield in Hollowell, Lancaster and Casey. First baseman Pilkington also ages out. Jesse Randolph is the only loss among the frequently used pitchers.
The 2009 state tournament will be held at East Carolina.
Blogging Update
Season stats are here.
I've decided not to blog today's games, but never fear. A moderator on the NC Preps message board is doing that for all the games, and he's keeping track of all the batters.
The Clayton game is here.
Wayne County is here.
Try radio coverage here. This lists two radio stations.
Enjoy the games and hope that Area I can make a comeback.
I've decided not to blog today's games, but never fear. A moderator on the NC Preps message board is doing that for all the games, and he's keeping track of all the batters.
The Clayton game is here.
Wayne County is here.
Try radio coverage here. This lists two radio stations.
Enjoy the games and hope that Area I can make a comeback.
e martë, 5 gusht 2008
Wayne Drops Tourney Opener
Box here.
For the second straight year, Wayne County laid an egg in the first round of the North Carolina American Legion state tournament.
Tanner Brown allowed five base runners over seven innings and his teammates backed him with 19 hits as Rowan County rolled to a 9-1 win over Post 11 Tuesday afternoon at Sims Legion Field in Gastonia.
Wayne lost its opener in 2007 11-1 but rebounded to win four straight games before falling to Cherryville in the championship. This year, the road might be toughter. Wayne is a bit stronger offensively; however, it won't have the veteran pitching staff that got the team to the final day.
Post 11 will face Gastonia, a 7-2 loser to Hope Mills, at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon.
While there might not be a turning point in an eight-run loss, Wayne certainly had the wind taken out of its sails in the sixth. Rowan had just scored two runs to go ahead 4-0, but Post 11 had some of its big guns coming to the plate.
Alex Casey, who has been a major contributor in the postseason, lined out to second to start the inning. But Tyler Edwards drilled a breaking pitch into the left field corner for a double. Walker Gourley walked, and Post 11 appeared to be coming out of its offensive doldrums. Next up was the hottest hitter on the team: John Wooten and his seven playoff home runs. One swing of the bat had the potential to get Wayne back into the thick of it.
It was not to be. Wooten took the first pitch for a ball, and Brown came back with a fastball. Wooten grounded to second and the Rowan middle infielders put the clamps on a Wayne rally with an inning-ending double play.
"I thought that was the key to the game," Rowan coach Jim Gantt said. "I thought that changed the game right there.
"Tanner went at people and kept it down. They hit some balls hard, but they just hit them right to people. He pitches to the defense and lets them work."
Wayne was able to avoid being blanked when Cambric Moye homered with one out in the seventh. It was the last of Wayne's four hits.
When asked what made Brown so effective, Wayne coach Brad Reaves pondered the question, then said, "He threw strikes."
That he did. The right-hander breezed through the Post 11 lineup relying primarily on a well-located fastball. He threw first-pitch strikes to 20 of the 25 batters he faced and needed only 76 pitches before turning over the rest of the game to a pair of relievers. They added ten-pitch innings for a total of 96. The two Wayne hurlers threw 163.
The game moved quickly with only two walks, no wild pitches and no hit batters.
Rowan scored an unearned run in the first with the aid of a dropped fly ball, then added another run in the third on a home run by Trey Holmes off a 3-2 fastball.
Post 11 starter Michael Douglas kept Wayne close for five innings, and got out of a fifth-inning jam after the first two battters reached on hits, but couldn't make it out of the sixth.
Zach Smith singled with one out and went to third on a hit-and-run single by Billy Veal. D.C. Cranford drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Douglass was looking to get out of the inning without further damage. Austin Shull spoiled that with a double to left, and Justin Roland singled through the right side of the infield for a run and the end of Douglas.
The Rowan bats didn't let up the next inning against reliever Jesse Randolph. Noah Holmes followed two singles with a first-pitch home run to center field to make it 7-0.
Rowan added two in eighth.
The trio of Rowan relievers limited Wayne to five base runners, its lowest production of the season.
"You're not going to win if you don't get but four hits," Reaves said. "That's not typical of our offense. Michael kept us in it early, and we just couldn't scratch.
"You can't win scoring one run in Legion baseball."
For the second straight year, Wayne County laid an egg in the first round of the North Carolina American Legion state tournament.
Tanner Brown allowed five base runners over seven innings and his teammates backed him with 19 hits as Rowan County rolled to a 9-1 win over Post 11 Tuesday afternoon at Sims Legion Field in Gastonia.
Wayne lost its opener in 2007 11-1 but rebounded to win four straight games before falling to Cherryville in the championship. This year, the road might be toughter. Wayne is a bit stronger offensively; however, it won't have the veteran pitching staff that got the team to the final day.
Post 11 will face Gastonia, a 7-2 loser to Hope Mills, at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon.
While there might not be a turning point in an eight-run loss, Wayne certainly had the wind taken out of its sails in the sixth. Rowan had just scored two runs to go ahead 4-0, but Post 11 had some of its big guns coming to the plate.
Alex Casey, who has been a major contributor in the postseason, lined out to second to start the inning. But Tyler Edwards drilled a breaking pitch into the left field corner for a double. Walker Gourley walked, and Post 11 appeared to be coming out of its offensive doldrums. Next up was the hottest hitter on the team: John Wooten and his seven playoff home runs. One swing of the bat had the potential to get Wayne back into the thick of it.
It was not to be. Wooten took the first pitch for a ball, and Brown came back with a fastball. Wooten grounded to second and the Rowan middle infielders put the clamps on a Wayne rally with an inning-ending double play.
"I thought that was the key to the game," Rowan coach Jim Gantt said. "I thought that changed the game right there.
"Tanner went at people and kept it down. They hit some balls hard, but they just hit them right to people. He pitches to the defense and lets them work."
Wayne was able to avoid being blanked when Cambric Moye homered with one out in the seventh. It was the last of Wayne's four hits.
When asked what made Brown so effective, Wayne coach Brad Reaves pondered the question, then said, "He threw strikes."
That he did. The right-hander breezed through the Post 11 lineup relying primarily on a well-located fastball. He threw first-pitch strikes to 20 of the 25 batters he faced and needed only 76 pitches before turning over the rest of the game to a pair of relievers. They added ten-pitch innings for a total of 96. The two Wayne hurlers threw 163.
The game moved quickly with only two walks, no wild pitches and no hit batters.
Rowan scored an unearned run in the first with the aid of a dropped fly ball, then added another run in the third on a home run by Trey Holmes off a 3-2 fastball.
Post 11 starter Michael Douglas kept Wayne close for five innings, and got out of a fifth-inning jam after the first two battters reached on hits, but couldn't make it out of the sixth.
Zach Smith singled with one out and went to third on a hit-and-run single by Billy Veal. D.C. Cranford drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Douglass was looking to get out of the inning without further damage. Austin Shull spoiled that with a double to left, and Justin Roland singled through the right side of the infield for a run and the end of Douglas.
The Rowan bats didn't let up the next inning against reliever Jesse Randolph. Noah Holmes followed two singles with a first-pitch home run to center field to make it 7-0.
Rowan added two in eighth.
The trio of Rowan relievers limited Wayne to five base runners, its lowest production of the season.
"You're not going to win if you don't get but four hits," Reaves said. "That's not typical of our offense. Michael kept us in it early, and we just couldn't scratch.
"You can't win scoring one run in Legion baseball."
Rowan and Wayne
Posts will be from the top to the bottom, the latest inning being last.
The connection here is tenuous, so bear with me. Also, unlike in the first game, I won't be sitting at a table at the top of the stadium.
The game is scheduled to start shortly before one. I may try to blog once an inning because it's too inconvenient to do it in the dugout. It doesn't have any power.
Scroll for a list of radio stations covering the game. But don't forget me.
Rowan first: Justin Rowland singles to center. Right fielder Alex Casey drops Phillip Miclet's fly ball. Trey Holmes grounds to short for a possible DP, but the throw to first is wide. Wayne starter Michael Douglas fans the next batter but gives up an RBI single to Noah Holmes. A groundout ends the inning.
Wayne first: Three up, three down.
Rowan second: Douglas strands leadoff single.
Wayne second: Three up, three down.
Rowan third: One-out home run to right center field by Trey Holmes on a 3-2 fastball. Rowan 2, Wayne 0.
Wayne third: Three up, three down.
Rowan fourth: One-out walk, Tyler Edwards starts double play.
Wayne fourth: Walker Gourley stays alive on a dropped foul ball and lines a hit to center. He takes second on a delayed steal and continues to third on an overthrow. He stays there after a shallow fly ball and a strikeout.
Rowan fifth: Austin Sholl and Justin Roland reach on groundball singles. Douglas retires the next two batters on fly balls and strikes out Micah Jarrett.
Wayne fifth: One-out single by Thomas Pilkington goes for naught.
Rowan sixth: One-out, back-to-back singles by Zach Smith and Billy Veal put runners on the corners. Smith scores on a sacrifice fly. Austin Shull doubles in the left field corner, and Roland drives in a run with a ground ball single up the middle.
Wayne sixth: Tyler Edwards doubles to left with one out, and Walker Gourley walks. John Wooten hits into a double play.
Rowan seventh: Micah Jarret follows singles by Holmes and Jarrett with a home run to center to make it 7-0 Rowan.
Wayne seventh: Solo home run by Cambric Moye.
Rowan eighth: Rowan adds two runs on three hits and a sacrifice fly.
Wayne eighth: One, two three.
Rowan ninth: Two singles but no score.
Wayne ninth: One, two three.
A story to follow. We'll see you tomorrow, same time same, Bat station.
The connection here is tenuous, so bear with me. Also, unlike in the first game, I won't be sitting at a table at the top of the stadium.
The game is scheduled to start shortly before one. I may try to blog once an inning because it's too inconvenient to do it in the dugout. It doesn't have any power.
Scroll for a list of radio stations covering the game. But don't forget me.
Rowan first: Justin Rowland singles to center. Right fielder Alex Casey drops Phillip Miclet's fly ball. Trey Holmes grounds to short for a possible DP, but the throw to first is wide. Wayne starter Michael Douglas fans the next batter but gives up an RBI single to Noah Holmes. A groundout ends the inning.
Wayne first: Three up, three down.
Rowan second: Douglas strands leadoff single.
Wayne second: Three up, three down.
Rowan third: One-out home run to right center field by Trey Holmes on a 3-2 fastball. Rowan 2, Wayne 0.
Wayne third: Three up, three down.
Rowan fourth: One-out walk, Tyler Edwards starts double play.
Wayne fourth: Walker Gourley stays alive on a dropped foul ball and lines a hit to center. He takes second on a delayed steal and continues to third on an overthrow. He stays there after a shallow fly ball and a strikeout.
Rowan fifth: Austin Sholl and Justin Roland reach on groundball singles. Douglas retires the next two batters on fly balls and strikes out Micah Jarrett.
Wayne fifth: One-out single by Thomas Pilkington goes for naught.
Rowan sixth: One-out, back-to-back singles by Zach Smith and Billy Veal put runners on the corners. Smith scores on a sacrifice fly. Austin Shull doubles in the left field corner, and Roland drives in a run with a ground ball single up the middle.
Wayne sixth: Tyler Edwards doubles to left with one out, and Walker Gourley walks. John Wooten hits into a double play.
Rowan seventh: Micah Jarret follows singles by Holmes and Jarrett with a home run to center to make it 7-0 Rowan.
Wayne seventh: Solo home run by Cambric Moye.
Rowan eighth: Rowan adds two runs on three hits and a sacrifice fly.
Wayne eighth: One, two three.
Rowan ninth: Two singles but no score.
Wayne ninth: One, two three.
A story to follow. We'll see you tomorrow, same time same, Bat station.
Clayton vs.Randolph
We're going from top to bottom so you'll have to scroll to get the latest results. My apologies for calling you folks Cary.
Clayton first: Brad Fletcher doubles to right over the head of the fielder with one out but is stranded.
Randolph first: Hunter Ridge is safe on a two-out error by the right fielder but is left there.
Clayton second: Colin Parker singles through the left side of the infield with two out. Still scoreless.
Randolph second: Inning starts out promising with an Ethan Marsh lead off single to left. Taylor McSwain pops up a bunt to the pitcher, and the next two batters strike out to end the inning.
Clayton third: Three up, three down. Still no score.
Randolph third: The Area I champs break through. Nolan Seawell is hit by a pitch but forced out at second. Josh Hohn singles to center, sending Cam Cockman to third. Hohn takes second on the throw. After a strikeout, Steven Davis double home two runs. Ethan Marsh homers to left center field to make it Randolph 4-0.
Clayton fourth: Post 71 puts together a threat. Kyle Cummings singles to right with one out, and Blake Murrays walks on a full count. Randolph starter Steven Davis get Ryan Daughtry swinging on a 3-2 pitch but walks Colin Parker to load the bases. He fans Jeff Citero on a called strike to end the inning.
Randolph fourth: A quiet inning with two strikeouts.
Clayton fifth: Post 71 gets on the board. Evan Harbinson doubles down the first base line on a 2-0 fastball. Drew Alford bunts and is safe on a high throw to first. He steals second. After a strikeout, Brian Mills reaches on a fielding error to put runners on the corners. Following a popup, Blake Murray is hit by an 0-2 fastball. Davis gets ahead of Daughtry 1-2, but the Clayton shortstop fists a pitch to right for two runs. Murray is throw out at third. Randolph 4, Clayton three.
Randolph fifth: Post 45 answers. With two out, Hunter George is hit by a pitch and moves to second on a hit to center by Davis. Ethan Marsh, like Davis, takes advantage of a 2-0 pitch and singles through the right side of the infield for a run. The runners advance on the throw. Post 71 catcher Murray picks off Marsh to limit the damage. Randolph 5, Clayton 3.
Clayton sixth: One runner stranded.
Randolph sixth: Three up, three down.
Clayton seventh: Two of the first three batters are hit by pitches. Randolph gets out of it. Second baseman Tyler McSwain makes a great pickup of a throw from the third baseman for a force, and a grounder to third ends the inning.
Randolph seventh: After the first two runners are retired, Josh Hohn reaches on an infield hit and goes to third on a single by Ridge. Davis, who moved to left in the top of the inning, punches an outside 2-2 pitch to left center field for a run. Ridge is picked off second. Randolph 6, Clayton 3.
Clayton eighth: Parker reaches on a fielding error and attempts to steal second after drawing several throws. He's thrown out. Citero singles to left but a force play and a strikeout end the inning.
Randolph eighth: After two strikeouts, reliever Chris Hinton gives up a double in the left field corner to Bradley Holland. Austin Meyer's grounder is misplayed and goes into right, allowing Holland to score. Randolph 7, Clayton 3.
Clayton ninth: Post 71 goes down in order and will play the first game tomorrow.
Thanks for checking in, and I will do the same tomorrow if I have something planned with the team.
Clayton first: Brad Fletcher doubles to right over the head of the fielder with one out but is stranded.
Randolph first: Hunter Ridge is safe on a two-out error by the right fielder but is left there.
Clayton second: Colin Parker singles through the left side of the infield with two out. Still scoreless.
Randolph second: Inning starts out promising with an Ethan Marsh lead off single to left. Taylor McSwain pops up a bunt to the pitcher, and the next two batters strike out to end the inning.
Clayton third: Three up, three down. Still no score.
Randolph third: The Area I champs break through. Nolan Seawell is hit by a pitch but forced out at second. Josh Hohn singles to center, sending Cam Cockman to third. Hohn takes second on the throw. After a strikeout, Steven Davis double home two runs. Ethan Marsh homers to left center field to make it Randolph 4-0.
Clayton fourth: Post 71 puts together a threat. Kyle Cummings singles to right with one out, and Blake Murrays walks on a full count. Randolph starter Steven Davis get Ryan Daughtry swinging on a 3-2 pitch but walks Colin Parker to load the bases. He fans Jeff Citero on a called strike to end the inning.
Randolph fourth: A quiet inning with two strikeouts.
Clayton fifth: Post 71 gets on the board. Evan Harbinson doubles down the first base line on a 2-0 fastball. Drew Alford bunts and is safe on a high throw to first. He steals second. After a strikeout, Brian Mills reaches on a fielding error to put runners on the corners. Following a popup, Blake Murray is hit by an 0-2 fastball. Davis gets ahead of Daughtry 1-2, but the Clayton shortstop fists a pitch to right for two runs. Murray is throw out at third. Randolph 4, Clayton three.
Randolph fifth: Post 45 answers. With two out, Hunter George is hit by a pitch and moves to second on a hit to center by Davis. Ethan Marsh, like Davis, takes advantage of a 2-0 pitch and singles through the right side of the infield for a run. The runners advance on the throw. Post 71 catcher Murray picks off Marsh to limit the damage. Randolph 5, Clayton 3.
Clayton sixth: One runner stranded.
Randolph sixth: Three up, three down.
Clayton seventh: Two of the first three batters are hit by pitches. Randolph gets out of it. Second baseman Tyler McSwain makes a great pickup of a throw from the third baseman for a force, and a grounder to third ends the inning.
Randolph seventh: After the first two runners are retired, Josh Hohn reaches on an infield hit and goes to third on a single by Ridge. Davis, who moved to left in the top of the inning, punches an outside 2-2 pitch to left center field for a run. Ridge is picked off second. Randolph 6, Clayton 3.
Clayton eighth: Parker reaches on a fielding error and attempts to steal second after drawing several throws. He's thrown out. Citero singles to left but a force play and a strikeout end the inning.
Randolph eighth: After two strikeouts, reliever Chris Hinton gives up a double in the left field corner to Bradley Holland. Austin Meyer's grounder is misplayed and goes into right, allowing Holland to score. Randolph 7, Clayton 3.
Clayton ninth: Post 71 goes down in order and will play the first game tomorrow.
Thanks for checking in, and I will do the same tomorrow if I have something planned with the team.
Let Play Ball !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good morning. I woke up at 4:30, but it wasn't because TJ Hinson was snoring. I'm just ready to go!
First things first. I'll do my best to keep you updated on the Wayne County game, but I may not be able to blog live due to the twin duties of the scorebook and the pitching chart. I will live blog the Clayton game. I haven't been to the ball field yet, so I don't know the setup.
I will post a story and full box score for both games. I'll also be back with thoughts on the tournament.
You have several listening options:
Randolph County games:
http://www.wkxr.com/amleg-state.html
Listen to all the games:
http://www.theboss.us/
Rowan County:
http://www.1490wstp.com/
First things first. I'll do my best to keep you updated on the Wayne County game, but I may not be able to blog live due to the twin duties of the scorebook and the pitching chart. I will live blog the Clayton game. I haven't been to the ball field yet, so I don't know the setup.
I will post a story and full box score for both games. I'll also be back with thoughts on the tournament.
You have several listening options:
Randolph County games:
http://www.wkxr.com/amleg-state.html
Listen to all the games:
http://www.theboss.us/
Rowan County:
http://www.1490wstp.com/
e diel, 3 gusht 2008
Can This Team Run The Bases?
Sometime during the playoffs, a coach in the Wayne County dugout expressed his frustration at what he felt were far too many cases of players getting put out on the bases. Fortunately, for enquiring minds, I do keep track of such things. As a result, we can look at how the 2008 team has done in this department compared to the other four teams to make the state tournament.
A few caveats. These 2008 stats are being compared to the end-of-the-season numbers for the other team. I don't think that will skew anything. Also, just because a player gets out on the bases, it doesn't mean it's his fault. Maybe a slowpoke in the coach's box sent him.
Three things happen to a runner: he scores, gets put out or is left on base. We're going to compare how the five state tournament teams have done in these categories.
The 2008 team has scored 49% of its runners, second only to 2002's 55%. So far so good. Now let's turn to the subject at hand: runners lost. Here we have a slight problem.
Percentage of runners lost:
2002: 6.9
2000: 7.6
2004: 9.5
2008: 10.4
2007: 10.9
This year's team is not last, and the team that is did all right for itself in Garner last season. But more to the point, what if the 2008 team lost the same percentage of runners as 2002?
The 2008 team has had 534 runners. It has lost 56, 10.4 % If the rate were the same as 2002, it would be 38. That's 18 runners, or the same number the team is averaging in one game. Wayne is scoring around half its runners, so we could say it has cost the team around nine runs. A MLB team will win one extra game for every 10 runs it scores, but Legion teams need more because the games in total feature more runs.
The bottom line? When looked at from this standpoint, Post 11 has lost at most one game due to poor base running.
In case you're wondering what happened to these runners, here is a breakdown.
11 were caught stealing straight up
6 were picked off and tried to advance
5 were picked off
14 grounded into double plays
12 were thrown out advancing on batted balls
5 lined into double plays
1 was out on a failed suicide
1 was out attempting to advance on a wild pitch.
BTW, Wayne has turned 23 double plays.
More tomorrow.
A few caveats. These 2008 stats are being compared to the end-of-the-season numbers for the other team. I don't think that will skew anything. Also, just because a player gets out on the bases, it doesn't mean it's his fault. Maybe a slowpoke in the coach's box sent him.
Three things happen to a runner: he scores, gets put out or is left on base. We're going to compare how the five state tournament teams have done in these categories.
The 2008 team has scored 49% of its runners, second only to 2002's 55%. So far so good. Now let's turn to the subject at hand: runners lost. Here we have a slight problem.
Percentage of runners lost:
2002: 6.9
2000: 7.6
2004: 9.5
2008: 10.4
2007: 10.9
This year's team is not last, and the team that is did all right for itself in Garner last season. But more to the point, what if the 2008 team lost the same percentage of runners as 2002?
The 2008 team has had 534 runners. It has lost 56, 10.4 % If the rate were the same as 2002, it would be 38. That's 18 runners, or the same number the team is averaging in one game. Wayne is scoring around half its runners, so we could say it has cost the team around nine runs. A MLB team will win one extra game for every 10 runs it scores, but Legion teams need more because the games in total feature more runs.
The bottom line? When looked at from this standpoint, Post 11 has lost at most one game due to poor base running.
In case you're wondering what happened to these runners, here is a breakdown.
11 were caught stealing straight up
6 were picked off and tried to advance
5 were picked off
14 grounded into double plays
12 were thrown out advancing on batted balls
5 lined into double plays
1 was out on a failed suicide
1 was out attempting to advance on a wild pitch.
BTW, Wayne has turned 23 double plays.
More tomorrow.
e premte, 1 gusht 2008
It's Wayne and Rowan
Randolph County defeated Rowan County 9-4 Friday night in Asheboro to take the Area III championship. Randolph will face Area I runner up Clayton in the 9:30 game Tuesday morning at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia.
Rowan will play Wayne in the 12:30 p.m. contest.
Post 11 fans will be able to listen to the game live here.
Please let everyone know about this broadcast.
Rowan will play Wayne in the 12:30 p.m. contest.
Post 11 fans will be able to listen to the game live here.
Please let everyone know about this broadcast.
Pitch Counts and On-Base Percentage
As promised, this is the first of a series of posts looking at various statistical categories.
As far as I can tell from the small numbers of seasons I have looked at it, the average American Legion pitcher will throw 15-16 pitches per inning. Here are the IP and pitches/inning for most of our staff:
Douglas...60...15.6
Allen...53...15.7
Hollowell...44 1/3...16.6
Wooten...21...19
Randolph...24 2/3...13.7
Rose...23...17
The most important indicator for the success of an inning is whether the leadoff batter reaches base. Studies at the MLB level have shown that a team will score on average three times as many runs when the leadoff batter does not make an out. To put it another way, you're better off having a slow leadoff batter with a good OBP than a fast one who who does a poor job of getting aboard. Here are the Post 11 numbers:
Edwards 422
Gourley 496
Wooten 429
Rose 342
Wright 419
Pilkington 349
Lancaster 459
Hollowell 400
Casey 444
Hill 308
Moye 338
Another study showed that, while the first inning was when the most runs were scored, the second inning was the lowest. Why? One theory is that a lot of thinking goes into constructing a successful first inning, and it ultimately backfires on a team.
A team goes 1-2-3 in the first inning abut a third of the time in MLB. The batter least likely to lead off the second is the third batter in the order. Furthermore, let's say the leadoff batter in the second inning is most likely to be the number five hitter. You definitely don't want someone who has power but is not good at getting on base.
Some of these thoughts are from an old Bill James Baseball Abstract. I might look up some newer studies on constructing a lineup to maximize run scoring potential.
How does the Wayne County lineup look according to this? You be the judge.
Tomorrow: Is this a team of poor base runners?
As far as I can tell from the small numbers of seasons I have looked at it, the average American Legion pitcher will throw 15-16 pitches per inning. Here are the IP and pitches/inning for most of our staff:
Douglas...60...15.6
Allen...53...15.7
Hollowell...44 1/3...16.6
Wooten...21...19
Randolph...24 2/3...13.7
Rose...23...17
The most important indicator for the success of an inning is whether the leadoff batter reaches base. Studies at the MLB level have shown that a team will score on average three times as many runs when the leadoff batter does not make an out. To put it another way, you're better off having a slow leadoff batter with a good OBP than a fast one who who does a poor job of getting aboard. Here are the Post 11 numbers:
Edwards 422
Gourley 496
Wooten 429
Rose 342
Wright 419
Pilkington 349
Lancaster 459
Hollowell 400
Casey 444
Hill 308
Moye 338
Another study showed that, while the first inning was when the most runs were scored, the second inning was the lowest. Why? One theory is that a lot of thinking goes into constructing a successful first inning, and it ultimately backfires on a team.
A team goes 1-2-3 in the first inning abut a third of the time in MLB. The batter least likely to lead off the second is the third batter in the order. Furthermore, let's say the leadoff batter in the second inning is most likely to be the number five hitter. You definitely don't want someone who has power but is not good at getting on base.
Some of these thoughts are from an old Bill James Baseball Abstract. I might look up some newer studies on constructing a lineup to maximize run scoring potential.
How does the Wayne County lineup look according to this? You be the judge.
Tomorrow: Is this a team of poor base runners?
Wayne Bounces Back
Box is here. Season stats are here. Check back before the tournament for more posts.
One night after losing by the second biggest margin in the history of the program, Wayne County's American Legion team showed its mettle.
Zach Wright belted a massive three-run homer and Jay Rose provided another stellar performance on the hill as Wayne rallied past Clayton Post 71 7-6 Thursday night at Smithfield-Selma High School to claim its fourth Area I title in the past nine years.
Both teams are headed to the state tournament in Gastonia but still await word on their opponents. Randolph County overcame a nine-run deficit to defeat Rowan County 16-15 in Salisbury to even the Area III championship series at three games apiece. The final game is scheduled for Asheboro tonight.
Wayne (24-6) will play the loser at 12:30 p.m. next Tuesday at Sims Legion Field while Clayton (19-11) will face the winner in the first game at 9:30 in the morning.
After taking a two-run lead in the first on Walker Gourley's home run, Wayne sputtered offensively over the next four innings and hit into two double plays. Clayton tied it in the fourth on Ryan Daughtry's leadoff home run, the first of his four hits, then went ahead with three runs in the fifth.
Wayne starter John Wooten gave up two singles and a hit to load the bases and set the stage for more heroics from Daughtry. The Post 71 shortstop punched an outside pitch to right for two runs. At that point, Rose took over. Blake Murray scored on a wild pitch, and Wayne seemed to be in big trouble considering it had only two his in the first five innings.
But things were soon to change. Clayton starter Jeff Citero gave up consecutive hits to Wooten and Rose after being ahead 1-2. He got behind Wright 3-1 and delivered a fastball that Wright sent out of the park so fast the left fielder barely had time to turn his head as it passed. The tape measure shot meant the end of the night for starter Jeff Citero. Chris Hinton relieved him and pitched two scoreless innings.
Clayton threatened again the next inning. Justin Diener reached on a wild pitch with one out after he struck out. Brian Mills reached on an error, but Rose got a force play at third. He hit the next batter to load the bases ended the inning with a strikeout.
Post 11 went ahead for good in the eighth against reliever Will Henschel. Wright drew a leadoff walk on four pitches and moved to third on two wild pitches. Thomas Pilkington walked to bring up Nolan Lancaster. The Post 11 center fielder was having a frustrating night, having hit into two double plays, but he came through with a perfect push bunt up the first base line to advance both runners.
One out later, Alex Casey was hit by a pitch and Tyler Edwards sharply singled to right to load the bases before Henschel ended the inning on a fly ball.
Rose erased the leadoff batter in the home seventh on a double play and left a runner stranded in the eighth.
Wooten added to the fireworks in the ninth by drilling the first pitch over the center field fence
to give Wayne the cushion it would ultimately need.
Rose retired the first batter on a popup to begin the ninth but Daughtry continued his hot night by homering to right on the first pitch to erase Wayne's margin of error. Colin Parker grounded to second, but Rose walked Brad Fletcher on a full count to bring up Evan Harbinson.
The count ran to 2-2, and Rose fanned him on a called fastball to send the Post 11 players on to the field in celebration.
One night after losing by the second biggest margin in the history of the program, Wayne County's American Legion team showed its mettle.
Zach Wright belted a massive three-run homer and Jay Rose provided another stellar performance on the hill as Wayne rallied past Clayton Post 71 7-6 Thursday night at Smithfield-Selma High School to claim its fourth Area I title in the past nine years.
Both teams are headed to the state tournament in Gastonia but still await word on their opponents. Randolph County overcame a nine-run deficit to defeat Rowan County 16-15 in Salisbury to even the Area III championship series at three games apiece. The final game is scheduled for Asheboro tonight.
Wayne (24-6) will play the loser at 12:30 p.m. next Tuesday at Sims Legion Field while Clayton (19-11) will face the winner in the first game at 9:30 in the morning.
After taking a two-run lead in the first on Walker Gourley's home run, Wayne sputtered offensively over the next four innings and hit into two double plays. Clayton tied it in the fourth on Ryan Daughtry's leadoff home run, the first of his four hits, then went ahead with three runs in the fifth.
Wayne starter John Wooten gave up two singles and a hit to load the bases and set the stage for more heroics from Daughtry. The Post 71 shortstop punched an outside pitch to right for two runs. At that point, Rose took over. Blake Murray scored on a wild pitch, and Wayne seemed to be in big trouble considering it had only two his in the first five innings.
But things were soon to change. Clayton starter Jeff Citero gave up consecutive hits to Wooten and Rose after being ahead 1-2. He got behind Wright 3-1 and delivered a fastball that Wright sent out of the park so fast the left fielder barely had time to turn his head as it passed. The tape measure shot meant the end of the night for starter Jeff Citero. Chris Hinton relieved him and pitched two scoreless innings.
Clayton threatened again the next inning. Justin Diener reached on a wild pitch with one out after he struck out. Brian Mills reached on an error, but Rose got a force play at third. He hit the next batter to load the bases ended the inning with a strikeout.
Post 11 went ahead for good in the eighth against reliever Will Henschel. Wright drew a leadoff walk on four pitches and moved to third on two wild pitches. Thomas Pilkington walked to bring up Nolan Lancaster. The Post 11 center fielder was having a frustrating night, having hit into two double plays, but he came through with a perfect push bunt up the first base line to advance both runners.
One out later, Alex Casey was hit by a pitch and Tyler Edwards sharply singled to right to load the bases before Henschel ended the inning on a fly ball.
Rose erased the leadoff batter in the home seventh on a double play and left a runner stranded in the eighth.
Wooten added to the fireworks in the ninth by drilling the first pitch over the center field fence
to give Wayne the cushion it would ultimately need.
Rose retired the first batter on a popup to begin the ninth but Daughtry continued his hot night by homering to right on the first pitch to erase Wayne's margin of error. Colin Parker grounded to second, but Rose walked Brad Fletcher on a full count to bring up Evan Harbinson.
The count ran to 2-2, and Rose fanned him on a called fastball to send the Post 11 players on to the field in celebration.
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