Friday, May 23, 2003
GAME 18: ANGELS (10), DODGERS (0)
They couldn't dodge the bullets sprayed by our Angels, as
we posted another victory, this time over the boys in blue.
The opposing pitcher was a big help in the first inning, stretching
Adam's tomahawk chop through short into a triple by
dropping the incoming throw, and making Ricky's hustle
pay-off with a bad throw to first. Andrew and Anthony
followed with hits of their own.
There were no gimmee's at any base as Chad and Andrew
combined to throw three out from behind the plate. Jordan
and Adam cooly layed down the tags at second and third.
(Rumor has it the certain coaches, who shall remain unnamed,
may need to read about this action as they were chowing down
at the time - isn't that a violation of dug-out protocol??
Think a few laps may need to be run next practice......)
Johnny made good contact lofting the ball high over
first base. Jordan turned a swinging bunt into a home
run with smart baserunning and a little help from the other
side. Justin, JR, and Devin showed off
their knowledge of the strike zone by drawing walks. We also
pulled off a couple double steals just to keep things interesting.
On this Friday night we saw fine pitching from Jared,
Andrew, and Adam - and just like that another
game was in the bag. With just one regular season game left,
anticipation is growing for the excitement of post-season
play.
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
GAME 17: ANGELS (4), RED SOX (2)
You had to be there!
Saturday, May 17, 2003
GAME 16: ANGELS (9), TIGERS (0)
We tamed the Tigers and came off without a scratch!
The J's pounded the ball to all fields led by Jared
who continues to wield a hot bat hitting deep to both sides
and nearly clearing the fence with a moon shot to center...
it's just a matter of time!
On the heels of that play, Jordan was all
wheels, barreling around third without hesitation upon being
waved in following a drive to center. Despite an acrobatic
best effort, he was tagged in mid-air, but later praised for
demonstrating the aggressive base running our Angels are known
for.
Trajectory was a factor once again when his hard hit ball
up the middle took a sharp hop off the second base bag into
right field. JR tripled and Anthony
sent two to center, one drawing a wild throw to third that
resulted in a home run and a big league slide at the plate.
Chad didn't fare so well, caught looking
in two plate appearances, but sat down six in his two innings
on the hill. Johnny and Adam
demonstrated keen eyes drawing walks that later resulted in
RBI's. Adam's base running was sharp, taking
second when his routine pop-up was dropped by the Tiger infielder.
Griffin hustled down the line after an unintentional
bunt, but just missed call in a bang-bang play at first.
The outfield was a busy place; we kept the Tigers pacing!
Friday, May 16, 2003
GAME 15: ANGELS (14), ORIOLES (0)
After facing the Angels, the Orioles had nothing to sing
about.
Andrew was wide awake behind the dish early
on, hustling as the ball was fouled back and nearly nailing
the runner on a throwdown to second. He also took the mound
to strike out 3.
Steals were the order of the day; well executed by Devin
and Adam, who was caught in a run down, but
ultimately safe at home. Anthony laid down
a nice tag at third but didn't get the call. Griffin
also put in time at third, and always remembered to get to
the bag, but benefited from Jared's speedy
back up.
We saw RBI's by Adam and Ricky
and triples from Jordan and Chad.
JR began to regain earlier season form with
an infield hit and a hard come-backer at the Oriole pitcher
that scored two. But the big hit of the day came from Jared
with a rope between third and short that rolled to the fence
resulting in a GRAND SLAM.
It doesn't get much better than this, but the players were
challenged to show a little more heart. Coach Jerry
shared that Ricky is the only player who
always comes ready to play, and always shows his enthusiasm
for the game; now he's looking for the same from the rest
of the guys!
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
GAME 14: ANGELS (6), RANGERS (2)
The Rangers could not put out the fire as the Angels came
out early scoring two runs in the first inning. Jared
and Jordan paired up for a couple of hits and runs
getting a little help from Ricky who continues to rope
the ball. Chad worked crowd control for the first two,
preventing anyone from leaving the box.
Andrew started the third with a lollipop that dropped
in the infield. Griffin followed suit with his own
flavor pop and scored Andrew for an RBI. Johnny
was all eyes as he drew a walk and later scored off a hit
from the top. Adam hit the ball well, but forced Chad
out at second.
Jared pitched a stellar 3rd, but the Rangers threw
up smoke to score 2 in the fourth. Not content with the lack
of noise, Ricky, Anthony and Andrew combined
at bats to score a final run in the sixth. Jordan sent
6 home from the mound including a 1-3 combination.
Not one of our greatest performances at the plate, but all
things considered, we'll take the win.
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
GAME 13: ANGELS (7), GIANTS (2)
Chad pounded out a triple that bounced to the centerfield
fence and played it smart in a run-down between third and
home following Adam's high-fly over first base. Runners
Griffin and Justin slid into stolen bases while
Ricky's second hit, down the third base line, produced
a ribbie. Anthony followed suit, producing an RBI and
getting under the tag at third with a nice slide.
Griffin fielded a ball hit to center and threw to second
holding the runner to a single. Jordan handled that
throw, then made a nice leap to reel in a throw that sailed
on the catcher.
The Giants threatened with runners at first and third, but
Jared took care of business, striking out the final
batter in the 4th innning. Devin chose his pitches
carefully and drew a walk, followed by a double steal that
resulted in two runs scored on Jordan's hard hit ball
between second and third.
After repeated attempts to educate and motivate our boys in
the fundamentals of baserunning, I have it on good authority
that the coaches were pleased with what they saw and feel
better decisions are being made as players round the bags.
Keep running smart and hard guys!
Saturday, May 3, 2003
GAME --: ANGELS (-), TIGERS (-)
We fielded 8 players against the Tigers, but unfortunately
that was not enough for an official game. So, while both offensive
and defensive highlights were enjoyed, it will not go down
in the annals of ELB Pinto Angel history... until we meet
for the rescheduled game next Saturday.
On to the Giants...
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
GAME 12: ANGELS (9), REDS (1)
The Angels have become a team of thieves, stealing the game
and a multitude of bases! The bats continued to be live as
Jordan and Jared led off the first inning with
line drives to the outfield. The table was set for Anthony,
who blistered one on the ground between second and third to
drive in two runs. Justin's hit landed at the edge
of the dirt beyond second, beginning a consecutive game hitting
streak.
Adam came up with the lone defensive play, flashing
some leather at third and completing the throw to second in
time to get the runner. Hope all the boys noticed the way
Jared ran out his pop-up on the right side of the diamond
-- cause when the infielder dropped it - he was safe at first.
Guess those "run through the base" drills have paid off.
Next up, Tigers on Saturday. Our players are in sync - just
need the weather to cooperate!
Sunday, April 27, 2003
GAME 11: ANGELS (12), PIRATES (0)
The Angels returned for the rescheduled Pirate game after
a break of almost 2 weeks, but you couldn't tell by the way
they swung the bat!
Anthony, Ricky, and Griffin all registered
triples, while Chad hit deep over the centerfielder's
head for a home run. Justin made contact twice, driving
in an RBI and following up with a solid hit, earning him the
game ball. Jordan threw heat, striking out 6 before
heading behind the plate where he did a nice job in his first
turn at catching this year. The only opposing hit of the game,
a comebacker to the mound, was handled cleanly by Jared
who pitched well to close the game.
Coaches agree that the team was swinging at better pitches,
batting more aggressively, and looking more confident overall.
Let's see how it pays off as we approach the second half of
the season!
Friday, April 11, 2003
GAME 10: ANGELS (18), A's (2)
The game against the A's started as a walk-a-thon with Angel
players loading the bases. Griffin lined one to the
right side for 2 ribbie's and later had the defensive play
of the game as he backhanded a high fly at first and threw
a dart to second where Devin was waiting to double
off the runner. Our utility infielders are really making progress!
Right field was a busy place when the Angels stepped into
the batter's box: Jared hit a dinger and revisited
the site with a second hard hit ball; Anthony cranked
one deep down the first base line, and Andrew dropped
a parachute into shallow right. He also fielded well at second,
backed up the infield from center, and was on the hill in
the last inning. What a versatile guy!
Ricardo and Adam flawlessly executed the double
steal while Justin was all hustle, speeding past a
potential tag to arrive safely at second. Despite being hit
by errant pitches in the course of the game, this trio didn't
miss a stride.
We face a 2-week lay-off following next Wednesday's game against
the Pirates …. LET'S FIRE UP AND GO OUT STRONG!
Thursday, April 3, 2003
GAME 9: ANGELS (11), CARDINALS (3)
This team is really coming into it's own with all the boys
making a contribution, but Johnny scored the big league
play-of-the-day against the Cardinals, backhanding a ball
ripped up the middle and throwing to first. Definitely one
of the best defensive plays this season! And the boy is not
afraid to slide hard either, as he demonstrated at third and
again at home.
Chad had a good all-around night, running the bases
without looking back as he knocked one into the gap in right
center field for a home run. Behind the dish he tagged a runner
and teamed up with Jordan in a throw down to second,
beating a would-be basestealer by several steps.
J.R. roped one down the first base line for the second
home run of the night, while Ricardo, Adam,
and Andrew also hit the ball on the screws. Our ever
reliable pitching was right on the money; Jared's stint
on the mound included a nice snag of a hard hit comebacker
as he went on to nail down another Angel victory.
Even around the horn was sharply executed - mid-season form
is looking good!
Tuesday, March 31, 2003
GAME 8: ANGELS (8), YANKEES (0)
Angel confidence grows as bats were hot in a victory against
the Yankees.
Devin got his first hit of the year starting a mid-inning
rally, while Johnny and Griffin both made contact
and hustled down the first base line.
But tonight's big stick belonged to Jared who hit to
center and lined one hard down the third base side. Lightening
quick on the base paths, he rounded the corners without hesitation.
Another baserunner with his head in the game was Adam,
who remained at second until a ball hit to third was thrown
across the diamond. He was also part of a double steal which
included Ricardo who had a nice hit to left and a golden
glove at first base.
Devin and Griffin rounded out their evenings
with solid throws to first; one coming in from right field
and the other upon cleanly fielding a hard hit grounder at
second base. Good job guys!
Saturday, March 29, 2003
GAME 7: ANGELS (15), WHITE SOX (5)
The first early morning game of the season didn't phase
our guys who put together one of their more complete performances
against the White Sox.
Adam was the bomb … striking out the side in an impressive
pitching debut. Looks like the Angels have another fantastic
addition to an already strong staff.
He's a home run hitter … who would that be?? Jordan,
who hit a long ball to center and slid across home plate before
the throw reached the catcher. J.R. is also carrying
a big stick, going 2/3 with a high line drive to left.
The Angels finally had an opportunity to make some defensive
plays - and rose to the task. Chad covered second base
well, fielding cleanly and throwing from his knees to get
a runner at first. Johnny also handled that position
with finesse, scooping up a grounder and making the throw
to first right on target. Our toughest guy was Justin
at third base, who took one to the face, but shook it off
and stayed in the game. Way to hang, dude!
Thursday, March 20, 2003
GAME 6: ANGELS (3), ORIOLES (0)
The coaches want THINK HIT to be the Angels' mindset as
they approach the plate. Those who did included Jordan,
blasting one deep to right; Ricardo, who poked a grounder
through on the same side;and Griffin stretching his
first hit of the season into a triple by listening to the
base coaches.
The pitching staff fared well combining for 16 strikeouts,
while defensive plays were made routinely.
We missed Anthony, one of our more agressive hitters
and hope his ankle feels better so he can join us Saturday
... when all the Angels will enter the batter's box knowing
their job is to just make contact ... and THINGS WILL HAPPEN.
Thursday, March 20, 2003
GAME 5: ANGELS (13), RANGERS (0)
Jared provided the high point in this Angel victory,
sending two long fly balls to straightaway center. One became
a Grand Slam thanks to his awesome speed on the base paths!
Ricardo was another fast runner, easily stealing third
following his hard hit double.
Adam and Chad provided excitement as they drove
deep only to be cut down at the plate by good Ranger throws.
But both boys played good defense; Chad catching a
pop fly over first and doubling the runner off at second.
Jordan was there to receive the ball and continued
to have his head in the game, backing up throws to third.
Devin showed his mettle hustling down to first after
taking a hard pitch in the lower back. And Justin was
a smart batter who read the pitches well, drawing a walk which
allowed another run to score.
All in all, a satifying win, but the coaches pressed the boys
to show more heart and come prepared to play all-out baseball
regardless of the level of competition they face.
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
GAME 4: ANGELS (13), INDIANS (3)
Our bats came alive as the Angels rebounded with a victory
over the Indians on yet another chilly night.
J. R.'s first hit of the season was an inside the park
home run! He set the tone for Chad and Adam,
who went on to follow suit, while Jared collected a
line drive to center field. Devin drew 2 walks and
Johnny was wide awake on the base paths, stealing 2nd
and 3rd. Griffin was awarded the game ball - on base
after being hit by a pitch for the 3rd time in as many games.
Andrew showed his versatility, first behind the dish
and then striking out the side in his first start of the season.
Anthony also had a nice debut behind the plate. After
the game, home made chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed by
players, coaches, and team moms too. Thanks to Justin's
mom for a yummy snack!
Thursday, March 13, 2003
GAME 3: RED SOX (2), ANGELS (1)
The Angels met some stiff competition and got their first
taste of defeat in the 3rd game of the season. Anticipation
was high as the team took the field to face a solid Red Sox
squad. Our guys gave their all, but the low scoring game became
a pitcher's duel and both sides fared well. Jordan came off
his sickbed to deliver a decisive start and Jared closed impressively.
While neither side collected many hits, our bright spots included
Justin's improved batting stance; resulting in several strong
cuts. He's due to connect soon, as is Devin, who always swings
agressively. Several hitters, including Johnny, worked the
count. Chad came through with a clutch 2 out hit driving in
a run to answer the 2 scored in the top of the first inning.
Adam justified his 5th spot in the batting order going 2 for
2.
Ricardo's glove served him well at first, handling a long
throw from Anthony in center, and fielding a late inning hit
that allowed us to remain within one run in the bottom of
the 6th. Unfortunately, a come from behind victory did not
materialize but that will just serve as inspiration when we
meet this worthy opponent again in May.
Saturday, March 8, 2003
GAME 2: ANGELS (6), GIANTS (0)
We were challenged a little more by the opposing pitching
in Game 2 against the Giants. The Angels didn't record as
many hits this time, however Anthony is still batting
1.000, including a long ball hit to center field that scored
2 runs. Andrew dropped one into right driving in 2
more. Griffin took getting plunked between the shoulder
blades like a pro, heading down to first without hesitation,
and making a nice slide into second.
Defensively, Jared showed his speed covering first
base in time to receive the flip from Chad for a nice
out. Rumor has it that Jordan watches Ozzie Smith video's
for inspiration and after seeing his over-the-shoulder diving
catch at short, I believe he's paying attention! As before,
our pitching looked strong.
A tip of the hat to our scorekeepers, who knew immediately
that there were 2 outs rather than 3 when we temporarily vacated
the field in the 3rd inning. Justin's sister Katie
did a great job passing the Angel can through the crowd as
runs crossed the plate.
Once again the coaches were proud, but challenged the team
as a whole to be smarter on the bases and more aggressive
at the plate. All the kids enjoyed singing and celebrating
Coach Jerry's birthday complete with cupcakes and the
gift of their effort and enthusiasm throughout the week!
Thursday, March 6, 2003
GAME 1: ANGELS (13) , DODGERS (0)
In our first game, the A's had it! Anaheim Angel A's that
is…We had a strong showing against the Dodgers featuring
an awesome connection at first and third. Adam's sharp
backhanded glove work and strong throw to first resulted in
an impressive out. He did a great job laying down the tag
when Andrew's heads up throw came into third, and also
hit deep to right field driving in a run.
The J's were well represented too! J.R. took a hit
away from the Dodgers charging a ball hit to right field and
throwing the runner out at first. Jordan drilled one
out to center field for a 3rd inning triple. Our collective
pitching recorded 9 strike-outs, proudly marked with K's on
the pitcher's caps after the game.
Good hustle by all the Angels set the tone for what will surely
be an exciting season!
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