On the road again...

It was a challenge for Coach Lance to find a tournament to play in this weekend because most teams are playing in their District Tournaments this weekend. Obviously, our Districts were last weekend.

So...next stop? MYRTLE BEACH! We'll be a part of 8U Machine Pitch World Series Warm Up Tournament!

Coastal Scrappers
GP Angels
Coastal Crush
West Raleigh Blue
Rock Hill Renegades

We'll be on field #8 at Market Commons! First game is against the GP Angels at 2:30pm and then we'll face the Rock Hill Renegades at 4pm!

Here's the link for the tournament: http://myrtlebeachsports.org/8u-machine-pitch-world-series-warm-up/

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So You Think He Can Dance?

Before each game, the boys get in a circle...they rotate in and out with their own special dance move...an idea to get the boys loosened up and relaxed as well as to have some fun! The players wanted Coach Lance to go in the middle of the circle, but Coach told the team they have to play hard and MAYBE he'll dance on Sunday.

Well...as they took home the District Championship title...they saw Coach dance! How many other coaches are willing to "stop and break it down" with their teams???

2012 Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken District Champions!!

We played in the championship game today with the first pitch at 11:30am against North Wake's A Team! We took the win in 5 innings, 13-3. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Lawson caught a low fly ball at second for the last out

2nd inning:
A nice 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Ian caught a foul fly ball at first for the second out
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Logan caught a fly ball at left field for outs 1 and 2
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the last out

4th inning:
Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher for out #1
Ben (left centerfield) to Luke (third), Luke ran him back towards second and tagged him out for out #2
Luke caught a low fly ball at third for out #3

5th inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out

Great job backing up the infield outfielders...Lukas, Riley, Isaac, Chris, Mike, Jackson, Logan, Ben and Charley!

Nice job popping up behind the plate Lukas and Riley!

Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 0-3
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 3-3 with 3 triples, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 1-2 with 2 RBI
Riley: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Ian: 1-2 with a triple, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Mike: 1-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Logan: 2-2 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI
Ben:0-2
Charley: 1-2 with 1 run scored

GREAT JOB WEST RALEIGH 8U BLUE!

We're not sure where we're headed next weekend. We'll keep you posted!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Headed to the Championship Game Tomorrow!

8U Blue faced the Hillsborough HYAA team this morning at 9am. The players and families were there bright and early and won the game in the 4th! Here's what we did DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Luke (third) for the second out
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out

2nd inning:
Ian (first) to Mike (pitcher) at first for out #1
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #3

3rd inning:
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out
Logan (second) to Luke (shortstop) at second for out #2
Luke (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for the last out

4th inning:
A nice 1-2-3 inning...
Jackson caught a fly ball at right centerfield for the first out
Charley (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for the second and third outs

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 0-2
Lawson: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Lukas: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 0-2
Riley: 2-2 with a double, 4 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 2-2 with a triple, double, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 2-2with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 1-2 with 1 run scored

Our team had quick snacks, drinks and then were ready to play their second game! First pitch was at 10:30am. This game lasted less than 1 hour and we won, 20-6!

DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the first out
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the second out
Chris caught a line drive at pitcher to end the inning
A great 1-2-3 inning!

2nd inning:
Isaac had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Double play here...Riley caught a fly ball at rightfield...threw the ball to Isaac at first to get the runner out. Nice job!

3rd inning:
Chris caught a fly ball at pitcher for out #1
Isaac caught a fly ball at right centerfield for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the first out
Ian caught a line drive at first for the second out
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lukas: 3-3 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with 2 triples, double, 4 RRBI and 2 runs scored
Riley: 2-3 with a double, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 1-2 with a triple, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Mike: 2-2 with a double and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Logan: 2-2 with a triple, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 1-1 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 2-2 with a triple and 2 runs scored

Next up...CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TOMORROW AT 11:30AM!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Day...New Time

Everyone ventured on up to Wake Forest to play at 6pm...the clouds looked very dark and the radar screen didn't look all too wonderful. The team headed in, then lightening. So, undercover we all went. We waited awhile with the 7U team who was also scheduled to play at 6pm and then released to warm up. Families were all set for the game, seats arranged, players warmed up, then MORE lightening. They ran fast to the covered area. A few minutes later, after the coaches meeting, everyone was sent home! Yes, we had to "stop...and break it down" all over again.

It's 9:40pm and we just received word that we'll play at 9am on Saturday!!

So, let's...

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Link to the Districts Site

http://northwakebaseballcomplex.com/

District 2...Game #1: WR 8U BLUE 13 S. Granville 2

Tonight we kicked off the District Tournament with a win against South Granville in 4 1/2 innings! First pitch was slightly before 6pm and the game lasted around 60 minutes. Our boys looked mighty good sporting their pink and blue uniforms! Very sharp looking. :-)
Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning...
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the first out
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Luke (third) to Logan (second) for the second out
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at shortstop for the last out

4th inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning...
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Ian caught a fly ball at first for the second out
Charley caught a fly ball at rightfield for the final out

Great job behind the plate Ben, Riley and Isaac! Nice work in the outfield Logan, Lukas, Isaac, Chris, Mike, Jackson, Riley and Charley!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Lawson: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lukas: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-2 with a ground rule double and 2 runs scored
Riley: 1-2 with a double and 3 RBI
Isaac: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Chris: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Mike: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Logan: 2-2 with a double, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Charley: 0-2

Next up for 8U Blue is a game Friday night at 6pm!

pre game warm up...sporting the pink/blue outfit!

a few minutes of chill time before heading to our field

Mrs. Julie and company arrived with treat bags for our all stars!

Our team watching the big boys from West Raleigh win their game!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Districts are HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a big weekend for our team! We kick off the District 2 Tournament Thursday night at 6pm against S. Granville! We'll be playing at The Factory in Wake Forest!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top Gun Sports All Star Warm Up Champions!

That's right! 8U went 4-0 this weekend and took home the championship! I'll "Stop! and break it down" for you...

Our first game on Saturday was scheduled for 10:45am against the Winter Park American team. We won 9-3. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Lawson caught a line drive at second base for out #1
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) to end the inning

2nd inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Mike (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the last out

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 3
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #2
A nice 1-2-3 inning!

4th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson caught a line drive at second to end the inning
Another nice 1-2-3 inning!

5th inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for out #2
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the last out

6th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for the last out

Looking good in the outfield Riley, Isaac, Chris, Mike, Jackson, Logan, Ben, Charley and Lukas!

OFFENSIVELY...
Kaden: 1-3
Lawson: 2-3 with a run scored
Luke: 3-3 with a double and 2 runs scored
Riley: 2-2 with 1 RRBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 0-3
Chris: 2-3 with a triple, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 1-2 with a double and RBI
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Ben: 0-2
Charley: 0-2
Lukas: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored

Not too much time wasted after this game because we had to face the Topsail team! We won 13-2 in 4 innings. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ben (left centerfield) to Lawson (second) for out #1
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for outs 2 and 3

2nd inning:
Charley caught a fly ball at rightfield for out #1
Logan caught a fly ball at second for an out

3rd inning:
There was some throwing the ball around, but an out was made...it went from Logan (leftfield) to Isaac (first) to Riley (third) to Ben (catcher) for the out!
Kaden (shortstop) to Isaac (first) for out #2
Isaac had an unassisted play at first for the last out

4th inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1
Mike caught a fly ball at centerfield for out #2
Isaac had an unassisted play at first for the last out

Nice job outfielders!!

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Lawson: 2-3 with a triple and 2 runs scored
Luke: 2-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Isaac: 0-3
Ian: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Chris: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Mike: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Logan: 0-2
Ben: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Charley: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Lukas: 2-2 with 1 run scored

We finished our games fairly early, so we headed over to our hotel, had some pool time, jumped into the RV (aka players' lounge) and went back to the field to cheer on the West Raleigh 7U Blue team play. After their first game, our team headed out for an adventure. Dinner! Back to the hotel for a dip in the pool and then the team headed to their rooms! Thank you parents for decorating the hotel doors for the boys! It's a nice added touch and something we started last year. :-)

We were the #1 seed heading into bracket play on Sunday. The kids slept in, had breakfast in the hotel and then piled in the RV to drive over to the field to watch some of the West Raleigh 7U Blue game. Then, it was our turn to play at 12:30pm! We faced the Winter Park American team again and won 14-3. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the first out
Chris (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for the second out
Ian caught a fly ball at first for the last out

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball at left centerfield for an out
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 3-3 with 2 doubles, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 1-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ian: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI
Ben: 2-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 0-2
Lukas: 1-2 with 1 run scored

Now we're headed into the championship game against our very own West Raleigh 7U Blue! We won 6-2!

DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Isaac (right centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2
Chris caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the last out

2nd inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Mike caught a fly ball at pitcher for the last out

3rd inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for outs 2 and 3

4th inning:
Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop for out #1
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for out #2
Ian caught a low line drive at first for the last out

5th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop for out #2
Mike caught a low line drive at pitcher for the last out

6th inning:
Riley (catcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Lawson: 3-3 with a double
Luke: 2-3 with a double and RBI
Riley: 0-2
Isaac: 1-2
Ian: 0-2
Chris: 0-2
Mike: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 2-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 2-2 with a double, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 0-2
Lukas: 0-2

Next up for the 8U Blue...DISTRICTS!!!!!!

Pre championship game talk...WR 7u Blue vs WR 8u Blue

They are ready to play ball!

But first our team needs to "Stop...and break it down!"

Post game photo

A sideways picture of the championship plaque

Team photo...missing Coach Cailean though

The Wilmington championship game was on Father's Day...some of the dads who were present for a post game photo!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top Gun Sports All Star Warm Weekend in Wilmington

We're one of eight teams playing in this tournament. All teams are with Cal Ripken and this will be the first tournament where we'll be with our own 7U Blue All Star team!

Our first game is set for 10:45am against the 8U Winter Park American Team. Then, we'll play Topsail 8U at 12:30pm!

The schedule can be found here: http://www.playtopgunsports.com/attachments/article/406/7u-8uAllstarILM.pdf

Looking forward to playing against new teams once again this weekend!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BBQ Fundraiser!!!!

That's right! Come get some Backyard Bistro bbq, potato salad, slaw, hushpuppies and a dessert for just $7!!!!!!!!! Can't beat that anywhere!

Come out and support the team between 11am and 7pm on Friday at Ephesus Baptist Church...6767 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh!

The last game of the tournament

We played the Porter Ridge 7U team in the consolation game of the Gold Bracket and won 16-4 in 4 innings.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke had an unassisted play at third for the second out
Ben caught a fly ball out in the centerfield area for out #3

2nd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Riley had an unassisted play at third for out #1
Logan (second) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop to end the inning

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Riley (third) for out #1
Riley had an unassisted play at third for out #2
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-2 with a double and 2 runs scored
Lawson: 1-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-2 with a triple, double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 2-2 with a double and 1 run scored
Chris: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 2-2 with a triple, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Logan: 2-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 1-2
Lukas: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored

It was a great weekend and looking forward to some more baseball this week and next weekend!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8U BLUE 4...Next Level Scots 5

Our first game of the day was scheduled for 1:30pm, but the tournament was behind and we didn't have the first pitch until 2:40pm. It was an overcast sorta day, with some sprinkles.

DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #1
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for out #2
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Lawson had an unassisted play that had controversy around it, but yes...he did a great job! He caught a fly ball at second and tagged second base because the runner took off to third before the ball was caught. Great double play!

3rd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop for out #2
Logan (leftfield) to Luke (third) to Riley (catcher) for the last out!! GREAT JOB!

4th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Isaac caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #2
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out

5th inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for the first out
Ben (left centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for out #2
Mike (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second for the last out

6th inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #2
Ben caught a fly ball at left centerfield for the last out

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 2-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 1 run scored
Luke: 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 3-3 with 2 doubles and 1 RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a double and 1 RBI
Ian: 0-3
Chris: 1-3
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 1-2 with a double and 1 run scored
Ben: 0-2
Charley: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 1-2

Next Level Scots head to the Championship game and we play Porter Ridge in a consolation game.

8U BLUE14 Belmont Bombers 6

At 5:20pm we started our second and last game of the day. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
Mike caught a hard line drive at pitcher for the first out
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1
Jackson (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Riley caught a fly ball at rightfield for the last out

4th inning:
Ian caught a line drive at first for out #1
Chris (pitcher) to Isaac (catcher) for out #2
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

5th inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the second out
Lawson caught a line drive at second for out #3

OFFENSIVELY...

Kaden: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Lawson: 1-3 with a double, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 0-2
Chris: 2-2 with a triple, double, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Mike: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 1-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 1-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Lukas: 1-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored

Off to the hotel for a pizza and pool party!!!!!

The team is seeded 2nd heading into Sunday's Gold Bracket. We'll face #3 seed Next Level Scots at 1:30pm!

8U Blue 16...MARA Mustangs 2

Our first game on Saturday started a little after 3pm and lasted just shy of 1 hour and in 4 innings due to the score. Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1
Double play...Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #2 and then Ian (first) back over to Luke (third) for out #3!

2nd inning:
Another double play...Lawson had an unassisted play at second and then threw the ball to Ian (first)!

3rd inning:
Another double play...Ian caught a fly ball at first and then tagged the base to get the runner out who didn't tag up!
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop to end the inning.

4th inning:
Riley caught a foul fly ball at the third base area for the first out.
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Logan caught a fly ball at second for the last out.
A great 1-2-3 inning!

OFFENSIVELY off the pitching machine...

Kaden: 3-3 with a double, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 1-3 with a double and 3 RBI
Riley: 1-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Isaac: 1-2 with a triple to left center, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 2-2 with a triple to right, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Chris: 0-2 with 1 RBI
Mike: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Jackson: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Logan: 1-2 with a triple to right center, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ben: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 2-2 with a triple to left center, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Lukas: 1-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored

Next up for Blue will be against the Belmont Bombers...

11th Annual Beast of the East!

8U Blue sure does like to check out different teams in this state! We're heading out of the Triangle area and going to Charlotte to play in the 11th Annual Beast of the East Tournament with eight other teams. Our first game is scheduled for 3pm against the MARA Mustangs, then we play at 4:30pm against the Belmont Bombers! The Sunday schedule will be based on  the Saturday's results.

To check out the schedule, then click on this link: Beast of the East Tournament Schedule

WR Blue	Belmont Bombers
MARA Mustangs	Porter Ridge 7U
Carolina Indians	Garnet Crush
KM Storm	Next Level Scotts
East Lincoln Mustangs

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Runner Ups

The team headed back to Greensboro for the 2nd and last day of the tournament. Our first game was scheduled to start at 2pm against the Majestic Muddogs. Coach Lance chose to go coach pitch today after a few issues yesterday with the pitching machine. Coach Dave raced over from the tournament his softball was in and made it just in time to pitch to our players during the game!

We won the game in 4 innings...13-1 that took 45 minutes!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Kaden caught a line drive for out #1
Ian (first) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #2

2nd inning:
Luke caught a fly ball at third for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

3rd inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Riley (catcher) for the first out!
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second base for the second out!
Isaac (centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for the final out!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 1-3
Luke: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Riley: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Ian: 2-2 with 2 triples, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored
Chris: 1-2 with 2 RBI
Mike: 2-2 with 1 run scored
Jackson: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Logan: 2-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ben: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 1-2 with 1 RBI

A few minutes later we faced our next opponent...the Yak! We played them on Saturday, too. This time we won, 13-0 in 4 innings that took around 50 minutes!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) for out #1
Luke had an unassisted play at third for an out

2nd inning:
A great 1-2-3 inning...
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the first 2 outs
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the last out

3rd inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3

4th inning:
Kaden had an unassisted play at shortstop for an out
Logan (leftfield) to Lawson (second) for the last out

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Lawson: 3-3 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Lukas: 1-3 and 1 run scored
Luke: 1-2 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 2-2 with 2 runs scored
Isaac: 2-2 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ian: 0-2
Chris: 2-2 with a triple, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Mike: 1-2 with a double and 3 RBI
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 0-2
Ben: 1-2 with 1 run scored
Charley: 2-2 with 2 runs scored

We switched fields after the second game and played the Level Cross Kings in the championship game! Yes, that's 3 games in a row all within about 2 1/2 hours.

DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #1
Ian (first) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for the second out
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

2nd inning:
Luke caught a foul fly ball for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for out #2
Luke (third) to Lawson (second) for the last out

3rd inning:
Mike (centerfield area) to Ian (around the pitcher's mound who backed up the throw) to Luke at third base for out #1!!
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the last out

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the first 2 outs
Luke caught a foul fly ball at third for the last out

5th inning:
Ben (left centerfield) leaped towards leftfield and caught the ball for the first out!!! AMAZING!
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the second out
Logan caught a fly ball at leftfield for out #3

The opposing teams could hit the ball to our outfielders! Great job to 8U Blue outfielders to get the ball into the infield...Isaac, Lukas, Mike, Jackson, Logan, Ben and Charley!!! 


Also, way to work behind the plate playing catcher...Ben, Riley and Lukas!!! 

For the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Lawson: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Lukas: 1-2 with a double, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Riley: 1-2 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 1-2
Ian: 1-2
Chris: 1-2
Mike: 1-2
Jackson: 1-2
Logan: 2-2
Ben: 0-2
Charley: 0-2

line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
WR 8U Blue	0	1	0	3	0	0	4	13
Level Cross Kings	4	0	1	3	0	x	5	14

West Raleigh fought back today and it was their first tournament of the all star season! Just a few days ago they were playing against each other in the West Raleigh Minor League Tournament and within hours...they were playing together on the field in this tournament.

Looking forward to watching this team play this summer and excited to travel to the western side of the state to play some great teams!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day #1 in Greensboro

West Raleigh 8U Blue ventured west to play new teams rather than entering tournaments with teams we've played against in the past.

Something new. Something different.

There were six teams entered in this tournament through the Nations organization, which ended up being a coach pitch tournament. However, at least two teams (West Raleigh included) chose to go machine pitch. Using the machine is more challenging, but Districts and States are machine pitch. Since the tournament was changed to coach pitch, all teams entered had to follow the coach pitch rules (i.e.-no bunting allowed) even if our team used the machine. Confused yet? ;-) No worries! The good thing about our coaches and parents is that we agree to try new leagues, new tournaments and play with different rules each time!

We played the first game at 11:30am against Kernersville. We won 12-11 and the game was called due to time.

Here were some outs that were made...

1st inning:
Isaac (right centerfield) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the last out

2nd inning:
Kaden (shortstop) to Logan (second) for out #1
Chris (third) to Logan (second) for out #2
Mike caught an infield fly ball at pitcher to end the inning

3rd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning...
Ian with an unassisted play at first base
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first)
Logan caught an incredible fly ball at leftfield

4th inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for an out
Charley caught a fly ball at leftfield for an out

5th inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second and then turned to Ian (first) for a double play
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out

Some highlights on our offense...

--Chris had a double and 2 RBI in the 2nd and then hit a single with 1 RBI to end the game (it was actually 2, but just 1 counted due to rules)

--Isaac had a double and then a single with 2 RBI

Then, we played Yak Baseball from High Point and lost 11-3. Here's how we made some defensive plays...

1st inning:
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the first out
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke (third) for an out

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Luke (first) for out #1
Mike (pitcher) to Luke (first) for out #2
Charley caught a fly ball at third for the last out

3rd inning:
A double play was made...the ball was hit to Lukas (third)...he threw the ball to Ian (first) for an out, then Ian threw the ball back to Lukas because the runner on second was running to third. Nice!
Mike (second) to Ian (first) for the last out

4th inning:
Luke (third) to Logan (second) for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) to Logan (second) for out #2
Then...Charley (rightfield) to Chris (first) to Luke (third) to Ben (catcher) to Luke (third) to Ben (catcher) and then Ben tagged the runner on his back to end the inning! What a pickle!

5th inning:
Lawson caught a fly ball at second
Kaden (shortstop) to Jackson (third) for out #2

6th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1
Kaden (shortstop) had an unassisted play at second for out #2
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out

A few highlights from our offense...

--Isaac had a nice double in the 5th

--Luke had a great triple in the 3rd

Next up for the team is day 2 at the tournament. A different field in Greensboro. Our first game is at 2pm!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to Greensboro...

We're looking forward to our first tournament this season...

Teams Playing Pool A Yak Baseball 8u Kernersville Warriors West Raleigh 8u

Teams Playing Pool B Majestic Muddogs Level Cross Kings Foothill Gators

Pool A
Gm#	Team 1	Score		Team 2	Score	Park - Field	Game Time
Saturday
1	Yak Baseball 8u		vs	Kernersville Warriors		Barber Park - 1	Sat 10:00am
2	Kernersville Warriors		vs	West Raleigh 8u		Barber Park - 1	Sat 11:30am
3	West Raleigh 8u		vs	Yak Baseball 8u		Barber Park - 1	Sat 1:00pm

Pool B
Gm#	Team 1	Score		Team 2	Score	Park - Field	Game Time
4	Majestic Muddogs		vs	Level Cross Kings		Barber Park - 1	Sat 3:00pm
5	Level Cross Kings		vs	Foothill Gators		Barber Park - 1	Sat 4:30pm
6	Foothill Gators		vs	Majestic Muddogs		Barber Park - 1	Sat 6:00pm

Gm#	Team 1	Score		Team 2	Score	Park - Field	Game Time
Sunday Bracket Play Single Elimination
7	Pool B #3 seed		vs	Pool A #2 seed		Latham Park - 1	Sun 2:00pm
8	Pool A #3 seed		vs	Pool B #2 seed		Latham Park - 2	Sun 2:00pm
9	Winner of game 7		vs	Pool B #1 seed		Latham Park - 1	Sun 3:15pm
10	Winner of game 8		vs	Pool A #1 seed		Latham Park - 2	Sun 3:15pm
Championship Game
11	Winner of game 9		vs	Winner of game 10		Latham Park - 1	Sun 4:30pm
Consolation Game
12	Loser of game 7		vs	Loser of game 8		Latham Park - 2	Sun 4:30pm