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Last updated
11-09-09 12:33 AM
Desert Thunder
Kelly Fowler
520 247-0781
Tucson, Arizona
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 Tournament News |
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Sunday, May 31
Desert Thunder Qualifies for 2009 ASA 16U National Championships
Desert Thunder 93 took the field at the Prescott 16U National qualifier on Memorial weekend 2009. With victories over Thunderhawks (2-0), HotShots Keith (3-2 extra innings), Killer Bees (7-6), HotShots Creed (9-3) and in the Championship Game over Killer Bees 4-2. Desert Thunder now sets it's Sites on Sioux Falls, South Dakota July 26- August 2. The weekend was filled with Great Hitting, Great Fielding, Great Pitching and Great Baserunning. AWESOME JOB DT!!!!
Sunday, September 7
2008 ASA Nationals in Midland, TX
Desert Thudner 93 started their quest for the elusive 14U ASA National Championship today in Midland, TX. In their first game of the tournament, DT93 defeated the DC Jets 7 - 0 in the 1:40 minute game. The DC Jets hale from the Denver, Colorado area. Coming back from an injury, Kaitlin Wilson picked up the win in the circle for DT93, going 3 innings, not giving up a hit, with 2 Ks. Mel White came on in relief for the final 2 innings, also with 2 Ks. The Defensive web-jem of the night came in the 2nd inning, with a beutiful 1-6-3 Double Play. Pitcher Kaitlin Wilson to Mattie Fowler at SS to Kayla Laguna at 1B. The Yankees would be proud.... From RF, Dani Colwill threw out a runner at 2nd Base. Offensively, Thunder got things going early. In the 1st, Taylor Watkins singled and stole 2nd. Mattie Fowler singled, moved Watkins to 3rd -- then stole 2nd. Morgan McKeever singled sharply to left center to score Watkins. In the 2nd Inning, Jenna Bodman walked and Kaitlin Wilson singled. Betsy Erickson in to run for Wilson. Kayla Henry had an infield hit -- all safe, bases loaded. Taylor Watkins singled again up the middle to score Bodman and Erickson. Mattie Fowler had a bunt single to load the bases again. Kayla Henry then stole home on a passed ball. Nikki Dunlap singled up the middle to score Watkins. At the end of 2 innings, DT up 5 - 0. DT93 scored one in the 3rd inning. Jenna Bodman singled to RF. Kaitlin Wilson executed a great Hit-and-Run to advance Bodman. Kayla Henry singled to LF to score Bodman. In the 5th Inning, Taylor Bradley walked and stole 2nd base. Taylor Watkins smashed a triple to left center to plate Bradley. In the 6th Inning, Nikki Dunlap walked, Morgan McKeever sindled and Betsy Erickson reached on an infield hit.... and then...... time expired with the bases loaded and no outs. 5 DT93 players had 2 or more hits. Taylor Watkins lead DT93, going 3 - 4, with 2 runs and 3 RBIs. DT93 will play the Texas Peppers at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening. In their final Pool Play game of the tournament, DT93 lost 3 – 0 to the Texas Peppers. While being shut-out, the teams were fairly equally matched. DT93 had 4 hits to the Peppers 3, but 3 untimely errors lead to 2 unearned runs for the Houston, TX based team. In the circle, Mattie Fowler started the game, pitching 2 innings, not giving up a hit with 1 K and no BB, giving up an unearned run in the 1st. Kayla Laguna pitched the last 4 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs (1 earned). Offensively, DT hit the ball extremely hard – and right at the defenders. DT93 stranded 6 runners. Leading off the game, Kayla Henry continued to put pressure on the defense. On the 3rd pitch of the game, Henry smashed a ball down the LF line – but was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple. This seemed to set the tone for the game. In the 2nd, Dani Colwill singled to RF, but was stranded. Morgan McKeever walked in the 2nd and 7th, but was stranded. Mattie Fowler singled to right center in the 4th, but was stranded. Betsy Erickson singled to LF in the 6th – and you guessed it, was stranded. Defensively, several players made great plays to keep the game close. Valerie Mendoza made a great play at 3B to snag the speedy Texas Slapper. Erickson also made two running catches in CF to end threats. In the 6th inning, Jenna Bodman robbed a sure single to LF making a spectacular grab. The defensive highlight was the perfectly executed pickoff/pickle in the 4th inning. With Texas Peppers runners at 1st and 2nd, McKeever caught the lead runner off the bag – throwing to Nikki Dunlap covering 2B, then to Mendoza at 3B, then back to Fowler at SS to nail the runner between 2nd and 3rd. Well executed…. For DT93, the double elimination bracket starts Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM against the Valley Stompers from Nor-Cal. Like most years, DT did not receive a great “random” draw – and their first game against the Stompers is a “play-in” (or extra) game. With an odd number of teams registered, a few teams have to play an extra game to get the brackets aligned. Win or lose, they will play again on Thursday. Let the Elimination Games begin..... DT93 opened elimination play with an exciting 4 - 1 victory over the Valley Stompers from Northern California. As most of the games are at Nationals, the teams were very evenly matched. A 0 - 0 tie through 4 innings, both teams scored a single run in the 5th, before DT93 broke it open in the top of the 7th inning with 3 runs. Mel White went the distance for Thunder, scattering 7 hits, recording 4 Ks and giving up an unearned run in the 5th. In the top half of the 5th, Valerie Mendoza hit one off the fence in deep RF for a triple. Kayla Henry singled sharply to LF to plate Mendoza for DT93's first run. The Stompers threatened to break the game wide open in the bottom half of the 5th, while scoring 1 unearned run, they still had bases loaded with 1 out. A hard grounder to Mendoza at 3B, Mendoza went hard to her glove hand side (left) and then spun completely around to force out the runner at home. A fly out later, DT93 was out of the jam. In the top of the 7th, Mendoza walked. Betsy Erickson in to run for Mendoza. Kayla Henry laid down a Sac Bunt to advance Erickson. Taylor Watkins continued to swing a great bat, singling to LF, moving Erickson to 3B, Watkins advancing to 2B with the throw going to 3rd base. Nikki Dunlap hit a double off the fence in right center for 2 RBIs. Morgan McKeever slapped a high hopper to 3B and the 3rd baseman threw late and high to 1B -- allowing Dunlap to score the 4th and final run of the game for DT. The Stompers mounted a small threat in the bottom half of the 7th. With a runner on 2nd, the Stompers smashed a line drive toward RF. Dunlap had the "Web-Gem" of the game -- flying completely horizontal through the air, fully extended, snagging the line-drive to save a run. (Just like we teach it at practice.... right...) Offensively, DT93 had 9 hits and 3 earned runs. Morgan McKeever led DT93 at the plate -- going 3 -4.Valerie Mendoza went 1 - 2, scoring 1 run with a triple.Kayla Henry went 1 - 3, with a sac bunt and an RBI.Taylor Watkins went 2 - 3, with a HBP and 1 run.Nikki Dunlap went 2 - 4, 2 RBIs, 1 Run and a double.Jenna Bodman and Kayla Laguna both had beautiful Sac Bunts.Dani Colwill was robbed of an extra base hit when the 3rd baseman snagged her line drive. DT93 will play at 9:00 AM (TX time) against the Lousiana Lady Hustlers. The Hustlers had a bye in the first round -- this is their first elimination game. Trivia: The team is playing down the road from Permian High School where "Friday Night Lights" was filmed a few years ago... In their 4th game in Midland, TX – the Louisiana Lady Hustlers were no match for DT93. This game was essentially decided in the first 5 minutes of the game. A game shortened due to the “runs ahead” rule (can’t use “mercy rule” any longer – not PC) – DT93 flat put a whipping on the Hustlers – winning 15 – 0 in 3 innings. Kayla Laguna got the start – and a quick finish. She was just getting warm when the game was called, giving up 3 hits with 1 K. Valerie Mendoza was behind the dish for DT. In the 3rd , DT’s stellar defense shut down the Hustlers. The defense saw a few players at different positions: Kaitlin Wilson at 3rd, Jenna Bodman at Short, Taylor Bradley at 2nd and Dani Colwill at 1st . Morgan Mckeever (Miss Utility) had 3 consecutive put outs in RF on fly balls. Morgan in RF? This is reportedly the first time she has played this position in a game. Offensively, DT pounded out 15 runs on 12 hits and 2 errors – while stranding only 2 runners. Basically, if you got on, you had a great chance of scoring with the offensive display. In the first, Kayla Henry led off with a sharp single to left, Taylor Watkins followed with one of her own. With a little trickery, Henry and Watkins pulled off a double steal. Mattie Fowler had the first RBI of the game – when the Hustlers’ throw was late at home – Henry scoring the first of MANY runs. Watkins scored on a beautiful squeeze bunt by Nikki Dunlap -- who advanced to 2nd on the play. Mckeever doubles to left scoring Fowler and Dunlap. McKeever, who be serving some time in jail, was caught trying to steal 3rd. Colwill singles to RF and Mendoza used her head (HBP in the jaw) to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Betsy Erickson smashed a single to CF scoring Colwill. In the second inning, Gary Henry’s pen got a little hot and melted on the scorebook – burning his hand. Brian Colwill came on in relief though. Watkins hit one hard off the right kneecap at 2B. Fowler singled to CF. Dunlap doubled to CF scoring Watkins and Fowler. McKeever singled and Colwill hit one off the left kneecap at Short. Dunlap scores. Feeling bad about Mendoza’s HBP, Laguna joined in the bean-ball affair – taking one in the mid section – to load the bases. Mendoza realizes that receiving a BB on 4 pitches was easier than getting hit in the head, walking this time. Erickson singles again, scoring Colwill from 3B. Henry continued to put pressure on the defense -- reaching on a Fielder’s Choice. Bradley, running for Laguna, forced out at home in a close play. Wilson singles to LF, scoring Bodman, who ran for Mendoza. You see why Brian had to relieve Gary now………. Dunlap singled scoring Henry and McKeever tripled scoring Wilson and Dunlap. And you guessed it, McKeever was a repeat offender as she was thrown out at home trying to “steal” an extra base – trying for an “Inside the Park HR”. Memories of McKeever two years ago with her Inside the Park HR to beat the Lakewood Ladies. Score at the end of 2 innings, DT93 15 – 0. Leading the team today:Morgan Mckeever, 3-3, single, double and triple, 1 run, 5 RBIsNikki Dunlap, 2-2, a double, 3 runs and 3 RBIsDani Colwill, 1-2, 2 runsBetsy Erickson, 2-2, 1 run, 2 RBI Jenna Bodman had a great play to end the game at SS. Down by 15, the Hustlers bunted – but Taylor Bradley did a great job covering first for an out in the third. Mel White just missed hitting one out – deep to LF. DT93 will now take on Texas Fusion at 11:00 AM. Best of luck. In their 5th game of the tournament – on Day 5, DT93 ran into a tough team from the home state of Texas. Texas Fusion (out of Dallas) gave DT all they could handle. The Fusion are rumored to have the top pitcher in the 14U division in Texas and she certainly handled DT93 for several innings. In a total nail-biter, DT93 won 5 – 3 in extra innings. News Flash: After losing their first game of the tournament, the DT 16U team, coached by Tony Rascon, has won 3 straight to stay alive. Good luck to the 16U team at the 16U ASA National tournament in beautiful Owensboro, Ky. Mel White survived a tough first inning, where the normally sure-handed defense had 3 errors. Mel gave up 3 hits and allowed no earned runs in 8 innings, with 5 Ks. 5 of the 8 innings were 3 up and 3 down. For the Fusion, their ace shut down the potent DT93 team for the first 5 innings. With a good rise ball and great curve away – she dominated many of the DT right-handed hitters. The DT lefties had more success as the game went on… Fusion scored 2 unearned in the 1st inning on only 1 hit. Jenna Bodman made a great catch on a hard liner to left to end the inning. The score stayed 2 – 0 in Fusion’s favor through 5 full innings. In the top of the 6th inning, Taylor Watkins singled LF, Mattie Fowler sac bunt to advance Watkins – who advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch. Nikki Dunlap doubled over the LF’s head to score Watkins. Morgan McKeever singled to LF to move Dunlap to 3rd. McKeever stole 2nd. With Dani Colwill at the plate, Dunlap (aka the Pickle Monster) scored after getting into a pickle between 3rd and home – tying the game. Bottom of the 6th, score tied 2 – 2, after a leadoff triple by the #3 batter, Nikki Dunlap backhanded a hard shot up the middle – looked the runner back at 3rd – and made the throw in time at 1st. Mel struck out the next batter swinging and then got the 3rd out with a pop up to 2nd. Valerie Mendoza led off the 7th inning with a BB, Betsy Erickson on to run for Mendoza. Kayla Laguna’s sac bunt (second of the game) advanced Erickson. Kayla Henry slapped one into LF – moving Erickson to 3rd. Erickson was out at home in a close play with Watkins attempt at a suicide squeeze. In the top of the 8th in ITB, Fusion removed their Ace pitcher (who had struck out 11 DT batters). Dunlap sacrificed Fowler to 3rd. McKeever lined one to RF to score Fowler. Colwill lined a single to RF, advancing McKeever to 2nd. Taylor Bradley on to run for Colwill. Bodman singled to LF to load the bases. Mendoza walked to plate McKeever. A 3rd pitcher (lefty) into the game for the Fusion. Laguna greeted the lefty with a line-drive to LF between 3B and SS to score Colwill for the 5th run. Up 3, Fusion started the bottom of the 8th inning with a runner on 2B. After a fielder’s choice – runners were at the corners. Mel White got the first out of the 8th with a pop up to Dunlap at 2nd. On a ground out to Fowler at SS (great scoop by Laguna), Fusion scored their final run. Mendoza ended the game with a ground ball (5 – 3). For the game, DT93 outhit Fusion 10 to 3. Henry, 2 – 5, Dunlap, 2 – 3, 1 run, 1 sac, 2 doubles McKeever, 2 – 4, 1 run and an RBI (received a get out of jail free card) Laguna, 1 – 2, with 2 Sac Bunts After being rained out in the afternoon. Games will resume at 8:00 AM against a strong American Pastime team from SoCal. Late night for the 14U Desert Thunder families... After rain delays late Friday and games moved back -- the 14U ASA National Tournament resumed on Saturday morning with a bang... Details of DT93's three games will have to wait until Sunday (if at all) -- as everyone was almost too pooped to even go to sleep. Entering the "sweet 16", DT93 faced perennial power house American Pastime from SoCal. After trailing 4 - 2 after the 2nd inning (grand slam by AP), DT93 roared back to win going away -- final score 10 - 5. This moved DT into the quarterfinals -- with only 8 undefeated teams remaining (out of 86). Unfortunately, that is where DT93 hit a snag. Quite an impressive run though! DT93 was the lone Arizona team remaining in the ballpark late Saturday. The rest were mainly Cal teams. Here are the scores of today:
Desert Thunder 10 American Pastime 5
Desert Thunder 0 Corona Angels 3
Desert Thunder 2 Atlanta Vipers 6 DT93 actually outhit the Angels 4 to 3, but could not capitalize on the few opportunities they had. Finishing 9th, is the second highest finish for a Desert Thunder team at an ASA National tournament. The 10U 2002 team finished 3rd in Johnson City, TN. That team was coached by Kelly Fowler and Tony Rascon. Congratulations to DT93. It was a great season with a great run at the end. Signing off from beautiful downtown Midland, TX.
Adios....
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