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| 2004 SMYO
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Monday, July 9
BADEN AQUASCO RANGERS / INDIANS 12 & UNDER MAJORS
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NEW RANGER ACTION PHOTOS ARE IN !!! VISIT: http://Geocities.com/Caseysquickshotz
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GREAT SEASON ENDS AS BADEN FALLS TO WALDORF NATIONAL IN CLOSE CONTEST AT SMYO MARYLAND DISTRICT 7 LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
The ever battling BADEN AQUASCO ALLSTARS went down swinging in a close contest against the WALDORF NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE team Saturday night in Pomfret. After crushing SMYO on their home turf the night before, the BADEN team tried to regroup for a tough contest against the boys from DORFLAND. The BADEN defense got on track in the first when Mitchell Gryszkiewicz turned a hard liner from Michael Glass(#6) into an unassisted "DOUBLE PLAY". That ended a tough inning as Waldorf jumped to an early 3-0 lead.
Mitchell then woke up the Baden crowd with a 190 foot Blast to leftcenter that was hauled in by the 'DORF centerfielder (great running catch!)stranding pitcher Robbie Woods on base. "Hot Hitting" John Woods notched a solid single in the 3rd but couldn't reach the plate. Hot hitting Daniel Patrolla (#5) for Waldorf helped the Nationals pad their lead as Baden pitcher Robbie Woods put on a gutsy performance. The BADEN ALLSTARS turned their SECOND DOUBLEPLAY of the day to start the top of the 4th. Patrick Flaherty fired to Johnny Woods at first who then gunned to Zack Casey at third to catch an advancing Anthony A.(#14) trying to move over from 2nd (Great throw Johnny!).National hitter Eric (#32) proved to be a thorn in the side until "Ace" centerfielder Ben Hall rifled a throw to catcher Kevin Lederer at the plate to end the 4th(way to hang on Kevin!). Patrick beat out a big chopper down the 3rd baseline to start the 6th, but the Baden team falls as Waldorf advances.
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BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS! BADEN WINS!
PATRICK FLAHERTY AND THE BADEN DEFENSE SHUT DOWN THE POTENT SMYO OFFENSE ON THEIR HOME COURT TO WIN SECOND ROUND OF LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT 8-3!
Nursing a badly bruised ankle and suffering from heat cramps the week before in practice, Patrick proved he was a gamer by sticking it out in the high heat and humidity AT SMYO FIELD. Speaking of high heat...his fast ball was in the zone all day, surrendering only one walk while striking out five! The battery of FLAHERTY/LEDERER used a great combination of pitches to keep the SMYO YO'S off the bases. We even got to see a KNUCKLEBALL that resulted in a harmless pop up to Zack Casey at third. His masterful pitching performance was the most innings he's pitched since picking up the victory versus the HUGHESVILLE METS earlier in the season. His complete game performance was more luck than skill as the BADEN DEFENSE rallied to shut down a relentless SMYO attack.
BADEN D. SHOWS HOW TO TURN DOUBLE PLAYS AND OUTFIELD (BEN)HALLS IN ANYTHING CLOSE (AND NOT SO CLOSE!)TO PROTECT LEAD
Patrick started the game on the good foot registering his first strikeout (Cusato). Griffen then singled before Hawks grounded into a fielders choice. The pitcher(Zippi) then singled to right scoring Hawks with the first SMYO run. A fine play by Robbie Woods at short (6-3) retired the sides.
Right off the bat, Baden threatened. John Woods singled and Ben Hall laid down a perfect sacrifice drag bunt up the first baseline. With the fleet footed John now in scoring position hard hitting Robbie Woods followed with a shot to the gap in leftcenter. A strong throw from center held John at third as the ball skipped over the catchers head. But Baden was retired with two runners in scoring position.
Patrick took the hill in the top of the 2nd and fanned the first two SMYO'S. Ben Hall then hauled in a liner to center to end the inning. Baden's offense struggled hitting into 3 ground outs to end the bottom of the 2nd. As Baden went back to the fieild trailing by one.
The SMYO leadoff man(Cusato) popped to second to start the third. Patrick then handled the next batter diving hard to his left to field a grounder and firing to John Woods at first (just barely retiring the runner). Patrick then recorded his 4th strikout to end the inning.
In the bottom of the third, the speedy rookie Justin Hall got the sign and laid down a perfect bunt for a single. Johnny Woods then followed with another single to move Justin to second. With one out Benny Hall drew a walk to jam the bases for powerhitting Robbie Woods. Robbie drew a walk to force Justin in with the tying run and Baden was "in business". Third baseman Zack Casey was hit by a pitch scoring J.W. and Baden had the lead! Catcher Kevin Lederer then delivered the clutch hit by singling to left scoring Ben. Mitchell G. then picked up a RBI scoring Robbie with a grounder to 2nd, but the SMYO'S made a great play to get Zack at third.
The top of the 4th started with Zack Casey making a great play on a hot grounder up the 3rd baseline. He ranged to his left, fielded the hot grounder, and then gunned to J.W. at first in the nick of time to get the runner (Hawks). SMYO then battled back with a single and an RBI TRIPLE. Patrick then bared down and picked up his 5th K before Ben Hall made another spectacular catch in deep centerfield to end the inning.
Kurt Estep and Justin Hall started the bottom of the 4th with "back to back" walks. Patrick then deliverd a great RBI bunt single up the third baseline that scored a pinch running Keith Pettit. Hot hitting John Woods (3 for 3!) was the next clutch hitter in line and singled again! With one out Robbie then delivered with a TWO RBI hard shot up the middle that the SMYO shortstop couldn't handle. That was all the scoring Baden was going to need as they took the field in the top of the 5th.
Patrick notched his 5th strikeout to open the inning then surrendered a walk as he began to tire. Cusato then singled as SMYO THREATENED AGAIN. The Baden BIG "D" then stepped it up and turned a phenominal 1-5-3 DOUBLE PLAY to end the inning. Patrick went to his right to field a hard grounder. He then looked to third as Zack reached the bag, made the quick throw (getting the force out) then watched Zack "rifle" the ball to John Woods a first to record a GREAT DOUBLE PLAY!!!
With another new pitcher Baden went down 1-2-3 before heading back to the field in the final inning. The SMYO leadoff man tripled to start the 6th. Zippi then singled as SMYO wouldn't go quietly. But Baden protectd its lead as the game ended with pop ups to Mitchell and Zack to end the game. One of the "Greatest comeback victories" in Baden history.
It's NOT VALENTINES DAY but lots of Hi- Fives, back slapping, hand shakes and even some hugs followed BADEN'S upset victory over top contender SMYO. Ben Hall's Dad was seen buying a victory round at the snack bar to help the BADEN players celebrate.
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!
Baden's offense led by the Wood Brothers really got "slap happy" pounding out 9 hits against 3 SMYO pitchers.
THE ART OF BUNTING
Justin Hall,Patrick Flaherty and Ben Hall demonstrate the fine art of bunting to get on base and move the runners.
WAY TO GO BADEN!!!!!!!!!
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BEN HALL BLAST AND 2 RBI CLUTCH HIT BY JAMES POOLE LEAD COMEBACK TRY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BUT RANGERS FALL TO ST. MARY'S AMERICAN 8-4 IN SMYO TOURNY
Defensive miscues and a slow start on offense put the RANGERS in a big hole in their DISTRICT 7 Little League TOURNAMENT at SMYO (Southern Maryland Youth Organization Field)in Pomfret,Maryland Saturday night. Patrick Flaherty got the start and and with great defense from from Zack Casey at third and Johnny Woods at first, he notched a K and set down the heart of the St.Mary's line up in the bottom of the 1st inning.
In the top of the 2nd, the St. Mary's 2nd baseman couldn't handle a hot grounder from Kevin Lederer and Ben Hall followed with a single. But the Rangers went down swinging, striking out 3 times before they could do any damage.
In the bottom of the 2nd, the St Mary's Americans began to make contact. Three errors and a couple of singles allowed 6 un-earned runs to cross the plate. Patrick did strike out the sides, but the damage was done.
The Rangers came right back with Mitchell G. beating out a slow grounder down the 3rd-baseline to leadoff the 3rd. A doubleplay on a pop to the pitcher killed the rally as the Rangers went back to the field.
Hard throwing right-hander Zack Casey provided the spark and set down the Americans 1-2-3 with 2 K's in the bottom of the 3rd. Manager Donnie Lederer rallied the troops in the top of the 4th. A quick pep talk and a new St. Mary's pitcher got the bats swinging again! Three consecutive singles to Robbie Woods,Zack and Kevin a great bunt down the 3rdbaseline) jammed the bases for "hot hitting" Ben Hall. After battling a few pitches, Ben got all of a fat fastball down the middle a drove a 200 foot blast to the gap in rightcenter! When the smoke cleared, Ben was almost lapping the field and had to hold at second with a standup double! A couple of K's and James Poole stepped in to save the day. James connected with a solid smash to right that dropped in for a clutch single scoring Kevin and Ben. The side was then retired, but the Rangers were comming back and had cut the lead to 6-4!
In the bottom of the 4th the Americans struck back. A walk, a couple of singles and a bad call by the umpire on a force play at 2nd, allowed St. Mary's to pad their lead with a couple of runs. The Rangers kept fighting back as Patrick was called out on a close play at first and Ben Hall(3 for 3 with 2RBI's) beat out a grounder down the 3rd baseline. Zack struckout the last two Southern Marylanders he faced and catcher Robbie Woods gunned down a runner trying to advance on a wild pitch but the Rangers come up a bit short 8-4.
Notes: (practice bat speed,bunting,pitchers covering 1st and 3rd on infield grounders)
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RANGERS CAPTURE 2ND PLACE IN HUGHESVILLE/BADEN AQUASCO INTERLEAGUE STANDINGS
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RANGERS DOMINATE A'S AGAIN! 17-6 AS ESTEPP GOES 3 for 4 TO LEAD CHARGE
Woods brothers shutout A's over 3 and (Just'in Time) Hall Boys close it out to seal victory!
Tuesdays regular season ending makeup game with the A's started from scratch. Robbie Woods got the start and blank'D the visiting HOME TEAM (NO FIELDS AVAILABLE IN CHUCK COUNTY). In the 2nd the A's did lead off with a single, but James Poole made a spectacular catch on the next batter. After gloving the ball, James came up firing and caught the napping A' base runner in route to 2nd...an easy (but strange) 7-3 DOUBLE PLAY!
Kurt Estepp had the hot bat with a double and a couple of singles. John Woods and Keith Petitt also added extra base hits. "Bennie the Jet" Hall laid down a great bunt for a single in the 3rd and Kevin Lederer and James Poole had also recorded singles before the 10 run mercy rule went into effect.
"Lefty" John Woods came in to continue the shutout in the 3rd. He caught a "screaming eagle" line drive (in self defense!) to retire the A's leadoff man. After picking up a K, 1st Baseman Kevin Lederer went into foul grounds to spear a "hot" liner to retire the sides. "Rookie" Justin Hall notched a save in his first appearance of the season as the RANGERS posted another 10 zip Have Mercy victory. Since the kids were having so much fun the coaches decided to continue play. Ben Hall wanted to get into the action a took the hill allowing only one run. When the smoke cleared...RANGERS 17 A'S 6!!!
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RANGERS SPANK A'S 10-0 AS FLAHERTY RECORDS FIRST SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON!
With a steady rain falling from the sky, the Rangers battled the weather to notch their first shutout of the season. The 10 run mercy rule ended the game in the 4th inning as both teams struggled to keep the ball over the plate. After the A's were set down 1-2-3 in the top of the third , John Woods got things started with a walk. Patrick Flaherty followed with a "hot shot" that the A's shortstop couldn't handle. An aggressive John scored to make the score 2- ZIP! After the next two batters were retired, Kevin Lederer delivered with a clutch hit "extra base" RBI double that scored Patrick. Keith Petitt walked next, but the sides were retired before the Rangers could do any more damage.
The A's started the 4th with a leadoff single and a walk. With the A's threatening, Patrick beared down and struck out the sides to preserve the shut out.
With the rain starting to pour the RANGERS started to pour it on in the bottom of the 4th. Walks to Justin Hall, Ben Hall and John Woods started the inning. With one down Zack Casey walked to score Justin. With the A's outfield playing power hitter Kurt Estepp deep,Kurt promptly delivered a line drive RBI to dead centerfield that scored Ben. Kevin followed with a walk scoring James then Robbie Woods smacked a two RBI single. Justin and Ben walked again for the second time in the inning before play was halted. 10 - 0 RANGERS WIN!!!
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LEDERER BRINGS BIG DOG (K'S NINE) AS POOLE FLAHERTY "DOUBLE DOUBLE" TO HELP RANGERS HALL AWAY A CLOSE ONE 3-2 VS MARLINS
Tuesdays rematch between the BADEN AQUASCO RANGERS and the HUGHESVILLE MARLINS was another thriller! After winning 8-3 on the road and losing 4-1 at home, the RANGERS were eager to settle the score with the fish. The score was deadlocked at 1-1 till James Poole decided to flex his muscle and crank out a line drive double to start the third. Things got scary when Patrick Flaherty fouled off a 200 foot blast down the third baseline. After working the pitcher, he straightened one out and landed a 210 foot shot to rightcenter. After hesitating rounding first, he scored James and was cruising into 2nd with a stand up double. Robbie Woods got on base next and with runners on the corners Zack Casey drove in the winning run with an RBI grounder that scored Patrick from third.
The RANGERS took the field in the bottom of the 3rd clinging to a two run lead. A walk and a single had the MARLINS threatening but Kevin Lederer poured on the heat adding 2 more strikeouts to his totals. Another walk and the bases were jammed with 2 outs. The pressure was on as Kevin beared down and got the next batter to go down swinging.
In the top of the fourth Kevin singled to start the inning. Ben Hall then followed with a line blast that was hauled in by the Marlins outfielder just in front of the 225 foot fence mark (any easy HOMER AT "Ol'Banks"). After being robbed of a two run homer the Rangers went quietly without scoring a run.
Patrick took the hill to start the 5th and Robbie Woods gunned down the first batter trying to bunt. Patrick got the next batter swinging before walking the next two Marlins. An error let a run score with the Marlins threatening again. A line single looked to be the break the Marlins were were looking for, but centerfielder Ben Hall caught the runner napping and rifled a throw to 2nd to get the force out. But the Marlins had closed the gap to 3-2.
Patrick picked up another single to start the last inning but was stranded before the Rangers could add an insurance run. The Marlins started the final inning beating out a controversial call at first. Patrick recorded his second strikeout before Ben Halls "glove" took over. Ben got the final batters on grounders... including one that saved the game on a hot shot deep behind 1st base. With the tying run in scoring position the RANGERS escape with another victory!
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METS HALT RANGER WIN STREAK 7-1 WITH ONE HITTER AT BANKS
With the exception of Patrick Flaherty's line shot single with two aboard in the first, the Rangers were held hitless against the Hughesville Mets. The Ranger win streak came to an abrupt end tonight at Banks. The perennial nemesis for the Rangers..."MIKEY"...sat down hitter after hitter picking up 12 K's over 6 innings. His ablitiy to hurl strikes while catching the Ranger batters unprepared was key to his 12 K performance. The Rangers couldn't buy a hit. Patrick Flaherty got the start and actually allowed fewer earned runs than the last time he squared off against these same Mets (a 6-5 RANGER VICTORY!). But the Ranger bats were dead as the Mets ended the Ranger win streak.
The Rangers started on their good foot, setting down the Mets 1-2-3 in the first. Patrick started the game by striking out "Josh" the Met leadoff man and power hitter. The infield made a couple of good plays on ground balls to retire the sides.
James Poole and John Woods started the games with walks. Patrick Flaherty followed with a line shot up the middle to jam the bases. With two outs Kevin Lederer got Baden on the board first with an RBI walk(scoring James). The Rangers were stranded with the bases loaded as "Mikey" struck out the sides.
The Mets managed to score a run(unearned), after a walk and a two base error in the 2nd. Patrick picked up another strikeout before Ben Hall hauled in a line drive to leftcenter. The Rangers unfortunately went down swinging again in the bottom of the 2nd as the score stayed knotted 1-1.
The third started out with a bunt down the third baseline that Mitchell G. was able to scoop up and fire to first to beat the speedy Met runner. A single, a walk and back to back doubles allowed the Mets to take control before Kurt Estepp made a spectaculer catch in rightcenterfield to rob a Met hitter of extra bases. The play fooled the Mets because they were caught in a 9-4-6 "Double play" to retire the sides.
Zack Casey came in to pitch the 4th and 5th allowing only unearned run on 4 hits. Mitchell G. pitched the 6th allowing a couple of runs on two hits (one being a HOME RUN to Met catcher Josh. But the Rangers couldn't mount a comeback and fall to 7-4 on the season.
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RANGERS ROCK REDS 17-6 HAVE MERCY!!
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CASEY STRIKES OUT EIGHT AND HURLS ONE HITTER AS RANGERS ROLL OVER REDS 7-1
Hail stopped the last contest between these two teams back on the 5th on May, but nothing was going to stop the Rangers from avenging an earlier loss to these same Reds. Before the storm, the first inning was in the books with no score. When the game resumed this Thursday night at Banks Field, Zack Casey got things started with a walk. Robbie hit into a force play and Kevin Lederer came in to pinch run. "Hot hitting" Ben Hall and Kurt Estepp followed with back to back singles and as the Red pitcher struggled for control. The Rangers took a 2 ZIP lead.
The Reds came to bat and were sent packing 1-2-3! John Woods made a great play at first to handle the put out unassisted and Kurt Estepp hauled in a deep blast in rightcenter. Zack finished the inning by picking up his second strikeout. When the Rangers got to the plate James Poole used his good eye to pick up a leadoff walk. Patrick Flaherty followed with a single down the leftfield line. Zack then hit an RBI single that scored James. Patrick scored on a wild pitch as Robbie Woods walked. Ben was up next and delivered with his second hit of the night. But that was all the damage the Rangers could do as they posted a 4 ZIP lead.
The Reds started the next inning with a leadoff walk before shortstop Patrick Flaherty was able to haul in a towering popup behind 2nd. The next batter walked as the Reds threatened. The next batter hit a deep blast to rightcenter that the speedy Justin Hall was able to corral to rob a Red of extra bases. Zack finished off the inning picking up another K to retire the sides.
Mitchell Gryszkiewicz started the next inning with a walk and Kevin Lederer reached on an error by the Red 3rdbaseman. James Poole followed with a clutch basehit RBI that scored Mitchell. Patrick Flaherty reached first when the Red 3rd baseman couldn't find the handle. Zack reached 1st on a fielders choice before Robbie Woods stepped into the box a drilled a "standup double" to center. But, the rally ended there with Rangers adding two more runs to take the lead 6 ZIP.
The Ranger defense went to work in the top of the 4th setting down the Reds 1-2-3! Patrick made a great scoop at short just in time to nip a runner at first. Ben picked up a grounder to retire another batter before Zack notched another strikeout.
In the botttom of the fifth the Rangers started with 3 consecutive walks after only 1 out. Patrick picked up another RBI scoring Justin with a grounder to third that the Red fielder couldn't handle. This run was the icing on the cake as Zack went into the final inning with a seven run lead and PITCHING A NO-HITTER!!!
The Red "power hitter" Tyler wanted no parts of that and promptly blasted a leadoff triple down the third baseline. Zack picked up a strikeout before the next batter walked. Then another strikeout before the next batter walked to load the bases. Zack must have been feeling generous because he let the next batter walk and score a run before finishing off the Reds with...you guessed it...another strikeout!!! Great game Zack! GREAT WIN RANGERS !!!
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HALL*MARCHANT*PETITT LEAD THE WAY AS RANGERS CRUSH BIRDS 16-4!!!
The little guys in the Ranger lineup lead the hit parade as the Orioles fall victim to the Ranger longball assault. After falling behind in the top of the first 1-0, Mitchell Gryszkiewicz and John Woods got things started with a couple of walks. Robbie Woods picked up an RBI with a single driving in John. The game was now knotted at uno - uno. Kevin Lederer set the O's down 1-2-3 in the top of the second with two K's after a great catch by centerfielder Ben Hall.
Kevin walked to start the bottom of the second. He got into scoring position when the Orioles pitcher couldn't find the handle on a hot grounder by Keith Petitt. Ben Hall then picked up a couple of RBI's with a single. Rightfielder Cody Marchant followed with a hit...scoring Ben. Mitchell then collected his second walk before John Woods delivered with a single. James Poole and Zack Casey walked. Kevin then got up for the second time in the inning and hit an RBI grounder to short scoring James. The inning ended with the Rangers batting around and putting 8 runs on the board!!!
The Orioles tried to mount a comeback in the 3rd picking up a walk and a single. With runners on the corners the O's runner took off to steal second. Quick thinking catcher,Robbie Woods then fired to shortstop Patrick Flaherty who was able to gun down the runner trying to score from third. GREAT PLAY!!! The Orioles picked up another walk before James Poole was able to handle a hot grounder and pick up the unassisted forceout at second.
Ben Hall started the bottom of the third with a hot grounder that the O's 3rd baseman couldn't handle. Cody Marchant then deliver the first big blast of the day with a 200 foot shot off the centerfield fence. This speed deamon had no intentions on stopping at second as he went digging for third. Cody had slid under the tag a was safe!(to everyone except the umpire!) In any case, he picked up an RBI driving in Ben from 2nd.
The Orioles started the 4th loading the bases with a single and two walks. Kevin beared down and picked up two k's before Cody hauled in a line shot to rightfield to keep the O's off the board! John Woods hit a hot shot that the O's pitcher couldn't handle to start the bottom of the 4th. Robbie followed with an infield single. With runners on second and third Patrick Flaherty hit a line shot down the third baseline scoring John. With one out Keith then made contact driving in Robbie and Patrick while reaching first on a bad throw. The Rangers finally cooled off after putting three runs on the board.
Mitchell took the mound to start the top of the fifth. A leadoff single, an error and a walk loaded the bases for the O's. A grounder to first and a wild pitch let the O's put a couple of runs on the board as Mitchell retired the sides making a great catch on a foul popup and picking up a strike out.
The bottom of the 5th started with Justin hall beating out a grounder to second. John and Zack followed with walks before Patrick drove in Justin with a grounder to third. Mitchell walked to force in John with another run. The bases were loaded when "Hot Hitting" Ben Hall got in the box. After battling a couple of pitches Ben delivered the "hit of the day" with a three run blast to leftcenter. The ball rolled to the 200 foot mark as Ben rounded 2nd on his way to a standup triple! Cody decided he wasn't done flexing his muscle and drove another 200 foot shot to leftcenter! Once again he turned the corner and went digging for third. Unfortunately this time he was out by two feet. (An RBI the hard way!) The O's didn't want to go quietly as they started the 6th with a couple of walks. Zack Casey fielded a grounder at third and tagged the runner for the first out. Mitchell notched a strikeout before Patrick intercepted a sharpely hit line drive behind the bag at second to end the game. WAY TO GO RANGERS!!!
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ESTEPP BLAST...GREAT DOUBLE PLAY...AND 3 ZIP LEAD (vs A's) SHOT TO HAIL!!!
After suffering two straight losses, the Baden Aquasco Rangers were eager to get back on the winning track Monday night at Oak Ridge. A couple of quick walks and a struggling A's pitcher, got two runners in scoring position as Patrick Flaherty got to the plate. A wild pitch scored Mitchell G. before Patrick picked up an RBI scoring John Woods from third. Patrick took to the hill in the bottom of the first and the A's lead off man was able to beat out a slow chopper to Robbie Woods at short. The next batter hit a sharp grounder to Patrick who fired to Robbie covering 2nd who riffled the ball to John W. at 1st to complete the 1-6-3 DOUBLE PLAY!!! Patrick retired the side picking up his first strikeout.
Kevin Lederer started the top of the 2nd with a high pop that the A's pitcher couldn't handle. When the dust settled, Kevin was standing on 2nd. Ben Hall battled the A's pitcher allowing Kevin to advance. Kurt Estepp then delivered the hit of the day when he got ahold of an A's fastball. His deep blast to leftcenter landed about 210 feet from home plate! The ball sailed over the outstreached glove of the A's centerfielder and rolled to the 225 mark. The easy HOMER at Ol' Banks netted the speedy Estepp a "stand up" triple! Mitchell G. followed with his second walk of the night before John Woods hit a towering shot that almost dropped for a single. The A's shortstop made a great catch to rob John and end the inning. Patrick took to the mound in the bottom of the second when all hail broke loose. The thunder and lightning stopped the game and the hail and rain cancelled an excellent effort by the Rangers. Oh,well..better luck Wednesday night at Banks!
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RANGER RALLY FALLS SHORT AS THEY SUFFER FIRST HOME LOSS VS MARLINS 4-1
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RANGERS RALLY LATE BUT HUGHESVILE METS AVENGE FIRST LOSS IN TWO YEARS
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RANGERS ROCK FISH...AND PUT BIG HURT ON MARLINS 8-3!
The RANGER version of CHICAGO WHITE SOX slugger FRANK THOMAS or BIG HURT... KURT ESTEPP clobbered a single and a double to lead the RANGERS on their first road victory of the season. Kurt brought his big stick to drive in a couple of key RBI'S Friday night at Oak Ridge. John Woods whacked a two RBI TRIPLE driving in "Hot Hitting" James Poole and Patrick Flaherty in the first. Zack, was on the attack, with a deep sac fly to rightcenter that drove in John. Benny "the Jet" Hall also singled in the first, but the MARLINS slammed the door on a close play at second.
THUMBS UP MITCHELL
With his finger still in a cast from a basketball injury, this three sport athlete (soccer star too!) took the hill for the first time this season. He notched 2 stikeouts while surrendering only 1 earned run before yielding to Robbie Woods in the 4th.
Earlier in 3rd the RANGERS had padded their lead with Kurt's single that drove in a speedy James Poole from 2nd. James had singled to start the rally. Robbie Woods had singled to move James into scoring position. Ben Hall picked up an RBI with a grounder to third that scored (PR)Cody Marchant from 3rd.
After the Marlins put 3 on the board in the 3rd, the Rangers answered with a hot single by rookie Keith Petitt in the 4th. But,unfortunately Keith was stranded as the Rangers rested their hot bats.
In the fifth it was a different story as the Ranger bats came alive. James Poole crushed a towering blast to right center that a speedy Hughesville centerfielder was able to haul in. Robbie Woods took one for the team before Kurt Estepp delivered a 225 foot blast to right center scoring (PR)Mitchell from 2nd. Zack reached on an error by the shortstop before Ben jammed the bases by taking one for the team. Kevin Lederer came through with a clutch single and an RBI scoring Kurt. Cody Marchant reached on a fielders choice before Robbie blasted a deep sac fly to the outfield scoring Ben from third. Patrick Flaherty followed with a walk but the Rangers had enough runs for the evening. Robbie Woods tripled in the fifth but was called out on a bad play at the plate. He did get revenge by recording five strikeouts over the final 3 innings to pick up his first victory of the season. Way to go RANGERS!!!
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FLAHERTY'S BASE CLEARING TRIPLE ENDS MET WIN STREAK AS MIGHTY CASEY STRIKES'EM OUT TO SAVE VICTORY 6-5!
It's been over two years since the Mets of Hughesville had lost a regular season game. The Rangers were victims of these Hughesville Maulers 4 times last season alone! But Wednesday night at Banks Field in Aquasco, the Rangers would not be denied. In a tight ballgame that had everyone battling the setting sun, the RANGER bats came alive! Patrick Flaherty, James Poole and the Woods Brothers led the offensive attack. Patrick pitched strong into the fourth till the Mets started their comeback. Zack Casey took to the hill and slammed the door on any Met comeback hopes (stranding runners at third the last two innings).
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RANGERS LOAD BASES BUT REDS SQUEEK BY 3-1!
The Rangers lost a tough road game Friday night at Oak Ridge in Charles County. In a game close enough to pull out a victory the Rangers waited to late to get their bats going. The pitchers duel kept either team from grabbing a big lead. The Rangers were making contact but were unable to drive a run across until their final at bat.
The RANGERS went down 1-2-3 in their first at bat. The Reds started the bottom of the 1st with a lead off double. Catcher Robbie Woods was able to gun him down on an attempted steal of third. After 2 more singles pitcher Kevin Lederer picked up a strikeout on the batter but was able to turn it into a double play when the ball squirted past the catcher. Robbie was able to hustle back and get his throw to Kevin covering home to complete the double play. Kevin picked up another K to end the inning but the REDS led 1 - zip.
The Reds retired the Rangers 1-2-3 again in the top of the 2nd. In the bottom Ben Hall made another spectacular catch racing to the edge of the infield grass to retire the Red lead off batter. A couple of walks answered by a couple of strikeouts ended the bottom of the 2nd for the REDS.
The RANGERS weren't able to buy a hit till Justin Hall started a two out rally in the top of the third. Shortstop Patrick Flaherty followed by crushing a line drive into deep centerfield, but unfortunately the rally ended before any runs could get on the board. Kevin left the game in the third after recording FIVE K'S. Hard throwing righty Zack Casey continued his NO HITTER from last week striking out the first three Reds he faced.
Robbie Woods led off the 4th with a single and a "pinchrunning" James Poole was able reach third but was stranded. In their last at bat James Poole showed the "never say die attitude" by stroking a "line shot" up the middle with one out. Robbie Woods reached first on a error by the pitcher. Zack Casey followed with a walk to jam the bases. Keith Petitt picked up an RBI with a grounder to second scoring James. The RANGERS had their first run! With two outs and runners on the corners the RANGERS had a chance, but the Red second baseman was finally able to find the handle and (barely) get the forceout at second to quell the Rangers comeback attempt.
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RANGERS SHUTDOWN ORIOLES 3-1
Great back to back pitching performances by Patrick Flaherty and Zack Casey have started the Rangers off with a 2 - 0 record! Each struck out 3 Orioles while barely allowing a baserunner to reach third. Just as opening day, great defense came to the rescue whenever the O's threatened. Robbie Woods made a couple of great plays at short before moving behind the plate in the 4th. From behind the plate he preserved the victory by gunning down three would be base stealers over the final 3 innings. Patrick Flaherty looked sharp and picked up his first win of the season, allowing only 1 unearned run on 2 hits while walking only one batter. Zack Casey picked up the save by continuing his NO HITTER from opening day. 4 walks allowed the Orioles to get on base, but the result was usually an out stealing, or Zack getting a close forceout to Patrick at third.
In the hit department John Woods had the big blast of the day landing a 190 foot double to right center. He later scored on a single by Robbie Woods in the third. Robbie batted in two runs on the day with a couple of key hits. Zack picked up an RBI with a single in the first (scoring Kevin). Patrick and Kurt Estepp had the only other Ranger hits on the day, but it was enough as they take the victory 3-1!
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NO HITTER HELPS RANGERS KICK A'S IN 2004 HOME OPENER 10 - ZIPPY !!!
A dominating performance on both offense and defense shut down the Hughesville A's in the RANGER home opener at OL' BANKS Friday night. Due to the recent rains there was little time to practice during the week. Everyone had their fingers crossed as the fans from both teams packed the house. Last year the two teams split the regular season with each team winning by one run on their home court.
Zack Casey mowed 'em down in the first three innings, picking up five strike outs WHILE NOT ALLOWING A HIT. He recorded his first shutout with a blazing fastball and only a couple of walks. Kevin Lederer came in to complete the NO NO picking up three K's while only walking only a couple to record the perfect save.
An almost errorless performance by the defense kept the A's out of the run column. Leading the way was one of the most spectacular catches in BADEN AQUASCO HISTORY. Centerfielder Ben Hall went flat out full speed chasing down a rocket to the warning track. Ben was able to reach up backhanded (at full throttle!) and rob an A's batter of extra bases and preserve the NO HITTER. For good measure, Kevin speared a "screaming eagle" line drive and turned the first double play of the season to John Woods at first. Not to be outdone...catcher Robbie "the Rocket" Woods gunned down a would be base stealer at first with his great pick off throw.
When the RANGERS got in the box their bats were on fire! Robbie Woods and Patrick Flaherty led the way in the hit department. Both went 2 for 3 with Patrick notching two doubles down the third base line. Robbie picked up a couple of RBI'S and also had a double. Patrick drove in 4 on the day with one scoring after taking one for the team with the bases packed in the 5th. Zack drove one in with a single in the first. James Poole had a single and a couple of RBI'S to to add to the attack. Kurt Estep added an RBI, driving in Patrick in the 3rd. Cody Marchant had the weirdest hit of the day.The A's just couln't find the handle on his infield barn buster of a blooper. When the dust cleared the speedy Marchant was standing on third after driving in Patrick and James.
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ATTENTION!!! BRANDYWINE*BADEN*AQUASCO AREA*** SIGN UP NOW AND START WARMING UP... THE 2004 SEASON BEGINS SOON!
CALL FOR TRYOUT INFORMATION. TEAMS FROM T-BALL TO GIRLS SOFTBALL AGES 5 AND UP!
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RANGERS LOOK SHARP AS SPRING TRAINING 2004 CAMP OPENS.
The 2004 pre-season started very well for the returning RANGERS. After dusting off their gloves and bats from that long winter slumber it was great to see the boys back in action at Historic Ol' Banks. While the stadium crew worked on field repairs from Hurricane Isabel, the boys got their chances to knock the rust off. But, from the looks of things THERE WASN'T MUCH RUST! Very few errors and some "spectacular" catches by Zack Casey and Kevin Lederer highlighted the day. Power hitting Robbie Woods wasted no time whacking a couple off the 200 FOOT mark in deep left center. Rookie Keith Pettit looked sharp in the field. His great hustle showed,as he was consistantly backing up other players on every play. He didn't miss a beat when he got to the batters box either! Justin Hall and Kurt Estepp from "FALLBALL" RED SOX have also made it to the MAJORS. Kurt's ability to crush the ball and Justin's ability to make contact will surely be needed.
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MORE PRE-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Rookie class flexes its muscle with Marchant Homer and Petitt Double
After only a handful of practices the rookie draft looks to have been very beneficial for the 2004 RANGERS. After seeing the firepower from Kurt Estep's bat during "FALL BALL 03" the coaches looked forward to seeing more action from it's other new recruits. Cody Marchant looked very impressive in the base running department showcasing some blazing speed. Little did the coaches know, "his bat also packed a wallop!" Against a veteran righty during batting practice, he got a hold of a high fastball and blasted a towering shot to left center easily clearing the 210 FOOT mark. The hardest whack of the pre-season so far caught everyone by surprise as Cody rounded the bases.
Not to be outdone, another rookie, Keith Petitt, shocked the coaches and spectators when he got ALL of a fat one and barely missed clearing the confines of Ol' Banks. It's great to see the freshman class putting a little pressure on the old Veterans.
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INDIANS CHANGE NAME TO RANGERS FOR 2003!
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FALL BALL 2003
NAME CHANGED TO RED SOX
I hope the curse of the Red sox doesn't plague the hometown like those boys from beantown. Again the pro team goes down to the Yankees. This time in a close seven game battle. The Cubbies also fell to the jinx in similar fashion as both teams were within 5 outs of going to the World Series. It was good seeing Ex-Orioles Mike Mussina(Yankees) and Jeff Conine(Marlins)doing well.
REDSOX PLAY UNDERHANDED TO CRUSH HUGHESVILLE DODGERS AND HALL AWAY BIG VICTORY
Did I say underhanded? No, they didn't start pitching underhanded like the girls softball team. Maybe I meant to say other handed, as the Baden Aquasco Red Sox were pounding the Dodgers so bad, that most of the Veterans began to switch hit. Sad to say for the Dodgers, but even from the opposite side of the plate the whoopping continued. Ben Hall got the start and picked up the win. Robbie Woods continued with the shut out. With a 20 plus run lead Rookie Justin Hall came in to record his first save of the year, allowing only one hit. Even that baserunner ran into bad luck. Catcher Kevin Lederer picked him off at first and the runner was forced to try to reach second. Ben Hall's bases loaded double was the big hit of the day as it almost landed at the 225 mark. A sure "GRAND SLAM" at Ol Banks. The RedSox pull above the 500 mark as the season winds down.
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The Fall Ball team is currently 4-4 versus Hughesville. The team has had several thrillers in a few close games. The coaches are putting an emphasis on getting everyone involved as they shuffle the batting order and playing positions. Rookie Michael Brown picked up his first win with the big boys by shutting down Hughesville last weekend. Like shortstop Patrick Flaherty a couple of weeks ago,Ben Hall caught a screaming liner and turned a double play to help Baden beat the Orioles.
Baden has offered some surprizes in the fall season as Kurt Estep has delivered a triple and a 240 foot HOMER! Robbie Woods has been consistantly hot at the plate and James Poole seems to have found his stroke in the batters box. His agressiveness on the basepaths has caused many Hughesville catchers to sit up and take notice. Steady pitching from Veterans Zack Casey, Kevin Lederer, Patrick Flaherty and the Woods Brothers give Baden depth on the mound.
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IN ALL STAR REMATCH BADEN BRINGS BATS BUT FALLS SHORT TO ST. MARY'S IN DISTRICT 7 LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
After getting down early Coach Donnie Lederer urged his team to put the bad inning behind them and play one inning at a time. Pitcher Kevin Lederer and the Baden defense played an almost perfect top of the second to shut out the St. Mary's powerhouse. It's hard to imagine the little Baden Aquasco "One Horse team from the One Horse Town" standing toe to toe with the entire St Mary's County league All Stars but in the bottom of the second they batted around to cut the lead to only two runs. In the end however it was the St Mary's bats that prevailed to end Baden's season.
AFTER TWO POSTPONED NIGHT GAMES BADEN AQUASCO SET TO PLAY SATURDAY AT 2:0O
SAINT MARY'S HEATS UP IN FIRST ROUND OF ALLSTAR COMPETITION
When Baden Aquasco showed up at SMYO Field Saturday two of the three batting cages were full of St Mary's players. While Baden tried to stay cool under the shade trees, the St. Mary's batters continued to smack the ball in the cage. By the time the game rolled around the St Mary's "Big Sticks" continued to stay hot in the almost 100 Degree heat. This one is one that Baden wants to forget about. Have Mercy!
HUGHESVILLE METS SHUT OUT RANGERS IN SMYO TOURNAMENT TO COMPLETE SEASON SWEEP
When pitcher Patrick Flaherty led off for the visting Rangers, he had fouled off a couple of pitches and run the count to 2-2 before foul tipping another pitch off the catchers glove. The ball hit the catchers mitt and rolled past the white line and into the batters box. The Met catcher reached down with his bare hand to pick up the ball. Patrick got ready for another pitch while the Met catcher squatted down to accept the next pitch. The Met manager yelled at his catcher to keep his glove off the ground and squeeze the ball the next time. The home plate umpire then called Patrick OUT! Manager Donnie Lederer then appealed to the home plate umpire who let the 1ST base umpire make the ruling. He also called Patrick OUT! How two umpires could miss such an easy call on the first at bat of the game seemed to rattle the young Ranger pitcher. After several attempts to get the umpires to view the video tape...without any luck...the game continued. But unfortunately, the stage had already been set. Of course after the game the first base umpire did apoligize and admit that he blew the call. He said that the third base umpire had told him that he had blown the call and that the foul tipped ball was never caught by the catcher. When asked why he would make a call he didn't see and why he didn't ask for help when the play happened... he blamed it on the Ranger Coach who should have appealed to third. When the bad call was made the manager DID STOP THE GAME AND MAKE AN APPEAL! No luck. It was downhill from there as the Mets scored 8 eight runs (only three earned) as the Rangers went down swinging.
Jake Cooke's double and Brandon Saunder's single were the only offense provided by the Rangers. Even though many Ranger bats made contact, many hits were right at Met fielders. With the Mets staking EXCLUSIVE claim to the batting cage for over an hour before game-time, hits came easy and often. The usually stingy Ranger defense could not contain the Hughesville hit machine as they continually put the ball in play. Seven errors in the first 2 innings was to much to overcome. Zack Casey came in to pitch as Patrick went back to shortstop to help shore up the defense. Great pitching by Zack and a steady defense allowed the Mets to score only one unearned run over the final 3 innings. Brian Freeman made a great catch in right and Kevin Lederer went to the outfield grass to haul in a couple of "would be" Texas league singles. Catcher Robbie Woods nailed an overly aggressive Met at third. Patrick Flaherty made several fine plays at short but the season ends with the fourth loss of the year to the Mets.
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LIGHTNING STRIKES ON RANGER COMEBACK HOPES AS REDS WIN AT OAK RIDGE 4-3
When the Reds were short a player and on the verge of forfeiting the game the Rangers offered to assume the role of Home Team at the Reds home court at Oak Ridge. This allowed the Reds to take the first at bat while waiting for their players to arrive. Being the nice guy ended up biting the Rangers when the thunderstorm struck before the Rangers could take their last at bat.
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WISMER BLAST AND POOLE CATCH SPARK RANGERS OVER ORIOLES 5-4
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RANGERS WHIP A'S IN EXTRA INNINGS 5-4
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RANGERS HOLD OFF MARLINS 6 - 5 AT OAK RIDGE
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METS THROTTLE RANGERS AGAIN 10-3
Three times was NOT the charm as the undefeated Mets continued their streak against the Rangers. The Rangers took one on the chin at Banks field tonight in their first game in almost two weeks. The recent rainy weather took its toll on the Rangers as they were out pitched and hit. Jake Cooke blased a two run homer (230 feet) to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second and almost cleared the fence with another blast in the third that resulted in a double. One his first homer, James Poole scored pinch running for catcher Robbie Woods. The other Ranger run came in the 5th when Patrick Flaherty and Robbie Woods hit back to back singles and scored on Kevin Lederers RBI single. The outfield was especially sharp and limited many extra base hits to singles. Ben Hall had an excellent day in centerfield. Philip Washington and Brian Freeman saved a couple of runs with a great catches in right. Catcher Robbie Woods made a close play at first by gunning down a runner on a bunt.
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*** FLAHERTY & CASEY *** IRISH BRIGADE SLAMS THE DOOR ON A'S COMEBACK HOPES 10-6
Great pitching, defense and offensive firepower combined to give the Rangers a stunning victory on the A's home court at Oak Ridge Monday night. Avenging their opening day loss, the Rangers took the field eager to get back into the win column. The rain out Friday night didn't seem to hurt the Ranger enthusiam as they quickly jumped out 2 zip in the first. Patrick Flaherty held the A's in check allowing only two earned runs on two hits while picking up 4
k's over the first 3 innings. The Ranger offense exploded for five runs in the top of the third. Patrick hit a bases loaded double that drove in two (including speedy Brian Freeman who scored all the way from second). Up and down the Ranger line up timely hitting and aggressive base running kept putting runs on the board. Catcher Kevin Lederer and centerfielder Kevin Wismer both legged out infield singles. The Wood Brothers,Ben Hall and Brandon Saunders added to the hit list. Another 200 foot double by Jake Cooke added more runs. Zack Casey took the hill in the 4th and the Ranger defense continued with its stingy ways. While the umpire struggled with the strike zone, Zack only allowed 3 runs while picking up 5 strikeouts! Great defense by John Wood at first allowed the Rangers to snag a couple of foul balls for tough outs. GREAT GAME!!!
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RANGERS DROP CLOSE ONE TO REDS 9-7
The Ranger bats came alive Thursday night at Banks Field in Aquasco but the Rangers lose another close one. The pitching of Kevin Lederer and John Woods kept the game close as the Rangers put many a runner on the bases. Even though the Bats were making contact the Rangers missed some key RBI opportunities. The Rangers showed their extra base power with back to back doubles by Robbie Woods and Jake Cooke. Patrick Flaherty doubled in the first and put the first run on the board. Philip Washington blasted a 200 foot double off the centerfield fence and made a great catch in centerfield. Right-fielder Brandon Saunders hauled in a deep blast to keep the Rangers within striking distance. In their last at bat the Rangers had the opportunity to win,but it wasn't meant to be as they fall 9-7.
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METS DROP RANGERS BELOW .500 MARK WITH 9-1 SPANKING AT OAK RIDGE
The Ranger defence showed flashes of brilliance with some great plays that kept the game close, but the Mets erupted for 6 runs in the fourth that sealed the Rangers fate. Ben Hall did an excellent job at second making some great plays while catcher Robbie Woods "gunned down" two "would be" base stealers at second. Kevin Wismer proved again that he has the strongest arm in the outfield by holding the Mets to one run on a bases loaded 200 foot single. Patrick Flaherty made a great backhanded grab on the edge of the grass and was able to get an inning ending force out to Zack Casey at third. Jake Cooke held the Mets in check for three innings before the Mets broke loose in the fourth. Jake's 225 foot double off the top of the centerfield fence scored Baden's only run. Zack Casey came in late to shut down the Mets attack and though the Rangers threatened they could not produce a rally to steal the Mets thunder.
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ORIOLES RAIN ON RANGER HIT PARADE 2 -1!
In another great pitching performance, Patrick Flaherty shut down the Hughesville Orioles for the second time this season allowing only one earned run over five innings. He got great defensive help from Kevin Lederer at second and Zack Casey at short. Kevin made a spearing dive at a line drive and was able to gun the runner down at first. Zack Casey made a spectacular over the shoulder grab in short center...robbing an Oriole of a "Texas League" single. The Rangers lone run came after Jake Cooke doubled and scored from third on Patrick's RBI grounder early in the contest.
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