Spartans score early in 5-2 win over Cary on 3/10/08

With four hits in their first at bat Sanderson pushed across three runs, after there were two outs, for an early 3-0 lead after one inning of play. In the top of the first, the visiting Imps sent four batters to the plate. Spartan starting pitcher Max Gagnon struck out two batters while SS Kyle Wigmore gets a put out when he grabs a grounder and makes the throw to first baseman Charles Wolfe. 

Sanderson comes to bat for the first time and sends eight batters to the plate. Third baseman Eric Brommer gets on with a single and DH Mark Peterson walks on a full count. Gagnon hits a triple to deep right field that plates our first two runs of the game, scoring Brommer and Peterson.  Kyle Wood would bring in pinch runner Travis Trumps (runner for Gagnon) with his well hit single to right center. After one inning, SHS takes an early 3-0 lead. 

Cary returns to the plate in top of the second inning but goes down 1-2-3. Gagnon strikes out the lead off batter for an out, center fielder Kyle Wood catches a fly ball for another out and SS Wigmore gets his second put out of the game with this throw to Wolfe at first. Sanderson also only sends three batters to the plate in the bottom of the second. Robert Brunson led off with a single but is out when he is caught in a pickle between first and second. 

In their top of the third inning Cary puts some pressure on Sanderson as they score two runs. The lead batter is out on a fly ball hit to Spartan right fielder Seth Elderkin. The next batter gets a single and in what was clearly the defensive play of the game, Sanderson left fielder Elliot Brody dove for a fly ball to his right that was well hit to the outfield near the foul line territory. Brody was able to catch the ball while diving and quickly got up and throws the ball back to the infield to keep the runner at first base from advancing to second. AWESOME! The next Imp batter hits a hard hit ball to right field for a triple that plates two runs. First baseman Wolfe caught a foul ball in front of the visitors dug out for the final out.

Sanderson needs to respond and they do. DH Mark Peterson starts us off with a single up the middle and moves to third base on Gagnon’s single. Peterson would score his second run of the game on a pass ball with Brody at the plate. After three innings it is now 4-2, the Spartans lead.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Imps have the heart of their order coming to the plate, batters 3-4-5. Spartan pitcher Gagnon strikes out the first batter, which is followed by a fly ball out by SS Wigmore. Cary squeezes in a single before SS Wigmore makes the easy play at short by grabbing the ground ball and tagging second base for the force out. In Sanderson’s bottom half of the inning, Brunson gets his second hit of the night, a single, but that is all we can muster so we head to the fifth inning with Sanderson up 4-2.

In Cary’s half of the fifth lead off batter Rossi gets a double and Gagnon then gets his fifth strike out of the game, followed by a Brunson put out to Wolfe at first base on a ground ball, that advances Rossi to third. The final batter hits a fly ball to center fielder Wood for the final out. 

In our bottom of the fifth Brommer leads off with a walk. Wolfe hits a deep fly ball for an out to right field that moves Brommer over to third, after Brommer had gotten to second base on a wild pitch. Peterson then helps the Sanderson cause with a sacrifice to deep center field that scores Brommer from third base. After five innings it is now Sanderson 5, Cary 2.

In the sixth inning Spartan pitcher Gagnon puts Cary’s batters down 1-2-3 for the second time today. SS Wigmore handles the first two outs with ground balls thrown to Wolfe at first base. Second baseman Brunson gets the final out with a grounder. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Sanderson’s batters also go down 1-2-3. 

Sanderson brings on pitcher Mark Peterson, replacing Gagnon, to close the game out. Starting pitcher Gagnon now moves behind the plate. The lead off batter is out one when SS Wigmore makes his sixth put out of the game with his play of a grounder and throws to first. The lone batter to reach base was on a walk. Peterson then gets a strike out and a fly ball hit to center fielder Wood for the final out of the game.

Final score, Sanderson 5, Cary 2.

Cary collected four hits by four different batters. Wojochiowksi led the way with his triple that produced two runs, followed by Rossi’s double. Hitting one single each were Kidwell and Carr. Cary’s starting pitcher Ronan pitched four innings, struck out one, walked one, allowed eight hits and four runs. Foshee pitched the final two innings with one strikeout, no walks and no runs allowed.

Sanderson starting pitcher Max Gagnon pitched six innings, struck out five batters, no walks, allowed four hits and two runs. Reliever Mark Peterson pitched the final inning for the save. He struck out one and did not allow a hit or run.

Sanderson’s Max Gagnon and Robert Brunson led the way with two hits each. Gagnon had a triple and single, one run scored and two RBI’s. Brunson had two singles. Mark Peterson scored two runs, had a sacrifice to go along with his two RBI’s, and a single and walk. Eric Brommer helped the team cause with a single, walk and two runs scored. Elliot Brody added a double and a RBI. Kyle Wood had a single.

Spartans visit Wakefield in CAP 7 opener on 3/14/2008

Unlike last year when both games went extra innings, Wakefield defeated Sanderson 8-1 in seven innings to open conference play. 

Sanderson started strong when lead off batter Kyle Wigmore led off with a single off Wolverines starting pitcher Yeung.  Wigmore was moved to second when Eric Brommer’s single was hit into right field. Charles Wolfe plated Wigmore with his sacrifice to left field. 

Spartans starting pitcher Mark Peterson put down the Wolverines in order.  Peterson caught a grounder and made the throw to first baseman Wolfe.  The second out occurred when center fielder Kyle Wood caught a fly ball followed by second baseman Robert Brunson made a play on a grounder and his throw to Wolfe at first. After one inning Sanderson takes an early 1-0 lead. 

In the second Wood led off with a walk but is out as the result of a double play.  Right fielder Travis Trumps reached base on a walk for our only other base runner for the inning.  The Wolverines do get a batter on base by a walk but Spartan pitcher Peterson gets all three outs with strike outs as the score remains 1-0 in favor of Sanderson as we head to the third inning.

In out top of the third Brommer got all the way to third base after he received a walk and got two passed balls.  The next two batters could not get Brommer in so we head to Wakefield’s turn at the plate.

Wakefield would get their first hit of the game with a single but the Sanderson defense shuts them down the rest of the inning.  Peterson gets out number one when he catches a grounder and makes the throw to Wolfe at first.  Third baseman Eric Brommer gets the next two outs by fielding grounders and making his throws to first base.  In the defensive play of the game Brommer, as he has done many times before, laid out to get a hit and got back up to make his throw to first base. 

In our top of the fourth inning, we had two outs and nobody on base when Elliot Brody and Trumps hit back-to-back singles, with Brody reaching third on Trumps hit.   We would end the inning that way.

Wakefield’s first three batters in the fourth inning would reach base with two single’s and a double.  Another batter would hit a sacrifice to help account for Wakefield’s three runs.  The outs came when Peterson caught a roller and made the throw to first base. Right fielder Trumps caught a fly ball for out number two and Peterson got his fourth strike out to end the inning and Wakefield now leads 3-1 as we head to the fifth inning.

In our top of the fifth Wigmore gets on base for the second time, this time with a walk.  Brommer is on base for the third time in three at bats after he reaches on an error.  The Spartans would load the bases after Wolfe reaches with a walk and one out. The inning would end with Wakefield turning a double play.  Wakefield then comes to the plate and the first two batters are out; fly ball to left fielder Brody and a fly ball to Peterson, Wakefield got their first hit of the inning followed by a walk before Peterson got a backward strikeout, his fifth strikeout of the game, for the last out of the inning.

In our top of the sixth our batters go down 1-2-3 as Wakefield comes back to the plate and sends ten batters to the plate. With the first three batters getting a home run, single and a walk, Spartan starting pitcher Peterson is replaced by John McFarling.  McFarling gets the first out of the inning with a ground ball hit to third baseman Brommer who throws to Wolfe at first base.  The next three batters all reach base before Sanderson would bring in their third pitcher of the inning, Eric Brommer.  Brommer is greeted with a single to place runners at first and second. Out number two came when Sanderson catcher Max Gagnon threw to SS Wigmore as the runner on second was leaning towards third. Wigmore then threw to Peterson, our third baseman, who threw back to Brunson covering second base and eventually placed the tag on the runner for a perfectly executed pickle. The third out was when Brommer struck out his first batter. 

Wakefield has now increased their lead to 8-1 as we had to bat at the top of the seventh inning.

Sanderson’s batters go down 1-2-3 as the game is called and Wakefield wins the first of the two meeting between these two teams this year.

Wakefield’s Yeung pitched six innings allowing four hits, struck out four, walked six and allowed one run in getting the win. Reliever Woodell pitched the last inning for the Wolverines with a 1-2-3 inning. 

Wakefield hitters were led by Taylor Nelson (2-4, HR, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI), J. Dowdy (2-4, 2B, RBI, run scored), B. Yeung (2-3, RBI, run scored), and  J. Riggleman (1-3, 3B, 2 RBI’s, run scored).

Sanderson starting pitcher Mark Peterson pitched five innings allowing five hits, six runs, had five strikeouts and five walks in taking the loss. Reliever John McFarling came on in the sixth inning and faced four batters before being replaced by Eric Brommer. McFarling allowed two hits, walked a batter and allowed two runs. Brommer faced three batters allowing two hits and had a strike out, without allowing a run. 

SHS had 4 hitters with one hit each; Kyle Wigmore (1-3, BB, run scored), Eric Brommer (1-3, BB), Elliot Brody (1-3) and Travis Trumps (1-2, BB).

Capitals edge Spartans 2-1 at Broughton

Although Sanderson was about to place runners on base all game long, they leave 14 runners on base in losing to CAP 7 rival Broughton on 3.17.2008.

In the first inning the Spartans do not get a hit but leave one runner on base, Eric Brommer who reached on an error.  Sanderson starting pitcher Charles Wolfe allows a lead off double to Broughton.  On the next batter SS Kyle Wigmore makes a play on a grounder and makes the throw to third baseman Brommer.  Out two came about when Brommer makes the throw to second baseman Robert Brunson for the force out.  After a single is hit, SS Wigmore plays the ground ball with the easy out to first.

In our top of the second inning, we send six batters to the plate and leave all three runners on base.  Peterson led off with a walk, followed by singles by Kyle Wood and Elliot Brody.  The next three batters are out so the inning is over with no runs scored. Broughton goes down in order as Spartan pitcher Charles Wolfe gets his first two strikeouts of the game.  After two innings it remains scoreless.

Lead off batter Brommer reaches base with his first hit of the game, a single and moves to third base on Peterson’s single to left center.  We leave these two runners on base as we end the third. Broughton would score the first runs of the game as they bang out two hits and get a walk to score two runs.  After three innings the Capitals lead 2-0.

Sanderson’s first two batters of the fourth inning reach base; Brody’s second single and Travis Trumps walk.   Our next three batters can not advance these runners. Broughton goes down 1-2-3 as pitcher Wolfe gets his third & fourth strikeouts of the game.  After four innings it remains 2-0 Broughton.

In the fifth inning the Spartans load the bases with one out before Broughton changes pitchers.  Max Gagnon is our first base runner with his single and he is moved to second when Peterson gets his second single of the game.  Wood would load the bases with one out when he battles at the plate for a walk.  Our next batters are not able to advance the runners so we remain behind 2-0 headed to the bottom of the fifth inning.  Broughton would not score in the fifth as SHS pitcher Wolfe gets his fifth strikeout of the day. 

In our top of the sixth, Spartans Wigmore and Gagnon would get on base by walks and stay there as once again we can not advance them.  Broughton’s lead off batter in the bottom of the sixth reaches base on a hit infield error and is later thrown out when Spartan catcher Gagnon threw to second baseman Sam Beavans who placed the tag on the runner. Spartan pitcher Wolfe gets his sixth strikeout in the inning as well.  We head to the top of the seventh trailing Broughton 2-0.

Sanderson’s lead off batter for the inning, Peterson, sends the second pitch he sees over the center field wall for a solo home run.  This was Sanderson’s first home run this season.  Right fielder Trumps gets our second hit of the inning but he is left on base.  The games ends with the final score Broughton 2, SHS 1.

Broughton starting pitcher T. J. Roebuck pitched 4 1/3 innings, struck out four, walked 2 and did not allow any runs, to gain the win.  Reliever D. Brown pitched 2 2/3 innings, struck out six, walked two and allowed one run for the save.

Broughton hitters were led by D. Brown (2-2, run scored) and J. Redd (1-3, 2 RBIs).

Sanderson pitcher Charles Wolfe (2-1) pitched a very good complete game.  He struck out six batters over six innings, scattered five hits and allowed two runs. 

Sanderson was led by Mark Peterson (3-3, HR, RBI), Elliot Brody (2-3). Adding singles each were Travis Trumps (1-2), Eric Brommer (1-4), Max Gagnon (1-3, BB), and Kyle Wood (1-3, BB).

Spartans snap three game losing streak at Cary

On 3.19.2008 the Spartans took care of business by sweeping the season series (2-0) over the Imps of Cary. 

Sanderson’s lead off batter Eric Brommer got the game started with his single to right field, which was followed by Kyle Wood’s single to right center.  Wood is out a fielder’s choice hit by Mark Peterson, which also scores Brommer from third base for an early 1-0 lead.  Spartan starting pitcher Max Gagnon puts the Cary batters down 1-2-3, ending the inning with a strike out.  In between center fielder Wood catches a fly ball and SS Kyle Wigmore throws to second baseman Robert Brunson.

In out top of the second our batters go down 1-2-3. Cary’s batters get their first hit of the game, a single, in the inning.  Wood catches his second pop fly for an out.  Wigmore and Brunson team up for another out and Brunson throws to first baseman Charles Wolfe for the final out.  Sanderson retains a slim 1-0 lead.

Brommer reaches base on an error as our only runner in the third inning. The Imps lead off batter reaches with a single, followed by an error and another single. Out number one is accomplished by third baseman Brommer on a pop fly with the bases loaded on an infield fly rule. In a spectacular defensive play to keep Cary off the board, SS Wigmore catches a line drive for out two and then steps on second to get out three as the runner had taken off too early for the double play. After three innings it remains SHS 1, Cary 0.

With two outs and no one on in the top of the fourth, Wolfe hits the ball deep to left field for a stand up double. Gagnon follows with his first home run of the year to left field as Sanderson expands its lead to 3-0. Cary answers when their lead off runner reaches base on an error and later scores on an infield error.  Out number one occurred when pitcher Gagnon threw to first base and later Wigmore, Brunson and Wolfe teamed up for our second double play of the game.  After four innings it is now Sanderson 3, Cary 1.

Seth Elderkin led off our fifth inning with his single to center field. He is knocked off the base paths when he is the victim of a double play.  For the third inning Cary’s lead off batter reaches first base. All three outs this inning involved SS Wigmore and second baseman Brunson. Two outs involve Wigmore tossing to Brunson covering second base and then Brunson returns the favor when he tosses to Wigmore covering second.

In our top of the sixth we go down 1-2-3. Cary also goes down 1-2-3. Wood dives for a catch in center field for out one, first baseman Wolfe plays a grounder at first and pitcher Gagnon strikes out the final batter. After six innings it remains 3-1 in favor of the Spartans.

In our last at bat Wolfe reaches with an error while Brunson would get our only hit of the game, a single to right field.

Cary comes to bat only needing two runs to tie the game in their bottom half of the seventh. Sanderson switches pitcher and catcher by bringing Bryan Burke to the mound and Gagnon goes behind the dish. Brunson got out number one when he threw to first base after playing a grounder, Wigmore caught a fly ball deep in foul territory behind third base and later tosses to second baseman Brunson for the force out at second base for the final out of the game.  Burke does not allow any runs as he closes the door on the Imps.

Cary starting pitcher Kondor pitched a complete game, striking out one, no walks, allowed six hits and three runs. 

Cary is led at the plate by Kondor (2-3).

Spartan starting pitcher Max Gagnon (2-0) pitched six innings with two strike outs and did not allow any walks.  He scattered five hits and allowed one run. Bryan Burke got the save when he pitched the final inning, with one strike out and one walk

Our leading hitter was Max Gagnon (1-3, HR, 2 RBI’s) followed by Charles Wolfe (1-3, dbl, scored). Contributing a single each were Eric Brommer (1-3, run), Robert Brunson (1-3), Seth Elderkin (1-3), and Kyle Wood (1-3).

Pitching and defense carry Spartans to CAP 7 win

On a windy day at Sanderson Field at Optimist Park on 3.20.2008, Spartan senior pitcher Mark Peterson pitched a two hitter in earning his first win of the season, 1-1 this season.  The Spartans offense could only muster five singles off Millbrook Wildcats pitcher Jake Harris.

In the first the lone Wildcat runner reached base on an infield error while Peterson got his first two strike outs of the game.  Second baseman Robert Brunson played a grounder and made the throw to first baseman Charles Wolfe.  In our half of the inning our first two batters Eric Brommer and Kyle Wood, each collect a single but as has been the norm so far this season we strand both runners on base.  After one inning we are knotted up at 0-0.

In Millbrook’s top of the second inning, Peterson picks up strike outs three and four before SS Kyle Wigmore plays a ground ball and makes the throw to first for the third out.  Sanderson’s lead off batter in the second, Wolfe, reaches with a single to right field and advances to second on Max Gagnon’s fielder’s choice to first base.  Wolfe then advances to third on a pass ball. Before our third out Seth Elderkin would reach base on a walk.  We strand two more batters and the score remains 0-0 after two innings.

Millbrook gets their first hit of the game and once the Wildcat batter is on base, Spartan pitcher Peterson picks him off with a nice throw to first baseman Wolfe, who tags out the runner.  Peterson was also involved with a grounder that he threw to first base for another out.  The final out came about with Peterson’s fifth strike out. 

For the third straight inning Sanderson’s lead off batter, this time Kyle Wood, reaches base.  In fact our first three batters of Wood, Wigmore and Peterson, reach base on Wildcat errors. We have three on and no outs.  Wolfe would hit a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Wood. This turned out to be the winning hit and run of the game. After three innings Sanderson takes the lead 1-0.

Millbrook would send four batters to the plate in the fourth inning with one batter reached base on an infield error.  Brommer played a ground ball and threw to first for the first out.  Second baseman Brunson made his throw to first on a ground ball for another out.  Pitcher Peterson recorded his sixth strike out for an out as well.  The Spartans go down 1-2-3- in their half of the fourth inning and it remained 1-0 Sanderson.

Spartan Peterson strikes out the lead off batter for his seventh strike out of the game in the top of the fifth inning. SS Wigmore easily makes his throw to Wolfe at first base after fielding a grounder. Third baseman Brommer catches a fly ball for the final out in the top of the fifth inning.  Wigmore hit for a single to right center field to become our first base runner of the inning.  He is followed by fellow Spartan Peterson who hits for a single to left field.  We leave these two runners on base as we head to the top of the sixth inning with a slim 1-0 lead.

Sanderson pitcher Mark Peterson is still going strong and records his eighth strike out when he fans the Wildcats lead off batter in the sixth inning.  Brommer made another routine play at third base on a ground ball that he throws to first base.  The third batter of the inning gets Millbrook’s second hit of the game.  While the fourth Millbrook batter is batting the Millbrook runner on first base is caught in a pickle when Peterson throws to Wolfe at first.  Wolfe chases the runner to second base where SS Wigmore receives the throw from Wolfe and tags out the runner for the final out of the inning.

In our half of the sixth inning we go down 1-2-3 so here we are headed to the top of the seventh.  The Wildcats lead off batter is out on another grounder played by Brommer at third base for out number one.  In back-to-back controversial ball four calls by the man in blue, Millbrook’s next two batters walk to place runners on first and second and one out.  This is the first time all game that Millbrook has had a runner on second. Millbrook’s next batter is struck out by Peterson for his ninth strike out of the game.  On strike three to this latest strike out victim, Spartan catcher Gagnon throw a bullet to first baseman Wolfe who places the tag on the base runner for a double play and out #3. What a way to end a game. 

Final score Sanderson 1, Millbrook 0. 

Millbrook only had two hits for the game, both singles. Harris and Redmond got the singles.

Millbrook pitcher Jake Harris pitched well in taking a tough loss. Harris had four strike outs and one walk and allowed five Sanderson singles. 

The Spartans banged out five singles for the night. Leading the way was Charles Wolfe with a single and sacrifice fly/RBI that scored the only run of the game. Getting a single each were Eric Brommer, Mark Peterson, Kyle Wigmore, and Kyle Wood. 

Spartan pitcher Mark Peterson was in total control as he pitched a scoreless complete game. Mark struck out nine batters and had three walks. 

Spartans pitcher Wolfe pitches his second shut out of the season in leading Sanderson to CAP 7 Conference win over Leesville

Sanderson starting pitcher Charles Wolfe set the tone of the game early when he struck out the first two Leesville Pride batters to start the game on March 25, 2008.  With their third straight win Sanderson moved to 2-2 in the CAP 7 and 7-4 overall.  They play next in the Leith Invitational Tournament held in Knightdale.  Sanderson is the tournaments defending champions as they won the ignaural tournament last year.

In Leesville’s first they would not score as two batters struck out and third baseman Eric Brommer fielded a ground ball and threw to first baseman Mark Peterson for the third out.  The Spartans come to bat to see what they can do against their CAP 7 rival.  Brommer led off the inning with a single followed by Kyle Wood who reaches on an error. Kyle Wigmore brings in Brommer with his single to right field, as well as moving Wood to third base.  Peterson hit a deep sacrifice fly to left center field to plate Wood.  After one inning Sanderson take the early 2-0 lead.

Leesville’s lead off batter reached base with a single. Wolfe gets his third and fourth strikeouts of the game in this inning.  In between a Pride batter was walked so we have runners on first and second with one out.  Wolfe then catches a grounder and throws to third baseman Brommer to get the lead runner.  In our half of the second inning Max Gagnon (pinch runner Kyle Loose) reaches on an infield error but we do not get any runs or hits so it remains 2-0. 

Spartans pitcher Wolfe struck out three batters in the third inning to give him seven for the game.  In the third inning Leesville gets their second single of the game without scoring on the Spartans defense.

In the bottom of our third inning with two outs and nobody on base, Sanderson gets their bats going again. Wigmore walks and stole second base.  He is brought home on Peterson’s double to deep center field. After three innings it is now SHS 3, Leesville 0.

In Leesville’s fourth inning, Sanderson’s second baseman Robert Brunson caught a line drive for out one and SS Wigmore played a ground ball with his throw to Peterson at first.  Leesville had a batter reach base on a single which was followed by the next batter trying to stretch his single into a double when he was thrown out at second.  The throw and tag worked this way – CF Wood threw to SS Wigmore who threw to second baseman Brunson who placed the tag on the sliding runner.  That is how you play defense.

Wolfe led off our fourth inning with a stand up triple and Gagnon (pinch runner Loose) followed with a walk.  Brunson knocked in Wolfe with his sacrifice fly to center field. Travis Trumps gets on with a walk and that is it for the inning.  Sanderson increases it lead to 4-0 after four innings.

In the fifth inning Leesville goes down 1-2-3.  Two batters hit ground balls that are fielded by Peterson who makes the out at first base.  SS Wigmore then gets the ground ball hit to him and throws to first base.

With one hit, a walk and an error Sanderson pushes across one more run in the fifth inning.  Brommer leads off and reaches base on an error.  Wigmore moves Brommer over with his fielder’s choice and Peterson (pinch runner Al Baldy) gets his third RBI of the game when his single to left scored Brommer.  Elliot Brody reaches on a walk and Sanderson heads to the top of the sixth with a 5-0 lead. 

Leesville does not get any hits in the sixth inning.  Wolfe gets his eighth strike out of the game, SS Wigmore throws out a runner at first base and second baseman Brunson makes his throw to first base for the final out.

Sanderson comes to bat and sends six batters to the plate as the Spartans adds two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Loose is our first base runner as he reaches base with a walk.  With two outs and Loose on second base Brommer gets his second hit of the night and scores Loose.  With Brommer sitting on third base, Wood hits a roller down the third base line allowing Brommer to run past the fielders and scored to give Sanderson a 7-0 lead headed to the top of the seventh inning.

The first two Pride batters hit deep fly balls to CF Wood and we quickly have two up, two down.  The third Leesville batter hits a ground ball to third baseman Brommer who makes the throw to Peterson at first base for the last out.

Final score Sanderson 7, Leesville 0.

The Pride starting pitcher Steinbugler allowed four runs, struck out one and walked two in taking the loss.  The second Leesville pitcher Gentry pitched one inning and allowed one run while walking two batters.  Dorsett was their last pitcher pitching one inning, allowed two runs and two hits, to go along with one strike out and one walk.

Four Leesville batters had one single each; Brown, Dorsett, Kelly and Lyons.

The Spartans starting pitcher Charles Wolfe pitched his second straight complete game in improving to 3-1 on the year. Charles had great control in getting his eight strike outs and one walked batter.  He scattered the Pride’s four hits over his seven innings. 

Sanderson’s pitchers have now combined for 17 straight scoreless innings over our last three games.  Of course they could not do this alone as it is well documented with the numerous outstanding defensive plays in the field. 

Sanderson’s collected seven hits against the three Leesville pitchers.  We were led by Mark Peterson (2-2, SAC, 3 RBI’s) and Eric Brommer (2-4, RBI).  Kyle Wigmore (1-3, RBI), Charles Wolfe (1-2, 3B), and Kyle Wood (1-3, RBI) contributed one hit each.  Robert Brunson  rounded out the scoring with his sacrifice/RBI in the fourth inning.

Spartan bats come alive in Spring Break tournament

Sanderson’s batters came out swinging on a cold and wet opening day at the Leith Auto Park East Round Table Invitational spring break tournament on March 29, 2008.  Spartan parent Mrs. Tammie Wood began the opening ceremonies by singing the national anthem.  The Spartans, defending champions, then started tournament play against the Golden Hawks of Holly Springs. 

As the visitors the Spartans batted first but Kyle Wigmore’s single and stolen base was all the noise we could make.  

In their half of the first the Golden Hawks of Holly Springs scored one unearned run to take a 1-0 lead.  The Hawks got two of their game hits in this inning. Second baseman Robert Brunson started a double play with his throw to SS Wigmore who made the tag and threw to first baseman Charles Wolfe.  The final out came when Spartan starting pitcher Max Gagnon struck out a batter.  As we head to the second inning it is Holly Springs 1, SHS 0. 

Spartan left fielder Elliot Brody led off with a single to right field and then stole second base. Wolfe moved Brody to third on a ground ball out to SS and Gagnon then plated Brody with his ground out to SS as well.  With two outs and nobody on we put the pedal to the metal.  Brunson was our next base runner with his single, followed by Kyle Loose who reached on a wild pitch.  Eric Brommer then walked and we have the bases loaded. Kyle Wood also received a walk to bring in Brunson.  Wigmore reaches base as well on a walk to score Loose.  Our fourth straight walked batter was DH Mark Peterson allowing Wood to score.  Brody came to bat for the second time in the inning and got our fifth straight walked batter bringing in Wigmore.  The inning ended and we go into the bottom of the second with SHS taking a 5-1 lead. 

Holly Springs goes down 1-2-3 as Brody caught a fly ball in left field and Gagnon stuck out two batters. 

In their top of the third inning, Sanderson’s batters go down 1-2-3 as well. For the second consecutive inning the Golden Hawks go down in order as well as Spartan pitcher Gagnon got his third straight strike out to start the inning.  Then a ground ball was caught by Gagnon, who made the throw to Wolfe at first for the second out.  Wolfe caught a foul ball pop up for the final out. 

Sanderson comes to bat in their top of the fourth inning swinging away again.  For the second time we batted around.  Wood was our first base runner with his single and he then advanced to second on a steal.  Wigmore’s single to left field moved Wood to third base.  Peterson got his second RBI of the game with his single to the left side of field, plating Wood who scored his second run.  Wigmore was thrown out at home when Brody hit a ground ball to third.  With two outs and two runners on base Wolfe hits his first home run way over the left field wall for a three run homer.  Gagnon then made it back-to-back home runs with his solo home run, his second of the year, over the same left field fence.  Sam Beavans followed with his first plate appearance of the game and delivered a single up the middle.  Loose would get on base with his single and that hit would be our last for the inning.  After 3.5 innings Sanderson increases its lead to 10-1. 

In their bottom of the fourth Holly Springs would score their second unearned run to cut into our lead at 10-2.  Travis Trumps caught a fly ball in center field for the first out and Gagnon got his fifth strike out for the second out.  The next batter hits a single to the left side of the infield.  Then a batter is hit and we have two runners on when an infield error allows the second Golden Hawks run to cross the plate.  On the final out Gagnon caught a line drive to end the inning.

For the third time in five innings Sanderson would bat more than nine batters in scoring seven runs in the fifth.  Trumps led off with a single followed by Wigmore with his third hit of the game. Bryan Burke came to bat for the first time and reached on a walk to load the bases and no outs. Another first time batter, Alex Baldy, hit into a fielder’s choice that scores Trumps.  John McFarling got an RBI in his first at bat when he also hit into a fielder’s choice, plating Wigmore.  Seth Elderkin would walk in his only plate appearance and he was followed by Beavans whose second hit of the game brought in Burke from third. Loose then got on base for the third time today and the bases are now loaded once again.  Brommer found a great time to hit as he delivered his first hit of the game, a single, to clear the bases.  Trumps is now batting for the second time this inning and gets his second hit of the inning, a double down the left field line.  Wigmore also gets on base for the second time this inning with his second walk of the game.  We leave the bases loaded but add seven runs to increase our lead to 17-2 after 4.5 innings.

Sanderson brings in relief pitcher Bryan Burke, who caught for pitcher Gagnon the first 4 innings, to pitch which sends Gagnon behind the plate as our catcher.  Burke strikes out the first batter and then walks the second.  Beavans plays a ground ball for the easy out to McFarling at first for the second out.  The game ends when McFarling goes for a ground ball far to his right and out runs the hitter to first with his tag at the bag. Game over.

Final score Sanderson   17 Holly Springs   2

Sanderson now heads into the semi-final bracket on Monday vs an unknown team at this time. 

The Golden Hawks starting pitcher Roden took the loss. 

Holly Springs had three hitters with a single each;  Conners (1-3), Nunn (1-2) and Tomlinson (1-2).

Spartans starting pitcher Max Gagnon (3-0)  pitched four innings, allowed three hits, struck out five, no walks and had two runs score. Relief pitcher Bryan Burke closed out the game with his one inning, no hits, one strike out, one walk and no runs allowed. 

Sanderson had 11 batters contribute to their 15 hit attack, led by Kyle Wigmore (3-3, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 1 run). Next with two hits each were Travis Trumps (2-2, 2B, run and RBI) and Sam Beavans (2-2, run, RBI).  Our eight batters with one hit each were led by Elliot Brody (1-2, 2 runs, RBI), Charles Wolfe (1-3, HR, run, 3 RBI), Max Gagnon (1-3, HR, run, 2 RBI), Kyle Wood (1-3, BB, 2 runs, RBI), Mark Peterson (1-3, BB, run, 2 RBI), Eric Brommer (1-4, BB, 2 runs, 3 RBI), Kyle Loose (1-4, BB, 2 runs), and Robert Brunson (1-2, run).  Also contributing to Sanderson’s attack were Bryan Burke (0-1, BB, run), Seth Elderkin (0-1, BB, run), Alex Baldy (0-1, RBI) and John McFarling (0-1, RBI).

Records – Sanderson won their fourth straight to improve to 8-4. Holly Springs, winners of 6 of their last 7 games, dropped to 8-3. 

 Spartans edge WF-R Cougars in CAP 7 in the first night game of the season

Behind senior pitcher Mark Peterson’s stellar performance of nine strikeouts and one run allowed, Sanderson improved its conference record to 3-2 after its 4-1 road win over Wake Forest-Rolesville (WF-R) on 4.8.08.  This placed Sanderson in a three way tie for first place in the conference.

In our top of the first we scored our first run when Kyle Wigmore’s double brought in Kyle Wood who had reached base on a single.   Other base runners in the inning included Peterson who walked, Elliot Brody who reached on an infield error and Charles Wolfe who reached on a single.  WFR had one single in their half of the inning before the inning ended with SHS ahead, 1-0.  Spartan defenders had an errorless inning with the first out occurring when Peterson fielded a grounder to first baseman Wolfe, SS Wigmore caught a pop up and third baseman Eric Brommer made the catch and throw to Wolfe at first.

In the second Sanderson’s lone base runner was Travis Trumps who reached on a single and was left stranded at third base.  Spartans pitcher Peterson allowed a lead off double before he struck out two batters and a third batter was out on a ground ball to Robert Brunson at second,  who made the throw to Wolfe at first.

In the third inning we had two base runners, Peterson and Wolfe, reach base on errors and that was it for our portion of the inning.  Sanderson pitcher Peterson gets a backward K on the lead off batter followed by a walk to the next batter.  Spartan catcher Max Gagnon was once again successful in throwing out a stealing base runner with his throw and tag on the runner by second baseman Brunson for the second out.  Peterson got his fourth strikeout in three innings to end the inning.  After three innings it remains 1-0 Sanderson. 

Our lead off batter in the fourth inning, Brunson, reached on an error and later scored when Wigmore hit a ground ball to third base. Trumps received a walk and Brommer hit for a single as our other base runners in the inning.  WF-R batters went down 1-2-3 as Peterson got his fifth strikeout victim, and second baseman Brunson and SS Wigmore made throws to first baseman Wolfe for the other two outs.  After four innings SHS now leads 2-0.

In Sanderson’s fifth, our two base runners would be Wolfe when he got his second hit of the time and Peterson reached after he was hit by a pitch.  In their half of the fifth inning, the Cougars took advantage of two walked batters in scoring their only run of the game.  WF-R did get a double that plated their runner.  After five complete innings Sanderson’s lead is reduced to 2-1.

Sanderson’s Brommer got his second hit of the game but that was all we could produce for the inning.  WF-R’s lead off batter in the bottom of the sixth was able to reach base on an error.  With a well placed bunt toward first base by the next batter WF-R’s lead off batter tried to sneak into third base.  In the defensive play of the game, Spartan catcher Gagnon ran down to cover third base.  After pitcher Peterson covered first and got the out, Paterson made a perfect throw to Gagnon at third base, who then placed the tag on the sliding base runner to complete the double play.  Peterson then stepped back on the mound after that exciting play and got his eighth strike out of the game for the final out.  As we head to the last inning it remains SHS 2, WF-R 1.

Needing to find a way to back up our pitcher, Spartan batters were ready to step it up.  Lead off batter Wigmore was hit by the first pitch of the inning. Peterson’s first hit of the game moved Wigmore to third base. With two outs and runners on third and second, Wolfe hit his third single of the game to score both Wigmore and Peterson (pinch runner Alex Baldy).  As we head to the Cougars last at bat SHS has taken a 4-1 lead.

WF-R lead off batter hit a grounder that SS Wigmore made into a routine out to first. The next batter reached on a single followed by the second out of the inning when Brody in left field caught a fly ball.  The final out was recorded with Peterson’s ninth strikeout of the game.

Final score SHS 4, WFR 1.

Sanderson improved to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in CAP 7, while WF-R dropped to 5-7 overall and 2-3 in the CAP 7.

WF-R Cougars pitcher Tyler Buckley pitched six strong innings in taking the loss. Buckley struck out four, walked two and allowed three runs.  Reliever Renn pitched the last inning while allowing two hits and one run. 

The Cougars had five batters with one hit each; Davidson and J. Renn had one 2B, while Coleman, Williamson and Muse each had one single.

Spartan pitcher Mark Peterson improved his record to 2-1 with a complete game outing.  Mark had nine strike outs and only two walks in seven innings.  He allowed five hits and one run. 

Sanderson collected nine hits led by Charles Wolfe (3-4, 2 RBI’s).  Our other multi-hit player was Eric Brommer (2-4).  Helping out with one hit each were Kyle Wigmore (1-3, 2 RBI’s), Mark Peterson (1-2), Travis Trumps (1-2, W) and Kyle Wood (1-4).

Spartans sweep season series with Middle Creek

On 4.10.08 Sanderson played outside the conference for the final time this regular season when they visited the Middle Creek Mustangs a member of the Tri-Eight. Aided by 15 hits (our scorers had 16 hits as a double was hit to center field that their fielder dove for and was unable to hold onto it) by ten batters as the Spartans defeated the Mustangs 17-6 in six innings. The Spartans concluded their out of conference play with a record of 6-2.

Sanderson struck early as we pushed across one run in the first inning. With two outs and nobody on base Kyle Wigmore reached on a single and scored on Elliot Brody’s single to center field. In between Charles Wolfe hit a single. Spartans sophomore pitcher Bryan Burke took the mound in his first start of the season as the Mustangs come to bat. Two of the three outs were by Burke strike outs and right fielder Seth Elderkin caught a fly ball for another out. The Mustangs were able to get one hit in the inning.

The Spartans sent eight batters to the plate in their top of the second inning as they increased their lead to 4-0. Elderkin was our first base runner as he reached with a single. Now with two outs and Elderkin on base we find a way to knock in three runs. Eric Brommer was walked and Kyle Wood hit a single into left field. Our three runs were scored off errors as Elderkin, Brommer and Wood would score. Spartan pitcher Burke returned to the mound and put down the Mustangs in order. A fly ball to left field was caught by Brody, a pop up to first baseman Wolfe was an out and a ground ball to Sam Beavans at second resulted in a third out to first. After two complete innings it is SHS 4, Middle Creek 0.

On two hits Sanderson adds three more runs in their half of the third inning. Max Gagnon (pinch runner Travis Trumps) led of the hitting with a double to center field and scored on Brommer’s RBI double. In between Elderkin reached base on an error and scored. Brommer also scored on a fielding error. The score is now SHS 7, Middle Creek 0. Middle Creek’s batters start to hit the ball in the third inning as they had three hits, all singles, and scored two runs to cut into Sanderson’s lead after three innings, 7-2. Burke got his third strike out victim in the inning. SS Wigmore and 2B Beavans made plays on ground balls for outs to first baseman John McFarling.

For the fourth straight inning in the game Sanderson was able to push across a run. Wigmore led off the inning by reaching base on an error and moved to second on a fielder’s choice. Gagnon followed with another double to center that plated Wigmore.

Middle Creek was finally able to get to Sanderson starting pitcher Burke when they sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs off three hits and two walks. Their lead off batter reached on a walk and that was followed by a single to right center. With two batters on and no outs we got two outs with a fly ball to Elderkin in right field and a ground ball to SS Wigmore and throw to McFarling at first. The Mustangs then pushed across four runs to cut into Sanderson’s lead, which is now 8-6 after four innings. The Spartans brought in Brommer for Burke during the inning and Eric got the third out when a fly ball is hit to Brody in center field.

We now have a brand new ballgame as Sanderson comes to bat in the top of the fifth inning. As a result of sending 11 batters to the plate Sanderson had six hits and scored six runs. Elderkin led off with his second hit of the game with his double to center. Brommer got his second RBI of the game when he brought in Elderkin with his single. With two outs and one runner on base our batters continued to hit the ball well. Wigmore got his second single with a hit up the middle which was followed by McFarling’s single that scored Brommer. Brody reached base on an error so we have bases loaded and two outs. Gagnon delivered his third double of the game that scored McFarling and Brody. Mark Peterson batted for the first time today and got an RBI on his double when he brought in Gagnon’s pinch runner Trumps. Elderkin came to bat for the second time in the hitting and reached base when he was hit by a pitch. Sanderson increased its lead to 14-6 after 5.5 innings.

Spartan reliever Brommer faced four batters in the bottom of the fifth inning. Second baseman Beavans played a ground ball and made the throw to first for out number one. The Mustangs second batter struck out but reached base on a dropped third strike. Brommer then struck out the next batter and Elderkin caught a fly ball for out three. After five complete innings it remains SHS 14, Middle Creek 6.

In our half of the sixth we got three hits and pushed across three more runs. Brommer led off and got his third hit of the game. Alex Baldy hit a single to the left side of the field. McFarling reached base for the second time today when he worked the count for a walk to load the bases. Brody hit into a fielder’s choice and that got Brommer out in a force out at home. We now have two outs and the bases loaded. Gagnon steps to the plate and delivers a hit to right center field that caused the Mustang fielder to dive and he was not able to catch the ball. This was ruled an error by the Mustangs score keeper but it brought in all three base runners. That is it for the inning as Sanderson increased its lead to 17-6 as Middle Creek comes to bat needing at least two runs to keep the game going.

Sanderson brought in Wigmore to pitch and close the deal. Brommer was moved to shortstop and Mark Peterson is now at third base. The first batter hit a fly ball to Elderkin in right for out number one. SS Brommer caught a ground ball and made the throw to McFarling at first for out number two. Wigmore gets a backward strike out for the final out.

Final score Sanderson 17 Middle Creek 6.

Records Sanderson 10-4 and Middle Creek 5-7.

The Mustangs collected 7 hits and were led by Adams (2-2) and McKernie(2-3). Starting pitcher Blalock took the loss.

Sanderson was credited with 16 hits by ten different players. Leading the way was Max Gagnon (3-5, 3 2B’s, 6 RBI’s, two runs) and Eric Brommer (3-4, 2B, 2 RBI’s three runs). Next with two hits was Seth Elderkin (2-3, 2B, three runs). We also had seven batters with one hit each; Mark Peterson (1-2, 2B, RBI), John McFarling (1-2, RBI, 2 runs), Kyle Wood (1-2. run), Charles Wolfe (1-2), Alex Baldy (1-3, run), Elliot Brody (1-5, RBI, 2 runs) and Kyle Wigmore (1-5, three runs).

Sanderson’s starting pitcher, sophomore Bryan Burke, picked up his first varsity win (1-2). Bryan pitched 3 2/3 innings, struck out two and walked two batters. He allowed six runs on eight hits. Eric Brommer came on in relief and pitched 1 1/3 innings, struck out two batters and did not allow any runs. Kyle Wigmore came in to close the game and pitched the sixth inning. He struck out one batter and did not allow any hits or runs.

Spartans start slow and fall to Broughton 4-1 on 4.15.08

Sanderson’s baseball team played a home game for the first in three weeks on 4.15.08 when they hosted CAP 7 rival, the Broughton Caps. Sanderson was able to shut the Caps down over the final five innings after giving up four runs in the first two innings. It was not enough as Sanderson fell to Broughton 4-1.

In their first at bat Broughton collected two hits and scored one run to take an early 1-0 lead. Sanderson starting pitcher Mark Peterson started the game by striking out the Caps lead off batter. Later on SS Kyle Wigmore played a ground ball safely with his throw to first baseman Charles Wolfe for the second out. The third out was made when Wolfe made an awesome stop of a ground ball that hugged the first base line and he then made the toss to Peterson covering. In our turn at bat our lead off batter Eric Brommer reached on an infield error and Peterson (pinch runner Seth Elderkin) was intentionally walked before the inning is over. After one inning it remains 1-0 in favor of the Caps.

Broughton’s batters were able to get four more hits off Spartans starting pitcher Peterson with some well placed hits in the field to add three more runs and increase their lead to 4-0. Peterson was able to get all three outs this inning with three strikeouts giving him four for the game. Sanderson can only answer with a single by left fielder Elliot Brody. After two innings it is now 4-0 Caps.

In the Caps third Peterson picked up his fifth strike out of the game and later picked off a runner at first base for a second out. 2B Robert Brunson made the throw to Wolfe at first for the final out. CF Kyle Wood gets a single up the middle and is moved to second when Peterson (pinch runner Elderkin) is intentionally walked for the second time today. The inning ends with runners on first and second.

The Caps come to bat in the top of the fourth inning and go down in order. Peterson strikes out the lead off batter, third baseman 3B Brommer makes a play with his throw to Wolfe at first and Wolfe catches a pop up for the final out. Sanderson’s batters did not get a hit in the third inning but catcher Max Gagnon (pinch runner Sam Beavans), our lead off batter, reached on an infield error and was stranded on third base.

In their top of the fifth inning Broughton’s batters go down in order once again. SS Wigmore and second baseman Brunson fielded ground balls and made their throws to first for two outs and Spartan pitcher Peterson gets another strike out to end the inning. The only base runner that Sanderson gets in the fifth is a two out walk to Wigmore. After five innings it remains 4-0 Broughton.

The Caps lead off batter in the sixth inning hits a fly ball for an out to RF Travis Trumps before Spartan pitcher Peterson gets two more strikeouts giving him nine for the game. In our at bat, lead off batter Wolfe is walked and is moved to second base on Gagnon’s single (pinch runner Beavans). Trumps gets on base with his bunt single to load the bases with no outs. Wolfe would later score on a pass ball to get us our first run of the game. The inning ends when our next three batters strike out. We head to the top of the seventh inning trailing 4-1.

Sanderson brings in Bryan Burke to take over for Peterson on the mound to start the seventh inning. Broughton’s lead off batter reached base with a single, their first hit since the second inning. Second baseman Brunson got the first out with his catch and throw to first base and Burke threw our tenth strikeout of the game for the second out. First baseman Wolfe fields a ground ball and places his foot on the bag for the final out.

We start off the bottom of the seventh inning with two straight strikeouts. Peterson then got his first true walk of the game and Wolfe placed a single to right field that moves Peterson to third base. That was all we could do as the Spartans fall short in this CAP 7 conference game.

Final score Broughton 4 Sanderson 1

Broughton starting pitcher Buckley pitched four innings in picking up the win. D. Brown came in and pitched the final three innings in getting the save.

The Caps hitters were led by D. Brown (2-4, dbl, run) and J. Redd (2-4, RBI). Adding one hit each were C. Devlin (1-2, DBL W, run), J. Kline (1-3 run, RBI), and J. Vick (1-3).

Spartans staring pitcher Mark Peterson (2-2) pitched six innings and allowed four runs, struck out nine batters (38 for the year) and walked two batters. After the second inning Peterson did not allow any runs, only one batter got past first base, he struck out six batters and walked two. Bryan Burke came in and pitched the seventh inning (1K, 1 hit, no runs).

The Spartans five hits were shared by five hitters. Charles Wolfe (1-3, W, run), Travis Trumps (1-3), Elliott Brody (1-3), Kyle Wood (1-4, DBL) and Max Gagnon (1-4).

Spartans defense and pitching is solid in 2-0 CAP 7 win over Millbrook

With a large turnout of Spartans students cheering on their baseball team at Millbrook on 4.25.2008, the Spartans moved into sole possession of second place in the CAP 7 with a 2-0 win over the Wildcats. Sanderson is a half game behind league leader Leesville, who has played one more CAP 7 game than Sanderson.

In what has turned into an expected defensive game between the two teams this season, Sanderson swept the two game series by a combine score of 3-0. Sanderson won the first game 1-0 behind pitcher Mark Peterson on 4.10.2008.

In the Spartans first at bat SS Kyle Wigmore became our first base runner when he reached on an infield error. First baseman Mark Peterson followed Wigmore with a walk and then came our third out. The Wildcats lead off batter reached first base on a questionable safe call by the field umpire. That was followed by a ground ball out made by Peterson at first and a ground ball out thrown by SS Wigmore to Peterson. Junior starting pitcher Charles Wolfe got the last out with his first strike out of the game. After one inning it is 0-0.

In our part of the second inning Millbrook pitcher Smith got two strikeouts to increase his total to four for the game and he then made a fielding play of a ground ball with his throw to first for the final out. Millbrook’s lead off batter hit a grounder to SS Wigmore who then made the throw to Peterson at first for an out. The second batter reached on an infield single. Spartan second baseman Robert Brunson laid out to stop an extra base hit and was still able to make the throw to Wigmore who was covering second for the force out. Wolfe got his second strike out to end the inning. After two innings we remain in a scoreless game.

Brunson led off Sanderson’s third with a hard ball that struck and bounced off of Wildcat pitcher Travis Smith’s shoulder and head for our first hit of the game. A scary few minutes followed and fortunately Smith was able to stay in the game without any obvious injury. The next two batters were outs one and two so we have Brunson stranded on first. Wigmore then delivered our second hit when he landed a single to right field advancing Brunson as well. Knowing they go on any hit ball, Brunson and Wigmore took off after Peterson hit a single for our third hit of the inning, scoring both runners. After 2.5 innings, Sanderson takes a lead of 2-0. In their half of the third, the Wildcats lead off batter reached base on a single and was thrown out at first base on the very next pitch when Spartan catcher Max Gagnon threw down to Peterson at first base, who then placed the tag on the sliding runner. Gagnon then caught a pop fly for the second out. Brunson fielded his second ground ball and got out number three with his throw to first. After three full innings Sanderson leads 2-0.

Gagnon (pinch runner Seth Elderkin) leads off our fourth inning with his first hit of the game. We can not do anything else the rest of the inning as Millbrook comes to bat in the bottom of the fourth. With two ground ball plays for outs to Peterson at first and third baseman Eric Brommer, and Wolfe getting his third strikeout of the game, we head to the top of the fifth inning with a 2-0 lead.

The Spartans can not add to their 2-0 lead as they go down in order in the fifth inning. Millbrook threatened in their fifth when their lead off batter reached on an error. Their next batter hit a single into the outfield while at the same time their lead base runner tried to reach home. Our dependable CF Kyle Wood charges the rolling baseball and made a perfect throw to his cut off man, SS Wigmore, who alertly makes the throw to third baseman Brommer as the base runner had just passed third. Instead of getting caught in a pickle between third and home, the runner takes off for home. Brommer makes the throw to catcher Gagnon who in position to get the runner out at the plate. As the throw arrives in Gagnon’s glove the runner runs into Gagnon who holds onto the ball for the first out of the inning! The next batter hits a grounder to Brommer at third, who checks the runner at second, and he then made a successful throw across the field to Peterson at first. The last batter hits a fly ball, the first fly ball to the outfield by a Millbrook batter so far, to Wood in center field for the final out. After five complete innings Sanderson holds onto its slim 2-0 lead.

With the first two batters getting out, Wolfe delivers his single to left field for his first hit of the game in the sixth inning. Gagnon followed with a full count walk and the right fielder Travis Trumps reached base after he was hit by a pitch. We now have the bases loaded and two outs but we could not add to our lead. The Wildcats lead off batter reached after he was hit by a pitch but was out on the next play when the second Wildcats batter hit into a double play. SS Wigmore threw to Brunson at second who then threw to Peterson at first. Looked like a routine play. Pitcher Wolfe got the final out on a ground ball as we head to the top of the seventh with a 2-0 lead.

With one out Brommer reaches bases after being struck by a pitch. Our next two batters are the final two outs of the inning so we now head to the bottom of the seventh. The Wildcats lead off batter for the inning is their starting pitcher Travis Smith who places a scare into the Sanderson faithful with his towering hit to center field but center fielder Kyle Wood safety tucks the ball into his glove at the warning path. The second out was on a ground ball hit to SS Wigmore and the final out was an infield pop fly to 3B Brommer.

Final score Sanderson 2 Millbrook 0

Records:

Sanderson CAP 7 6-3 13-5

Millbrook CAP 7 6-4 13-7

Millbrook pitching – Travis Smith (7-2) pitched a CG, allowed two runs and five hits, to go along with 11 strike outs and four walks.

Millbrook batters –four batters had one hit each with no extra base hits. P. Hanks (1-1) led the way followed by R. Hanks (1-3), Hood (1-3), and Redmond (1-3).

Sanderson pitching - - pitcher Charles Wolfe (6-1, 3K, 2W) threw 67 pitches in his second complete shut out games of the season.

Sanderson batters – five batters contributed one hit each. The Spartans were led by first base man Mark Peterson (1-2, W, 2 RBI). Also chipping in with one hit each were catcher Max Gagnon (1-2, W), SS Kyle Wigmore (1-4, run), 2B Robert Brunson (1-3, run), and pitcher Charles Wolfe (1-3).

Spartans move into first place in CAP 7 with win over Leesville

With senior pitcher Mark Peterson leading the way with nine strike outs and catcher Max Gagnon’s three run home run and five RBI’s, Sanderson moved into sole possession of first place in the CAP 7 conference with a 6-3 win over the Leesville Pride on April 30, 2008.

As the visitors Sanderson batted first and center fielder Kyle Wood is our first base runner when he reached on a single which was our only hit of the inning. Leesville’s lead off batter reached base as a hit batter, followed by two singles to score their first run. The first two outs occurred when SS Kyle Wigmore started a double play with his throw to second baseman Robert Brunson, who threw to first baseman Charles Wolfe. Wood then caught a pop fly for the final out. Leesville takes an early 1-0 lead after one inning.

In Sanderson’s second at bat we again can only muster one hit as Wolfe gets a single up the middle. Peterson seems to be getting into his groove as he pitches in the second inning. Wigmore plays a ground ball at short for the first out. Peterson strikes out his first two batters for the other outs in the inning. Leesville did get a single as we head to the top of the third inning, 1-0 Leesville.

The Spartans once again can only get one hit for the third consecutive inning when third baseman Eric Brommer placed his single to right field. Peterson gets his third and fourth strike outs in the third inning after Wolfe caught a line drive hit to first for the first out. The score remains 1-0 Leesville as we had to the fourth inning.

With one out Sanderson’s hitters start to see the ball better while getting three hits in the fourth inning. Peterson got our first hit with a single to left, which was followed by Wolfe doing the same. On an 0-2 count Gagnon sent a fastball way over the left field trees to Leesville Road for his fourth home run of the year, giving Sanderson a 3-1 lead. Right fielder Travis Trumps followed and was hit by a pitch and got as far as third base. Left fielder Elliot Brody hit a single up the middle and eventually got to second base. After 3.5 innings Sanderson has taken a 3-1 lead. With a lead to work with Spartans pitcher Peterson is now settling in on the mound. In throwing only eight pitches Peterson gets a fly ball hit to right field where Trumps gets the ball for the first out. A strike out victim is Peterson’s fifth of the game. The final out was a ground ball hit to Brunson at second who makes the throw to Wolfe at first. After three innings Sanderson maintains its 3-1 lead.

Brommer led off our fourth inning with his second hit of the game, a single. He is followed by Wood who reached on a walk. Wigmore then laid down a picture perfect sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to the next base. Peterson (pinch runner Sam Beavans) helps his own cause with a single to the right side of the field that loads the bases with one out. Wolfe hits into a fielders choice and plates Brommer and moves Wood over to third and Peterson to second. Gagnon (pinch runner Bryan Burke) then gets his second hit of the game, a single up the middle, bringing in both Wood and Beavans. We end the inning with Sanderson increasing its lead to 6-1 and the Sanderson students in attendance are getting louder.

Leesville’s at bat in the bottom of the fifth produced one base runner, a walk to the lead off batter. Peterson then strikes two batters back to back for his sixth and seventh strike out victims of the game. SS Wigmore then fielded another ground ball for an out with his throw to Wolfe at first base. After five complete innings the Spartans maintain their 6-1 lead.

In Sanderson’s sixth Brommer gets our only hit, a well hit double to right field. Without scoring another run Leesville come to bat with the sounds of a beating drum in center field sounding like a rally call. It must have worked as Leesville scored two runs off two Sanderson fielding errors, all with two outs and nobody on base, to cut into the Spartans lead of 6-3. Their lead off batter hit a grounder that was fielded by Wolfe at first, who then tossed to Peterson covering. The next batter was struck out by Peterson, his eighth of the game, as the table is set for Leesville to score two unearned runs on two errors and two hits. Sanderson got the final out when Wolfe fielded a ground ball at first base. As we head to the top of the seventh inning Sanderson now leads 6-3.

Sanderson’s only base runner in the seventh inning was when Wolfe reached on a Leesville infield error. Here we go to the bottom of the seventh knowing that the winner is in first place in the CAP 7 heading into the final few days of the regular season.

Senior pitcher Peterson takes the mound with an atmosphere that was reminiscent of our playoff game last year at Pinecrest when Peterson pitched us to a 1-0 upset win in the second round of the state playoffs. So much is on the line. The Pride’s lead off batter hit a harmless grounder to Brommer at third and he made the throw to first. The next batter has the Sanderson faithful holding their breath as he hits a towering ball to deep center field but Wood ends up making another routine catch for the second out. On a 2-2 count Peterson brought the heat and gets his ninth strike out of the game to preserve the win.

Final score Sanderson 6 Leesville 3

Records Sanderson CAP 7 7-3 Overall 14-5

Leesville CAP 7 7-4 Overall 13-7

Sanderson took over first place in the CAP 7 for the first time since the 1990’s. There is still plenty of work to do if the team is to accomplish their team goals that were set before the season. There is plenty of baseball left to play.

Leesville had five batters with one hit each – T. Gentry (1-4), B. Dorsett (1-3, ), R. Stelton (1-3), A. Foreman (1-2), and K. Saxton (1-3).

Leesville pitching – starting pitcher G. Kirk pitched 3.33 innings in taking the loss. He had 2 K’s, 1 W, with seven hits and allowed three runs. B. Dorsett pitched 3.67 innings, struck out 4 batters, allowed four hits and three runs.

Sanderson – starting pitcher Mark Peterson (3-2) pitched his third CG of the year. Mark displayed control tonight as he had nine strike outs with only two walks. He scattered five hits over seven innings.

Sanderson batters – six hitters contributed to the eleven hit attack. Eric Brommer had a nice three hit night (3-4, 2B, run). Max Gagnon had a productive night (2-4, HR, five RBI’s, run) and he was followed by Mark Peterson (2-4, 2 runs) and Charles Wolfe (2-4, RBI, run). Kyle Wood (1-3, W, run) and Elliot Brody (1-3) also made timely contributions.