The 'Cats showed again they are one of the best teams in the country by finishing 2nd at PG's WWB National Championships.
Pool game 1 - Win vs. Chain Baseball Gold (GA), 9-3
Shane Johnsonbaugh's bomb to RF led the offensive charge with Connor Henderson adding a 3-3 effort.
Pool game 2 - Loss vs. Triple Crown Baseball (CA), 8-3
The Cats struggled against a very solid TC team in this time limit game. Brandon Doggett and Connor Henderson led the offensive charge with a double each.
Pool game 3 - Win vs. Tri-State Arsenal Grey (NJ), 5-3
Shane Johnsonbaugh threw a complete game 6 hitter to shut down the Arsenal. Christian Younce, Brandon Doggett and Shane Johnsonbaugh had 2 hits each, driving in 4 of the 'Cats' 5 runs.
After pool play, the 'Cats earned the 14 seed.
Playoff Round 1 vs. All American Baseball Revolution (PA), win 11-0
The 'Cats jumped on them for 7 runs in the Top of the 1st and did not look back in this run ruled game.
Quarterfinals vs. Norcal (CA), Win 8-2
The Wildcats struck early and often to win beat the solid Norcal team. Connor Henderson allowed 2 earned runs over 5 innings for the win. Shane Johnsonbaugh and Brian Beard were both 3-4 to lead the VW offense.
Semifinals vs. Big Stix Gamers , Win 11-3
The 'Cats were patient as the Gamers' pitcher struggled with command and kept the game close. A 9 run 5th inning, highlighted by Connor Henderson's 3 run jack, finished the game. Tyler Best added 2 hits. I guess the Wildcats really DID want to hit. The Wildcats got 5 solid innings from Hunter Higgerson on the hill.
Finals vs. East Cobb Astros, Loss 10-2
Christian Younce kept the game close for 4 innings on the mound but the Astros' offense finally busted out. Congrats to the Astros.
Tourney Wrap Up
The Wildcats were recognized by several PG staff for their outstanding individual and team play. As we preach, play the game the right way and people will notice. Hunter Higgerson was named Co-MVP of the tourney with Connor Henderson also in strong consideration. The 'Cats pitching staff (Henderson, Higgerson, Brandon Doggett, Shane Johnsonbaugh, Christian Younce, Nick Jessee, Dylan Dwyer, Brian Beard) showed good velocity and above average off speed stuff. The catchers simply shut down the running game, with Randy Rechkemmer and Younce throwing out 85% of potential basestealers. The infield defense proved to be one of the best in the country. 1B's Henderson and Johnsonbaugh picking everything in sight. MIF's Tyler Best, Brandon Lowe and Higgerson showing soft hands and outstanding range. 3B's Beard and Doggett flashed the leather and showed strong arms. OF defense was great with few balls falling between the speedy Jessee, Johnsonbaugh, Dwyer, Younce and Evan McCloud. McCloud's plus arm threw out 2 runners at 1B from RF.
Offensively, the Cats showed they were a line up mixed with power and speed. Johnsonbaugh's 345' bomb and Henderson's 360' yard ball showed they have real power with wood. The Cats only broke 1 bat all tourney. College coaches and pro scouts will be following these players in the next few years.
The Wildcats reunited for the first time in 2008 for the 15U Impact Baseball World Series at the USA Baseball training Facility in Cary, NC.
Game 1 - Carolina Angels (NC) - loss 5-3
The 'Cats hung with the defending AAU National Champs but weer doomed with six 2 out walks and 4 errors. The Angels made no mistakes and that was the difference.
Game 2 - 15U NC Baseball Academy - win 8-1
Christian Younce's bases loaded triple put the game out of reach. Shane Johnsonbaugh and Zack Stefan combined to shut down a solid NCBA offense.
Game 3 - 15U Carolina Astros (SC) - loss 3-2
Connor Henderson and Hunter Higgerson kept a very powerful offense in check and the 'Cats had their chances to win. If we execute, we beat a very solid 15U team.
Not the results we expected but, with some work, we will get better. Thanks to Andy Partin and Impact Baseball for putting on a great event.
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