Timp Sports Weekly
July 24, 2012
Publisher's Message
For this week's issue, we look at baseball games played during the final week of June and the opening week of July. These games show how much Lehi has improved in baseball and why the Awesome American Fork Cavemen have been living up their nickname. Let's get to those stories.
Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Copper Hills Teddies 10-5 June 27
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Cooper Hills Grizzilies, AKA the Teddy Bears or Teddies, 10-5 in 17-under division play during Utah Baseball Academy League action June 27.
During the top of the first, Lander Mash doubled in Jake Boyd and Cody Brimley to put the Teddy Bears on the board first. In the bottom of the inning, though, Zac Haws got on base through a walk. An Emmitt Green double moved him to third, and Haws came home on a single chopped by Brock Lamb. Skyler Mounteer doubled in two runs, then came home on a passed ball to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 4-2.
The Teddy Bears loaded the bases on two outs in the top of the second. A Don Florez walked scored Tanner Anderson, but third baseman Lamb grounded out Cody Brimley before the Teddies could pull back out in front. Haws hit a two-run single in the bottom of the second, then scored a run himself as Green got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second.
Neither team could score in the next two innings. In the top of the fifth, Anderson batted in two runs to cut the lead to 7-5.
Taking over pitching duties in the sixth, Lamb sheared completely Cooper Hills' chances for scoring any more runs, even though the Teddies did load the bases on two outs that inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, American Fork picked up two runs on an error and an Alec Shultz single. In the bottom of the sixth, Koy Dibb singled on one out, and he scored American Fork's final run on a passsed ball.
AF Pirates Outlast AF Yankees in Timp Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In an opening round of game of the Timp Colt League playoffs at American Fork's Rotary Park June 26, the American Fork Pirates outlasted the American Fork Yankees 13-12.
The game's scoring started during the top of the first. With no outs, Yankee Carson Buckner singled in Luis Figuerora and Tanner Nielson, only to get nailed in a putout play at second. Pirate pitcher "Dr." Allen Jones didn't let the Yankees make any more runs until the third inning.
In the bottom of the first, Zach "The Beast" Tubbs moved around to third base, courtesy of singles hit by Jason "Shorts" Nelson and Tanner "Durf" Durfee. Tubbs came home on a passed ball during two outs. Nelson tried stealing third, but the Yankees nailed him there.
In the bottom of the second, two-run doubles by Nelson and Durfee tipped the Pirates ahead 5-2 after their team had loaded the bases on no outs.
In the top of the third, Grant McKenna doubled in Dalton Nielson to set off a six-run rally for the Yankees. Buckner whacked a two-run single that left the Yankees leading 8-5 at the end of the third's top half. In the bottom of the third, Sam "Batman" Bateman hit an in-the-park homer to open another four-run rally for the Pirates. During it, Logan "Baughin" Baugh singled in a run, and Jason Nelson batted in another two to put the Pirates back ahed 9-8.
Loading the bases on one out in the fourth, the Yankees scored two runs on two walks and another two on a Buckner single. Despite creating the 12-8 lead, the Yankees couldn't put the game away. The Pirates went on another four-run rally. It climaxed with Nelson doubling in two runs to clutch the win for the Pirates.
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lone Peak Loners 3-2 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 2, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 3-2 win at home against the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners.
Awesome Caveman pitcher Austin "Super Powers" Pitcher didn't let any Loners get on base during the top of the first. In the bottom of it, Kody "Coco" Hall got on base through a walk. Skylar Mounteer singled him in after Brock Lamb had struck out.
The Loners took over the lead in the top of the second. Loner Braxton Barnes singled in Matt Hayes, then scored a tying breaking run on a two-out single hit by Grant Lyman, who got tossed out in a forced play at second.
After the second inning, Pitcher didn't let the Loners make any more runs for the rest of the game, even though Lone Peak got singls from Hunter Christensen and Tanner Smith. They did come close to making a third run when they loaded the bases on three straight walks in the top of the fifth when American Fork had already secured a 3-2 lead by then. Replacing pitcher at the mound that inning. Craig Brailsford made a throw to home plate to get Barnes out.
Now back during the bottom of the second, Emmitt Green hit a one-out, infield single, and scored on an error to tie the game at two. The contest stayed deadlocked until the bottom of the fourth. That inning, Lamb chopped a baseline doubled into left field, and Mounteer doubled him in. Though Sean Hardman hit a single right afterwards, the Awesome Cavemen would never score another run in the game.
American Fork Coach Mark Willis said, "Our pitching did pretty good against Lone Peak, which always has a strong program. Pitcher did well until he got tired in fifth. Brailsford came in and shut down with that fielder's choice play at home."
Four Homers Lift Lehi Froggies to 11-0 Win Over Cottonwood Ponies
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
Four home runs lifted the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, to an 11-0 win at home against the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, in a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game at Lehi July 9.
Lehi pitcher Cam Lux threw a three-hitter against the Ponies, who had won by two runs the last time that they had galloped into Lehi. Jake Shaprio whacked the first Pony single on one out in the top of the first. Cottonwood would not get another hit until the fifth when Tevita Gerder singled into left, only to get snared in a double play. Jeff Burton also got snagged in a Lehi double play right after hitting the third Pony single during the sixth's top half.
In the bottom of the first, Nolan Padilla slugged a one-out double into right, and Cody Webb homered him. Taylor Nielson slugged the second Lehi homer right afterwards. After second baseman Palmer Powis grounded out Braxton Devereaux, a nephew of former American Fork pitching great Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, pitcher Nate Crowther walked Kaleb Holden. Lux doubled in Holden.
The Froggies' lead stayed at 4-0 until the bottom of the third. That inning, Morgan Sopher hit a one-run single, and Ryan Absher whacked a grand slam.
The Ponies prolonged the game until the bottom of the sixth when Devereaux made his famous uncle proud by homering in Nielson on two outs to end the game.
"Hitting four home runs does a lot to make you play better," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux, older brother of Grand Slam. "We didn't make any errors, and Lux gave up only three hits to them."
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lehi Froggies 5-3 in 17-Under Division Game July 18
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game played at Lehi July 19, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 5-3.
The game showed how much the Awesome Cavemen had improved since their league opener at home against Lehi on June 8. In that prior game, the Froggies had hopped home with a 4-0 win that they had posted over the Awesome Cavemen.
With memories of that defeat still floating around in their minds, the Awesome Cavemen rowed into Lehi ready to make some big hits with their clubs in the July 18 rematch.
A former head baseball coach for the Awesome Cavemen, Lehi Coach Brandon "Slim" Devereaux had his boy Braxton pitch all seven innings of the emotionally draining battle. Braxton strived to prove with every pitch by him that he was as much a challenge as his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Devereaux, who had pitched for American Fork back in the '90's. During his time on the mound, Braxton held American Fork scoreless in four innings, posted three strikeouts, and gave up 11 hits.
American Fork pitcher Emmett Green struck out only two Froggies, but he scattered six hits, and he held Lehi scoreless during the first four innings.
The game opened with American Fork's Zac Haws singling off Braxton. Haws got picked off at first, and Green flew out to right fielder Mason Downs. Just as Lehi looked as though it would prevent American Fork from putting any runners on base in the first inning, Brock Lamb chopped a double into left. Skylar Mounteer singled into right immediately afterwards. Alec "Sergeant" Schultz singled Lamb and Mounteer in. Third baseman Cam Lux grounded out Kyle Poulsen, keeping Schultz stranded on base.
In the bottom of the first, third baseman Lamb grounded out three of the four batters that the Froggies pitted against Green. No. 2 Froggie hitter Nolan Padilla singled off Green and became stuck on base.
Although Sean Hardman doubled off Braxton in the top of the second, Braxton struck out these three other Awesome Cavemen: Dandy Andy Bartholemew, Kody "Coco" Hall, and Milo "Who's on First" Abbott. The three strikeouts couldn't prevent Hardman from scoring. He came home on a passed ball. Braxton didn't let the Awesome Cavemen score again until the top of the sixth.
From the second's lower half to the bottom of the fifth, the game went down as a defensive struggle. In the bottom of the second, for instanced, a Cam Lux single moved a Froggie pinch runner to third base. After first baseman Mounteer grounded out Kalen Holden, a "distant cousin" of late film actor Bill Holden, Kolt Sampson hit into a double play that ended at home plate.
In the top of the third, Haws hit his second straight left-field single, only to become pinched in a squeeze play that retired American Fork to the field. In response to left fielder Abbott's two straight catches of fly balls in the bottom of the third, Ryan Absher slugged an infield single, but got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second.
With American Fork unable to put any runners on base in the top of the fourth, Froggie Coby Webb singled into right to start the inning's lower half, but American Fork kept him chained on base.
In the top of the fifth, Abbott and Craig Brailsford each slugged a two-out single to enable Zac Haws to load the bases on a walk. Second baseman Holden grounded out Green to hold American Fork scoreless.
An American Fork error let the Froggies load the bases on one out in the bottom of the fifth. During a fielder's choice play at second, Holden scored a run.
The sixth inning opened with Lamb getting on base through an error. Mounteer singled into right, moving Lamb to third. Once again, Schultz singled both Awesome Cavemen in. Schultz then tried stealing second, but a throw from catcher Padilla to Holden put the Awesome Caveman out. Lehi didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any more runs.
Even though Taylor Nielson hit a one-out double for the Froggies in the bottom of the sixth, they couldn't pick up additional runs until the bottom of the seventh. In the game's final inning, both Holden and Kolt Sampson got on base through walks. Holden scored the second Lehi run as Mason Downs grounded out. Morgan Soper singled in Sampson, but got thrown right afterwards on a fielder's choice play at second. Lamb grounded out Absher to win the game for American Fork.
American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "I was pleased with our pitching and hitting today. Our aggressiveness on the bases impressed me. We executed our defensive plays well. Getting that 3-0 lead in the first two innings boasted our morale.
"I do have much respect for Brandon. He's done a great job with Lehi this summer. Today, for one, they stayed in the game clear until the last out."
AF Pirates Defeat Kittytown Red Sox, Helltown Rangers in Pool Play at State Pony League Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In opening-day action of the State Pony League Tournament, the American Fork Pirates defeated the Payson Red Sox 13-3 and the Springville Rangers 17-1 at Bus Manning Field July 17.
AKA Kittytown, Payson couldn't find a pitcher that could keep the Pirates in check. American Fork won the game in five innings. In the Pirates' 13-3 triumph, they got a triple from Kasten "K-Rass" Rasmuseen and a homer from Ryan "Rhino" Davis.
AKA Helltown, Springville didn't have a prayer against American Fork. The Pirates scored all of their 17 runs in the game's first inning while holding Helltown scoreless that inning. Practically, every Pirate made a hit that first inning, especially Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas, who slugged a single and a double. Jake "Snake" Smith contributed two singles to that devastating rally.
In the bottom of the second, Colt "Buzz" Evans slugged a single, but got caught in a double play that prevented the Pirates from scoring any more runs in the game.
In the top of the third, Helltown's Paul "Steed" Young hit a single, and Stix Brennen singled him in on no outs. Once Brennen got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, Helltown's chances of prolonging the game past the third inning vanished.
Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "I know the game was over when we scored the sixth run. Our pitching and defensive playing were absolutely solid today. Our guys did a good job in keeping Springville off balance."
AF Defeats Juan Diego Screechers 4-3 in 17-Under Division Thriller July 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
During Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork on July 16, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under division defeated the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, 4-3.
The Awesome Cavemen scored a run in each of the game's first three innings. In the meantime, they didn't let the Screechers make any runs until of the bottom of the fourth.
After Craig Brailsford had batted in a second-inning run for the Awesome Cavemen, Screecher Joe Strangaard singled into left in top of the third, then made it to third base on an error during one out. Shortstop Kody "Coco" Hall set up a double play that prevented Juan Diego from scoring. Getting on base through a third-inning walk, Dandy Andy Bartholemew, a nephew of former Caveman wrestles Dazzlin' Dave Bartholemew and John "Super Stud" Bartholenew, scored the third Caveman run on a passed ball.
On one out in the top of fourth, Juan Diego staged a rally. During it, Ryan Green, Pudge Davis, and Chandler Lamburton each singled in a run, tying the game at three.
The game stayed tied until the bottom of the seventh when Alec "Sergeant" Shultz singled into left. Instead of chopping game-winning hit, Lamb flew out to score Shultz for the winning run.
Awesome Caveman Coach Jay Holmstead said, "We out-executed them. We had some great pitching and fielding. In our 11-6 win at Layton last Saturday, Skylar Mounteer hit a three-run homer. We managed to get the game in, despite a rainstorm that came in during the afternoon."
Ferocious PG Vikings Fall to Bingham Pickers in 16-Under Game Ended Early Because of Rain
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In 16-under division paly for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 14, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings 4-1 in a contest ended early because of a heavy rainstorm.
The Ferocious Vikings never led in the game, which was supposed to have been the first half of a twin bill hosted by Bingham.
On one out in the top of the first, Zac Peterson singled into left, but the Pickers ensnared him a double play resulting from Easton Walker's flying out to second base.
In the bottom of the first, Cade Cloward doubled in Landon Walbeck and Aaron Marsh.
A cousin of TV's Lisa Simpson, Pleasant Grove's Peyton Simpson doubled into left, and before long, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases on two outs. However, after Gavin "Grizzly" Bahr had hit an infield single, Hayden Veenker, a son of former Pleasant Grove Review sportswriter Todd Veenker, flew out to first base, preventing the Ferocious Vikings from getting on the scoreboard.
Hitting a one-out triple in the bottom of the second, Will Anderson scored on Mikey Green's sacrifice fly.
Singles from Walbeck, McCord Larsen, and Cloward loaded the bases for the Pickers in the bottom of the third. With Cody Kitchen getting beaned by a pitch, the Pickers scored their fourth and final run.
Bingham slugged the Ferocious Vikings with a double play in the top of the fourth. Getting on base through a walk, Brayden Cox came home on a Bahr double.
During the top of the fifth, a heavy downpour of rain muddied the Bingham diamond so much that the umpires called the game.
Lehi Froggies Outlast Syracuse Midgets 4-3 in Utah Baseball Academy League Thriller July 13
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In Utah Baseball Academy League action July 13, the Lehi Pioneers' 17-under division team defeated the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, 4-3 at Lehi.
The two teams had to endure rain during the seven-inning thriller. It opened with shortstop Cody Webb picking off a Kaiden King fly ball. Singling into center right afterwards, Jayden Bearnson got put out at second on a throw from catcher Nolan Padilla to second baseman Braxton Deveraux, a nephew of former American Fork pitcher Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux. In response to the putout, Riley Gibson hit an infield single, but got stuck on base.
In the bottom of the first, the Midget almost succeeded in pulling off a triple play. However, Froggie No. 1 hitter Cody Webb narrowly escaped to home plate while the Midgets nailed Deveraux and Taylor Nielson. Getting on base on a walk, Cam Lux scored the second Froggie run during an error.
Singling into right at the start of the second inning, Kaiden Craig came home on Jason Jourdan's sacrifice groundout. Hit by Kaiden King, a two-out, one-run single evened the game at two.
Lehi hoped that Kolt Sampson's single at the start of the second's lower half would enable the Froggies to leap back out in front. However, pitcher Spencer Johnson posted three strikeouts to keep the game tied at the end of the second.
In the third's top half, Gibson singled into left, but Lehi kept him stuck on base. In the bottom of the third, Weston Hansen singled into right, but the Midgets pinched him in a putout play at second to keep the game tied at three.
A Zach Ricker sacrifice fly scored Jourdan in the top of the fourth to put the Midgets ahead 3-2. Singling into left in the bottom of the fourth, Lux stole home, and after the Froggies had loaded the bases on two outs, Sampson came home on a walk. Neither team could score any further runs after that, despite Kaiden Craig's left-field single hit in the top of the sixth.
"We had bad hitting today, but we had good defensive playing," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux.
Awesome AF Cavemen Sweep Doubleheader at Home Against Spanish Fork Dons July 7
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen won both ends of a 16-under division doubleheader that they had played at home against the Spanish Fork Dons during Utah Baseball Academy League action July 7. American Fork won the first game 9-8 and the second one 9-5.
Nicknamed Gaytown because it's such a happy community to live in, Spanish Fork demonstrated in both games that despite being a 3-A power in high school baseball nowadays, it proved on July 7 that it could hold its own against 4-A and 5-A powers.
In the top of the first, the Dons loaded the bases, allowing them to take a 2-0 lead on walks made by Remo "Steamo" Rivera and Matt "Apple Beer" Creer. The Awesome Cavemen erased that first Gaytown lead. A cousin of Brock "Shears" Lamb, Dalliin Searle smacked a baseline single that enabled the Awesome Cavemen to load the bases one out in the bottom of the first. Emmett Green singled in a run. A nephew of former American Fork wrestler Fantastic Mike Bartholemew, Dandy Andy Bartholemew tripled in three runs, then came home on an error to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 5-2.
Like bulls taunted by matadors, the Dons charged back during the top of the second. Two American Fork errors set the stage for Spanish Fork's recapture of the lead. One of those goofs let two Dons race home. Ryan Golish doubled in Jason "Show Me Da" Money, and he came home on Jarvis McKinnon's two-out single. Pitcher Searle grounded out Rivera to stop the rally.
After Kolby "Mr. Cool" Frost singled in the bottom of the second, American Fork loaded the bases on one out. The Awesome Cavemen then pulled ahead 8-6 on walks made by Kody "Coco" Hall, Emmett Green, and Bartholemew.
The Dons didn't let the Awesome Cavemen put any more runners on base until the bottom of the sixth. In the meantime, the Dons tied the game at eight two fourth-inning runs that occurred on an error and a McKinnon double.
American Fork ruined Spanish Fork's best chance of breaking the tie during the top of the sixth. That inning Zak "Pack Man" Harrison singled into left. Money popped out to shortstop Hall. He turned up a double play right afterwards.
Despite singles from Bartholemew and Jackson Draper in the bottom of the sixth, the Cavemen couldn't make any runs. However, with one out in the bottom of the seventh, Hagen Holmstead got on base via an error, which allowed Frost to come home for the winning run.
In the second game, the Awesome Cavemen didn't let the Gaytowners score any runs during the first three innings, despite a second-inning single hit by Colt "Forty-Five" Creer.
Singling in the bottom of the first, Holmstead led Kody "Coco" Hall home on an error. Bartholemew singled in a run that left American Fork ahead 3-0 at the end of the inning.
The score stayed at 3-0 until the bottom of the third. With American Fork loading the bases on two walks and a Searle single, Green singled in Hall to start a four-run rally, nudged on by two walks and a Draper single.
Tripling during the top of the fourth, Golish soon stole home. A Colt Creer, sacrifice fly scored McKinnon. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dons turned up a double play that prevented the Awesome Cavemen from scoring any runs that inning.
The next inning, Harrison doubled in two runs, then moved to third on a Money single. Golish singled Harrison in. American Fork shut down the Dons' scoring machine for the rest of the game.
Doubling into center during the bottom of the fifth, Searle got moved to third by a Green single. Bartholmew singled Searle in, and Green stole home, ending the game's scoring.
American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "The pitchers did a good job against Spanish Fork. The Dons are among the toughest teams to play against in this state. Whenever you beat them, you know have played exceptionally well. We executed well on defense today, and we found ways to get hits off their pitchers."
Bingham Pickers Dry Up Lehi 16-Under Division Team 14-2 in June 28 Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
AKA the Pickers, the Bingham Miners buried their hosts, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 14-2 in a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 28.
The Froggies' doom got set in the top of the first. On one out, Tony "Beans" Moderno got on base through a Froggie error. The Picker then came home on a single whacked by Nick Plaga, a grandson of the late Gene Plaga, a West High coaching legend. An nine-run rally ensued. By the time Lehi had finally shut down, Nick had managed to single another two runs.
Although the Froggies held the Pickers scoreless during the next two innings, Lehi had a frustrating time with putting runners on base. Cam Grace hit a first-in
ning single to become the first Froggie to get on base. However, Lehi couldn't score any runs or make any further hits until the bottom of the fourth.
In the meantime, Bingham picked up its ninth run in the top of the fourth when Will Anderson doubled in Shark Boelter.
On one out in the bottom of the fourth, Morgan Soper doubled into center,and Preston Higgins drove him in with a double. Blake Smith doubled in Higgins. Second baseman Moderno grounded out Matt "Bub" Wilde, erasing Lehi's last chance for prolonging the game past the fifth inning.
In the top of the fifth, Plaga hit a one-out single to reel in four runs. Brayden "Fiddle" Diddle singled in Plaga, and Mikey Green scored on a Boelter sacrifice fly. Anderson tripled in Diddle for the game's final run.
Lehi Froggies Defeat Ferocious PG Vikings 10-4 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 29, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, won 10-4 at home against the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings.
For the Froggies, the game was an atonement for a humiliating loss that the Ferocious Vikings had dealt them in the UBAL's annual preseason tournament. In that game, Pleasant Grove won 8-1 at Lehi and went on to win the tournament.
In the top of the first of the June 29 game, Froggie pitchers Britt Stokes and Preston Hansen held Pleasant Grove scoreless during the first four innings while he posted five strikeouts.
With the Ferocious Vikings unable to put any runs on base in the top of the first, the inning's bottom half saw the Froggies take complete control of the game. Nolan Padilla hit a one-out single into left, and Taylor Nielsen doubled him in two outs. Lehi soon loaded the bases, and Colt Sampson singled in two runs. Mason Downs struck out before the Froggies could pick up any more runs that inning.
In the bottom of the second, Cam Lux hit a one-out double into left, but he got stuck on base. Despite that setback, the Froggies did continue extending their lead. In the bottom of the third, Cody Webb singled into left, and he came home on Nielson's sacrifice fly. With his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux coaching first base, Braxton Deveraux hit a two-out, solo homer over the center-field fence.
In the top of the fourth, Pleasant Grove finally made hits. Aiden Nuenswander and and Branden Coombs each singled for the Ferocious Vikings that inning. Nevertheless, the Froggies still kept Pleasant Grove from scoring any runs.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Ferocious looked as though they would be finished off in the fifth. During the fourth's lower half, Kaleb Holden and Ryan Absher each hit a two-run double during a five-run rally that gave Lehi a 10-0 lead. Padilla contributed a one-run single to the rally. It put the Ferocious Vikings in danger of being polished off in the fifth.
However, with McKay Lewis and Bryce Jones on base in the top of the fifth, Jade Smoot hit a one-run single that set of a three-run rally. It prolonged the game for another two innings.
Singling into left at the start of the sixth, Logan Bullock soon got doubled in by Easton Walker. Aided by a Peyton Simpson single, Pleasant Grove soon loaded the bases on two outs, but first baseman Braxton Deveraux grounded out Peyton Henry to end the Ferocious Vikings' last real chance of winning the game.
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Juan Diego Screechers 10-9 in 16-Under Division Thriller June 30
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division team came out with a 10-9 win at home against the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, in Utah Baseball Academy League play June 30.
On one out in the top of the first, Screecher Eli McQuillian doubled in Ryan Median to set off a three-run rally. It ended with Ryan Hughes getting forced out at home. American Fork narrowed the Screechers' 3-0 lead to 3-2 on a Turner Knight theft of home plate and A.J. Jones' one-run double. Shortstop Medina grounded out Ty Gardner to keep American Fork from tying the game at three in the opening inning.
In the top of the second, Stevie McNulty singled in Connor Helgeson, and then came home on a Medina sacrifice fly.
Doubling into left in the bottom of the second, Awesome Cavemen Seth Taylor soon stole home, setting off a three-run rally that tied the game at five.
With McQuillian hitting a left-field single in the third, Sam Browski doubled him, but got snared in a double play that caused the Screetchers to be held scoreless during the fourth and fifth innings.
In the bottom of the fifth, Jackson Wilson scored during a sacrifice groundout to set off a four-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Knight doubled in two runs to put them ahead 8-6. Cody "Coco" Hall doubled Knight, but got forced out at third.
In the sixth, an American Fork error let the Soaring Eagles score two runs to tie the game at nine. The Awesome Cavemen prevented Juan Diego from pulling back out front this time.
With the sixth's lower half opening on a Dandy Andy Bartholemew double hit into left, the Awesome Caveman batters came under much stress. They held up well under. Derrick "Buster" Hardman flew out into center, but Bartholemew came home for a tie-breaking run. Juan Diego answered it with a double play.
American Fork kept the Screechers in check in the top of the seventh.
Former head mentor for the West Jordan Pussy Cats, American Fork Coach Brock Knight said, "They jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. That could have shaken our resolve. We held firm, though. Buster Hardman saved us in the sixth with that sacrifice fly he hit. He's just an eighth-grader, but he proved how valuable he was to us today."
Spanish Fork Dons Defeat Lehi Froggies 19-13 in 16-Under Slugfest July 10
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 10, the Spanish Fork Dons, AKA the Gaytowners, posted a 19-13 win on the home diamond of the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies.
Both teams played such good defense in the first two innings that it was not until the third inning that both squads could get on the board. In the first inning, for instance, the Dons loaded the bases on two outs in the top off, only to see Nate "Tornado" Roberts pop out to first before any runs could come in. In the second inning, both squads slapped each other with double plays.
Finally, in the top of the third, Taylor "Tiger" Harrison slugged a one-run single that set off a seven-run rally for the Dons. Late in the rally, McKinnon Jarvis doubled in three runs on one out.
The Froggies proved in the bottom of the third that they could rally back. After Blake Smith had hit a single, Dixon Grant singled in a run to send Lehi rallying back within 7-4.
In the fourth inning, Lehi looked as though it would be finished off by the fifth. A two-run double, hit by Jason "Show Me Da" Money, spurred a seven-run rally that extended the Gaytowners' lead to 14-4. Instead of throwing in the glove, the Froggies carried out a long rally of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Grant singled in Matt "Bub" Wilde to open a six-run rally that prolonged the game clear to the seventh.
In the top of the fifth, Lehi didn't let any Dons get on base. Singles from Cam Grace and Koy Smith enabled the Froggies to load the bases on one out. After Smith came home on an error, Morgan Soper hit a two-run single, pushing Lehi within 14-13. Preston Higgins singled into left to Lehi's hopes afloat. However, before the Froggies could leap ahead, Paxton Terry hit into a double play.
Lehi received one more fine chance for pulling out a win when the Froggies loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the sixth. With the score still 14-13, Froggie Logan "Wazzy" Wazmeyer went up to bat against reliever Money. Within four pitches, Money struck out the batter. Lehi never got another chance to retake the lead.
In the top of the seventh, Roberts singled in Golish to set up a five-run rally that clutched the game for the Dons. During the rally, Jarvis and Taylor Anderson each hit a one-run double.
Jordan Valley Defeats AF Pirates For Timp Colt Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In the two-game series in the Timp Colt League playoffs, Jordan Valley defeated the American Fork Pirates for the league title. With both games played American Fork's Rotary Park, the Pirates won the first game 9-8 July 11. However, in the July 12 showdown, Jordan Valley defeated American Fork 12-11 to take the Gold Division Title.
In the first inning of the July 11 contest, American Fork loaded the bases on no outs. Allen "Dr." Jones singled in Zach "The Beast" Tubbs to open a five-run rally.
In the bottom of the first, Jordan Valley's Mikey Butler doubled in Colt Christensen, and he then came home on a Ty Olsen single.
For the top of the second inning, Jones' bat proved devastating to Jordan Valley as he singled in Jason Nelson to set off a four-run rally. Even though Jordan Valley didn't let American Fork make any more runs after that inning, the Herriman-based team couldn't prevent the necessity for a second game.
Jordan Valley did go on a six-run scoring spree in the bottom of the fourth, though. That rally saw Olsen and Ian Hawkins each slug a two-run single. Pitcher Jones struck out two straight batters to shut down the rally and force the championship contest into a second game.
In the top of the second game's first inning, Jordan Valley's Cordell "Hoss" Johnson singled in Marshall Jones. However, Jordan Valley couldn't make any more runs that inning.
In the bottom of it, Pirate Jason "Shots" Nielson stole home to set off a three-run rally. During it, Dr. Jones tripled in Braden "Jazzhands" Bezzant, and scored on a Sam "Batman" Bateman single.
During the top of the second, pitcher Andy "A-Max" Maxwell struck out Nate Slack and Colt "45" James. The pitcher then caused Nikki Dawes to ground out, holding Jordan Valley scoreless in the second.
Singling into right in the bottom of the second, Tubbs stole home, setting off a seven-run rally that could have given American Fork the championship title. Near the end of the second, Logan "Baughin" Baugh doubled in three runs that left American Fork with a 10-1 lead.
The momentum swung back to Jordan Valley's favor in the top of the third. Doubling into left, Colt "Shaggy" Christensen stole home, thereby setting off an eight-run rally that saw Dawes double into left. By the time Shaggy had flown out into center, Jordan Valley had pulled within 10-9. Jordan Valley held American Fork scoreless in the bottom of the third.
With Olson doubling into left at the the start of the fourth, Hoss Johnson tripled him in. Mikey Butler doubled in Johnson to put Jordan Valley ahead 11-10. A James sacrifice fly scored Colt Bloomquist for the final Jordan Valley run.
Bezzant doubled into left in the bottom of the fourth. On two outs, he stole him. Before American Fork could tie the score, Baugh struck out.
West Jordan defeated the Pleasant Grove Marlins in the second game of the Silver Division's championship series.
American Fork Crushes Syracuse Midgets 13-1 in 17-Under Division Play July 9
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weeklly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen won 13-1 at home against the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, July 9.
American Fork held the Midgets scoreless for five of the game's six innings. On one out in the bottom of the first, Brock Lamb chopped a double to move Sean Hardman into scoring position. Skylar Mounteer join them on base through a walk. Alec Shultz hit a two-run double, and Mounteer came home on a passed ball.
The Midgets tried turning their fortunes around on Kaiden Craig's second-inning double, but he got put out at third by catcher Andy Bartholemew's throw.
In the third, Shultz doubled in two runs and Koy Dibb doubled in another two to fuel a six-run rally for American Fork.
In the top of the fourth, Cole Tracy doubled in Kaiden Mahoney for the only Midget run of the game.
In the fifth, the Awesome Cavemen staged a four-run rally to finish off the Midgets.
AF Pirates Outlast AF Yankees in Timp Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In an opening round of game of the Timp Colt League playoffs at American Fork's Rotary Park June 26, the American Fork Pirates outlasted the American Fork Yankees 13-12.
The game's scoring started during the top of the first. With no outs, Yankee Carson Buckner singled in Luis Figuerora and Tanner Nielson, only to get nailed in a putout play at second. Pirate pitcher "Dr." Allen Jones didn't let the Yankees make any more runs until the third inning.
In the bottom of the first, Zach "The Beast" Tubbs moved around to third base, courtesy of singles hit by Jason "Shorts" Nelson and Tanner "Durf" Durfee. Tubbs came home on a passed ball during two outs. Nelson tried stealing third, but the Yankees nailed him there.
In the bottom of the second, two-run doubles by Nelson and Durfee tipped the Pirates ahead 5-2 after their team had loaded the bases on no outs.
In the top of the third, Grant McKenna doubled in Dalton Nielson to set off a six-run rally for the Yankees. Buckner whacked a two-run single that left the Yankees leading 8-5 at the end of the third's top half. In the bottom of the third, Sam "Batman" Bateman hit an in-the-park homer to open another four-run rally for the Pirates. During it, Logan "Baughin" Baugh singled in a run, and Jason Nelson batted in another two to put the Pirates back ahed 9-8.
Loading the bases on one out in the fourth, the Yankees scored two runs on two walks and another two on a Buckner single. Despite creating the 12-8 lead, the Yankees couldn't put the game away. The Pirates went on another four-run rally. It climaxed with Nelson doubling in two runs to clutch the win for the Pirates.
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lone Peak Loners 3-2 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 2, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 3-2 win at home against the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners.
Awesome Caveman pitcher Austin "Super Powers" Pitcher didn't let any Loners get on base during the top of the first. In the bottom of it, Kody "Coco" Hall got on base through a walk. Skylar Mounteer singled him in after Brock Lamb had struck out.
The Loners took over the lead in the top of the second. Loner Braxton Barnes singled in Matt Hayes, then scored a tying breaking run on a two-out single hit by Grant Lyman, who got tossed out in a forced play at second.
After the second inning, Pitcher didn't let the Loners make any more runs for the rest of the game, even though Lone Peak got singls from Hunter Christensen and Tanner Smith. They did come close to making a third run when they loaded the bases on three straight walks in the top of the fifth when American Fork had already secured a 3-2 lead by then. Replacing pitcher at the mound that inning. Craig Brailsford made a throw to home plate to get Barnes out.
Now back during the bottom of the second, Emmitt Green hit a one-out, infield single, and scored on an error to tie the game at two. The contest stayed deadlocked until the bottom of the fourth. That inning, Lamb chopped a baseline doubled into left field, and Mounteer doubled him in. Though Sean Hardman hit a single right afterwards, the Awesome Cavemen would never score another run in the game.
American Fork Coach Mark Willis said, "Our pitching did pretty good against Lone Peak, which always has a strong program. Pitcher did well until he got tired in fifth. Brailsford came in and shut down with that fielder's choice play at home."
Four Homers Lift Lehi Froggies to 11-0 Win Over Cottonwood Ponies
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
Four home runs lifted the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, to an 11-0 win at home against the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, in a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game at Lehi July 9.
Lehi pitcher Cam Lux threw a three-hitter against the Ponies, who had won by two runs the last time that they had galloped into Lehi. Jake Shaprio whacked the first Pony single on one out in the top of the first. Cottonwood would not get another hit until the fifth when Tevita Gerder singled into left, only to get snared in a double play. Jeff Burton also got snagged in a Lehi double play right after hitting the third Pony single during the sixth's top half.
In the bottom of the first, Nolan Padilla slugged a one-out double into right, and Cody Webb homered him. Taylor Nielson slugged the second Lehi homer right afterwards. After second baseman Palmer Powis grounded out Braxton Devereaux, a nephew of former American Fork pitching great Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, pitcher Nate Crowther walked Kaleb Holden. Lux doubled in Holden.
The Froggies' lead stayed at 4-0 until the bottom of the third. That inning, Morgan Sopher hit a one-run single, and Ryan Absher whacked a grand slam.
The Ponies prolonged the game until the bottom of the sixth when Devereaux made his famous uncle proud by homering in Nielson on two outs to end the game.
"Hitting four home runs does a lot to make you play better," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux, older brother of Grand Slam. "We didn't make any errors, and Lux gave up only three hits to them."
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lehi Froggies 5-3 in 17-Under Division Game July 18
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game played at Lehi July 19, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 5-3.
The game showed how much the Awesome Cavemen had improved since their league opener at home against Lehi on June 8. In that prior game, the Froggies had hopped home with a 4-0 win that they had posted over the Awesome Cavemen.
With memories of that defeat still floating around in their minds, the Awesome Cavemen rowed into Lehi ready to make some big hits with their clubs in the July 18 rematch.
A former head baseball coach for the Awesome Cavemen, Lehi Coach Brandon "Slim" Devereaux had his boy Braxton pitch all seven innings of the emotionally draining battle. Braxton strived to prove with every pitch by him that he was as much a challenge as his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Devereaux, who had pitched for American Fork back in the '90's. During his time on the mound, Braxton held American Fork scoreless in four innings, posted three strikeouts, and gave up 11 hits.
American Fork pitcher Emmett Green struck out only two Froggies, but he scattered six hits, and he held Lehi scoreless during the first four innings.
The game opened with American Fork's Zac Haws singling off Braxton. Haws got picked off at first, and Green flew out to right fielder Mason Downs. Just as Lehi looked as though it would prevent American Fork from putting any runners on base in the first inning, Brock Lamb chopped a double into left. Skylar Mounteer singled into right immediately afterwards. Alec "Sergeant" Schultz singled Lamb and Mounteer in. Third baseman Cam Lux grounded out Kyle Poulsen, keeping Schultz stranded on base.
In the bottom of the first, third baseman Lamb grounded out three of the four batters that the Froggies pitted against Green. No. 2 Froggie hitter Nolan Padilla singled off Green and became stuck on base.
Although Sean Hardman doubled off Braxton in the top of the second, Braxton struck out these three other Awesome Cavemen: Dandy Andy Bartholemew, Kody "Coco" Hall, and Milo "Who's on First" Abbott. The three strikeouts couldn't prevent Hardman from scoring. He came home on a passed ball. Braxton didn't let the Awesome Cavemen score again until the top of the sixth.
From the second's lower half to the bottom of the fifth, the game went down as a defensive struggle. In the bottom of the second, for instanced, a Cam Lux single moved a Froggie pinch runner to third base. After first baseman Mounteer grounded out Kalen Holden, a "distant cousin" of late film actor Bill Holden, Kolt Sampson hit into a double play that ended at home plate.
In the top of the third, Haws hit his second straight left-field single, only to become pinched in a squeeze play that retired American Fork to the field. In response to left fielder Abbott's two straight catches of fly balls in the bottom of the third, Ryan Absher slugged an infield single, but got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second.
With American Fork unable to put any runners on base in the top of the fourth, Froggie Coby Webb singled into right to start the inning's lower half, but American Fork kept him chained on base.
In the top of the fifth, Abbott and Craig Brailsford each slugged a two-out single to enable Zac Haws to load the bases on a walk. Second baseman Holden grounded out Green to hold American Fork scoreless.
An American Fork error let the Froggies load the bases on one out in the bottom of the fifth. During a fielder's choice play at second, Holden scored a run.
The sixth inning opened with Lamb getting on base through an error. Mounteer singled into right, moving Lamb to third. Once again, Schultz singled both Awesome Cavemen in. Schultz then tried stealing second, but a throw from catcher Padilla to Holden put the Awesome Caveman out. Lehi didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any more runs.
Even though Taylor Nielson hit a one-out double for the Froggies in the bottom of the sixth, they couldn't pick up additional runs until the bottom of the seventh. In the game's final inning, both Holden and Kolt Sampson got on base through walks. Holden scored the second Lehi run as Mason Downs grounded out. Morgan Soper singled in Sampson, but got thrown right afterwards on a fielder's choice play at second. Lamb grounded out Absher to win the game for American Fork.
American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "I was pleased with our pitching and hitting today. Our aggressiveness on the bases impressed me. We executed our defensive plays well. Getting that 3-0 lead in the first two innings boasted our morale.
"I do have much respect for Brandon. He's done a great job with Lehi this summer. Today, for one, they stayed in the game clear until the last out."
AF Pirates Defeat Kittytown Red Sox, Helltown Rangers in Pool Play at State Pony League Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In opening-day action of the State Pony League Tournament, the American Fork Pirates defeated the Payson Red Sox 13-3 and the Springville Rangers 17-1 at Bus Manning Field July 17.
AKA Kittytown, Payson couldn't find a pitcher that could keep the Pirates in check. American Fork won the game in five innings. In the Pirates' 13-3 triumph, they got a triple from Kasten "K-Rass" Rasmuseen and a homer from Ryan "Rhino" Davis.
AKA Helltown, Springville didn't have a prayer against American Fork. The Pirates scored all of their 17 runs in the game's first inning while holding Helltown scoreless that inning. Practically, every Pirate made a hit that first inning, especially Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas, who slugged a single and a double. Jake "Snake" Smith contributed two singles to that devastating rally.
In the bottom of the second, Colt "Buzz" Evans slugged a single, but got caught in a double play that prevented the Pirates from scoring any more runs in the game.
In the top of the third, Helltown's Paul "Steed" Young hit a single, and Stix Brennen singled him in on no outs. Once Brennen got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, Helltown's chances of prolonging the game past the third inning vanished.
Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "I know the game was over when we scored the sixth run. Our pitching and defensive playing were absolutely solid today. Our guys did a good job in keeping Springville off balance."
AF Defeats Juan Diego Screechers 4-3 in 17-Under Division Thriller July 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
During Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork on July 16, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under division defeated the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, 4-3.
The Awesome Cavemen scored a run in each of the game's first three innings. In the meantime, they didn't let the Screechers make any runs until of the bottom of the fourth.
After Craig Brailsford had batted in a second-inning run for the Awesome Cavemen, Screecher Joe Strangaard singled into left in top of the third, then made it to third base on an error during one out. Shortstop Kody "Coco" Hall set up a double play that prevented Juan Diego from scoring. Getting on base through a third-inning walk, Dandy Andy Bartholemew, a nephew of former Caveman wrestles Dazzlin' Dave Bartholemew and John "Super Stud" Bartholenew, scored the third Caveman run on a passed ball.
On one out in the top of fourth, Juan Diego staged a rally. During it, Ryan Green, Pudge Davis, and Chandler Lamburton each singled in a run, tying the game at three.
The game stayed tied until the bottom of the seventh when Alec "Sergeant" Shultz singled into left. Instead of chopping game-winning hit, Lamb flew out to score Shultz for the winning run.
Awesome Caveman Coach Jay Holmstead said, "We out-executed them. We had some great pitching and fielding. In our 11-6 win at Layton last Saturday, Skylar Mounteer hit a three-run homer. We managed to get the game in, despite a rainstorm that came in during the afternoon."
Ferocious PG Vikings Fall to Bingham Pickers in 16-Under Game Ended Early Because of Rain
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In 16-under division paly for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 14, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings 4-1 in a contest ended early because of a heavy rainstorm.
The Ferocious Vikings never led in the game, which was supposed to have been the first half of a twin bill hosted by Bingham.
On one out in the top of the first, Zac Peterson singled into left, but the Pickers ensnared him a double play resulting from Easton Walker's flying out to second base.
In the bottom of the first, Cade Cloward doubled in Landon Walbeck and Aaron Marsh.
A cousin of TV's Lisa Simpson, Pleasant Grove's Peyton Simpson doubled into left, and before long, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases on two outs. However, after Gavin "Grizzly" Bahr had hit an infield single, Hayden Veenker, a son of former Pleasant Grove Review sportswriter Todd Veenker, flew out to first base, preventing the Ferocious Vikings from getting on the scoreboard.
Hitting a one-out triple in the bottom of the second, Will Anderson scored on Mikey Green's sacrifice fly.
Singles from Walbeck, McCord Larsen, and Cloward loaded the bases for the Pickers in the bottom of the third. With Cody Kitchen getting beaned by a pitch, the Pickers scored their fourth and final run.
Bingham slugged the Ferocious Vikings with a double play in the top of the fourth. Getting on base through a walk, Brayden Cox came home on a Bahr double.
During the top of the fifth, a heavy downpour of rain muddied the Bingham diamond so much that the umpires called the game.
Lehi Froggies Outlast Syracuse Midgets 4-3 in Utah Baseball Academy League Thriller July 13
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In Utah Baseball Academy League action July 13, the Lehi Pioneers' 17-under division team defeated the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, 4-3 at Lehi.
The two teams had to endure rain during the seven-inning thriller. It opened with shortstop Cody Webb picking off a Kaiden King fly ball. Singling into center right afterwards, Jayden Bearnson got put out at second on a throw from catcher Nolan Padilla to second baseman Braxton Deveraux, a nephew of former American Fork pitcher Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux. In response to the putout, Riley Gibson hit an infield single, but got stuck on base.
In the bottom of the first, the Midget almost succeeded in pulling off a triple play. However, Froggie No. 1 hitter Cody Webb narrowly escaped to home plate while the Midgets nailed Deveraux and Taylor Nielson. Getting on base on a walk, Cam Lux scored the second Froggie run during an error.
Singling into right at the start of the second inning, Kaiden Craig came home on Jason Jourdan's sacrifice groundout. Hit by Kaiden King, a two-out, one-run single evened the game at two.
Lehi hoped that Kolt Sampson's single at the start of the second's lower half would enable the Froggies to leap back out in front. However, pitcher Spencer Johnson posted three strikeouts to keep the game tied at the end of the second.
In the third's top half, Gibson singled into left, but Lehi kept him stuck on base. In the bottom of the third, Weston Hansen singled into right, but the Midgets pinched him in a putout play at second to keep the game tied at three.
A Zach Ricker sacrifice fly scored Jourdan in the top of the fourth to put the Midgets ahead 3-2. Singling into left in the bottom of the fourth, Lux stole home, and after the Froggies had loaded the bases on two outs, Sampson came home on a walk. Neither team could score any further runs after that, despite Kaiden Craig's left-field single hit in the top of the sixth.
"We had bad hitting today, but we had good defensive playing," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux.
Awesome AF Cavemen Sweep Doubleheader at Home Against Spanish Fork Dons July 7
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen won both ends of a 16-under division doubleheader that they had played at home against the Spanish Fork Dons during Utah Baseball Academy League action July 7. American Fork won the first game 9-8 and the second one 9-5.
Nicknamed Gaytown because it's such a happy community to live in, Spanish Fork demonstrated in both games that despite being a 3-A power in high school baseball nowadays, it proved on July 7 that it could hold its own against 4-A and 5-A powers.
In the top of the first, the Dons loaded the bases, allowing them to take a 2-0 lead on walks made by Remo "Steamo" Rivera and Matt "Apple Beer" Creer. The Awesome Cavemen erased that first Gaytown lead. A cousin of Brock "Shears" Lamb, Dalliin Searle smacked a baseline single that enabled the Awesome Cavemen to load the bases one out in the bottom of the first. Emmett Green singled in a run. A nephew of former American Fork wrestler Fantastic Mike Bartholemew, Dandy Andy Bartholemew tripled in three runs, then came home on an error to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 5-2.
Like bulls taunted by matadors, the Dons charged back during the top of the second. Two American Fork errors set the stage for Spanish Fork's recapture of the lead. One of those goofs let two Dons race home. Ryan Golish doubled in Jason "Show Me Da" Money, and he came home on Jarvis McKinnon's two-out single. Pitcher Searle grounded out Rivera to stop the rally.
After Kolby "Mr. Cool" Frost singled in the bottom of the second, American Fork loaded the bases on one out. The Awesome Cavemen then pulled ahead 8-6 on walks made by Kody "Coco" Hall, Emmett Green, and Bartholemew.
The Dons didn't let the Awesome Cavemen put any more runners on base until the bottom of the sixth. In the meantime, the Dons tied the game at eight two fourth-inning runs that occurred on an error and a McKinnon double.
American Fork ruined Spanish Fork's best chance of breaking the tie during the top of the sixth. That inning Zak "Pack Man" Harrison singled into left. Money popped out to shortstop Hall. He turned up a double play right afterwards.
Despite singles from Bartholemew and Jackson Draper in the bottom of the sixth, the Cavemen couldn't make any runs. However, with one out in the bottom of the seventh, Hagen Holmstead got on base via an error, which allowed Frost to come home for the winning run.
In the second game, the Awesome Cavemen didn't let the Gaytowners score any runs during the first three innings, despite a second-inning single hit by Colt "Forty-Five" Creer.
Singling in the bottom of the first, Holmstead led Kody "Coco" Hall home on an error. Bartholemew singled in a run that left American Fork ahead 3-0 at the end of the inning.
The score stayed at 3-0 until the bottom of the third. With American Fork loading the bases on two walks and a Searle single, Green singled in Hall to start a four-run rally, nudged on by two walks and a Draper single.
Tripling during the top of the fourth, Golish soon stole home. A Colt Creer, sacrifice fly scored McKinnon. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dons turned up a double play that prevented the Awesome Cavemen from scoring any runs that inning.
The next inning, Harrison doubled in two runs, then moved to third on a Money single. Golish singled Harrison in. American Fork shut down the Dons' scoring machine for the rest of the game.
Doubling into center during the bottom of the fifth, Searle got moved to third by a Green single. Bartholmew singled Searle in, and Green stole home, ending the game's scoring.
American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "The pitchers did a good job against Spanish Fork. The Dons are among the toughest teams to play against in this state. Whenever you beat them, you know have played exceptionally well. We executed well on defense today, and we found ways to get hits off their pitchers."
Bingham Pickers Dry Up Lehi 16-Under Division Team 14-2 in June 28 Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
AKA the Pickers, the Bingham Miners buried their hosts, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 14-2 in a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 28.
The Froggies' doom got set in the top of the first. On one out, Tony "Beans" Moderno got on base through a Froggie error. The Picker then came home on a single whacked by Nick Plaga, a grandson of the late Gene Plaga, a West High coaching legend. An nine-run rally ensued. By the time Lehi had finally shut down, Nick had managed to single another two runs.
Although the Froggies held the Pickers scoreless during the next two innings, Lehi had a frustrating time with putting runners on base. Cam Grace hit a first-in
ning single to become the first Froggie to get on base. However, Lehi couldn't score any runs or make any further hits until the bottom of the fourth.
In the meantime, Bingham picked up its ninth run in the top of the fourth when Will Anderson doubled in Shark Boelter.
On one out in the bottom of the fourth, Morgan Soper doubled into center,and Preston Higgins drove him in with a double. Blake Smith doubled in Higgins. Second baseman Moderno grounded out Matt "Bub" Wilde, erasing Lehi's last chance for prolonging the game past the fifth inning.
In the top of the fifth, Plaga hit a one-out single to reel in four runs. Brayden "Fiddle" Diddle singled in Plaga, and Mikey Green scored on a Boelter sacrifice fly. Anderson tripled in Diddle for the game's final run.
Lehi Froggies Defeat Ferocious PG Vikings 10-4 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 29, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, won 10-4 at home against the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings.
For the Froggies, the game was an atonement for a humiliating loss that the Ferocious Vikings had dealt them in the UBAL's annual preseason tournament. In that game, Pleasant Grove won 8-1 at Lehi and went on to win the tournament.
In the top of the first of the June 29 game, Froggie pitchers Britt Stokes and Preston Hansen held Pleasant Grove scoreless during the first four innings while he posted five strikeouts.
With the Ferocious Vikings unable to put any runs on base in the top of the first, the inning's bottom half saw the Froggies take complete control of the game. Nolan Padilla hit a one-out single into left, and Taylor Nielsen doubled him in two outs. Lehi soon loaded the bases, and Colt Sampson singled in two runs. Mason Downs struck out before the Froggies could pick up any more runs that inning.
In the bottom of the second, Cam Lux hit a one-out double into left, but he got stuck on base. Despite that setback, the Froggies did continue extending their lead. In the bottom of the third, Cody Webb singled into left, and he came home on Nielson's sacrifice fly. With his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux coaching first base, Braxton Deveraux hit a two-out, solo homer over the center-field fence.
In the top of the fourth, Pleasant Grove finally made hits. Aiden Nuenswander and and Branden Coombs each singled for the Ferocious Vikings that inning. Nevertheless, the Froggies still kept Pleasant Grove from scoring any runs.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Ferocious looked as though they would be finished off in the fifth. During the fourth's lower half, Kaleb Holden and Ryan Absher each hit a two-run double during a five-run rally that gave Lehi a 10-0 lead. Padilla contributed a one-run single to the rally. It put the Ferocious Vikings in danger of being polished off in the fifth.
However, with McKay Lewis and Bryce Jones on base in the top of the fifth, Jade Smoot hit a one-run single that set of a three-run rally. It prolonged the game for another two innings.
Singling into left at the start of the sixth, Logan Bullock soon got doubled in by Easton Walker. Aided by a Peyton Simpson single, Pleasant Grove soon loaded the bases on two outs, but first baseman Braxton Deveraux grounded out Peyton Henry to end the Ferocious Vikings' last real chance of winning the game.
Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Juan Diego Screechers 10-9 in 16-Under Division Thriller June 30
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division team came out with a 10-9 win at home against the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, in Utah Baseball Academy League play June 30.
On one out in the top of the first, Screecher Eli McQuillian doubled in Ryan Median to set off a three-run rally. It ended with Ryan Hughes getting forced out at home. American Fork narrowed the Screechers' 3-0 lead to 3-2 on a Turner Knight theft of home plate and A.J. Jones' one-run double. Shortstop Medina grounded out Ty Gardner to keep American Fork from tying the game at three in the opening inning.
In the top of the second, Stevie McNulty singled in Connor Helgeson, and then came home on a Medina sacrifice fly.
Doubling into left in the bottom of the second, Awesome Cavemen Seth Taylor soon stole home, setting off a three-run rally that tied the game at five.
With McQuillian hitting a left-field single in the third, Sam Browski doubled him, but got snared in a double play that caused the Screetchers to be held scoreless during the fourth and fifth innings.
In the bottom of the fifth, Jackson Wilson scored during a sacrifice groundout to set off a four-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Knight doubled in two runs to put them ahead 8-6. Cody "Coco" Hall doubled Knight, but got forced out at third.
In the sixth, an American Fork error let the Soaring Eagles score two runs to tie the game at nine. The Awesome Cavemen prevented Juan Diego from pulling back out front this time.
With the sixth's lower half opening on a Dandy Andy Bartholemew double hit into left, the Awesome Caveman batters came under much stress. They held up well under. Derrick "Buster" Hardman flew out into center, but Bartholemew came home for a tie-breaking run. Juan Diego answered it with a double play.
American Fork kept the Screechers in check in the top of the seventh.
Former head mentor for the West Jordan Pussy Cats, American Fork Coach Brock Knight said, "They jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. That could have shaken our resolve. We held firm, though. Buster Hardman saved us in the sixth with that sacrifice fly he hit. He's just an eighth-grader, but he proved how valuable he was to us today."
Spanish Fork Dons Defeat Lehi Froggies 19-13 in 16-Under Slugfest July 10
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 10, the Spanish Fork Dons, AKA the Gaytowners, posted a 19-13 win on the home diamond of the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies.
Both teams played such good defense in the first two innings that it was not until the third inning that both squads could get on the board. In the first inning, for instance, the Dons loaded the bases on two outs in the top off, only to see Nate "Tornado" Roberts pop out to first before any runs could come in. In the second inning, both squads slapped each other with double plays.
Finally, in the top of the third, Taylor "Tiger" Harrison slugged a one-run single that set off a seven-run rally for the Dons. Late in the rally, McKinnon Jarvis doubled in three runs on one out.
The Froggies proved in the bottom of the third that they could rally back. After Blake Smith had hit a single, Dixon Grant singled in a run to send Lehi rallying back within 7-4.
In the fourth inning, Lehi looked as though it would be finished off by the fifth. A two-run double, hit by Jason "Show Me Da" Money, spurred a seven-run rally that extended the Gaytowners' lead to 14-4. Instead of throwing in the glove, the Froggies carried out a long rally of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Grant singled in Matt "Bub" Wilde to open a six-run rally that prolonged the game clear to the seventh.
In the top of the fifth, Lehi didn't let any Dons get on base. Singles from Cam Grace and Koy Smith enabled the Froggies to load the bases on one out. After Smith came home on an error, Morgan Soper hit a two-run single, pushing Lehi within 14-13. Preston Higgins singled into left to Lehi's hopes afloat. However, before the Froggies could leap ahead, Paxton Terry hit into a double play.
Lehi received one more fine chance for pulling out a win when the Froggies loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the sixth. With the score still 14-13, Froggie Logan "Wazzy" Wazmeyer went up to bat against reliever Money. Within four pitches, Money struck out the batter. Lehi never got another chance to retake the lead.
In the top of the seventh, Roberts singled in Golish to set up a five-run rally that clutched the game for the Dons. During the rally, Jarvis and Taylor Anderson each hit a one-run double.
Jordan Valley Defeats AF Pirates For Timp Colt Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
In the two-game series in the Timp Colt League playoffs, Jordan Valley defeated the American Fork Pirates for the league title. With both games played American Fork's Rotary Park, the Pirates won the first game 9-8 July 11. However, in the July 12 showdown, Jordan Valley defeated American Fork 12-11 to take the Gold Division Title.
In the first inning of the July 11 contest, American Fork loaded the bases on no outs. Allen "Dr." Jones singled in Zach "The Beast" Tubbs to open a five-run rally.
In the bottom of the first, Jordan Valley's Mikey Butler doubled in Colt Christensen, and he then came home on a Ty Olsen single.
For the top of the second inning, Jones' bat proved devastating to Jordan Valley as he singled in Jason Nelson to set off a four-run rally. Even though Jordan Valley didn't let American Fork make any more runs after that inning, the Herriman-based team couldn't prevent the necessity for a second game.
Jordan Valley did go on a six-run scoring spree in the bottom of the fourth, though. That rally saw Olsen and Ian Hawkins each slug a two-run single. Pitcher Jones struck out two straight batters to shut down the rally and force the championship contest into a second game.
In the top of the second game's first inning, Jordan Valley's Cordell "Hoss" Johnson singled in Marshall Jones. However, Jordan Valley couldn't make any more runs that inning.
In the bottom of it, Pirate Jason "Shots" Nielson stole home to set off a three-run rally. During it, Dr. Jones tripled in Braden "Jazzhands" Bezzant, and scored on a Sam "Batman" Bateman single.
During the top of the second, pitcher Andy "A-Max" Maxwell struck out Nate Slack and Colt "45" James. The pitcher then caused Nikki Dawes to ground out, holding Jordan Valley scoreless in the second.
Singling into right in the bottom of the second, Tubbs stole home, setting off a seven-run rally that could have given American Fork the championship title. Near the end of the second, Logan "Baughin" Baugh doubled in three runs that left American Fork with a 10-1 lead.
The momentum swung back to Jordan Valley's favor in the top of the third. Doubling into left, Colt "Shaggy" Christensen stole home, thereby setting off an eight-run rally that saw Dawes double into left. By the time Shaggy had flown out into center, Jordan Valley had pulled within 10-9. Jordan Valley held American Fork scoreless in the bottom of the third.
With Olson doubling into left at the the start of the fourth, Hoss Johnson tripled him in. Mikey Butler doubled in Johnson to put Jordan Valley ahead 11-10. A James sacrifice fly scored Colt Bloomquist for the final Jordan Valley run.
Bezzant doubled into left in the bottom of the fourth. On two outs, he stole him. Before American Fork could tie the score, Baugh struck out.
West Jordan defeated the Pleasant Grove Marlins in the second game of the Silver Division's championship series.
American Fork Crushes Syracuse Midgets 13-1 in 17-Under Division Play July 9
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weeklly Publisher
In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen won 13-1 at home against the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, July 9.
American Fork held the Midgets scoreless for five of the game's six innings. On one out in the bottom of the first, Brock Lamb chopped a double to move Sean Hardman into scoring position. Skylar Mounteer join them on base through a walk. Alec Shultz hit a two-run double, and Mounteer came home on a passed ball.
The Midgets tried turning their fortunes around on Kaiden Craig's second-inning double, but he got put out at third by catcher Andy Bartholemew's throw.
In the third, Shultz doubled in two runs and Koy Dibb doubled in another two to fuel a six-run rally for American Fork.
In the top of the fourth, Cole Tracy doubled in Kaiden Mahoney for the only Midget run of the game.
In the fifth, the Awesome Cavemen staged a four-run rally to finish off the Midgets.
