AF City League Playoffs and Utah Baseball Academy League Action for July 2

Timp Sports Weekly

July 2, 2013

Publisher's Message

This week's issue looks at games in the American Fork Pony League and Timp Colt League playoffs, especially the showdown between the Pirates and Rockies in the AFPL title game June 28. We will also look at accounts of some of the latest games played in the Utah Baseball Academy League's recently started season. Let's get to those games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Taylorsville Road Warriors Post 7-3 Win in Away Game at American Fork June 24

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a June 24 Utah Baseball Academy League game at American Fork, the Taylorsville Road Warriors' 17-under division team drove past the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 7-3.

Neither team could score in the first inning. In the top of second, Road Warrior Zach "In" Stepp singled off pitcher  Jake Norton, but the Taylorsville player got stuck on base before he could score the game's first run. In the bottom of the second, Colt "Blades" Shear scored the game first run on a Road Warrior error at first.

In the top of the third, Nate "Fabio" Cook hit a one-run triple, and he then stole home. Singles from Buster "Brown" Hardman and Kastan Rasmussen gave American Fork a chance for tying the game, but Taylorsville held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless in the third.

In the top of the fourth, the Road Warriors improved their lead at 4-1 on an error and a Nate "Herman" Hess single.

A distant relative of former American Fork High hot rod enthusiast Ken DeMarco, Justin DeMarco hit an infield single, and a Ty Gardner single moved him into scoring position. Norton doubled DeMarco and Gardner in, slashing the Road Warriors' lead to 4-3. With Hardman grounding out to end the fourth, the Awesome Cavemen lost their last best chance to catch up to Taylorsville.

In the top of the fifth, Kenny Atwood homered in Cook. The next inning, Hess doubled in Pat Oaf to conclude Road Warrior scoring for the night.

Hayden "Chief Woody" Wood hit a single in the bottom of the fifth and another one in the seventh in hopes of stirring up an American Fork comeback. Even though American Fork also got a single from Rasmussen in the seventh's lower half, the Road Warriors didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make a fourth run.

Rockies Win 7-5 to Stay Alive in American Fork Pony League Tournament Action

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In American Fork Pony League playoff action at Bus Manning Field June 25, the Rockies defeated the Yankees 9-5 to stay alive in the city league tournament.

Pitcher Alec Grieve held the Yankees scoreless during the game's first two innings. In the bottom of the first, Rocky Chris Hugely tripled into right, and he came home on an error at first. Grieve soon stole home afterwards. On two outs in the second's lower half, Jackson Peagram singled in Andy "Moon River" Mathis to improve the Rocky lead at 3-0.

The Yankees dominated the third inning. A two-out double hit by Zach Nelsen set the stage for a go-ahead rally for the Yankees that round. The rally started with Chris "Oughta" Yamada tripling in Nelsen and Scotty "Bowling Pins" Buhler, the son of former American Fork High wrestling legend Frank "The Tank" Buhler. Rily Bezzant knocked in Yamada to tie the game at three. Bezzant scored a tie-breaking run on a single hit by Jake Bernardo, who scored the fifth Yankee run on an error at first.

The Rockies shut the Yankees down after the Bernardo run. The Yankees couldn't score any more runs, despite a fifth-inning double and a seventh-inning single smacked by Nelson, who went 4-4 at the plate for the night.

In the fourth's lower half, Ty Hardy slugged a one-run single to start the Rockies' comeback. In the fifth's bottom half, Peagram doubled into left, and he stole home, narrowly beating a throw from the mound. Grieve doubled in Hugely to put the Rockies back ahead 6-5. The Rockies improved their lead at 7-5 on a Mathis single that brought home McCrae "Captain" Morgan, concluding the game's scoring.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Harvest 5-1 Win Over Jordan Plowboys June 27

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under age division team posted a 5-1 win at home against the Jordan Beetdiggers, AKA the Plowboys, in Utah Baseball Academy League action June 27.

Hit by a Craig Brailsford pitch in the top of the first, Plowboy Caleb Knight got doubled in by Seth "Honey" Butterfield. The Plowboys' 1-0 couldn't survive the first inning. On two outs in the bottom of the first, Austin "Oh, Yeah, Baby" Pitcher tripled into left, and Koy "The Toy" Dibb singled him in. Dallin Searle flew into right field before Pitcher could score a tie-breaking run.

In the second inning, Brailsford struck out Butterfield and Hunter Jones. Plowboy Jaden Hughes almost made it to second base when American Fork's first baseman lost his glove while missing a throw. With no time to pick up the glove, the first baseman scooped up the ball and threw to second, igniting a squeeze play that pinched Hughes.

In the bottom of the second, Jordan beaned American Fork with a double play that kept the game tied at one, despite Andy Bartholemew and Brailsford hitting a double and a single respectively for American Fork.

With the Awesome Cavemen keeping the Plowboys from putting any runners on base during the top of the third, they thought they were going to profit from Emmett Green's one-out single in the bottom of the inning, but he got picked off at second. Kody "Coco" Hall drilled a single into center, only to get stuck at second.

The deadlock finally ended in the bottom of the fourth. Tripling into center, Dibb scored the tie-breaking run on a Dallin Searle sacrifice fly. Hit by a pitch, Logan Flinders scored the third Caveman run during a Craig Brailsford sacrifice groundout. In the bottom of the fifth, Hall tripled in Emmett Green and then scored a run while Dibb got snared in a hot box play.

No more scoring occurred after the fifth inning.

American Fork Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll said, "Craig Brailsford pitched all seven innings, and he held lots of runners on base while he kept tossing strikes. He's a go-to pitcher."

AF Yankees Dry Up Lehi Cardinals' Season in June 27 Timp Colt League Playoff Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Timp Colt League playoff game at American Fork's Rotary Park June 27, the American Fork Yankees dried up the Lehi Cardinals 8-4 to stay alive in the two-week post-season tournament.

The Cardinals dominated most of the game. In the top of the first, for example, Cardinal Parker Wagner doubled into left, and Collin Anderton singled him in on two outs, opening the game's scoring. Anderton tried stealing second, but American Fork threw him out at at the base.

Getting on base through a Lehi error in the bottom of the first, Yankee Gavin Phillips soon came home on another Lehi mistake to tie the game at one. The son of the Beautiful Angie Manning, a former AF High wrestling stat girl, Ricky Smith hit a one-out triple out into left, and he soon stole home to put the Yankees ahead 2-1.

Lehi pitcher Blake Cleveringa held American Fork scoreless in both the second and third innings, despite the Yankees getting third-inning singles from Smith and Jordan Dutson.

Hitting a one-out double in the top of the second, Landon "High Tree" Birch soon stole home to score a tying run for the Cardinals. They pulled ahead 4-2 on a passed ball and a Cleveringa single in the third inning.

Taking a turn on the mound in the top of the fourth, Yankee Jaden Luker held Lehi scoreless, even though the Cardinals did load the bases on two outs.

Cleveringa walked Jacob Godwin on no outs in the bottom of the fourth. That walk came back to haunt Lehi, for Godwin soon scored on an error at first base. The Cardinals then suffered a fatal blow when Phillips accidently bumped into Lehi's first baseman while the ball dropped onto the play area side of the first baseline. The accident allowed Coulson Tucker to come home. Seconds later, an overthrow past third allowed Lou Figerora to come home.

As the scoreboard showed American Fork now leading 5-4, members of the Lehi team argued with the the umpires, demanding that Phillips be called out for interference. The umpires brushed off the demand and ordered a renewal of play. Davey Britey singled off Cleveringa, and Smith hit an in-the-park home run to send his teammate home, putting the game's final score at 8-4.

Pirates Flatten Rockies 9-0 in AFPL Championship Game June 28
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the American Fork Pony League championship game at Bus Manning Field June 28, the Pirates flattened the  Rockies 9-0 to repeat as the conference champion for a second straight year.

Pitching all five innings of the game, Pirate Spencer "Rooney" Shelton posted 12 strikeouts while scattering three hits. Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "Spencer has been our best pitcher in the last few seasons. He was really worth the money tonight.."

With Shelton keeping the Rockies from making any hits the top of the third, the Pirates managed to take firm control of the game during the bottom of the first.

The first's lower half opened with Pirate Weston "Wez" Shiro flying out to center. With pitcher McCrae "Captain" Morgan walking No. 2 hitter Jake "Plow" Smith, the Pirates quickly recovered from the flyout. Shelton whacked a center-field single to move Smith to third. When Cody "Oscar" Richan came up to bat, Morgan couldn't center his pitches enough to strike him out. With Morgan lobbing only four pitches, Richan walked, loading the bases. The little sister of Awesome American Fork Caveman baseball player Austin Pitcher, Erin "Ernie Banks" Pitcher doubled in Smith and Shelton.

Before the Pirates could go on a long scoring spree in the first, Morgan struck out Brady "BB Gun" Bunker and Jack "Rojo Jacklo" Lopez.

The next inning, Pirate Kallin "Bagsy" Bagley singled in Jack "Lexrst" Webb, and he then scored on an error to improve his team's lead at 4-0.

During the top of the third, Rocky Ian "Stimpy" Stimpson (not Simpson) watched Shelton strike out Andy Mathis and Skyler "Big Daddy" Northcut. So Stimpson seemed certain of getting struck out, too. However, he shocked Pirate fans by whacking a right-field single. It gave Rocky fans hopes of seeing their team rallying back quicker than you could say Ali Lamb Chop. However, Shelton struck out Chris Hugely, stranding Stimpson on base.

Singling into right during the bottom of the fourth, Pitcher soon stole home on a passed ball. Morgan walked Bagley and then caused Shiro to hit into a double play.

The fourth inning opened with Alec Grieve singling into left. The inning suddenly took a frustrating turn for the Rockies. Their next batter for them in the fourth, Denver "Mile High" Christensen flew out to second baseman Pitcher. Catcher Smith and pitcher Shelton grounded out Morgan and Seth Grieve respectively.

The fourth's lower half opened with Smith singling into right. On one out, Richan singled him in, and Pitcher soon joined Oscar Richan on base. A "distant cousin" of TV character Archie Bunker, BB Gun Bunker singled Richan and Pitcher in. Bunker then came home on a balk

On two outs in the top of the fifth, Shelton walked Mathis. A Northcut single moved Mathis into scoring position, but Shelton struck out Stimpson. The game then got called because of an eight-run rule.

Opening Week of Utah Baseball Academy League Games

Timp Sports Weekly

June 25, 2013

Publisher's Message

This week's issue will look at the opening week of the Utah Baseball Academy League's 2013 summer season. We will look at some of the games played during the week of June 17-22. We will also include story of a Timp Colt League game and a report on American Fork Pony League action. Let's swing straight to those stories, beginning with an account of the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 12-8 win over the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, in a 17-under age division game played at Alta June 17.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Awesome AF Cavebatters Knock Down Alta Tweeties' 17-Under Team in UBAL Action June 17

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under team posted a 12-6 win on the Sandy diamond of the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, in a Utah Baseball Academy League opener June 17.

American Fork came out strong offensively in the top of the first inning. In fact, the Awesome Cavemen's offensive display proved to be so strong that it was as shocking to the Tweeties as the sight of Bad Old Brighton Puddy Tats releasing orange-painted mice throughout Alta High. (Former Bad Old Puddy Tat baseball player Jason Reynolds and some other Brighton schoolmates actually pulled that prank at Alta generation ago. Hey, Brighton kids aren't known as known as the Bad Old Puddy Tats for nothing.) 

Anyway, the game opened with Emmitt Green slugging an infield single. Kody "Coco" Hall tripled Green, and he came home on Dallin Searle's sacrifice groundout. Aided by singles hit by Austin "Oh, Yeah, Baby" Pitcher and Dandy Andy Bartholemew, American Fork soon loaded the bases. Logan "Flinnie" Flinders hit a three-run triple.

Before the Awesome Cavemen could stretch their first-inning lead any farther, pitcher Lightning Mitch Page struck out Riley Winter and Treyson McMurtrey.

For the start of the first's lower half, Parker "Sorroco" Chatwin belted a left-field single. Chipper "Zipper" Lucero doubled into left. C.J. Packer singled them in, starting a three-run rally. It ended with Luke "Scooby" Christensen flying out to left fielder McMurtrey. 

Hitting his second straight single during the top of the second, Green scored on a Hall sacrifice groundout. Even though Pitcher hit a two-out triple soon afterwards, Page struck out Bartholemew to prevent another long American Fork rally. Even though Blackie "Sea" Gull doubled off Green in the bottom of the second, the Awesome Cavemen didn't let the Tweeties make any runs that inning or in the third.

Even though Alta prevented the Awesome Cavemen from picking up any runs in the third's top half, they did renew scoring in the fourth. On one out in the top of the fourth, Hall whacked his second one-run triple which scored Green. Hall then scored on an error at first base.

On two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Chatwin hit a solo homer over the left-field fence. Soon, Lucero doubled into center, and he came home on a Packer single to cut the Awesome Caveman lead to 8-5. Packer got put out at second, ending the inning before his Tweeties could fly closer to American Fork.

With two outs in the top of the fifth, McMurtrey singled into right, hoping that he could re-start American Fork scoring. However, the Tweeties pinched him in a fielder's choice play at second. American Fork couldn't pick up additional runs until the top of the seventh, despite Searle slugging a sixth-inning double.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the fifth, Page tried stealing home, but catcher Bartholemew tagged him at the plate, ending the inning. The next inning saw Tweetie Taylor Joss single on two outs into left, only to get tossed out in a fielder's choice play at second.

Doubling at the start of the seventh, Craig Brailsford came home on Riley Winter's one-out single hit into right. After Winter came home on an error, Hall hit a one-run double, and he scored on another Alta goof at first base. The Tweeties shut American Fork down, then tried to stage a desperate rally in the bottom of the seventh. With two runners on base, Jake Comstock hit a one-run single that he hoped would save the Tweeties' fortunes. However, American Fork reliever McMurtrey forced Christensen to ground out to third baseman Flinders to end the game.

AF Cardinals Fly From Behind to Defeat PG Angels in Pony League Thriller
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Pony League action at Bus Manning Field June 18, the American Fork Cardinals flew from behind to defeat the Pleasant Grove Angels 15-11.

By the way the first inning looked, the Cardinals appeared destined to get finished off in three innings like they did in their 19-1 loss to the American Fork Pirates, winners of this year's AFPL regular season pennant. Paced by Jaxon Brown's two-run double, the Angels moved ahead 11-0 at lightning speed in the top of the first. A distant relative of former American Fork High drama student Charles "Zebo" Mottsinger, Skyler Mottsinger set the stage for the 11-run rally by getting on base through a walk, and he soon stole home. He later joined Dane Amussen in hitting singles to keep the rally going strong. A three-run triple hit by Ernie Acevedo left the Angels blowing their horns about their 11-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first, Weston Birchall, a "distant relative" of former American Fork soccer Nate Birchall, got on base through a walk, and he scored on Nick Thang's sacrifice groundout. Birchall's run was the only one that American Fork could make in response to Pleasant Grove's long rally.

The Cardinals' morale could have vanished after the end of the first inning. However, they held the Angels scoreless during the next three innings. Moreover, Pleasant Grove couldn't make another hit until Coop "Quick Draw" DeGraw slugged a fourth-inning single, only to get stuck on base.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals made an incredible comeback. In the bottom of the second, Chase Gregory got on base via a walk, and a Nick Jex single moved him into scoring position. Gregory stole home, setting up a 10-run rally. Tony Moore gassed it up with a three-run triple that he whacked into center. Slick Dane Petersen and Weston Birchall each contributed a one-run single to the rally.

With it ending in an 11-11 deadlock, the Angels realized that the Cardinals were no longer going to be door mats for them. In the bottom of the third, Swifty Preston singled into left, and he came home on Moore's tying one-run single. Birchall whacked a tie-breaking one-run double, and he came home on Petersen's one-run single. Petersen scored on Gregory's sacrifice fly to conclude the game's scoring.

Lone Peak Loners Shoot Down Alta Tweeties 11-6 in UBAL Action June 19
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at Lone Peak June 19, the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, defeated the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, 11-6 in a 17-under age division game.

On one-out in the top of the first, Tweetie Jesse Emery singled in Parker Chatwin, and then stole home to give Alta a 2-0 lead. It didn't survive the first inning.

During its lower half, Mason "Mortar" Hayes hit a two-out, one-run single that set off a three-run rally for the Loners. Lord Sterling Larson singled in Hayes, and then scored the tie-breaking run on a Ty "Chocolate" Hirsch single.

The Loners held the Tweeties scoreless in the top of the second, and a Tavin Lemuli single set the stage for another Loner scoring rally. On two outs, Lyman knocked in Lemuli, and he then got home on a Trevor Laharogue single.

The Tweeties refused to remain grounded. Getting on base through a third-inning walk, Chatwin scored a run on a C.J. "Chirp" Packer double. Jake Comstock's two-run single tied the game at five. Lone retaliated with a double play.

The score stayed deadlocked at 5-5 until the bottom of the third when Lemuli singled Brandon Harris to open a three-run rally. In the fifth, The Loners went on another three-run rally, started by Hunter Christensen's theft of home plate.

Though the Tweeties shut the Loners down after the fifth, Alta couldn't make another strong comeback. In the sixth, though, Comstock hit a double, and scored on an error at sixth. Comstock's sixth-inning run ended Tweetie scoring for the night.

Lone Peak Coach Grant Lyman said, "We constantly hit, and played consistently good defense. Alta did test us with some strong hits, but we didn't break."

PG Angels  Scuttle AF Pirates 14-3 in Timp Colt League Play June 20
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 20, the Pleasant Grove Angels scuttled the American Fork Pirates 14-3.

The Angels took control of the game during its first inning. At the top of it, Angel Jared "J-Dog" Jensen came on two outs during a passed ball. Soon, Hayden Glasbee doubled in Cade Engamann and Ty Wiggins.

Despite Pirate Ty McBride hitting one-out double in the bottom of the first, American Fork couldn't make any runs.

On one out in the top of the second, Logan Bullock slugged a single into center to move Peyton Simpson, a "distant cousin" of TV character Homer Simpson, into scoring position. American Fork didn't let the next two Angels get on base.

The next inning, Glasbee blasted a two-run single that set off a five-run rally for Pleasant Grove. After the rally had climaxed with Bullock's one-run single, the Angels soon found out that the Pirates could produce runs. In the bottom of the third, Andy Maxwell singled into left, and Stevie's Harmon's one-out single drove home. After Harmon got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, Cam "Bam-Bam" Thomas stole home.

Holding the Angels scoreless in the top of the fourth, the Pirates made another chip in Pleasant Grove's lead. On two outs, Chris "Skippy" Stephson got on base through an error. Braden Griffiths singled him in.

Pleasant Grove loaded the bases on no outs in the top of the fifth. A Wilson walk brought Zack Johnson home, setting off a decisive rally. A Chandler May sacrifice fly scored two runs. Engamann doubled in two runs, and Simpson hit a one-run single, making his "distant cousin" Bart Simpson very happy.

Pitching for the Angels in the bottom fifth, Simpson walked Zach Tubbs, but struck out the next three Pirates to end the game.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Corral Cottonwood Ponies 16-3 in 17-Under Age Division Game For UBAL June 21
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at Cottonwood June 21, a 17-under age division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League saw the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeat the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, 16-3.

During the game's first three innings, the Ponies kept the Awesome Cavemen scoreless, even though Kody "Coco" Hall slugged a first-inning single for American Fork. In the meantime, the Ponies galloped out to a 2-0 lead. During the bottom of the first, for example, Cottonwood got singles from Greg Teahon and Dougie "Peach" Orchard. A Colby "Pine Needles" Hugelly sacrifice groundout scored Teahon. In the bottom of the next inning, Chris "Okie" Okamata hit a two-out single to drive in Mason Backer.

The Ponies enjoyed their 2-0 lead until the top of the fourth when it got pulverized into nothing by a seven-hit rallied carried out by the Awesome Cavemen. The son of former Awesome American Fork Cavewoman soccer player Ali "Lamb Chop" Searle, Dallin Searle doubled into center, and he soon stole home after teammate Andy Bartholemew, a nephew of former AF High wrestler John "Superstud" Bartholemew, had singled into center. After Craig Brailsford had singled Bartholemew in, Hayden "Chief Woody" Wood triple into runs to break a 2-2 tie. Doubles from Searle and Riley Winter rived up the rally. By the time that the scoring run had ended with Wood flying out to center field, the Awesome Cavemen commanded a 10-2 lead.

The game now became contest to see whether the Ponies could make it last until the seventh. The Awesome Cavemen arrived really close to winning the contest in the fifth. In the top of it, Hall clubbed a one-out single into left, and on two outs, Searle singled him. Bartholemew grounded out before American Fork could score the needed 13th run to pound the proverbial final nail into Cottonwood's coffin.

Even though Brailsford hit a one-out double in the top of the sixth, he became stranded on base.

The seventh inning opened with Logan Flinders singling into center. Hall soon joined him on base through slugging a left-field double. Pitcher singled them in, and he came home on a Searle single. A Bartholemew single kept the rally going. After Searle stole home, Brailsford doubled in Bartholemew to conclude American Fork scoring for the night.

In the bottom of the seventh, Gavin Manniko and Hayden Cooper each slugged a single. While American Fork snarred Cooper  in a double play, Manniko scored. Third baseman Flinders grounded out Okamato to end the game.

Utah Baseball Academy Preseason Tournament

Timp Sports Weekly

June 17, 2013

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at some of the games played in the recent Utah Baseball Academy's Preseason Tournament. The stories will focus on ones that involved the Awesome American Fork Cavemen and the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies. As they say in Lehi, let's dive into those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Alta Tweeties Outlast Lehi Froggies 6-4 in June 12 Pool-Play Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 6-4 in third-day game for the 17-under age division for the Utah Baseball Academy's preseason tournament.

The Tweeties flapped ahead 3-0 in the top of the first. On two outs in the bottom of the first, Froggie Blake Smith slugged a two-run single.

Cam Grace's one-out single gave the Froggies a chance for tying the game at three in the second inning.  However, Grace got put out at second, and Grant Dixon grounded out to pitcher Taylor Joose.

Lehi finally pulled ahead in the  bottom of the third. Smith singled in a run, and Colt Sampson stole home to put the Froggies ahead 4-3. After Inning 3, the Tweeties prevented the Froggies from scoring any more runs in the game despite a single from Dixon in the fifth and one from Ryan Barnes in the sixth.

Hitting a two-out double in the top of the fourth, Jake "Coop" Comstock soon stole home afterwards to tie the game at fourth. During the top of the fifth, C.J. Packer doubled in two runs to put the Tweeties ahead 6-4. No more scoring occurred in the game.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Defeat Lone Peak Loners 5-3 in 17-Under Division Game in UBAL Preseason Tournament Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

At American Fork June 10, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, 6-3 in an opening-day game of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason summer tournament.

Awesome Caveman Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll said, "We got four great innings from Craig Brailsford on the mound. Dalline Searle did well for us in throwing for us in the final two innings."

Even though Brailsford did give up a single to Loner Jack "Flash" Bateman in the top of the first, the Awesome Cavemen clubbed the Loners with a double play that held Lone Peak scoreless that inning.

Spencer Glascow showed to be as fierce as a North Briton warrior as he threw first-inning pitches that prevented the Awesome Cavemen from putting runners on base during the bottom of the first.

Springing another double play upon the Loners to hold them scoreless, the Awesome Cavemen proceeded to take control of the scoreboard. In the bottom of the second, A cousin of former American Fork baseball legend Brock "Big Ram" Lamb, Searle and teammate Koy "Big Toy" Dibb each blasted a single into left. An Andy Bartholemew sacrifice fly scored Dibb, and Riley Winter singled in Searle.

With Brailsford grounding out Loner Chandler Gockeritz at the start of the third, the Loners seemed well on their way to getting shut out by the Awesome Cavemen. Soon, Matt Lee singled into left, and on two outs, Trevor LaHorague singled in him. Brailsford answered that RBI by striking out Grant Lyman.

In the bottom of the third, American Fork loaded  the bases through singles hit by Kody "Coco" Hall, Austin "Oh, Yeah, Baby" Pitcher, and Dibb. Before American Fork could launch a scoring rally, Hall got tagged home. Glascow struck out Logan Flinders and forced Bartholemew to hit a captured infield fly.

During the top of the fourth, Gockeritz hit a two-out, two-run single to put the Loners ahead 3-2, and he then tried swiping second, but the Awesome Cavemen pinched him for the final Loner out for the inning.

The Loners protected their 3-2 lead until the bottom of the fifth. Its lower half opened with Hall doubling into left, and Dibb smacked a one-out double to reel him in. Searle doubled him Dibb, and he came home on a Flinders sacrifice fly to put the Awesome Cavemen's new lead at 5-3.

Taking over the mound at the start of the sixth, Searle held the Loners scoreless that inning. In the bottom of it, Brailsford singled into left, but he got stranded at second as he watched Glascow post three strikeouts to hold American Fork scoreless in the inning.

Having a turn on the mound in the top of the seventh, Pitcher caused the first two Loner batters to ground out to him. A son of former Awesome Caveman baseball player Quinn Gockeritz, Brooks "Hooks" Gockertiz singled into right on two outs, but he got pinched in a game-ending fielder's choice play at second.

Spanish Fork Has Gay Old Time in Thumping AF 15-Under Team in UBAL  Preseason Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

At American Fork June 10, the Spanish Fork Dons had a gay old time in thumping the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 16-2 in a 15-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason tournament.

In the top of the first, American Fork pitcher Kaleb Blaycock gave up a single to leadoff hitter Brandon Archibald. That Don soon came home on Trigger Argyle's sacrifice fly in center field. American Fork didn't let Spanish Fork, AKA Gaytown because of it being such a happy community, make any more runs that inning.

Despite getting singles from Trell Morris and Mason Warenski, the Awesome Cavemen couldn't make any runs that inning.

With the second inning opening with a Quade "Dust Storm" Hill double, the game took a shocking turn. Hayden Rainey singled in Hill to unleash a seven-run rally, fueled by an Archibald triple.

Spencer Shelton singled in the bottom of the second in hopes of igniting a comeback for the Awesome Cavemen. The rally didn't happen. After Shelton got put out in a squeeze play near third base, the Gaytowners prevented American Fork from putting any more runners on base that inning.

In the top of the fourth, Brayden Hoherein and Blaze Bradford each hit a one-run single while the Dons picked up a third fourth-inning run on an American Fork balk. Bridger "Wizard" Baum hit a one-run single in the fifth that set off a four-run rally that put the game away for the Dons.

In the bottom of the fifth, Jackson Meldon singled into center, and Taylor "Durf" Durfey singled him in. American Fork then scored another run on an error. Because of the 10-run rule, the game got called after the fifth inning.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Sink Vicious Viewmont Vikings 4-3 in June 13 UBA Tourney Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a fourth-day game of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason tournament June 13. the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Vicious Viewmont Vikings' 17-under age division team 4-3.

The win gave American Fork a berth in the semifinals of the tournament's medal round.

The game went down as one of the most exciting contests for the tournament's 17-under age division. Despite a first-inning single from Awesome Caveman Emmett Green, no scoring occurred in the game's 1 1/2 innings.

In the bottom of the second, Dallin Searle, a nephew of former American Fork sports legend Matt "Wooly" Lamb, got on base through an error. Searle scored on Tyler Gardner's sacrifice groundout.

American Fork defended its 1-0 lead until the top of the fourth. That inning unfolded with Vicious Viking Willie "Blazes" Burningham got on base through an error. On out out, Kenny Exon doubled him in after Nick "The Slick" Peters had grounded out. Exon came home on Ethan Richards' tie-breaking single.

A "distant cousin" of Hollywood actress Ursula Andress, Will Andres singled into left, but got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second. Shortstop Kody "Coco" Hall turned up a double play that held the Vicious Vikings scoreless in the fourth.

 In the sixth, Peters got on base through a walk, and he came home on an error. The Vicious Vikings' 3-1 lead didn't survive the sixth inning.

In the bottom of it, Austin "Oh, Yeah, Baby" Pitcher doubled into left, and Brailsford singled him on one out. Dibb scored a tying run on a Logan Flinders sacrifice fly. Taylor Gardner hit into a double play before the Awesome Cavemen could pull ahead.

Though Andres hit a left-field double at the start of the seventh, American Fork kept him stuck on base. Riley Winter got on base through a walk in the bottom of the seventh. Soon, a Green sacrifice fly scored Winter for the winning run.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen's 16-Under Team in 2nd-Day Play of UBA Preseason Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Froggies, the Lehi Pioneers defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 13-8 in a 16-under division game played at Lehi June 11 during the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason tournament.

The game gave the Froggies much to croak about. especially when it had ended in a win over a generations-old rival.

The game opened with Kasten "Iron" Rasmussen singling into left, but he got put out at second, and the Froggies went on to hold American Fork scoreless during the game's first three innings.

Although unable to score in the bottom of the first, the Froggies became really happy -- correction, hoppy when Kelton Higgins doubled in the bottom of the second. Tanner Russon singled him in.

Awesome Cavemen Gunner Lamb chopped a single in the top of the third, but he got stuck on base as the next three batters all got out.

Advanced to third by a Brock Hansen double in the bottom of the third, Logan "Wazzie" Wassmer came home on a one-out, Kaden Higgins single to unleash a six-run single for the Froggies, who saw Mitch Evans and Chandler Betts each slug a two-double for them.

In the top of the fourth, Jaden Fox, Jace Ibarra, and Mikey Hugely each slugged a single, resulting in American Fork loading the bases on no outs. Walks by Taylor Sabotka and Greg Knight each brought home a run for American Fork. Lehi pulled off a double play that shut down American Fork's comeback attempt that inning.

Lehi received two chances at ending the game in the fifth inning. First chance occurred when Zane Longman's one-run double powered a three-run rally that put the Froggies' lead at 11-2. Evans flew out to center field before the Froggies could make their 12th run that inning. A two-out single hit by Fox led American Fork to loading the bases in the top of the fifth, and Sabotka reached first on an error as American Fork scored a run. Lehi pinched Sabotka in a fielder's choice play at second. The Froggies soon loaded the bases on one out in the bottom of the fifth, giving their fans hope for them to finish off the Awesome Cavemen that inning. However, American Fork turned up a double play to hold Lehi scoreless.

With Lamb chopping a double at the start of the sixth, American Fork loaded the bases again. Fox singled in Lamb, unleashing a five-run that put the Awesome Cavemen within 11-8. Fox struck out before American Fork could get any closer. An Awesome Caveman error in the bottom of the sixth allowed the Froggies to score two quick insurance runs to clutch the win for Lehi.

Awesome AF Cavemen's 17-Under B Team Defeats Lehi Froggies 12-10 in 4th-Day UBA Tournament Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under B team defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 12-10 in a Utah Baseball Academy summer preseason tournament game at American Fork June 13.

The game opened with Froggie Ryan Absher hitting a solo homer. In the top of the second, Paxton Terry hit a center-field double, only to get stranded on base. Still, still the Froggies enjoyed their 1-0 lead until the bottom of the second when an A.J. Jones sacrifice fly scored Taylor Gardner for a tying run.

Absher seemed destined to complete a hitting cycle in the June 13 game. In the third, for instance, he tripled in Cam Grace to put the Froggies back out in front 2-1. A Ty Jones single brought Absher home to improve the Froggie lead at 3-1. In the bottom of the third, Hayden "Chief Woody" Wood singled in a run to cut the lead to 3-2.

On one out in the fourth's top half, Grace doubled into left, and he came home on a two-out, Absher double. American Fork retaliated over that hit. In the bottom of the fourth, Taylor Gardner hit a one-out double that tipped the momentum to American Fork's favor. A.J. Jones singled in Gardner to open a six-run rally, which saw Jake Norton double in two runs.

A "distant relative" of former American Fork High student Ken DeMarco, Justin DeMarco singled into center during the start of the fifth, only to get nailed in a fielder's choice play at second. American Fork still picked up two runs in the fifth.

After Grace and Mitch Evans had flown out to left field, Absher belted a single to complete his hitting cycle. Absher soon scored on an error. Grant Dixon hit a two-run triple to put Lehi within 10-7. American Fork didn't let the Froggies hop any closer that inning. In the bottom of the sixth, A Hagan Holmstead sacrifice fly scored two runs to stretch the lead to 12-7.

Advanced into scoring position by Grace's seventh-inning, infield single, Preston Higgins soon came home on an Absher sacrifice groundout. Tyler Jones doubled in Grace, and scored on a single by Colt Sampson, who soon got pinched in a forced play at second.

Riverton Silverpups Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen in Semifinals of Preseason Summer Tourney
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Silverpups, the Riverton Silverwolves defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 4-3 in the semifinals of the medal-play portion of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason tournament. A 17-under age division contest, the Riverton-American Fork showdown was played at Riverton.

Neither team could score in the first inning. In the top of the second, Awesome Caveman Koy "Big Toy" Dibb doubled into left, and two outs, Taylor Gardner singled him in. Aided by a Riley Winter single, Treyson McMurtrey singled Gardner in to improve the Awesome Caveman lead at 2-0.

Doubling in the bottom of the second, Quinn "The Adventurer" Robbins came home on a Casey Framer single to unleash a three-run rally for the Silverpups.

Third-inning singles from Dallin Searle and Austin "Oh, Yeah, Baby" Pitcher gave American Fork a chance to catch up with the Silverpups, but Riverton held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless that inning. American Fork received another chance for tying the game when the Awesome Cavemen loaded the bases on singles from Logan Flinders, Taylor Gardner, and Treyson McMurtrey, but Searle flew out to left field, before his team could score a tying run.

The Awesome CAvemen held the Silverpups scoreless in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. Meanwhile, American Fork finally tied the game at three in the bottom of the fifth when Flinders tripled in Craig Brailsford on two outs. Flinders got stuck on third, however.

The game stayed tied at three until the bottom of the seventh. Hitting a one-out double into left, J.D. "The Brush" Fuller came home on Riley Ingram's two-out, game-ending single.

Week of the Cardinals

Publisher's Message

June 11, 2013

For this week's issue, we look at an American Fork Pony League team and a Pleasant Grove Timp Colt League squad that are both known as the Cardinals. We will touch on games that they played last week. We will also look at the Pleasant Grove Marlins crushing the American Fork Cubs in a June 3 Timp Colt game played at Pleasant Grove's Manila Park. Let's take a swing at stories about those games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

PG Marlins Fish Out a Big Win Over AF Cubs in Timp Colt League Action June 3

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League action at Pleasant Grove's Manila Park June 3, the Pleasant Grove Marlins fished out a 13-3 win over the American Fork Cubs.

During the game's first 2 1/2 innings, American Fork controlled the game. During his first two innings on the mound, Cub pitcher Shay Norton kept Pleasant Grove from making any hits. Meanwhile, American Fork built up a narrow lead.

In the top of the first., Norton and teammate Brig Murdock each slugged a single. Soon, Hunter Loveless fired a two-run single to put the Cubs on the scoreboard. 

The first's lower half opened on a bad note for Pleasant Grove. Norton struck out Wyatt Boudane and caused Logan Bice to fly out to third base. To American Fork's consternation, Norton walked three straight Marlins. The pitcher then accidently beaned Holden "Jackal" Jacklin, sending Hayden "Banger" Wall home. Before Pleasant Grove could tie the game at two, Norton struck out Campbell "Yonkers" Donkers.

The Marlins kept the Cub lead stuck at 2-0 until the top of the third. Singling into left, Norton soon stole around the diamond until he got picked off at third. Murdock, on the other hand, managed to steal around the diamond and scored a run on a passed ball. Murdock's run gave the Cubs reason to believe that they would take home a close win.

However, in the bottom of the third, Logan Bice hit a one-out double that proved to be as damaging as the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat had been to the Chicago Cubs for generations. Right after Logan's double, Wall banged a tying, two-run single that unleashed a 10-run rally for Pleasant Grove. During the long rally, Holden "Up" Jones, Donkers, and Josh Lewis each whacked a one-run single.

In the top of the fourth, Pleasant Grove kept American Fork from going anywhere with Loveless' second single of the night. In the bottom of the fourth, Hayden Wall and Chanlder Bice each singled. Wall stole third while Chanlder got thrown out in a squeeze play between first and second. Jones singled in Wall, and then scored the game-winning run on a Donkers double.

Pirates Pluck Cardinals Clean 19-1 in June 4 AF Pony League Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Plucking the Cardinals clean by a score 19-1 in American Fork Pony League action at Buss Manning Field, the Pirates, the defending state Pony League champs, improved their unbeaten record at 9-0.

"Tonight's game itself was just ugly," said Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker. "Still, we had lots of great hitting, awesome pitching, and fantastic hitting."

For example, Pirate Spencer "Booney" Shelton posted two triples and a single in the three-inning game while teammate Taylor "Durf" Durfey contribued a double and a home run to the winning cause.

The game opened with Durfey flying out to first base. Shelton thereupon banged his first triple into center. Jake "Plow" Smith singled Shelton in. After Weston "Weez" Shiro popped out to pitcher Slick Dane Petersen, Erin "Ernie Banks" Pitcher, a sister of American Fork sports legend Ryan "Load the Dishwasher" Pitcher singled Smith in.

In the bottom of the first, Slick Dane Petersen got on base via an error. He got stuck on base, and no other Cardinal would get on base until the bottom of the third.

In the top of the second, Durfey's in-the-park grand slam and Shelton's second triple powered a nine-run rally, which saw Brady "BB Gun" Bunker slug a single and steal home. The next inning, Cody "Oscar" Richans, Red Jack Lopez, Shiro, Pitcher, and Rack Coon each contributed a single to an eight-run rally while Durfey tossed in his double to keep it going at breakneck speed.

In the bottom of the third, Flash Weston Birchall, a "distant cousin" of American Fork Caveman soccer legend Nate Birchall, singled into left, and on two outs, he stole home for the Cardinals' only run for the night. The game got called after the third inning because of the 15-run rule.

PG Angels Zap Lehi Cardinals 14-1 in Timp Colt League Play June 5

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly PublisherP

In Timp Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 5, the Pleasant Grove Angels zapped the Lehi Cardinals 14-1.

In the top of the first, Angel Jared Jensen clubbed an infield single. After a Justin Francis single had landed in left field, pitcher Blake Cleveringa struck out Chandler May, a "distant cousin" of late Hollywood actress Virginia Mayo. Zach Johnson and Hayden Clasbee each singled in a run to give Pleasant Grove a 2-0 led.

The bottom of the first opened with Jordan Peck doubling into left. As Easton Gibson and Byrd Anderton struck out, the Cardinals seemed destined to get shut out in the game. However, Cleveringa singled in Peck. That turned out to be Lehi's only run for the game, and after jordan Richards has clubbed a second-inning single for them, the Cardinals couldn't make any more hits.

Meanwhile, the game's score stayed at 2-1 until the top of the third when Johnson tripled in May to open a four-run rally, which saw Ty Wiggins and Matt Pulsipher each slug a one-run single for the Angels. Jake Wilson doubled in two runs for Pleasant Grove in the fourth, and in the fifth, Pulsipher doubled Austin Silva and Clasbee hit a two-run double to set off a six-run rally that put the game away for Pleasant Grove. On two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Peck tried stealing home, but he got tagged for the final out at the plate.

White Sox Stave Off Cardinals 12-10 In AF Pony League Play June 6

By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In American Fork Pony League action at Bus Manning Field June 6, the White Sox outlasted the Cardinals 12-10.

It took the Cardinal six innings to shake off the 19-1 thumping that they had received from the unbeaten Pirates June 4. This allowed the White Sox to dominate the June 6 game for 5 1/2 innings.

The game opened with Brett "Blaster" Collins hitting a left-field double. A namesake of late Rolling Stone reporter Hunter S. Thompson, Hunter "Black Snake" Thompson joined Collins on base through a walk. Zach "Racoon" Gaisford singled them in, unleashing a four-run rally for the White Sox. 

Hitting a center-field triple in the bottom of the first, Flash Weston Birchall soon stole home. That was the only run that the Cardinals could make that inning.

Second-inning singles from Jake Taylor and Cory "Huggy Bear" Huggard enabled the White Sox to pick up two runs that round. Following Thompson's one-run single, Taylor came home to improve the White Sox's lead at 8-1.

Not wanting to get trampled this time, the Cardinals had Tony Moore single in Major Morgan Jay.

The game's score stayed at 8-2 until the top of the fourth when Thompson doubled in Blaster Collins on no outs. The Cardinals retaliated by snaring Thompson in a double play.

Taking over pitching duties in the fifth, Moore held the White Sox scoreless. Getting on base via a walk in the bottom of the fifth, Flash Birchall stole home on one out.

In the top of the sixth, Thompson singled in Jake Taylor, and Robby Lewis slugged a two-run single to improve the White Sox's lead at 12-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Moore single into left, and he scored on a Quick Nick Jex sacrifice fly to set off a six-run rally, which saw Morgan and Birchall each hit a one-run single.. Only when Moore went down swinging for a third out did the rally finally collapse.