AF-Bingham UBAL Playoff Game

Timp Sports Weekly

July 28, 2014

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 5-3 win over the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, in a 15-under age division playoff game for the Utah Baseball Academy League. The game was a tight contest that saw American Fork make several errors that could have cost it its season. We will also look at games that American Fork played against the Lone Peak Knights (AKA the Loners), the Cottonwood Colts (AKA the Ponies), and the Riverton Silverwolves (AKA the Silverpups). Let's look at that games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Awesome AF Cavemen Produce 5-3 Win over Bingham Pickers In 15-Under Division Playoff Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen came up with a 5-3 win at home over the Bingham Pickers in a 15-under age division playoff game during Utah Baseball Academy League action July 22.

The two teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first inning. The next inning, Pickers Bryan "Born to Be Alive" Sanchez and Kyler Brookby singled into left. However, the Awesome Cavemen kept them chained on base.

Nailing into left in the bottom of the first, Colton Carpenter came home on a single hit by Ryan Reid, a nephew of Duke Reid, who had coached the Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tats' boys' basketball team back in the 1980's. A "distant cousin" of TV character Hank Hill, Ty Hill singled in Reid.

The next inning, singles from Griffy Larsen and Brett Collins Jr. opened the way for American Fork to go on a four-run rally. It opened with Carpenter hammering a two-run triple, and he then stole home put American Fork's lead at 5-0.

Two fourth-inning errors allowed the Pickers to go on a three-run rally. The two errors with Jackson "Suds" Dial and Brevan Butterfield to come home. Tyson Madsen singled in a run to cut the lead to 5-3.

Aided by his fielders, pitcher Ryan Hardman, a little brother of Awesome Caveman baseball player Buster "Bunny" Hardman, held the Pickers scoreless through the rest of the game despite Dial's sixth-inning single.

American Fork Coach Jeff Thomas said, "We talked to them and told them just to settle down."

Awesome AF Cavebatters Defeat Lone Peak Loners 9-3 in 17-Under Division Game in UBAL Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 9-3 win on the home field of the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, during 17-age division action for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 20.

With the game opening on Kody "Coco" Hall getting beaned by a pitch, Alex Baeza rifled a two-out single to move him to third. However, before Hall could score the game's first run, R.J. "Hard Hazell Nuts" Hazen struck out Sir Turner Knight to retire the Awesome Cavemen to the field.

In the bottom of the first, Stevie Burraston got on base through an error made by third baseman Mick Madsen. Nate "Roll" Call singled Burraston in on one out, but got stranded on base.

The next inning, Hazen struck out Justin DeMarco, a grandnephew of my former schoolmate Ken DeMarco, but gave four straight singles to the following Awesome Cavemen: Seth "Needles" Taylor, Ty "Guard Dog" Gardner, Madsen, and Jake Norton. Madsen and Norton's singles produced a 2-1 run for the Awesome Cavemen. Walked by Hayden "Chief"Wood in the bottom of the second, Loner Boyd Connor came home on a Matt Lee sacrifice groundout to tie the game at two. Shortstop Hall turned up a double play to end the first inning.

After the second inning, Wood held the Loners scoreless until the bottom of the seventh. The Loners still got hits during the innings in between the second and third. In the bottom of the third, for example, Burrstan slugged a one-out single, only to get ensnared in a double play turned up by shortstop Hall. In the the fifth, Brooks Goeckeritz singled into left, and he wormed his away to third, where he saw Wood strike out Hazen and Avery Goeckeritz. Lee got put out by a throw from catcher Gardner to second baseman Hagen "Speedster" Holmstead. Wood's luck of holding the Loners scoreless finally ran out in the bottom of the seventh when Boyd singled in Tate "Tater" Hansen. By then, though, American Fork had built up too big of a lead for Hansen's RBI to do any serious damage.

Back in the third inning, Hall doubled into center, and he came home on a Holmstead single. After Holmstead got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, Baeza singled in Dallin Searle, a cousin of Lone Peak Loner baseball legend Talmage Lamb, who chopped a couple of big hit in a sophomore game against the Lehi Froggies last spring. Hall kept American Fork's 3-2 lead intact by turning up a second double play that ended the third inning.

The fourth opened with DeMarco singling into into center, and he scored on an error. Gardner knocked in Taylor to improve American Fork's lead at 6-2. Although the Loners prevented the Awesome Cavemen from going anywhere with Hall's fifth-inning single, American Fork did pick two sixth-inning runs on a Norton double. In the top of the seventh, Hall tripled into center, and on one out, Searle smacked a triple to reel him in for the final American Fork run of the game.

Awesome AF Cavemen's 16-Under Team Loses to Cottonwood Ponies 8-3 to Finish UBAL Regular Season Schedule
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen finished out their 16-under division season schedule during Utah Baseball League action at American Fork July 21. The Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, defeated the Awesome Cavemen 8-3.

In the top of the first, a Jeff Borquez single enabled the Ponies to load the bases on two outs. However, pitcher Dylan Johnston struck out Hunter Blunter. Johnston held the Ponies scoreless in the second and third innings, despite giving up third-inning singles to Borquez and Drew Jones.

In the bottom of the third, Awesome Cavemen Riley Bezzant and Jackson Draney each smacked a two-run single, only to get stuck on base.

During the top of the fourth, the Ponies picked up a 2-0 lead on a Gage Piersell single and a Chris Rowan sacrifice groundout.

In the bottom of the fourth, McCade Worthen doubled on two outs into center, and he scored on an error. American Fork soon loaded the bases on two outs in hopes of getting rally going. However, pitcher Gavin Manikko struck out Ryan Hardman, a brother of AF baseball sensation Buster "Bunny" Hardman.

In the fifth, Pony Connor Eskstrann doubled in two runs, and Manikko singled him in. In the bottom of the inning, Jake Smith, but he got tagged in a fielder's choice play at home.

In the top of the sixth, Rowan tripled in Borquez and Jones, then came home on Caleb Manuel's sacrifice groundout to conclude Pony scoring. During the bottom of the sixth, Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood got on base via a walk, and he stole home. Teammate Weston Flinders slugged a one-run single in hopes of getting an American Fork rally going, but the Ponies shut it down.

The Awesome Cavemen will open post-season play at Spanish Fork next Monday.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lone Peak Loners 7-4 at Home July 23
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

At home July 23, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, 7-4 in a 17-under age division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League.

The Loners controlled the game for the first 2 1/2 innings. In the top of the first, they got singles from Tyler Thompson, Cole "Slot Machine" Gambill, and Cade Santiago, a nephew of former UVU basketball legend Kevin Santiago, who had dated the Beautiful Stephanie Trane, an Awesome Cavewoman sports legend, back in the late 1980's. Thompson scored the game's first run on an error, and Santiago singled in Gambill to give the Loners a 2-0 lead by the end of the first inning.

Even though American Fork got a singled from Trell Morse in the bottom of the first, the Awesome Cavemen couldn't get any runs until the bottom of the third. In the top of that inning, Keenan Kelshawa slugged a two-run double for the Loners to improve their lead at 4-0.

After Kelshaw's double, the Awesome Cavemen shut down the Loner scoring for the rest of the game, despite a seventh-inning singled from Santiago.

In the bottom of the third, Awesome Caveman Scotty Hughes doubled into left, and a Buster "Bunny" Hardman single moved him to third. Morse doubled in Hughes in. Tua Ward hit a three-run homer to tie the game at four. Soon, Spencer "Roonie" Shelton stole home to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 5-4. Jace Ybarra hit a one-run double for American Fork in the fourth, and in the fifth, a Hardman single moved Hughes to third, and he stole home. In the bottom of the sixth, shortstop Kelshaw turned up a double play that prevented American Fork from scoring a ninth run.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Riverton Silverpups 9-8 in UBAL Thriller July 23
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA Silverpups, 9-8 in a Utah Baseball Academy League thriller during 17-under age division play at American Fork July 23.

The game opened with Silverpup Connor Hall doubling into left. On two outs, Quinn Robbins homered him via a shot over the center-field fence. Center fielder Seth "Needles" Taylor picked off an Erik Nelson fly ball. American Fork held the Silverpups scoreless until the seventh, which will be touched on later in this report.

In the meantime, Kody "Coco" Hall opened the first inning's lower half with a left-field single. A Dallin Searle double moved him to third. Alex Baeza doubled Hall in.

In the bottom of the second, Hayden "Chief" Wood singled in my former schoolmate Ken DeMarco's grandnephew Justin DeMarco to tie the game at two. The next inning, Mick Madsen hit a one-run single to break the 2-2 tie. In the bottom of the fourth, Hagen "Speedster" Holmstead doubled in a run to set off a four-run rally which gave American Fork an 8-2 lead. Shortstop Hall turned up a fifth-inning double play to keep that lead intact. Sir Turner Knight hit a sixth-inning double in hopes of extending American Fork's lead, but he got thrown out at third. Riverton kept the Awesome Cavemen's lead stuck at 8-2.

In the top of the seventh, Silverpup Tracy Jacobson singled in two runs to set off a six-run rally for the Silverpups. As soon as they loaded the bases on two outs, Robbins hit a grand slam to tie the game at eight. The Awesome Cavemen prevented Riverton from breaking the 8-8 tie.

In the bottom of the seventh, Holmstead tripled into left, and Dallin Searle slugged a single to drive him in for the winning run. Searle's RBI stirred up memories of when his mom Ali Lamb chopped a single to drive Denise Williamsen in for the winning run in a 1990 Awesome Cavewoman softball game against the Timpview Millionaires. Ali, by the way, watched Searle smack the winning single in the July 23 game.

State Pony Tournament and Utah Baseball Academy League Play

Timp Sports Weekly

July 21, 2014

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at first-day's action of the State Pony League tournament hosted by American Fork and Lehi. We will also look at Utah Baseball Academy League games played by my Awesome American Fork Cavemen. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com.

AF Pirates Scuttle Mapleton Dodgers 14-6 in State Pony Tournament Game July 14

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The American Fork Pirates opened State Pony League Tournament play July 14 with a 14-6 win over the Mapleton Dodgers at American Fork's Bus Manning Field.

The two teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first inning. "It was an ugly experience," American Fork Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker.

In the top of the second, American Fork picked up two runs. In the bottom of the second, Dodger Cannon Jeffers clubbed a one-run single. He was to go 2-3 at the plate, hinting that he might turn into a high school sports sensation like former Springville Hellion Scott Mitchell.

American Fork retaliated with a six-run rally in the top of the third, spurred on by a one-run single belted by Dylan "Red Hot" McChesney. Doubles from Ty "Wolfie" Wolfgramm and Jeffers in the bottom of the fourth stirred up a four-run rally that put the Dodgers within 8-5.

In the top of the fourth, Kalin "Impact" Bagley singled in Landon "Hoops" Hall, a great-grandson of late American Fork Citizen ad man Jesse Spafford. During the four-run rally that ensured, Brady "BB Gun" Bunker, a "distant cousin" of TV character Archie Bunker, slugged a two-run double, and he came home on a Weston "Weez" Schiro double.

American Fork held Mapleton scoreless in the bottom of the fourth. In the top of the fifth, Jack "Hammer" Christiansen, a nephew of former Awesome American Fork Cavewoman basketball player Ann Rasmussen, stole home.

Dodger Jesse Harness stole home in the bottom of the fifth, but American Fork didn't let Mapleton make any more runs in the game. Pirate Kaden "Striker" Lloyd singled in an insurance run in the top of the sixth to conclude American Fork scoring for the game.

PG Rockies Rip Payson Red Sox 13-0 in Pony League Tournament Play July 14
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly

In a State Pony League tournament game at American Fork's Bus Manning Field July 14, the Pleasant Grove Dodgers defeated the Payson Red Sox 13-0.

AKA Kittytown, Payson couldn't make a single hit off Rocky pitcher Zach Zwick. He kept Kittytown in check all through the four innings that he spent on the mound while he posted six strikeouts.

During the top of the first, for instance, Zwick struck out Chris "Whiskers" Kruger and Zach "Alley Cat" Nelson. Zwick walked Stadler "Calico" Tracy; however, the pitcher picked off Calico at first base.

Meanwhile, the Rockies showed that they had players very capable of going on to become Ferocious Pleasant Grove Viking baseball hitters in the near future. In the top of the first, Jacob Bullock singled in Gavin Smith, and he then came home on a Zwich single to fuel a three-run rally for the Rockies.

The son of Timpangos Times staff writer Angie Walker, Sager Walker stole home in the top of the second to set off a six-run rally for the Rockies. During the rally, Carson Keech singled in two runs to help put the game away for Pleasant Grove.

Though held scoreless in the top of third, the Rockies went on a four-run rally in the fourth. Keech singled in a run that inning to conclude the game's scoring.

AF Pirates Survive 8-Inning Battle Against Spanish Fork Phillies In State Pony League Tourney Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a July 14 State Pony League game at American Fork's Bus Manning Field, the American Fork Pirates pulled out a 9-7 win over the Spanish Fork Phillies.

"We needed every run we could get," said American Fork Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker.

AKA Gaytown, Spanish Fork took an early 3-0 lead in the game. In the top of the first, Brock McCloud doubled in Beau Jensen, and then came home on a C.J. Wood double. Wood scored the third Phillie run on a Dominic Vigil sacrifice groundout.

In the bottom of the first, Kalin "Impact"Bagley got on base via a walk, and a Brady "BB Gun" Bunker single moved him into scoring position. Kaden "Striker" Lloyd singled into Bagley, and Bunker came home on a passed ball.

Loading the bases on two outs in the top of the second, Gaytown improved its lead at 5-2 on two runs made on two walks. The Phillies held the Pirates scoreless in the bottom of the second. However, in the bottom of the third, a Bagley double moved Andy "Cujo" Lopez into scoring position, and he stole home to set off a three-run rally that tied the game at five. In the bottom of the fifth, Cujo singled in Landon "Hoops" Hall to put the Pirates ahead 6-5.

The Phillies tied the game at six on a Bryson Blood walk in the top of the sixth. That run forced the game into extra innings. Gaytown's Wyatt Evans stole home to put the Phillies ahead in the top of the seventh. A Hall one-run single in the bottom of the seventh forced the game into an eighth inning.

With the Pirates holding the Phillies scoreless in the top of the eighth, BB Gun Bunker singled in two runs to win the game for American Fork. The Pirates went on to finish third in the state tournament.

Bingham Pickers Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen's 15-Under Division Team July 19
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League game played at American Fork July 19, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers and Swapp, defeated one of the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 15-under age division team.

It was still recovering from a double-digit loss that got dealt to it from the Awesome Cavemen's other 15-under team on July 16.

The game opened with Picker Justin "Surge" Burge getting on base through a walk. He soon stole home, and on one out, Jackson "Suds" Dial singled in Camden "Radar" Snarr.

American Fork held the Pickers scoreless, however, through the next three innings. This allowed the Awesome Cavemen to catch up with them in the bottom of the fourth. Despite a Derek Brailsford double in the first, American Fork could not post any runs until the fourth's lower half.

After it opened with Awesome Caveman Josh Bartholomew, a nephew of American Fork wrestling legend John "Superstud" Bartholomew, striking out, Brailsford and Earl "Hornet" Hudson each singled. Weston "Weez" Schiro got on base through an error, loading the bases. Garrett "red" Adair got on as through an error as Hornet scored. Garrett "Gunnysack" Rusick singled in Brailsford to tie the game at two during two outs. Before American Fork could break the 2-2 tie, Stetson "Big Hat" Madsen struck out.

The Pickers quickly robbed American Fork of its chance to pull ahead during the fifth. In its top half, Mason "Furry Burry" Burr, a little brother of Bingham varsity baseball starter Tanner Burr, got on base through getting hit by a pitch. Furry Burry soon stole home, setting off a five-run rally, fueled by one-run singles hit by Nick "Keys" Daynes and Snarr.

Bingham held American  Fork scoreless in the bottom of the fifth by having infielders grounded out Jordan Paxman, Taran Anderson, and Jake DeMarco, a grandnephew of my former schoolmate Ken DeMarco.

Singling on two outs in the top of the sixth, Grinder Mills scored the final Picker run for the afternoon. Singles from Hornet and Brailsford couldn't stir up a comeback rally for the Awesome Cavemen.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Juan Diego Screechers 14-1 in 16-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under age division team celebrated the final day of American Fork's Steel Days by defeating the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, 14-1.

The two teams played each other to a scoreless tie in the first inning. In the top of the second, Hupsend Waung singled, but got tossed out in a fielder's choice play at second. American Fork then held the Screechers scoreless.

In the bottom of the second, Buster "Bunny" singled into left, and he stole home while his little brother Ryan got thrown out during an attempted steal to second. A grandson of my former junior high schoolmate Casey Draney, Jackson singled in Griffy Larson on two outs, and he then came home on a Riley "Bezz" Bezzant single.

Singling at the top of the first, Mike "White Shark" Mark scored on Drew "Stretch" Medina's sacrifice groundout. That turned out to be the only Juan Diego run of the game.

In the bottom of the third, McCade Worthen doubled in Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood to set off a nine -run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. During the rally, Wood knocked in two runs while Dakota "Black Hills" Colby and Larson each singled in a runner.

In the bottom of the fourth, Buster "Bunny" Hardman doubled in Brit Warner, who had singled. After Ryan Hardman had flown out into left field, Larson singled in Buster "Bunny" Hardman to complete the game's scoring.

American Fork held the Screechers scoreless in the fifth to end the game.

American Fork Coach Tyler Adams said, "We did much better against Juan Diego than we did against Lone Peak last Thursday, even though we did 10-run the Knights. We hit the ball much better. This game will improve our chances for opening at home during the state tournament."

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lone Peak Loners 12-2 In 16-Under Division Game July 17
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 16-under age division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 17, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, 12-2 at American Fork.

American Fork Coach Tyler Adams said, "We didn't play very good until the fifth. Dakota Colby's pitching was what kept us in the game until exploded with all those runs in the fifth."

In the top of the first, Dakota "Black Hills" Colby struck out Loners Bridger Trowbridge and Dave Smuin to hold Lone Peak scoreless that inning. In the bottom of it, McCade Worthen singled into left on one out. Buster "Bunny"Hardman singled him. After that RBI, Kobe Lindemann struck out, and American Fork couldn't put any runners on base until the bottom of the fifth.

In the top of the third, Eli Norman singled into center, and he scored on an error. Payton Barney hit a one-out single that put the Loners ahead 2-1. Despite an Adam Phelps single in the fourth, the Loners couldn't stretch their lead, because Colby's pitching.

In the bottom of the fifth, Colby got on base via a walk, and he scored a run on an Ike Garlick sacrifice groundout. It set off an 11-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. During the rally, Riley "Bezz" Bezzant hit a two-run double to put American Fork ahead 4-2. Jackson Draney contributed a one-run double to keep the rally going. When two Awesome Cavemen came home on a passed ball to put the score at 12-2, the plate umpire declared the game over.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tats 3-0 in UBAL Thriller July 14
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

On their home field July 14, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Brighton Bengals, AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, 3-0 during a 17-under age division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League.

The game was such a defensive battle that it seemed it would go into extra innings before any scoring would occur.

The game's tone got set in the first inning. It opened with Bad Old Puddy Tat Chris Winwood, a "distant cousin" of former Spencer Davis Group vocalist Stevie Winwood, singling into right. Chris got put out at second by a throw from catcher Scotty Hughes.

Even though American Fork got one-out singles from Hughes and Trell Morse in the bottom of the first, the Bad Old Puddy Tats held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless that inning.

A Brandon Clark single enabled the Bad Old Puddy Tats to load the bases on one out in the top of the second. However, Dusty Overstreet and Erik McNamee each struck out before a Brighton rally could start going. Though the Awesome Caveman Tanner Adams blasted one-out single in the bottom of the second, he became stuck on base as he watched Taylor Sobotka and Britt Warner strike out.

Winwood hit a second straight single in the bottom of the third, only to see three of his fellow Bad Old Puddy Tats  strike out before he could come home. Hughes' one-out double in the bottom of the third did not do American Fork any good.

American Fork did not let the Bad Old Puddy Tats put runners on base in the top of the fourth, but a single from Spencer "Roonie" Shelton failed to tip the momentum to American Fork's favor during the bottom of that inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Warner singled into right, only to become ensnared in a double play resulting from an interception of a Buster "Bunny" Hardman fly ball. Hughes and Trell Morse each clubbed a single in hopes of getting American Fork to recover from the double play. However, a throw from home plate got Tua Ward out to end the inning.

After the sixth opened with Winwood striking out, American Fork turned up a double play that helped to seal the Bad Old Puddy Tats' fate. After the sixth's lower half opened with Shelton flying out into left field, Jace Ybarra and Sabotka got on base through a walk and an error respective. With two outs, Warner doubled in Ybarra and Sabokta. Warner then scored on a Hardman single. Brighton shut American Fork down right after that hit.

Aided by an error and a Swede Larsen single, the Bad Old Puddy Tats loaded the bases on two outs in the top of the seventh. Just as Brighton seemed certain of finally going on a scoring rally, Winwood struck out, ending the game.

As Brighton's arch rivals, the Alta Tweeties, would say, those Bad Old Puddy Tats just couldn't figure out in time how to undo the damage from Warner's thrilling, two-run double.

Awesome AF Cavemen's 15-Under Team Defeats Skyline Chirpers 15-0 July 14
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Skyline Eagles, AKA the Chirpers, 15-0 in a 15-under age division game at American Fork July 14.

American Fork Coach Jeff Thomas said, "Ryan Hardman hit two doubles for us in the game. Treyson Norton and Denver Christensen threw really well for us."

The Awesome Cavemen took the Chirpers down in five innings.

Ferocious PG Vikings Defeat Kearns Kittens 8-0 in UBAL Play July 18
By Dean Von Memmott 
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 17-under age division game played at Pleasant Grove July 18, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings defeated the Kearns Cougars, AKA the Kittens, 8-0 during Utah Baseball Academy League action.

Ferocious Viking pitcher Chance Cook kept the Kittens from making any hits until the top of the third when Cub Spencer and Ivin "Fast Paws" Marquez each hit a one-out single off him. However, Floyd "Pinky" Bailey popped out, and Cook retired Hissy Gardner to hold the Kittens scoreless.

Even though the first's bottom half opened with Ferocious Viking Hayden "Veenk" Veenker singling into left, Brayden "Stanley" Livingston hit into a double play that delayed Pleasant Grove scoring until the second inning.

On one out in Inning 2, Ferocious Vikong Justin Henrie doubled in Brennan May and Nick Lund to set off a six-run rally. During it, Veenker and Hunter Christensen each slugged a single while a Livingston sacrifice groundout and a passed ball each produced a run for Pleasant Grove.

Each hitting a single in the fourth, Kayden Bancroft and Henrie both came home on a Kitten error. The   Ferocious Vikings went on to keep their lead intact during the rest of the game.

Awesome AF Cavemen Score 5-4 At Riverton During UBAL 16-Under Division Game July 15
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a July 15 Utah Baseball Academy League game at Riverton, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under age division team defeated the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA the Silverpups, 5-4.

In an obvious event to make up for their July 3 loss at home to the Layton Lancers, AKA the Stickers, the Awesome Cavemen staged a four-run rally in the top of the first in the Riverton game. After it opened with pitcher Cody Harrison striking out Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood, McCade Worthen doubled into left, and Tanner Adams singled him in. A Dylan Johnston double enabled American
Fork to load the bases. Adams stole home, and Britt Warner singled in Johnston. After Kobe Lindemann stole home, Harrison struck out Weston Flinders, and left fielder Ryan Kesler picked off a Jake Smith fly ball.

With the first's lower half opening on a Conner Hall single, the Silverpups attempted to get a rally going, but pitcher Lindemann grounded out Harrison and struck out Zach Larsen. First baseman Dakota "Black Hills" Colby snatched a fly ball hit by T.J. Tebb, a nephew of Bingham Picker basketball legend K.C. Tebbs.

The Silverpups held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless during the next two innings, even though American Fork did load the bases on two outs in the top of the third. On two outs in the bottom of the third, Kesler singled in Hall and Drake Downs. However, Lindemann struck out Larsen before the Silverpups could go on a scoring rally.

In the top of the fourth, singles from Colby and Norskie Anderson moved Smith into scoring position. Smith tried stealing scoring a run, but catcher Downs tagged him at the plate. A Worthen sacrifice groundout score Colby for the Awesome Cavmen's final run.

Tebbs, Christensen, and Kade Palmer each singled in the bottom of the fourth. With the bases loaded, the Silverpups looked as thought they might howl from behind. Tebbs came home on a passed ball, and a Driscoll "Olive Oil" Stone sacrifice groundout scored Christensen. With reliever Tanner Adams on the mound, the Awesome Cavemen shut the Silverpups down for the rest of the game.  

Shades of Strong Competition for '15 Spring Tryouts Arise in UBAL Doubleheader July 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

During a July 16 Utah Baseball Academy League doubleheader at American Fork, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen received a strong idea that the competition for spots on their varsity and sophomore baseball teams promised to be strong in the spring of 2015.

In the first game, the American Fork 15-under team, coached by Jeff Thomas, defeated the Awesome Cavemen's other 15-under team 11-1. Thomas' squad built up an 11-0 lead in the first 4 1/2 innings. The squad's biggest inning was the fourth in which they scored seven runs. Brett Collins Jr. slugged two singles for that squad.  The other American Fork 15-under team finally got on the board when a Danny Valdez sacrifice fly scored Brayden "Red" Adair.

In the 17-under division game, Kody "Coco" Hall and Kolby "Koba" Willes each clubbed a double to lead their squad to a 10-2 in over the Awesome Cavemen's other 17-under team. Hall and Willes' squad built up a 4-0 lead over the other Awesome Caveman team, coached by Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll. Even though Spencer "Roonie" Shelton scored a run for the younger 17-under team in the top of the fourth, his outfit couldn't come back.

Both games left the impression that the players of the defeated teams would definitely try really hard to win spots in the Awesome Cavemen's baseball program next spring.

AF Pirates' 12-9 Win Over Herriman Gold in Colt League Playoff Game

Timp Sports Weekly

July 17, 2014

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at some of the games played in the recent Timp Colt League playoffs. Our cover story will be the American Fork Pirates' 12-9 win over the Herriman Gold in a June 7 game played at American Fork's Rotary Park. Let's steal straight to that story.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

AF Pirates Sink Herriman Gold 12-9 In July 7 Timp Colt League Playoff Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a July 7 Timp Colt League playoff game at American Fork's Rotary Park, the American Fork Pirates sank the Herriman Gold 12-9.

The Gold got on to the board first through Magic Gloves Drew singling in Bull's Eye Tyler, who had doubled on one out. The next inning, Gold Nate Lindquist hit a one-run single to improve Herriman's lead at 2-0. American Fork retaliated with a double play.

In the bottom of the second, though, an Andy Mawell one-run single spurred the Pirates to tie the game at two. However, in the third's top half, Justin Ord hit a one-run double that set off a three-run single for the Gold, giving them a 5-2 run.

In the bottom of the third, Blaime Griffith hit a two-run double that stirred up a three-run that tied the game at five. Stevie Harrison hit a two-run single to put American Fork ahead 7-5 in the fourth, and the Pirates then picked up another two runs that inning on an error and a Tanner Durfee single. American Fork staged a five-run rally in the fifth to improve the lead at 12-5.

The Gold loaded the bases in the top of the sixth, and Bull's Eye Tyler singled in two runs that set off a four-run rally for Herriman. After Colt "Shaggy Bear' Christensen singled in two runs, American Fork reliever Taylor Durfee grounded out Ord to win the game for American Fork.

AF Pirates Defeat AF Cubs for 3rd-Place Medals in Timp Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The American Fork Pirates finished their Colt League season by defeating the American Fork Cubs 12-7 for the third-place finish in the Timp Colt League Tournament at American Fork's Rotary Park July 9.

The Cubs got the board first. During the top of the opening inning, Cub Taylor Roper triple into left, and he scored on an error. The Cubs' lead didn't last for long. In the bottom of the inning, Jason Nelson stole home. A "distant cousin" of Family Guy character Stewie Griffiin, Blaine Griffith singled in a run.

Singling on one out in the top of the second, Cub Jackson Fuller stole home to tie the game at two. The 2-2 deadlock got smashed to bits in the bottom of the second when Griffin scored on a Taylor Durfee sacrifice groundout to set off a four-run for the Pirates.

The Cubs battled back within 6-5 during a three-run rally started by Roper's one-run single fired into left during the top of the fourth. Spurred on by a Trevon Thomas triple at the start of the fourth's lower half, Tanner Durfee smacked a one-run single that sparked a six-run rally for the Cubs.

In the top of the fifth, Jared Anderson singled in fellow Cubs Ethan Wilson and Cal Yui. However, the Pirates shut the Cubs down for the rest of the game.

AF Angels Defeat Herriman Grays 14-8 For Third-Place Honors in Ironman Division of Timp Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

With help from a lightning storm and the 2014 AF Steel Days Car Show, the American Fork Pirates defeated the Herriman Grays 14-4 for third-place honors in the Ironman Division of the Timp Colt League playoffs.

The game was like a plot from a 1970's Crown International Pictures movie. For one thing, the Grays were coached by a pretty, young woman, who wore short pants, but she did have on a modest shirt. That stirred up memories of Coach, a 1978 Crown International film that starred Cathy Lee Crosby as a young woman coaching a high school boys' basketball team.

Unlike that squad, the Grays lost at the end of their story. American Fork made sure of that.

Played July 10, the game opened with Angel Kelton Vincent tripling in Tucker Andrus, a "distant cousin" of Hollywood actress Urusula Andress. Vincent stole home. Loading the bases soon afterwards, American Fork picked up another two runs.

In the bottom of the inning, Gray Tanner "Pierre LaPugh" LaPierre stole home, but pitcher Andrus didn't let the Grays make another run in the first.

Singling at the top of the second, Ben Till man scored a run while teammate Shane Johnson got thrown out in a fielder's choice at second. Another four-run rally still ensued for the Angels. Though Noah Williams stole home for the Grays in the bottom of the second, Andrus still held them in check.

After the Angels had staged a three-run rally in the top of the third, its lower half saw LaPierre triple in Wayne "World" Carl. Max Smith singled in LaPierre, but got thrown out at second.

Vincent single in a run during the of the fourth, and Shane Johnson's two-run single improved American Fork's lead at 14-4. Suddenly, a lightning storm stopped the game before the fourth inning's bottom could start.

An Agreement was made to to renew the game at 9 Saturday morning. However, the agreement had to be canceled, buecause of the Steel Days Car Show being held next door to the ball field.

Independence Week Baseball Games For 2014

Timp Sports Weekly

July 8, 2014

Publisher's Message

This week's issue deal with baseball games that my Awesome American Fork Cavemen played during the week of Independence Day. I am happy to say that American Fork won three of the games that I covered. I am going to begin, however, with an account of a home game that they lost: Layton's 12-4 over the Awesome Cavemen's 16-under division game played July 3. Let's get to that game, and then we will deal with the three American Fork wins that I covered for this online magazine.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Layton Stickers Poke Awesome Cavemen 12-4 in 16-Under Division Game During UBAL Action July 3

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

For the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division, July 3, also known as Independence Day Eve, went down as an occasion they did not want to celebrate. In making at three critical errors, they let the Layton Lancers, AKA the Pokers, to stick them hard by a score of 12-4.

The game unfolded with pitcher Jake Smith walking Pokers Braxton "Rush" Gold and Carson "Lorax" Lomax. As Awesome Caveman shortstop Weston Flinders turned up a double play, Gold scored a run that set off a three-run rally for the Pokers. 

American Fork attempted to rally back in the bottom of the first. Despite a McCade Worthen single, the Pokers held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless. That kept turning out to be the same case until the bottom of the sixth, despite singles from Britt Warner, Tanner Adams, and Kobe Lindeman. The fourth inning went down as the frustrating one for the Cavemen. That inning, Adams and Lindeman each smacked a single, but they got stuck on base. Finally, in the sixth, a Lindeman double into left moved Riley Bezzant to third, and he stole home. By the Pokers had already built up a 6-0 lead. 

Earlier in the game, the Pokers stretched their lead to 5-0 on a Lomax single and an error in the second. The third inning's top half saw catcher Marty McCoy tag Drew "Frenchie" Freaneau at the plate to hold Layton scoreless. The Pokers picked up a run in the fifth and another in the sixth. Utah Dane Rasmussen, a "distant cousin" of former American Idol Carmine Rasmussen stole home to set a five-run rally for the Pokers.

In the bottom of the seventh, Smith stole home to set a three-run rally for American Fork. The rally collapse through Brody Anderson hitting into a double play.

Awesome AF Cavemen Humble Taylorsville Road Warriors 6-1 in UBAL 17-Under Division Game June 30
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at Taylorsville June 30, a 17-under age division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League saw the Awesome American Fork Cavemen club the Taylorsville Road Warriors 6-1.

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen had been hoping to have their A varsity team take on the Road Warriors in a makeup game June 30. The two teams' June 28 game had been canceled, because of the celebration of Taylorsville Dayzz. Since the Road Warriors chose to stay up in Salt Lake County, the Awesome Cavemen's B team went up there to play them.

Despite being B-Listers, the Awesome Cavemen held their own against the Road Warriors during all seven innings. In fact, the Awesome Cavemen never trailed in the game.

The game opened with Awesome Caveman Buster "Bunny" Hardman doubling into left. He soon got snared in a double play that prevented American Fork scoring any runs in the first inning.

In the bottom of it, pitcher Tua Ward gave up a single to Cheesy Huff. After Ward grounded out Nate Hess, shortstop Hardman snatched a Braden Benedictus fly ball and turned up a double play.

At the start of the second inning, Colt Scharer singled into left,  and a Jace Ybarrra double moved him into scoring position. A Taylor Sabotka sacrifice groundout scored Scharer, and Spencer "Roonie" Shelton singled in Ybarra.

For the bottom of the second, Luke "Bananas" Chiquetta and Logan "The Grizzly" Gibbons each singled off Ward. An Austin Boutenob sacrifice fly scored Chiquetta. American Fork's defense tightened up at after that run, and the Road Warriors couldn't make another hit until the bottom of the sixth when Cheesy Huff clubbed another left-field single on two outs into left. He got stranded on base before the Road Warriors could score a second run. In the seventh, a Benedictus single presented Taylorsville with another chance to make a second run. However, Benedictus got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second, and his Road Warriors couldn't make any more hits.

In the meantime, the Awesome Cavemen stayed stuck on their 2-1 lead until the top of the fourth. With Shelton and Ryan "Rhino" Thompson having singled at the start of that inning, Dylan Johnson triple those two Awesome Cavemen in, and he scored a run himself on a Hardman single. Scotty Hughes batted in Hardman to complete American Fork scoring for the night, even though Thompson did single in the sixth and Ybarra whacked a center-field single in top of the seventh.

American Fork Coach Jarod Ingersoll said, "Double plays turned up by Hardman and [Taylor] Sabotoka help Tua Ward a lot as he threw constantly threw strikes that kept Taylorsville off balance."

Awesome AF Cavemen Skin Park City Snow Bunnies 14-3 In July 2 UBAL Duel
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen combined their A and B 17-under division teams for a Utah Baseball Academy League road game at Park City July 2. The combined hitting power of the American Fork team produced a 14-3 win over the Park City Miners, AKA the Snow Bunnies.

Snow Bunny pitcher Tanner "Whit" Whittington kept American Fork impotent during the first two innings. The the game opened with Whit giving up a single to Kody "Coco" Hall, he struck out Hagen "Speedster" Holmstead, then caused both Hayden "Chief" Wood and Dallin Searle to ground out. Even though Seth "Needles' Taylor singled off the Snow Bunny pitcher in the top of the second, American Fork still couldn't make any runs during that inning.

Back in the bottom of the first. Snow Bunny Chandler Anderson doubled in Elliot "Hard Nut" Walton and Chandler Barkdull, a "distant cousin" of the Barkdulls who played for the Bad Old Brighton Puddy Tats back in the 1980's. Singling the bottom of the second, Parker "Hammer" Smith soon came on Buckshot Zun's one-out single to improve the lead at 3-0.

American Fork's frustration in batting ended in the top of the third. On one out that inning, Mick Madsen singled into left, and Hall had joined him on base, he came home on a Holmstead double. It started a long rally. After hitting a two-run double that evened the game at three, Wood stole home, and the Awesome Cavemen never looked back. During the long rally, Hall tripled in two runs while Madsen and Kolby "Koba" Willis each hit a one-run single. By the time Holmstead K'd for the third out, the Awesome Cavemen had accumulated a 10-3 lead.

Park City tried coming back through the loading the bases on two outs, but third baseman Willis grounded out Smith to end the inning.

Searle singled in Wood in the fourth, only to become ensnared in a double play resulting from the capture of a Sir Turner Knight fly ball. That double play didn't tip the game back to the Snow Bunnies' favor. American Fork brained them with two double plays that erased their chances of hoping back into the game.

Advanced to third by Tua Ward's sixth-inning single, Colt Scharer scored a run for the Awesome Cavemen on a Hall sacrifice fly. On two outs in the seventh, Willis doubled in Tyler "Guard Dog" Gardner and Willis for insurance runs that closed out the night's scoring.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Summit Bears 5-3 in 16-Under Age Division Action for UBAL
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Summit Bears, AKA the Cuddlies, July 2 in a 16-under age division game during Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork.

American Fork led the entire game. With memories of the narrow loss that the Cuddlies had dealt them in last month's preseason tournament, the Awesome Cavemen were hungry for redemption. In the top of the first, pitcher Kobe Lindemann struck Cuddlies Stevie Harp, Dougie Smith, and Harley "Furry" Parry. Skippy Schippaaboard singled off Lindemann, but got stuck on base.

On two outs in the bottom of the first, Dylan Johnston singled in Tanner Adams, but got put out at second.

The next inning, Lindemann struck out Cuddlies Matt "Peaks" Beruch and Kole "Duck" Bills. However, a Harp single still enabled the Cuddlies to load the bases. Lindemann struck out Zach Cook, a former Lone Peak Loner, to preserve American Fork's 1-0 lead. It grew to 2-0 when Britt Warner stole home while teammate Lindemann got pinched in a squeeze play near second base.

Smith stole home on one out in the top of the third, but American Fork socked the Cuddlies with a double play that prevented them from going on a rally.

In the bottom of the third, Weston Flinders singled into left, and he stole home to set off a three-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Aided by an Adams double, Jake Smith and Lindemann each singled in a run to fuel the rally. After the third inning, the Cuddlies didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any more runs.

Not letting the Cuddlies make any runs in the fourth, American Fork counted on going far with a Flinders single in the bottom of the inning. The Cuddlies didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make runs. The story turned out to be the same in the next two innings, even though Lindemman singled in the fifth, and American Fork got sixth-inning singles from Wood and Jackson Draney, a grandson of my former school Casey Draney.

In the top of the fifth, Beruch singled in two runs to cut the lead to 5-3. The Awesome Caveman defense tightened up and did not let the Cuddlies make any more runs.