Awesome AF Caveman and Lehi Froggie Summer Baseball in Final Week of June 2015

Timp Sports Weekly

June 30, 2015

Publisher's Message

This week's issue looks how the Awesome American Fork Cavemen and Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies) fared in summer baseball play during the final week of June 2015. We will also look at how the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings fared in a June 23 rematch against the Bingham Miners, AKA Pickers, in a 16-under age division game. Let's take a swing at those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Lehi Froggies Fix Provo Bullpuppies 9-1 in Varsity League Game June 22

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, fixed the Provo Bulldogs, AKA the Bullpuppies, 11-1 in a six-inning Varsity League game at Lehi June 22.

Throwing for Lehi, James Jason held the Bullpuppies scoreless in five of the game's six innings, and he also posted eight strikeouts. During the first inning, for example, he struck out the Bullpuppies' first three batters: Taryn Denitzen, Payton Griffith, and Jack "Hoffs" Reheiner, a nephew of KSTU sportscaster Matt Reheiner.

For a little while, it was easy to wonder whether the Froggies were playing against the Bullpuppies or the BY Zoobies. That was because Provo's coaches all wore blue tee-shirts emblazoned on the front with the logo BYU Baseball. I almost shouted at those coaches, "Just remember that the Y was created to glorify the U!"

The bottom of the first opened with Froggie Andy Johnson singling into left, he got thrown out at third while Jason James fired a double. Tyler James singled in Jason and then came home on a Broc Hansen single.

The second opened with Bullpuppy Cory Hernandez, a "distant cousin" of French disco singer Patrick "Born to be Alive" Hernandez, tripling into right. After Jason James struck out Danny Ortelando, Hernandez came home on a passed ball for the Bullpuppies' only run of the game. Hernandez did hit a double in the third, but the Froggies kept him chained on base that inning.

Now in the bottom of the second, Devin Smith hit an infield single. Getting on base through an error, Ty Willes stole second to distrac Bullpuppy infielders long enough for Smith to score a run

In the bottom of the third, Hayden "Higgy" Higgins singled in Jason James to start a three-run rally, which saw Smith smack a one-run double and a Jared Andersen walk score a run.

In the fourth's lower half, Hansen singled in Tyler James, and Smith hit a two-run homer to complete the game's scoring.

In the bottom of the fifth, Jared Anderson struck out, and the Bullpuppies pinched Andy Johnson in a squeeze play in between first and second. Jason James doubled into center, but got stranded at second as Tyler James flew out into left. Despite how the fifth's lower half turned out for the Froggies, Jason James still guided them to a big win over the Bullpuppies.

Ferocious PG Vikings Bury Bingham Pickers 10-4 in 16-Under Age Division Rematch
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 16-under age division game played at Pleasant Grove June 23, the Fercious Pleasant Grove Vikings buried the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, 10-4 in Utah Baseball Academy League action.

Pitcher Porter Atwood held the Pickers scoreless in the first two innings, despite giving up a second-inning single to J.D. "Suds" Dial as  well as walking Justin "Surge" Burge and Kyle "Old Fuss and Feathers" Scott.

During the bottom of the first, the Ferocious Vikings couldn't put any runners on base. The second inning's lower half, however, opened with Staley Hansgen tripling into left. Typhoon Kaino singled him in to set off a five-run rally, which saw McKay Bice smack a two-run single.

The next inning, the Pickers attempted to make the game a close one. Getting on base through a walk at the start of the third, Collin "Rock" Boelter came home on a passed ball. Teammate Brecken "General" Mills then made it home as teammate Camden "Old Crowbar" Snarr grounded out to second baseman Logan "Cool Lee" Hooley.

The bottom of the third saw an Atwood single enable Pleasant Grove to load the bases two outs. Two Ferocious  Vikings came home on a passed ball, and Chris Evans singled in two runners to put Pleasant Grove's lead at 9-2.

On two outs in the top of the fourth, Zach "Power Saw" Howe doubled into left, giving the Pickers hope that they could stage a long rally of their own. However, Atwood struck out Tristan "Brush" Fuller to retire the Pickers to the field.

Although Bingham held the Ferocious Vikings scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, despite an infield error that let Hansgen get on base, the Pickers couldn't prevent Pleasant Grove from picking up a 10th run in the game. During the top of the fifth, Picker Ty Kemp got on base through an error. After a throw by catcher Evans to second Cool  Lee Hooley to put out Rock Boelter at second, General Mills stole to second, distracting Pleasant Grove long enough for Kemp to score a run. The Ferocious Vikings didn't let that run go unanswered. In the bottom of the fifth, Jake Jensen belted a two-out single that scored Hooley.

Singling at the start of the sixth, Old Crowbar Snarr singled into left, and Burge singled him in on Sammy Henderson got forced out at second. After Burge got put out at second, Howe flew out into right field, costing Bingham its final best chance for digging its way to a come-from-behind win.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Ground Alta Tweeties 7-4 in UBAL Play June 24
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League play at Alta June 24, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen grounded the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, 7-4 in a 17-under age division game.

With the Awesome Cavemen's big hitters Buster "Bunny" Hardman and Hagan Holmstead away at an all-star tournament in Arizona, questions flew about over how American Fork would fare against the Tweeties, sworn arch enemies of the Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tats. American Fork demonstrated the first inning that it could do fine against the Tweeties.

Quicker than a Brighton player could shout thutherin' thuccatash, the Awesome Cavemen made the first inning hell for Tweetie pitcher Dallin "Woodsy" Woods. He gave up singles to American Fork's first two batters: Jace Ybarra and Kasten Rasmussen. A direct descendant of telegraph inventor Sammy Morse, Trell Morse flew out to second base Cade Layton right after Rasmussen had singled in Ybarra. Layton's catch couldn't prevent American Fork from going on a four-run rally. During it, Spencer "Roony" Shelton doubled in Ybarra. Dylan Johnston singled in Colt Scharrer and Shelton to put the score at 4-0. Left fielder Coop Saxton snatched a Weston Flinders flyball to shut down the rally.

Stock Wallbeck got on base through a walk in the bottom of the first, and he soon scored a run on Saxton's sacrifice groundout. Despite an infield error that let Cade "Butters" Butterfield get on base, the Awesome Cavemen didn't let the Tweeties make any more runs in the first.

Awesome Caveman pitcher Taylor Sobotka held the Tweeties through the next four innings. Sobotka did give up a single to Saxton in the third and one to Butterfield in the fourth. Nevertheless, strong backing from American Fork's infielders empowered Sobotka to hold his own against the Tweeties during his time on the mound.

On one out in the second, Rasmussen singled Ybarra in again, but the Tweeties didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any additional runs until the fifth. That inning, a Morse sacrifice groundout scored Rasmussen, who had opened the fifth with a single he hit into left.

A grandson of my former junior high schoolmate Casey Draney, Jackson Draney doubled in Dyland Johnston in on two outs to put the score at 7-1.

Kobe Lindeman replaced Sobotka at the mound in the bottom of the sixth. The reliever struck out Butterfield and Woodsy Woods before the Tweeties could put runners on base. Suddenly, Conner Joos and Layton singled off Lindeman, giving the impression that the Tweeties just might fly from behind in the inning. However, the Awesome Cavemen pinched Joss in a squeeze play in between second and third.

Though Lindeman clubbed a single in the top of the seventh, the Awesome Cavemen couldn't pick any insurance runs. In the bottom of the seventh, the Tweeties finally staged a scoring rally. During it, Sam Martinez doubled in two Tweeties on two outs, and he came home on an error. Saxton flew out into right field before Alta could flap any closer to American Fork.

American Fork Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll said, "We played really hard defense, despite making four errors tonight. Our guys were able to prevent the damage from those mistakes from growing really big. We hit the ball pretty good tonight. We wracked up 10 hits in the game. Alta's pitcher [Woods] really struggled in the game."

Awesome AF Cavemen Drain Lehi 12-1 in 5-Inning Varsity League Game June 25
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen drained the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 12-1 in a five-inning, Varsity League game played at Lehi June 25.

At the start, the game looked as though it would be called off early because of an outbreak of an argument between Lehi Coach Jason Ingersoll and his AF counterpart Scott Jeppson. The quarrel turned out to be brief, however, play renewed.

On one out in the top of the first, Ryan Hardman and Dylan Johnston singled into the outfields. Though Spencer "Roony" Shelton struck out, McCade Worthen, despite having Lehi roots, singled in Hardman. The Froggies pinched Worthen at second as he tried stealing that base.

In the bottom of the first, shortstop Dylan Johnston showed what a quick arm he had. He first grounded out Ty Willes, and then after Devin Smith had singled off pitcher Hardman, Johnston turned up a double play that retired the Froggies to the field before they could even the score at one.

Hitting a double at the start of the second, Weston Flinders soon stole third and home, putting the lead at 2-0. In the bottom of the second, Broc Hansen got on base through an error, and he worked his way to third, thanks to a Jackson Kohler single. Hansen soon became stranded on base as he watched Hardman put out Kohler with a throw to second base and Johnston turn up another double play.

Right after Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood struck out at the start of the third, Hardman singled into left, and then raced home on a Johnston, left-field double. Lehi kept American Fork's lead stuck at 3-0 long enough for the Froggies to score a run in the bottom of the third. During the third's lower half, Willes hit a one-out single to drive home Dax Phillips. Johnston retaliated by turning up a third straight double play for his Awesome Cavemen.

In the fourth inning, a Brit Warner single sparked a four-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Hardman prevented the Froggies from putting any runners on base in the bottom of the fourth. During the fifth, Hardman doubled in two runs that set off a five-run stampede for the Awesome Cavemen. That rally put the game away for American Fork.

Coach Jeppson said, "Lehi's pitcher was really struggling. Our kids used the same approach at bat in all of our previous games, and we came up with some big hits. Both Johnston and Hardman, for example, had two singles and a double."

Awesome AF Cavemen Win 14-4 at Bingham June 26
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In 17-under age division action in Utah Baseball Academy League play June 26, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen dug out a 14-4 win at the Bingham Miners' South Jordan field.

The win came 12 days after the Awesome Cavemen had dropped an eight-inning contest at home to the Miners, AKA the Pickers, in a UBAL opener. American Fork Coach Scott Jeppson said, "This is the second day in a row that we have 10-runned an opponent. We did that in a Varsity League game at Lehi yesterday. Our defense was really strong today, and we came up with two doubles and two triples in our hitting."

The first of American Fork's three doubles was one that Trell Morse belted on one out in the first to bring home Jace Ybarra, who had opened the game with a single. Ryan Hardman tried scoring on Morse's double, but catcher Campbell "Soup" Snarr tagged him at the plate. Spencer "Roony" Shelton singled in Morse, a direct descendant of telegraph inventor Sammy Morse, to improve the lead at 2-0.

The Pickers loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the first. Garrison Cantwell doubled in all three runners, only to get forced out at third.

Bingham's 3-2 lead didn't last for long. In the top of the second, Kobe Lindeman singled into left, and on two outs, Jace Ybarra batted him in to tie the game at three. Pitcher Colt Scharrer didn't let a single Picker get on base during the bottom of the second. Scharrer's second-inning performance on the mound helped the Awesome Cavemen retake the lead in the third.

Hit into left field at the start of the third, a Scharrer double led to American Fork loaded the bases on no outs. Lindeman knocked in two runs, and Dylan Johnston stole home to put the Awesome Cavemen back ahead 5-3.

Doubling into right at the start of the third's lower half, Zach "Rough" House scored on a Noah "Ark" Wallicup sacrifice groundout.

In the top of the fourth, Ybarra singled into left, and he came home on a Ryan Hardman single that sparked a three-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. During that rally, Shelton doubled in two Awesome Cavemen. The Pickers attempted to rally back on a Brighton Gallo single hit in the bottom of the fourth, but the Awesome Cavemen held Bingham scoreless.

With Hardman hitting a two-run triple on two outs in the top of the fifth, the Awesome Cavemen went on a six-run rally that put the game away for them.  During that rally, Scharrer tripled in Morse and then  came home on a passed ball to conclude the game's scoring. Taking over the mound in the bottom of the fifth, Kasten Rasmussen held the Pickers scoreless. 

Summer Prep League Play and AF Pony League Playoffs

Timp Sports Weekly

June 23, 2015

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at four American Fork Pony League playoff games, a Lehi Scout League contest against the Herriman Mustangs (AKA the Pretty Ponies), a thrilling showdown between former Awesome American Fork Caveman Alex Baeza and his old team as well as tight 16-under age division baseball game that the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings played Bingham June 20. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Bingham Pickers Defeat Ferocious Vikings 3-2 in UBA 16-Under Division Game June 20

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a thrilling 16-under age division game played for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 20, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, outlasted the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings 3-2. Played in South Jordan, the game went down as a genuine pitching duel that was settled until the bottom of the seventh.

The game unfolded with Picker center fielder Brecken "Wreckin'" Mills picking off a Ty Lewis fly ball. After third baseman Parker Anderson grounded out McKay Bice, pitcher Derek Soffe walked Ferocious Viking Ethan Coombs, a "distant cousin" of pop music performer P. Diddy Coombs. Staley Hansgen slugged a single that moved Ethan into scoring position. Before P. Diddy's "distant cousin" could score a run, Soffe struck out Jake Jensen. In the bottom of the first, pitcher Jensen didn't let any Pickers get on base.

After Porter Atwood grounded out at the start of the second inning, Ferocious Viking Jackson Brown doubled into center, and on two outs, Soffe walked Nick Lund, giving the impression that Pleasant Grove would soon score a run. However, Cade McCade popped out to second baseman Tristan "Bi Brush" Fuller before Pleasant Grove could score a run.

During two outs in the bottom of the second, Jensen walked Jackson "Suds" Dial and Fuller.  However, Braxton "Rooster" Brewster grounded out, stranding both teammates on base. Jensen's luck for holding the Pickers scoreless ran out in the bottom of the third. Having gotten on base through an infield erro that inning, Soffe scored on a Mills sacrifice fly.

On one out in the top of the fifth, the Ferocious Vikings threatened Bingham's 1-0 lead through loading the bases on singles from Brown, Hunter Kirby, and Nick Lund. Soffe struck out McCloud and grounded out Cal Briggs.

The Ferocious Vikings finally tied the game at one when a Bingham error led to Ethan Coombs scoring a run on a Hansgen single.

Singling at the start of the seventh, Atwood soon raced home while Kirby's steal to second distracted the Pickers.

In the bottom of the inning, Parker and Bells Tingey clubbed singles off Jensen. Soon, on two outs, Brewster doubled in both Pickers to win the game for Bingham.

Awesome AF Cavemen Club Jordan Plowboys 12-5 In UBAL 17-Under Age Division Game June 17
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at Jordan June 17, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen harvested an 12-5 win over the Jordan Beetdiggers, AKA Plowboys, in a 17-under age division game.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "They came out hitting hard against Jordan in the fifth inning. Our guys ran the bases well, and they got good jumps in leads to steals."

The game opened on a setback for American Fork. Leadoff hitter Buster "Bunny" Hardman flew into center at the start of the game. Teammate Jace Ybarra doubled into right, but the Plowboys kept him stuck on second through their grounding out Hagan "Speedster" Holmstead and Mick Madsen, a "distant cousin" of late Mormon philosopher Truman Madsen.

During the bottom of the first, pitcher Colt Scharrer walked the first three batters, and Jay Holmstead had Madsen take over the mound. The pitching change didn't deter the Plowboys from getting the first lead. Former Awesome Caveman Alex "Cross" Baeza flew out to center fielder Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood, allowing Tate Hathaway, a "distant cousin" of Hollywood actress Anna Hathaway and Beverly Hillbillies character Jane Hathaway, to come home for the first Plowboys run. Noah Hennings singled in Jackson Bollingbroke to complete Jordan scoring for the inning. Right after that RBI, Madsen struck out Ben "Flying Disk" Lisk to end the round.

Though Madsen gave up a second-inning single to Spencer "Doc" Martin, he posted a total of five strikeouts to hold the Plowboys scoreless in the second and third inning. Meanwhile, in the top of the third, Wood doubled into left, and Kastan Rasmussen singled him in.

The bottom of the fourth went down as an ugly experience for Madsen. An infield error let Smart Alec Evans come home, setting off a three-run rally that caused Madsen to be replaced at the mound by Taylor Sobotka. During the rally, Jake Schaffer doubled Hennings in and then came home on a Martin sacrifice groundout.

The Plowboys' 5-1 lead gave the impression that the Awesome Cavemen would be taking a big loss home with them to Utah County. That impression turned out to be false, however. The fifth unfolded with Scharrer doubling into center. Weston Flinders singled him in, unleashing a series of seven runs. During the ensuing rally, Rasmussen, Kobe Lindeman, Buster "Bunny" Hardman, Madsen, and Trell Morse each singled in a run. Holmstead picked up an RBI during the rally by whacking a sacrifice fly into center.

With the Awesome Cavemen now ahead 8-5, Sobotka held the Plowboys scoreless throughout the three innings he pitched. Meanwhile, the Awesome Cavemen picked up four insurance runs in the seventh. Dillon Johnston hit a single at the start of the seventh to set the stage for American Fork's final scoring rally for the night. Hardman doubled him in and then came home on a second straight Ybarra double. Holmstead tripled in Ybarra and then stole home to complete Awesome Caveman scoring for the night.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Herriman Pretty Ponies 12-7 in Scout League Action June 18
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Scout League action at Lehi June 18, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, defeated the Herriman Mustangs, AKA the Pretty Ponies, 12-7.

The Froggies took a 2-1 over the Pretty Ponies in the first two innings. However, in the top of the third,  A.J. Olsen doubled in Eric Alvarez to set off a five-run rally for the Pretty Ponies. During that rally, Nick "The Slick" Wright hit a two-run single that left Herriman with a 6-2 lead.

The Froggies proved in the bottom of the third that they still had a lot of jump left in them. Froggie Brody Colledge came home on an error, and after Lehi had loaded the bases on two walks, a Zach Rose walk scored a run that put the Froggies within 6-4.

Singling at the start of the fourth, Clay Hughes soon came home on a Jake Mitchell single. Aided by a double play, Pitcher Jordy Chapman didn't let the Pretty Ponies make any more runs after that RBI. This allowed the Froggies to leap from behind. As soon as they had loaded the bases on no outs in the bottom of the fourth, Ray "Holy Cross" Santa Cruz hit a one-run single that sparked a seven-run rally. During it, Jade "Shep" Shepherd tripled in three runs and then scored a run himself on a Kaden Longman sacrifice groundout.

Walked by Chapman in the start of the fifth, Bridger Nicholson, a "distant cousin" of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, got pinched in a squeeze play in between third and home. The Froggies then corralled the Pretty Ponies with a double play. Loading the bases on no outs in the bottom of the fifth, the Froggies put the game away with a three-run rally that began with a Shepherd walk.

Yankees Slay Giants 19-9 in 1st-Round Action of AF Pony League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In first-round action play of the American Fork Pony League playoffs at Bus Manning Field June 15, the Yankees slew the Giants 19-9.

The game opened with Giant J.C. Sampson doubling into left. No. 3 hitter Emilo Schanter singled him in. Pitcher Cody Wilkins struck out Angel Godfrey and Max Rubert to keep the Giants' lead stuck at 1-0.

On one out in the bottom of the first, Yankee Griffy Harris stole home to set of a 14-run rally that took the Giants a half hour to end. During that long rally, Drake Cook doubled in two runs for the Yankees.

In the top of the second, Schanter doubled in two runs to set off a four-run rally for the Giants. In the bottom of the third, Zack Olsen stole home to start up another rally for the Yankees. This time, though, they made only three runs.

A lightning storm delayed third-inning play for nearly a half hour. When the game renewed, the Giants scored all four of their third-inning runs on walks. In the bottom of the third, Bryton Matheson singled in Bryson Decker, and Brent Quigley stole home on a passed for the game's final run.

Pirates Sink Giants 24-9 in 2nd-Round AF Pony League Playoff Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Pirates sunk the Giants 24-9 in second-round action of the American Fork Pony League playoffs at Bus Manning Field June 16.

It had to take the Pirates 1 1/2 innings to take the Giants seriously. Underestimating the Giants had been an easy thing to do, because during the regular season, they had often suffered huge losses. The Giants' big loss to the Yankees in a first-round playoff game the night before created the impression that they would be doormats for the Yankees. Guess what! The Giants actually posted two leads over the Pirates during the course of the game.

During the top of the first, for example, Emilio Schanter doubled in Sampson, and the Giants soon picked up another two runs on walks made by Ray Hernandez and Ryan Fitch.

The Pirates loaded the bases on one out in the bottom of the first. Dalton "Long Legs" Brems hit an in-the-park homer that drove in Caden "Bambino" Cummings, Jack "Hamer" Cristensen, and Dakota "Nails" Nelson. Landon "Hoops" Hall and Jake "Gingey" Heaps also each hit an in-the-park homer during the inning.

The Pirates 6-3 lead vanished in the top of the second. A Schanter double enabled the Giants to loaded the bases on one out at the start of that inning, and Godfrey singled in a run that set off a six-run rally. During it, Samspson doubled in three runs.

With Dallin "Big O" Hunter getting on a base through an error at the start of the second, Cummings doubled him in to start a 16-run rally, which saw Christensen hammer a three-run double and Brems triple in two runs. Hall and Wyatt "Earp" Fangel hit hit a solo homer during the long rally.

The Pirates held the Giants scoreless in the bottom of the third, and in the bottom of it, Cummings singled in Grayson "Stripes" Hardman to end the game.

Its outcome helped the Pirates to earn a berth in the AFPL championship series, played June 19.

Split in AFPL 2-Game Title Series Gives Athletics Playoff Championship June 19
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Pirates' latest long reign as American Fork Pony League champs came to an end during a two-game championship series played at Bus Manning Field June 19. The Pirates defeated the Athletics 14-0 in Game 1, but in Game 2, the A's charged back to scuttle the Pirates 16-4.

The second game's outcome means the A's will be going to next month's state tournament as American Fork's top-seeded team while the Pirates will have to settle for No. 2 seeding at that tourney.

In Game 1, the Pirates didn't let the A's make a singe hit. A's Brennen Tanner, Jesse Hardy, and Parker Dunn got on base only through walks during that game.

Getting on base through a walk in the top of the first, Pirate Caden "Bambino" Cummings, a "distant cousin" of late TV actor Bob Cummings, scored Game 1's first run on a Dalton "Long Legs" Brems single.

In the second inning, the Pirates improved their lead at 3-0 on one-run singles hit by Cummings and Jack "Hammer" Christensen. With the Pirates loading the bases on no outs in the third, a Grayson "Stripe" Hardman walk produced a run for them. During the fourth, Christensen doubled in a run, and Brems hit a two-run double to fuel a four-run rally for the Pirates. The A's held them scoreless in the fourth, but in the fifth, Dakota "Nails" Nelson hit a two-run double that opened a six-run rally for the Pirates. The game was called after the fifth.

The game turned out to be a radically different story. It unfolded with the A's loading the bases on one out in the first inning's top half. Taylor "Captain" Morgan doubled in two runs to set off a four-run spree for the A's.

With Christensen scoring on an Athletic error in the bottom of the first, Brems doubled in a run and soon stole home to put the Pirates within 4-3. Pitcher Dunn struck out Damon "Big Bear" Brogan to prevent the Pirates from tying the game at four.

The next inning, Hardy singled in two runs that unleashed another four-run rally for the A's. Dunn posted three strikeouts to hold the Pirates scoreless in the bottom of the second.

The Pirates committed three errors in the top of the third that allowed the A's to go on a seven-run rally, which saw Morgan single in two runs.

Though the Pirates held the A's scoreless in the fourth, the defending league champs' reign was now doomed to end June 19. The reign ended in the fifth, which saw the A's pick up an insurance run.

Awesome AF Caveman and Ferocious PG Viking Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 16, 2015

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at how the Awesome American Fork Cavemen and Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings fared in the Utah Baseball Academy annual preseason tournament. We will also check on a Varsity League game that the Awesome Cavemen hosted against the Springville Red Devils on June 11. Let's take a look at those games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Awesome AF Cavemen Drop UBA Preseason Tourney Game to Riverton Silverpups June 7

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played in Riverton June 7 for the Utah Baseball Academy's preseason tournament, a 17-under division age division game saw the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA the Silverpups, defeat the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 7-4.

The game opened with pitcher Clint "Salty" Salter walking Buster "Bunny" Hardman and Jace Ybarra. An infield error allowed Hardman and Ybarra to race home. Before the Awesome Cavemen could capitalize on the mistake any further, the Silverpups hit them with a double play. Salt then grounded out  Trell Morse to retire the Awesome Cavemen to the field.

Singles from Hunter Hall and Stoney Gibbons permitted the Silverpups to load the bases on no outs. Skyler Davis knocked in Hall, and Riverton picked up its next two runs on an error. Jeff Lillywhite's one-run completed Silverpup scoring for the inning.

In the top of the second, Weston Flinders whacked a two-out single in hopes of stirring up a rally for American Fork. However, the Silverpups kept him stuck on base while they maintained their 4-2 lead.

It grew to 5-2 in the bottom of the third through Davis singling a one-run groundball into left. The Silverpups didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any further hits until until the top of the fifth when Colt Sharrer and Kasten Rasmussen each singled a fly ball into left. Suddenly, third baseman Eric Nelson turned up a double play that delayed American Fork from scoring additional runs until the sixth.

After Riverton picked up a run in the bottom of the fourth, Hall singled into right in the bottom of the fifth, and he came home on a Davis sacrifice fly. American Fork held the Silverpups scoreless after that inning.

In the top of the sixth, Hardman singled into right, and a Hagan Holmstead double moved him to third. Tua Ward doubled in both Awesome Cavemen, and moved to third on a Morse single, but the Silverpups shut American Fork scoring down for the rest of the game.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Ferocious Vikings 10-0 in 17-U Preseason Tourney Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen proved to be resilient in the aftermath of their June 7 loss at Riverton. By a score 10-0, they defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings at during a June 8 game that was a part of the 17-age division portion of a preseason tournament sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy.

American Fork Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll said, "Hagan [Holmstead] did really well on the mound. He threw a five-hitter while he held PG scoreless. We hit very good and fielded the ball well."

American Fork's shutout win came almost two weeks after the Ferocious Vikings had won the state 5-A baseball championship at the expense of the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers. The Ferocious Vikings brought 10 players from the state championship team in hopes of smoking the Awesome Cavemen for a fourth straight time this year. This time, Holmstead was ready to handle the team of blue-uniformed raiders.  He scattered the Ferocious Vikings' five hits and struck out five of them during the course of the six innings that he pitched.

The Ferocious Vikings found out how ready the Awesome Cavemen were for them. The game opened with Ty Lewis flying out to first baseman Tua Ward. Though Bub Wilde got on base through an error, Holmstead picked him off at first, and then the Awesome Caveman pitcher struck out Brennon May.

With Buster "Bunny" Hardman getting on base through a walk in the bottom of the first, American Fork quickly loaded the bases on no outs through infield singles hit by Holmstead and Jace Ybarra. Ward tripled in all three Awesome Cavemen, and he scored on Trell Morse's sacrifice groundout. With Colt Sharrer and Dylan Johnson each slugging a single, American Fork attempted to keep its rally going, but the Ferocious Vikings popped the Awesome Cavemen with a double play.

The second inning opened with Tate Briggs whacking a left-field single, only to get nailed in a fielder's choice play at second. After Ty Wells got thrown out at in a putout at third, Holmstead struck out Derek Wall.

Pleasant Grove kept American Fork stuck on its 4-0 lead until the bottom of the third. That inning, the Ferocious Vikings got singles from Ryan Christiansen and Hunter "Derwood" Kirby, Holmstead didn't let Pleasant Grove get anywhere with those two hits. In the bottom of the third, Holmstead hit a two-out double which brought Hardman home on two outs.

On one out in the top of the fifth, Wall and Christiansen each an infield single. Just as Pleasant Grove looked as though it was starting to rip Holmstead, the Awesome Cavemen turned up a double play that spoiled Pleasant Grove's best chances for scoring in the game.

In the bottom of the fifth, Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood tripled in Ryan Hardman. After Buster "Bunny" Hardman struck out, Ybarra singled in Wood and then came home on a two-out, Holmstead singled. The Ferocious Vikings took revenge by picking off Holmstead at second.

With the Ferocious Vikings unable to put runners on base in the top of the sixth, American Fork proceeded to get the game over that inning. Singles from Ward and Morse quickly resulted in the Awesome Cavemen loading the bases on no outs. Johnston knocked in Ward, and Weston Flinder single scored Morse for the winning run.

Woods Cross Wild Kittens Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen 7-6 in 9-Inning UBA Thriller June 9
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a pool game for the 17-under division for the Utah Baseball Academy's preseason tournament, the Wood Cross Wildcats, AKA the Wild Kittens. defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 7-6 in a nine-inning thriller played at American Fork June 9.

The game's outcome prevented the Awesome Cavemen from reaching the semifinals of the tournament's 17-under age division and left American Fork with a tournament record of 2-2.

The game opened with Wild Kitten Jordan Lewis doubling off pitcher Colt ".44" Scharrer. After the pitcher had grounded out Brady "Kiddy" Childs and walked Alex Johnson, Brandon "Wags" Wagstaff singled in Lewis. The Tarts stayed ahead 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth, despite a single from Awesome Caveman Trell Morse in the second inning.

During the top of the fourth, Caleb Simmons and Cody Ellsworth each doubled into left. A stiff American Fork defense prevented the Tarts from going on a scoring rally via those doubles.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jace Ybarra poked a one-out single into right, but the Wild Kittens pinched him in a squeeze play occurring between first and second. Holmstead tripled into left, and his distant cousin Trell singled him in. Morse came home on a Scharrer single to put American Fork ahead 2-1.

After his little brother, Ryan Hardman grounded out at the start of the fifth's lower half, Buster "Bunny" Hardman came tripled Hayden "Crazy Horse" Wood in and then came home during Holmstead's second straight triple.

With a sixth-inning double play keeping American Fork's 4-1 lead intact, the Awesome Cavemen looked as though they would come out victorious. However, a Jared Ackley single gave the Wild Kittens momentum for catching up with the Awesome Cavemen. As soon as the Wild Kittens had loaded the bases on one, Wagstaff singled in a run, and a Simmons walk brought home another Tart. As a Ty Draper sacrifice fly scored a tying run for the Wild Kittens, the Awesome Cavewomen became desperate. An onset of immense pressure proved to be so strong that American Fork couldn't make a hit until the bottom of the ninth. The Awesome Cavemen did hold the Wild Kittens scoreless through springing a double play against Woods Cross in the top of the eighth.

The ninth unfolded with Johnson singling into right, and the Wild Kittens loaded the bases on one out. Draper hit Johnson in. The Wild Kittens picked up another two runs on walks.

For the bottom of the ninth, Ybarra singled into center, and a Scharrer sacrifice groundout scored him. Cody Lindeman soon tripled in Holmstead to cut the Wild Kitten lead to 7-6. Dylan Johnston grounded out before Lindeman could score a tying run for the Awesome Cavemen.

That groundout shut the door on American Fork's remaining chances for medal-round play on Saturday.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Exorcise Springville Red Devils 10-3 in Varsity League Play June 10
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publishe
In Varsity League action at American Fork June 10, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen exorcised the Springville Reds, AKA the Helltown Hellions, 10-3.

The game opened with pitcher Spencer "Roony" Shelton walking Hellion Ryan "Jinx" Jenkins. After Taylor "Fallen Angel" Christiansen struck out, Adam "The Snake" Rodriguez doubled in Jenkins, and and a Brinton "Monty" Montgomery double moved The Snake to third. American Fork's stiff defense prevented the Hellions from increasing their 1-0 lead.

A grandnephew of UVU coaching legend Duke Reid, Ryan Reid slugged a one-out single into left in the bottom of the first, and he soon scored on a Hellion error. On one out, Dylan Johnston singled in Shelton for a go-ahead run. A Ryan Hardman single scored Johnston to improve American Fork's lead at 3-1.

Hellion Jantzen "Pitchfork" Thorpe doubled into right during the top of the second, only to become ensnared in an American Fork double play. After Reid after singled in the bottom of the second, Trell Morse singled in Wood on two outs to give American Fork a 4-1 lead.

AKA Helltown, Springville held American Fork scoreless until the fifth, despite Lee Davis smacking a single for the Awesome Cavemen in the fifth. The Hellions had their own problems with picking up additional runs, too. For example, Christensen got stuck on base right after hitting a two-out single in the third. Thorpe's two-out double in the fourth couldn't pave the way for Helltown runs either.

In the bottom of the fifth, Marty McCoy doubled in two Awesome Cavemen to stretch the lead to 6-1. It experienced a nasty slash in the top of the sixth. Hitting an infield single that inning, Christensen came home on a Montgomery sacrifice fly, and Jenkins stole home to cut the lead to 6-3.

American Fork loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth, and Morse cleared them with a triple, and he came home on a Travis "T" Johnson single.

The next inning opened with Clayton "Snydely Whiplash" Synder grounding out to second baseman Reid, who had hit four singles during the course of the game. Getting on base through a base through a walk, Ty "Brimstone" Killian got advanced to third on a Jackson "Wild" Child double. Suddenly reliever Johnson struck out Charlie "Frenchie" Fry, a "distant cousin" of Futurama character Phillip J. Fry. First baseman Jake Smith grounded out Jenkins to end the game in a win for the Awesome Cavemen.

Awesome AF Cavemen's 15-Under Division Team Downs Davis Tarts 11-5 in UBA Pool Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 15-under age division team defeated the Davis Darts, AKA the Tarts, 11-5 in a final game of pool play for the Utah Baseball Academy's annual summer tournament.

A "distant cousin" of Beverly Hillbillies character Jane Hathaway and Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, Tart pitcher Zach Hathaway held the Awesome Cavemen in check during the game's first two innings. American Fork Coach Jason Thomas said, "Davis' pitcher was what they call a thumber, a pitcher who throws so well that it's hard for batters to stay with his timing. We were finally able to stay with it in the third, allowing us to score four runs."

Hathaway's pitching allowed only Dawson Parry to slug a single, which brought in Brayden Howard. By then, though, the Tarts had already taken command of a 3-0 lead.

In the top of the first, Heston "Percy" Perceval singled in Hathaway, and the Tarts picked up their next two runs on a Jonah Haynie single and a Ben Murdock sacrifice groundout.

The Tarts' lead grew to 4-1 in the top of the third when Hathaway hit an in-the-park homer on one out. American Fork retaliated with a five-run rally in the bottom of the third. On two outs, Brayden Howard doubled in Jimbo Flinders to open a five-run charge for the Awesome Cavemen. After Parry had doubled in a run, Stock Brems, a nephew of Awesome Cavewoman volleyball legend Marney Brems, doubled in a run and then came home on a Marty "Do the Hustle" McCoy to put American Fork ahead at 6-5.

Davis tied the game at six on a Lucas Castle, one-run single in the fourth, catcher McCoy turned up a double play that prevented the Tarts from flying back ahead. Singling in the bottom of the sixth, McKay Nelson came home on a Flinders sacrifice groundout to start a five-run rally for American Fork.
No more scoring occurred after the fifth.

Ferocious PG Vikings Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen 8-4 in Semifinals of UBA Preseason Tourney
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a June 13 semifinal final for the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason summer tournament, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings relied on very experienced 15-year-old players to help them win 8-4 on the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's home field during semifinal action of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason summer tournament.

As much as the Awesome Cavemen did complain about Pleasant Grove's employment of veteran players in the game, American Fork still hurt itself with three fatal errors during the course of the contest. The first error let Ferocious Viking Brendon Ballantyne score the game's first game in the top of the first. Although the Awesome Cavemen did turn up a double play to retire the Ferocious Vikings that inning, American Fork still demonstrated that it wasn't mentally ready to play. The Awesome Cavemen, in fact, didn't score any runs until the bottom of the third. In the meantime, the Ferocious Vikings built up a big lead.

In the top of the second, Easton Deglebeck doubled into left, and he scored on a Nick Lund sacrifice groundout. Korby Turner singled in Chaz Robinson to stretch the lead to 3-0. During the top of the third, Deglebeck singled in one run and Robinson doubled in another two to gas up a five-run rally for the Ferocious Vikings.

A close relative of Lone Peak Loner baseball coaching legend Danny Schoonover, Shaefer "Schoony" Schoonover came home on a passed ball to set off a four-run rally for American Fork. During the rally, Parry doubled in a run while Connor Bulkley hit a one-run single. Derek Brailsford came home on a passed ball.

Neither team was able to score after the third.

Ferocious PG Vikings' 15-Under Squad Outlast Spanish Fork 6-4 in UBA Preseason Tourney Title Game June 13
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings outlasted the Spanish Fork Dons 6-4 in the Utah Baseball Academy's preseason summer tournament title game for the 15-under age division. Though played on the Alta Tweeties' Sandy diamond, the championship game showed why Utah County had to be recognized as a showcase for championship teams.

Having left home some of the experienced players that they had used in their semifinal win at American Fork, the Ferocious Vikings had to use other kinds of players in the game against the Dons, AKA Gaytowners, because of their city being such a happy place to live.

On one out in the top of the first, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases. A Jacob Bullock walk scored Jake Fryer for the first Viking run. PG's lead soon grew to 2-0. Pitcher Easton Deglebeck prevented the Gaytowners from capitalizing on a Dylan Hall single hit in the bottom of the first.

In the second, though, Spanish Fork held Pleasant Grove scoreless, and in the bottom of that inning, Andy Pintar batted in a run while teammate Brock Johnson got tagged at second. Pintar's one-run single sent Spanish Fork on a four-run rally.

The Dons protected their 4-2 lead in the third and fourth innings, despite a Ty Parker single hit in the top of the third.

On one out in the fifth, a Deglebeck single led to Ty Parker singling in a run on two outs. Cole Blackhurst grounded out, however, before Pleasant Grove could get closer to Spanish Fork. A "distant cousin" of TV star Tim Conway, Don Noah Conway singled on two outs in the bottom of the fifth, but Pleasant Grove kept him quarantined on second.

In the top of the sixth, though, Deglebeck hit a left-field single that scored Nick Lund and set off a three-run rally that gave Spanish Fork the tournament title.

Pleasant Grove Coach Mark Norman said, "Deglebeck did a very good job in throwing strikes for us this afternoon against a very good Spanish Fork team. Also, we batted very good."

Openings of Summer Baseball League Play for the Lehi Froggies and Awesome American Fork Cavemen

Timp Sports Weekly

June 9, 2015

Publisher's Message

The recent conclusion of the 2014-15 school hasn't an end to high school baseball. Contrary to popular belief, high school baseball teams play in summer leagues. This issue will touch on the opening week of summer league play for my Awesome American Fork Cavemen and the Lehi Pioneers AKA the Froggies. We will also look at an intercity Pony League baseball that was absolutely riveting, or they say in Lehi, ribbiting. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Lehi Froggies Skin Mountain View Teddy Bears 18-0 in Scout League Opener June 1

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Scout League opener at Lehi June 1, the Lehi Pioneers skinned the Mountain View Bruins, AKA the Teddy Bears and T-Bears, 18-0.

The combined pitching of Froggies Jace "Shep" Shepherd and Matt "Sour Power" Lemon proved to be a good enough reason for the T-Bears to wish they could go into hibernation. The Teddy Bears couldn't make a hit off either of those Froggies until the top of the fifth when Stinger Bennett whacked a left-field single off Lemon.

"Jace Shepherd threw a no-hitter for us during the four innings that he pitched on the mound," said Lehi Coach Jesse Chapman. In fact, the Teddy Bears couldn't put any runners on base until Shepherd walked Top Bear Andergaard in the top of the fourth.

In the meantime, the Froggies' hitting ensured that the game would not last beyond the fifth inning. Aided by a Zac Rose single, the Froggies leaped ahead 3-0 in the first inning. During the second's lower half, Ray Santa Cruz tripled in two runners to power a seven-run rally for the Froggies. During that scoring stampede, Shepherd, Lemon, Jackson Kohler, and Dixon Driggs each slugged a single for Lehi. During the third's bottom half, one-run doubles, hit by Jordy "Screw Driver" Phillips and Crayfish Colledge, stirred an eight-run rally that knocked the T-Bears out of the game.

AF A's Pull Off Amazing 11-10 Comeback Win Over Lehi Padres in Pony League Play June 2

By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In an inter-city Pony League game played at Bus Manning Field June 2, the American Fork A's pulled off an amazing comeback to win 11-10 over the Lehi Padres.

The game was quite riveting -- correction, ribbiting. In the top of the first, American Fork pitcher Jasper Bronson held those web-footed Padres scoreless through not letting any of them get on base.

After teammate Mayson Jones grounded out in the bottom of the first, Noah Jones singled into left. Brennon Tanner doubled in Noah, but the Padres kept him marooned at second.

The next inning opened with Padre Miley Plimale tripling into left, Lehi took control of the game's momentum. Plimale soon came home on a passed ball, setting off a brief rally. During it, the Padres loaded the bases. Rhett Miner singled in a run, Nate Hancock came home on a Spencer Halls walk, and  a passed ball motivated Nate Hancock to race home, giving the Padres a 4-1 lead.

Getting on base through a walk in the bottom of the second, American Forker Cam Richardson came home on a passed ball. Before the A's could profit from that run, A's Drake Phillips, Jeff Bateman, and Drew Hardman each struck out.

In the top of the third, a Matt "Speedy Al" Alverez single soon led to Lehi loading the bases on walks from Colby "Loose" Luz and Cole Marz, a "distant cousin" of pop singer Bruno Marz. A Dylan Samuels one-run single sparked a six-run rally for the Padres, giving the impression that A's would get flooded off their home field by a Lehi team.

American Fork battled hard to demonstrate that impression would prove to be false. American Fork's comeback effort got off to a rough note when both Mayson and Noah Jones struck out at the start of the third's opening half. Both getting on base through walks, Tanner and Jasper gave the comeback effort a jolt. An infield error let Tanner score a run, and Jasper simply stole home.

Even though Miner singled into left at the start of the fourth inning, he became stranded at second as the next three Padres got out. With the fourth's lower half opening with Drew Hardman striking out, American Fork's cause still looked a lost one. However, through drawing a walk, Mayson Jones soon scored on an overthrow past second base, triggering a rally. During it, Jasper tripled in two runs, and then came home on an error. Parker Dunn doubled in a run, and he raced home on a passed ball to tie the game at 10. Drake Phillips singled in Cam Richardson for the tie-breaking, game-winning run.

Lehi Drops Varsity League Opener to Timpanogos Timberpups June 3
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Varsity League game opener in Orem June 3, the Timpanogos Timberwolves, AKA Timberpups or T-Pups, outlasted the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 1-0.
Lehi Coach Jason Ingersoll said, "Our pitching and hitting were good. Our problem tonight was that we couldn't bring guys in. We need to learn to score."
Although the Froggies hammered out five singles during the course of the game, they ended up having seven guys left on base.
On two outs in the top of the first, Froggie Tyler James singled into left, and Broc Hansen soon joined him on base through a T-Pup error at first. Those two Froggies got stranded on base through Kaden Higgins flying out to center.

In the bottom of the first, second baseman Ty Willes grounded out Casey Hamilton, and third baseman Devin Smith pinched Connor Halford with a throw to first baseman Higgins. Though Braden Millet singled into left, he got put out at second.

On two outs in the top of the second, Stock Birch singled into left, but before he could advance to second, he saw teammate Drew Zimmerman fly out to left.

In the bottom of the second, D.J. Martinez singled off pitcher Zimmerman, but the Froggies pinched that T-Pup in a squeeze play between first and second. Zimmerman soon ended the second by striking out Spencer Olson.

The third opened with Broc Hansen singling off reliever Blake Lisake. Soon, though, Hansen became ensnared in a double play that also claimed Tyler James.

Despite a fourth-inning single from Hamilton, Zimmerman and his fielders continued holding the T-Pups at bay until the sixth. After preventing the Froggies from putting runners on base in the top of the fifth, the T-Pups finally had favorable luck swing their way.

After the Froggies had pinched Martinez in a fifth-inning squeeze play between second and third, Spencer Olson hit a one-run single. Lehi efforts at recovering from that RBI all proved to be vain, despite a single from Jason James in the sixth, and a Stock Birth single in the seventh.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Payson Kitties 1-0 in Varsity League Thriller June 4
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Varsity League thriller at Lehi June 4, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, blanked the Payson Lions, AKA Kitties, 1-0.

As the folks in Payson, AKA Kittytown, would say, the game was purrfectly exciting all the way through.

On two outs, Tanner Manning, a grandnephew of late American Fork sports figure Marlowe "The Shiny Guy" Manning, hit a left-field single for the Kitties in the top of the first. In response to that hit, pitcher Jason James struck out Clayton "Fur Ball" Haveron to retire Kittytown to the field.

In the bottom of the first, Kittytown pitcher Stetson "Big Hat" Kay walked James on one out. After Ty James flew out into right field, Jason James stole home. Kay's impressive pitching made sure that the Froggies didn't make any more run after the first inning despite singles from Broc Hansen, Ty James, and Stock Birch 

Kitties couldn't make any more hits themselves after Dusty Wynn had whacked a second-inning single for them.

Kittytown did have much to meow about Manning's performance as a shortstop in the game. Manning's  accurate throws to first base made it tough for Lehi to put Froggies on base. Still, the Kitties' great defensive effort proved not to be enough for them to recover from Jason James' first-inning run.

Awesome AF Cavemen Battle Orem Tiggers to 5-5 Draw in Scout League Play June 5
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Scout League game played at American Fork June 5, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen battled the Orem Tigers, AKA the Tiggers, to a 5-5 draw.

During the first 2 1/2 innings of play, the Tiggers bounced ahead 2-1. Singling in the bottom of the third, Awesome Caveman Ike Garlick came home on Brett Collins Jr.'s sacrifice groundout to tie the game at two.

In the bottom of the fourth, "Smart" Alec Barney got on base through a walk, and he scored on an error that let Cade Parker get on base.

Doubling on one one in the top of the fifth, Tigger Stetsen Madsen scored on a Ty "Ho-Ho" Synder sacrifice groundout to tie the game at three. A short time later, American Fork's infielders got distracted by Nick "Snail" Snell's attempt at stealing second. This allowed Tigger Coop "I Shall Return" MacArthur to steal home for a go-ahead run.

In the to of the seventh, Ty Bradner singled into left, and he stole home to improve the Tigger lead at 5-3. American Fork rallied back again in the game. Ken Weseman doubled in a run, and after the Tiggers had hit American Fork with a double play, Collins singled in Weseman to tie the game at five. American Fork could break the 5-5 tie.

When the seventh ended, the plate umpire told both teams' coaches that under Scout League rules, the contest had to be declared a stalemate.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Orem Tiggers 9-8 in Varsity League Thriller June 5
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher


The Awesome American Fork Cavemen outlasted the Orem Tigers, AKA the Tiggers, 9-8 in Varsity League action at American Fork June 5.

Although Awesome Caveman pitcher Cody Lindeman walked Tigger Paxton "Sergeant" Shultz in the top of the first, that hurler caused Fisker "Springer" Hermansen and Parker "Banger" Wallaston to ground out. Lindeman then struck out Brooks "Anvil" Ringer to retire the Tiggers to the field.

During the bottom of the first, Tua Ward hit a two-out single into left, and Spencer "Roony" Shelton doubled him in. The Awesome Cavemen's 1-0 lead didn't last past the second.

In the top of if, Tyson "Bouncer" Agla singled into right, and on one out, Jimbo "Tag" Kimmell doubled him in. Ty Bradner singled Kimmell to put the Tiggers ahead 2-1. With Orem loading the bases on no outs in the third, a Hunter "Old Kinderhook" Van Buren walk scored Shultz, who had hit a single to open the third. American Fork didn't let the Tiggers score any more runs after that -- until the seventh.

In the bottom of the fourth, Ward singled into left, and Shelton doubled him in to start a three-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. A Cade Worthen, one-run single kept the rally going strong.

Tripling in the fifth, Hayden "Crazy Horse" Wood came home on a Dillon Johnston triple to set off a four-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. In the sixth, Johnston whacked a one-run single to put American Fork ahead 9-3.

On one out in the seventh, Ringer tripled in Wallston and Shultz to open a five-run rally, which saw Agla smack a one-run double. American Fork shut the rally down before the Tiggers could tie the score.

AF Starts Utah Baseball Academy Preseason Tournament With Win Over SF Dons June 6By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher
The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under team posted a 3-2 win over the Spanish Fork Dons, the Gaytowners because of their town being such a happy place live, at Spanish Fork June 6, the opening day of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason tournament.

The game opened with Buster "Bunny" Hardman getting on base through a walk. The Awesome Caveman soon stole home. His team made strong efforts at extending its 1-0 lead in the second inning, which saw Awesome Cavemen Jace Ybarra and Dillon Johnston each slug a single. 
Aided by a second-inning double play turned up by Tanner Argyle, Spanish Fork pitcher Riley Daniels held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless until the top of the fifth, despite Trell Morse slugging a fourth-inning single for American Fork.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the second, Don Logan Rudd got on base through an error at first. A Bridger Baum sacrifice groundout scored Rudd. The Dons then pulled 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth when Bradford singled in Daniels.
In the top of the fifth, Daniels walked Dillon Johnston, who advanced to third on a Weston Flinders, bunted single. A Hayden Wood sacrifice groundout out scored Johnston, and Buster "Bunny" Hardman singled in Flinders to end the game's scoring.