Cavemen-Vikings

Timp Sports Weekly
June 22, 2009

Publisher's Message

The two main subjects for this week's issue are the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings and the American Fork Cavemen. Four stories will look at how both groups fared in summertime baseball last week. The Vikings did well while the Cavemen had dropped into a slump. Let's get to those stories. There is also an essay on how news stories can be completely personal to someone when they involve people he knows.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Ferocious PG Vikings' 16-Under Baseball Team Skin Woodscross Wild Kittens 23-0
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In its last away game for the regular season, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' 16-under team went up to Davis County July 18 and posted a 23-0 win during a Utah Baseball Academy League action on the diamond of the Woodcross Wildcats, AKA the Wild Kittens.

Taking a 9-0 lead into the fourth inning, the Vikings delivered the knockout punch when they went on a 14-run rally, which caused Woodscross to go through three pitchers. During the rally, Riley Erickson and Zach Hicken hit a two-run triple.

When the Wildcats finally took their turn at bat during the bottom of the fourth, they lasted only four batters as reliever Jesse De St. Jour posted three straight strikeouts after walking the first Wildcat pitted against him in the inning.

In the fifth, Woodcross didn't let any Vikings get on base. The bottom of the fifth saw Jake Kocherans single off reliever Drew Velez. Kocherans posted two singles for the day, but his going 2-3 at the plate couldn't bring the Wildcats much consolation.

Pleasant Grove's leadoff batter, Ryland Peterson, scored the morning's first run in the top of the first. The next inning, Broc Starr homered in three runs to spark a six-run rally for the Vikings. They picked up another two runs in the third.

While Peterson and Payton Peters each slugged two singles for the Vikings, Jordan King and Tyler Harmon both contributed a double to the winning case.

Pleasant Grove Coach Bob King said, "We threw three pitchers today. We had Tyler Harmon throw the firs three innings. De St. Jour threw in the fourth, and Velez was our closer. We play Alta at home this Tuesday for our last league game. We will then play in the state tournament."

Ferocious Vikes Belt AF Cavebatters 7-3 in July 13 Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In July 13 game for the Utah Baseball Academy League's 17-under division, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings won 7-3 at home over the American Fork Cavemen.

The game opened with Viking right fielder Bo Caldwell picking off a Tyler Flinders fly ball. As second baseman Tyler Whitley and third baseman Broc Starr grounded out Jeremy Reynolds and Jake Blackhurst respectively, Pleasant Grove looked as though it was strongly determined to avenge the recent 4-0 loss that the Cavemen had served to them.

With Caveman right fielder Morgan "Mo" Flinders catching a Caldwell fly ball in the bottom of the first, American Fork proceeded to have the inning end in a scoreless deadlocked. Throws from second baseman Kai Clayton and third baseman Reynolds grounded out Ryland Peterson and Calder Bonnett, delaying the Vikings from scoring first.

On two outs in the top of the second, Caveman Colton "Fig" Whatcott singled off pitcher Mitch Dahl. The Caveman then tried stealing second, but catcher Peterson's throw to Whitley put Whatcott out.

The bottom of the second opened with Broc Starr tripling into center. Steven Rockhill tripled him in, then came home on a passed ball. Despite giving up a one-out double to Dahl, pitcher Taylor Tonks struck Terry Cardon and Drew Velez, keeping the Viking lead stuck at 2-0.

After the third inning had opened with Dahl striking out Kyle Wright and Nick Searle, Mo Flinders got on base through an error, Scotty Andrus, actress Ursula Andrus' "distant cousin," singled Flinders in. Tyler Flinders soon got on base through an error. Whitely kept it from doing any damage, for he grounded out Reynolds, retiring the Cavemen to the field.

For the bottom of the third, Rhett Rickanbach and Caldwell each singled off Tonks. On one out, Bonnett singled both Vikings in. With Starr singling in Bonnett, the Vikings were well on their way to having the game end early. The Cavemen didn't let the Viking rally last long. Mo Flinders picked off a Rockhill fly ball, and Tonks struck out Dahl to end the inning.

At the start of the fourth, Blackhurst singled into center, and a Tonks double moved him to third. Blackhurst came home on a passed ball, and Zach Robinson's sacrifice groundout scored Tonks. Dahl didn't permit any more American Fork runs after the fourth, even though he did give up a seventh-inning single to Tonks.

Hit by Peterson in the bottom of the fifth, a center-field double quickly resulted in Pleasant Grove loading the bases on one out. After reliever Wright had struck out Sefa Tonai, a Dahl walk scored Peterson. The reliever retaliated by striking out Cardon.

On one out in the sixth's lower half, Caldwell singled into left, and a Peterson sacrifice fly scored him for the last Viking run for the night.

American Fork Corey Clayton said, "I thought we hit the ball pretty good. We had a couple of bunts that helped produce runs for us. Our pitchers did pretty good. The difference was that they had hit four more balls into gaps than we did."

Timpanogos T-Pups Hand AF Cavebatters Biting Loss in July 14 Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Scout League action at American Fork July 14, the Timpanogos Timberwolves, AKA the T-Pups, defeated the American Fork Cavemen 10-4.

Save for the bottom of the first, the T-Pups led the entire game as they pounded out eight hits against American Fork. Colton Edmunds produced the first Timpanogos hit when he singled in Tanner Perkins in the top of the first. On one out, a Hayden Wynn single loaded the bases. Pitcher Danny Bettis picked off Targan Herrod at second, then struck out Joe Didine to prevent a T-Pup rally in the inning.

In the bottom of the first, pitcher Edmunds walked leadoff hitter Kyle Russett. With B.J. Eldredge's single narrowly flying over the Timpanogos second baseman's glove, the Cavemen proceeded to take over the lead. Bettis singled in Russett and Eldredge. Timpanogos got even by turning up a double play. The Cavemen's 2-1 lead couldn't survive the second inning.

On one out in the top of the second, Austin "Bubba" Murray doubled Derrick Lamoreaux and Tanner. After the T-Pups had loaded the bases, Murray came home on a Herrod single.

Edmunds held American Fork scoreless from the second to the fifth. This allowed Timpanogos to build up a wide lead. On two outs in the fourth, a Perkins double moved Greer to third. Soon, Greer and Perkins each came home on a passed ball.

In the fifth's top half, Didine scored on an error, touching off a four-run rally. During it, Greer singled in two runs, and Lamoreaux came home on a passed ball.

American Fork came close to getting a rally going in the bottom of the fifth. As soon as the Cavemen had loaded the bases on one out that inning, a McKay Lewis sacrifice bunt scored Tyson Heaps. The chance for a rally collapsed when Edmunds picked off Bubba Tizinga at third.

Doubling into left in the top of the sixth, Wynn soon scored on an American Fork error at second. In the bottom of the sixth, Blake Brailsford singled in Eldredge, but Edmunds quickly shut the Cavemen down for the night.

Salem Hills Skyhawks Defeat AF Cavebatters 11-4 in July 16 Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly

AKA the Sky Tweeties, the Salem Hills Skyhawks defeated the American Fork Cavemen 11-4 in Scout League action in Salem July 16.

American Fork turned out to be its own worst enemy in the game, for in the bottom of the sixth, Caveman Coach Ralph Holding Sr. got into an argument with the plate umpire over the official's calling Nick Obray safe at home. The quarrel soon led to the umpire declaring the game over. Until then, American Fork did have a chance for rallying back into the game.

It opened with B.J. Eldredge singling into right. Blake Brailsford tripled him in, then came home on a Danny Bettis single.

Doubling into left during the bottom of the first, Josh Whitting soon scored on an error. Pitcher Bettis didn't let the Skyhawks make a tying run that inning.

Opening the second inning with a single, Austin Tidwell soon got picked off at second for a third out. The pickoff play enabled the Skyhawks to take over the game in the bottom of the inning. Singling into left, Sweeny soon scored the tying run on a passed ball. A balk called against Bettis permitted C.C. Christensen to come home for a go-ahead run.

The Cavemen regained the lead in the third. After Bubba Tizinga had singled on two outs, Brailsford doubled him in to tie the game at three. Bettis hit a one-run double to put the Cavemen ahead 4-3.

American Fork kept its lead intact until the bottom of the fourth when Ty Houghton's one-run single ignited a four-run rally for the Skyhawks. The rally climaxed with Christensen doubling in two runs.

In the bottom of the sixth, Kirk Haney scored on an error that sparked the three-run rally for Salem Hills. Had Holding's game-ending argument with the plate umpire not occurred, American Fork might have had a chance for rallying from behind in the seventh. Whether the Cavemen would be able to do that is something that will never be known.

Publisher's Column
News Story Becomes Personal When It Involves Folks Someone Knows
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Before leaving to go cover a July 11 baseball game between the Lone Peak Knights, AKA Loners, and the Riverton Silverwolves, alias Silverpups, I saw in the Salt Lake Tribune a story about now former Lone Peak Seminary Principal Mike Pratt getting arrested for allegedly having an affair with a teenage girl. While I couldn't help but think how tragic it was, I never could imagine how it would impact me a few hours later.

After the Knights had come from behind to beat the Silverpups 11-10, I commenced walking back towards American Fork. Before I entered American Fork's corporate limits, a former Pleasant Grove Viking soccer player picked me up to take me the rest of the way to the UTA bus stop at Smith's.

At first, we shared information on what we were doing nowadays. I did not bring up the matter about the scandal Pratt had become involved in. However, the former Viking soccer player brought the subject up out of the blue. He told me that a younger sister of his was Pratt's alleged mistress. The young man proceeded to tell me of how the scandal finally came to light.

He said that for months his parents had suspected the affair had been going on. However, the girl's mother and father couldn't obtain any proof to confirm their suspicions.

"Yesterday, she finally admitted to us that the affair was going on," the young man told me.

"I am sorry to hear that," I said. "When this thing gets over, your sister is going to be needing a lot of counseling."

"True. This whole sorry deal is affecting, not only our family, but also Brother Pratt's. His wife and kids are going to catch a lot of heat, because of this. I feel sorry for the Pratts. I would hate to see Brother Pratt going to jail over this, but his fate is not for me to determine.

"There have already been lots of things said on the Internet about this. Bloggers are either coming down on the side of Brother Pratt or my sister. I do wish total strangers would keep their noses out of this. It's none of their business."

I quietly agreed with the young man that no total strangers should make any comments about it. I am still not going to come down either on the side of the girl or the ex-seminary principal. All I am going to say about it is that it has left two families affected permanently, and it has made clear to me that a news story involving personal acquaintances of mine is completely different than from one about folks who are complete strangers to me.

Baseball Rivalries

Timp Sports Weekly
July 14, 2009

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at big rivalries in summertime baseball. The stories touching on this time includes ones about a double header that the American Fork Cavemen played at Spanish Fork, the last three rounds of the AF-PG Colt League playoffs, a Lone Peak-Pleasant Grove varsity showdown, and a thrilling Lone Peak win over the the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA Silverpups. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

SF Dons Sweep American Fork July 6 Doubleheader
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

For the Spanish Fork Dons had a gay old time on the night of July 6 as they defeated the American Fork Cavemen 10-0 and 10-1 in a Utah Baseball Academy League doubleheader played at Spanish Fork.

The doubleheader was one of several two-game affairs that the UBAL had scheduled for 17-under division play on July 6.

Posting six strikeouts in the first game, Spanish Fork pitcher Hayden Nielsen gave up only two hits. The Dons, on the other hand, cranked out 10 hits, which included six singles, three doubles, and a solo home run.

The game opened with Nielsen striking out Jake Blackhurst. The next batter, Ryan Draper singled into right. Before American Fork profit from Draper's hit, shortstop Matt Nelson turned up a double play. American Fork would not have another hit until the fourth's top half when Blackhurst shot a single into right.

In the bottom of the first, second baseman Zach Robinson grounded out leadoff batter Nelson. Dons Jarrett Jarvis and Kaden Porter retaliated by each slugging a single off pitcher Jeremy Reynolds. Porter's first-inning single scored Jarvis.

Even though Don Andy Perkins doubled off Reynolds in the bottom of the second, shortstop Kai Clayton turned up a double play that kept Spanish Fork's lead stuck at 1-0 that inning.

The third's bottom half opened with left fielder Nick Searle intercepting a Taylor Nelson fly ball. Jim Lengal singled off Reynolds, but a throw from catcher Derek Durfey put the Don out at second. Hitting an infield single, Matt Nelson gave the Dons golden chance to stretch their lead. Jarvis homered Nelson in, setting the stage for American Fork's doom the next inning. Right after the home run, Dallas Smith singled into left. Searle picked off a Porter fly ball to retire the Dons to the field.

With American Fork unable to get anywhere with Blackhurst's single, the Dons proceeded to destroy the Cavemen in the bottom of the fourth. It opened with Don Trevor Reynolds doubling off reliever Clayton. The Spanish Fork player soon stole home. A short time later, Hayden Nelson hit a one-run single that ignited a seven-run rally. During it, Matt Nelson and Smith each singled in two runs. Porter hit a one-run double that caused the game to be called in the fifth.

The second game opened with Blackhurst singling into right. Draper's sacrifice groundout permitted Blackhurst to score a run. It turned out to be the only run that the Cavemen could make in the game.

On out in the bottom of the inning, Jarrett tripled into center, then stole home. The next inning, Porter hit a solo home run over the center field fence. In the fourth. Lengal's two-run single put the game away for Spanish Fork.


Lehi Red Sox Flood Away AF Cardinals in AF-PG Colt League Playoff Action July 7
By Dean Von Memmott
Sports Correspondent

The Lehi Red Sox had much to croak about July 7 as they washed away the American Fork Cardinals 9-5 in American Fork-Pleasant Grove League playoff action at American Fork's Rotary Park.

Lehi Coach Troy Street said, "Our guys did hit the ball really good. I wasn't impressed with our defense, though, we made some errors. Our offensive effort was what won us the game tonight."

In the top of the first, American Fork pitcher Devyn Anderson had trouble with keeping the Red Sox in check. The pitcher let Lehi row ahead 2-0 through giving up singles to Tyson Bringhurst, Levi Steet, Brady Page, Colton Fraughton, and Jake Miller. Anderson's fielders managed to shut Lehi down briefly through grounding out Cash Stewart and Jeremy Holland.

American Fork didn't let the first inning end with Lehi still ahead. In the bottom of the first, leadoff Cardinal hitter C.J. Miller singled into left, and he moved his way around to third. Singling into left on two outs, Taison Smith soon stole second while Miller sneak into home plate. Tyler Romney singled Smith in for the tying run.

Despite a single from Miller in the second, the game stayed tied at 2-2 until the top of the third. As soon as Page had smashed a one-out triple into left, Fraughton homered him in. Lehi held American Fork scoreless in the third, fourth, and fifth. The Red Sox's defensive effort permitted them to build upon their advantage. In the fourth, Lehi loaded the bases on two outs, and Jaden Webb stole home, touching off a brief three-run rally, generated by walks and two errors.

Singling in the top of the fifth, Stewart came home on a passed ball right after Mitch Jensen had struck out.

Hitting a one-out double off reliever Skyler Davis in the top of the sixth, Street scored the last Lehi run on an error at third.

In the bottom of the sixth, American Fork attempted to make a comeback. On one out, Miller homered in Davis and Isaac Jones. Page took over the mound right afterwards and shut the Cardinals down for the rest of the game.

Though the loss eliminated the Cardinals from the tournament, they were not done for the summer. Also, American Leagion team, they would continue playing for the rest of this month. As for, the Red Sox went on to play the Lehi Pirate for the right to challenge the American Fork Cubs for the AF-PG Colt League championship.

Lehi Red Sox Sink Lehi Pirates 13-6 In AF-PG Colt League Playoffs July 8
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

By sinking the Lehi Pirates 13-6 in the July 8 game of the American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League playoffs, the Lehi Red Sox won the right to play the American Fork Cubs for the league championship July 9.

Neither of the two Lehi teams could score during the game's first 1 1/2 innings. In fact, during the first inning, neither the Pirates nor the Red Sox could put any runners on base. During the bottom of the second, though, a Cash Stewart, center-field double quickly resulted in the Red Sox loading the gases on two outs. With a Matt Gowens walk scoring Stewart, the Red Sox went on a four-run rally, highlighted by Gowens and Matt Kirkham coming home on an error.

In top of the third, the Pirates loaded the bases on two outs. Zach Fenton scored the first Pirate run on a passed ball. Pitcher Brady Page didn't let the Pirates make any more runs that inning.
During the bottom of it, Page hit a two-run double to spark another four-run rally for the Red Sox. Colton Fraughton singled in another two runs to leave the Red Sox with an 8-1 advantage at the end of the inning.

With Fenton's two-out single loading the bases in the top of the fourth, the Pirates went on a scoring run, triggered by Kenny Peters' coming home on a passed ball. Nick Johnson hit a three-run in-the-park homer, putting the Pirates within 8-4. Bosten Page smacked a center-field double, and he stole home for what turned out to be the Pirates' last run.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jaden Webb's three-run homer opened a five-run rally for the Red Sox. That rally put the game away for the Red Sox.

AF Cubs Edge Past Lehi Red Sox 11-10 To Win AF-PG Colt League Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at American Fork's Rotary Park July 9, the American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League championship game was not for a state pennant. Nevertheless, it still showed all the excitement found in close state high school baseball championship games.

For one thing, it featured the American Fork Cubs and Lehi Red Sox, whose high schools have been longtime rivals. As if they were playing as American Fork Cavemen and Lehi Pioneers, both teams showed an intensity that kept the game's storyline unpredictable until the final pitch in the seventh inning. It ended with American Fork winning 11-10 over Lehi.

American Fork Coach Clark Taylor said, "We came in and hit the ball very well. We played really good defense. We went undefeated through the tournament. Jim Davis pitched his best game tonight. He doesn't put very many people on base, and he has a good solid backup from his fielders. Tonight leaves with a second straight Colt League championship."

For Davis, the July 9 game was in so many words a realization of his dream of throwing in a championship game. He had aspired to play in this year's state 5-A baseball tournament, but the American Fork Cavemen couldn't win their region's third seed for post-season play. So as a graduating senior, he had to settle for a chance to pitch in the AF-PG Colt League championship game. Throwing all seven innings in that contest, he posted four strikeouts.

The game opened with Lehi's Tyson Bringhurst singling off Davis. A Brady Page sacrifice groundout scored Bringhurst. Singling into left, Colton Fraughton scored the next Lehi run on an error. Lehi's 2-0 lead couldn't survive the first inning.

Known only as Aki, American Fork's leadoff batter, smacked a left-fielder double, and he soon zipped to third. Kaden McMurtrey singled him in. After Caden Taylor's sacrifice fly had scored McMurtrey, Davis doubled in two runs to put American Fork ahead 4-2.

With Davis striking out of the three batters that Lehi sent against him in the second, the Red Sox couldn't put anyone on base that inning. On one out, Aki hit another left-field double, and he scored on an error at first. After McMurtrey had hit a two-out single, pitcher Bringhurst struck out Taylor to shut American Fork down.

In the third, Lehi pulled within 5-4 through one-run doubles hit by Brady Page and Colton Fraughton. On two outs in the bottom of the third, Ryan Hudson singled into left, then stole second. He attempted to advance to third on a Taylor Tonks single, but beat it back to second the moment the Red Sox had cut off his path. The Lehi defense kept Hudson and Tonks stuck on base.

On two outs the next inning, Garrett Kirkham singled in Jaden Webb and Jeremy Holland to put Lehi ahead 6-5. Second baseman Taylor picked off a Wade McAllister fly ball to keep Lehi from improving upon its lead.

Aki singled in the bottom of the fourth, only to get picked off at at. The pickoff didn't stop a Logan Whittaker single from moving Kyler Houston into scoring position. Taylor singled Houston in to tie the game at six. Lehi kept American Fork from breaking the 6-6 tie, though.

Capitalizing on a fifth-inning, American Fork error at first, Fraughton doubled Page in, and then came home via a McAllister single. Lehi couldn't build upon its 8-6 lead. With Cub Braden Schneider hitting a baseline single to third during the start of the fifth's lower half, the momentum tipped back to American Fork's favor. On one out, Taylor singled into left, and he followed Schneider home during a passed ball, tying the game at eight. Hitting his third double for the night, Aki scored a tie-breaking run on a Lehi error. The Red Sox shut American Fork down briefly soon afterwards.

Despite a one-out, Webb single in the top of the sixth, American Fork quickly dried up Lehi's chance to catch up that inning. Relieving Bringhurst in the bottom of the sixth, Wade McAllister got didn't let any Cubs make any hits, because shortstop Fraughton grounding out two straight American Forkers.

In the seventh, Bringhurst and Levi Street each singled into left field. With Davis striking out Page and right fielder Schneider catching a Fraughton fly ball, Lehi appeared done for. That prospect grew stronger as McAllister drew a 3-2 count. Suddenly, the batter whacked a two-run double that tipped Lehi back out in front 10-9. First baseman Tonks' catch of a Josh Miller pop fly didn't bring the Cubs much comfort. They had to battle to maintain their composure in face of a pumped-up Lehi defense.

The bottom of the seventh opened with Schneider singling into center. After McAllister had walked Hudson, the momentum swung back to the Cubs' favor. Tonks doubled in Schneider to tie the game at 10. In response, McAllister struck out Jake Miller, but quickly found himself against Aki, who had so far been batting .1000 for the night. McAllister posted a 1-1 count against the batter. Suddenly on the third pitch, Aki singled Hudson in for the winning run!

Even though the win went down as another golden moment for American Fork, it left Lehi hungry for another chance to take on its arch rival another day.

Lone Peak Knights Take Down Ferocious PG Vikings 7-5 in UBAL Game July 10
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Alias the Loners, the Lone Peak Knights produced a 7-5 win at home against the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings during Utah Baseball Academy League action at Lone Peak July 10.

Even though Lone Peak did take a 4-0 lead in the first two innings, the contest turned out to be a tight one as the two teams showed much intensity through the passage the night.

A 17-under division game for the UBAL, the showdown opened with Knight pitcher Bradyen Matheson striking out Jesse De St. Jour and Jordan Estaban. Soon after Court Iorg had grounded out, Lone Peak proceeded to build its 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the first, Matt Oakman doubled into center, and he soon scored on Travis Thomas' sacrifice groundout.

In the bottom of the next inning, Keeann Norman scored on a Tyson Harris sacrifice fly to start a three-run rally for Lone Peak.

The third opened with Steve Rockhill hitting an infield single for the first Viking hit of the game. Tonai Sefa singled Rockhill in, and Rhett Rickanbach stole home to put Pleasant Grove within 4-2.

By holding the Knights scoreless in the bottom of the third, the Vikings proceeded to catch up with them in the top of the fourth. On one fourth-inning out, Brock Starr hit a left-field double that resulted in the Vikings' loading the bases. Rockhill smashed a two-run single that tied the game at four, but he got put out at second, costing Pleasant Grove the momentum it needed so disparately.

In the bottom of the fourth, Harris singled in Ryan "Mac" McPherson to start a three-run rally for Lone Peak. Singles from Oakman and Jed Goeckeritz enabled Lone Peak to load the base, and Matheson batted in two runs. Soon though, third baseman Starr turned up a double play that shut down the rally.

Even though Sefa slugged a single in the fifth, the Vikings couldn't bounce back that inning. Still, through reliever Jake Barnhardt's pitching, they did not let any Knights get on base in the fifth's bottom half.

On one out in the sixth, Starr doubled in Kyler Harmon, but the Knights kept him stuck on base. Matheson didn't let Pleasant Grove make any more runs in the game.

On two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Oakman singled into center, permitting the Knights to load the bases. However, first baseman Sefa snatched a Thomas pop fly, averting a rally.

Pleasant Grove Coach Tyler Eastman said, "We played really good defense, and we made only one error. We put some young kids, so they could get a feel of playing varsity. They're going to be sophomores this year. We had two of them pitch. We made six hits, and they [Lone Peak] made six hits. We just didn't hit the ball like we usually would do."

Knight 16-U Division Team Survive Close UBAL Game Against Riverton Silverpups July 11
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Nicknamed the Loners by their arch rivals, the American Fork Cavemen, the Lone Peak Knights came out with a 9-8 win at home during Utah Baseball Academy League action July 11 against the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA the Silverpups.

With both teams battling for high seeding in the UBAL's 16-under division's post-season tournament, the July 11 contest saw three switches in the lead.

Riverton secured the first lead when Scotty Bottom singled in Brayden Crook in the top of the first. Pitcher Tanner Jensen didn't let the Silverpups make any more runs that inning.

After Riverton had grounded out Carson Kelshaw and Hunter Trowbridge in the bottom of the first, Micah Hannemann singled into left, then advanced into scoring position via a Jensen single. Hannemann stole home to cause the inning to end in a 1-1 tie.

Jensen didn't let Riverton get anywhere with B.J. Newman's left-field single in the top of the second, and that Silverwolf ended up getting stuck at second.

During the bottom of the second, one-run singles from Ryan Morin and Dave Matthews tipped the Knights ahead 3-1. In the third, Cam Gust's one-run single clipped the lead to 3-2. Riverton responded by slugging Lone Peak with a double play that ended the inning.

Despite producing an error in the fourth, the Knights produced a double play that prevented the Silverwolves from capitalizing on a Dalton Newbold single. In the fourth's lower half, another Riverton double play reminded Lone Peak that it still had a long way to go to tame the Silverpups.

With a Bottom single resulting in Riverton loading the bases on one out in the fifth, Lone Peak soon lost the lead. Brayden Larson doubled in two runs to put Riverton ahead 4-3. The Silverwolves soon scored a third fifth-inning run on a Newman sacrifice groundout.

Lone Peak produced a four-run rally of its own in the bottom of the fifth. Singles from Nate Orurmette and Carson Kelshaw permitted the Knights to load the bases on one out. Micah Hannemann singled in two runs to tie the game at five. Jensen singled in a tie-breaking run, and Hannemann stole home on two outs.

The Knights maintained their 7-5 lead until the seventh. The inning opened with Ourmette playing relief pitcher. However, as soon as Larson had hit a one-run double off him, Ourmette got replaced on the mound by Miah Van Dyke, no relation to Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke. The pitching change didn't stop Crook from hitting a two-run single which put the Silverwolves ahead 8-7. Only after Brody Nokes had popped out to a Lone Peak shortstop did the Riverton rally finally collapse.

Trowbridge's one-out single enabled the Knights to load the bases in bottom of the inning. A Cody Harris walk brought Trowbridge in for the tying run. Van Dyke's right-field sacrifice fly scored Hannemann for the winning run.

Lehi-Timpanogos Baseball Showdown

Timp Sports Weekly
July 7, 2009

Publisher's Message

For this issue's cover story, we look at a tight summer baseball game between the Lehi Pioneers and the Timpanogos Timberwolves, AKA the T-Pups. We also look at a reminder about small schools being able to hold their own against 5-A baseball teams, a battle for survival in the American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League playoffs, and an American Legion doubleheader that showed showed the impressive firepower of the Grantsville Cowboys . Let us get to those accounts.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Lehi Hops Home With 8-7 Win Over T-Pups in Varsity League Baseball Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Under a new head coach, the Lehi Pioneers rowed home with a 8-7 win that they had posted on the Orem-based diamond of the Timpanogos Timberwolves, AKA the T-Pups, July 1.

Recently appointed to coach the Lehi baseball program, Jason Flinders said, "We put the ball in play a lot, and they posted only two strikeouts against us. When we draw that many K's, we're bound to be able to win against a team like Timpanogos. Also, our pitching was really good tonight."

Pitching for the first six innings, Pioneer Bronson Anderson stuck out eight T-Pups. Taking over at the mound in the bottom of the seventh, Lehi reliever Kaidyn Longman struck out three straight Timpanogos batters to put the game away for the Pioneers.

Lehi got on the board first. During the top of the opening inning, Timpanogos pitcher Jensen Nelson walked leadoff batter T.J. Russon. After Palmer Page had grounded out, Anderson singled Russon in, then moved to third on a Rem Worthen double. Trevor Jeppson singled Anderson and Worthen.

The bottom of the first opened with Colton Laird hitting a left-field double off Anderson. After shortstop Page had grounded out Kendall Cloward, J.D. Ashman homered Laird in. Before the T-Pups could tie the game, second baseman Longman snatched a Nelson line fly, and Anderson stuck out Davey McAllister.

The pitching duel between Anderson and Nelson kept the score stuck at 3-2 until the top of the third until a Jeppson sacrifice fly had scored Anderson.

With Lehi unable to put any players on base during the fourth, Timpanogos finally caught up with the Pioneers in the bottom of the inning. Getting on base through an infield error in the fourth, Ashman came home on a McAllister double. Jason Fullmer doubled McAllister in to tie the game at four.

In the fifth, Lehi managed to load the bases on two outs, but the Timberwolves grounded out Tyson Bringhurst to retire the Pioneers to the field before they could stroke ahead again. With Anderson striking out two T-Pups in the bottom of the fifth, third baseman Jeppson grounded out Joe Dilldine to keep Timpanogos from pulling ahead.

Lehi finally regained the lead in the top of the sixth. On two outs that inning, Page doubled in Andy Paul and Russon to give Lehi a 6-4 lead. Page attempted to score a run himself, but he got forced out at home.

Timpanogos undid Page's handiwork in the bottom of the sixth. During its lower half, Nelson singled in a run, and on two outs, McAllister tripled in two fellow T-Pups to put Timpanogos ahead 7-6.

The seventh opened with Rem Worthen hitting a solo homer to tie the game at seven. The next batter, Jeppson smacked an infield single, and Bringhurst singled him in for what turned out to be the winning run.

Juan Diego Soaring Eagles Bomb AF 10-0 in 17-Under Division Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Although a 3-A team, the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles swooped into American Fork June 29 and bombed the American Fork Cavemen 10-0 during a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy.

Don't ever expect American Fork Coach Jarod Ingersoll ever to say anything positive about the June 29 game. It was to him what Little Bighorn was to Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer: a debacle.

After American Fork pitcher Kyle Wright had held Juan Diego scoreless in the first inning, the game proceeded to go downhill for the Cavemen when leadoff hitter Jeremy Reynolds got picked off at first after he had singled on off pitcher Udell Kata. The pitcher struck out Ryan Draper and Ty Flinders to set the stage for Juan Diego's takeover of the game.

AKA the Vicious Tweeties, the Soaring Eagles went on a scoring rally in the second inning. On two outs, Mark "Don't Call Me Freddie" Kruger tripled in Corby Quintana to begin a six-run rally, which saw Kody Davis bash a three-run triple.

With the Cavemen holding Juan Diego scoreless in the third, they attempted to stage a comeback on Zach Robinson's left-field single. However, Derek Durfey hit into a double play.

In the top of the fourth, Joe Kirch singled in a run, then scored a run himself. Luke West hit a two-out, two-run triple to put the score at 10-0. American Fork didn't let Juan Diego score any more runs in the seven-inning contest, because of efforts like shortstop Flinders' seventh-inning double play.

A Colton Whatcott single moved Morgan "Mo" Flinders into scoring position during the bottom of the fourth, but the Cavemen couldn't bring in any runs. Kata kept them scoreless for the entire game as threw a three-hitter against them.

AF Dodgers Outlast PG Angels in Colt League Playoff Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a one-loss bracket game at American Fork's Rotary Park June 30, the American Fork Dodgers outlasted the Pleasant Grove Angels 5-4 to stay alive in the AF-PG Colt League playoffs.

Angel pitchers Riley Smith and Johnny Burtonheld American Fork scoreless for fourof the game's five innings. Nevertheless, the third inning was still when the Dodgers delivered the fatal blow to the Angels.

In the bottom of the first, Angel Tanner Johnson singled in Zach Williams. American Fork pitcher Cam Waite didn't let the Angels make any more runs until the bottom of the third.

In the top of that inning, the Dodgers loaded the bases on no outs. After a Camo Buck walk had scored a run, Waite hit a three-run triple, then came home on a passed ball. Replacing Smith had the mound, Burton struck out Austin Pritchet.

Walked by Waite in the bottom of the third, Josh Aroyko came home on a passed ball. The next inning, he tripled in two runs on two outs, but American Fork confined him to pass.

Waite posted nine strikeouts during the course of the night.

Grantsville Hogties AF Cardinals In Both Ends American Legion Doubleheader
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Goat Ropers, the Grantsville Cowboys hogtied the American Fork Cardinals in both ends of an American Legion doubleheaders played at American Fork's Rotary Park July 2. Stacked with big guns, Grantsville won by scores of 10-9 and 12-8.

In the first game's opening inning, American Fork and Grantsville battled to a 1-1 tie. The Cowboys trotted ahead 5-1 during the next 2 1/2 innings. Grantville demonstrated its immense firepower in the top of the fourth when Taylor Matthews blasted the inning open with a right-field double. It paved the way for a three-run rally that the Cowboys staged in the fourth.

The Cardinals battled their way back into the game, though, through staging a four-run rally in the bottom of the fourth. Taison Smith opened the rally by singling in Mat "Lugnut" Ludlow. As soon as American Fork had loaded the bases on two outs, Regan Grossgebauer hit a three-run double to tie the game at five.

Grantsville almost broke the 5-5 tie when Lincoln "Bulls Eye" Kelley fired a two-out triple into right. American Fork Devyn Anderson grounded out Kelby Fisher before Kelley could come home.

Hitting a one-out single in the bottom of the fifth, Isaac Jones came home on a Devyn Anderson triple, which opened a four-run rally for the Cardinals. While Tyler Romney and and Ludlow each singled in a fifth-inning run, Smith highlighted the rally by whacking a one-run double.

The Cardinals' 9-5 lead quickly proved to be not a thick enough cushion to keep the Cowboys from catching up with them. As soon as the Cowboys had loaded the bases on one out in the sixth, Andy Nelson hit an in-the-park grand slam that tied the game at nine. Anderson walked the two next batters, and Kelby Fisher hit a tie-breaking one-run single. Despite a single from Grossgebauer in the bottom of the sixth, the Cowboys contained the Cardinals.

Grantsville attempted to generate insurance runs from Bridger Boman's one-out double in the seventh, but Kurt Fonger hit into a double play. Grantsville belted American Fork with a double play in the seventh, and pitcher Nelson struck out Jordan "Salty" Saltmarsh to end the game.

In the second game, American Fork didn't let the Cowboys go anywhere with leadoff batter Tyson Hutchins' first-inning single. Kort Fonger and Nelson both struck out while Cowboy Jake Campbell grounded out.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Ludlow hit a solo homer off pitrcher Jeff Hunt. Although Saltmarsh contributed a single right afterwards, Grantsville kept American Fork's lead stuck at 1-0 during the inning.

The next inning, Kelley tripled in Matthews, then came home on a Dalen Erickson single to put the Cowboys ahead 2-1. The Cardinals regained the lead before the end of the second. In its bottom half, singles from Jim Davis and Matt Finn moved Tyler Roberts to third. Skylar Davis singled Roberts in, and Jim Davis soon stole home to put American Fork back ahead 3-2.

Hunt held American Fork scoreless during the next three innings. Hunt's work gave the Cowboys the momentum they needed to establish domination in the game. In the third, Campbell doubled in Nelson, then came home on a Fisher single to put Grantsville ahead 4-3.

After Fonger had stolen home in the fourth, Matthews whacked a two-run single that American Fork had trouble recovering from. In the fifth, Fonger and Nelson each singled in a run, giving the impression that the game could be over by the sixth. After Hutchins had hit a two-run single to put the score at 12-3 in the sixth, the Cardinal defense shut Grantsville down.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jim Davis singled in Romney, only to get put out at second. The putout kept the Cardinals from staging a rally. American Fork went on a scoring spree in the bottom of the final inning, though. After the Cardinals had prevented the Cowboys from profitting from Drew Sutton's seventh-inning single, Saltmarsh doubled in Finn and Skylar Davis. On two outs, Smith homered in Saltmarsh, but Hunt got even by stiking out Romney to end the game.

Pony League Championship Game

Timp Sports Weekly
June 30, 2009

Publisher's Message

Our cover story this week regards a team's regaining the American Fork Pony League crown after a two-year absence. That achievement proved to be no small feat, because of great opposition which the squad had encountered from a pitcher having the great potential of shining in high school sports in the near future. This issue's other stories cover a close Colt League game, three American Fork High summer varsity duels, and a big win for the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' 16-under division team. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Pirates Overcome Difficult Twin Pitcher to Regain American Fork Pony League Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

After having endured two summers of frustration, the American Fork Pirates once more own the American Fork Pony League championship pennant. They had a devil of a time in regaining it during the June 23 championship game at Bus Manning Field. The Pirates had to come from behind to win 8-4 over the Twins, who were still on a high after having eliminated the Giants, the league's defending champs, in a June 18 playoff game.

Twin pitcher Trevan Hendry turned out to be the reason the Pirates had such difficulty with trying to regain their league's title. During the course of the night, Hendry struck out 13 batters. Furthermore, he prevented the Pirates from making any hits until the fourth inning. Hendry's handiwork permitted the Twins to build up a 4-1 lead in the first three innings.

"Going into this game, we knew he [Hendry] was going to be a good pitcher," admitted Pirate Brian "Bucket" Parker. "We just hung in there, and the hits finally starting occurring for us in the fourth. We chipped away, and our walks allowed us to get back into the game. We have finished either first or second in our league for the past seven or eight years."

Getting on base through a walk in the top of the first, Twin Sam Bateman soon scored on two Pirate errors. On two outs, Logan Baugh singled Andy Lowe in for the next Twin run. After giving up a single to Caleb Clark, Pirate pitcher Matt "Pulsinator" Pulsipher struck out Connor Thomas to shut the Twins down briefly.

Striking out Hendry at the start of the second, Pulsipher held the Twins scoreless that inning. Walked by Hendry in the bottom of the second, Cam "Bam Bam" Thomas soon scored the first Pirate run on a passed ball. After having also walked Joe "Ihop" Denney, Hendry struck out three straight Pirate batters to prevent the score from becoming tied at two.

In the top of the third, though, Twin Alex Fender singled off the Pirate pitcher and scored on a Connor Thomas sacrifice groundout. Hendry singled in Clark to improve the Twin lead at 4-1.

On two outs in the fourth, Fender doubled into center, and Baugh belted a left-field single, giving the impression that the Twins would soon go on a long rally. Pulispher didn't let it occur, though, for he struck out Clark. At that point, the game proceeded to go downhill for the Twins.

The fourth's lower half turned into a long frustrating spell for Hendry. After having shined in the first three innings, he gave up a one-run single to Pulsipher and walked Denney, Richie "Pauncho" Stetson, Eli "South Paw" Aubrey, and Brock "Kenny" Tanner. Hendry's posting three strikeouts that inning didn't matter to the Pirates, for they secured four runs that left them leading 5-4 at the end of the fourth.

At the start of the fifth, Connor Thomas got on base through an error. A Hendry single movedn Thomas to into scoring position. However, after Pirates had pinched Hendry in a fielder's choice play at second, Pulsipher picked Thomas off at third. Center fielder Aubrey's interception of a Jackson Flood fly ball smashed the Twins' best chance for regaining the lead.

With Pulsipher tripling in the bottom of the sixth, Aubrey singled him in to start a three-run rally. During it, Tanner singled in Aubrey, then came home on Keaton "Big Foot" Whitter's single. Catcher Bateman put out Whitter with a throw to second baseman Clark, and shortstop Lowe grounded out Cam "Bam Bam" Thomas for the final Pirate out for the night.

On one out in the top of the seventh, Connor Thomas belted a right-field single. The Twins couldn't capitalize on it, however. After Pulsipher had struck out Hendry, second baseman Colby "Foot Long" Walker grounded out Bateman to secure the win for the Pirates.

While Pirates did fulfill their dream of regaining the AFPL title, Hendry had still proved that night that he had a strong potential for becoming a prominent figure in Utah high school baseball during the next few years.

AF Cardinals Defeat AF White Sox 11-9 in AF-PG Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a first-round American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League playoff game at American Fork's Rotary Park June 25. the American Fork Cardinals defeated the American Fork White Sox 11-9.

Though the first inning's action determined the game's final outcome, the White Sox refused to throw in their gloves, even after experiencing the beating that the Cardinals had administered to them in the top of the round. The White Sox kept up with their comeback efforts.

After Cardinal C.J. Miller had scored on an error in the top of the first, Taison Smith hit a three-run homer that sparked the Cardinals' decisive rally. They picked up their next four runs on three passed balls and a Ty Romney single.

With White Sox Jory Bowers and Taylor Jensen each hitting a single in the bottom of the first, Jordan Rasmussen doubled them, and he came home on a passed ball to energize a five-run rally for his team.

It held the Cardinals scoreless in the second, and in the bottom of that inning, White Sox Josh Bezzant's one-run single moved John Atwood into scoring position. Atwood soon raced home during a passed ball, putting the White Sox within 8-7.

In the third's top half, Cardinal Regan Grossgebauer tripled in Matt "Huck" Finn, then came home on Jordan "Salty" Saltmarsh's sacrifice groundout. Grossgebauer's offensive efforts didn't snap the White Sox's morale, though.

On one out in the bottom of the third, Bowers singled into left, and a Rasmussen single brought him home. Jensen came home on a passed ball. Two straight White Sox struck out before their team could tie the game.

The fourth started with Matt Ludlow singling into left. He tried stealing second, but the White Sox tagged him at that base. Getting on base through a walk, Smith scored the final Cardinal run when he came home on a passed ball. The Cardinals put the game away in the bottom of the fourth when they decked the While Sox with a double play.

Park City Digs Out 3-2 Win Over AF Cavebatters In 9-Inning Thriller June 22
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Snow Bunnies, the Park City Miners dug out a 3-2 win on the American Fork Cavemen's home diamond during a nine-inning game for the Utah Baseball Academy League's 17-under division June 22.

Park City pitcher Dave Feasler held the Cavemen scoreless during the first four innings, and he kept them from making any hits until the bottom of the fourth. That inning a Tyler Flinders single led to the Cavemen loading the bases on one out. Feasler kept American Fork from going on a rally, though.

Feasler's work couldn't permit the Miners to coast past American Fork with much ease. American Fork pitcher Kyle Wright didn't let Park City go far with Nate Stanley's first-inning run. After the Miner had scored it on an error at third, Wright clamped down on Park City. No sonner had Dakota Matherly hit an infield single when Wright picked off Feaslerly at third, retiring the Miners to the field. Park City couldn't score again until the fourth when Kam Paulson singled in Matherly.

Meanwhile, the Cavemen did not let Feaslerly's pitching discourage them any. Even though Feaserly kept American Fork from capitalizing on Nick Searle's second-inning double, the Cavemen still climbed onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Colton Whatcott singled in Jeremy Reynolds, who had opened the inning's lower half through belting a left-field single.

On one out in the bottom of the sixth, Caveman Taylor Tonks tripled in Ben Beddes. Feaserly stuck out Colton Dunn, then grounded out Aaron Hill to keep the game tied at two.

With neither team able to put runners on base during the seventh, the game went into extra innings. The Cavemen belted the Miners with a double play in the top of the eight, and in its bottom half, a Tyler Flinders single gave the Cavemen a chance for pulling out a win. However, Park City kept Flinders stuck on base.

In the top of the ninth, Matherly tripled into right. Parker Ruttan joined him on base through a walk, but the Cavemen put Matherly's teammate out at second. In response, Paulsen singled Matherly in.

For the bottom of the ninth, Tonks hit a right-field double, then advanced to third on Dunn's sacrifice bunt. Before Tonks could score a tying run, he saw Hill and Derrek Durfey strike out.

American Fork acting head coach Corey Clayton said, "We left too many men on base. When we would have runners on second and third during less than two outs, we would make costly mistakes that denied us runs. That was so in the in fourth when we had the bases loaded on one out."

AF Cavebatters Win 4-0 On Ferocious PG Viking Diamond June 24
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League game for the 17-under age division June 24, the American Fork Cavemen proved to be awesome as they won 4-0 on the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' home diamond.

"Anytime you can beat PG 4-0 on their field, you're doing pretty good," said American Fork Coach Jarod Ingersoll.

The head coach added, "We threw four pitchers tonight. They included Colt Dunn, Ryan Reynolds, Aaron Hill, and Taylor Tonks. Together, they held PG to four hits for the night."

Caveman Jeremy Reynolds opened the game by hitting a right-field single off pitcher Tyler Harmon. The Caveman soon scored the night's first run while Viking shortstop Jordan King turned up a double play. It didn't prevent Tyler Flinders from hitting a one-run single to put the score at 2-0.

Harmon held the Cavemen scoreless during the next four innings. Meanwhile, the Vikings' fortunes couldn't improve. Despite singles from Terry Cardon, Ryland Peterson, and Rhett Rickanbach, the Vikings couldn't bring any runners in, because of good pitching from Dunn and his three successors.

In the sixth's top half, actress Ursula Andrus' "distant cousin," Scotty Andrus, singled in Taylor Tonks, then came home on a passed ball .

Taking over the mound in the bottom of the sixth, Aaron Hill, no relation to TV's Hank Hill, caused both Stevie Rockhill and Tyler Whitely to ground out to third baseman Ky Clayton. Hill struck out Jordan King.

With no Cavemen able to get on base in the top of the seventh, Pleasant Grove soon placed all of its final hopes on a two-out single Rickanbach hit out into left during the inning's bottom half. However, reliever Tonks struck out Bo Bice to end the game.

Lone Peak Knights Unsaddle AF Cavebatters In UBAL Joist
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The American Fork Cavemen's arch rivals, the Lone Peak Knights, alias the Loners, defeated them 11-3 in a Utah Baseball Academy League game at Lone Peak June 26.

A contest for the league's 17-under age division, the June 26 joist was not a repeat of an April game that the Cavemen had played on the Knights' home diamond. Near the end of that contest, the Loners came from behind to defeat American Fork . Lone Peak didn't trail for long in the June 26 rematch.

It opened with Caveman Ryan Hall hitting a center-field double off pitcher Logan Leavitt. Lone Peak attempted to keep Hall quarantined to second through second baseman Riley Otteson grounding out Ky Clayton and Leavitt's striking out Ryan Pitcher. However, Scotty Andrus doubled Hall in, then came home on a Jeremy Reynolds single.

American Fork's domination of the game couldn't survive the first inning. As soon as left fielder Reynolds had picked off a fly ball swatted by lead off batter Dakota Murdock, Mitch Call singled into center. Seeing shortstop Pitcher snatch a Tyler Reese line fly, Tanner Larsen singled Call in and caused Lone Peak to load the bases. After Rhett Reiber walk had scored Larsen, Otteson doubled in three runs.

The Cavemen experienced frustration in attempting to recover from the Knights' five-run rally. Leavitt held them scoreless during the next two innings, despite singles hit by Andrus and Ky Clayton in the third.

Though American Fork right fielder Blake Brailsford turned up a double play that kept Lone Peak's lead stuck at 5-2 at the end of the second, the Knights still managed to improve upon their advantage. In the third, for instance, they scored two runs on a passed ball and an error after they had loaded the bases on one out. American Fork responded by belting the Knights with a double play that ended the third.

Getting on base through an error in the top of the fourth, Reynolds got singled by Tyson Heaps.

On two outs in the bottom of fourth, Larsen doubled in a run, then came home on a Leavitt single. Catcher Ralphie Holding put Leavitt out with a throw to second baseman Derrek Durfey.

In the top of the fifth, right fielder Jacob Hepworth caught a Brailsford fly ball, and shorstop Murdock grounded out two straight Cavemen to keep American Fork scoreless. During the fifth's lower half, Reiber doubled into left, and he came home on Otteson's sacrifice bunt.

Getting on base through a walk in the bottom of the sixth, Reese soon scored on a passed ball. That was the last run that American Fork let the Knights make for the evening.

Seventh-inning singles from Brailsford and Hall gave the Cavemen hopes of securing additional runs. However, second baseman Otteson grounded out Clayton to end the game.

Ferocious PG Vikes Bury Bingham Miners Alive 14-4 in UBAL Game June 27
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a June 27 game for the Utah Baseball Academy's 16-under age division, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings won 14-4 over the visiting Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers.

The Vikings never trailed in the game, while it did stay close for most of its six innings.

The game opened with second baseman Court Iorg grounding out Max Dimick. No. 2 hitter Billy Kennick singled off pitcher Dave Stephens, only to become stranded on base. Iorg grounded out the next two Miners.

Iorg singled in the bottom of the first, but he soon became ensnared in a double play that left the inning ending in a scoreless draw. While Stephens held the Miners scoreless during the first three innings, the Vikings began building a lead in the second. Broc Starr opened Pleasant Grove scoring by hitting a solo home run over the left-field fence. After the Vikings had loaded the bases on three straight walks, Tyler Harmon scored their second run on an error.

Hitting a center-field triple, Rylan Petersen stole home.

On one out in the third's top half, Miner Devan Peterson singled in a run, and P.J. Goff came home on a Viking error, putting Bingham within 3-2. The Vikings didn't let the Miners tie the game, though.

Pleasant Grove proceeded to pull away in the third's lower half. After Iorg had singled in Jesse De St. Jour, Petersen and Starr each hit a two-run single.

In the fifth's top half, Bryson Benton's center-field double scored Nate Bloxham, who had hit a one-out, right field single early in the inning. Reliever Drew Velez didn't let the Miners profit from that RBI, though, for he caused the next two Bingham hitters to get out.

Doubling in De St. Jour in the bottom of the fifth, Riley Hicken started a three-run rally for the Vikings. Bingham prevented Pleasant Grove from ending the game that inning.

Benton came home on a passed ball in the sixth's top half, but Velez struck out Brandon Hirst, preventing a Miner rally. Tripling in the bottom of the sixth, Riley Erickson got singled in by Hicken, who soon got tagged at home. Jordan King singled in Iorg for the game-ending run.

Giant-Killing Twins

Timp Sports Weekly
June 22, 2009

Publisher's Message

This week's cover story regards an American Fork Pony League story that could have been a plot for one of the the Bad News Bears movies in the 1970's. We also look at Colt League and Utah Baseball Academy League action during the past week. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Giant-Killing Twins Blast Way Into Championship Showdown with Pirates in AF Pony League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Twins player Andy Maxwell epitomized his American Fork Pony League team in its June 18 playoff game against the Giants, the league's defending champs. Though he struck out three times while at bat on Bus Manning Field, he still slugged a seventh-inning, one-out single that reeled Treven Hendry for a RBI that helped the Twins win 16-7 over the Giants and lift the team to a June 22 showdown with the Pirates for the AFPL playoff pennant.

Twin Coach Brent Bateman said, "We had a rough year. We lost quite a few games, and we finished second to last in the regular season. It was great to see our guys to come back to be able to play in the championship game."

With the Twins having finished so low in regular season standings, it was unfathomable to imagine that they would be able to make it to the June 22 championship series. Yet, they were still in the tradition of the fictional Bad News Bears and the 1989 American Fork Angels, two teams with dismal records that still made it to championship games.

Having lost a game earlier in this year's league tournament, the Twins battled their way through the single-elimination bracket to face off with the Giants for the right to play the Pirates, this year's regular season champs. The Twins never trailed in the June 18 game.

In the top of the first, a Jackson Flood sacrifice groundout scored T.J. Sumner, and Alex Fender singled in Sam Bateman to improve the Twins' lead at 2-0.

Pitcher Hendry held the Giants scoreless during the first three innings. Singling in the top of the third, Flood came home on a passed ball, sparking a six-run rally for the Twins. Sumner contributed a two-run double to the rally.

The next inning's top half saw the Twins load the bases on one out. Though pitcher Brig Murray picked Caleb Clark off at first, Hendry stole home while narrowly beating a throw fired at it.

The Giants finally got onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth when Sam McGeary tripled in two runs, then came home on a Tanner Neilsen single.

In the fifth, Twin Connor Thomas hit a one-run single to spark a three-run rally. The Giants kept the Twins from putting the game away that inning. The Giants went on to hold the Twins scoreless in the sixth.

The sixth saw Giant Tyler Dutson double in a run and come home on a Kolbey Cordova single to cut the lead to 12-5.

The Twins picked up four insurance runs in the top half of the seventh. Fender singled in Bateman while Hendry whalloped a two-run triple. Though the Giants did put Maxwell out at second after he had singled Hendry in, they found themselves in a losing battle to retain their league title.

Each singling in the bottom of the inning, Neilsen and Rick Elliot each stole home plate, but the Twins quickly shut the Giants down and moved on to get ready for the June 22 championship series, scheduled to be played at Bus Manning.

AF 16-U Team Flatten Orem 18-8 in UBAL Game June 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Tiggers, the Orem Tigers usually have much of a bounce. However, their 16-under division team couldn't bounce away with a win from the American Fork Cavemen's home diamond during Utah Baseball Academy League action June 17. That was because the Cavemen flatted the Tigers 18-8 during a nine-run rally in the bottom of the sixth.

Orem sprung onto the scoreboard first in the top of the first. That inning, Orem's Brett Tittle and Nolan Gray both came home on passed balls after pitcher Blake Brailsford had walked them.

The Tigers held the Cavemen scoreless in the bottom of the inning. Brailsford got even by not letting Orem players get on base during the second and third innings. Brailsford's actions allowed the Cavemen to take firm control of the game during those two rounds.

Spurred on by an Orem error in the bottom of the second, Cade Hill singled in Jeremy Reynolds to spark a seven-run rally for the Cavemen. The next inning, Caveman Taylor Frost hit a left-field single to advance J.D. Evans into scoring position. Evans soon stole home, improving American Fork's lead at 8-2.

The Tigers proved in the fourth that they could still bounce back into the game. In the top of that inning, Dave Mella and Sammy Wright each singled in a run. Wright also scored on an error that occurred seconds after Mella's one-run single.

With Orem now within 8-5, the Cavemen attempted to rebuild their big lead. Even though American Fork loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the fourth, they couldn't make any more runs that inning after a Frost walk had scored Tyson Heaps.

Orem kept American Fork's lead stuck at 9-5 in the fifth. The next inning, the Tigers bounced really close to tying the game. In the sixth's top half, Wright hit a two-run double, then came home on a Ty Denning single to cut the lead 9-8.

American Fork Coach Andy Lewis said, "Our bats fell asleep in the fifth, but they came awake in the sixth and came through for us."

Hit into left during the sixth's lower half, a Heaps triple tipped the momentum back into American Fork's favor. Reynolds singled in Heaps to start the decisive rally. It climaxed with Evans hitting a three-run double that ended the game.

PG Angels Fly Away With 10-5 Win Over AF Dodgers In Colt League Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In an American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League game at American Fork's Rotary Park June 17, the Pleasant Grove Angels flew away with a 10-5 win over the American Fork Dodgers.

Spurred on by Riley Smith double, the Angels grabbed a 7-4 lead over American Fork during the first three innings. In the bottom of the third, the Dodgers scored two runs on a Pleasant Grove error, and Cam Buck came home on a passed ball to put American Fork within 7-4.

Two American Fork errors permitted the Angels to pick up two runs in the fourth. American Fork loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, and Dodger Janzen Frampton came home on a passed ball. That was the last American Fork run that Pleasant Grove allowed to occur.

Juan Diego Pitcher Uses The Force Effectively Against PG In 17-U Division Game June 19
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In watching the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles win 9-2 over the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' 17-under team in Utah Baseball Academy League action in Draper June 19, spectators could not help but want to rename the home team pitcher Luke Skywalker.

Acting like a Jedi Knight using the Force, pitcher Luke West struck out 10 Pleasant Grove batters and didn't let the Ferocious Vikings score any runs until the fifth inning. West's performance at the mound allowed the Soaring Eagles to build up a 5-0 lead in the first four innings.

After West had posted three strikeouts in the top of the first, the inning's lower half saw A.J. Begay hit a one-run single that spark a three-run rally for the Soaring Eagles. Hitting a one-out double in the second's lower half, Brock Garn came home on a Viking error at first. In the third, Begay slugged another one-run single, only to become ensnared in a Viking double play that ended the inning.

The Vikings finally got a hit in the fourth when Calder "Blue" Bonnett hit an infield single at the start of the inning. Bonnett got thrown out in a fielder's choice play, and the Vikings had to wait until the fifth to get onto the scoreboard. Hitting right-field single at the start of the fifth, Stevie Rockhill soon scored the Vikings' first run during an error at third.

In the sixth's top half, Pleasant Grove's Jordan King and Keaton Secretan each slugged a single, but the Soaring Eagle defense made them become stranded on base.

In the bottom of the sixth, Soaring Eagles Frankie Sutera singled and Mitch Moncur doubled, setting the stage for destructive work carried out by Garn. He doubled in Sutera and Moncur. Garn then came home on a passed ball, concluding Juan Diego scoring for the night.

Hitting a seventh-inning single into left, Viking Bo Caldwell soon moved into scoring position on a Rockhill single. Caldwell then raced home on a passed ball during two outs. Shortstop Garn grounded out Terry Cardon to shut down Pleasant Grove's remaining chances for rallying back.

AF Cavebatters Fall to Las Vegas Longhorns at Bruin Classic
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The American Fork Cavemen got eliminated 7-6 by the Las Vegas Longhorns in a semifinal game of the Bruin Classic, played June 20 at Salt Lake Community College's Cate Field in West Jordan.

American Fork Coach Jarod Ingersoll said, "Our guys have a great commitment level this year than they did this year. More of them are making the decision to show up at our games more often. Colton Dunn and Jeremy Reynolds played really good in the tournament. Dunn today went 2-3 at the plate, and Reynolds played really good defense.

"We had won our pool play to earn the right to be the championship bracket. We posted a 2-1 record in our pool, losing only to Kearns. We shot ourselves in the foot in the Kearns game, because we blew a four-run lead in the final inning. The teams we did beat in pool play were Uintah and the Utah Elite."

In the5-3 win against Utah Elite, Jake Blackhurst hit a double for the Cavemen while Taylor Tonks slugged two singles.

The Las Vegas team that American Fork took on in the June 2o game was an American Legion outfit. The Longhorns' pitcher, Jim Allen, held the Cavemen scoreless in the second, third, fifth, and sixth. Allen's handiwork permitted Las Vegas to stay ahead for the entire game.

In the top of the first, shortstop Reynolds grounded out leadoff batter Chase Skinner. Pitcher Dunn walked Speedy Ortiz and gave up a single to Austin Christensen. Seconds after American Fork had nailed Ortiz in a fielder's choice play at home, Zach Monticelli hit a one-run double, and Joey Lauria singled in two runs.

With Jake Blackhurst getting on base through an error in the bottom of the first, Ben Beddes tripled him in. Pierce Skinner's one-run single in the second improved the Longhorns' lead at 4-1. It grew to 5-1 in the fourth through Ty Thurston's scoring on a sacrifice groundout.

On two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Dunn singled in Reynolds and Ryan Draper. Dunn got stranded on base.

Las Vegas loaded the bases on one out in the sixth, and after a Pierce Skinner walk had scored a run, Ryan Hall took over pitching duties for American Fork. First baseman Dunn turned up a double play to prevent a long Longhorn rally.

For the seventh, Longhorn Don Glover singled into center, and Monticelli batted him in for the final Las Vegas run.

Singles from Dunn and Colton Whatcott spark a rally for the Cavemen in the bottom of the seventh. As soon as an Aaron Hill walk had loaded the bases, Las Vegas pulled Allen and had Monticelli pitch. The pitching change didn't stop a American Fork rally. Hall singled in Dunn to begin the rally. After a Blackhurst sacrifice fly had scored Whatcott, Hall came home on a passed ball. Monticelli struck out Ben Beddes to end the game.

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at Riverton June 19, the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA Silverpups, defeated the Cavemen 5-4 in an eight-inning affair. American Fork took a 3-0 lead in the top of the third, but the Sivlerpups pulled ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the inning. Dunn scored sixth-inning run to force the game into an eighth inning.

During the loss at Riverton, Reynolds hit a double while Hall and Dunn each slugged two singles.

Preseason Summer Baseball Tourney

Timp Sports Weekly
June 16, 2009

Publisher's Message

While we do look at some Colt League baseball action in last week's action, much of this week's issue is focused on the American Fork Cavemen's participation on a preseason tournament, sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy. Let's get to those stories right now.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

AF Cubs Pull Out 10-5 Win Over AF Cardinals in AF-PG Colt League Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 8, the American Fork Cubs clubbed the Cardinals 10-5.

The contest was a grand contrast to a June 6 game in which the Cubs had to play the Lehi Pirates for three hours before finally scuttling them in the 10th inning.

On one out in the top of the first, Cub Kaden McMurtry doubled into left, and teammates Caden Taylor and Jim Davis soon joined him on base through walks. Derek Durfey singled in McMurtry and Taylor, only to get thrown out at second. Davis soon scored a run on a passed ball.

The bottom of the first opened with C.J. Miller doubling into left. Soon a Jordan "Salty" Saltmarsh sacrifice groundout scored Miller. That was the only run that the Cubs let the Cardinals make that inning.

With two runners on base and one out, Cub leadoff hitter Aki sinlged MarkMcDonald in, setting off a five-run rally. With three of their four second-inning batters striking out, the Cardinals couldn't score any runs in the round.

Hitting a third-inning single into left, McDonald soon came home on a passed ball. A Taylor Tonks sacrifice groundout scored Brett Miller for the final Cub run soon afterwards.

In spite of holding the Cubs scoreless through the rest of the game, the Cardinals couldn't turn the contest around to their favor. The Cardinals did have a good fourth inning, though. In the bottom of it, Matt Ludlow and Tyler Romney each scored a run on a passed ball after having gotten on base through a single and a walk respectively. C.J. Miller singled in Regan Grossgebauer, then came home on a Devin Anderson double.

Hitting a double into left in the bottom of the fifth, Taison Smith attempted to turn his hit into a triple, but the Cubs tagged him. The next batter, Ludlow doubled into left, and he went on to score the Cardinals' final run through a Skyler Davis single.

AF Cavebatters Fall to Bingham in Preseason Tournament Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

With light rain constantly falling, the American Fork Cavemen began a Utah Baseball Academy-sponsored tournament with a loss at home June 9. AKA the Pickers, the Bingham Miners shut American Fork out 1-0 in that game.

It went down as a pitching duel between Bingham's Mason Marshall and American Fork's Jeremy Reynolds. Giving up no hits to American Fork, Marshall stuck out nine batters. While giving up five, Reynolds posted eight strikeouts.

The pitching duel was so tight that no scoring occurred until the top of the seventh. That inning, Bingham's Derrick Whitney tripled into right, and Billy Anderson's sacrifice groundout scored him for the game's only run.

Both sides played exceptionally great defense. Bingham, for instance, slugged American Fork with a fourth-inning double play. American Fork shortstop Kai Clayton turned up a double play of his own in the top of the sixth.

Acting American Fork head coach Corey Clayton said, "I was pleased with our defense. We just didn't make any hits. I was impressed with our pitching. We had no errors tonight."

Cavebatters Wash Away Northridge Knights 13-0 in Preseason Tourney Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In second-day action of a preseason tournament sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy, the American Fork Cavemen posted a 13-0 win at home June 10 against the Northridge Knights, AKA the Iron Studs.

American Fork Coach Jarod Ingersoll said, "We came out and hit the ball really good. Both of our pitcher, Colton Dunn and Kyle Wright, threw really well. We did some really great things on defense, and we ran the bases well."

In the top of the first inning, Dunn struck the first three Knight batters. The starting Caveman pitcher would go on to post five strikeouts for the night.

Northride second baseman Larry Lyons grounded out the first three Caveman runners in the bottom of the first.

After Taison Smith had flown out to first baseman Austin Meyers in the bottom of the first, Kai Clayton hit an infield single. Dunn singled him in, only to become ensnared in a double play a short time later.

Having singled into center at the start of the third's bottom half, Wright came home on a Nick Searle single. Jake Blackhurst hit doubled Searle in, and he then came home on a passed ball. American Fork soon loaded the bases on one out soon afterwards, giving the impression that the third-inning rally was going to continue. However, pitcher Clint Bialack struck out Colton "Fig" Whatcott, then grounded out Dunn to keep American Fork's lead stuck at 4-0.

Despite giving up a single to Searle in the fourth, Bialack held American Fork scoreless that inning. The fifth inning went down as long, real-life nightmare for Northridge's pitching staff. No matter which hurlers the Knights put on the mound, Layton could not shut American Fork down, once a Tyler Flinders single had brought in a run. The ensuing rally yielded nine runs for the Cavemen while Reynold and Derek Durfey each hit a two-run double for American Fork.

Cavebatters Decimate Layton 9-3 in Preseason Tourney Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

After having a June 11 game against the Brighton Bengals, AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, canceled because of rain, the American Fork Cavemen won 9-3 at home June 12 against the Layton Lancers, alias the Stickers, in a preseason tournament sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy.

American Fork acting head coach Lynn Anderson said, "In both of the innings that we scored, our rallies began with bunts. We built our lead upon them."

American Fork pitcher Taylor Tonks threw all seven innings, posting nine strikeouts during the course of the game.

Layton loaded the bases on two outs in the top of the first. Ty Accianne hit a two-run single to open the game's scoring. As the Lancers' starting pitcher, Accianne preserved their 2-0 lead during the first two innings, even though he gave up a second-inning single to Zach Robinson.

In the bottom of the third, Jeremy Reynolds bunted a single, resulting quickly in American Fork loading the bases on one out. Colt "Fig" Walton singled Reynolds in to start the Cavemen's first rally. After a Taison Smith sacrifice fly had scored Derek Durfey, Kyle Hall came home on an error, putting the Cavemen ahead 3-2.

Accianne held American Fork scoreless in the fourth and fifth, even though Nick Searle did slug a fourth-inning single off him.

At the start of the fifth, Tonks walked Juan "Jack" Paiz got on base. However, the Cavemen forced Paiz out at third right after Chris Kaysan had hit a double. Carson Hardison singled Kaysan for a tying run, but got stuck on base.

The game stayed tied at three until the bottom of the sixth. Bunting a single off a pitcher from reliever Paiz, Robinson soon moved into scoring position. With Paiz walking Searle next, American Fork commenced acquiring the moment it needed for pulling off a decisive rally. After Paiz had grounded out Jeremy Reynolds, Kai Clayton singled Robinson and Searle in. Hall and Walton each whacked a one-run single to keep the rally going. Taison Smith hit a two-run double to send Layton severely damaged into the final inning.

In the top of the seventh, Tonks grounded out Paiz and struck out another two batters, putting the game away for American Fork.

Pony-Colt League baseball

Timp Sports Weekly
June 8, 2009

Publisher's Message

With the high school sports seasons over until fall, we are now focusing on summer baseball action. For this issue, we will be looking at stories about games played recently in the American Fork Pony and American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt leagues. We will also look at the return of American Legion baseball to American Fork. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Pirates Win American Fork Pony League Through Sinking White Sox 16-4 June 2
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In what was a tight battle for the American Fork Pony League's regular season championship June 2, the Pirates staged a 12-run rally in the fifth inning to sink the White Sox 16-4. The explosive rally earned the Pirates a regular season pennant.

Last year, the Giants beat the Pirates for both the regular season and post-season pennants.

Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "We won the league outright tonight. We haven't lost game all year. We were able to take the game tonight in spite of missing four key players."

The first four innings went down as one of the tightest battles for the Pirates this spring. Taking only one league loss into the June 2, the White Sox looked as though they would have an awesome chance of winning the regular season title.

The White Sox's first pitcher, Emmett Green, opened the game by striking out Ken "Bam Bam" Thomas. After No. 2 hitter Brock Tanner had singled off Green, he worked his way around to third base, only to see Riley "Beatie" Smith ground out to the pitcher, ending the first's top half.

Pitching for the Pirates in the bottom of the first, Thomas walked Jake Ingerson and Jade Lucker. Though the pitcher tagged Ingerson at the plate soon afterwards, Lucker beat a throw to home, scoring the game's first run.

The next inning, the Pirates loaded the bases on two outs. Tanner singled in Riley "Fun Side" Cox, and Pirate Colby "Foot Long" Walker scored the tie-breaking run on an infield error.

The White Sox didn't let the Pirates enjoy their 2-1 lead for long. Reliever Lucker didn't let a single Pirate get on base during the top of the third. Walked by Thomas in the bottom of the third, Brandon Wright came home on two errors. Thomas fanned three straight batters, though, to delay the White Sox from retaking the lead.

Singling into left during the fourth's top half, Tanner stole his way around to third. On two outs, Smith singled Tanner in to put the Pirates ahead 3-2. Lucker shut them down briefly by striking
out Cox.

The lead once more slipped from the Pirates' grasp during the bottom of the fourth. On one out, Tommy Nelson singled Green in, and he scored a go-ahead run to give the White Sox a 4-3 advantage.

"In the fifth, we decided it was to time to show them our potential. When we had the bases loaded on one out, Keaton ["Big Foot" Whittern] hit a big, two-run double that got a rally going for us. It snowballed from there," Parker said.

Whittern's two-run hit put the Pirates ahead 5-4, and they never looked back. A two-run double hit by Tanner helped the Pirates rack up 13 runs in the ensuing rally, which caused the White Sox to go through three pitchers.

In the bottom of the inning, the White Sox couldn't put any runners on base.

Highland White Sox Sock AF Dodgers With 17-1 Loss in Colt League Action June 5
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Through belting out 11 hits, the Highland White Sox socked the American Fork Dodgers 17-1 in AF-PG Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 5.

Singles from Jory Bowers and Jordan Rasmussen empowered Highland to take firm control of the game during the top of the first. After Rasmussen's single had reeled Bowers in, the White Sox scored their next two runs on American Fork errors.

Three strikeouts in the bottom of the first prevented the Dodgers from rallying back, even though they did put Mitch McGeary on base through a walk.

American Fork held Highland's lead to 3-0 until the top of the third. With that inning opening with a Rasmussen triple hit into center, the White Sox quickly turned the game into a rout. Preston Jensen singled in Rasmussen, and Highland became very difficult for American Fork to shut down. The Dodgers went through a string of pitchers while the White Sox jacked up the score through clubbing seven hits, including Austin Arnett's three-run double.

On one out in the bottom of the third, Jensen Frampton singled in Colby Massa for American Fork's only run for the night. Frampton attempted to turn his single into a double, but Highland forced him out at second.

Singling on one out in the top of the fourth, White Sox Josh Bezzant soon stole home, opening another rally. As soon as Taylor Jensen had reached third base on two errors, Rasmussen singled him in. Rasmussen then stole home, concluding the evening's scoring.


AF Cubs Take Down PG Angels 9-2 In Colt League Action June 2
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In June 2 American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League action at Rotary Park in American Fork, the American Fork Cubs fell the Pleasant Grove Angels 9-2.

Known only as Aki, American Fork's leadoff batter epitomized the hitting power that the Cubs displayed that devastated Pleasant Grove during the six-inning game. In going 2-3 at the plate, Aki smacked two doubles into left field. However, he didn't drive in any runs. By the time the game ended, American Fork had racked up 11 hits.

Neither team could score during the first inning. In the top of the second inning, Angel Tony Pitts hit a single into center, but American Fork soon pinched him for a second out during a fielder's choice play at third.

Cub Jim Davis opened the second's lower half through singling into left. As soon as a Caden Taylor single had moved Davis to third, Kaden McMurtry hit a two-run single. McMurtry attempted to steal home, but catcher Mitch Carr tagged him. Brayden Schneider hit a triple, only to become stranded on base.

American Fork held the Angels scoreless during the game's first four innings.

In the third inning, Derek Durfey singled Aki in to open a long rally for the Cubs. Taylor Taylors tripled Durfey in, then stole home. Soon Burt Miller hit a two-run double, then came on an error.

Matt Yates' fifth-inning double opened the way for the Angels to fly onto the scoreboard at last.
On one out, Ryan Dumas doubled Yates in, then came home on a Scott Call sacrifice fly. American Fork soon slapped the Angels with a double play that retired them into the field. The Cubs didn't let Pleasant Grove make any more runs after the fifth.

During one out, Tonks singled Kyler Houston in, but got thrown out at second while attempting to extend the hit into a double. Davis singled into left, but Pleasant Grove kept him stranded on base.

The Cubs got even by not letting any Pleasant Grove player get on base in the sixth.

Morgan Trojans Bounce Past AF Cardinals in Both Games of American Legion Doubleheader
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly

The return of American Legion baseball to American Fork June 4 got spoiled by the Morgan Trojans, who defeated the American Fork Cardinals in both ends of a doubleheader played at American Fork's Rotary Park. Morgan won both games by scores of 8-7 and 6-2.

With one out in the top of the first game's opening inning, the Trojans bounced ahead 2-0 on singles from Lantzen Toomer and Curtis DeYoung.

While Morgan was basically a team staffed with players who had seen action in the recent 3-A baseball season, the team that the Trojans took comprised mainly of lads who didn't play for the American Fork Cavemen's baseball team this year. Though also a team in the American Fork-Pleasant Grove Colt League, the Cardinals proved, however, they could hold their own against Morgan.

Opening the bottom of the first with a double, Cardinal C.J. Miller soon got forced out at third. Singling into right, Devin Anderson, American Fork's No. 2 hitter, also got forced out. However, Jordan "Salty" Saltmarsh soon stole home for the only Cardinal run of the inning.

The next inning, Morgan's Tanner Earl doubled Graham Mortensen in and scored a run himself on Cormick Beshears' sacrifice fly in right field.

Morgan's 4-1 lead vanished abruptly in the bottom of the second. As soon as pitcher Garrison Alder had walked Regan Grossgebauer and Matt "Huck" Finn, Miller hit a three-run homer over the left-field fence to tie the game at four.

On two outs in the third, Toomer tripled into right, and Kade Dearden singled him in. Dearden then went on to steal home

Singling into right in the bottom of the third, Cardinal Taison Smith soon scored on an error at third. Morgan didn't let American Fork go on a scoring rally that inning, though.

Getting on base through being hit by a Smith pitch in the fourth, Earl tried stealing second, but American Fork put him out there. Reliever Smith didn't let Morgan make any runs in the fourth.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Anderson singled in Finn to tie the game at six. Morgan retaliated by slapping American Fork with a double play.

It turned out to be one of two crucial events late in the game. The other crucial event was Morgan's loading the bases on one out. An Earl walk scored a run, and Beshears hit a one-run single to conclude Trojan scoring for the game.

Singles from Smith and Matt "Lugnut" Ludlow resulted in the Cardinals loading the bases on two outs in the bottom of the fifth. A Grossgebauer walk scored Smith, but Alder struck out Miller to end the inning.

With American Fork keeping the Trojans from capitalizing on Jordan Wombsley's sixth-inning single, the Cardinals received a sweet opportunity at pulling back out in front. However, after Smith had hit his third straight single to go 3-4 at the plate, Alder struck out Ludlow.

Getting on base through an error in the top of the first, Earl soon came home on a passed ball, triggering athree-run rally, highlighted by Wombsley's one-run single.

Morgan held American Fork scoreless during the first three innings of Game 2. During those same three rounds, the Trojans made all of their runs. In the second inning, Beshears singled Earl in. The next inning, Morgan picked up two runs on an error and a Toomer sacrifice fly.

Getting on through an fourth-inning walk, Anderson scored the first American Fork run during a fielder's choice play at second. In the fifth, the night's scoring concluded with a Miller sacrifice fly scoring Ty Roberts.

Throwing for six innings during the game, Cardinal Jim Davis posted 10 strikeouts.