Viking Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

August 6, 2012

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at recent summer baseball games played by the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings and the Vicious Viewmont Vikings. We will also look three summer state tournament baseball games involving the Awesome American Fork Cavemen, and we will have two accounts about Pleasant Grove taking state in the Utah Baseball Academy League's 15-under and 16-under divisions. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

Ferocious PG Vikings' 17-Under Division Team Sinks Vicious Viewmont Vikings 4-1 July 20

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League finale for the 17-under division July 20, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings defeated the Vicious Viewmont Vikings 4-1.

Pleasant Grove Coach Darin "That's Bush League" Henry said, "We had great pitching and defensive play. We didn't make a single error in the game. Brayden King came up with a two-run double that broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning, enabling us to pull out this tight game."

The game's first three innings went down as a scoreless deadlock. In posting seven strikeouts during the course of the game, Pleasant Grove's Aiden "Newey" Neuenswander didn't let the Vicious Vikings put any runners on base during the first three rounds.

Pleasant Grove, on the other hand, did put runners on base during the first three innings. Easton Walker, for one, doubled a fly ball into center during two outs. Before he could come home, however, he saw King pop out to catcher Nick Pierce. Ferocious Viking Brody Blackhurst singled off pitcher Brendon Jensen on one out in the bottom of the second. Viewmont kept Blackhurst chained on base. 

The scoreless deadlock finally ended in the top of the fourth. That inning opened with Vicious Viking Hunter Roybal doubling off Neuenswander. Advanced to third by Nate Remmington's right-field single, Roybal came home as the Ferocious Vikings pulled off a successful fielder's choice play at second. The Vicious Vikings' 1-0 lead didn't survive the bottom of the fourth. In that inning's lower half, Walker got on base through a walk. Moved into scoring position by King's right-field single, Walker scored a tying run as Viewmont staged a double play.

The Vicious Vikings counted on Travis Henderson and Josh Ritchie's fifth-inning singles to give them a golden chance to pull ahead. However, while Henderson raced home, the Ferocious Vikings turned up a double play that canceled out his run.

Hitting a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth, Jimmy Carr hoped to make a tie-breaking run that inning. Before Carr could score, he saw Jensen strike out Eldredge.

On two outs in the top of the sixth, Vicious Viking Justin Beachert singled into left. However, left fielder Braydon Cox snatched a Davis Manson fly ball.

On one out in the bottom of the sixth, Jensen walked Walker and McKay Lewis. King doubled his two teammates in, and he came home on a Blackhurst single.

A "distant cousin" of movie start Ursula Andrus, Vicious Viking Will Andrus singled into left in the top of the seventh, giving Viewmont a final chance of rallying back. However, second baseman Ty Stevenson grounded out Ritchie.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Alta Tweeties 11-1 in 2nd Round Game of UBAL 16-Under Division Playoffs

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a second-round game of the Utah Baseball Academy League's 16-under division state playoffs, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, 11-1 July 23.

Awesome Caveman pitcher A.J. Jones scattered five hits and posted six strikeouts as he guided American Fork to victory in the six-inning game. Although Jones walked leadoff Tweety batter Josh Scott at the start of the game, he didn't let the Tweeties make any hits in the first inning.

The bottom of it opened with Hayden "Chief" Wood doubling into right. Turner Knight doubled him to set off a four-run rally. The son of former American Fork three-sport athlete Ali "Lamb Chop" Searle, Dallin Searle singled in two runs, and he then came home on a Jones single.

Singling into left during the top of the second, Jax Matthews, a "distant cousin" of famous White African-American rocker Dave Matthews, stole home as teammate Sammy Cransavage struck out.

In the bottom of the second, Hagen Holmstead slugged a two-out single to drive Jake Norton in. In response, second baseman Connor Josss grounded out Knight.

Alta came really close to staging a rally when the Tweeties loaded the bases on one out in the top of the third. However, Joss got nailed in a fielder's choice play at home, and third base Cousin Jackson Draper  grounded out Matthews.

Neither team could score runs in the third and fourth innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Wood hit a two-out double, and he tried stealing home, but catcher Dallin Woods tagged him at the plate.

Hitting a one-out, fifth-inning single, Knight came home on an error.

The Awesome Cavemen loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the sixth. A Cody Willis walk scored a run to set off a six-run rally that doomed the Tweeties. The rally ended with Jones whacking a one-run single that prompted the plate umpire to end the game.

The next night, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, came to American Fork and defeated the Awesome Cavemen 6-3.

Ferocious PG Vikings Defeat Park City Snow Bunnies 10-0 in Championship Game of UBAL 15-Under Division

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at Viking Field July 25, the Utah Baseball Academy League's 15-under division state championship game saw the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings melt away the Park City Miners, AKA the Snow Bunnies, 10-0.

The game marked a second straight year that a Ferocious Pleasant Grove Viking team had won the 15-under division state championship. The Ferocious Vikings had won the division's state title on their own field last year.

During the six-inning game, Ferocious Viking pitcher Bryson Griffin, a "distant cousin" of Family Guy character Peter Griffin, posted two strikeouts and gave up only two hits. The Snow Bunnies made both of their hits in the top of the fourth.

In the bottom of the first, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases on no outs. Griffin came home on a passed ball, starting a four-run rally. It saw Oakley Craighead double into left and Austin Butler single him in.

Park City reliever Austin Cart kept the Ferocious Viking lead stuck at 4-0 until the bottom of the third when Peyton Henry, son of Pleasant Grove varsity head coach Darin "That's Bush League" Henry, singled in Kolby Casey.  

Despite a third-inning single from Butler and a fifth-inning double from Griffin, the Ferocious Vikings couldn't pick up additional runs until the sixth. Meanwhile, in the top of the fourth, the Snow Bunnies got two-out singles from Scotty Stokes and Parker "Smitty" Smith. Before Park City could capitalize on those hits, Griffin struck out Maverick "Mav" Berglund.

The bottom of the sixth opened with Peyton Henry singling into left. Craighead singled him in, setting off a five-run rally. With the score reading 9-0 at one point, Griffin whacked a single to load the bases. Suddenly an error allowed Austin Butler to race home for the winning run.

Pleasant Grove Coach Randy Hicken said, "Our base running was absolutely superb, and our defense committed no error.

Ferocious PG Vikings Defeat Syracuse Midgets 4-1 in 16-Under Division State Title Game July 26

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the state championship game for the Utah Baseball Academy League's 16-under division title July 26, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings defeated the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, 4-3.

During the top of the first, Midget Sawyer "Brown" Morin tripled off pitcher Easton Walker on two outs. However, the pitcher stuck out Caiden Craig to keep Morin stuck on third.

Even though Pleasant Grove got a single from Zach Peterson in the bottom of the first, pitcher Morin kept the Ferocious Vikings from making the first run.

The game stayed a scoreless deadlock until the top of the third when Craig doubled in Chase Bowerly. 

In the bottom of the third, Peyton Henry, son of Pleasant Grove head varsity coach Darin "That's Bush League" Henry, singled in two runs.

The next inning, the Ferocious Vikings scored two runs on a Kolby Waycasey sacrifice fly and Jade Smoot's two-out single. In revenge, Morin struck out Zach Peterson to retire Pleasant Grove.

After the fourth, the Ferocious Viking couldn't make any more hit or runs. Still, their defense continued to shine, even though Craig singled for the Midgets in the fifth, and Kaiden King hit a left-field single for them in the seventh. The game ended with pitcher Easton Walker striking out Morin. Walker posted six strikeouts in the game.

Pleasant Grove Tyler Eastman said, "These kids were really unselfish during this season. They were willing to sacrifice themselves for the team."

Bad Old Brighton Puddy Tats Defeat  PG's  17-Under Team 9-6 in 8-Inning UBAL Playoff Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

After taking state in the Utah Baseball Academy League's 15- and 16-under age division, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings looked as they might win the state title for the league's 17-under age division. However, the Brighton Bengals, AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, prevented that from occurring through winning 9-6 on the Ferocious Vikings' home field July 26.

In the top of the first inning, Bad Old Puddy Tat Gabe Farrer hit a two-out triple into right, but he got stuck on base as he watched teammate T.J. "Apple" Orchard fly out to right.

In the bottom of the first, pitcher Orchard walked Easton Walker on two outs. Walker tried stealing home a short time later, but he got thrown out at home plate.

The next inning, Brighton's Trey Brimhall doubled into left, but he got forced out at third. Defensive plays like that forceout kept the game a scoreless tie until the bottom of the third.

During the third's bottom half, three straight singles paved the way for Pleasant Grove to grab a 3-0 lead. The first Ferocious Viking to hit the first of those singles, Jade Smoot came home on a McKay Lewis single. The Ferocious Vikings picked up their next two third-inning runs on a sacrifice groundout and an Aiden Neuenswander single.

In the top of the fourth, two-out singles, hit by Farrer and Trey Brimhall, tipped the game to the Bad Old Puddy Tats' favor. A distant relative of extremely liberal Salt Lake Tribune political cartoonist Pat Bagley Brayden Bagley hit a two-run double for the Bad Old Puddy Tats.

Pleasant Grove worked quickly to repair the damage done by Bagley's double. In the bottom of the fourth, Jimmy Carr got on base through a Bad Old Puddy Tat error, and a Jade Smoot double moved him to third. Carr scored on Easton Walker's sacrifice fly. The Bad Puddy Tats turned up a double play right afterwards.

In the top of the fifth, Logan McGregor doubled in Taylor "Pop Gun" Propokis on two outs, cutting the Pleasant Grove lead to 4-3. In the bottom of the fifth, Brayden King and Ty Stephenson hit singles that paved the way for Neuenswander to knock in a run on one out. Pitcher Orchard got even by striking out  Peyton Simpson, a "distant cousin" of TV character Bart Simpson.

The Ferocious Vikings' 5-3 lead didn't faze the Bad Old Puddy Tats, for in the sixth, a Bagley one-run single put them within 5-4. Pleasant Grove turned up a double play that delayed Brighton from tying the game that inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Bad Puddy Tats kept the Ferocious Vikings from picking up an insurance run.

In the top of the seventh, Quick Nick Wagner doubled in Propokis to tie the game at five. That RBI proved to be one of two factors that saved the Bad Old Puddy Tats that inning. The other factor was Brighton's strong defense. Aided by a Zach Peterson double, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases on two bases in the bottom of the seventh. However, Carr got out before Pleasant Grove could score a tie-breaking run.

The Bad Old Puddy Tats scored three run in the top of the eighth, and they gave up only one run to Pleasant Grove in the bottom of the inning. The loss left the Ferocious Vikings having to wait until 2013 for another shot at a state baseball title.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Bountiful Little Injuns 7-6 in UBAL 17-Under Division Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

At American Fork July 27, The Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Bountiful Braves, AKA the Little Injuns, in the second round of the Utah Baseball Academy's 17-under division playoffs.

Although Awesome Caveman Sean Hardman hit a two-out single in the bottom of the first, neither team could score a run in the opening round.

In the top of the second, Little Injun Kevin "Kevy" Byington hit a one-out double into center, and Tanner Redding's left-field single advanced him to third. Byington came home on Ricky Medrano's sacrifice fly.

Through singles hit by Craig Brailsford, Justin Pitcher, and Milo Abbott, the Awesome Cavemen loaded the bases on no outs in the bottom of the second. A sacrifice fly, hit by Andy Bartholemew, nephew of former Awesome Caveman wrestler John "Superstud" Bartholemew, drove Brailsford in, setting off a three-run rally. During it, Pitcher scored on an error, and Kody "Coco" Hall doubled in Abbott.

The next inning saw pitcher Hardman strike out the first two Little Injun batters sent up against him. Zach Muir doubled off Hardman and came home on a Redding single. Hardman grounded out Medrano before Bountiful could tie the game.

In the bottom of the third, Zach Haws doubled into left, and Hardman singled him in. American Fork soon scored a second third-inning run on a passed ball.

American Fork kept its 5-2 lead intact in the top of the fourth, and in the bottom of that inning, the Awesome Cavemen picked up a sixth run on a passed ball.

After Hardman had fanned two straight Little Injun batters in the top of the fifth, Ben Fowers singled off him and scored a run on a Ryan Curtis double. Hardman retaliated by striking out Zach Muir.

Getting on base through a fifth-inning error, Awesome Caveman Skylar Mounteer scored on another goof. That turned out to be the last run for American Fork in the game.

In the sixth, the Little Injuns proved they were still far being finished when Jordan Hayes' two-run double put them within 7-5. In the seventh, they loaded the bases on one out. Redding knocked in a run, giving American Fork the willies. Once shortstop Hall snatched a Medrano pop fly, Hardman struck out Hayes to end the game.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "We were extremely aggressive on our base-running tonight. We got in a couple of forced plays that saved us. Sean threw really well tonight."

Vicious Viewmont Vikings Ends Awesome Cavemen's Season
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's hopes of adding a state 17-under division title to their list of baseball accomplishments this year vanished in an third-round Utah Baseball Academy League playoff game held at American Fork July 28. The Vicious Vikings eliminated the Awesome Cavemen 6-3.

The first inning opened on a promising note for American Fork. Walked by pitcher Austin Pitcher, Vicious Viking Weston Sandbury got tagged by catcher Andy Bartholmew in a fielder's choice play at home. Shortstop Kody "Coco" Hall turned up a double play that kept Viewmont from scoring.

In the bottom of the first, Skylar Mounteer doubled in Sean Hardman on one out to put American Fork ahead 1-0. American Fork stayed stuck on its 1-0 lead until the bottom of the fourth when a Hall sacrifice fly scored pinch runner Hagen Holmstead. In response, pitcher Jensen Brenden struck out Turner Knight.

American Fork's state title hopes took a terrible beating in the top of the fifth when Parker Taggart hit a one-run single that set off a four-run rally for Viewmont. Justin Beachet singled in two runs, and he came home on a Travis Henderson single.

Viewmont held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless until the bottom of the sixth. That inning, two Vicious Viking errors let Holmstead steal home. The Vicious Vikings didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any more runs.

In the seventh, Beachet doubled in Taggart, and Henderson singled in Mikey Steinke to conclude the game's scoring.

Independence Week Baseball Games

Timp Sports Weekly

July 24, 2012

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at baseball games played during the final week of June and the opening week of July. These games show how much Lehi has improved in baseball and why the Awesome American Fork Cavemen have been living up their nickname. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Copper Hills Teddies 10-5 June 27

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Cooper Hills Grizzilies, AKA the Teddy Bears or Teddies, 10-5 in 17-under division play during Utah Baseball Academy League action June 27. 

During the top of the first, Lander Mash doubled in Jake Boyd and Cody Brimley to put the Teddy Bears on the board first. In the bottom of the inning, though, Zac Haws got on base through a walk. An Emmitt Green double moved him to third, and Haws came home on a single chopped by Brock Lamb. Skyler Mounteer doubled in two runs, then came home on a passed ball to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 4-2.

The Teddy Bears loaded the bases on two outs in the top of the second. A Don Florez walked scored Tanner Anderson, but third baseman Lamb grounded out Cody Brimley before the Teddies could pull back out in front. Haws hit a two-run single in the bottom of the second, then scored a run himself as Green got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second.

Neither team could score in the next two innings. In the top of the fifth, Anderson batted in two runs to cut the lead to 7-5.

Taking over pitching duties in the sixth, Lamb sheared completely Cooper Hills' chances for scoring any more runs, even though the Teddies did load the bases on two outs that inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, American Fork picked up two runs on an error and an Alec Shultz single. In the bottom of the sixth, Koy Dibb singled on one out, and he scored American Fork's final run on a passsed ball.

AF Pirates Outlast AF Yankees in Timp Colt League Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In an opening round of game of the Timp Colt League playoffs at American Fork's Rotary Park June 26, the American Fork Pirates outlasted the American Fork Yankees 13-12.

The game's scoring started during the top of the first. With no outs, Yankee Carson Buckner singled in Luis Figuerora and Tanner Nielson, only to get nailed in a putout play at second. Pirate pitcher "Dr." Allen Jones didn't let the Yankees make any more runs until the third inning.

In the bottom of the first, Zach "The Beast" Tubbs moved around to third base, courtesy of singles hit by Jason "Shorts" Nelson and Tanner "Durf" Durfee. Tubbs came home on a passed ball during two outs. Nelson tried stealing third, but the Yankees nailed him there.

In the bottom of the second, two-run doubles by Nelson and Durfee tipped the Pirates ahead 5-2 after their team had loaded the bases on no outs.

In the top of the third, Grant McKenna  doubled in Dalton Nielson to set off a six-run rally for the Yankees. Buckner whacked a two-run single that left the Yankees leading 8-5 at the end of the third's top half. In the bottom of the third, Sam "Batman" Bateman hit an in-the-park homer to open another four-run rally for the Pirates. During it, Logan "Baughin" Baugh singled in a run, and Jason Nelson batted in another two to put the Pirates back ahed 9-8.

Loading the bases on one out in the fourth, the Yankees scored two runs on two walks and another two   on a Buckner single. Despite creating the 12-8 lead, the Yankees couldn't put the game away. The Pirates went on another four-run rally. It climaxed with Nelson doubling in two runs to clutch the win for the Pirates.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lone Peak Loners 3-2 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 2, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 3-2 win at home against the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners.

Awesome Caveman pitcher Austin "Super Powers" Pitcher didn't let any Loners get on base during the top of the first. In the bottom of it, Kody "Coco" Hall got on base through a walk. Skylar Mounteer singled him in after Brock Lamb had struck out.

The Loners took over the lead in the top of the second. Loner Braxton Barnes singled in Matt Hayes, then scored a tying breaking run on a two-out single hit by Grant Lyman, who got tossed out in a forced play at second.

After the second inning, Pitcher didn't let the Loners make any more runs for the rest of the game, even though Lone Peak got singls from Hunter Christensen and Tanner Smith. They did come close to making a third run when they loaded the bases on three straight walks in the top of the fifth when American Fork had already secured a 3-2 lead by then. Replacing pitcher at the mound that inning. Craig Brailsford made a throw to home plate to get Barnes out.

Now back during the bottom of the second, Emmitt Green hit a one-out, infield single, and scored on an error to tie the game at two. The contest stayed deadlocked until the bottom of the fourth. That inning, Lamb chopped a baseline doubled into left field, and Mounteer doubled him in. Though Sean Hardman hit a single right afterwards, the Awesome Cavemen would never score another run in the game.

American Fork Coach Mark Willis said, "Our pitching did pretty good against Lone Peak, which always has a strong program. Pitcher did well until he got tired in fifth. Brailsford came in and shut down with that fielder's choice play at home."

Four Homers Lift Lehi Froggies to 11-0 Win Over Cottonwood Ponies
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Four home runs lifted the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, to an 11-0 win at home against the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, in a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game at Lehi July 9.

Lehi pitcher Cam Lux threw a three-hitter against the Ponies, who had won by two runs the last time that   they had galloped into Lehi. Jake Shaprio whacked the first Pony single on one out in the top of the first. Cottonwood would not get another hit until the fifth when Tevita Gerder singled into left, only to get snared in a double play. Jeff Burton also got snagged in a Lehi double play right after hitting the third Pony single during the sixth's top half.

In the bottom of the first, Nolan Padilla slugged a one-out double into right, and Cody Webb homered him. Taylor Nielson slugged the second Lehi homer right afterwards. After second baseman Palmer Powis grounded out Braxton Devereaux, a nephew of former American Fork pitching great Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, pitcher Nate Crowther walked Kaleb Holden. Lux doubled in Holden.

The Froggies' lead stayed at 4-0 until the bottom of the third. That inning, Morgan Sopher hit a one-run single, and Ryan Absher whacked a grand slam.

The Ponies prolonged the game until the bottom of the sixth when Devereaux made his famous uncle proud by homering in Nielson on two outs to end the game.

"Hitting four home runs does a lot to make you play better," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux, older brother of Grand Slam. "We didn't make any errors, and Lux gave up only three hits to them."

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lehi Froggies 5-3 in 17-Under Division Game July 18
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-under division game played at Lehi July 19,  the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 5-3.

The game showed how much the Awesome Cavemen had improved since their league opener at home against Lehi on June 8. In that prior game, the Froggies had hopped home with a 4-0 win that they had posted over the Awesome Cavemen.

With memories of that defeat still floating around in their minds, the Awesome Cavemen rowed into Lehi ready to make some big hits with their clubs in the July 18 rematch.

A former head baseball coach for the Awesome Cavemen, Lehi Coach Brandon "Slim" Devereaux had his boy Braxton pitch all seven innings of the emotionally draining battle. Braxton strived to prove with every pitch by him that he was as much a challenge as his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Devereaux, who had pitched for American Fork back in the '90's. During his time on the mound, Braxton held American Fork scoreless in four innings, posted three strikeouts, and gave up 11 hits.

American Fork pitcher Emmett Green struck out only two Froggies, but he scattered six hits, and he held Lehi scoreless during the first four innings.

The game opened with American Fork's Zac Haws singling off Braxton. Haws got picked off at first, and Green flew out to right fielder Mason Downs. Just as Lehi looked as though it would prevent American Fork from putting any runners on base in the first inning, Brock Lamb chopped a double into left. Skylar Mounteer singled into right immediately afterwards. Alec "Sergeant" Schultz singled Lamb and Mounteer in. Third baseman Cam Lux grounded out Kyle Poulsen, keeping Schultz stranded on base.

In the bottom of the first, third baseman Lamb grounded out three of the four batters that the Froggies pitted against Green. No. 2 Froggie hitter Nolan Padilla singled off Green and became stuck on base.

Although Sean Hardman doubled off Braxton in the top of the second, Braxton struck out these three other Awesome Cavemen: Dandy Andy Bartholemew, Kody "Coco" Hall, and Milo "Who's on First" Abbott. The three strikeouts couldn't prevent Hardman from scoring. He came home on a passed ball. Braxton didn't let the Awesome Cavemen score again until the top of the sixth.

From the second's lower half to the bottom of the fifth, the game went down as a defensive struggle. In the bottom of the second, for instanced, a Cam Lux single moved a Froggie pinch runner to third base. After first baseman Mounteer grounded out Kalen Holden, a "distant cousin" of late film actor Bill Holden, Kolt Sampson hit into a double play that ended at home plate.

In the top of the third, Haws hit his second straight left-field single, only to become pinched in a squeeze play that retired American Fork to the field. In response to left fielder Abbott's two straight catches of fly balls in the bottom of the third, Ryan Absher slugged an infield single, but got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second.

With American Fork unable to put any runners on base in the top of the fourth, Froggie Coby Webb singled into right to start the inning's lower half, but American Fork kept him chained on base.

In the top of the fifth, Abbott and Craig Brailsford each slugged a two-out single to enable Zac Haws to  load the bases on a walk.  Second baseman Holden grounded out Green to hold American Fork scoreless.

An American Fork error let the Froggies load the bases on one out in the bottom of the fifth. During a fielder's choice play at second, Holden scored a run.

The sixth inning opened with Lamb getting on base through an error. Mounteer singled into right, moving Lamb to third. Once again, Schultz singled both Awesome Cavemen in. Schultz then tried stealing second, but a throw from catcher Padilla to Holden put the Awesome Caveman out. Lehi didn't let the Awesome Cavemen make any more runs.

Even though Taylor Nielson hit a one-out double for the Froggies in the bottom of the sixth, they couldn't pick up additional runs until the bottom of the seventh. In the game's final inning, both Holden and Kolt Sampson got on base through walks. Holden scored the second Lehi run as Mason Downs grounded out. Morgan Soper singled in Sampson, but got thrown right afterwards on a fielder's choice play at second. Lamb grounded out Absher to win the game for American Fork.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "I was pleased with our pitching and hitting today. Our aggressiveness on the bases impressed me. We executed our defensive plays well. Getting that 3-0 lead in the first two innings boasted our morale.

"I do have much respect for Brandon. He's done a great job with Lehi this summer. Today, for one, they stayed in the game clear until the last out."

AF Pirates Defeat Kittytown Red Sox, Helltown Rangers in Pool Play at State Pony League Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In opening-day action of the State Pony League Tournament, the American Fork Pirates defeated the Payson Red Sox 13-3 and the Springville Rangers 17-1 at Bus Manning Field July 17.

AKA Kittytown, Payson couldn't find a pitcher that could keep the Pirates in check. American Fork won the game in five innings. In the Pirates' 13-3 triumph, they got a triple from Kasten "K-Rass" Rasmuseen and a homer from Ryan "Rhino" Davis.

AKA Helltown, Springville didn't have a prayer against American Fork. The Pirates scored all of their 17 runs in the game's first inning while holding Helltown scoreless that inning. Practically, every Pirate made a hit that first inning, especially Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas, who slugged a single and a double. Jake "Snake" Smith contributed two singles to that devastating rally.

In the bottom of the second, Colt "Buzz" Evans slugged a single, but got caught in a double play that prevented the Pirates from scoring any more runs in the game.

In the top of the third, Helltown's Paul "Steed" Young hit a single, and Stix Brennen singled him in on no outs. Once Brennen got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, Helltown's chances of prolonging the game past the third inning vanished.

Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "I know the game was over when we scored the sixth run. Our pitching and defensive playing were absolutely solid today. Our guys did a good job in keeping Springville off balance."

AF Defeats Juan Diego Screechers 4-3 in 17-Under Division Thriller July 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

During Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork on July 16, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under division defeated the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, 4-3.

The Awesome Cavemen scored a run in each of the game's first three innings. In the meantime, they didn't let the Screechers make any runs until of the bottom of the fourth.

After Craig Brailsford had batted in a second-inning run for the Awesome Cavemen, Screecher Joe Strangaard singled into left in top of the third, then made it to third base on an error during one out. Shortstop Kody "Coco" Hall set up a double play that prevented Juan Diego from scoring. Getting on base through a third-inning walk, Dandy Andy Bartholemew, a nephew of former Caveman wrestles Dazzlin' Dave Bartholemew and John "Super Stud" Bartholenew, scored the third Caveman run on a passed ball.

On one out in the top of fourth, Juan Diego staged a rally. During it, Ryan Green, Pudge Davis, and Chandler Lamburton each singled in a run, tying the game at three.

The game stayed tied until the bottom of the seventh when Alec "Sergeant" Shultz singled into left. Instead of chopping game-winning hit, Lamb flew out to score Shultz for the winning run.

Awesome Caveman Coach Jay Holmstead said, "We out-executed them. We had some great pitching and fielding. In our 11-6 win at Layton last Saturday, Skylar Mounteer hit a three-run homer. We managed to get the game in, despite a rainstorm that came in during the afternoon."

Ferocious PG Vikings Fall to Bingham Pickers in 16-Under Game Ended Early Because of Rain
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In 16-under division paly  for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 14, the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings 4-1 in a contest ended early because of a heavy rainstorm.

The Ferocious Vikings never led in the game, which was supposed to have been the first half of a twin bill hosted by Bingham.

On one out in the top of the first, Zac Peterson singled into left, but the Pickers ensnared him a double play resulting from Easton Walker's flying out to second base.

In the bottom of the first, Cade Cloward doubled in Landon Walbeck and Aaron Marsh.

A cousin of TV's Lisa Simpson, Pleasant Grove's Peyton Simpson doubled into left, and before long, the Ferocious Vikings loaded the bases on two outs. However, after Gavin "Grizzly" Bahr had hit an infield single, Hayden Veenker, a son of former Pleasant Grove Review sportswriter Todd Veenker, flew out to first base, preventing the Ferocious Vikings from getting on the scoreboard.

Hitting a one-out triple in the bottom of the second, Will Anderson scored on Mikey Green's sacrifice fly.

Singles from Walbeck, McCord Larsen, and Cloward loaded the bases for the Pickers in the bottom of the third. With Cody Kitchen getting beaned by a pitch, the Pickers scored their fourth and final run.

Bingham slugged the Ferocious Vikings with a double play in the top of the fourth. Getting on base through a walk, Brayden Cox came home on a Bahr double.

During the top of the fifth, a heavy downpour of rain muddied the Bingham diamond so much that the umpires called the game.

Lehi Froggies Outlast Syracuse Midgets 4-3 in Utah Baseball Academy League Thriller July 13
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action July 13, the Lehi Pioneers' 17-under division team defeated the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, 4-3 at Lehi.

The two teams had to endure rain  during the seven-inning thriller. It opened with shortstop Cody Webb picking off a Kaiden King fly ball. Singling into center right afterwards, Jayden Bearnson got put out at second on a throw from catcher Nolan Padilla to second baseman Braxton Deveraux, a nephew of former American Fork pitcher Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux. In response to the putout, Riley Gibson hit an infield single, but got stuck on base.

In the bottom of the first, the Midget almost succeeded  in pulling off a triple play. However, Froggie No. 1 hitter Cody Webb narrowly escaped to home plate while the Midgets nailed Deveraux and Taylor Nielson. Getting on base on a walk, Cam Lux scored the second Froggie run during an error.

Singling into right at the start of the second inning, Kaiden Craig came home on Jason Jourdan's sacrifice groundout. Hit by Kaiden King, a two-out, one-run single evened the game at two.

Lehi hoped that Kolt Sampson's single at the start of the second's lower half would enable the Froggies to leap back out in front. However, pitcher Spencer Johnson posted three strikeouts to keep the game tied at the end of the second.

In the third's top half, Gibson singled into left, but Lehi kept him stuck on base. In the bottom of the third, Weston Hansen singled into right, but the Midgets pinched him in a putout play at second to keep the game tied at three.

A Zach Ricker sacrifice fly scored Jourdan in the top of the fourth to put the Midgets ahead 3-2. Singling into left in the bottom of the fourth, Lux stole home, and after the Froggies had loaded the bases on two outs, Sampson came home on a walk. Neither team could score any further runs after that, despite Kaiden Craig's left-field single hit in the top of the sixth.

"We had bad hitting today, but we had good defensive playing," said Lehi Coach Brandon Deveraux.

Awesome AF Cavemen Sweep Doubleheader at Home Against Spanish Fork Dons July 7
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen won both ends of a 16-under division doubleheader that they had played at home against the Spanish Fork Dons during Utah Baseball Academy League action July 7. American Fork won the first game 9-8 and the second one 9-5.

Nicknamed Gaytown because it's such a happy community to live in, Spanish Fork demonstrated in both games that despite being a 3-A power in high school baseball nowadays, it proved on July 7 that it could hold its own against 4-A and 5-A powers.

In the top of the first, the Dons loaded the bases, allowing them to take a 2-0 lead on walks made by Remo "Steamo" Rivera and Matt "Apple Beer" Creer. The Awesome Cavemen erased that first Gaytown lead. A cousin of Brock "Shears" Lamb, Dalliin Searle smacked a baseline single that enabled the Awesome Cavemen to load the bases one out in the bottom of the first. Emmett Green singled in a run. A nephew of former American Fork wrestler Fantastic Mike Bartholemew, Dandy Andy Bartholemew tripled in three runs, then came home on an error to put the Awesome Cavemen ahead 5-2.

Like bulls taunted by matadors, the Dons charged back during the top of the second. Two American Fork errors set the stage for Spanish Fork's recapture of the lead. One of those goofs let two Dons race home. Ryan Golish doubled in Jason "Show Me Da" Money, and he came home on Jarvis McKinnon's two-out single. Pitcher Searle grounded out Rivera to stop the rally.

After Kolby "Mr. Cool" Frost singled in the bottom of the second, American Fork loaded the bases on one out. The Awesome Cavemen then pulled ahead 8-6 on walks made by Kody "Coco" Hall, Emmett Green, and Bartholemew.

The Dons didn't let the Awesome Cavemen put any more runners on base until the bottom of the sixth. In the meantime, the Dons tied the game at eight two fourth-inning runs that occurred on an error and a McKinnon double.

American Fork ruined Spanish Fork's best chance of breaking the tie during the top of the sixth. That inning Zak "Pack Man" Harrison singled into left. Money popped out to shortstop Hall. He turned up a double play right afterwards.

Despite singles from Bartholemew and Jackson Draper in the bottom of the sixth, the Cavemen couldn't  make any runs. However, with one out in the bottom of the seventh, Hagen Holmstead got on base via an error, which allowed Frost to come home for the winning run.

In the second game, the Awesome Cavemen didn't let the Gaytowners score any runs during the first three innings, despite a second-inning single hit by Colt "Forty-Five" Creer.

Singling in the bottom of the first, Holmstead led Kody "Coco" Hall home on an error. Bartholemew singled in a run that left American Fork ahead 3-0 at the end of the inning.

The score stayed at 3-0 until the bottom of the third. With American Fork loading the bases on two walks and a Searle single, Green singled in Hall to start a four-run rally, nudged on by two walks and a Draper single.

Tripling during the top of the fourth, Golish soon stole home. A Colt Creer, sacrifice fly scored McKinnon. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dons turned up a double play that prevented the Awesome Cavemen from scoring any runs that inning.

The next inning, Harrison doubled in two runs, then moved to third on a Money single. Golish singled Harrison in. American Fork shut down the Dons' scoring machine for the rest of the game.

Doubling into center during the bottom of the fifth, Searle got moved to third by a Green single. Bartholmew singled Searle in, and Green stole home, ending the game's scoring.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "The pitchers did a good job against Spanish Fork. The Dons are among the toughest teams to play against in this state. Whenever you beat them, you know have played exceptionally well. We executed well on defense today, and we found ways to get hits off their pitchers."

Bingham Pickers Dry Up Lehi 16-Under Division Team 14-2 in June 28 Action
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Pickers, the Bingham Miners buried their hosts, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 14-2 in a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 28.
The Froggies' doom got set in the top of the first. On one out, Tony "Beans" Moderno got on base through a Froggie error. The Picker then came home on a single whacked by Nick Plaga, a grandson of the late Gene Plaga, a West High coaching legend. An nine-run rally ensued. By the time Lehi had finally shut down, Nick had managed to single another two runs.

Although the Froggies held the Pickers scoreless during the next two innings, Lehi had a frustrating time with putting runners on base. Cam Grace hit a first-in

ning single to become the first Froggie to get on base. However, Lehi couldn't score any runs or make any further hits until the bottom of the fourth.

In the meantime, Bingham picked up its ninth run in the top of the fourth when Will Anderson doubled in Shark Boelter.

On one out in the bottom of the fourth, Morgan Soper doubled into center,and Preston Higgins drove him in with a double. Blake Smith doubled in Higgins. Second baseman Moderno grounded out Matt "Bub" Wilde, erasing Lehi's last chance for prolonging the game past the fifth inning.

In the top of the fifth, Plaga hit a one-out single to reel in four runs. Brayden "Fiddle" Diddle singled in Plaga, and Mikey Green scored on a Boelter sacrifice fly. Anderson tripled in Diddle for the game's final run.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Ferocious PG Vikings 10-4 in 17-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 29, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, won 10-4 at home against the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings.

For the Froggies, the game was an atonement for a humiliating loss that the Ferocious Vikings had dealt them in the UBAL's annual preseason tournament. In that game, Pleasant Grove won 8-1 at Lehi and went on to win the tournament.

In the top of the first of the June 29 game, Froggie pitchers Britt Stokes and Preston Hansen held Pleasant Grove scoreless during the first four innings while he posted five strikeouts.

With the Ferocious Vikings unable to put any runs on base in the top of the first, the inning's bottom half saw the Froggies take complete control of the game. Nolan Padilla hit a one-out single into left, and Taylor Nielsen doubled him in two outs. Lehi soon loaded the bases, and Colt Sampson singled in two runs. Mason Downs struck out before the Froggies could pick up any more runs that inning.

In the bottom of the second, Cam Lux hit a one-out double into left, but he got stuck on base. Despite that setback, the Froggies did continue extending their lead. In the bottom of the third, Cody Webb singled into left, and he came home on Nielson's sacrifice fly. With his famous uncle Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux coaching first base, Braxton Deveraux hit a two-out, solo homer over the center-field fence.

In the top of the fourth, Pleasant Grove finally made hits. Aiden Nuenswander and and Branden Coombs each singled for the Ferocious Vikings that inning. Nevertheless, the Froggies still kept Pleasant Grove from scoring any runs.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Ferocious looked as though they would be finished off in the fifth. During the fourth's lower half, Kaleb Holden and Ryan Absher each hit a two-run double during a five-run rally that gave Lehi a 10-0 lead. Padilla contributed a one-run single to the rally. It put the Ferocious  Vikings in danger of being polished off in the fifth.

However, with McKay Lewis and Bryce Jones on base in the top of the fifth, Jade Smoot hit a one-run single that set of a three-run rally. It prolonged the game for another two innings.

Singling into left at the start of the sixth, Logan Bullock soon got doubled in by Easton Walker. Aided by a Peyton Simpson single, Pleasant Grove soon loaded the bases on two outs, but first baseman Braxton Deveraux grounded out Peyton Henry to end the Ferocious Vikings' last real chance of winning the game.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Juan Diego Screechers 10-9 in 16-Under Division Thriller June 30 
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division team came out with a 10-9 win at home against the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Screechers, in Utah Baseball Academy League play June 30.

On one out in the top of the first, Screecher Eli McQuillian doubled in Ryan Median to set off a three-run rally. It ended with Ryan Hughes getting forced out at home. American Fork narrowed the Screechers' 3-0 lead to 3-2 on a Turner Knight theft of home plate and A.J. Jones' one-run double. Shortstop Medina grounded out Ty Gardner to keep American Fork from tying the game at three in the opening inning.

In the top of the second, Stevie McNulty singled in Connor Helgeson, and then came home on a Medina sacrifice fly.

Doubling into left in the bottom of the second, Awesome Cavemen Seth Taylor soon stole home, setting off a three-run rally that tied the game at five.

With McQuillian hitting a left-field single in the third, Sam Browski doubled him, but got snared in a double play that caused the Screetchers to be held scoreless during the fourth and fifth innings.

In the bottom of the fifth, Jackson Wilson scored during a sacrifice groundout to set off a four-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Knight doubled in two runs to put them ahead 8-6. Cody "Coco" Hall doubled Knight, but got forced out at third.

In the sixth, an American Fork error let the Soaring Eagles score two runs to tie the game at nine. The Awesome Cavemen prevented Juan Diego from pulling back out front this time.

With the sixth's lower half opening on a Dandy Andy Bartholemew double hit into left, the Awesome Caveman batters came under much stress. They held up well under. Derrick "Buster" Hardman flew out into center, but Bartholemew came home for a tie-breaking run. Juan Diego answered it with a double play.

American Fork kept the Screechers in check in the top of the seventh.

Former head mentor for the West Jordan Pussy Cats, American Fork Coach Brock Knight said, "They jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. That could have shaken our resolve. We held firm, though. Buster Hardman saved us in the sixth with that sacrifice fly he hit. He's just an eighth-grader, but he proved how valuable he was to us today."

Spanish Fork Dons Defeat Lehi Froggies 19-13 in 16-Under Slugfest July 10
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 16-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 10, the Spanish Fork Dons, AKA the Gaytowners, posted a 19-13 win on the home diamond of the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies.

Both teams played such good defense in the first two innings that it was not until the third inning that both squads could get on the board. In the first inning, for instance, the Dons loaded the bases on two outs in the top off, only to see Nate "Tornado" Roberts pop out to first before any runs could come in. In the second inning, both squads slapped each other with double plays.

Finally, in the top of the third, Taylor "Tiger" Harrison slugged a one-run single that set off a seven-run rally for the Dons. Late in the rally, McKinnon Jarvis doubled in three runs on one out.

The Froggies proved in the bottom of the third that they could rally back. After Blake Smith had hit a single, Dixon Grant singled in a run to send Lehi rallying back within 7-4.

In the fourth inning, Lehi looked as though it would be finished off by the fifth. A two-run double, hit by Jason "Show Me Da" Money, spurred a seven-run rally that extended the Gaytowners' lead to 14-4. Instead of throwing in the glove, the Froggies carried out a long rally of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Grant singled in Matt "Bub" Wilde to open a six-run rally that prolonged the game clear to the seventh.

In the top of the fifth, Lehi didn't let any Dons get on base. Singles from Cam Grace and Koy Smith enabled the Froggies to load the bases on one out. After Smith came home on an error, Morgan Soper hit a two-run single, pushing Lehi within 14-13. Preston Higgins singled into left to Lehi's hopes afloat. However, before the Froggies could leap ahead, Paxton Terry hit into a double play.

Lehi received one more fine chance for pulling out a win when the Froggies loaded the bases on two outs in the bottom of the sixth. With the score still 14-13, Froggie Logan "Wazzy" Wazmeyer went up to bat against reliever Money. Within four pitches, Money struck out the batter. Lehi never got another chance to retake the lead.

In the top of the seventh, Roberts singled in Golish to set up a five-run rally that clutched the game for the Dons. During the rally, Jarvis and Taylor Anderson each hit a one-run double.

Jordan Valley Defeats AF Pirates For Timp Colt Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the two-game series in the Timp Colt League playoffs, Jordan Valley defeated the American Fork Pirates for the league title. With both games played American Fork's Rotary Park, the Pirates won the first game 9-8 July 11. However, in the July 12 showdown, Jordan Valley defeated American Fork 12-11 to take the Gold Division Title.

In the first inning of the July 11 contest, American Fork loaded the bases on no outs. Allen "Dr." Jones singled in Zach "The Beast" Tubbs to open a five-run rally.

In the bottom of the first, Jordan Valley's Mikey Butler doubled in Colt Christensen, and he then came home on a Ty Olsen single.

For the top of the second inning, Jones' bat proved devastating to Jordan Valley as he singled in Jason Nelson to set off a four-run rally. Even though Jordan Valley didn't let American Fork make any more runs after that inning, the Herriman-based team couldn't prevent the necessity for a second game.

Jordan Valley did go on a six-run scoring spree in the bottom of the fourth, though. That rally saw Olsen and Ian Hawkins each slug a two-run single. Pitcher Jones struck out two straight batters to shut down the rally and force the championship contest into a second game.

In the top of the second game's first inning, Jordan Valley's Cordell "Hoss" Johnson singled in Marshall Jones. However, Jordan Valley couldn't make any more runs that inning.

In the bottom of it, Pirate Jason "Shots" Nielson stole home to set off a three-run rally. During it, Dr. Jones tripled in Braden "Jazzhands" Bezzant, and scored on a Sam "Batman" Bateman single.

During the top of the second, pitcher Andy "A-Max" Maxwell struck out Nate Slack and Colt "45" James. The pitcher then caused Nikki Dawes to ground out, holding Jordan Valley scoreless in the second.

Singling into right in the bottom of the second, Tubbs stole home, setting off a seven-run rally that could have given American Fork the championship title. Near the end of the second, Logan "Baughin" Baugh doubled in three runs that left American Fork with a 10-1 lead.

The momentum swung back to Jordan Valley's favor in the top of the third. Doubling into left, Colt "Shaggy" Christensen stole home, thereby setting off an eight-run rally that saw Dawes double into left. By the time Shaggy had flown out into center, Jordan Valley had pulled within 10-9. Jordan Valley held American Fork scoreless in the bottom of the third.

With Olson doubling into left at the the start of the fourth, Hoss Johnson tripled him in. Mikey Butler doubled in  Johnson to put Jordan Valley ahead 11-10. A James sacrifice fly scored Colt Bloomquist for the final Jordan Valley run.

Bezzant doubled into left in the bottom of the fourth. On two outs, he stole him. Before American Fork could tie the score, Baugh struck out.

West Jordan defeated the Pleasant Grove Marlins in the second game of the Silver Division's championship series.

American Fork Crushes Syracuse Midgets 13-1 in 17-Under Division Play July 9
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weeklly Publisher

In a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen won 13-1 at home against the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, July 9.

American Fork held the Midgets scoreless for five of the game's six innings. On one out in the bottom of the first, Brock Lamb chopped a double to move Sean Hardman into scoring position. Skylar Mounteer join them on base through a walk. Alec Shultz hit a two-run double, and Mounteer came home on a passed ball.

The Midgets tried turning their fortunes around on Kaiden Craig's second-inning double, but he got put out at third by catcher Andy Bartholemew's throw.

In the third, Shultz doubled in two runs and Koy Dibb doubled in another two to fuel a six-run rally for American Fork.

In the top of the fourth, Cole Tracy doubled in Kaiden Mahoney for the only Midget run of the game.

In the fifth, the Awesome Cavemen staged a four-run rally to finish off the Midgets.

Double Issue of Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 23, 2012

Publisher's Message

For this double issue, we are going to be looking at games of the Utah Baseball Academy's annual summer tournament and the final two rounds of the American Fork Pony League playoffs. We will also look at some of the latest UBAL games and Timp Colt League action. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

Pirates Singe Red Sox 20-0 In AFPL Semifinal June 20

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the final game of the one-loss bracket of the American Fork Pony League playoffs at Bus Manning Field June 20, the Pirates, this year's regular season champs, signed the Red Soxs 20-0.

"That was our first shutout win of the year," said Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker. "We came off a loss to the Rockies last Monday night. We lost that game on 11 walks that we gave up to them. Like my crew, I couldn't sleep well that night. We always have to watch out for walks. Those are things that can hurt us."

Pirate pitcher Chandler "Woody" Wood gave up two hits and four walks to the Red Sox in the June 20 game. He also posted six strikeouts.

"While that was a great performance for him, he had infielders who played great defense tonight," Parker said.

The game opened with Pirate catcher Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas grounding out Kasten Rasmussen. The Red Sox couldn't put any runners on base in the first inning.

In the bottom of it, pitcher Rasmussen struck out Thomas. However,  Jason "J-Dawg"Ybarra, a brother of former Awesome Cavewoman basketball player Nikki Ybarra, singled to third, and he soon scored on an error. On two outs, Wood came home on a passed ball. Though Jake "Snake" Smith singled into left, he soon picked off at first by a throw from Rasmussen.

The next inning, Red Sox Chandler Tooley hit what he believed would be a double. However, he got called out, because he did not touch first base while on his way to second. McKay Harley singled off Wood, then got around to third base. However, Kade Whitney, walked by Wood, got pinched in a fielder's choice play at second, and Davis Flood struck out before Harley could come home.

The game, meanwhile, went downhill for them in the second's lower half. Thomas singled in Colt "Buzz" Evants and Taylor "Durf the Smurf" Durfey to open a seven-run stampede. During it, Cody "Oscar" Richans contributed a two-run single and Wood a one-run single.

In the third's top half, Woody struck out Sadie Humphrey and Zac Ritchie. Rasmussen doubled off the pitcher, but that Red Sox player got put out on a throw from catcher Thomas to third base.

A Thomas single led to the Pirates loading the bases on no outs in the bottom of the fourth. They picked up two runs that inning on a Woody single and a Durfey walk.

The Pirates put the game game away in the fourth. Ybarra singled in Thomas to unleash a nine-run rally. During it, Wood singled in two runs and Thomas homered in another two.

In the fifth, Wood walked Whitney and Hunter Ritchie. Those walks didn't do the Red Sox any good, for a Thomas throw to third put out Whitney while Ritchie got stranded on base.

The win set the Pirates up for a rematch against the Rockies in the championship game June 25.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Lehi Froggies in 16-Under Division Play in UBAL June 23
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League game at Lehi June 23, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen dried up the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 4-3 in an eight-inning thriller during 16-under division play on the Froggies' home diamond.

The game was a rematch between the two teams, who squared off in pool play portion of the UBAL's recent preseason summer tournament. Played at American Fork, the Froggies hopped past the Awesome Cavemen 5-0.

Determined not to be humiliated again by their web-footed foes, the Awesome Cavemen played much better in the June 23 rematch. Both squads played so well in it that neither of them could score runs in the first three innings.

In going 3-3 at the plate, Hagen Holmstead, a little brother of former Awesome Cavewoman basketball star Hayley Holmstead, registered a one-out single for his first hit during the top of the first. Pitcher Blake Smith soon walked Kody "Coco" Hall on two outs. Third baseman Kolten Smith grounded out Jake "Nortie" Norton, stranding Holmstead and Hall on base.

Although Cam Grace singled off pitcher Norton in the bottom of the first, he got picked off base. Norton struck out Morgan Soper and grounded out Ryan Barnes to keep the game a scoreless deadlock.

Singles from Preston Higgins and Bub Wilde permitted the Froggies to load the bases on one out in the bottom of the second. In having allowed no Awesome Cavemen to get on base in the top of that inning, Lehi anticipated that it would get on the scoreboard first during Inning 2. However, both Smith and Logan "Wazzy" Wasmeyer both grounded before Lehi could score any runs.

With Blake Smith striking out Kolbi Willis and Nick Christensen, center fielder caught a fly ball hit by Hayden Wood, a nephew of former American Fork girls' basketball star Tonya Beck, to hold the Awesome Cavemen scoreless.

In the bottom of the third, Hunter Bolles singled off Norton, he got ensnared by a double play. Norton stuck out Soper to end the third inning in a scoreless deadlock.

The fourth inning opened with Holmstead singling into left, and he advanced to second base on A.J. Jones sacrifice bunt. After Blake Smith had walked Hall, Norton doubled in Holmstead. Hall came ome on a Ty Gardner sacrifice fly in center field, and Seth Taylor doubled in Norton, but he got stranded at second. American Fork protected its 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third by letting no Froggies get on base.

Even though Zaxter Cook got on base through an error in center field in the top of the fifth, he got put by catcher Barnes' throw to second baseman Wilde. The putout made it possible for the Froggies to keep the Awesome Cavemen from picking up a fourth run not only during the fifth, but also during the sixth and seventh innings, even though Holmstead hit his third straight single in the top of the sixth and Cousin Jackson Draper tripled on two outs into center during e top of the seventh.

In the bottom of the fifth, Grant Dixon and Wasmeyer each singled off Norton, giving American Fork big jitters. Those jitters became more intense when Bolles singled Dixon and Wasmeyer in. Grace singled Bolles in on a two-out single. Right afterwards, Sopher hit an infield single, but the Awesome Cavemen tagged Grace in a squeeze play between third and home.

The game stayed deadlocked until the top of the eighth. On one out in the top of the eighth, reliever Barnes walked Nick Christensen. After Holmstead got on base during two outs, Jones singled in Christensen. The Froggies retaliated by pinching Holmstead in a squeeze play between second and third.

On one out in the bottom of the eighth, Soper got beaned by a pitch, and Barnes joined him on base through a walk. Those two Froggies got into scoring position on two outs. Before Soper could score a tying run, Preston Higgins flew out to center field.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "You're never out of the woods when you play a good team like Lehi. We learned from our last game with them that we got to get better in order to compete with them. We had a lot of good at-bats today. We held them scoreless for seven of the eight innings that we played them today."

Pirates Take Down Rockies 10-3 in First Game of AFPL Championship Series
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the first game of the American Fork Pony League Championship Series at Buss Manning Field June 22, the Pirates pulled down the Rockies 11-3.

In the top of the first, Rocky Kaleb Greening got on base through an error during one out. He stole around to third base, where he got picked off by a throw from pitcher Davis "Big D"Abbott. Even though the pitcher walked McCrae Morgan, he grounded out Jake Fox, holding the Rockies scoreless.

On one out in the bottom of the second, Jason "J-Dawg" Ybarra doubled into left, and Abbott doubled him in. Abbott got picked off at third. Singles from Ryan "Rhinop" Thompson and Chandler "Woody" Wood gave the Pirates a chance for a two-out rally. However, Jake "Snake" Smith struck out.

The Pirates stayed ahead by just 1-0 until the top of the third. On two outs that inning, Rocky Mike Hidgely singled in Greening to tie the game at one.  Doubling in the bottom of the third, Ybarra came home on an Abbott single. The Rockies didn't let the Pirates pick up a third run that inning, however.

In the bottom of the fourth, Taylor "Durf" Durfee singled in Smith to unleash a five-run rally that saw Ybarra hit a two-run, in-the-park homer.

The Pirates improved their lead at 9-2 on one-run singles hit by Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas and Ybarra.

Singles from Mike Hidgely and Fox permitted the Rockies to load the bases. A Josh Ingersen sacrifice fly scored Morgan, and Hidgely came home on an error at third base. The Rockies couldn't score any more runs after the sixth.

On one out in the bottom of the sixth, Smith singled in a run, and Colt "Buzz" Evans scored another one, putting the game's final score at 11-3.

Pirates Smoke Rockies 12-2 to Win AF Pony League Pennant
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at Buss Manning Field June 25, the second game of the American Fork Pony League championship series saw the Pirates smoke the Rockies 12-2.

Ptiching all of the game's five innings, Jase "J-Dawg" Ybarra posted six strikeouts, and he gave up six hits to the Rockies, but he let them make only two runs during the contest.

During the top of the first, Chris Higdely singled off Ybarra and stole second base. There, the Rocky witness the pitcher strike out Kaleb Greening and McCrae Morgan. Ybarra then grounded out Mikey Hidgely.

The bottom of the first opened with Pirate Spencer "Hot Wheels" Thomas whacking an in-the-park homer. It got answered in the top of the second of the second when Skylar Northcut hit a two-out double that brought home Jadin Fox and Josh Ingerson. With Northcut's double giving the Rockies a 2-1 lead, the contest looked as though it would stay a barnburner.

However, in the bottom of the second, the game went downhill for the Rockies. As soon as the Pirates had loaded the bases on one out the inning, Thomas singled in Colt "Buzz" Evans to set off a five-run rally for the Pirates. During the rally, Ybarra and Davis "Big D" Abbott each doubled in two runs.

In the top of the third, Mikey Hidgely whacked a two-out single off Ybarra, who answered it by grounding out Fox.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Pirates again loaded the bases on one out. Thomas singled in two runs, but the Rockies soon pinched him in a fielder's choice play at second. Soon afterwards, Abbott escaped a squeeze play between third and home, scoring a run. Davey "D-Raw" Rawson doubled in a run, but he got thrown at third.

With Evans striking out to end the fourth, the Rockies counted on a two-out, fifth-inning single, smacked by Greening, a grandson of former Awesome American Fork Caveman football coach Sir Davis Knight, to continue their cause. It collapsed through Morgan striking out.

On one out in the bottom of the fifth, Cody "Oscar" Richans, a son of former Awesome Caveman baseball player Paul "Slim" Richans, got on base through a single. Richans soon got to third on an infield error. Thomas singled him for the game-ending run. Ironicallly, Slim didn't know that his son had made the winning run until I broke the news to him right after the game.

Anyway, Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "I was thrilled that Oscar made the winning run, because he had been struggling through the season. It was great to see him do this. Now we got a focus on the state tournament, where we can have a chance to do some damage.

"Ever since our loss to the Rockies last Monday, we had just been pounding the ball. It's great to see tonight the results of our work."

Awesome AF Cavemen Harvest 11-3 Win at Jordan During U-16 Division Play in UBAL Action 
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division team harvested on an 11-3 win on the Sandy diamond of the Jordan Beetdiggers, AKA the Plowboys, during Utah Baseball Academy League action June 21.

During the contest, Awesome Caveman Hagen Holmstead, a brother of 2009 state 5-A basketball MVP Hayley Holmstead, went 4-5 at the plate, swatting four straight singles. The first one hit by was a one-out single in the top of the first. Also singling that inning, A.J. Jones followed Homstead home on a Jackson Draper sacrifice fly. Clubbing a single in the top of the first, Kody "Coco" Hall got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at third, retiring American Fork to the field.

Advanced to third on a Ryan Sedillo double in the bottom of the first, Cody Davis, who had gotten on base through a walk, came come on a passed ball. The Plowboys soon loaded the bases on no outs right afterwards. As the Awesome Cavemen slapped Jordan with a double play, Sedillo and Jack Bollinger came home, putting the Plowboys ahead 3-2. American Fork didn't let Jordan make any more  runs after the first inning.

The second inning opened with Jake Norton doubling out into left field. Ty Gardner doubled him in, then scored on a Zaxter Cook sacrifice groundout to put the Awesome Cavemen back ahead 4-3.

Opening the top of the third with a single, Hall got singled in by Seth Taylor on one out. The next inning, Holmstead singled in Cook on two outs. Although Jordan kept American Fork's lead stuck at 6-3 in the fifth, Holmstead singled in another run in the sixth to set off a four-run rally. In the seventh, a Hayden Wood single produced an insurance run for the Awesome Cavemen. Right after that RBI, second baseman Duke Adams snared a Holmstead fly ball and turned up a double play.

In the bottom of the seventh, shortstop Hall grounded out Panther Martin to set the stage for shutting the door on the Plowboys. Though Tate Hathaway got on base through a walk, American Fork pinched him at second in a game-ending, fielder's choice play.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "These guys decided to work hard on things. They've proved today that they're committed."

That was a far cry from the first week of the season when they produced only one win.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Juan Diego Screechers 7-6 in 17-Under Division Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League 17-Under Division game at Lehi June 18, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, defeated the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, AKA the Sreechers, 7-6

Even though pitcher Braxton Deveraux, nephew of former American Fork pitching legend Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, gave up a two-out double to Justin Kummer in the top of the first, he struck out two batters that inning and caused Ty Olsen to fly out to center fielder Ryan Absher. Braxton went to post seven strikeouts in the game.

After pitcher Ryan Green struck out Absher at the start of the first's lower half, Nolan Padilla singled into left, and Cody Webb doubled him in.

The Froggies enjoyed their 1-0 until the top of the third. With the bases loaded on no outs, Kummer whacked a second straight double that drove in two Sreechers. Gabe Juarez soon scored on a sacrifice groundout.

After Green had struck out two straight Froggies in the bottom of the third, Lehi loaded the bases through singles hit by Kaleb Holden, Absher, and Padilla. Webb knocked Holden in. Taylor Nielson pushed the Froggies back out in front with a three-run triple. Green answered it by striking out Deveraux.

In the bottom of the fourth, Cam Lux hit a one-out triple to bring in Mason Downs. Britt Stokes knocked in Lux, ending Lehi scoring for the game.

In the fifth, Kummer opened a comeback for the Sreechers. First, he singled in Olsen, and Kummer then scored a run during a fielder's choice play at second.

Singling in the top of the sixth, Chandler Lamburt soon stole home on two outs. Green tried stealing home, also, but catcher Padilla tagged him at the plate, ending Juan Diego's last chance for victory.

Cottonwood Ponies Dry Up Lehi 8-5 in UBAL Play June 18
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League Action June 19, the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, Defeated the Lehi Pioneers' 17-under division team 8-5.

Tevita Gerder's pitching kept the Froggies scoreless during the first four innings. Gerder produced six strikeouts during his time on the mound.

On two outs in the first's top half, the Ponies got on the board when Nate Gardener doubled in Jake Shaprio and Jake Marvos. A Gerder single reeled in Jordan Martinez on one out in the second. The Froggies answered that one-run single with a double play.

Doubling in the fourth, Shaprio came home on a Gardner double. As soon as the Ponies had loaded the bases on two outs that inning, Martinez hit a three-run double. Third baseman Cam Lux caught a Palmer Powis pop fly to end the four-run rally.

With Gardner doubling at the start of the fifth, Sam Rickman hit a one-run double, hinting that the game would end that inning. However, the Froggies didn't let the Ponies make any more runs in the game. Tripling in the bottom of the fifth, Taylor Nielson scored on Colt Sampson's sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the next inning, Nolan Padilla hit a one-out, two-run double to open a four-run rally for the Froggies. Webb singled Padilla in, and Lehi soon loaded the bases on two outs. After the Froggies had picked up their fifth run on an error, Gerder struck out Britt Stokes, smashing Lehi's last real chance for coming from behind.

Awesome AF Cavemen Defeat Bingham Pickers 3-2 in UBAL 16-Under Division Game
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League game at American Fork June 12, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 16-under division team defeated the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, 3-2.

During the top of the first, pitcher A.J. Jones walked Cody Kitchen, but he caused three other Pickers to ground out, holding Bingham scoreless.

The first's bottom half opened with Hayden Wood tripling into left, and he came home on a passed ball.  Even though Cousin Jackson Draper singled a few minutes later, the Awesome Cavemen couldn't pick up any more runs until the bottom of the third.

Hitting a left-field single, Kobi Willis scored on a Wood sacrifice fly. On two outs, Kody "Coco" Hall singled in Jake Norton, who had gotten on base through an error.

American Fork couldn't score any more runs after that inning, despite a fourth-inning single hit by Dallin Searle, a nephew of former American Fork baseball catch Matt Lamb.

In the meantime, the Awesome Cavemen held the Pickers scoreless until the top of the seventh. That inning, Kade Cloward tripled in Landon Walbeck and then came home on a passed ball. Shortstop Hall turned up a double play that ended the game before the Pickers could tie it.

 Lehi Froggies Shut Out Awesome AF Cavemen 5-0 in UBAL Summer Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 16-under division game played at American Fork June 12, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 5-0 in pool play in the Utah Baseball Academy's annual preseason summer tournament.

Froggie Pitcher Kolt Smith let the Awesome Cavemen make only two hits during the game. Both  of those hits were singles A.J. Jones made one of the bottom of the second, and Tyler Gardner made the other single in the sixth.

With Cam Grace and Morgan Soper each slugging a single in the top of the first, the Froggies soon took a 2-0 lead on a Preston Higgins triple and a Dixon Grant sacrifice fly.

Through the pitching of Jones, the Awesome Cavemen held the Froggies scoreless in the second, third, and fourth innings. Second-inning singles from Dave "Wazzy" Wazmeyer and Smith presented hints that the Froggies would eventually expand their 2-0 lead. They finally did that in the fifth, which saw Paxton Terry double in Higgins and score on a Blake Smith sacrifice fly. On one out in the sixth's top half, Matt "Bub" Wilde doubled in Smith for the game's final run.

AF Cubs Win 14-8 Over AF Cardinals in Timp Colt League Play
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League Action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 14, the American Fork Cubs defeated the American Fork Cardinals 16-8.

In the top of the first, Stevie Harrison hit a two-run triple that sparked the Cubs into seizing a 4-0 lead. A younger brother of former American Fork baseball legend Taison Smith, Ricky Smith hit a two-run single that cut the lead to 4-2.

A Jensen Whitaker single set the stage for the Cubs' five-run rally in the top of the second. The Cardinals showed that they could stage long rallies, too. In the bottom of the second, Jacob Smith tripled in three runs and Brock Tanner slugged a two-run, in-the-park homer to fuel a six-run rally that put the Cardinals within 9-8.

Singling at the start of the third's top half, Whitaker soon scored on a run that unleashed a seven-run rally that saw Chase Durfey triple in three runs. The Cubs held the Cardinals scoreless through the rest of the game.

Lehi Froggies Wash Away Cottonwood Ponies 14-4 at UBAL Summer Tourney
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Utah Baseball Academy League summer tournament game, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, washed away the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies 14-4.

The Ponies did enjoy a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. That inning, Pony Tivata Gerder doubled in Andy "Goody Two Shoes" Goodwell, and Drew Staley hit a two-run double to create the 3-0 lead. It couldn't survive the bottom of the first.

Walked by pitcher Cam Daley in the bottom of the first, Colby Page soon stole home, setting off a 4-0 run rally for the Froggies.

Even though they committed an error in the second, they did not let the Ponies score a fourth run until the fourth inning. In the meantime, the Froggies kept hopping farther ahead. In the second inning, for instance, River "Rio" Chivara singled in a run. The third inning saw the Froggies picked up another four unearned runs.

Singling in the fourth, Staley came home on a Chris Schraegle single. That was the last run that the Froggies let the Ponies make. Lehi picked up two runs on a Brook Hansen sacrifice groundout and a Kaiden Higgins single.

In the bottom of the fifth, Tanner "Mouse" Henderson doubled in two runs to set off a four-run rally that ended the game in Lehi's favor.

Lehi Froggies Pick Bingham Pickers Apart 9-8 in UBAL Tournament
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, pulled out a 9-8 win over the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, in the 17-under division of the Utah Baseball Academy's preseason tournament June 11.

Pitcher Preston Hansen held the Pickers scoreless during the game's first two innings, even though Zach Degn singled off him in the top of the second.

Singles by Ryan Absher and Nolan Padilla set the stage for Lehi's takeover of the game during the bottom of the first. Cody Webb singled in Absher, then came home on Taylor Nielson's one-out triple. A nephew of one-time American Fork all-star pitcher Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, Braxton Deveraux singled in Nielson. Bingham pitcher Brandon Morley shut down the rally by striking out Kaleb Holden, a "distant cousin" of the late Hollywood actor Bill Holden.

The Froggies enjoyed their 3-0 lead until the top of the third. On one out that inning, the Pickers loaded the bases through singles hit by T.J. Bowcut, Braxton McKee, and Trevor Carlile. Carlile came home on a passed ball, setting off a three-run rally. Hansen struck out Chase Tavonatti to prevent the Pickers from pulling ahead.

Doubling in the bottom of the third, Padilla came home on a Nielson single. With the Froggies holding the Pickers scoreless in the top of the fourth, Lehi went on another rally in the bottom of the inning. Opening its lower half with a right-field double, Colt Sampson soon came home on a passed ball. Britt Stokes soon scored on an error, and Absher's one-run single put the lead at 7-3.

Bingham held the Froggies scoreless in the fifth and sixth innings. Meanwhile, the Pickers also took over the lead. In the fifth, Ryan Llwelyn singled in two run to cut the lead to 7-5. In the sixth, Lance Harrison hit a one-out single, and he came home on a passed ball. Austin Florez singled in Daxgton Dubach, and Spencer Esty's 's one-run single put the Pickers ahead 8-7.

In the seventh, the Froggies kept the Pickers from gaining anything from singles hit by Bowcutt and Llewelyn. Second baseman Stokes turned up a double play that prevented the Pickers from making any insurance run. In the bottom of the seventh, Lehi loaded the bases on one out. Webb doubled in Hansen and Absher to win the game for the Froggies.

Earlier in the day, the Foggies' 15-under team defeated the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, 12-0. Kaiden Higgins hit a two-run double in that game. Lehi Coach Matt Bezzant said, "We walked 11 times in the game. So it wasn't surprising that we got 12 runs today. Higgins pitched for us, and he gave up only two hits."

PG 15-Under Team Defeats Bingham 22-0 In UBAL Summer Tourney
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In June 13 action of the Utah Baseball Academy League's annual preseason summer tournament, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings defeated the Bingham Miners 22-0 in 15-under division play at Viking Field.

Peyton Henry, the son of Viking baseball coach Darin "That's Bush League" Henry, gave up only two hits during the game. Jared Tanner and Ty Topham were the only two Pickers to make hits off him. Tanner and Topham each hit a two-out single off Henry in the top of the second, and both Pickers got stuck on base.

Ferocious Viking Chase Merrill opened the game's scoring by hitting a two-run single in the first. In the second's lower half, Henry's sacrifice fly scored Ben Eldredge, who had hit a one-out double.

In the bottom of the third, Austin Favila tripled in a run, setting off a 12-run rally, which saw Eldredge and Zach Peterson each hit a double.

Favila doubled in another two runs in the fourth to set off a seven-run rally that put the game away. During that rally, Henry doubled in two runs, and Merrill hit a one-run double.

Pony and Colt Baseball June 2012

Timp Sports Weekly

June 13, 2012

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at the last week of regular Pony League season action, two Timp Colt League games, and two Utah Baseball Academy contests. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

Lindon Angels Zap AF Red Sox in June 4 Pony League Contest

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In June 4 Pony League action at American Fork's Bus Manning Field, the Lindon Angels zapped the American Fork Red Sox 12-4.

Lindon's Meta Tanoi demonstrated on the mound what a strong arm he had during the game's first innings. In the bottom of the first, for example, he struck out three out of the four batters that American Fork pitted against him that inning. Even though Tanoi walked Jeb Marlowe in the first, the pitcher didn't let the Red Sox score any runs.

Earlier in the top of the first, Tanoi singled in Josh Thompson. No. 2 hitter Ty Dehr tried stealing home right after that RBI, but he got tagged at first. Tanoi stole home.

Walked by J.T. Black in top of the second, Dan Killpack stole home for the third Lindon run. The next inning, Killpack slugged a one-run single to improve Lindon's lead at 4-0.

In the bottom of the third, Chandler Tooley and McKay Harley each slugged a single to give American Fork hopes of rallying back that inning. Although Harley got picked off at second, Tooley managed to steal home.

Right after a Thompson walk in the top of the fourth, Dehr and Tanoi each slugged a single, loading the bases on no outs. Thompson's theft of home plate set off a three-run rally fueled by an Ethan Taylor sacrifice groundoout and an R.W. Benny sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the fourth, Sadie Humphrey singled into left, setting the stage for an American Fork rally. On two outs, Brecken "Breck" Christensen singled Humphrey in. Black soon joined him on base through an error. Jacob Clayton singled them in. Lindon didn't let American Fork make any more runs after the fourth. 

During the top of the fifth, Killpack got on base through a walk, and he scored a run during a fielder's choice play at second. Killpack's run set off a five-run rally that put the game away for Lindon. Although Harley did produce a single for the Red Sox in the bottom of the fifth, American Fork couldn't get a rally started.

AF Red Sox Shoot Down AF Cardinals 16-7 in Colt League Action June 5

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp League Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 5, the American Fork Red Sox socked the American Fork Cardinals 16-7.

The Cardinals held the Red Sox scoreless in the top of the first. In the bottom of it, Cardinal Payton Anderson doubled into left, and Jacob Smith doubled him in. A great-nephew of the late Marlo "The Shiny Guy" Manning, Ricky Smith singled in Jacob, but soon got stuck at third as the Red Sox decked the Cardinals with a double play.

On one out in the top of the second, Red Sox Austin Richards hit a two-run triple to tie game at two. After Jacob Richards struck out, the Cardinals proceeded with efforts to break the deadlock. A Gavin Philllps single soon resulted in the Cardinals loading the bases on no outs. A Nate Elison walk scored a run. Anderson knocked in a run to improve the Cardinal lead at 4-2.

Getting on base through a third-inning error, Hunter Huffman soon stole home, setting off an eight-run rally for the Red Sox. During that rally, Tysen Wendell hit a two-run single that improved the Red Sox lead at 10-4. The Cardinals shut down that rally soon afterwards.

In the bottom of the third, Ricky Smith scored a run on an error, and Tony Peltzer singled in a run to cut the lead 10-6. The Red Sox held American Fork scoreless through the rest of the game. In the fourth, Josh Teranova stole home to set off a six-run rally that put the game away for the Red Sox.

AF Giants Outlast AF Cubs 9-7 in Timp Colt League Play June 6

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 6, the American Fork Giants outlasted the American Fork Cubs 9-7.

In the top of the first, one-out singles from Rick Van Alfen and Miles Hepworth set the stage for the Giants' leap onto the scoreboard. Chance Hulllinger initiated that leap by singling in Van Alfen. Kallin Godwin's singling in Hepworth improved the Giant lead at 2-0.

Giant pitcher Will Paulson didn't let any Cubs get on base during the bottom of the first. The next inning, though, Cub Kyler Houston doubled in Tanner Lee and Zach Lelux, tying the game at two.

Aided by Paulson's third-inning double, Van Alfen singled in Ethan Crane to set off a three-run rally. Paulson soon scored on two errors that let Hepworth reach third. Hullinger singled in Hepworth.

Holding the Cubs scoreless in the bottom of the third, the Giants loaded the bases on two outs in the top of the fourth. The Giants then scored two of their three fourth-inning runs on walks from Paulson and Van Alfen. Hepworth singled in a run that inning to improve the lead at 8-2. It got cut to 8-4 through Kolby Houston's two-run double in the bottom of the fourth.

On one out in the fifth, Giant Brayden Loosely doubled in Carter Childs. The Cubs shut down the Giant scoring machine after that. 

The Cubs gave the Giants a brief scare in the bottom of the fifth. That inning, the Cubs loaded the bases  on two outs. Kyler Houston singled in two runs, and his brother Kolby knocked in Jack Shelton. Before the Cubs could continue their rally, Tyler McBride popped out to second base, ending their last best chance for coming from behind.

Lehi Froggies Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen's 17-Under Baseball Team in UBAL Opener
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, took back to their swamp a 4-0 win that they had posted on the field of the Awesome American Fork Cavemen during a Utah Baseball Academy League opener June 8.

The game was a 17-under division contest that saw what two assistant varsity coaches could do as head coaches for the summer. Skippering American Fork was Jay Holmstead, Jarod Ingersoll's assistant who played on the Awesome Cavemen's 1980 state championship team. Mentoring Lehi was Brandon "Goose" Deveraux, who was the Awesome Cavemen's head coach for one season 10 years ago, and he was the brother of former Awesome Caveman pitching wiz Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux.

Deveraux had Pteston Hansen pitch all seven innings of the league opener. Deveraux said, "We played solid defense. Hansen threw a no-hitter until the fourth. He gave up only a couple of hits."

Hansen's pitching proved to be so frustrating for the Awesome Cavemen that even Brock Lamb couldn't chop one of his fantastic hits.

During the top of the first, American Fork pitcher Sean Hardman walked Ryan Absher. Nolan Padilla tripled in Absher, then came home while Hardman picked off Cody Webb at first. Hardman didn't let Lehi score again until to the top of the sixth.

Hardman got on base through an error in the bottom of the first, but Lehi kept him from returning to home plate during the inning.

In the top of the second, Colt Sampson doubled off Hardman in the second inning, and that Froggie came home on a Kaleb Holden single.

Meanwhile, American Fork couldn't put any runners on base until the bottom of the fourth when Dallin Searle walked and Zach Haws singled into left on no outs. Searled got picked off at second, and soon Lehi ensnared Haws in a double play that ended the inning.

Lehi's lead stayed at 2-0 until Webb doubled in Nolan Padilla, who had singled into left. That RBI turned out to be the game's last run.

In the seventh's bottom half, Emmett Green singled into left on one out. Haws and Hardman soon joined him on base through walks. With the bases loaded on two outs, Lamb came up to bat. Instead of chopping a game-winning hit, he popped out to second baseman Kaleb Holden.

Ferocious PG Vikings Scuttle Awesome AF Cavemen's 16-Under Team in UBAL Play June 9
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a 16-under division opener for the Utah Baseball Academy League June 9, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings scuttled the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 12-2.

Pleasant Grove Coach Tyler Eastman, who had used to be an Awesome American Fork Caveman, said,"In the beginning, it was kind of shaky for us. We were coming off a two-break from the high school season. We played good defense, though. Jade Smoot pitched real well for us in the first four innings. We had Logan Bullock take over at the mound in the fifth, and he held them scoreless."

The son of former Awesome American Fork Cavewoman softball player Ali "Lamb Chop" Searle, Dallin Searle smacked a left-field single for the game's first hit during the top of the second. An A.J. Jones single moved Searle into scoring position, and he scored a run as Pleasant Grove smacked American Fork with a double play.

After Smoot struck out Seth Taylor, the Vikings soon got a center-field triple from Ben Eldredge. A distant cousin of Mitt Romney, Spencer "SUS Spence" Romney singled Eldredge in for a tying run. American Fork answered it with a double play.

The Awesome Cavemen got back ahead 2-1 through Cousin Jackson Draper's knocking in Hayden "Fire" Wood in the top of the fourth minutes after that inning had opened with a Wood double smacked into left. Turner Knight tried scoring on Draper's single, but catcher Bullock tagged Knight for a third out.

The Awsome Cavemen's 2-1 lead vanished in the bottom of the fifth. Its lower half opened with Peyton Henry, son of Viking head baseball coach Darin "That's Bush League" Henry, doubling into left. On two outs, Smoot doubled in Peyton Henry and Gavin "Grizzly" Bahr to set off a seven-run rally.

American Fork tried recovering from it through sixth-inning singles hit by Knight and Hagen Holmstead, but reliever Bullock held the Awesome Cavemen scoreless that inning. In its lower half, Zac Peterson doubled two runs. A cousin of TV's Bart Simpson, Peyton hit a two-run single to end the game in Pleasant Grove's favor.

Harlem Ambassadors and Lehi Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 5, 2012

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at an exhibition game played between the Harlem Ambassadors and the Lehi Alumni All-Stars as well as two Memorial Day Weekend Invitational baseball games that the Lehi Pioneers played. Let's hop to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

Harlem Ambassadors Defeat Lehi Alumni All-Stars 86-60 May 16

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

At a charity basketball game sponsored by the Lehi Rotary Club, the Harlem Ambassadors defeated the Lehi Alumni All-Stars 86-60.

The contest was a low-cost version of Harlem Globtrotter-Washington General games. Early in the game, former Lehi basketball stars Ben Walker and Richie Gardner provided firepower that allowed the ex-Froggies to hop ahead 11-7. However, Harlem's Harold Williams, Keith Thompson, and Alex Robinson proved to be too much for the former Froggies to contain. After Lehi slipped back ahead, Thompson delivered a go-ahead shot that put Harlem ahead for good. The Ambassadors turned the game into a blowout win.

That was fine with the Lehites who shown up for the charity event. They got to witness the same kind of hilarious antics that often occurred at Globetrotter games. Some of those antics came at the experience of brothers Trevor and Skylar Nerdin. When each of those brothers took a turn at taking a foul shot, Ambassador Lade Madjic had fun clowning around with them.

During period breaks, she had grade school kids participate in contests. Their winners received autographed photos of her. Madjic's antics made the contest an affair where people could easily forget their problems for a couple of hours.

Silverpups Defeat Lehi's 16-Under Baseball Team at RMSB Memorial Day Invitational

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the Rocky Mountain School of Baseball's Memorial Day Invitational, the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA the Silverpups, defeated the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, 14-7 at Lehi May 25.

During the game's first 2 1/2 innings, the Silverpup howled 6-0. Lehi's Preston Hansen scored a run in the bottom of the third. Holding the Silverpups scoreless in the top of the fourth, the Froggies went on a six-run rally in the bottom of that inning. A Blake Smith single and a Hansen double fueled that rally.

Lehi's 7-6 lead couldn't survive the fifth inning. Doubles from Colt Katala and Joe Barlowe stirred up a seven-run rally that clinched the game for the Silverpups. They ended it by belting the Froggies with a double play.

Utah Rebels Defeat Lehi 10-4 In Memorial Day Invitational Action May 26

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Rocky Mountain School of Baeball Memorial Day Invitational game at Mountain View High May 26, the Utah Rebels defeated the Lehi Pioneers' 16-under division team 10-4.

AKA the Froggies, the Pioneers were able to hold their own against the Rebels, a local Traveling Lcague club, for the first six innings.

During the top of the first, Lehi pitcher Ryan Absher didn't let a single Rebel get on base. In the bottom of the first, he got beaned by a pitch. It lead to Grant Dixon batting in the game's first run.

In the top of the second, Rebel Chase Bauerele singled off Absher on two outs, but he got nailed at second during a fielder's choice play. During the bottom of the second, Haden Hunt singled in two runs to improve the Froggies' lead at 3-0.

On two outs in the top of the third, Troy Quarnberg hit a two-run double. Lehi kept Quarnberg stuck on base before he could a tying run. Although Lehi got a single from Grant Dixon and a double from Preston Higgins, Utah still held the Froggies scoreless that inning.  

In the fourth, the Froggies kept the Rebels from getting anywhere with singles hit by Swats Collingwood and Baurele. On two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Paxton Terry singled in Haden Hunt, who had hit a single a few minutes before. That was the last RBI Lehi was allowed to get.

A fifth-inning error allowed two Rebels to come home, tying the game. The game stayed deadlocked until the seventh when Kole Tracy hit a one-run double that unleashed a six-run rally for the Rebels.

Lehi tried coming back on a Sampson single and a Hunter Bolles double in the bottom of the seventh, but Utah didn't let the Froggies score any runs.

In a game played earlier that Saturday, Lehi defeated the Roy Trojans, AKA the Rubbers, 26-3. In that contest, Absher hit a single, double, and triple for Lehi. Sampson, Dixon, and Preston Hansen each hit a double for the Froggies. In a May 25 game at Lehi, the Froggies routed the Clearfield Falcons, AKA the Green Chirps, 16-2.