Gunner and Talmage Lamb Chopping Hits in Recent Baseball Games, PG Beating Davis, and Awesome AF Cavemen Splitting Summer Games

Timp Sports Weekly

July 21, 2015

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at how the Awesome American Fork Cavemen fared in the recent Varsity League Tournament. We also look at their road game against the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA Silverpups, Utah Baseball Academy League play, two Timp Colt League playoff games, and the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' 10-0 win over the Davis Darts, AKA the Tarts. Let's go look at those games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Ferocious PG Vikings Gut Davis Tarts 10-0 in 16-Under Division Game in UBAL Play July 18

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In 16-under age division play for the Utah Baseball Academy League July 18, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings defeated the Davis Darts, AKA the Tarts, 10-0.

Ferocious Viking pitcher Staley Hansgen gave up only two hits during the four innings that he spent on the mound while he posted three strikeouts.

The game opened with Hansgen beaning leadoff hitter Zack Mansfield, a "distant cousin" of late screen  legend Jane Mansfield. Mansfield managed to still his way around to third, but he got stuck there as he watched teammates Dylan Brown, Bridger "Hair" Beyer, and Zach Hoskins ground out.

The bottom of the first opened with Hunter Kirby singling into left. Ty Lewis, no relation to comedian Jerry Lewis, tripled Kirby in and then stole home right after Hansgen struck out.

A "distant relation" of late British actor Bob Hoskins, Hoskins struck out Ferocious Vikings McKay Bice and Christ Evans in the bottom of the second. Jackson Brown doubled off Hoskins, but got thrown out while trying to steal third. A brother of Pleasant Grove Brewer Keller "Killa" Atwood, Porter Atwood got walked by Hoskins, but got stuck on base, preventing the Ferocious Vikings from picking up runs in the second inning.

Hansgen's luck of holding the Tarts scoreless continued in the third as he fanned Colt Anderson and Mansfield.

In the bottom of the third, Kirby doubled in Cade McCloud, and Caden Bancroft came home on a Lewis single. An Ethan Coombs sacrifice fly scored Kirby to stretch the lead to five.

In the top of the fourth, Beyer and Jackson Mansfield each singled off Hansgen, but the Ferocious Vikings kept both Tarts chained on base.

During the bottom of the fourth, Bancroft doubled in three runs, and Lewis singled him in to put the lead at 9-0. Hitting a double in the bottom of the fifth, Hansgen advanced to third on a Jake Jensen single. Bice singled Hansgen in for the winning run. 

Timpanogos T-Pups Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen in 1st Game of Pool-Play Portion of Varsity League Tournament July 13

By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In first-day action of the pool-play portion of the Varsity League Tournament, the Timpanogos Timberwolves, AKA Timberpups and T-Pups, defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 7-6 at Timpanogos July 13.

The game started out on a good note for the Awesome Cavemen. T-Pup pitcher Brandon Arnold walked leadoff hitter Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood and Ryan Reid, grandnephew of Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tat basketball coaching legend Duke Reid, at the start of the game. A Dylan Johnston single loaded the bases on no outs. Suddenly, Arnold struck out Spencer "Rooney" Shelton. Colt "Nails" Carpenter thereupon doubled in Wood and Reid. Johnston tried coming home on the same double, but he got tagged at the plate.

During the bottom of the first, pitcher Ryan Hardman, the little brother of Awesome Caveman baseball player Buster "Bunny" Hardman, struck out Casey "Sunshine" Hamilton and Ty Cornish. Though T-Pup Conder Halford got on base through an error, Hardman picked him off at first to hold the Timberpups scoreless.

In the second inning's top half, Travis "Big Kitty" Johnson got on base through a walk. Dakota "Black Hill" Colby doubled him in, only to get caught in a squeeze play near third a few minutes later. A Marty "Do the Hustle" McCoy moved Hardman to third, and then Reid tripled in two runs to put the lead at 4-0.

It received a nasty slash in the bottom of the second. On one out that inning, a D.J. Martinez single and an Arnold double presented doubts that Hardman would be able to continue holding the T-Pups scoreless. After Hardman walked Caden Walker to load the bases, Jake Brooksby singled Martinez and Arnold in. Soon, center fielder Wood picked off a Zach Swick fly ball to end the inning with American Fork still ahead 4-2.

The Awesome Cavemen's lead grew to 6-2 through Carpenter homering Shelton in the top of the third. Though that home run gave American Fork much to grunt for joy about, the game soon took a bad turn for the Awesome Cavemen. The T-Pup defense tightened up, preventing the Awesome Cavemen from making any more runs for the rest of the game. They still continued hammering out hits, however. McCoy, for one , registered a single in the fourth and a double in the sixth. Johnson singled for American Fork in the fifth, and the Awesome Cavemen got another double from Johnston in the seventh. Even so, the problem of leaving runners on base eventually proved to be fatal to the Awesome Cavemen.

In the fourth's lower half, Blake Laske singled in Cornish, and Halford stole home to cut the lead to 6-4. In the fifth, Wade Beveredge hit a two-run single to tie the game at six. The seventh's lower half opened with Arnold doubling into left. Walker singled him in for the winning run.

The Awesome Cavemen bounced by from that loss by posting two wins on July 15 in Salem Hills. In the first game, Marty McCoy hit two two-run doubles to pace the Awesome Cavemen to a 12-6 win over the Salem Hill Sky Hawks, AKA the Tweeties. In the 7-4 win over the Carbon Dinos, AKA the Big Lounge Lizards, Ryan Hardman slugged a single, double, and triple while teammate Stevie Duberbach held the Big Lounge Lizards scoreless for 4 1/2 innings. Those two wins earned the Awesome Cavemen a berth in the tournament's championship game, hosted by the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners.

AF Yankees (Lamb) Chop Down PG Brewers 14-4 in TCL Playoff Game July 14
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher


As his aunt Ali Lamb Searle would say, you should have seen those five hits that Gunner Lamb chopped in his American Fork Yankees' 14-4 win over the Pleasant Grove Brewers in a Timp Colt League playoff game at American Fork's Rotary Park July 14.

The five hits chopped by Lamb included three doubles, a single, and a triple. Also, as a pitcher, he proved to be even more baad news for the Brewers. Posting three strikeouts, Lamb threw all six innings as he scattered the Brewers' four hits.


The game opened with Lamb chopping his first double into left. Teammate Chad "Top Gun" Dunn soon joined him on base. Gunner soon stole home, and on two outs, Dusty Ferre singled Dunn in and then stole home a short time later. Pitcher Weston Barnhardt struck out Chris "Boo Bear" Bowen to retire American Fork to the field.


Brewer Austin Butler attempted to coach third base in the bottom of the first, but because of his involved with the Pleasant Grove Fallen Angels in their playoff loss to the American Fork Marlins in a first-round playoff game the week before, the umpires had him sent back into the Pleasant Grove dugout.


The first's lower half opened with Lamb accidentally beaning Hayden Wall. After shortstop Ryan "Rhino" Thompson grounded out Logan "Sketch" Bice, Weston Barnhardt singled Wall in, and then came home on a Campbell "Donk" Donkers single hit right after Keller "Killa" Atwood had gotten on base through an error. Thompson turned up a double that kept American Fork ahead 3-2.

After the third opened with Yankee Chris Hengley grounding out to Barnhardt, Lamb chopped a triple into center, and he scored on an error. Ferre tripled in Thompson and Mikey Heughly to put the lead at 6-2.

Lamb didn't let a single Brewer get on base in the bottom of the second. The next inning, Lamb chopped a one-out single to move Hengley into scoring position. Lamb got thrown out at second as Hengley came home on a Dunn groundball. Hensley singled in a run, and then came home on Thompson double.

During the bottom of the third, Barnhardt got ejected for protesting a call while he was taking his turn at  bat. After stealing home, Bice took Barnhardt's place on the mound for the rest of the game.

Tripling at the start of the fourth, Smith soon came home Bowen's sacrifice groundout. After Hensley grounded out, Lamb chopped his second double into left, only to get stranded on base. 
During the bottom of the fourth, Lamb walked Korby Tanner, who advanced into scoring position on a Big Billy Casper single. Nash "Ville Cat" Freeman singled Tanner in. Lamb didn't let the Brewers make any more runs after Freeman's RBI.

Singling at the start of the sixth, Smith moved to third on a Bowen double, and he came home on a Hensley sacrifice groundout. Lamb chopped a third double to scored Boo Bear Bowen. Dunn tripled in Lamb and then came home on a Heughly single. Thompson hit an infield single, but the Brewers kept him quarantined on base.

A Big Billy Casper singled allowed the Brewers to load the bases on no outs in the bottom of the sixth. Catches of pop flies by second baseman Boo Bear Bowen and left fielder Heughly prevented Pleasant Grove from going on a scoring rally and pushed the Brewers into danger of losing their currently TCL championship title.

Awesome AF Cavemen Take Home 6-5 Win From Riverton July 15

By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly

In Utah Baseball Academy League play at Riverton July 15, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA Silverpups, 6-5 in a 17-under age division game.

American Fork used several pitchers against the Silverpups in the UBAL thriller. American Fork Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll said, "They all threw strikes against Riverton, and they threw the ball low, making it hard for Riverton's hitters register hits. Buster ["Bunny" Hardman] did really good as a catcher. He made some key plays at the plate."

The game opened with Buster "Bunny" Hardman grounding out to shortstop A.J. Tebbs, a nephew of Bingham Picker basketball legend K.C. Tebbs. Jace Ybarra singled off pitcher Eric "Full" Nelson, and Hagan "Speedster" Holmstead tripled him. Holmstead soon scored on a Mick Madsen sacrifice groundout. Nelson struck out Colt Scharr right afterwards.

The first's lower half opened with Stone "Pony" Gibbons and "Meter" Gage Stephans singling off pitcher Madsen. Caden Carr doubled in Gibbons, and after Stephans got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at third, Carr stole home to tie the game at two.

Hitting an infield single at the start of the second, Colt "Nails" Carpenter soon came home an error that occurred right after Kobe Lindeman had slugged a single.

Tebbs hit a two-out single off Madsen in the bottom of second in hopes of challenging American Fork's 3-2 lead. Madsen grounded out Kadin Wilson to keep Tebbs stuck on base.

Holmstead hit a two-out triple into center during the top of the third, and Madsen singled him in. Relieving Madsen at the mound in the third's lower half, Holmstead held the Silverpups scoreless. In the top of the fourth, Taylor Sobotka singled in Carpenter and Lindeman to put the Awesome Caveman lead at 6-2

On two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Kody Nelson singled in Jeff Lillywhite, and a Cade Palmer scored Eric Nelson. Taking a turn on the mound in the fifth, Scharrer held the Silverpups scoreless as shortstop Holmstead turned up a double play that retired Riverton to the field.

On two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Eric Nelson hit a one-run single off Scharrer, who retaliated by striking out Kody Nelson.

Sobotka singled into left field at the start of the seventh, and he soon made it to third on a Weston Flinders sacrifice bunt. Suddenly, Buster "Bunny" Hardman hit into a double play.

With Sobotka taking a turn at the mound in the bottom of the seventh, Cade Palmer singled off him, only to get pinched in a fielder's choice play at second. Second baseman Flinders turned up a double play that won the game for Awesome Cavemen.

Lone Peak Loners Defeat Awesome AF Cavemen 12-10 For Varsity League Pennant July 16
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In the Varsity League championship game played at Lone Peak July 16, the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, defeated the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 12-10.

The game opened with Awesome Cavemen Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood singling off pitcher Payton Barney. Right after he walked Ryan Hardman, Barney gave up a one-run single to Colt "Nails" Carpenter. The Loners intercepted three straight fly balls to keep American Fork stuck on a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first, pitcher Kobe Lindeman walked Loners Keno Kelshaw "Real Live" Cru Robinson. Lindeman grounded out Cole "Casino Royale" Gambill in hopes of holding the Loners scoreless. However, Kelshaw came home on a passed ball, and Barney singled in Robinson to put the Loners ahead 2-1.

Walked by Barney in the top of the second, Marty "Do the Hustle" McCoy got singled in by Dakota "Black Hills" Colby on one out to tie the game at two. Lindeman prevented the Loners from going anywhere with second-inning singles hit by Caden Santiago and Jason Call.

In the third's top half, Hardman singled into left, and one out, Tua Ward doubled him to start a four-run rally for the Awesome Caveman. During that rally, McCoy hit a single, Dylan Johnston a double, and McCade Worthen a triple.

The Loners didn't let American Fork's 7-2 lead make them waver. They battled back in the bottom of the third. Barney singled in a run to start a four-run rally for the Loners. Right after Talmage Lamb chopped a two-out, one-run single, third baseman Dylan Johnston grounded out call to end the inning before the Loners could tie the score at seven.

Colby singled into left at the start of the fourth, and a Wood sacrifice fly scored him. American Fork's 8-6 lead couldn't survived the fourth inning. On two outs in the bottom of that inning, Tommy Bateman, no relation to Lone Peak baseball legend Jack "Hoff" Bateman, double into left to move Kelshaw to third. Barney singled in both Loners to tie the game at eight.

Lone Peak held American Fork scoreless in the fifth. In its lower half, Lamb chopped a two-out single into left, and Call singled into center in hopes of enabling Lone Peak to break the 8-8 tie. The score remained deadlocked at the end of the fifth.

In holding American Fork scoreless again in the sixth, the Loners finally broke the deadlock in the bottom of that inning. After Robinson had singled into left, Barney knocked him in to start a four-run rally. During it, Santiago batted in two runs on two outs. Shortstop Hardman grounded out Lamb to end the rally.

During one out in the seventh, Johnston singled in Shelton and Travis "T" Johnson cut the lead to 12-10. Shortstop Bateman turned up a double play to end the game in a win for the Loners.

Loner Coach Bo "The Real" McCoy said, "My guys had great approaches at the plate. They kept battling back, especially when AF had that 7-2 lead over us. Our batting was why we made 12 runs tonight. This summer, we've averaged 10 runs a game."

AF Marlins Dodge PG Dodgers 14-4 To Stay Alive In TCL Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Timp Colt League playoff game July 17 at American Fork's Rotary Park, the American Fork Marlins outlasted the Pleasant Grove Dodgers 14-4 to stay alive in the tournament.

Singling at the start of the game, Dodger Skyler Mottsinger soon scored on a Marlin error that let Jaxon Maddox reach second base. American Fork tied the game in the bottom of the first, though. After Taylor Roper had tripled into left, he came home on a balk called against pitcher Bryson Griffin, a "distant cousin" of Family Guy character Peter Griffin. Fellow Marlin Talon Mansfield, a "distant relative" of late Hollywood starlet Jane Mansfield, singled into right and stole his way around to third, but got stuck thee.

On one out in the second, Maddox singled in Mason Mayo to put Pleasant Grove ahead 2-1. During the bottom of the second, Marlins Tucker Elldredge and Carson Shaffer came home on passed balls to put American Fork ahead 3-2.

The Marlins held the Dodgers scoreless in both the third and fourth innings. During the bottom of the third, Mansfield doubled in Easton Holladay to start a six-run rally, which saw Shaffer triple while Elldredge and Mitch Evans each slugged a double. American Fork picked up two runs in the fourth on a Ty Willes double and a Shaffer walk.

A Marlin, fifth-inning error let Griffin and Maddox score runs. In the bottom of the fifth, Holladay hit a an in-the-park homer to set off a four-run rally that ended the game that inning.

First Week of Timp Colt Tournament Play

Timp Sports Weekly

July 14, 2015

Publisher's Message

I do regret that I have not devoted much coverage to Timp Colt League games as much this summer as I have in past summers. This entire issue, though, is devoted to TCL games played last week. These games were all post-season contests. Two of them were featured the American Fork Marlins, who had the rotten luck of playing the Pleasant Grove Angels, AKA the Fallen Angels. Don't worry, the Marlins came out on top in their game against the Fallen Angels, but that contest still went down as unpleasant experience for the American Fork team, because its PG opponents' behavior. We will expound on that in the story of the Marlin-Fallen Angel game. We will also look at a game between two Pleasant Grove teams who played each other in American Fork. Finally, we'll look at how the American Fork Yankees yanked out a win over the Marlins. Let's get those stories.

Dean Von Memmott
Publisher
magnanovelist@gmail.com

AF Marlins Ground PG Fallen Angels 7-1 in 1st-Round Game of TCL Playoffs
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a first-round Timp Colt League playoff game at American Fork's Rotary Park July 6, the American Fork Marlins defeated the Pleasant Grove Angels, AKA the Fallen Angels, 7-1.

The game opened with Marlin pitcher Trent "Rig" Rigby striking out Fallen Angel Dillon "Squid" Tyler. Caden Caldwell singled off Rigby, and Brody Carr doubled in his fellow Fallen Angels, but got thrown out at third. After Josh "Connor" Lewis grounded out, American Fork proceeded with taking over the lead.

First's lower half opened with Taylor Roper grounding out. Teammate Bridger Oviatt got on base through a walk, and Mitch Evans' two-out double moved him to third. Oviatt soon stole home, and fellow Marlin Dax Phillips, who also played for the Lehi Froggies' baseball team this year, distracted the Fallen Angels through an attempt steal to second, allowing Evans to score a tie-breaking run. Though the Fallen Angels did pinch Phillips for a third out, his work proved to be sufficient enough for the Marlins to stay ahead through the rest of the game.

It grew steadily ugly through frequent, rude protests from Fallen Angel players. In fact, their first pitcher Carr got thrown out of the game, ending his season. The Marlins, on the other hand, continued maintaining their composure. That was seen through their holding the Fallen Angels scoreless for the rest of the game.

The score stayed at 2-1 until the bottom of the third. Its bottom half started with Marlin Ethan Smith doubling into left. Roper singled him in to start off a five-run rally. During it, Roper got thrown out at home while trying to make a steal to it, but Evans soon hit a two-run triple, and stole home after American Fork had loaded the bases on out. By the time the Fallen Angels finally shut down the rally, the Marlins had created a 7-1 lead.

The Fallen Angels made a final comeback attempt in the top of the fourth, but after the Marlins held them scoreless that inning, the Fallen Angels called it quits for the night, even though 10 additional minutes had been put on the game clock.

TCL tournament director Randy Spafford declared the Fallen Angels eliminated completely from the tournament, because of their behavior and use of players who had not been registered with the team.

PG Brewers Boil PG Rockies 12-5 in TCL Tournament Play July 7
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a July 7 Timp Colt League playoff game held at American Fork's Rotary Park, the Pleasant Grove Brewers boiled the the Pleasant Grove Rockies 12-5.

Despite having only eight players -- ones who never ever played for Ferocious Pleasant Grove Viking baseball coach Darren "That's Bush League" Henry --, the Rockies actually led all the way during the game's first 3 1/2 innings. That accomplishment was especially amazing when taken into account that the Brewers had some of Bush League Henry's players on their roster.

The game got off to a nasty start before the opening pitch. An umpire declared Brewer Austin Butler ineligible to play, because of his having played for the Pleasant Grove Fallen Angels the night before in their loss to the American Fork Marlins. Butler's elimination from the game still didn't sap the Brewers of needed talent. They still had plenty of it.

Their player-coach, Logan Bice, for example held the Rockies scoreless after the first inning -- until he got ejected in the third inning. The ejection ended Bice's Colt League career. Under TCL tourney rules, guys ejected from playoff games can't play in any more tournament games.

Anyway, the Rockies made the first inning quit a challenge for Bice. He walked two of the first three Rocky players, and gave up a single to No. 2 hitter Caleb Carr, a "distant cousin" of Hollywood actress Vickie Carr. A Noah Humphries sacrifice fly scored Landon Hymas. Adam "A-Bomb" Rhymer singled in Carr and Brock Albert to put the Rocky lead at 3-0. A "distant cousin" of TV character Bart Simpson, Mitch Simpson doubled into left, but got stock on base.

With Bice's pitching keeping them in check, the Rockies didn't see another teammate of theirs make a hit until the top of the third when Rhymer opened that inning with a single that he swatted into left. Despite Bice's ejection from the game that inning, the Rockies couldn't make any runs in the third.

In the bottom of the second, Keller Atwood registered a single for the first Brewer hit of the game, but the Rockies pinched him in a forceout at second. Pitcher Humphries didn't let the Brewers make any more hits until the bottom of the fourth.

That inning, Humphries walked Hayden Wall and Nash Freeman. On one out, Weston Barnhardt tripled them in. Humphries kept Barnhardt confined to third base.

The fifth opened with Rhymer popping out to reliever Barnhardt. Simpson doubled into right, only to see Barnhard strike out Shawn DeChristifano and Ammon Richardson.

Getting on base through a walk in the bottom of the fifth, Brewer Korby Tanner stole home, setting off a 10-run rally for his time. Doubles by Tristan Makin and Barnhardt fueled the long rally, which saw one-run singles hit by Big Billy Casper, Jody Mayland, and Campbell "Donk" Donkers.

In the top of the sixth, Hymas singled into left, then came home on a Carr double. Brock Albert singled Carr in to cut the lead to 12-5. The Brewers didn't let the Rockies roll closer to them.

AF Yankees Yank Out 8-5 Win Over AF Marlins in TCL Play July 8
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Timp Colt League tournament game played at American Fork's Rotary Park July 9, the American Fork Yankees yanked out an 8-5 win over the American Fork Marlins in second-round action.

Clean play reigned throughout the game. That was something that had to be appreciated, given the bad behavior that the Pleasant Grove Fallen Angels had shown in their July 6 loss to the Marlins and Pleasant Grove Brewer pitcher Logan Bice's ejection from a playoff contest that ended in a 12-5 win for his team over the Pleasant Grove Rockies July 7.

The July 8 game opened with Marlin Taylor Roper doubling into left. He soon scored on an overthrow past third. That turned out to be the only run that the Yankees let the Marlins pick up. Pitcher Ryan "Rhino" Thompson held the Marlins scoreless during the second and third innings, even though Tucker Elldredge hit a second-inning single off him.

Hitting an infield single in the bottom of the first, Zaxter Cook soon got joined on base by Mikey Hugely. Both Yankees came home on passed balls. Soon, Gunner Lamb chopped a single to move Thomson into scoring position. After Dusty Ferre got on base through a walk, Jeremy Smith doubled in  two runs to fuel a seven-run rally, and he came home on a passed ball. Just before the rally ended, Hugley whacked a one-run double that hinted that the Yankees might pick up a double-digit win. However, Chris Hengly and Chris "Boo Bear" Bowen both struck out.

In the bottom of the second, Lamb chopped a second-straight single, and he moved into scoring position through Smith singling on one out. Smith soon got picked off at third, and Hugely struck out, ending the inning.

Things turned worrisome for the Yankees when they committed two errors let let Roper make it to second base in the third. However, the Yankees prevented those goofs from causing them additional damage.

In the bottom of the third, Hugely hit a two-out single and soon stole home, improving the Yankee lead at 8-1. The Marlins didn't let the Yankees make any more runs after the third.

Getting on base through a walk in the bottom of the fourth, Mitch Evans soon stole home. The ensuing four-run rally forced Thompson to be replaced by Lamb at the mound. The reliever eventually shut the Marlins down for the night, but they still managed to pull within 8-5 on an Ethan Smith double.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Versus Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tats in UBAL Play

Timp Sports Weekly

July 7, 2015

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at a Utah Baseball Academy League game between the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's 17-under age division team and the Brighton Bengals, AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, sworn arch enemies of the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties. We will also look at the Awesome Cavemen's Varsity League game played at home against the Provo Bulldogs, AKA the Bullpuppies, and a Timp Colt League contest. Let's take a swing at the stories of those games.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

Thufferin' Thucatash, Four Triples Power Awesome AF Cavemen to 14-0 Win Over Brighton's Bad Old Puddy Tats July 3 
By Dean Von Memmott

Through belting four triples, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen shut out the Brighton Bengals, AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, 14-0 in a 17-age division game played during Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork July 3.

Pitcher Kobe Lindeman and reliever Colt Scharrer's combined throwing restricted the Bad Old Puddy Tats to one hit. The only Bad Old Puddy Tat to club a single in the five-inning game was Randy Clark He hit a two-out single off Scharrer in the top of the fifth. Right after that hit, Clark saw Austin Simpson, a "distant cousin" of  TV character Lisa Simpson, strike out, ending the inning.

Now, at the start of the game, Awesome Caveman first baseman Jace Ybarra grounded out Dave Hoshijima. Lindeman walked Riley Schneiter, who then tried stealing second, only to get put out by a throw from catcher Buster "Bunny" Hardman to second baseman Hagan "Speedster" Holmstead. After third baseman Ryan Hardman grounded out Riley Stewart, the Awesome Cavemen went to work on making short work of the Bad Old Puddy Tats.

On two outs in the bottom of the first, Scharrer singled in Ybarra, then moved to third on a Trell Morse double. Center fielder Hoshijima picked off a Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood fly ball to keep American  Fork's lead at 1-0 until the second.

With Lindeman posting a total of five strikeouts, the Awesome Cavemen went on a four-run rally in the  second. Aided by a Kastan Rasmussen single bunted that inning, the Awesome Cavemen loaded the bases on one out. A Buster "Bunny" Hardman walk scored Rasmussen. ensuing four-rally climaxed with Holmstead hitting the first of American Fork's four triples.

In the third, Weston Flinders singled in two runs, and Buster "Bunny" Hardman tripled in another two Awesome Cavemen. On two outs, Ybarra tripled in Hardman, only to get stuck on third.

Hitting a one-out double in the fourth, Wood came home on a Rasmussen sacrifice fly.

Doubling at the start of the fifth's lower half, Lindeman came home on a Buster "Bunny" Hardman sacrifice fly. Soon afterwards, Scharrer tripled in Ybarra and Scharrer to put the final score at 14-0.

As the Alta Tweeties, Brighton's sworn arch rivals, would say those four AF triples were just too devastating for the Bad Old Puddy Tats.

AF Pirates Survive AF A's Comeback By Score of 10-6 in Timp Colt League Play June 30
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Winning 10-6 in a Timp Colt League game at American Fork's Rotary Park June 30, the American Fork Pirates survived a strong American Fork Athletic comeback.

The Pirates took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. They then secured five runs in the third inning and another two in the fourth.

The game should have ended in a blowout, but Athletic Dalton Payne launched a left-field double that turned the contest into a nail-biter in the bottom of the fourth.

In the top of the fifth, Pirate Tommy Hancock got on base through a walk, but his next three teammates all grounded out before he could score a run.

On two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Athletic Eli Hooge doubled into left. Pat "Captain" Morgan belted a double that drove Hooge in. Payne singled Morgan in, and the A's soon loaded bases. The A's picked up their next two runs on walks before Jake Burton grounded, ending their comeback.

Awesome AF Cavebatters Shut Out Provo Bullpupies 8-0 in Varsity League Game June 29
By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Varsity League game played at American Fork June 29, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Provo Bulldogs, AKA the Bullpuppies, 8-0.

The Awesome Cavemen's pitching staff limited the Bullpuppies to three hits during the course of the game. During the first inning, No. 1 batter Payton Griffin whacked a left-field single for the first of those three hits. Griffin then saw teammates J.R. Kanama and Kory "Born to Be Alive" Hernandez strike out and Tony Pena fly out to right field.

Walked by pitcher Preston "Brownie" Brown in the bottom of the first, Chandler "Crazy Horse" Wood came home on a triple, hit by Ryan Reid, a greatnephew of Brighton Bad Old Puddy Tat and UVU coaching legend Duke Reid. Ryan came home on passed ball as did teammate Ryan Hardman a few minutes later.

On two outs in the second, Bullpuppy Clay Atkinson doubled into left, but teammate Aaron Hermingway, a "distant cousin" of late American novelist Ernie Hemingway, flew out to second base.

Beaned by a Brown pitch in the bottom of the second, Lee Davis scored on an error in right field, and Stevie Duberbach singled in Weston Flinders to put the lead at 4-0.

Singling on one out in the bottom of the third, Hardman got into scoring position by a Colt "Nails" Carpenter single. Hardman came home on a passed ball.

Taking over pitching duties in the fourth, Duberbach caused Pena to fly out into left and Brown to strike out. Aaron Hernandez singled off Duberbach, but got stranded on base.

Provo held American Fork scoreless in the fourth, but in the fifth, Wood tripled in Jackson Draney, who had singled at the start of the fifth's lower half. Wood then came home on a Reid single.

Doubling on one out in the bottom of the sixth, Lee Davis came home on a sacrifice fly to end the game's scoring for the night.

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

Timp Sports Weekly

June 30, 2015

Publisher's Message

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

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

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

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Prep League Play and AF Pony League Playoffs

Timp Sports Weekly

June 23, 2015

Publisher's Message

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

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

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

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome AF Caveman and Ferocious PG Viking Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 16, 2015

Publisher's Message

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

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

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

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neither team was able to score after the third.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timp Sports Weekly

June 9, 2015

Publisher's Message

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

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

magnanovelist@gmail.com

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

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

By Dean Von Memmott
Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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