Championship Game vs FVAA Predators

After a short break, 8U Big Blue played in the Championship game of the Gold Bracket and took the win...19-8 against the Fuquay-Varina team!!! What a tournament...8 teams in our age group and we took first place!

Here's the DEFENSIVE plays...

1st inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 2 and 3.

2nd inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball in left centerfield for the first out.
Mike (pitcher) to Luke H (first) for out #2.
Lukas threw the ball to Ben (catcher) for the last out! What a play!!

3rd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Luke H (third) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for the last out.

4th inning:
Chris caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the first out.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the second out.

5th inning:
Ben (right field) to Lawson (second) for the first out! Nice!!
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for the second out.
Mike (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the third out.

6th inning:
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #2.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-4 with a double
Lawson: 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI
Lukas: 3-4 with a triple and 1 RBI
Luke H: 4-4 with a homerun, triple and 3 RBI
Chris: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Ian: 3-4 with a triple, double and 3 RBI
Isaac: 3-4 with a homerun and 4 RBI
Riley: 1-3
Ben: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Mike: 3-3 with a triple and 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-3 with 2 RBI

8U Big Blue Champions!

6 homeruns by 5 of our players! Great hits Riley, Ian, Mike, Isaac and Luke H!

A HUGE thank you to Coach Lance for taking the time to put together a team! Great coaching by Coach Lance, Coach Dave, Coach Brandon and Coach Cailean!

Also, a big thank you to John Whittenberg, Riley's dad, for designing and donating the team jerseys!

WWS: Game 3 vs Carolina Titans

We went back to the field early Sunday morning for a little practice and then a 9:30am game against the Carolina Titans! 8U Big Blue pulled out with a win, 8-5. Here's how it looked...

1st inning:
Luke H caught a fly ball at third for out #1.
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Riley (right centerfield) to Lawson (second) for out #3.

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) for out #1.
Double play...Lawson caught a fly ball at second base and then threw the ball to Ian at first. Nice!

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (shortstop) for out #1.
Kaden caught an infield fly ball at short for out #2.
Lason caught a fly ball at second for out #3.

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Luke H (third) for out #1.
Another double play...Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop and then threw the ball to Luke H at third. Excellent!!!

5th inning:
Kaden (short) to Lawson (second) for two outs.

6th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lukas (left centerfield) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Kaden (short) to Lawson (second) for the last out.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 2-3
Luke H: 0-3
Chris: 1-3
Ian: 1-3 with a triple
Isaac: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Riley: 2-3 with a homerun, double and 2 RBI
Ben: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Mike: 2-3 with a triple, double and 1 RBI
Luke F: 2-3 with 1 RBI

Now we're headed into the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!!

WWS: Game 2 vs FVAA Predators

8U Big Blue played the Fuqua-Varina team on Saturday that was supposed to start at 4:30pm, but actually started at 5:20pm! We won 13-4!! Go BIG BLUE!!!!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for the last out. A great 1-2-3 inning!

2nd inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Luke H (first) to Chris (third) for out #2.
Luke H caught an infield fly ball at first for the third out.

3rd inning:
Isaac caught an infield fly ball at first base for the first out.
Lawson (second) to Isaac (first) for out #2.
Chris caught a line drive at third for the last out.

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3. A nice 1-2-3 inning!

5th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first base for the first out.
Kaden (shorstop) to Lawson (second) in a fielder's choice for the second out.
Then, this outstanding play!!! The ball was hit to left centerfield (Lukas)...he threw it to Lawson and then Lawson threw it to Luke Fuller (catcher) and then he threw the ball to Luke H at third base for the out!

6th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for the last out.

Now for our OFFENSE...

Kaden: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-4 with a double and 1 RBI
Lukas: 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Chris: 2-3
Ian: 3-3
Isaac: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Riley: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with a triple and 1 RBI
Mike: 1-3 with a homerun and 2 RBI
Luke F: 2-3

Next up...bracket play on Sunday! But first...dinner with some teammates and then off to the hotel!

2011 Winter World Series: November 11-13

Coach Lance recruited 12 great 7/8 year olds to form an 8U Big Blue team and enter Top Gun's 2011 Winter World Series! The following were chosen:

Lawson Wheeler #7
Ian Turner #4
Luke Hayes #44
Riley Whittenberg #16
Isaac Holmes #2
Luke Fuller #3
Mike Venditti :13
Chris Moon #26
Lukas Schramm #34
Kaden Varela #24
Ben Penchuk #9
Logan Govan #12

Our first game of the tournament was played on Friday, November 11 in Rocky Mount with a 6:30pm start against the Wilson baseball team. Yes, it was cold...around 38 degrees! The boys had hot chocolate in the dugout and they were fired up to play their first tournament game together! They beat the Wilson team, 17-4!

Here's how we looked on DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second base for out #1.
Double play...Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop and then threw the ball to Lawson for outs 2 and 3!

2nd inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Lukas caught a fly ball at left centerfield for out #2.
Luke caught an infield fly ball at first base for out #3. A nice 1-2-3 inning!

3rd inning:
Mike (pitcher) to Isaac (first) for an out.

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Lawson had an unassisted play at second base for the third out.

5th inning:
Riley (pitcher) to Chris (second) for out #1.
Riley (pitcher) to Lukas (third) for out #3.

6th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden caught an infield fly ball for out #2.
Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop for the last out.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-4 with a double and RBI
Lawson: 1-4 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 2-4
Luke H: 3-4 with a triple, double and 1 RBI
Chris: 1-3
Ian: 2-3 with a homerun and 4 RBI
Isaac: 2-3
Riley: 3-3 with a homerun, double and 2 RBI
Ben: 2-3
Mike: 3-3 with a triple, double and 5 RBI
Luke F: 3-3 with a double and 3 RBI

We missed our #12 this weekend as he was being taken care of in the hospital! But, glad to hear he is back home!!!! Go Logan!!!

End of Season Party!!!!!



What each all star received from Coach Lance: State Champions plaque, State Champions t-shirt, team photo and signed ball by the 7U players and a memorable DVD of the season!



Reunited!

Good times!

Here's a link to more pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/104589482635164379547/July232011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Thank you to Wayne and Brenda Dillard for opening up their poolhouse, pool and home for our families to reunite! A huge thank you to Lance and Stephanie for putting this all together! Once again you outdid yourselves!!! You went completely above and beyond and you do this because you wanted to. Also, a big thank you to your niece, Zoie, for the amazing video she put together!

Many of us didn't really know what to do with ourselves the last two weeks without baseball practice or tournaments in our schedules. I think we were all looking forward to seeing each other tonight at the end of season party! Everything was just top notch and the hospitality was incredible! Lots and lots of thank yous and there were a lot of memories made during this first all star season for these boys!

The fall season will begin in just a few weeks. It's time to hang up the red, white and blue ALL STAR uniforms and get out the team uniforms whether it be the Bulls, Riverdogs, Thunder, Scrappers, Bees, Bats or the Lookouts! The friendships that were established this summer was just awesome. So when these boys take to the field this fall, they'll know more kids their age very well! There will be extra high fives shared and extra great jobs yelled out!

#2, #3, #4, #7, #9, #12, #13, #24, #26, #30, #34, #44 along with #8, #22, #25, #45 will ALWAYS have a unique bond with a lot of shared memories!

This has been a FUN ride with everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you build it...they will come!

Eastern North Carolina State Champions!!!

Many family and friends of the boys came out to Black Creek, NC and supported them! Thank you!

Can you see the lights beyond the corn fields? Those are the two baseball fields! Coach Lance and the other West Raleigh Coaches built this 7U Team and they came to win the state championshp in Black Creek!

Eastern NC Championship Game

Our coaches and boys made it to the Championship game! Wow! After all this hard work, two hour practices, instruction, scrimmages, tournament games and discussions...it was GAME TIME! Two undefeated teams in States face each other and West Raleigh holds on for the WIN!!! 14-6!

West Raleigh parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and new friends (from other teams) came together and started up all sorts of cheers for our team! Not only did we cheer for West Raleigh, but many times we called out great job to Laurinburg's kids because that's what they are...KIDS. They needed to be supported as well. But, it was so nice to represent WEST RALEIGH!!!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the first out
Kaden caught a line drive at shortstop for the second out (this set the intensity of the game)
Kaden had an unassisted play at second for the third out

2nd inning:
Ben caught an infield fly ball at catcher for the first out
Jacob (pitcher) to Kaden (shortstop) at second base for the second out
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the third out

3rd inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Luke H (first) for out #1
Luke H had an unassisted play at first for out #2
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second for out #3

4th inning:
Lukas (left center) to Lawson (second) for an out
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for an out

5th inning:
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #1
Double play: Lawson caught an infield fly at second for out #2 and then threw the ball to Ian (at first) for the third out!

6th inning:
Lawson caught a line drive at second for out #1 (Lawson turned and stuck his glove out...caught the ball! It was amazing!)
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-4
Lawson: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Lukas: 2-4 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 2-4 with a triple
Chris: 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI
Ian: 2-4 with 2 RBI
Isaac: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 2-4 with a double, triple and 2 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Trey: 1-1
Luke F: 0-2

Sunday's Game #2 vs AFG

AFG and West Raleigh both won the 9am games, so we're back at it on the field at 2pm. We were able to start 10 minutes early though since the umpires and coaches agreed (it was HOT).

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Luke F (catcher) for the first out
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the third out

2nd inning:
Kaden (short) to Lawson (second) for an out

3rd inning:
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) for the first out
Jacob (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for the second out

4th inning:
Ben caught a fly ball in right field for the first out
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the second out
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for the third out

Since we were ahead by 10 runs in the 4th inning...the game ended. West Raleigh 23  AFG 8.

Next up...Championship game at 4:15pm!

Sunday's Bracket Day: Game #1 vs Southern Pitt

We played at 9am (was at the field by 8am for warm ups) against Southern Pitt and won in 4 innings: 10-0 in a single elimination situation.

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lukcas caught a fly ball in left center to start off the defensive plays of the game
Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #2

2nd inning:
Lukas caught a fly ball in left center for the first out
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #3

3rd inning:
Chris (third) to Luke H (first) for out #1
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) for the third out

4th inning:
Luke H had an unassisted play at third for out #1
Luke H (third) to Lawson (second) for outs 2 and 3

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3
Lawson: 2-3
Lukas: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 3-3 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI
Chris: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Ian: 1-3
Isaac: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Jacob: 1-2
Ben: 1-2
Trey: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-1

Next we play at 2pm!

Saturday's 8pm Game: West Raleigh 10 AFG 5

Yes, the boys played at 8pm! Actually, first pitch wasn't until 8:15pm and the game ended by 10pm. Late night for sure!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shorstop for the first out
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #2
Ben to Kaden to Luke H for the third out

2nd inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for an out
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the last out

3rd inning:
Kaden (short) to Chris (third) for out #1
Flyball to Kaden at short for the second out
Kaden (short) to Lukas (catcher) for the last out

4th inning:
Kaden to Ian (backed up by Ben) and back to Kaden for an out

5th inning:
Ben caught a fly ball at catcher for out #1
Luke F to Ben for an out
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for the last out

6th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for an out
Isaac caught a fly ball at left field for the last out

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-4
Lawson: 3-4
Lukas: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Chris: 1-4 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-4
Isaac: 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Jacob: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Ben: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-1
Trey: 1-2 with 1 RBI

After Friday's and Saturday's games...West Raleigh heads into Sunday's bracket day seeded #2.

Saturday's Pool Play...West Raleigh 17 Wayne County 0

We played our first game on Saturday at 2pm and it was HOT. It was HOT the whole weekend though!! Anyway, here are the stats...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 2 and 3

2nd inning:
Strikeouts

3rd inning:
Luke H had an unassisted play at first for an out

4th inning:
Ben (catcher) tagged the batter for an out
Kaden (short) to Luke H (first) for the second out
Chris caught an infield fly ball at third for the final out

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 0-1 but will get them next time
Lukas: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Luke H: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Chris: 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a triple and 3 RBI
Jacob: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Trey: 2-3 with 2 RBI

Game #1 vs North View Optimist at States

Our team arrived at Black Creek, NC by 2:15pm on Friday afternoon for Opening Ceremonies. All eight teams were present. A few hours later our team took the field against North View Optimist. We played 4 innings and the score was 15-3, West Raleigh.

On DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the first out
Luke Hayes (third) to Ian (first) for out #2

2nd inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the first out
Luke Hayes (third) to Lawson (second) for an out

3rd inning:
Kaden (short) to Luke H (first) for out #1
Ian caught a fly ball in left field for another out

4th inning:
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for an out
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for the last out

Can't say enough good things about the outfielders backing up the infielders and each other. Also, great job behind the plate (Lukas, Trey, Luke F and Ben).

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 3-4
Lukas: 2-4 with 5 RBI
Luke H: 1-4 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 3-3
Jacob: 2-3 with a double
Ben: 2-3 with a triple and 3 RBI
Luke F: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Trey: 1-1

State Champs!

Stats for all games will be posted this week. Stay tuned!

2011 Eastern NC State Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went undefeated in this tournament and won the championship game (14-6)!!!!! More information to follow!!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Cal Ripken 7U Blue, 8U Blue, 9U Blue for taking their state championship titles!!! Also, congrats to the 8U Red for winning Districts!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Opening Day at States

The boys played great and had fun! They won tonight's game 15-3 in 4 innings! We play at 2pm and 8pm!

Roll Blue!!!!!!

Opening Day at States

The boys played great and had fun! They won tonight's game 15-3 in 4 innings! We play at 2pm and 8pm!

Roll Blue!!!!!!

States This Weekend!!!!!

7U is headed to Wilson, NC to play in the 7U State Tournament! Opening ceremonies is Friday at 3pm and then we play at 5pm. On Saturday we'll play at 2pm and again at 8pm (eeks!!!). Depending on how we do on Fri/Sat...will determine when we play on Sunday.

The boys have worked so hard the last six weeks...hard to believe it'll end this weekend!!!!

Please make sure the rain holds off and the games can be played! Thanks!

ROLL BLUE!!!!

July 2nd Intersquad Game at West Raleigh

Saturday morning the 7U Blue and 8U Blue teams met in an intersquad game. The teams were divided and they were ready to play! They went 9 innings...

 Thanks to the Wheeler family...we all enjoyed a great lunch and relaxed after the game!

We are back in action on Tuesday night at 5pm...this time at Ephesus Church to prepare for our final tournament of the all-star season: States in Wilson!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!

Saturday's Main Event...

We were originally scheduled to travel down to Gastonia, but things didn't work out as planned. So, at 10am on Saturday we'll have an Intersquad Scrimmage...the 7U Cal Ripken Blue and the 8U Cal Ripken Blue! The main event will happen on the "big" field...Burke Field at West Raleigh. It's going to be a great mix...

WHITE  Team:

Payton G.

Garrett M.

Ryan

Jacob

Zach

Luke Hayes

Ian

Lukas

Logan

Jacob A.

BLUE Team:

Timothy

Blake

Brian

Grayson

Evan

Lawson

Kaden

Luke F.

Ben

Trey

Chris

A huge thank you to Coach Lance for providing the food for the big feast afterwards! Here's to a great day tomorrow!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3rd Place at the District Tournament!!!!!!

There were 11 teams in our district tournament. Two of those teams were 7U (ours and North Wake had a team there). Out of the 11 teams...WEST RALEIGH 7U BLUE earned 3rd place!!!!!!

Our coaches constantly tell this group of baseball players to HAVE FUN! It doesn't matter if we are winning or losing, but the first thing you will hear from our coaching staff is asking the players if they are having FUN!

Lance, Brandon, Cailean, Dave and Don bring a lot of experience to leading this group! They do such an amazing job!!!

The championship game was played at 6pm tonight and our very own...

WEST RALEIGH 8U BLUE won the whole District Tournament!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREAT JOB WEST RALEIGH!!!

We're off to Gastonia/Charlotte next weekend for the Eastern Summer Championships!!!!!!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

District Tournament: Sunday Game #2

We faced the A team from North Wake: 8U Knights. This game started 25 minutes after our previous game. Our 7U crew were ready to go and although the score was 13-0...our team played amazing!!!!! The coaches and families are so proud of how well they played!!! Not just this game, but the entire tournament!

Here's how it looked...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Luke H (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lukas caught a fly ball in center for out #2.
Kaden (short) to Lawson (second) for out #3.

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1 (great back up by Lukas - the catcher).
Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #2.
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #3.

3rd inning:
Luke H had an unassisted play at first for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Kaden (short) for out #2.

4th inning:
Kaden (short) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3.

Great job in the outfield: Lukas, Chris, Isaac, Jacob, Ben, Luke F, Logan, Trey and Ian!!

Great job behind the plate: Lukas, Ben and Trey!

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 1-2
Lawson: 0-2 he'll get them at the next tournament!
Lukas: 2-2
Luke H: 1-2
Chris: 1-2
Ian: 2-2
Isaac: 1-2
Jacob: 0-1 he'll get them at the next tournament!
Ben: 0-0 he'll get them at the next tournament!
Luke F: 0-1 he'll get them at the next tournament!
Logan: 0-0 he'll get them at the next tournament!
Trey: 0-1 he'll get them at the next tournament!

District Tournament: Sunday Game #1

Our team was ready to play our 1pm game against a North Wake Thunder team (another 8U team)!! Our team played great ball and won 17-7, which moved us in the bracket! Here's how it looked...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Great back up by Lukas with Isaac in the outfield to keep the runner to first.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Jacob did a great job throwing the ball in from right center to keep the runner to a double.
Kaden (shortstop) to Luke H (third) for outs 2 and 3.

2nd inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for an out.
Chris caught a fly ball in centerfield for an out.

3rd inning:
Luke F did a great job throwing the ball in to keep the runner to first.
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Lawson caught two fly balls at second for outs 2 and 3.

4th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #2.
Lukas throws the ball all the way from centerfield to home...Luke F catches the ball and stands there to tag the runner out at home to end the inning. BEAUTIFUL!

5th inning:
Logan caught a fly ball at centerfield for the first out.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the second out.
Kaden had an unassisted play at shorstop to end the inning.

OFFENSE:

Kaden: 3-4 with 2 RBI
Lawson: 2-4 with 2 RBI
Lukas: 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI
Luke H: 2-4 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-4 with a double and 1 RBI
Ian: 2-4 with a RBI
Isaac: 3-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Jacob: 2-3 with 2 RBI
Ben: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-2
Logan: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Trey: 1-1 with 1 RBI
With this win...the boys take a 25 minutes break at the RV before heading back to the field for the 3pm game! We just keep on rolling some blue...

Saturday's Game #2: North Wake 7U vs WR 7U

We were back at the field for a 5:30pm game and this time against North Wake's 7U team. We won in 4 innings...24-0. We played great baseball! Here's how it looked...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Kaden (short) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) to end the inning.

2nd inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball in left field for the first out.
Kaden had an unassisted play at shortstop for the second out.
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for the third out.

3rd inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Chris (third) to Logan (second) for out #2.
Ben caught a fly ball in right field for out #3.

4th inning:
Isaac caught a fly ball in left field for an out.
Logan (second) to Luke H (first) to end the inning.

Great job outfielders for backing each other up in both games...Isaac, Luke H, Lawson, Lukas, Chris, Jacob, Ben, Logan and Luke F!

Also, hats off to the catchers...Ben, Luke F, Lukas and Trey!

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 0-1 but will get them next time
Lukas: 4-4 with a double and 1 RBI
Luke H: 4-4 with a double and 6 RBI
Chris: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-3 with a triple and 3 RBI
Trey: 1-1 with 1 RBI
Isaac: 2-4 with a triple and 4 RBI
Jacob: 1-4 with 1 RBI
Ben: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Logan: 3-4

We just wanted to make sure everyone who remained at the tournament knew that West Raleigh was still in town! ;-)

We're back in action tomorrow (Sunday) at 1pm!!!

The 8U team won both games today, so they play tomorrow night at 6pm in the winner's bracket!

Here's a link to some pics from today's games and last weekend's games: https://picasaweb.google.com/104589482635164379547/WintervilleAndWakeForestTournaments?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6W7Jmnhaqc9QE&feat=directlink

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Districts at Wake Forest...2nd Day for WR 7U vs WR 8U (Game #1)

That's right...due to the brackets our 7U team played against West Raleigh's 8U Blue team at 10:30am this morning! 8U team won, 21-1 in 4 innings. But, we are very proud of our 7U team as well as the 8U team! Here's how it looked...

DEFENSE:

1st inning -
Ian caught a line drive for an out.
Kaden (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for an out.

2nd inning -
Isaac caught a fly ball in left field for the first out.
Jacob (pitcher) to Chris (third) for the second out.

3rd inning -
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Chris caught a fly ball in left field for out #2.
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the third out.

4th inning -
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Kaden (short) to Logan (second) for outs 2 and 3.

OFFENSE:

Kaden: 2-2
Lawson: 1-1
Luke F: 1-1
Lukas: 1-2
Luke H: 1-2
Chris: 1-2
Ian: 1-2
Isaac: 1-2
Jacob: 2-2 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-1
Trey: 0-1 but will get them next time
Logan: 0-2 but will get them next time

Really great to see both teams together after the game!

A WEST RALEIGH "ROLL BLUE" CHEER!

Districts: Game #1 vs 8U Hillsborough

Opening night of the 8U District Tournament! We drew the 7:30pm start time, so our 7U team had to be dressed and ready to play by 6:30pm up at the Factory in Wake Forest. We were able to watch some of the 8U West Raleigh Blue team win their game (5:30pm start). We were definitely rolling some blue tonight!!!

It was pretty nice to be at a ball park...with a cool evening...under the lights...watching our kids play ball!

Hillsborough    4-0-3-2-0-2
WR 7U Blue    1-2-5-7-3

Here's what it looked like on the DEFENSIVE side of the game...

1st inning:
Lawson caught an infield fly at second for out #1
Ben caught a behind the plate fly for out #2
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3

2nd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for an out
Lukas caught a diving catch in front of the plate to end the inning

3rd inning:
Lukas held the runner to a double by backing up the play in left center
Luke H had an unassisted play at third for the first out
Lawson caught an infield fly at second to end the inning

4th inning:
Lukas (left center) threw the ball to Lawson and then he threw the ball to Kaden (at third) to tag the runner for the first out
Trey held the runner to one base playing right field
Kaden caught a line drive at third for an out

5th inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (short) for out #1
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) to end the inning

6th inning:
Kaden (short) to Ian for out #1
Lawson held the runner to one base playing right center
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2
Kaden (short) to Luke H (third) for out #3

Great job in the outfield tonight Lukas, Kaden, Lawson, Chris, Isaac, Jacob, Ben, Luke F, Logan and Trey!

Great work getting out of the hole (behind the plate) tonight Lukas, Ben, Trey and Luke F!!

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 3-4 with a double and RBI
Lawson: 3-4
Lukas: 1-4
Luke H: 3-4 with a triple and RBI
Chris: 4-4 with 1 RBI
Ian: 2-4 with 2 RBI
Isaac: 3-4 with 2 triples and 2 RBI
Jacob: 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI
Ben: 2-2 with 1 HOMERUN and 2 RBI
Luke F: 2-2 with a triple and 3 RBI
Logan: 0-2 but will get them next time
Trey: 2-2 with 1 RBI

Our 7U Blue team will play the West Raleigh 8U Blue team Saturday morning at 10:30am!

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures???

If you have any pictures from tournaments or practices, then please upload them to picassa and send me the link! I'll post the link on a blog entry for people to see them!!!

Thanks!

Districts

Coach Lance attended the Cal Ripken District 5 meeting last night in Wake Forest to find out about the tournament, meet with the other coaches and hear the rules and regulations. At that time he found out the schedule and when our first game will be.

So...

This Thursday night our 7U team will play under the lights with a 7:30pm start time!!!

The 8U Blue team plays right before us at 5:30pm. 

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Final Results from the Tournament in Winterville

7U Blue took 4th place in the gold bracket of the 8U Tournament!
8U Blue took 1st place in the gold bracket!
9U Blue took 2nd place in the gold bracket!
12U West Raleigh Select took 4th place in the gold bracket!

Way to go West Raleigh!!!!!!!!

It's always FUN to travel with other West Raleigh teams and support each other!

ROLL BLUE!!!

Mid point THANK YOUs

We are now half way through our all star summer and season and, as a parent, I want to put out there how much we appreciate the work our coaches put into this team! For those of you reading this blog and following our steps...I will do a better job trying to give you a visual of what goes on. Here's a start...

Head Coach Lance: He has about a gazillion jobs and still leads this team with energy and a positive attitude! There is a lot of planning and organization that goes into this and he puts in all of his energy to this team. He has to plan practices, prep the fields, attend meetings about our organization, communicate with tournament directors, block hotel rooms and then he goes above and beyond.

Stephanie: Somehow she and Lance make it all happen with this team with organization, working with Johnson and Lambe, etc. In a combined effort, she and Lance make sure our kids and families are fed at the hotel...our dugout looks top shelf with organization in there...plenty of water and gatorade for coaches and players...and providing the "bus" with the air conditioning! They are the first ones there and the last ones to leave.

Assistant Coaches Dave, Brandon, Cailean and Don: work hours being switched, so they can help out the team and be at the practices and games...the energy and focus...instruction...making sure our kids stay hydrated in the dugout...and being supportive!

Just can't thank you enough! Coaching an all star team is like having a full time job! Instead of receiving a paycheck...you get to see how much each 7U all star improves within the 6 week season and see the excitement on their faces! THANK YOU COACHES!!!!!!!!!!

All Star Invitational, Winterville, NC June 18-19...GAME #4

Last game of the day...against the 8U WCYAA Pirates (Wilson County) with the first pitch at 3:10pm.

Our boys played tough for sure! A long weekend...lots of baseball...bonding at the hotel and at the field...in the heat...

We had quite the comeback, but fell short (game ended due to time limit), 13-10.

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Kaden (third) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Lawson caught an infield fly to end the inning.

2nd inning:
Jacob (pitcher) caught an infield fly for out #1.
Lawson (second) caught an infield fly for out #2.
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #3.

3rd inning:
Trey (pitcher) caught a pop up for an out.

4th inning:
Logan (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Due to the score (10-5)...we ended this part of the inning.

5th inning:
Luke H (short) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Lukas caught fly balls at center for outs 2 and 3.

Once again...the outfielders played great backing each other up and their teammates in the infield! Way to go Chris, Luke F, Jacob, Lukas, Logan, Trey and Ben!!!

Also, those catchers did great! They came out of the hole quite a few times! Good work Trey, Lukas, Luke and Ben!

OFFENSE...
Kaden: 2-3
Lawson: 3-3
Luke H: 3-3
Lukas: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Ian: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 3-3
Logan: 2-3
Jacob: 2-3
Ben: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 2-3
Trey: 0-3 but will get them next time

This was a great tournament and we all seemed to have a lot of fun!!

All Star Invitational, Winterville, NC June 18-19...GAME #3

First, Happy Birthday to Ben!!!

Second...Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, uncles and great grandfathers reading this blog! What a day to be at the field watching these boys!!!

Third, I think this team had a GREAT time at the hotel Saturday night with each other and the 8U West Raleigh Blue Team!!!! The pool was refreshing for them and they were fed with some pizza! The parents seemed to have a fun time, too!

We started off Father's Day with a nice brunch at the hotel before heading over to the field!

We played the Rocky Mount 8U All Star Team this morning at around 11am in bracket play. Did you read the blog entry where it was noted that we were seated 3rd out of 10 teams and the ONLY 7U team in the gold bracket?!

Our boys played great against this team in the heat, but came out in a loss, 12-6. Here's how it looked...

DEFENSE:

1st inning:
Jacob caught a fly ball in center for out #1.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Logan caught an infield fly for out #3.

2nd inning:
Logan caught a fly ball in left center for the first out.
Ben (right) held the opponent to a single by quickly getting the ball into the infield.
Chris held the runner to a single playing left field.
Luke F held the runner to a single playing right field.
Lawson (second) to Luke H (short) for out #2.

3rd inning:
Logan held the runner to a single playing right field.
Then, a double play situation here...Ian caught a fly ball at first and then stepped on the bag (there was a runner on first who started to take off for second).

4th inning:
Trey kept the runner to a single by throwing the ball in from right.
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1.
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Lawson caught an infield fly at second to end the inning.

5th inning:
Jacob held the runner to a single playing left.
Chris (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Trey (right) quickly threw the ball in, so the runner didn't get to second.
Luke H caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2.
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) to end the inning.

OFFENSE...
Kaden: 2-4 with hits down the middle
Lawson: 1-2 with a nice bunt
Luke H: 1-3 with a hit down the left line
Lukas: 3-3 with hits to the infield and left along with a RBI
Ian: 2-3 with hits to the right field and 1 RBI
Chris: 1-3 with a hit to third and a RBI
Logan: 2-3 with a hit to left center and short and 2 RBI
Jacob: 3-3 with 2 nice bunts and a hit to third
Ben: 2-3 with infield hits and a RBI
Luke F: 0-3 will get them next time
Trey: 0-3 will get them next time

Another quick break before our last game of the day!

All Star Invitational, Winterville, NC June 18-19...GAME #2

Our first game was at 12:30 and this game started at around 5pm. Game #2 was against the 8U Winter Park Optimist American League Team and we won...8-7. It was a GREAT game in the heat!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Luke H caught a fly ball at shortstop for the first out.
Luke H (short) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Kaden (third) to Lawson (second) for out #3.

2nd inning:
Ben held the runner to a single by throwing the ball in from left center.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke H caught a line drive at short for out #2.
Kaden had an unassisted play for out #3 at third.

3rd inning:
Luke H (short) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 2 and 3.

4th inning:
Jacob (pitcher) caught an infield fly for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) to end the inning.

5th inning:
Chris (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Kaden caught a fly ball at third for the second out.
Jacob kept the ball in front of him in left field to hold the runner at first.
Luke H to Lawson for the third out.

6th inning:
Chris caught a fly ball in left field for out #1.
Kaden caught an infield fly at third for out #2.

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Lawson: 1-3
Luke H: 1-3
Lukas: 2-3
Ian: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Logan: 3-3 with 2 RBI
Jacob: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Ben: 1-3
Luke F: 1-2
Trey: 1-2

After Saturday's two games...that put the 7U West Raleigh Blue Team in 3rd place out of 10 teams! So, we're now in the GOLD bracket for Sunday's games.

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!

All Star Invitational, Winterville, NC June 18-19...GAME #1

On Saturday, June 18 we faced our first 7U opponent this all star season...the 7U Winterville Team and we came out with a win, 11-10. It was HOT. HOT. HOT. Did I say it was HOT? ;-) Here's what it looked like for stats...

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Ben (right field) held the runner to a single.
Ben (right field) to Ian (first base) for out #1.
Lukas (left center) held the runner to a single.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Luke H (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #3.

2nd inning:
Kaden had an unassisted out at third for the first out.
Chris (left field) held the runner to a single by quickly getting the ball into the infield.
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for an out.

3rd inning:
Luke H (short) to Lawson (second) for outs 1 and 2.
Lawson had an unassisted out at second to end the inning.

4th inning:
Lukas held a runner to one base by quickly getting the ball into the infield.
Jacob (right field) to Logan (second) for out #1.
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #2.
Logan and Trey backed up their teammates playing in the outfield.
Lukas (center) to Logan (second) for out #3.

5th inning:
Ian had an unassisted play for the first out.
Luke H caught an infield fly at short for out #2.

6th inning:
Great back up by Luke F in the outfield.
A double play: Luke Fuller caught a fly ball in right field and then threw the ball to Ian at first to make it a double play.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first) to end the inning.

Great job in the outfield...hats off to Chris, Jacob, Lukas, Logan, Ben, Luke F and Trey!

Also, our catchers do not seem to complain when they have to put on all the gear!! Way to go Trey, Lukas, Luke F and Ben! Great work behind the plate!

OFFENSE...

Kaden: 2-3 with a hit to left and short.
Lawson: 2-3 with a SAC bunt and 2 outfield hits
Luke H: 2-3 with a triple and 2 RBI
Lukas: 3-3 with hits to left center, third and short along with a RBI
Ian: hard hits down the first base line, but were outs
Chris: 1-3 with a hit to center that scored 2 runs
Logan: 2-3 with hits to left and third
Jacob: 2-3 with a nice bunt and a hit to left center along with 1 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with hits to center, third and short along with a RBI
Luke F: 2-3 with hits to short
Trey: 2-3 with hits to left and had 2 RBI

A quick break before Game #2!

Roll Blue in Winterville!!!

Our 7U team is seeded 3rd out of 10 teams heading into Sunday!!! We won our 2 games on Saturday!!!

Our 8U blue team is also 2-0 after today and take the top seed in the 8U tournament!!

Our 9U team also went 2-0 today!!!!

Our 12U team went 1-1 today!!!!!!

GO WEST RALEIGH BLUE!!!!!!!!

ORSS All Star Invitational: June 18-19, 2011

On the road again...
That's right! The team is headed to Winterville, NC this weekend for a tournament that includes TEN teams. For the first time this all star season we'll play against another 7U all star team! The boys and coaches have worked very hard this week on a lot of different skills, so it'll be another exciting tournament weekend!

If you want to keep track of our games, then visit the tournament site:

http://www.orss.net/GameTimesResults.aspx?trnid=84

We play Saturday at 12:30pm against the 7U Winterville All Stars and then at 4:00pm against the 8U Winter Park Optomist American League. Depending on how we play on Saturday will determine what time we'll play on Sunday.

ROLL BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Team Picture

Please remember that the players need to be in full uniform for practice tomorrow (Thursday): white pants, blue socks, cleats, white WR hat and blue uniform shirts for a team picture. They can practice in this outfit or do a quick change. Thanks!

NC Gameon Sports AAU Eastern Super Regional Runners-Up!!!! Go 7U Blue!!!!!!!

We played two games today. The first was against Tri-County Thunder at 11am and we took a win to put us in the Championship game, which was against our West Raleigh 8U Cal Ripken Blue Team!

Here's a recap from the 11am game (14-4 in 4 innings...we won)...

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Chris (third base) to Lawson (second base) for the first out.
Jacob kept a runner to first base playing right center.
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2.
The third out was SWEET! Jacob (outfield) threw the ball to Kaden who then quickly turned and threw the ball to Trey at home to tag the runner! Out #3!

2nd inning:
Lawson (second) to Chris (short) for out #1.
Jacob (pitcher) to Chris (short) for out #2.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop to end the inning.

3rd inning:
Chris caught a fly ball ball at third for out #1.
Trey caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for out #2.
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #3.

4th inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Logan caught an infield fly ball at second to end the inning.

Love watching the outfielders back up the infield and boy did our catchers do a great job behind the plate!

They scored 3 runs in the first and 1 run in the third.

OFFENSE...
Jacob: 0-3, but will get them next time!
Luke H: 3-3 with hits to center and third
Ian: 2-3 with a double to right
Lukas: 3-3 with a triple to left center and 2 RBI
Isaac: 2-3 with a triple to right center arnd 1 RBI
Lawson: 2-3 with hits to left and third along with 1 RBI
Chris: 2-3 with hits to third and 1 RBI
Logan: 1-3 with a hit to left and 1 RBI
Kaden: 2-3 with hits to short and right along with 2 RBI
Ben: 2-3 with a double to left center and 2 RBI
Luke F: 2-3 with infield hits and 1 RBI
Trey: 1-2 with a double to left and 1 RBI

Since the WR 8U Blue Team won its game at 12:30...that put the two West Raleigh teams in the Championship game! It was like one big happy family out there...love this picture that was taken before the game!

We lost in 4 innings to our 8U Team (13-1), but we played great after a long, hot weekend! We did score a run in the second! The only run scored against the outstanding 8U Team all weekend.

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) for the first out.
Lawson (second) to Kaden (short) for the second.
Kaden (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the third out.

2nd inning:
Lawson had an unassisted out at second for out #1.
Kaden (third) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Chris caught an infield fly at shorstop to end the inning.

3rd inning:
Trey (pitcher) to Lawson (second) for the first out.
Lawson (second) caught a fly ball for the second out.
Lukas held the runner to a single with his quick throw into the infield from left center.
Logan held the runner to a single with his powerful throw from left field.
The team batted through, so we switched sides.

4th inning:
Jacob (pitcher) to Logan (second) for the first out.
Kaden caught a fly ball at shortstop for the second out.
Lawson caught a fly ball in left center for the final out.

OFFENSE...
Jacob: 1-2 with a hit to shortstop
Lawson: 0-2, but will get them next time
Ian: 1-2 with a hit to second
Lukas: 1-2 with a hit to left
Isaac: 1-2 with a hit to left
Chris: 0-2, but will get them next time
Logan: 1-1 with a hit to third
Kaden: 1-1 with a hit down the middle
Ben: 1-1 with the only RBI of the game (nice hit down the middle)
Luke: 0-1, but will get them next time
Trey: 0-1, but will get them next time

These boys were reminded a lot that once again...they were the ONLY 7U team in an 8U Tournament! They all received trophies for playing in the NC Gameon Sports AAU Eastern Super Regional!!!!

7U Runners-Up

8U Blue: Champions

They did a ROLL BLUE cheer together!

The Director of the Tournament had nothing but good things to say about not only the West Raleigh Organization, but our coaches, players and fans! Thank you!

Here's a link to see more pictures from Sunday: https://picasaweb.google.com/104589482635164379547/OxfordNCTournament?authkey=Gv1sRgCOKo7_OKoazxVg&feat=directlink

Now we're off to Winterville, NC next weekend with the 8U Blue Team and 9U Red Team from West Raleigh!!!



You Tube Videos!!

Andrew Penchuk (Ben's dad) put together video clips of each player at bat from Saturday's game! If you go to Saturday's blog entry and click on comments, then you can copy and paste the link of your child to watch.

Also, here's the link he has for the fun sliding drill: http://youtu.be/HwwSSAZU-00

Thank you!!! This is great!

Heading into the Final Day of the Oxford, NC Tournament

We are the 3rd seed and our West Raleigh 8U Blue All Star Team is the top seed!

So...

Game 5: Tri County Thunder will play WR 7U Blue on Sunday at 11am
Game 6: WR 8U Blue will play South Squad at 12:30pm
Game 7: Loser of game 5 vs Loser of game 6 at 2pm

Championship Game:
Game 8: Winner of Game 5 vs Winner of Game 6

Here's the link: http://ncgameonsports.com/index.php?m=GameTimes&tournament_id=33

Oxford, NC Tournament Game #2

After watching a quick game between the Tri-County Thunder and our very own West Raleigh 8U Blue Team, the 7U Team took the field against the South Squad. This was the first tournament game for the South Squad! The game started at 2:19pm...just over 1 1/4 hours from our last game!

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
South Squad batters were getting used to the machine...had some great cuts, but weren't able to get on base.

2nd inning:
Trey played right field and held a runner to a single. Again, the batters were getting used to the machine, so our defense were unable to make outs.

3rd inning:
Chris (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lukas caught a fly ball behind the plate for out #2.
Kaden (third) to Ian (first) to end the inning.

4th inning:
Trey (pitcher) to Ian (first) for an out and great back up by Luke F.
Jacob caught a line drive at third to end the inning.

5th inning:
A batter hit the ball to second and Trey back up his teammate. Great job!
The outs were taken care of by strikeouts.

We played 5 innings due to time.

OFFENSE...

Jacob: 2-3 with hits to center and shortstop.
Lawson: 2-3 with hits to third and short.
Ian: 2-3 with hits to right and right center.
Lukas: 2-3 with hits to short and right along with 1 RBI.
Isaac: 0-3
Chris: 0-2
Logan: 1-2 with a hit to center.
Kaden: 2-2 with hits to center and short.
Ben: 2-2 with a triple to center and 1 RBI
Luke F: 1-2 with a hit to pitcher and 2 RBI
Trey: 1-2 with a hit to short and 1 RBI

Oxford, NC Tournament Game #1

The 7U Blue Team kicked off the 8U Tournament in Oxford, NC against Tri-County Thunder at 11:15am. This is a four-team tournament, which is nice because it's the first time our team used the machine in tournament play. The other team went coach pitch though, but our team needs to practice with the machine. Once again our players kept on going and took it to 7 innings instead of 6 innings! 

Pre game talk in Oxford, NC

Here's what the stats look like...

DEFENSE:

1st inning -
Jacob caught  a beautiful fly ball in right center for the first out.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first base) for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the third out.

2nd inning -
A great 1-2-3 inning!
Lawson to Ian twice.
Ian caught a hard line drive at first to end the inning.

3rd inning -
Ian caught an infield fly ball at first for out #1.
Logan was playing left center and held the runner to a single by quickly throwing the ball into the infield.
Trey caught an infield fly for the third out.

4th inning -
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1 and Trey played great back up to first base.
Logan caught an infield fly ball at second for out #2.
Jacob caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the third out.

5th inning -
Trey held the runner to a single with a ball hit to right center.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Kaden caught an infield fly ball at shortsop for out #2.
Lukas threw the ball from left center all the way to Jacob (playing third) to tag out the runner to end the inning.

6th inning -
Ian caught an infield fly ball for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Ben held the runner to a single by throwing the ball into the infield from right center.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

7th inning -
Jacob held the runner to a single playing left center.
Isaac (catcher) threw the ball to Chris (third base) for the first out.
Trey (pitcher) to Chris (third) for out #2.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #3.

Great job outfielders backing up the infield! Hats off to Jacob, Lawson, Lukas, Isaac, Chris, Logan, Kaden, Ben, Luke and Trey! Also, it was hot playing in the catcher's gear! Great work behind the plate Lukas, Isaac, Ben, Luke and Trey!

OFFENSE: First time using the machine in a game situation!

Jacob: 0-4
Lawson: 0-4
Ian: 0-3
Lukas: 2-3 with hits to center and third
Isaac: 2-3 with hits to center and first
Chris: 2-3 with a double to center and 1 RBI
Logan: 2-3 with hits to left center and right center with 1 RBI
Kaden: 2-3 with hits to short and right and 1 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with a double to center and 2 RBI and then a triple to right with 2 RBI
Luke F: 2-3 with hits to pitcher and third with 1 RBI
Trey: 2-3 with hits third

Tri-County Thunder:12
WR 7U Blue: 8

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Change of Events for This Weekend...

We will NOT be traveling to Wilson this weekend because the tournament has been canceled. So, we'll travel with our 8U Blue Team and head up to Oxford, NC. Don't forget it will cost $5/person and children under 6 are free.

On Saturday it'll be pool play. So, we are in the first game at 11am against Tri County Thunder. Then, we'll play at 2pm against South Squad. Depending on how we do on Saturday will determine when we'll play on Sunday.

West Raleigh's Cal Ripken 8U Blue Team will play on Saturday at 12:30pm and 3:30pm.

The address for the Diamonds field is 6048 Horner Siding Road Oxford NC 27565

Go Blue!!

A FUN Sliding Drill Tonight at Practice!

At the end of the practice, Coach Lance and a few dads brought out the tarp and hose! Cleats came off and the sliding drill began. Coach Lance definitely got in on the fun!

Reflection on our first tournament

Post-game meeting!

Relaxing at the hotel pool after the two games on Saturday

Thank you Backyard Bistro for the bat bags!

The Leader: Coach Lance!

Wearing white...day #2 of the tournament

What a weekend! What an honor to represent West Raleigh!!!! We are sooooo thankful to have an outstanding group of coaches to lead this team. Coach Lance, Coach Dave, Coach Don, Coach Brandon and Coach Cailean! It is sooooo nice to hear from not only the coaches, but also the parents of our kids keep telling the boys to HAVE FUN!

Talk about outstanding sportsmanship from our players, fans and coaches! We are just so fortunate to be part of such an amazing organization!

Great job to all West Raleigh players this weekend and RRRROOOLLLLLLL BLLLLLUUEEEEE!!!!!

Sunday Game #2

With less than 10 minutes between Game #1 and Game #2...we were ready to play the Brunswick Thunder! This game lasted NINE innings and not the usual 6 innings!!! Here we go...

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Luke H to Ian (short to first) for out #1.
Luke H caught an infield fly ball at shortstop for out #2.
Strikeout for out #3.

2nd inning:
Chris caught a fly ball at third for out #1.
Chris had an unassisted out for out #2.
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Trey (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Luke H caught an infield fly at shortstop for the third out.

4th inning:
A 1-2-3 inning for us.
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Jacob to Ian again for the second out and great back up by Luke F.
Luke H (shorstop) to Lawson (second) for out #3.

5th inning:
Lawson to Ian (second to first) for out #1.
Luke H caught a line drive at short for out #2.
Luke H had an unassisted play at second for out #2.

6th inning:
Luke H (short) to Lawson (second) for out #1 and great back up by Luke F.
The runner at first left the bag early, so that caused the second out.
Luke H had an unassisted play at second to end the inning.

7th inning:
Chris (third) to Lawson (second) made the first out.
Jacob to Chris (pitcher to third) for the second out.
Jacob to Ian (pitcher to first) for the third out.

8th inning:
Luke H caught an infield fly ball at shorstop for out #1.
A strike out for the second out.
Chris to Lawson (third to second) for the third out.

9th inning:
Lukas caught an infield fly ball playing catcher for out #1.
Jacob to Ian (pitcher to first) for out #2.
Luke H to Ian (short to first) for out #3.

Jacob, Isaac, Lukas, Lawson, Chris, Logan, Ben, Luke F and Trey played awesome in the outfield keeping runners to singles and backing up their teammates! Also, Isaac, Trey, Ben and Lukas played great behind the plate!

OFFENSE:
Jacob: 3-5
Luke H: 4-5
Ian: 3-5
Isaac: 2-5 with a triple and 1 RBI
Lukas: 3-5 with 2 RBI
Lawson: 5-5 with a triple (made it home on a passed ball) and 3 RBI
Chris: 3-5
Logan: 3-5 with 1 RBI
Ben: 2-5 with 1 RBI
Luke F: 2-4
Trey: 1-4

Score by the inning:
WR 7U Blue:           2-0-4-0-1-0-3-0-1=11
Brunswick Thunder: 1-5-1-0-0-0-3-0-5=15

The West Raleigh 7U Blue Team played 3 1/2 hours of baseball straight! The second game today lasted exactly 2 hours!!!

Hats off to the West Raleigh 8U Blue Team because they went 4-0 this weekend and took home a trophy!

Sunday...Game #1

7am...7U WR Blue were found in the batting cage at the complex to get ready for the first pitch at 8am! Here's what happened against the 8U Bunn team...

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
An infield fly ball to Jacob at the pitcher's mound for out #1.
A fly ball out to left field caught by Isaac for out #2 and for out #3.
Isaac had a great back up play in left center.

2nd inning:
Luke H to Chris (short to third) for out #1.
A strikeout for out #2.
Luke H caught a fly ball at short for the third out.
Ben kept the runner at first by keeping the ball in front of him in right.
Luke held the runner to first by quickly throwing the ball to the infield from right center.

3rd inning:
Lawson to Ian (second to first) for the first two outs.
Luke H caught an infield fly at short to end the inning.
Ben and Chris played great D in the outfield by holding runners with their powerful throws from the outfield into the infield.

4th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #1.
Luke H had an unassisted play at shortstop for out #2.
Lawson had an unassited play at second for the third out.
Lukas did a great job in left center holding runners to first.

**We had a ONE hour rain delay in the middle of the 4th inning**

5th inning:
Lawson had an unassisted out for the first one.
Logan caught a fly ball in right center for out #2.
Jacob caught an infield fly at third to end the inning.

Great defense played by the entire team!!

OFFENSE...
Jacob: 2-3 with a hit to right center
Luke H: 1-3 with infield hits
Ian: 0-3 with a hard hit that the second baseman caught
Isaac: 2-3 with a double and RBI
Lukas: 2-3 with a double to center and 2 RBI
Lawson: 2-3 with infield hits
Chris: 3-3 with a hit to left field and 1 RBI
Logan: 3-3 with a hit to center and 2 RBI
Ben: 1-3 with a hard hit out to right center that the outfield caught
Luke F: 1-3 with infield hits and 1 RBI
Trey: 1-2 with infield hits

We lost 9-7, but what a great game!

Game #2 vs 8U South Wake Storm on Saturday

After watching our 8U WR Blue team win their second game of the day...it was our turn to go back on the field. We faced the 8U South Wake Storm. Here are the highlights...

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Unassisted out at first by Ian for out #1.
A fly ball to Luke Fuller in right field for out #2.
A fly ball to third baseman, Chris, to end the inning.

2nd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning!
An infield fly ball to Chris, at third, for out #1.
A strikeout for the second out.
An infield fly ball to Logan, at second, for the third out.

3rd inning:
Jacob (third base) to Ian (first base) for the first out.
A fly ball to left field caught by Isaac for the second out.
A strikeout for the third out.

4th inning:
A strikeout for the first out.
Luke H (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Logan (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the third out.

5th inning:
A fly ball to center field caught by Lukas for out #1.
An unassisted out by Luke H for out #2.
Luke H (shortstop) to Jacob (third) for the third out.

6th inning:
Lawson caught a fly ball at second for the first out.
A strikeout was the second out.
Lawson (second) to Luke H (shortstop) for the third out.

The outfielders were on it with backing up each other and their teammates! Great job by Jacob, Isaac, Lukas, Lawson, Chris, Logan, Ben, Luke F and Trey!

Also, Ben, Lukas, Trey and Isaac were outstanding behind the plate in both games!! Very impressive!

OFFENSE...
Jacob: 2-4 with hits to right field and left center
Luke H: 4-4 with infield hits and 2 RBI
Ian: 3-4 with 2 doubles to the right field and 3 RBI
Isaac: 3-4 with hits to right center and right along with 3 RBI
Lukas: 3-3 with a hit to right field and 2 RBI
Lawson: 2-3 with hits to left field and 2 RBI
Chris: 3-3 with hits to left center and right center
Logan: 2-3 with hits to left center and right center and 2 RBI
Ben: 3-3 with a triple to right and a RBI
Luke F: 3-3 with a double to center
Trey: 3-3 with hits to left and left center and 2 RBI

We scored 5 runs in the third and fourth innings, so the umpires had to call that inning and switch sides. Wow!

We scored 2 runs in the first and second and 5 runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings!

FINAL SCORE: US 19  South Wake 9

After the game, we loaded up the players' lounge and packed our cars...then headed over to the Double Tree to meet up with the 8U West Raleigh Blue Team at the pool for some pool time, pizza and just hanging out! What a GREAT day!!

With our record of 1-1 at the end of Saturday...our team was put into the Silver bracket for Sunday while our 8U team was put into the Gold bracket. So...Coach Lance set a 9pm curfew for the 7U boys because we had an 8am game on Sunday!

First Tournament EVER for this Team...Game #1

Saturday morning...beautiful day...all the boys show up with their families a few hours before the first pitch to receive their own bat bags (courtesy of Backyard Bistro) under the canopy of the "players' lounge"...aka The Wheelermobile! They looked very sharp wearing their white pants, white WR hats and navy blue uniform shirts and all were eager to play!

I think I put this on an earlier blog...but as you read these posts just remember that we were the ONLY 7U team at this particular tournament. The rest were 8U teams. That would be 11 other teams!

The first game started at 12:15pm (after our very own 8U West Raleigh Blue) and boy was it a close one.

Here are the highlights:

DEFENSE...
1st inning:
Lawson (2nd base) to Luke H (shortstop) for an out.
Chris had an unassisted out at third base.

2nd inning:
A very nice 1-2-3!
Logan (2nd base) to Ian at first for out #1.
Jacob (pitcher) to Ian at first for out #2.
Logan (2nd base) to Ian at first for out #3.

3rd inning:
Luke H (shortstop) to Lawson at second for the first out.
Lawson had an unassisted out at second for out #2.
Isaac caught a fly ball out in left field for the third out.

4th inning:
Another 1-2-3!
Jacob to Ian (pitcher to first) for out #1.
Lawson to Ian (second to first) for outs 2 and 3.

5th inning:
Jacob caught a line drive at third for the first out.
Trey (pitcher) to Luke H (shortstop) for the second out.
Lukas caught a fly ball in center field for the third out.

The outfielders did a nice job backing each other up and the infield! Hats go off to Jacob, Isaac, Lukas, Lawson, Chris, Logan, Ben, Luke F and Trey!

OFFENSE...
Jacob: 1-3 with a double and RBI
Luke H: 1-3 with a double and RBI
Ian: 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Isaac: 1-3 with a double
Lukas: 0-3 but had a hard hit out to center field
Lawson: 1-3 with a RBI
Chris: 2-3
Logan: 1-3
Ben: 0-2 but had hard infield hits
Luke F: 1-2
Trey: 2-2 with a RBI

It was 8-1 heading into the 6th inning and they just hit the ball and scored 5 runs!

Final Score: 8-6 loss to the Patriots

Tournament #1: Top Gun Super NIT

Twelve teams will participate this weekend in the tournament! Our very own 7U Blue team will play this Saturday on Field 2 at 12:30pm and 4pm. The 8U Blue team from West Raleigh will play at 10:45am and 2:15pm on Field 2!

Rocky Mount Sports Complex 
600 Independence Drive  
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

GO BLUE!!!

And We're Off...

Yesterday was the Closing Ceremonies for the Spring 2011 season and today was the first practice day for the 7U West Raleigh Blue All Stars! Everyone met in the Clubhouse for introductions, going over some expectations and a few other things and then the players received their helmets! Yes, very exciting for them! The helmets look very sharp! White, with some blue, WR on the front and the # on the back. They are looking forward to receiving their uniforms and bat bags this week, too!

After the meeting they headed down to the batting cage area for practice. There were at least five stations that they needed to go to during the hour. Once the 8U All Star team finished their field practice...our team had one hour on the field!

The team practices the next two night and then we are headed to Rocky Mount for the first tournament! I believe we're the only 7U team at this tournament, so we'll be playing against 8U teams!

GO BLUE!!!!!!!!