Firecracker Classic, Mrytle Beach

hey...

ya'll keep us posted with the results of the games in Myrtle Beach!

 

On Deck O's '06

Game 1
On Deck 17's - 6
Bergen Saints - 0

Matt Andress pitched a gem, a complete game, 68 pitch shutout. The kid from the saints was throwing upper 80's and hit 90 and pitched well, he is going to vanderbilt to play ball. In the 7th after he lost some steam after throwing abunch of pitches,Tyler Kirkpatrick launched a fastball over the leftcenter field wall, they yanked the kid and the O's plated 4 more runs to secure the W.

Game 2
On Deck 17's - 8
Pro Swing NY - 7

After going down 7-5 in the 7th. Devin Harris led off with a triple, Max Fulginiti then scored him on a single. Travis McConnell had a bunt single, then Chase Austin singled to load the bases for Jared Bard who hit a 2 rbi single to give the O's a come-from-behind victory.

Game 3
On Deck 17's - 7
Maryland Patriots - 6

The Patriots are a very good team, they beat Impact Dirtbags in their previous game and also held a 2-0 record. After goin down 3-0 in the 1st inning the O's scored 4 in the bottom half led by a HR by Tyler Kirkpatrick. After a Mason McVerry HR was called out after the ump said he "missed" 1B, that got everyone fired up and eventually led to the tossing of Coach Hill . A 2 rbi single by Max Fulginiti put On Deck up 7-5 in the 6th, then in the 7th the pats plated 1 run, but after a single Max Fulginiti threw a bullet home to hose the would-be tying run. And a nice backhand play by 3B Reid Rollison gave the O's the win and a 3-0 record

Game 4
On Deck 17's - 3
Impact Dirtbags - 7

Tyler Leach came down and pitched for Impact giving up 1 run in 5 innings. He was on his game throwing 90-93 on the gun according to one scout. The O's put a couple good swing on him including a 2B by Reid Rollison which gave the O's their lone run of Leach. Sloppy defense and alot of walks allowed impact to take advantage plating 7 runs. The O's managed to score 2 runs after they pulled Leach but it was enough. Impact hit the ball very well and played good defense and handled the O's

There were 3 teams tied for 1st place; Impact, Maryland, and the O's all held 3-1 records. Despite the good performance by the O's they were booted from championship play from the runs allowed rule. Good job on the weekend and tough break on not making it into championship play. The O's will travel to USC for a pre-perfectgame warmup then go straight to East Cobb, good luck!

 

For futher references, it's spelled Andress...

 

The Dirtbags were the only teams to use wooden bats............

 

Just asking a question here. What is the fascination with wooden bats? I know we have played in leagues in the past and have used them but it mainly just becomes a pitchers league. Several college coaches that I have talked with over the last few years don't even really care for their players using them. I have heard all the reasons such as kids learning to hit with a smaller sweet spot etc. But if the kid is a not a projected top few rounds draft pick then what good are they other than a novelty? Educate me.

 

Impact did it to prepare for the Tournament AT East Cobb,but if it was up to me wood would be used at High Schools and Colleges,LL...........anywhere there was baseball.......I like it.

 

How'd the dirtbags end up doing in championship play?

 

I agree with you 100% that it should be used. Nothing like the sound a a solid wood bat hit. But since it isn't, and there is such a very very small % that will ever get the opportunity to use wood when it means something, what good does it do?

 

All about mechanics. You said it. Do you get better by playing teams and pitchers of lesser caliber? No. You improve by playing under conditions that force you to get better. If you really want a bat to correct your mistakes, OK, only hit with metal bats and it will let your hands slide away from your body and give you a cheap hit. However, for example, if a player wants to learn how to keep his hands inside, train with a wood bat. You can dink a hit and leave a runner on or you can learn to drive the ball and win the game. It don't have anything to do with being a pro but everything to do with getting to be the best you can be.

 

Matt...great job! Keep that arm healthy.