State Games

Yea, Dawg, I think the final score was 7-5, but it was one of the best games in the tourney. It was the only game I saw where the teams were pumped for the game. There were no questions that each region were fighting for the gold.

There were a lot of miscues in the game, but it didn't detract from the hustle and style of play each team possessed. Although there were many key hits, plays and pitches from both sides, there was one player that stood out amongst the rest today.... Jake Watson. The Charlotte Christian standout made sensational plays in the field and seemed to always get a key hit or score a big run. There was a reason these two teams were meeting in the Gold round....they deserved to be there.

 

Braves, while I'm sure Zach would have loved to have been making the plays, it was actually his little brother, Jake, that was playing the game. Zach was spotted at the game cheering his little brother on.

 

Yeah, I know, I caught it too late. Zach was on my mind. I bet he was proud of his 'lil brother, though.

 

what is the feedback on the facility?

How many were impressed and/or surprised how excellent of a facility the 49ers now have?

 

Dawgswood asked for recap of the gold medal game, since no one else has responded, I'll take a shot at it. Alex Baker (Ardrey Kell) started on the mound for Region 6 and pitched reasonably well. He gave up one in the first and it could have been worse. Region 6 answered against Tate Parrish with four runs. Jake Watson (Charlotte Christian) led off with a line shot single up the middle, Brandon Burris (Mt. Pleasant) followed with an infield single and Ty Linton (Charlotte Christian) drove in Watson with a double to left. Brett Austin (Providence) sac fly to center scored Burris. My memory kind of falters after that, I think Jack Reinheimer (Ardrey Kell) had a single and Jon Crucetti (West Rowan) doubled to right.

Baker gave up one run in the second and one in the third as Region 3 clawed back in the game. Region 6 scored two in the third to make it 6-3. Trey Laney (Charlotte Christian) came in to pitch the fourth. Region 6 had one of their few lapses on defense for the week and Region 3 scored two unearned runs to make it 6-5. In the bottom of the sixth Jon Crucetti beat out bunt with a diving head first slide into first. He ended up on third with no outs and Jake Watson delivered a deep drive to left center to scored the insurance run. Laney threw a scoreless 6th and 7th. Region 3 changed pitchers in the second but I can't recall his name. Hobbs Johnson came in and did a good job in the fourth, fifth and sixth.

It was a hard fought game by two excellent teams. Region 6 played pretty well all week.

 

My first trip to UNCC and I liked the facility.. nice park...but not surprised because I had been told it was a good setting (parking was a little tough...lol) The people there were very nice (especially the parking ticket cop) and helpful (good for an old fart like me) and I thought it was well attended. Not much you can do about the rain/lightening, but seemed to run smoothly and the facilities at Hopewell were nice as well. I would have to say, if you would like to be "seen" State Games is very strongly attended by college coaches and area MLB.