6/12

Three SW4A Players Selected in MLB Amateur Draft

Brett Austin, Chris McCue and Tyler Powell all were selected in the 2011 MLB amateur draft. 

Austin, a switch hitting catcher from Providence, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the supplemental first round, 54^th overall.  Austin will join his brother Chase (South Meck – Florida Marlins organization) in profession ball if he signs with the Padres.

Ardrey Kell’s hard throwing right hander McCue was taken in the 35^th round by the New York Yankees. 

Powell a pitcher out of Myers Park was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 46^th round.   

6/1

SW4A

2011 All-Conference Team

 

Co-Players of the Year: AJ Larson, Butler: Logan Ratledge, Ardrey Kell

 

Coach of the Year: Danny Hignight, Providence

 

 

Player	Team	Grade	Position
Brett Austin	Providence	12	C
Ty Buttrey	Providence	11	P/OF
Jackson Campana	Providence	11	3B
David Daniels	East Meck	12	SS/C
Dalton Eisenbath	Butler	11	P/1B
Jake Fincher	Providence	12	SS
Chase Gehringer	Butler	11	OF
Mike Herbert	Providence	11	P/OF
Alex Leach	Ardrey Kell	12	1B
Xander Maddox	Providence	11	OF
Chris McCue	Ardrey Kell	12	P
Brandon McWhirter	Butler	12	P
Carson Plyler	Independence	12	P/3B
Nick Salisbury	Independence	10	SS
Logan Sherer	East Meck	10	C/SS
James Snover	Myers Park	12	OF
Trent Thornton	Ardrey Kell	11	OF/P
Lou Trosch	East Meck	12	P
Honorable Mention
Chris Pearlman	South Meck	12	P
Devron Galloway	Rocky River	9	Util

 

5/16

Providence, Ardrey Kell, Butler Advance 

Three SW4A teams have advanced to the second round of the state 4A tournament. 

Providence blasted first round opponent Western Guilford 20-2 and will host NW Guilford, a 7-4 winner over South Meck.

Ardrey Kell jumped out to an 8-1 lead in besting Greensboro Dudley 9-4.  AK will travel to face Piedmont-Triad champion Glen in the second round. 

Butler’s Brandon McWhiter tossed a complete game shutout as the Bulldogs upset CPC champion Davie.  Butler will play another CPC club, North Davidson,  in Welcome in the second round.

East Meck lost their opening round game to TC Roberson 5-2. 

 

Homer Run Leaders	School	HRs
Brett Austin	Providence	12
Logan Ratledge	Ardrey Kell	8
Jackson Campana	Providence	8
Trent Thornton	Ardrey Kell	8
AJ Larson	Butler	7
Andrew McClatchie	Providence	5
Tommy Hibbard	Butler	5
David Daniels	East Meck	4
Tyler Fay	Independence	4
Logan Koch	South Meck	4
Logan Sherer	East Meck	4
Jackson Reisterer	East Meck	3
Jonathan Crews	East Meck	3
Ty Buttrey	Providence	3
Jake Fincher	Providence	3
David Marvin	East Meck	2
Chase Gerhinger	Butler	2
Preston Tiller	Ardrey Kell	2
Alex Leach	Ardrey Kell	2
Carson Plyler	Independence	2
Devery Galloway	Rocky River	2
Jacob Rothman	Providence	2
Michael Shadday	Ardrey Kell	2
James Snover	Myers Park	2
Tyler Powell	Myers Park	2
Brett Lang	Ardrey Kell	2
Daniel Brown	South Meck	1
Drew Davies	Ardrey Kell	1
Justin Strong	East Meck	1
Nick Salisbury	Independence	1
Xander Maddox	Providence	1
PJ Sardinia	Independence	1
Matt Hedberg	Myers Park	1
Tommy Ollis	Butler	1
Alec Hummel	Butler	1
Tyler Revel	Butler	1
Adam Nix	South Meck	1
Dalton Eisenbath	Butler	1
Tony Folsom	Myers Park	1
Earl Oliver	South Meck	1
Tim Youtsey	South Meck	1
Lou Trosch	East Meck	1
Pitching	Shutouts	Saves
Ardrey Kell 22-4
Chris McCue 7-1		4
Trent Thorton 7-2	1	2
Brad Stone 5-1		1
Brian Hummel 2-0
Justin French 1-0
Butler 16-9
Mitchell Rawlings 2-1
Brandon McWhirter 6-2	4
Dalton Eisenbath 5-2
Matt Balitmore 2-3		2
Alex Bronkar 1-0
AJ Larson 0-1
East Meck 14-12
David Marvin 1-0	1
Lou Trousch 5-4	1
Ben Leach 3-2	2
Jonathan Crews 4-3
Ian Ashworth 1-3		2
Independence 11-12
Clayton Tiderman 1-2
Carson Plyler 4-1
Taylor Cook 3-8		1
Brandon Wolf 2-1
Tim Miller 1-0		1
Myers Park 11-14
Bo Coggins 0-2
Matt Hedburg 4-5	1
Tyler Powell 3-2
Matt Keeter 2-4
John Beaver 1-0
Taylor Rowe 1-1
Providence 25-2
Ty Buttrey 7-2		1
Danny Reyes 1-0
Mike Herbert 8-0	1	1
Sam Dugdale 1-0		2
Alex Rogers 4-0
Jackson Campana 2-0
Guy Woodliff 2-0
Rocky River 1-22
Ryan Schulte 1-8
Devryn Galloway  0-3
Gabe Hutchings 0-5
David Dunning 0-1
Kyle Anderson 0-4
Ben Garnett 0-1
South Meck 16-10
Chris Pearlman 6-6		2
Earl Oliver 4-2
Tyler Aiello 0-1
Jonas Heidenreich 3-1
Logan Koch 0-0		1
Kevin Sidway 1-0
Tim Youstey 1-0		1

 

 

5/9

Panthers Hang on for Third Straight Tournament Title 

Providence raced out to a 6-1 lead and then hung on to beat Myers Park 6-5 in the SW4A tournament title game to win their third straight league tournament championship.

Ty Buttrey threw out Noel Baker at the plate to end the contest after Grant Goodson had singled to drive in Tony Folsom to cut the lead to one.  Baker, who had just double in a run tried to score on the Goodson single but Buttrey’s throw to Brett Austin was in plenty of time to tag out Baker. 

The Panthers scored two in the fist and two in the second off of first time starter Charlie Gordon.  Gordon did not get an out in the second before Matt Hedburg would come out of the bullpen to keep the Panthers in check, allowing just two singles the rest of the way after the second inning.

Buttrey (8-2)  tossed the first five and two/thirds allowing just a run before giving way to Sam Dugdale.  The Mustangs were able to touch Dugdale for an unearned run in the sixth and then Tyler Powell lead off the seventh with a 400 foot plus home run.  After Myers Park had cut the lead to 6-4 with runners on second and third, the Panthers turned to Jackson Campana to face Goodson.  Buttrey’s throw actually preserved the win for himself and allowed Campana to pick up his first save. 

The Panthers (23-2) will host Western Guilford in the opening round of the state 4A playoffs.  Myers Park completed their season at 11-15.     

Box Score

5/7

Mustangs Take Advantage of Opportunities to Reach Finals

Trailing 3-0 in the sixth, Myers Park took advantage of back to back errors to load the bases and then scored five times in the inning to beat South Meck 5-3 in the semi finals of the SW4A tournament.  The win puts the Mustangs in the finals against league champion Providence where they can qualify for the state playoffs with a victory over the Panthers. 

The Sabres scored two in the first inning taking advantage of a passed ball on strike three, a walk and a sac bunt by Andrew Mauldin to set up Brooks Kennedy who delivered a two RBI base hit down the right field line.

In the fifth, South picked up an unearned run but left the bases load leaving the door open just enough for Myers Park to sneak in an steal a victory. 

Taylor Rowe tossed a complete game in his first start of the season to even his record at 1-1.  Sabre ace Chris Pearlman also tossed a complete game put dropped to 6-5.

South (16-9) will be off until the start of the playoffs Friday and will need to see the results of the SW4A final to determine their seed in the state tournament.  What is known is that the Sabres will now be on the road in the first round. 

Myers Park (11-14) will need to win the SW4A conference tournament to gain entry into the state playoffs, but with a victory on Monday, the Mustangs will host Greensboro Dudley to open the state 4A tournament.

Box Score

 
Providence 5, Butler 1 

Brett Austin hit his 12^th home run and Mike Herbert strike out 12 to help Providence advance to their second straight SW4A tournament title game.

The Panthers scored a run in the first, three in the second and a run in the third off Bulldog starter Dalton Eisenbath (5-2) to build a 5-1 lead.  Butler’s only answer was a solo homer off the bat of Tommy Hibbard. 

Providence would run themselves out of several innings with four caught stealing but Butler could never take advantage as Herbert faced the minimum in innings four through six.

A leadoff single by Eisenbath and a two out base hit from Ryan Hodge in the seventh finally chased Herbert (7-0)  but Sam Dugdale was able to induce a fly ball out to keep the Bulldogs off the board for the save, his second, and put the Panthers in the title game.    

The last two tournament champions will tangle Monday at Charlotte’s Hayes Stadium.  The Panthers (22-2) will be looking for a record ninth title and the third time that they would win back to back tournament titles.  The Mustangs (11-14) can take their third tournament all in the last eight years. 

Box Score 

Championship - Providence vs. Myers Park - Hayes Stadium, UNC Charlotte - 7:30

 

 

5/6

Myers Park Upsets Ardrey Kell in Tournament Opener

Myers Park had a walk, three consecutive line drive base hits from Zack Blalock, Ross Groome, and Tyler Powell to open the game against Ardrey Kell.  Toss in a suicide squeeze from Taylor Rowe and an error, and the Mustangs scored four times in the opening frame and hung on to upset the Knights 5-4 in the opening round of the SW4A tournament.  The Mustangs would only have two more hits the rest of the way but the damage had been done. 

Brett Lang hit his second home run leading off the second for the Knights.  After that, both Powell and Knight’s starter Brad Stone settled in, keeping the score at 4-1 through five.

Myers Park picked up what would become a critical tack on run off reliever Brian Hummel in the sixth using a hit batter, two walks and a wild pitch to score a run without the aid of a hit. 

The Knights tried to give the home fans a finish when with one out, a walk and back to back pinch hit singles from Zach Merritt and Brian Donahue brought the tying run to the plate in the presents of Knights star Logan Ratledge.  Ratledge squared up the first pitch from Powell but Noel Baker was able to snare Ratledge’s blast as he crashed into the center field fence.  Trent Thornton followed with a single to cut the lead to one, but Powell was able to induce a ground out for the game ender.

Powell pitched a complete game for his third win of the season striking out seven.  Stone tossed five innings and struck out eight but took his first loss of the season after five straight wins. 

Myers Park (10-14) will face South Meck in the first semi-final game tonight at South Meck.  Ardrey Kell (21-4) will be off until the start of the state playoffs next Friday.

Box Score

South Meck 4, Independence 2

Tim Youtsey hit a walk-off two run homer to lift the Sabres into the semi-finals of the SW4A tournament with a 4-2 victory over Independence. 

The Patriots were first to strike when Tyler Fay launched his fourth HR into the batting cage netting above the 310 sign in right field in the top of second inning.  Earl Oliver answered in the bottom of the frame with his blast over the fence in right center. 

An inning later, doubles from Nick Salisbury and Carson Plyler pushed the Patriots back in front only to see Logan Koch tie the score in the fourth for the Sabres with his fourth home run.  Two scoreless innings set the stage for Youtsey. 

Jonas Heidenreich pitched a one, two three seventh in relief of Oliver to pick up his third win.  Plyler took the loss, his first this year.

The Sabres (16-8)  advance to the SW4A semis while Independence finishes the season at 11-12.

Box Score
 

Butler 4, East Meck 3 – 8 Innings 

For some reason seven innings just never seems enough for the Butler Bulldogs.  Nevertheless, eight worked just fine for Butler as the slipped past East Meck 4-3 to advance to the SW4A semi-finals against Providence.

The Bulldogs were able to score three times in the opening inning off Jonathan Crews and led 3-0 until East Meck scored three of their own in the seventh. 

After getting out of a jam in the eight, Alex Bronker’s pinch hit single up the middle with the bases load provided the Bulldogs with the walk off win.

Matt Baltimore picked up the win in relief of Brandon McWhirter.

The Bulldogs improve to15-8 while East Meck falls to 14-11.  East will now be on the sidelines hoping that Myers Park does not win the SW4A tournament.  A Mustang championship will knock the Eagles out of the state playoffs.

 

5/4

Southwestern 4A Tournament Pairings Finalized

At Providence - Thursday 

#1 Providence

            Vs.                   8:00

#8 Rocky River

#4 Butler

            Vs.                   5:30

#5 East Meck

 

At Ardrey Kell 

#3 South Meck

            Vs.                   5:30

#6 Independence

#2 Ardrey Kell

            Vs.                   8:00

#7 Myers Park

 

Semi-Finals at South Meck – Friday 

Ardrey Kell/Myers Park winner vs. South Meck/Independence winner – 5:30

Providence/Rocky River winner vs. Butler/East Meck winner – 8:00

Finals at UNC-Charlotte – Monday – 7:30

5/3

Seniors Austin, Fincher Lead Panthers to Title

It was fitting on senior night that the Panthers’ star seniors lead them to the SW4A title as Providence score twice in the bottom of the seventh to beat Ardrey Kell 5-4. 

Trailing by a run after Trent Thornton hit his second home run of the evening in the top of the seventh; Brett Austin leading off scorched a ball that just cleared the fence in right center to tie the score at four.  An out later, Jack Fincher walked, stole second and scored on Ty Buttrey’s base hit to left, just beating the throw to the plate to slide in with the championship run.

Fincher’s solo homered in the third gave the Panthers a 3-0 lead after Providence took advantage of two AK errors in the first to score twice. 

Ardrey Kell was able to tie the score in the fifth when Myles Garner and Logan Ratledge both singled before Thornton unloaded for his first home run of the game.

Neither starting pitcher figured in the decision.  Buttrey pitched the first five plus innings for the Panthers before he was lifted in the sixth after a lead off base hit by Drew Davies.  Mike Herbert was able to pitch the Panthers out of the jam, getting a strike out to end the inning leaving runners stranded on first and third.  

After Thornton’s homer in the seventh, the Knights were able to put two more runners on, but Jackson Campana put out the fire and keep the Panthers within striking distance.

Campana picked up the win after the Panther rally, his second of the season.  Thornton (7-2) took the loss after starting the seventh inning in relief of Chris McCue who tossed the first six innings, striking out seven for the Knights.   

Providence, who finished the regular season at 20-2, 13-1 in the SW4A, will host Rocky River in the night cap of a doubleheader to open the SW4A tournament.  Runner-up Ardrey Kell (21-3, 11-3) will also host opening round games at Knight’s field on Thursday. 

Box Score

 

South Meck 8, East Meck 4

Trailing 4-2, the Sabres were able to score two in the fifth and four in the sixth to come from behind to beat East Meck 8-4. 

Brooks Kennedy’s sixth inning bases loaded triple off of Jonathan Crews proved to be the decisive blow for the Sabres

Chris Pearlman (6-4) pitched the final three innings to pick up the win in relief.  Crews (4-3) took the loss. 

With the win, South Meck improves to 15-8, 8-6 and will be the three seed in the SW4A Tournament where they will play in the opening game at Ardrey Kell on Thursday.  East Meck finishes the regular season at 14-10, 6-8 and in fifth place.  The Eagles will play Butler at Providence in their opening game of the SW4A Tournament on Thursday.

Butler 5, Independence 3 

AJ Larson’s two run homer in the first inning started the Bulldogs on their way to a 5-3 victory over Independence Monday night at John Williams field. 

Tommy Ollis two run double put Butler up 5-1 and they were able to hold off the Patriots from there. 

Dalton Eisenbath tossed the first four innings for the win, his fifth against just one loss.  Taylor Cook fell to 3-8 for the Patriots.  Matt Baltimore picked up his second save.

Butler tied South Meck for third in the SW4A at 8-6, (14-8 overall) and will play as the four seed in the SW4A tournament.  Independence (11-11, 5-9) drops into a tie for sixth with Myers Park and will flip a coin to see if they will play as the sixth or seventh seed.  Either way, they will play at Ardrey Kell on Thursday.

Butler              300      200      0          5-7-4
Independence  000      111      0          3-11-4

WP: Dalton Eisenbath 5-1; LP: Taylor Cook 3-8.  Leading hitters – B: AJ Larson 1-4, HR.  Tommy Ollis 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI.  I: Carson Plyler 4-4, 3B, 2B; Cody Leckavick 3-4 .  Records – B: 14-8, 8-6.  I: 11-11, 5-9.

Myers Park 15, Rocky River 0

The Mustangs blasted three home runs as they rolled past Rocky River 15-0 in the final regular season contest. 

James Snover, Tyler Powell and Tony Folsom all went deep for the Mustangs as they improved to 9-14, 5-9. 

Myers Park will play at Ardrey Kell on Thursday to open the SW4A tournament.  A coin flip will determine if they will play South Meck as the six seed or Ardrey Kell as the seven seed.  Rock River (1-20, 0-14) will play Providence at Providence in the night cap on Thursday. 

Rocky River    000      00                       0-5-2
Myers Park      822      3x                     15-9-0 

WP: Matt Hedberg 3-4; LP: Kyle Anderson 0-4.  Leading Hitters – MP: James
Snover 2-3, HR; Tyler Powell 2-3, HR, Tony Folsom 1-3 HR. RR: Ken Martin 2-3.  Records: MP 9-14, 5-9; RR: 1-21, 0-14.

 

 

 

Homer Run Leaders	School	HRs
Brett Austin	Providence	11
Logan Ratledge	Ardrey Kell	8
Jackson Campana	Providence	8
AJ Larson	Butler	7
Trent Thornton	Ardrey Kell	7
Andrew McClatchie	Providence	5
David Daniels	East Meck	4
Tommy Hibbard	Butler	4
Jackson Reisterer	East Meck	3
Tyler Fay	Independence	3
Logan Koch	South Meck	3
Jonathan Crews	East Meck	3
Logan Sherer	East Meck	3
Ty Buttrey	Providence	3
Jake Fincher	Providence	3
David Marvin	East Meck	2
Chase Gerhinger	Butler	2
Preston Tiller	Ardrey Kell	2
Alex Leach	Ardrey Kell	2
Carson Plyler	Independence	2
Devery Galloway	Rocky River	2
Jacob Rothman	Providence	2
Michael Shadday	Ardrey Kell	2
James Snover	Myers Park	2
Tyler Powell	Myers Park	2
Brett Lang	Ardrey Kell	1
Daniel Brown	South Meck	1
Drew Davies	Ardrey Kell	1
Justin Strong	East Meck	1
Nick Salisbury	Independence	1
Xander Maddox	Providence	1
PJ Sardinia	Independence	1
Matt Hedberg	Myers Park	1
Tommy Ollis	Butler	1
Alec Hummel	Butler	1
Tyler Revel	Butler	1
Adam Nix	South Meck	1
Dalton Eisenbath	Butler	1
Tony Folsom	Myers Park	1
Pitching	Shutouts	Saves
Ardrey Kell 21-3
Chris McCue 6-1		4
Trent Thorton 7-2	1	2
Brad Stone 5-0		1
Brian Hummel 2-0
Justin French 1-0
Butler 14-8
Mitchell Rawlings 2-1
Brandon McWhirter 5-2	3
Dalton Eisenbath 5-1
Matt Balitmore 1-3		2
Alex Bronkar 1-0
AJ Larson 0-1
East Meck 14-10
David Marvin 1-0	1
Lou Trousch 5-3	1
Ben Leach 3-2	2
Jonathan Crews 4-3
Ian Ashworth 1-2		2
Independence 11-11
Clayton Tiderman 1-2
Carson Plyler 4-0
Taylor Cook 3-8		1
Brandon Wolf 2-1
Tim Miller 1-0		1
Myers Park 9-14
Bo Coggins 0-2
Matt Hedburg 4-5	1
Tyler Powell 2-2
Matt Keeter 2-4
John Beaver 1-0
Taylor Rowe 0-1
Providence 20-2
Ty Buttrey 7-2		1
Danny Reyes 1-0
Mike Herbert 6-0	1	1
Sam Dugdale 1-0		2
Alex Rogers 2-0
Jackson Campana 2-0
Guy Woodliff 1-0
Rocky River 1-21
Ryan Schulte 1-7
Devryn Galloway  0-3
Gabe Hutchings 0-5
David Dunning 0-1
Kyle Anderson 0-4
Ben Garnett 0-1
South Meck 15-8
Chris Pearlman 6-4		2
Earl Oliver 4-2
Tyler Aiello 0-1
Jonas Heidenreich 2-1
Logan Koch 0-0		1
Kevin Sidway 1-0
Tim Youstey 1-0		1

 

5/1

SW4A Tournament Pairings Still Up in the Air

After 52 games in the SW4A this season, exactly one position for the loop tournament has been decided: Rocky River will finish eight and face the number on seed in the opening round.  After that, or should be say before that, the seven other places are in flux.  Here is a look at the different scenarios based upon Monday’s results in the league’s final day of play. 

Ardrey Kell at Providence – The winner will be the number one seed in the SW4A tournament, the loser the two seed.  If Providence wins, they will be the SW4A Champion and the number one seed from the league in the state playoffs.  An Ardrey Kell win will give the Knights a share of the league title and they will need to advance further in the conference tournament than Providence to earn the number on seed from the SW4A in the state playoffs. 

East Meck at South Meck – A win for the Sabres, and they are the third seed in the tournament. With an Eagles’ win and a Butler loss to Independence -  Butler, East Meck, and South Meck would be in a three way tie at 7-7 and each team will be 2-2 against each other.  In that case a draw for the 3-4-5 positions will be held between the three teams.  An East win will also drop Independence to sixth.

Butler at Independence – The Patriots must win and have South Meck beat East Meck to have a chance to grab the final playoff spot.  If that happens, the Patriots will tie for fifth, play as the six seed in the tournament, and will have to advance farther in the tournament than East to win the spot.  If both East and Independence lose in the same round of the tournament, a play-in game between the two will be held.  Butler needs South to lose to move up past the fourth seed.  If Butler wins, they will be no worst than the fourth seed.  A Bulldog win and a South loss and Butler will be the three seed, East Meck the four seed and South Meck the fifth seed.  A Butler loss and a South win, and the Bulldogs will be the fourth seed. 

Rocky River at Myers Park – Myers Park needs an Independence loss just to have a chance to flip for the sixth seed with the Patriots.  Before that can happen, they will have to beat the Ravens. For both of these teams, they will need to win the SW4A Tournament to advance to the state playoffs.

Opening Round 5/5 - at Providence and Ardrey Kell
5/6 - Semi Finals - at South Meck
5/9 - Championship Game

Providence 3, Weddington 1

Guy Woodliff pitched into the sixth and Jackson Campana hit a home run to help Providence beat Weddington 3-1 Saturday afternoon. 

Sam Dugdale closed out the Warriors to pick up his second save.

Providence will concluded their regular season when the host arch rival Ardrey Kell on Monday.

4/30

Panthers Claim Share of Third Straight Title

Mike Herbert tossed a complete game shutout to help Providence slip past East Meck 4-0 and clinch a share of the SW4A title.  It is the Panther’s third straight conference championship and their 11^th overall.  

In a scoreless tie with two outs in the top of the fifth, the Panthers were able to string together three straight singles by Xander Maddox, Brett Austin, and Jacob Rothman to score twice off Eagle starter Ben Leach.  Herbert helped add a couple of insurance runs in the sixth when he doubled off the center field fence scoring Andrew MacLatchie, who had  previously knocked in Jackson Campana with his own base hit off reliever Ian Ashworth. 

Herbert improved to 6-0 for the Panthers striking out seven.  Leach pitched well for the Eagles, striking out six, but fell to 3-2. 

Providence (18-2, 12-1SW4A ) can claim the title outright on Monday when they host Ardrey Kell.  A win would also assure them a number one seed in the state 4A playoffs where they would most likely host Western Guildford (7-13, 6-6 METRO) the number four seed from the Metro Conference.

Box Score

 

South Meck 9, Butler 8 

They played late into the night Friday in Matthews, but South Meck was finally able to prevail over Butler 9-8 in 10 innings.

The Sabres looked like they were ready to win in regulation before Tommy Hibbard’s fourth home run of the season sent the game into extra innings. 

After Chris Pearlman was able to wriggle out of trouble in the bottom of the eight to keep the game going, the Sabres were finally able to score three times in the top of the 10^th.  It was just enough as the Bulldogs would score twice in the bottom of the frame before Pearlman was able to strand the tying run on second.

Pearlman tossed four innings of relief after throwing eight and a third on Tuesday to earn his fifth win.  Matt Baltimore took the loss, falling to 1-3.  

The win clinched a state playoff spot for the Sabres (14-8, 7-6 SW4A) and pushed them into a third place tie with Butler (13-8, 7-6).  A victory over East Meck on Monday will give South Meck the third seed in the SW4A tournament.

South Meck     9-7-4
Butler              8-11-4

 

Independence 4, Myers Park 3 

Independence scored four times in the third and then held on to beat Myers Park 4-3.

Carson Plyler improved to 4-0 helping the Patriots moved over .500 at 11-10.  Myers Park dropped to 8-14, 4-9 in the SW4A.  

The win keeps the Patriots alive for a state playoff berth.   Independence will need to beat Butler on Monday and hope that South Meck beats East Meck.  With that scenario, the Patriots will tie East Meck for fifth place.  While East would play as the fifth seed in the SW4A tournament and Independence the sixth, the team that advances the furthest would capture the final playoff spot.  If both are eliminated in the same round of the SW4A tournament, a special play-in game between the to rivals would be contested.  Note: If  Myers Park would win the tournament both teams would be out of the state playoffs.

Ardrey Kell 11, Rocky River 4 

Justin French pitched three and third innings of relief to earn his first victory and help Ardrey Kell beat Rocky River 11-4.

French came on in the bottom of the fourth after the Ravens had scored four times to cut the Knight’s lead in half to 8-4.  He ended the inning without throwing apitch, picking a runner off at second and then cruised over the final three innings, striking out four. 

Michael Shaddy (2) and Trent Thornton (5) both homered for the Knights.  Ryan Schulte (1-7)  tossed the first three and a third for the Ravens.

Ardrey Kell (21-2, 11-2 SW4A) can claim the top seed in the SW4A tournament with a win at Providence on Monday.  Rocky River (1-20, 0-13) will close out their regular season at Myers Park.  

Box Score 
 

 

     

4/29

West Meck 6, Butler 5

Butler              031      001      0 – 5  6  1
West Meck     050      001      x – 6  8  2

WP: Matt Davenport.  LP: AJ Larson 0-1.  Leading Hitters – B: Chase Gerhinger 2-4, HR 3 RBIs; Larson 2-3.  WM: Patrick O’Brian 2-3; Dalton Shaw 2-4.  Records – Butler: 13-7; West Meck: 12-4.

Independence 16, Vance 0

 

 

4/28

East Meck 9, Hopewell 6 

The Eagles stayed hot knocking off  Hopewell 9-6 Wednesday.

Jonathan Crews, the third Eagle pitcher, picked up the win.

Providence 14, Olympic 6 

The Panthers blasted five home runs, including two from Brett Austin to beat Olympic 14-6.

Myers Park 10, North Meck 0

Matt Hedburg tossed the complete game shut out.

 

4/27

Eagles Surprise Knights 

Logan Sherer home run on the first pitch of the game was just a harbinger of things to come as East Meck surprised Ardrey Kell 11-7 at Knights field on Tuesday.

Lou Trosch battled his way through five innings to pick up his fifth win. Ian Ashworth tossed the final two innings shutting down the Knights to earn his second save. 

After Sherer’s blast in the first, the Knights scored four times in the bottom half of the frame behind Michael Shadday’s three run homer to take a brief lead.  The advantage was short lived as the Eagles rallied for five runs on five hit including a two run scoring single from Sherer and RBI doubles off the bats of David Marvin and David Daniels.

Daniels’ three run homer in the fourth highlighted a four run uprising  pushing the score to 10-5, and chased loser Trent Thornton from the mound.  It was Thornton’s first loss in eight decisions. 

The win pushed East Meck to 13-8 and into a tie for fourth place in the SW4A with South Meck at 6-6.  The Knights (20-2) suffered their second loss and dropped to second place in the league standings.

 

Myers Park 4, South Meck 2

It took extra innings but Myers Park slipped past South Meck 4-2 Tuesday in nine innings. 

Tyler Powell tossed a complete game one hitter, the lone hit to Adam Nix – a two run home run, for his second win.

The Mustangs were finally able to score twice off starter Chris Pearlman in the ninth on singles by Ross Jefferies and James Snover. 

The win pushes Myers Park to 7-13 and keeps the Mustangs in the race for the final state playoff birth as they try to catch either South or East Meck.  The Sabres had their four game win streak snapped and fell to 13-8.

Providence 4, Butler 2  

Trailing 1-0, Jake Fincher singled with the bases loaded in the fifth driving in twoand came around to score on a throwing error to account for all the runs the Panthers would need to beat Butler 4-2.

Ty Buttrey pitched the complete game for his seventh win. Dalton Eisenbath suffered his first loss after winning his first four decisions. 

The win put Providence (16-2) in control of the SW4A standing, a game in front of Ardrey Kell with two to play.  Butler remains in third at 13-6, 7-5 overall.

Independence 14, Rocky River 4 

The Patriots scored 11 times in the third inning to put the Raven away, winning 14-4.

Taylor Cook picked up his third win while Kyle Anderson dropped to 0-3. 

With the victory, Independence stays in the hunt for the final playoff spot and will have an elimination showdown with Myers Park on Friday.  

 

 

 

4/26

Sabres Rally for Fourth Straight

South Meck rallied for a run in the bottom of the seventh to beat West Meck 6-5.  It was the Sabres fourth straight victory to improve their record to 13-7. 

Tim Youtsey came on to pitch for the Sabres after the Hawks scored four times in the sixth to tie the score. Youtsey set down West Meck in the seventh before Earl Oliver’s run scoring double made a winner of Youtsey for the first time.

The Sabres jump back into SW4A action tonight with a tough match up against Myers Park as teams jockey for playoff  position.        

S. Mecklenburg	130	010	1	--	6 8 4
W. Mecklenburg	010	004	0	--	5 4 4

WP - Tim Youtsey 1-0. LP- Landon Rawls. Leading hitters- SM: Brooks Kennedy 3-3, 2 RBIs; Adam Nix 2-); WM:: McGee 1-3, 2B, 2 RBIs; Rawls 1-3, HR, 2 RBIs. 

4/24

5^th Wheels Tournament, Rock Hill

Nations Ford 6, Rocky River 4

 

                        1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R   H    E

Rocky River    1    0    2    1    0    0    0    4    5    5

Nation Ford    0    0    1    2    2    1    -     6    7    0

 

LP: Kyle Anderson (0-2) 6IP, 3k, 4ER  Leading hitter – RR: Devryn Galloway 1-3, BB, 2SB, 2R.

 

Rock Hill 16, Rocky River 8

 

                       1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H   E

Rock Hill         1    0    3    7    1    3    1    16  14   5

Rocky River    1    2    0    3    0    2    0    8    11   5

 

LP: Ryan Schulte (1-6); Leading Hitters – RR: Devryn Galloway 2-4, RBI, R; Ben Garnett 3-4, 3RBI, 2R; Khalil Rankin 3-3, 2B, R, RBI.

 

Airport 12, Rocky River 4

 

                        1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H   E

Rocky River     0    2    0    0    2    0    0    4    5    5

Airport             4    3    0    0    2    3    -    12   10  1

 

LP: Devryn Galloway (0-3) 4 1/3 IP, 1K, 3ER

 

Hidden Valley 8, Rocky River 6

 

                           1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R   H   E

Rocky River        1    2    0    0    0    2    1    6    9    3

Hidden Valley     3    0    0    0    1    2    -     8    8   1

 

LP: Ben Garnett (0-1). Leading Hitters – RR: Matt Ritch 3IP, 2K, 0ER; Gabe Hutchings 2-4, 3B, RBI; Khalil Rankin 2-3, 2B, 3B, R, 3RBI.  Record – RR 1-18.

 

 

 

 

4/22

Jack Sink Tournament

Charlotte Christian 9, Myers Park 8

Box Score

Ardrey Kell 4, Providence Day 3

Box Score 
 

Providence 6, Charlotte Country Day 5 

Country Day   010      010      2          5-11-1
Providence      200      110      2          6-9-1

WP: Jackson Campana 1-0; LP: Lee Harrison 4-2.  Leading hitters – P: Jake Fincher 2-4, 3 RBIs; Ty Buttrey 2-2, 2 RBIs; Brett Austin 2-4; CD: Brina Duncan 2-3, 2B; Frazier 2-4, 2B; Patrick Langdon 2-4, 2B; Colin Walls 2-4, 2B.  Records – P: 15-2; CCD: 15-3.

South Meck 11, Charlotte Latin 1

Tyler Powell, Myers Park - Tournament MVP

 

4/21

East Meck/CBC Spring Break Baseball Classic

North Meck 10, Independence 9

Independence 003 033 0 9-8-1
North Meck 004 012 3 10-10-5

WP: Paul Leonard 1-0; LP Taylor Cook 2-7. Leading Hitters - I: Carson Plyler 2-4, 2B, HR; NM: Robert Beck 4-4, 2B, 2 HRs; Zach Ruttcamp 2-3, HR; Dylan Maddox 3-4, HR. Records - NM:11-7; I: 9-11.

 

Butler 3, Marvin Ridge 2, 12 innings 

Marvin Ridge  000 000 101 000         2-11-0
Butler              000 001 001 001         3-10-1

WP: Mitchell Rawlings 2-1; LP: David Weidman. Leading Hitters - B: Tommy Hibbard 3-4; Chase Gehringer 2-5, 2 RBI. MR: John Ferguson 2-6, HR; Justin Brown 2-5. Records- B: 13-5; MR: 12-8.

 

Hough 4, East Meck 2 

Box Score

All-Tournament Team

Robert Beck - North Meck

Lane Polk - Independence

Alex Bostic - Marvin Ridge

Brian Peart - Marvin Ridge

Carson Plyler - Independence

Josh Ferguson - Marvin Ridge

Will Champion - Hough

Nick Daddio - Hough

Baily Ober - Hough

 

Most Outstanding Pitcher - Matt Balitimore - Butler

Most Outstanding Player - David Daniles - East Meck: 7-10, 2 2Bs, HR, 5 RBIs.

 

Jack Sink Tournament 

Providence 16, Charlotte Latin 0

South Meck 4, Charlotte Country Day 2

CCD                  000 010 1 2-8-0
South Meck        010 030 x 4-8-2 

WP: Chris Pearlman 4-3.  LP: Tyler Holloway 4-1.  Leading Hitters – CD: Lee Harrison 2-4, 3B, 2 RBIs; Patrick Brady 2-3; SM: Brooks Kennedy 2-3, 2 RBIs; Daniel Brown 2-3.  Records – SM: 11-7; CCD 15-2

Ardrey Kell 12, Charlotte Christian 5   

Box Score

Myers Park 12, Providence Day 1

Myers Park                  303      06        12-6-1
Providence Day            100      00        1-1-5

WP: Tyler Powell; LP Zach Featherston.  Leading hitters – PD: Andrew Pope 1-2, 3B; MP: Powell 4-4, 5 RBIs.  Records – MP: 6-12; PD 9-8.

 

 

 

 

4/20

East Meck/CBC Spring Break Classic

Butler 5, Hough 2  Box Score
Independence 7, Weddington 5  Box Score
East Meck 10, North Meck 0  Box Score

 

Jack Sink Invitational Tournament

Charlotte Christian 3, Providence 2  Box Score

 

Home Run Derby Champions – Logan Ratledge, Ardrey Kell (15)

 

 

 

4/19

East Meck CBC Spring Break Classic

Independence 10, Hough 9 

Independence  002      044      0          10-6-2
Hough             100      004      4          9-11-3

WP: Taylor Cook 2-6.  LP: Johnny Piedmont.  Leading Hitters – H: Jacob Buchanan  2-4; Nick Daddio 2-4, Will Champion 3-4; I: Lane Polk 2-4, 2B; Cody Lekavick 2-5.  Records – Independence: 7-8; Hough:9-9.

 

Butler 6, Hopewell 5 – 11 innings

Butler               000      000      400      02        6-7-1
Hopewell         110      110      000      01        5-11-2

WP: Alex Bronkar 1-0.  LP: Alan Smith.  Leading Hitters – B: Tommy Ollis 1-1 HR, 3 RBIs; Ryan Hodge 2-4.  H: Wayne Shaffer 2-4, Michael Russell 2-4; Hunter Conley 3-4, 2 2Bs, HR.  Records – Butler: 11-5.  Hopewell 8-6.

 

East Meck 6, Weddington 5 

Box Score

 

Jack Sink Invitational 

Ardrey Kell 7, Charlotte Latin 2

Box Score

 

Charlotte Country Day 9, Myers Park 3 

County Day      110      032      2          9-13-0
Myers Park      000      011      1          3-6-4

WP: William Frazier 6-0; LP: Matt Hedberg 2-5.  Leading Hitters – CCD: Patrick Langdon 3-4, 2 2Bs; Tyler Holloway 3-4, 2B, RBI; Brain Duncan 1-2, double, 2RBI; William Frazier 2-4, RBI.  MP:  Tyler Powell 1-3, HR; Vinny Gau 2-3.  Records – CCD 15-1; MP: 5-12 

South Meck 14, Providence Day 13 – 12 innings

South Meck	0(10)0	002	000	002	-	14	17	6
Providence Day	000	170	400	001	-	13	18	5

WP-Earl Oliver (4-2); LP-Daniel Stack (0-1); Sv-Tim Youtsey 1. Leading Hitters-SM: Logan Koch 4-6, 2B, 3B, 2 RBIs; Daniel Brown 3-6, 2 RBIs; Michael Smith 2-6, RBI; PD: Sean McConoughey (2-6, GS, 4 RBIs; Andrew Pope 2-6, HR, 3 RBIs; Nick Gregor 5-6. Records: SM 10-7; PD 9-7.

 

 

4/15

Ho Hum, Knights and Bulldogs Go Extras

The Ardrey Kell Knights and the Butler Bulldogs went extra innings again Thursday night with AK pulling out a 3-2 victory.  These two teams seam to deliver free baseball as frequently as gas prices rise, as it was the third time in the last four meeting that the pair hooked up for at least 10 innings of baseball. 

Myles Garner’s bases loaded infield single finally put an end to this one in the 11^th as Ardrey Kell won for the 17^th time.

Logan Ratledge put the Knights up in the first with his eighth home run of the season.  

AK scored a run in the third for a 2-0 lead before Chase Gerhinger ’s two out base hit in the fifth halved the score.  Tommy Hibbard’s double an inning later pulled the Bulldogs even.

Neither starter, Dalton Eisenbath or Chris McCue, was around for the decision.  The Bulldog’s Eisenbath threw nine, striking out two.  McCue went the first seven, fanning six. 

Brad Stone tossed the final four innings for Ardrey Kell, striking out six, to pick up his fourth win of the season.  Matt Baltimore took the loss.

The Knights, 17-1, 10-1 and tied for the league lead, will play in the Jack Sink Tournament over the Easter Break, opening against Charlotte Latin on Monday morning at 11am.  Butler (10-5, 7-4) will play in the CBC Spring Break Classic at East Meck over the break, tangling with Hopewell on Monday at 4:30. 

Box Score

 

Providence 4 Myers Park 2

Mike Herbert pitched out of a bases loaded, no out jam , in the seventh to help keep Providence at the top of the SW4A standings as the Panthers beat Myers Park 4-2.  

It was Herbert’s fifth win without a loss as the Panther improved to 13-1.  Matt Keeter allowed just four hits to the powerful Panther bats but took the loss to fall to 2-3.

The usual suspects did the damage for the Panthers as Jackson Campana launched his sixth home run of the season and Brett Austin and Jake Fincher each doubled in a run.  Matt Hedberg hit his first homer of the season for the Mustangs. 

Myers Park will host the Jack Sink Tournament this week and will play Charlotte Country Day Monday afternoon.  The Panther will make their first appearance in the Sink Tournament Tuesday night against Charlotte Christian.   

Myers Park      2.....5.....1
Providence       4.....4.....2

WP: Mike Herbert (5-0) 7 IP; 5 H; 4 K..  LP: Keeter (2-3) 6 IP; 4 H; 2 K.  Leading Hitters: P – Jackson Campana 1-2 ,HR, 2 RBI;  Brett Austin 1-2 ,2B,  RBI;  Jake Fincher 1-3, 2B, RBI.  MP – Taylor Rowe 2-3, 2B;  Zach Blalock 2-3;  Matt Hedburg 1-3 HR, 2 RBI.  Records – P: 13-1, 10-1 SW4A; MP 5-11, 3-8.

Independence 6, South Meck 5 

Independence rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh to beat South Meck 6-5.

Nick Salisbury and Lane Polk each had a pair of hits for the Patriots and Carson Plyler had a big two run triple.  The Sabre’s Logan Koch homered and double driving in two to lead South Meck. 

Plyler went the distance to pick up his second win of the season.  Chris Pearlman was tagged with the loss to fall to 3-3.

Independence improves to 6-8, 3-9 in the SW4A while the Sabres dropped their fifth of six to fall to 9-7, 6-5. 

The Pats will play in the East Meck CBC tournament on Monday against Hough while South Meck will be in the Sink Tournament opening against Providence Day Monday evening.

South Meck     012      101      0          5-8-3
Independence   013      000      2          5-8-3

WP: Carson Plyler 2-0; LP: Chris Pearlman 3-3.  Leading Hitters – I: Nick Salisbury 2-4, Lane Polk 2-3, 2B; Plyler 1-3, 3B, 2RBIs.  SM: Logan Koch 2-2, 2B, HR, 2 RBIs; Adam Nix 2-3; Earl Oliver 2-4, 2B.  Records – I: 6-9, 3-8; SM 9-7, 6-5.

East Meck 21, Rocky River 6

East Meck scored 14 runs over the final two innings to roll over Rocky River 21-6. 

Logan Sherer, David Daniels, Tennant Gardner and Jonathan Crews each had four hits for the Eagles. 

Devery Galloway hit the first home run in Rocky River history. 

Crews picked up the win, his third of the season.  Ryan Schulte, who pitched well over the first five, was tagged with the loss.

The Eagles host the CBC Tournament beginning on Monday while the Ravens are off next week. 
 

East Meck       205      007      7          21-21-0
Rocky River    001      022      1            6-10-4

WP: Jonathan Crews 3-1; LP: Ryan Schulte 1-5.  Leading Hitters – RR: Devery Galloway 3-4, HR; Gabe Hutchings 2-3, 2B; Jalen Best 2-3.  EM: Logan Sherer 4-5, 2 2Bs, 4 RBIs; David Daniel 4-4, 3 2Bs, 4 RBIs; Tennant Gardner 4-6; Crews 4-6. Records – EM 10-7, 5-6 SW4A; RR 1-14, 0-11.  

 

 

 

 

4/14

Sabres Continue to Scuffle
 

South Meck, after a somewhat surprising 8-2 start dropped their fourth game of their last five, losing to Hough 6-3 Wednesday in Cornelius. 

The loss dropped the Sabres to 9-6 as they travel to Mint Hill on Friday to face Independence.  South remains in fourth place in the SW4A at 6-4, two games ahead of East Meck with four league games remaining.  The top five finishers should qualify for the state playoffs.  

4/13

Larson’s Hot Bat Provides Punch to Top Eagles

AJ Larson homered twice, doubled and drove in four to help Butler top East Meck 6-0 at Dave Jones field Tuesday night.  It was Larson’s fourth home run in his last three games and his fifth of the season. 

Brandon McWhirter tossed his third complete game shutout for his fifth win of the season allowing just three hits to the Eagles while striking out nine.

Tommy Hibbard was 3-4 with an RBI double and Dalton Eisenbath was 2-4  as the Bulldogs pounded out 10 hits. 

Lou Trosch started for the Eagles and took the loss to fall to 4-3 on the season.

Butler remains alone in third place in the SW4A standings at 7-3, 10-4 overall.  The Bulldogs will travel to face league leading Ardrey Kell on Friday.  East Meck dropped their second straight conference game to fall to 4-6 in the loop, 9-7 overall.  The Eagles will travel to Rocky River on Friday. 

Box Score

 

Ardrey Kell 4, Myers Park 2

Trent Thornton homered and pitched six innings to earn his sixth win of the season to help Ardrey Kell beat Myers Park 4-2 at Jack Sink field Tuesday night. 

Knight’s Alex Leach also homered to help keep AK atop the SW4A standings at 9-1 and notched their 16^th win of the season against one loss.

Chris McCue tossed a 1-2-3 seventh to pick up his fourth save. 

Tyler Powell went the first six for the Mustangs, but dropped to 0-2 on the season.

Myers Park fell to 5-10, 3-7 in the SW4A, but remain just one game out of  fifth place as they scramble to qualify for the 4A playoffs. 

Box Score

 

Providence 9, Independence 1

Brett Austin homered and knocked in four to help Providence beat Independence 9-1. 

Ty Buttrey picked up his sixth win of the season, tossing the first four innings, and also helped his own cause with his second home run.

The Panthers remain atop the loop standings at 9-1 and improve to 12-1 overall.  Independence drops to 5-8, 2-8 as they return home to host South Meck on Friday.  Providence will next host Myers Park. 

 

Providence                  141      300      0          9-7-2
Independence              000      010      0          1-4-2

WP: Ty Buttrey 6-1; LP: Taylor Cook 1-6.  Leading Hitters – P: Brett Austin 2-3, HR, 4 RBIs; Buttrey 1-3, HR.  I: Carson Plyler 1-3; PJ Sardinia 1-3.  Records – P: 12-1, 9-1; I: 5-8, 2-8.

 

South Meck 17, Rocky River 4

South Meck snapped their three game skid with a 17-4 victory over Rocky River.  

Kevin Sidway picked up his first win for the Sabres.

South remains fourth in the SW4A at 6-4, 9-5 overall.  Rocky River falls to 1-13, 0-10 in the league.

 

 

Homer Run Leaders	School	HRs
Logan Ratledge	Ardrey Kell	6
Andrew McClatchie	Providence	5
Jackson Campana	Providence	5
Brett Austin	Providence	5
AJ Larson	Butler	5
Trent Thornton	Ardrey Kell	4
Jackson Reisterer	East Meck	3
Tommy Hibbard	Butler	3
Tyler Fay	Independence	3
David Daniels	East Meck	2
David Marvin	East Meck	2
Jake Fincher	Providence	2
Jonathan Crews	East Meck	2
Logan Koch	South Meck	2
Logan Sherer	East Meck	2
Preston Tiller	Ardrey Kell	2
Chase Gehringer	Butler	2
Alex Leach	Ardrey Kell	2
Ty Buttrey	Providence	2
Brett Lang	Ardrey Kell	1
Daniel Brown	South Meck	1
Drew Davies	Ardrey Kell	1
Jacob Rothman	Providence	1
James Snover	Myers Park	1
Justin Strong	East Meck	1
Nick Salisbury	Independence	1
Xander Maddox	Providence	1
Carson Plyler	Independence	1
PJ Sardinia	Independence	1
Pitching	Shutouts	Saves
Ardrey Kell 16-1
Chris McCue 5-1		4
Trent Thorton 6-0	1	2
Brad Stone 3-0		1
Brian Hummel 2-0
Butler 10-4
Mitchell Rawlings 1-1
Brandon McWhirter 5-2	3
Dalton Eisenbath 3-0
Matt Balitmore 1-1		1
East Meck 9-7
David Marvin 1-0	1
Lou Trousch 4-3
Ben Leach 2-1	1
Jonathan Crews 2-1
Ian Ashworth 0-2		1
Independence 5-8
Clayton Tiderman 1-1
Carson Plyler 1-0
Taylor Cook 1-6		1
Brandon Wolf 2-1
Myers Park 5-9
Bo Coggins 0-2
Matt Hedburg 2-4
Tyler Powell 0-2
Matt Keeter 2-2
John Beaver 1-0
Providence 12-1
Ty Buttrey 6-1		1
Danny Reyes 1-0
Mike Herbert 4-0		1
Sam Dugdale 1-0		1
Rocky River 1-13
Ryan Schulte 1-4
Devryn Galloway  0-2
Gabe Hutchings 0-5
David Dunning 0-1
Kyle Anderson 0-1
South Meck 9-6
Chris Pearlman 3-2		2
Earl Oliver 3-2
Tyler Aiello 0-1
Jonas Heidenreich 2-1
Logan Koch 0-0		1
Kevin Sidway 1-0

 

4/12

Mustangs Roll Over Cox Mill

Matt Hedberg went 3-3 with four RBIs and was the winning pitcher to help the Mustangs beat Cox Mill 14-3 at Jack Sink Field Monday night. 

Taylor Rowe was 2-2 with five RBIs as Myers Park pounded out 10 hits with Vinny Gau, and Ross Groome each chipping in with a pair of hits.

The Mustangs improve to 5-9 and will host Ardrey Kell tonight. 

Cox Mill          100      02           3 – 5 – 2
Myers Park      635      0x        14 – 10 – 0

WP: Matt Hedberg 2-4.  LP: Galusha.  LH – MP: Vinny Gau 2-3, 2 RBI; Hedberg 3-3, 4 RBI; Taylor Rowe 2-2, 5 RBI, Ross Groome 2-2.  CM: Fox 2-3.  Record – MP 5-9.

 

Hopewell 7, Independence 6 

Independence let one get away Monday after leading 6-5 with two outs in the seventh, Hopewell was able to score twice and steal one from the Patriots.

Trailing 5-1, the Patriots rallied to tie the score on Tyler Fay’s third home run of the season and then scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to grab a 6-5 lead only to see it go for not. 

The Patriots fall to 5-8 and travel to Independence tonight.

 

 

4/10

Ratledge Homers Twice to Help Knights Past Richmond

Logan Ratledge hit a solo shot, had a two runner homer and just missed a third round tripper as Ardrey Kell beat Richmond 10-5 Saturday afternoon at Knight’s field.

Brad Stone pitched the first five innings, not allowing a hit until the fifth, to earn his third win of the season without a loss. 

After a scoreless opening inning, the Knights pushed seven runs across in the second inning on five hits to take control of the contest.  Single runs in the third and fourth pushed the lead to 9-0.

Ratledge’s two home runs upped his season total to six and places him atop of the SW4A home run leaders. 

AK won for the 15^th time this season and will travel to face Myers Park on Tuesday.

Box 

Independence 21, Parkwood 6 

JP Sardinia was 5-5 with a homer and Carson Plyler hit a grand slam as Independence routed Parkwood 21-6 Saturday afternoon.

Brandon Wolf picked up his second win in relief this week to help Independence improve to 5-7.  The Patriots host Providence on Tuesday.

 

 
4/9

Mustangs Put It Together To Thump Eagles

Playing there most complete game of the season, Myers Park thumped East Meck 8-0 at Jack Sink Field Friday night. 

Matt Keeter threw the complete game shutout, striking out 10.

Leadoff batter Noel Baker was 3-3 with a double and Vinny Gau added a pair of hits, including a triple to pace the Mustang bats as they out hit the Eagles 9-2. 

The win pushes the Mustangs to 4-9, 3-6 in SW4A action, just one game behind East Meck for the final playoff slot.  The Eagles drop to 9-6, 4-5 in the SW4A.

Myers Park will host Cox Mill on Monday before jumping back into league action on Tuesday when they host Ardrey Kell.  Butler will visit East Meck on Tuesday. 

Box Score

 

Ardrey Kell 5, Independence 2

Chris McCue and Trent Thornton combined to strike out eight and help Ardrey Kell fight off a scrappy Independence ball club 5-2 at John Williams field.  

McCue earned his fifth win of the season with six innings pitched and Thornton slammed the door on the Patriots with a perfect 1-2-3 seventh for his second save.

The Patriots out hit the Knights 8-5, but Jacob Gavin’s two out, two RBI base hit in the fourth to put AK ahead 4-0 was the key blow of the game.  Independence rallied for two against McCue in the sixth on hits from Carson Plyler, JP Sardinia, and Tyler Fay, but could not get any closer. 

Ardrey Kell won for the 14^th time this season and stayed atop of the league standings at 8-1.  Independence slipped to 4-7, 2-7.

Both teams return to action today as the Knights will host Richmond this afternoon while the Patriots entertain Parkwood  in a matinee. 

Box Score

 

Providence 8, South Meck 0 

Providence avenged their lone league loss with an 8-0 blanking of South Meck Friday night at Sabre Field.

Mike Herbert won for the fourth time as the Panther winning streak has reached seven. 

Chris Pearlman took the loss to fall to 3-2.

Providence moves to 11-1 and stays atop of the SW4A standings at 8-1.  The Sabres dropped their third league contest in a row to fall to 5-4 in the SW4A, 8-5 overall.

 

Butler 16, Rocky River 0 

The Bulldogs slammed four home runs including two off the bat of Tommy Hibbard as Butler whitewashed Rocky River 16-0.

AJ Larson stayed red hot with his third homer of the season and Chase Gerhinger hit his second. 

Mitchell Rawlings tossed the complete game shutout to improve to 1-1.

Butler is now alone in third place in the SW4A at 6-3, 9-4 overall. The Ravens, who dropped their 12^th straight and fell to 0-9 in the league, will travel to South Meck on Tuesday. 

Butler              423      70        16-13-0

Rocky River    000      00          0-5-6

 

WP: Mitchell Rawlings 1-1.  LP: Ryan Schulte 1-4.  Leading Hitters – B: Tommy Hibbard 2-3, 2HRs, 4 RBIs; Alec Hummel 2-4; Tyler Revel 3-4; Chase Gerhinger 2-4, HR; Aaron Bevis 2-3; RR: Matt Ritch 2-2.  Records – B: 9-4, 6-3 SW4A; RR: 1-12, 0-9.

4/8

Eagles Soar Past Brown 

East Meck hopped out of SW4A play Thursday night where that crews past A.L. Brown 12-2. 

Jackson Reisterer hit his third home run of the season and Jonathan Crews picked up the win to improve to 2-1 on the season.

East Meck (9-5) travels to Myers Park tonight where the Eagles will tangle with the Mustangs in SW4A action, a game featured on webcast at TBRPreps at 7:00.

AL Brown       000      11        2-4-5
East Meck       380      01        12-10-0

WP: Jonathan Crews 2-1; LP: Ryan Blackman.  Leading Hitters – EM: David Daniels 2-3, 2B; Jackson Reisterer 1-2, HR. ALB: Caleb Jackson 1-2.  Records – EM: 9-5; ALB: 2-11.

 

 

4/6

Patriots Put It Together Versus Eagles

After a number of near misses, Independence put together one of their best games of the season as they beat East Meck 7-4 at Dave Jones field. 

Independence allowed three unearned runs to score in the bottom of the first, but the Patriots would respond with a run in the second, two in the third and three in the fourth to grab the lead as they pounded out 13 hits.

Clay Tiderman led the way going 3-4 while Nick Salisbury, Brandon Wolf, PJ Sardina and Taylor Cook all had a pair of hits.  That fivesome plus Carson Plyler’s RBI base hit all drove in a run for the Patriots. 

David Daniels and Logan Sherer each had two hits for the Eagles.

Wolf picked up his first win of the season in relief of Plyler.  Eagle starter Ben Leach was tagged with his first loss.

The win improved Independence to 4-6, 2-6 in the SW4A while East Meck dipped to 8-5, 4-4.

Independence will host Ardrey Kell on Friday while the Eagles will play A.L. Brown in a make-up game on Thursday.  

The East Meck vs. Hopewell game has been postponed.

Box Score

 

Butler 8, Myers Park 3 

The Bulldogs only had six hits, but one was a bases load triple from Ryan Hodge and the other was AJ Larson’s second home run of the year as Butler put an end to Myers Park’s mini two game winning streak 8-3.

Dalton Eisenbath tossed the first five innings for his third win.  Matt Hedberg started and took the loss falling to 1-4. 

With the win, the Bulldogs 8-4 climbed into third in the SW4A standings, tied with South Meck at 5-3.  Myers Park dropped to 3-9, 2-6 and will host East Meck on Friday.

Myers Park      000      210      0 – 3 5 4
Butler               331      001      x – 8 6 2 

WP-Dalton Eisenbath 3-0. LP-Matt Hedberg 1-4. Leading hitters-MP--Zack Blalock 1-3, 2 RBIs; Matt Hedberg 2-4, RBI; James Snover 2-4; B: Ryan Hodge 2-3, 3B, 3 RBIs; Tyler Revell 1-2, RBI; Deon Scott 1-3, RBI; A.J. Larson 1-4, HR, 2 RBIs. Records – B: 8-4, 5-3; MP: 3-9, 2-6.

 
Ardrey Kell  4, South Meck 2 

Trent Thornton pitched a complete game four hitter, striking out six as the Knights bounced back to win 4-2.

Brett Lang had a single and a double, each hit driving in a run to pace Ardrey Kell at the plate.  

Logan Koch touched Thornton for a two run homer in the second, his second of the season, to briefly tie the score before AK answered with two more in the third. 

Thornton was in control from there as he retired 12 of the final 15 batters without a Sabre reaching second.  Brooks Kennedy’s infield single leading off the fourth would be the last hit for South Meck and only an error to start the seventh kept Thornton from sending down 15 straight.

Ardrey Kell upped their record to 13-1, 7-1 in the SW4A.  South Meck, who fell to 5-3 in the league and 8-4 overall will host Providence on Friday. 

Box Score

 

Providence 7, Rocky River 0 

Rocky River    000    000    0    0-0-5
Providence      102    301    x    7-8-0

WP: Ty Buttrey 5-1; LP: Kyle Anderson 0-1.  Records: Providence 10-1, 7-1 SW4A; Rocky River 1-11, 0-8.

 

4/5

Butler Shuts Out Independence

It was not pretty, but the Bulldogs will take it as they beat Independence 3-0 Monday night in a make-up of a game washed out by rain last week. 

A.J. Larson’s bases loaded triple plated all three runs in the fourth inning.  From there, Brandon McWhirter worked into the seventh before getting relief help from Matt Baltimore who picked up this first save.  McWhirter improved to 4-2 on the season.  

Taylor Cook was saddled with the loss to fall to 1-4. Carson Plyler had a pair of hits for the Patriots.

Butler improves to 7-4, 4-3 in the SW4A and in a tie for fourth with East Meck. The Bulldogs host Myers Park tonight.   Independence falls to 3-6, 1-6 and will travel to Dave Jones Field to face East Meck tonight.

Independence    000    000    0 - 0 4 0
Butler                000    300    x - 3 4 1

WP: Brandon McWhirter 4-2. LP: Taylor Cook 1-4.S: Matt Baltimore 1.  Leading Hitters - I: Carson Plyler 2-2; B: AJ Larson 1-1, 3B, 3 RBIs.  Records - B: 7-4, 4-3 SW4A; I: 3-6, 1-6.

Myers Park 15, Rocky River 2

James Snover was 3-4 with two doubles, a home run and seven RBIs as Myers Park beat Rocky River 15-2.  Snover’s homer was the first for the Mustangs this season in 11 games.

John Beaver scattered three hits to earn his first victory as the Mustangs won for the second straight time after snapping a six game skid.

The Ravens dropped their 10^th straight and head to SW4A co-leader Providence tonight.

Myers Park      460      50        15-11-0
Rocky River    000      00          0-3-5

WP: John Beaver 1-0.  LP: Gabe Hutchings 0-4.  Leading Hitters – MP: James Snover 3-4, 2 2Bs, HR, 7 RBIs.  RR: Danny Dunning 1-1, RBI; Devryn Galloway 1-3.  Records – MP: 3-8, 2-5 SW4A; RR: 1-10, 0-7.

 

4/1

Panthers Power Their Way to Top

Jake Fincher was 3-4 with a grand slam to help Providence beat Ardrey Kell 11-5 Friday night at Knights’ field.  The win pushed the Panthers into a tie for first with the Knights in the SW4A standings. 

After falling behind 2-0 in the opening inning, the Panthers scored two in the third, a run in the fourth to take the lead and then three in the fifth including Xander Maddox’s first home run leading off the inning.

Logan Ratledge closed the gap to 6-4 with his second two-run homer of the game and inning later, and the Knights would add one more.  But Fincher’s grand slam after a lead off hit, an error, and a sacrifice but that did not produce an out broke the contest open again.  Jackson Campana followed Fincher’s blast with one of his own. 

Mike Herbert started and pitched the first five and a third to earn his third win without a loss.  Sam Dugdale closed out the Knights to pick up his first win.  Knight’s starter Chris McCue was tagged with his first loss of the season.

The win improved Providence to 9-1, 6-1 in the SW4A.  Ardrey Kell suffered their first loss after opening the season with 12 straight wins. 

Box Score

 

East Meck 4, South Meck 2

Lou Trosch and Ian Ashworth combine to stop the Sabres’ six game winning streak, as East Meck beat South Meck 4-2 Friday at John Williams Field.

Logan Sherer doubled twice as five of the seven Eagle's hits were two bagers.

South Meck                100 000 1        2-8-3
East Meck                   100 120 x        4-7-0

WP: Lou Trosch 4-2; LP: Earl Oliver 3-1; S: Ian Ashworth 2.  Leading Hitters – SM: Tim Youtsey 2-4; Michael Smith 2-3.  EM: Logan Sherer 2-4, 2 2B.  Records: EM 8-4, 4-3; SM 8-3, 5-2.   

3/30

Austin’s HR Enough for Panthers

It was not what Providence fans had become accustom to, but for one night, one swing from the big bat of Brett Austin was enough as the Panthers beat East Meck 3-2. 

In a scoreless game heading to the bottom of the fifth, the Panthers took advantage of an Eagle error and a fielder’s choice that did not result in an out to open the inning setting the stage for Austin.  From there, the all-stater drove a 2-1 fast ball over the center field fence for a 3-0 Panther lead.

Logan Sherer made Providence fans squirm in their seats in the seventh with a two run homer, but reliever Mike Herbert was able to get a weak ground ball to first and a strike out to preserve the win and earn his first save. 

Ty Butter pitched the first five and two/thirds, striking out six for his fourth win of the season.  Ian Ashworth, who allowed just three hits to the powerful Panthers and was relieved with runners on first and third, was tagged with the tough loss when Austin greeted the Eagle reliever with his home run.

The win improves the Panthers to 8-1, 5-1 in the SW4A as they prep for their showdown versus front running Ardrey Kell on Thursday.  The loss evened the Eagle’s league mark to 3-3, 7-4 overall.  East will host South Meck on Thursday. 

Box Score

 

South Meck 5, Butler 4

For the third straight game the Sabres spotted their opponents big early leads only to come roaring back in the late innings for victory. 

Trailing Butler 4-0, the Sabres scored four in the fifth and then won the contest with a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh.

Chris Pearlman went the distance, striking out eight, for this third win.  Butler’s Brandon McWhirter took the loss in relief. 

The Sabres remain a game out of first behind Ardrey Kell, 5-1in league play and 8-2 overall.  Butler dropped their third straight to fall to 6-4, 3-3 in the SW4A.  The Bulldogs host rival Independence on Thursday.

Butler               002      200      0          4-5-5
South Meck     000      040      1          5-9-1

WP: Chris Pearlman 3-1; LP: Brandon McWhirter 3-2.  LH – Butler: Tyler Revell 2-3, 2B, 2 RBIs; Chase Gerhinger 1-4, 2 RBIs.  SM: Logan Koch 2-3; McKay Wrenn 2-3, RBI; Tim Youtsey 2-2, RBI.  Records: SM: 8-2, 5-1; B: 6-3, 3-3.

 

Myers Park 4, Independence 0 

Matt Keeter pitched a complete game four hit shutout as the Mustangs snapped their seven game skid with a 4-0 victory over Independence.

The Mustang scored early has become their habit, tallying three in the first, but this time Keeter made them stand up keeping the Patriots off balance all evening.  Independence’s Taylor Cook fanned 10 Mustangs but the Patriots could not mount a rally off Keeter. 

Zack Blalock doubled and drove in two for the Mustangs (2-8, 1-5) who travel to Rocky River on Thursday.  Independence drops to 3-5, 1-5.

Myers Park        300      000      1          4-5-0
Independence     000      000      0          0-4-2

WP: Matt Keeter 1-2; LP: Taylor Cook 1-3.  Leading Hitters –  MP: Zack Blalock 2-3, 2B, 2 RBIs; Tyler Powell 1-3, 2B.  I: P.J. Sardinia 2-3.  Records – MP: 2-8, 1-5; I: 3-5, 1-5.

 

Ardrey Kell 19, Rocky River 0 

The Knights eased past Rocky River 19-0 as Coach Hal Bagwell won his 300^th game. 

Preston Tiller and Trent Thornton had back to back home runs in the second and then Drew Davies hit a monster shot grand slam in the fourth.

Brian Hummel, the second of four Knights’ pitchers, picked up the win to move to 2-0. 

Ardrey Kell remains unbeaten at 12-0, 6-0.  Rocky River dropped their ninth straight, falling to 1-9, 0-6.

Box Score 
 

3/26

Panthers Pound Bulldogs

Providence hammered out 18 hits Friday night and ran away from Butler in route to a 16-2 victory over the Bulldogs. 

Six of the nine Panthers in the starting line-up had multiple hits including four from Jake Fincher, three by Brett Austin, Jacob Rothman and Xander Maddox and two each off the bats of Andrew MacLatchie and Mike Herbert. Austin had the game’s only home run, a two run shot in the third, while Maddox’s bases loaded double an inning later that cleared the sacks broke the game open.

Herbert tossed the first four and a third to pick up his second win of the season. Sam Dugdale and Guy Woodliff finished off  the Bulldogs. 

Ryan Hodge and A.J. Larson each had a pair of hits for Butler, while Dalton Eisenbath’s double in the fourth extended his season long hitting streak to nine games.

Providence 7-1, 4-1 SW4A, returns home on Tuesday where they will host East Meck while Butler 6-3, 3-2 will hit the road to face the Sabres at South Meck. 

Box Score

 
Ardrey Kell 7, East Meck 0 

Chris McCue and Brad Stone combined to throw a one hit shutout, striking out 10.  It was McCues  fourth win as Ardrey Kell stayed perfect on the season moving to 11-0, 5-0 in the SW4A. 

The Knights were able to finally scratch off East starter Lou Trosch in the third when with two outs Logan Ratledge tripled and scored on Brett Lang’s base hit. An RBI double from Preston Tiller in the fifth and Alex Leach’s home run in the sixth was finally enough to chase starter Trosch.  From there, the Knights took advantage of a couple of errors to score four times off the Eagle’s bullpen over the final one and two thirds. 

East’s lone hit was a Jackson Reisterer gap shot double with one out in the fourth, but McCue was able to induce both Jonathon Crews and Trosch to ground out to second and keep the score at 1-0.

Ardrey Kell had 11 hits including two each from Ratledge, Leach, Tiller and Collin Keefer.  

The Knights will host Rocky River on Tuesday before they host arch rival Providence on Thursday.

Box Score

 
Independence 7, Rocky River 2 

The Patriots scored four times in the sixth to snap a 2-2 tie to beat Rocky River 7-2.

Carson’s Plyler’s two RBI double in the sixth put the Patriots in the lead before Brandon Wolf closed out the Raven’s with two scoreless innings of relief. 

Taylor Cook earned his first win of the season while Gabe Hutchings, pitching against his former teammates, was tagged with his third loss.

Independence broke a four game skid as the Patriots (3-4, 1-4 SW4A) picked their first league victory.  Rocky River (1-8,0-5) who fell for the eighth time after an opening day win travels to Highland Tech on Monday.  Independence will host Myers Park on Tuesday. 

Independence              100      014      1          7-7-0
Rocky River                100      100      0          2-7-1

WP: Taylor Cook 1-2; LP: Gabe Hutchings 0-3.  Leading Hitter: I – Carson Plyler 2-4, 2B, 2 RBIs.  Records: I: 3-4, 1-4 SW4A; RR: 1-8, 0-5.

South Meck 7, Myers Park 4 

Trailing 4-0 in the sixth, the Sabres exploded for six runs and then held off the Mustangs for a 7-4 victory.

South only scratched out five singles but parlayed them into seven  runs against the struggling Mustangs who fell for the seventh straight time, dropping to 1-8 on the year and winless in the SW4A in five attempts. 

Sophomore Earl Oliver picked up the win, improving to 3-0.  Chris Pearlman earned his second save as South Meck moves to 7-2, 4-1 in the SW4A.

South Meck     000      006      1          7
 Myers Park     100      210      0          4

 

  

3/24

Eagles Boom Five HRs

David Daniels set the tone when he led the game off with a long home run as East Meck easily downed Harding 22-0. 

The Eagles had a huge fourth inning scoring 16 times including back to back to back home runs of the bats of Logan Sherer, Jackson Reisterer and David Marvin.   Justin Strong then capped the inning with a grand slam.

East 7-2, 3-1 SW4A will host Ardrey Kell in a key league match-up on Friday.  A win for the Eagles will push them to the top the loop standings.

 

Marvin Ridge 14, Myers Park 3 

Leading 3-2 in the fourth, Marvin Ridge broke open a close game scoring 11 times over the last four innings as they stopped Myers Park 14-3.

It was the sixth straight setback for the struggling Mustangs (1-7, 0-4) who host South Meck on Friday.   

 

 

3/23

Knights Recover from Slow Start for Win

Taking advantage of five Ardrey Kell errors, Butler jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings only to see the Knights to tie it in the fifth and score two in the seventh for a 5-3 win.

Logan Ratledge singled leading off the seventh, moved to third on Brett Lang’s double and scored the go ahead run on a single off the bat of Drew Davies.

Trent Thornton picked up the win to move to 4-0.  Chris McCue pitched a 1-2-3 seventh for his third save.

Dalton Eisenbath started for the Bulldogs pitching four plus before giving way to Matt Baltimore in the fifth.  Baltimore took the loss to fall to 1-1.  Drew Gerhinger had a pair of the five hits Butler had off Thornton. 

The win put Ardrey Kell alone at the top of the SW4A standings 10-0, 4-0 in the league.  Butler slipped into a four way tie for second at 3-1, 6-2 overall.

Butler will entertain Providence on Friday while Ardrey Kell travels to East Meck. 

Box Score

 

Providence 9, Myers Park 0

Brett Austin, Jacob Rothman, Jake Fincher, and Ty Buttrey each had two hits in the 11 hit Panther attack as Providence shut out Myers Park 9-0.

After two scoreless innings, the Panthers pushed a run across with two outs in the third on back to back doubles off the bats of Austin and Rothman and then broke open the game taking advantage of two Mustang errors to score three times in the fourth.

Buttrey earned his third win of the season.  MP starter Bo Coggins (0-2) pitched well before the Panthers were able to figure him out in the fourth. 

The Mustangs will host Marvin Ridge today.

Box Score 

 

East Meck 14, Rocky River 1 

The Eagles scored six times in the first and rolled to a 14-1 SW4A victory over Rocky River.

Lou Trosch picked up his third win while Jackson Reisterer, Ben Leach, and David Marvin had two hits apiece for the Eagles.  Gabe Hutchings was 2-2 for Rocky River. 

The Raven host Independence on Friday.

Rocky River    000      10        -             1          6        4
East Meck       632      3x        -           14        12        1

WP: Lou Trosch 3-1; LP: Danny Dunning 0-1.  Leading hitters: EM – Jackson Reisterer 2-2, 2B; Ben Leach 2-3; David Marvin 2-3, 2B.  RR – Gabe Hutchings 2-2.  Records – East Meck 6-2, 3-1 SW4A.  Rocky River 1-7, 0-4.

 

South Meck 7, Independence 3 

Trailing 3-0, South Meck scored five times in the fourth and added two more in the fifth as the Sabres won their third straight SW4A contest.

The Sabres pounded out 13 hits, including five doubles to improve to 6-2 while Independence fell for the fourth straight time after starting the season 2-0.  In three of those losses, the Patriots lead by at least three runs. 

Chris Prillman pitched six innings in picking up his second win for the Sabres.

South Meck will travel to Myers Park on Friday while Independence will look for their first SW4A win at Rocky River. 

South Meck     000      520      0 – 7   13    0
Independence   120      000      0 – 3     6   0   

WP: Chris Prillman 2-1. LP Brandon Wolf 0-1:  Leading hitters – SM: Daniel Brown 2-2, 2 2Bs; Michael Smith 2-2, 2B; Logan Koch 2-4, 2B.  Independence - David Fowler 2-4; Plyler 1-2, 3B.  Records: South Meck 6-2, 3-1 SW4A; Independence 2-4, 0-4.

 

 

 

3/19

McWhiter Makes it Tough on Eagles

Brandon McWhiter allowed a run for the first time this season in 20 innings of action, but it was of little consequence as Butler rolled to a 7-1 victory over East Meck to remain undefeated in SW4A play and  atop of the standings. 

The Bulldogs scored four in the first inning and that would be all the McWhiter would need as he struck out nine. 

Aaron Bevis and Chase Gehringers had big days at the plate, each going 3-3 with an extra base hit.  Dalton Eisenbath singled in the sixth to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

Butler will host undefeated Ardrey Kell on Tuesday with the winner taking control of the SW4A standings.   

 

East Meck      010      000      0 – 1 6 3
Butler              400      021      x – 7 9 1
 

WP: Brandon McWhirter 3-0.  LP: Jonathan Crews 0-1.  Leading Hitters:   B: Aaron Bevis 3-3, 3B; Chase Gehringer 3-3, 2B.  Records: Butler 6-1, 3-0 SW4A; East Meck 5 -2, 2-1.
 

Ardrey Kell 6, Myers Park 1 

Ardrey Kell extended their winning streak to start the season to nine games as the Knights downed Myers Park 6-1.

Chris McCue pitched his first complete game of the season winning for the third time while striking out nine. 

Alex Leach, Brett Lang and Logan Ratledge each had a pair of safeties in the nine hit Knight attack.  Mustangs’ Noel Baker was 2-3 and Taylor Rowe doubled.

Myers Park will try to snap their four  game skid when they travel to Providence on Tuesday. 

Note: AK pitchers have allowed two or less runs in seven of nine outings including three shutouts.

 

Myers Park    100      000      0 – 1 4 1
Ardrey Kell    301      120      x – 6 9 0
 

WP: Chris McCue 3-0.  LP: Matt Hedburg 1-2.  Leading Hitters: MP: Noel Baker 2-3; Taylor Rowe 1-3, 2B.  AK: Logan Ratledge 2-3, 2B; Brett Lang 2-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, Alex Leach 2-3, 3B, 2 RBIs.  Records: Ardrey Kell 9-0, 3-0 SW4A; Myers Park 1-5, 0-3.

 

Providence 8, Independence 7

Trailing 7-4 in the fifth, the Panthers rallied for three to tie it and then pushed across the game winner an inning later when Brett Austin scored on Jake Fincher's base hit.

The win keeps the Panthers  (5-1, 2-1) just a game out of first in the loop standings while Independence (2-3, 0-3) will still be looking for their first league win when they tangle with the Sabres on Tuesday. 
  

WP: Sam Dugdale 1-0, LP: S: Ty Buttrey 1 

 

South Meck 12, Rocky River 1

Jonas Heidenreich picked up his second win and Logan Koch hit his first home run as the Sabres cruised to a 12-1 victory over Rocky River.  

The win keeps South (5-2, 2-1) tied for third in the lead standings with East Meck and Providence, just one game out of the top spot.

Rocky River drops to 1-5, 0-3 and will be at East Meck on Tuesday. 

WP: Jonas Heidenreich 2-0; Gabe Hutchings 0-2 

3/18

New Ravens Playing Hard, Learning to Win

Tuesday it was 2-1 in the fifth against a strong Butler team.  Last night 1-0 at Porter Ridge, a 4A playoff squad from last season, in the fifth.

Rocky River, one of the new public schools in Charlotte Mecklenburg this year, is finding how tough the area baseball teams are, especially in the Southwestern 4A.  After an opening day win, the Ravens have lost five straight.

The margin of error is so slight for the young Ravens (no seniors) that in a tight game, a bad hop can make a great difference in the outcome of the inning.  In the last two games, big late innings for their opponents have cost them a chance a pulling the upset.

But they are getting closer.  If you have seen the Ravens play this year you know that they compete hard and in this season of March Madness, don’t be surprised that the upset will come.  If you need some motivation of an upset in the air, just take a look at your NCAA bracket this morning.

Porter Ridge 8
Rocky River 0
 

Rocky River                000      000      0          0    2 1
Porter Ridge                000      143      x          8  12 0 

WP: Drew Moore. LP:Devryn Galloway (0-3).  Leading hitters-PR:Hunter Edwards 3-3, 2B, 3 RBIs; Luke Kwasnik 2-3; RR: Ben Garnett 1-2.

3/17

Ardrey Kell Records 100 Wins

In just four and a third seasons, Ardrey Kell won its 100^th game when they stopped Marvin Ridge 4-1 Wednesday night at Knight’s Field.

Brad Stone pitched the first six innings allowing just one unearned run and a single hit for his second win of the season.   Chris McCue tossed a scoreless seventh inning, fanning two, for his second save.

Myles Garner doubled in a run, Logan Ratledge tripled one in and Connor Patterson plated two as the Knights start the season with their eighth straight win. 

Box Score

 Classic AK games

2/27/07 – Ardrey Kell 6, Parkwood 2
Ryan Stetson’s double down the third base line leads to an AK victory in their very first game. The Knights would win nine of their first ten, including their first SW4A victory against East Meck.

3/23/07 – Providence 11, Ardrey Kell 10
The Panthers jump out to a 6-0 lead after back to back home runs from Richie Shafer and David Mailman in the very first match-up between the two rivals. Trailing 10-3 in the seventh, AK rallies to tie the score on Ryan Stetson’s grand slam. However it’s Shafer’s day as his third HR of the day wins it for the Panthers in walk-off fashion. 

5/8/07 – Ardrey Kell 7, West Meck 4
Playing in their first state playoffs, the Knights knock out a number one seed in the opening round. The euphoria lasted through two outs in the bottom of the seventh of the second round when a ball lost in the lights leads to an Alexander Central walk-off inside the park home run.

3/20/08 – AK/Providence 1 & 2 – Ardrey Kell 3, Providence 2; Ardrey Kell 5, Providence 2
Alex Wood out duels Richie Shafer as the Knights take control of the SW4A for the first time.
A month later Jordan Darnell would toss a three hitter as AK would win 5-2 to claim a share of the SW4A crown.

4/25/08 – Ardrey Kell 8, South Meck 7 (8 innings)
Ardrey Kell comes back from a 5-0 deficit at South Meck to win in extra innings to clinch their first SW4A crown. The win is preserved when Ryan Stetson somehow tracks down Spencer Shuey’s drive with two runners on in dead center field to end the game and start the celebration.

5/21/08 – Ardrey Kell 4, North Davidson 3 – 4A Sectionals
After rain pushed the game back a day, AK upsets preseason number one North Davidson 4-3 when Jordan Darnell gets Zach White to pop up foul into Jack Reinheimer’s glove for the final out leaving the tying and go ahead runs stranded.

5/22-23/08 – AK/Providence 3 & 4 
Ardrey Kell 5, Providence 3; Ardrey Kell 8, Providence 3 – 4A Regional Series
Alex Wood beats the Panthers for the second time as the Knights win the opener of the regional series. A night later Ryan Butler tosses a three hitter as Zico Pasut and Jordan Darnell put the game away with long home runs as AK celebrates its first regional championship.

5/30-6/1 – State Championship Series 
Greenville Rose 5, Ardrey Kell 3 (8 innings) Greenville Rose 4, Ardrey Kell 3
Rose twice stings the Knights with last inning rallies to keep Ardrey Kell from winning a 4A title while winning their 5th state championship.

5/22/09 – Ardrey Kell 6, Providence 5 (District)
Trailing 5-0 after two innings, AK rallies to defeat league champion Providence 6-5. Alex Wood strikes out Richie Shafer to end the contest.

5/26/09 – Ardrey Kell 5, South Caldwell 4 (Sectional)
Cody Shelton’s two run double in the seventh pushes across the tying and winning runs as AK gets past South Caldwell in Sawsmill.

5/31-6/2 – Regional Series vs. North Davidson – North Davidson 6, Ardrey Kell 1
Ardrey Kell 6, North Davidson 2; Ardrey Kell 5, North Davidson 3 
After dropping the opening game, AK evened the series while losing their ace and their short stop. A night later, the Knights rally to win 5-3 leaving the bases loaded as they win their second consecutive regional title.

6/5/09 – Ardrey Kell 9, Raleigh Sanderson 5 – State Championship series game 1
AK wins their first ever game in a championship series as Derrick Ham’s two run single in the seventh breaks open a 6-5 contest as the Knights win 9-5.

6/6/09 – Ardrey Kell 1, Raleigh Sanderson 0 – State Championship series game 2
Alex Bartolomeo doubles to lead off the game and scores on two sac fly’s from Jack Reinheimer and Ryan Stetson. Ryan Butler makes it stand up when Reinheimer handles the final ground ball as the Knights rush the field to celebrate their first state championship.

3/23/10; 4/23/10 – Butler 7, Ardrey Kell 2 (14 innings); Ardrey Kell 3, Butler 2 (10 innings)
The two teams battle late into the night playing 14 innings before Matt Rose’s grand slam pushes Butler out front for a 7-2 win. Exactly one month later, the two teams hook up for another extra inning affair, this time with the Knights winning 3-2.

3/16/11 – Ardrey Kell 4, Marvin Ridge 1
Not necessarily a classic, but Brad Stone's one hitter was a fitting game 100 win as in typical AK fashion, pitching was the forte'.

South Meck 4, Providence 1

The Sabres finished what they started on Tuesday before rain forced the game  to be suspended by holding off Providence to win 4-1.

Chris Prillman tossed the final three innings to preserve the win and earned his first save.  Sophomore starter Earl Oliver picked up his second win in two decisions and South Meck improves to 4-2, 1-1 in the SW4A.

The Panthers were tagged with their first loss, falling to 4-1, 1-1 in the SW4A.  The Panthers host Independence on Friday while South travels to Rocky River.

South  Meck 400 000 0 – 4 3 0
Providence    010 000 0 – 1 4 2

WP: Earl Oliver 2-0; LP: Ty Buttrey 2-1; S: Chris Pearlman 1.  Leading Hitters: Andrew Mauldin 2-3, 2B, RBI; Michael Smith 1-3, 2 RBIs. P: Mike Herbert 2-3.  Records – SM: 4-2, 1-1 SW4A; P: 4-1, 1-1.

Butler 10, North Meck 2

Matt Baltimore tossed six strong innings for his first varsity win as the Bulldogs avenged their only loss of the season by stopping the Vikings 10-2 at North Meck.

AJ Larson had two hits including a triple and Dalton Eisenbath continue his hot streak with two more base knocks driving in two. 

Butler improves to 5-1 and sits atop of the SW4A standings tied with East Meck and Ardrey Kell.  The Bulldogs will host East on Friday in a battle between the two to remain perfect in the league.

Butler               130     411      0         10 8 1
North Meck     000     200      0           2 4 5

 
WP: Matt Battlemore 1-0. LP: Beck. Leading hitters-B: Tommy Hibbard 2-5; AJ Larson 2-3, 3B; Alex Bronkar 1-2, 2B; Ryan Hodge 1-3, 2B.. NM: Petitgout 1-3, 2B.

 

3/16

Nine Run Fifth Helps Butler Stop Rock River

Leading 2-1 heading to the bottom of the fifth, the Butler Bulldogs scored nine times to defeat Rocky River 11-1 Tuesday night at Butler before the rains hit.

The big inning was highlighted by AJ Larson’s first home run of the season as the Bulldogs sent 13 men to the plate.  Larson had two hits as did Chase Gerhinger and Dalton Eisenbath in the nine hit attack.

Eisenbath pitched a complete game for his second win, striking out seven and allowing just a single by Devry Galloway leading off the game as the Raven’s only hit.

Butler improves to 4-1, 2-0 in the SW4A and faces East Meck in a battle to remain at the top of the conference standings on Friday.  Rocky River dropped their fourth straight and falls to 0-2 in the SW4A.   

Box Score

 

East Meck 7, Myers Park 0

Lou Trosch pitched a four hit shutout and Jonathon Crews homered for the second game in a row as the Eagles blanked Myers Park 7-0 in a game shorten by rain.

East Meck improves to 5-1, 2-0 in the SW4A while the Mustangs dropped their third straight in falling to 1-4, 0-2.

Myers Park 000 000 – 0 4 1
East Meck  300 13x – 7 7 0

WP: Lou Trosch 2-1; LP Matt Keeter 0-1.  Leading Hitters: EM Jonathon Crews 2-3, HR, 3 RBIs; Wes Bradley 1-3, 2 RBIs.  MP: Taylor Rowe 2-2, 2B.

 

Ardrey Kell 10, Independence 0

Ardrey Kell pitchers threw their second consecutive shutout and the third in seven games as the Knights won 10-0 over Independence.

Junior right hander Trent Thornton picked up his third win of the season to help keep the Knights perfect at 7-0, 2-0 in the SW4A.  Independence dropped their second straight to fall to 2-2, 0-2. 

AK will host Marvin Ridge tonight as the Knights attempt to win their 100^th game in school history (just over four seasons)

Independence  000 00 –   0 3 7
Ardrey Kell     122 41 – 10 6 0

WP: Trent Thornton 3-0.  LP: Taylor Cook 0-2.  Leading Hitters: I: David Fowler 1-2, 2B. AK: Collin Keefer 1-2.

 

South Meck 4, Providence 1 – Suspended 

The South Meck/Providence game was suspended in the top of the fifth inning with two on and two outs for the Sabres.  The game will resume from that point today.

 

 

 

3/15

Big Inning Cost Mustangs

Myers Park took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth before Weddington sent 11 men to the plate and erupted for five runs.  From there the Warriors cruised to a 6-4 victory for their third win of the season.

Matt Hedburg had a pair of hits, including a double to start a three run rally that put the Mustangs ahead in the third inning.

Tyler Powell made his first start of the season and pitched three strong innings, striking out four, before the Warriors were able to rough him up in the fourth.

Myers Park falls to 1-3 on the season and will host Rocky River tonight in a SW4A contest.

Box Score

 

 

3/13

Hummel Sharp for AK

 

Brian Hummel allow just one hit out of the infield using just 58 pitches to shut down West Stanly for the first six innings as Ardrey Kell beat the Colts 6-0.

A couple of defensive gems including a line out that Logan Ratledge turned into a double play to end a Colt rally in the second kept West Stanly off the board before Hummel found his grove.  Brad Stone closed out the game for the Knights, striking out a pair of Colts.

Collin Keefer (4-4) and Drew Davies (3-4) paced the 11 hit Knight attack and Trent Thornton smashed his second home run as AK improved to 6-0.

Ardrey Kell host Independence on Tuesday. 

Box Score

 

South Meck 7, Marvin Ridge 6

The Sabres completed the suspended game with Marvin Ridge by coming back to win 7-6.  South moves to 3-2 and travels to Providence on Tuesday.

South Meck	000	034	0	-	7	7	1
Marvin Ridge	100	112	1	-	6	11	2

 

WP-Jonas Heidenreich. LP-Harris. Leading hitters-SM: Wrenn (2-2, 3 RBIs); MR: Ferguson (2-3, RBI), Howze (4-4, RBI), Brown (2-2, double, RBI).

Providence 15, Alexander Central 3

Jackson Campana homered twice and Michael Herbert picked up his first win as the Panther cruised past Alexander Central 15-3.  The win keeps Providence perfect at 4-0.

 

 

3/12

Eagles Squeeze Out Win, 6-5

Logan Sheer’s seventh inning suicide squeeze bunt scored Tannant Gardner as East Meck hung on to outlast Independence 6-5 Friday night at John Williams Field in Mint Hill.

The Patriots scored two in the opening inning.  Back to back doubles from Nick Salisbury and Brandon Wolf to lead off the game and Wolf’s steal of home had the Patriot fans feeling good.  That feeling lasted to the top of the third when East Meck’s Jonathan Crews hit a grand slam to put the Eagles up 4-2.

Cody Lekavich’s two out single to left in the fifth scored Tyler Fay and PJ Sardina to tie the score 4-4.

In the seventh ,Gardner walked to lead off the inning and moved to third on David Daniels third hit of the evening setting up the Sheer squeeze bunt.  The Eagles were able to pick up an insurance run on a pass ball which came in handy when the Patriots rallied for a run before leaving the bases load to end the game.

Ben Leach picked up his second win of the season in relief of the starter Crews.  Leach and Crews combined to strike out 10.  Taylor Cook took the loss after tossing three hitless innings of relief.

The Eagles improve to 4-1 and host Myers Park on Tuesday.  Independence was tagged with their first loss of the season after opening the year with two wins.  The Patriots travel to Ardrey Kell on Tuesday.

Box Score.

 

Providence 16, Rocky River 2

Providence pounded out 19 hits as they introduced Rocky River to SW4A play.

The Panthers improved to 3-0 while the Ravens dropped their third straight after an opening day win.

Providence host Alexander Central today at 2pm.

 

                         1    2    3    4    5         R    H    E

Providence       5    10  0    1     0         16   19   0

Rocky River     0    0    1    1     0          2     8    1

 

WP: Danny Reyes 1-0

LP: Devryn Galloway 0-2

 

Leading Hitters: Providence- Brett Austin 3-3; Jacob Rothman 2-2, 2R; Jake Fincher 2-2, 2B, 3R; Jackson Campana 2-2, 2B, 2R; Rocky River- Ken Martin 2-2, R; Jalen Best 2-3.

Records: Providence 3-0, Rocky River 1-3

 

Butler 10, Myers Park 0

Brandon McWhiter pitched his second consecutive shutout and the Bulldogs blanked Myers Park 10-0.   Tommy Hibbard and Chase Gehringer each homered as the Bulldogs pounded out 13 hits including multiple hits from Dalton Eisenbath and  Ryan Hodge, besides Hibbard and Gehringer. 

Butler  441 10--10-13-0
MP      000 00--0-3-0

Leading hitters: B-Tommy HIbbard HR; Chase Gehringer HR. MP- Noel Baker 2-2, 2B, 3B.

WP: Brandon McWhirter 2-0
LP: Matt Hedberg 1-1

Records: B 3-1, MP 1-2

Ardrey Kell 8, South Meck 2

Chris McCue allow just two hits and Preston Tiller homered as the Knights  won their fifth straight to open the season.

AK will travel to West Stanly today while the Sabres will complete the suspended game with Marvin Ridge this afternoon. 

Box Score

 

 

3/10

Rain Stops Sabres, Mavericks, and Others

South  Meck tailed Marvin Ridge 1-0 heading to the bottom of the third when the game was suspended by rain.  It will resume at that point on Saturday at 2pm.

The Ardrey Kell @ West Stanly game postponed is also reschedule for Saturday afternoon.

Hopewell @ Providence and Myers Park @ North Meck were also postponed to later dates.

3/9

Eagles Rally For Win

 

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth, East Meck rallied for five runs and turn back West Meck 6-2 for their third win of the season.

Jackson Reisterer’s two run homer sparked the rally as Reisterer drove a 3-2 pitch over the right field fence to tie the score.  From there, the Eagles took advantage of three Hawks' errors and scored the go ahead run on Wes Bradley’s bases loaded suicide squeeze.

David Daniels was 3-4 to lead the 10 hit Eagle attack.  Logan Sheer had a pair of hits including a double in the six that drove in Daniels with an insurance run.  Jackson and David Marvin also had two hits.

Lou Trosch pitched a complete game for his first win allowing just three singles over the last five innings.

East improved to 3-1 and opens the SW4A season at Independence Friday night in a game moved back to 7:00.

Box Score


Rocky River 5, Highland Tech 4

                    1    2    3    4    5    6    7     R     H     E

Rocky River    0    0    0    2    3    0    0     5      9    3

Highland        0    3    1    0    0    0    0     4      5    0

 

WP: Ryan Schulte 1-0

LP: Reep

 

Leading hitters: Rocky River- Devryn Galloway 3-4, triple, 3 SB, 1 R; Highland- Storo 2-3, BB  

 

Porter Ridge 14, Rocky River 1

                      1    2    3    4    5    6    7     R    H    E

Porter Ridge    2    0    3    2    7    -     -     14   13   1

Rocky River     0    0    1    0    0    -     -     1     1     6

 

W: Patvy

L: Devryn Galloway  0-1

 

Leading hitters: Rocky River- Ken Martin 1-2, 2B, RBI; Porter Ridge- Cappello 2-3, 3R, 2SB, BB; Roeder 2-3, 4R, SB, BB; Patvy 2-4, R; Kwashnik 2-4, R; Hoinkes 2-3, triple, R, HBP

 

Hickory Ridge 8, Rocky River 0

                       1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E

Rocky River      0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    6     3 

Hickory Ridge   3    1    0    0    4    0    -     8    9     0

 

W: Sides

L: Gabe Hutchings 0-1

 

Leading hitters: Rocky River- Danny Dunning 1-3, 2B; Gabe Hutchings 1-1, 2BB; Hickory Ridge- Helm 3-3, 2R, 2SB, BB; Graham 1-3, 2R, SB

3/8

Ratledge Leads Knights in Win

Logan Ratledge was 3-3 with two doubles and a three run homer to help lead Ardrey Kell to a 12-2 victory over previously unbeaten West Meck.

The Knights had nine hits including seven that went for extra bases.  Besides Ratledge, Trent Thornton, Connor Patterson, Brett Lang and Jacob Gavin all doubled while Colin Keefer’s and Drew Davies’ base hits each drove in runs for AK.

Thornton pitched the first three and a third for his second win.  Ethan Garrett finished off the Hawks with an inning and two thirds of no hit relief.

AK (4-0) travels to West Stanley on Wednesday before opening up SW4A play at South Meck on Friday.   

Box Score


Butler 8, Hickory Ridge 3

Tommy Hibbard homered and Dalton Eisenbath piched five innings, striking out six, for Butler's second win.  The Bulldogs travel to Myers Park on Friday to open their SW4A schedule.

Hickory Ridge	200	010	0	--	3	6	2
Butler	430	100	0	--	8	11	2

WP: Dalton Eisenbath 1-0; LP:Unavailable.  Leading hitters: B – Daniel Concepcion 2-3, 3 RBIs; Tommy Hibbard 1-3, HR; Brandon McWhirter 2-4.  Record: Butler 2-1.

3/6

Ardrey Kell Holds On For Third Win

After jumping out to a 7-0 lead, Ardrey Kell had to hold on to beat Watauga 9-8 stranding the tying and go ahead runs on base in the final inning.

AK scored three in the first on a two out two run double off the bat of Alex Leach and a single from Collin Keefer (his fifth consecutive hit) scoring Leach.  The Knights threw up another three spot an inning later highlighted by Logan Ratledge’s first home run of the season, a two run shot to make the score 6-0.  Trent Thornton upped the margin to 7-0 with his first home run in the bottom of the fourth.

Watauga picked up their first hit of the contest in the fifth off starter Brad Stone, a single from Matt Proffitt.  That was followed by a home run an out later from Josh Roberts.

Max Linville greeted new Knight pitcher Michael Shadday with a home run and then scored three more times to cut the AK lead to 7-6.

Thornton picked up his third hit of the day and scored on Drew Davies' single to center.  Davies then came all the way around to score on three throwing errors.

The Pioneers took advantage of two walks and two wild pitches to score and a Roberts' base hit cut the lead to one, but Chris McCue was able to get a final strikeout the end the contest.

Stone picked up his first varsity win, McCue the save as Ardrey Kell improves to 3-0.  AK will travel to face 3-0 West Meck on Monday.

 
Box Score

Myers Park 5, Olympic 0

Matt Hedburg, Charlie Gordon, and Tyler Powell combined on a four hit shutout as the Myers Park beat Olympic 5-0 to even their record at 1-1. Noel Baker and Ross Jeffries each had a pair of hits for the Mustangs.  Myers Park travels to North Meck on Tuesday before opening SW4A play at home versus Butler on Friday.

 

 

3/5

Panthers Walk-Off With Win

It was a battle but in the end, Providence was able to slip past first year school Hough 7-6 Friday afternoon at Panther Park.

The Panthers jumped out 4-0 in the first inning which was highlighted by Andrew MacLatchie’s three run homer, his fourth round tripper of the young season.

Hough answered with four of their own in the third, taking advantage of a couple of Panther errors and then getting three consecutive two out hits including doubles from Nick Daddio and Blake Dueitt to tie the score.

The score remained tied for one pitch before Panther shortstop Jake Fincher drove the second pitch over the right field fence for a 5-4 lead and then Fincher plated another run an inning later with a sharp single.

Once again the Huskies battled back, this time using the long ball when Daddio and Johnny Piedmonte went back to back off two different Panther pitchers to tie the score in the fifth.

After a scoreless sixth, the Panthers were able to keep the game from extra innings when Josh Black doubled (his second of the game) and was able to score with two outs when Jacob Rothman’s hard ground slipped past the third baseman.

The third Panther pitcher Ty Buttery picked up the win while Dueitt was tagged with the hard luck loss after throwing 2 2/3 innings of two hit relief.

The Panthers host Hopewell on Wednesday before starting the SW4A season at Rocky River Friday.

 Box Score

 

East Meck 10, Vance 0

David Daniels and Jackson Reisterer each had a pair of hits and Ben Leach picked up his first win of the season as the Eagles improved to 2-1 with a 10-0 victory over Vance.

East Meck	063	001	-	10	12	0
Vance	000	000	-	0	2	3

WP: Leach. LP: Pate. Leading hitters-EM: Daniels 2-3, 3B, Riesterer 2-3. V: Harris 2-2.

 

 

West Meck 5, South Meck 4

Daniel Brown homered for the Sabres, but it was not enough as South fell to West Meck 5-4 snapping thier two game winning streak to start the season.

 

SM  100  200 1  5-4-1

WM 302  000 x  5-6-1

WP: Dalton Shaw 2-0

LP: Tyler Aiello 0-1

Leading hitters - SM: Daniel Brown 2-4 HR; WM: Langdon Rawls 1-2, 3B, 3 RBIs;

Hopewell 3, Myers Park 1

Myers Park dropped their season opener to Hopewell 3-1.  The Mustangs host Olympic this afternoon. 

MP 100  000  0  0-1-0
H    000  120  x  3-3-1

3/4

Patriots Give Notice

Not many people took note when Independence threw up 19 runs in three innings on opening day versus West Charlotte.  But when the Patriots scored 10 times in the first two innings, including a nine spot in the second against the number eight team in Impact Baseball’s state 4A rankings, some heads are starting to turn.

Independence stopped Mallard Creek 11-8 yesterday to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

Carson Plyler started for the Patriots and tossed the first three and two thirds before having to leave the contest due to an injury he sustained and inning earlier beating out a infield hit.  From there, the Independence bullpen of Clayton Tinderman and Taylor Cook was able to hold off the Mavericks for the upset win.

The Patriots travel to Vance on Thursday before opening up the SW4A season when they host East Meck.

 

South Meck 5, Porter Ridge 3

Sophomore Earl Oliver picked up his first varsity win as the Sabres downed Porter Ridge 5-3.  Keystone combo Andrew Mauldin and Brooks Kennedy each had a pair of hits for the Sabres.

South improves to 2-0 and travels to West Meck today.

 

Butler 1, Weddington 0

Brandon McWhirter pitched a complete game shutout and A.J. Larson knocked in the only run as the Bulldogs stopped Weddington 1-0.

3/3

Defense Lets Eagles Down

Eight errors leading to six unearned runs cost East Meck Wednesday as Mallard Creek downed the Eagles 9-3.

East jumped out first with two runs in the second on an RBI double off the bat of David Marvin and a single from Tannart Gardner. 

That lead was short lived as the Mavericks responded with a run in the bottom of the frame and then a four run outburst in the third as Mallard Creek star Mikal Hill started the rally with a lead-off rocket off  the fence in right. The Mavericks scored in every inning except the first as they continue to take advantage of Eagle miscues.

Marvin would hit his first home run for East in the sixth but the Eagles could never mount a rally to threaten the Mavericks.

East falls to 1-1 and will travel to Vance on Friday.

 Box Score

Ardrey Kell 11, Hopewell 6

Collin Keefer was 4-4 and Brett Lang crushed a three run homer as the Knights won for the second day in a row.

Trent Thornton pitched the first four innings allowing two earned runs while striking out six for his first win of the season.

AK will host Watauga on Saturday at 2:30.

 Box Score

Porter Ridge 14, Rocky River 5

3/2

Knights Get Started on Right Foot

Ardrey Kell was ranked number one and then promptly loss their first two contest to start the 2010 season.  This year, the Knights are again number one in the Impact 4A rankings on opening day but this time the results were much improved.

Behind the pitching of Chris McCue, the Knights beat Weddington 2-0.  McCue struck out 11 before coming out of the game after 4 2/3 innings. 

AK scored an unearned run in the first inning after lead-off hitter Preston Tiller scorched the second pitch of the game off the fence in right center for a double.  The Knights were able to push across a run in the third when with two outs Trent Thorton’s blooper down the right field line fell in for a double and Logan Ratledge’s short fly to left eluded a diving Ryan Langevin’s glove.

Weddington’s only threat came in the fifth.  An infield single from David Pope was followed by Chase Prillman’s sharp liner to right to put runners at first and second.  A sac bunt by Daniel Calabretta moved the runners up but McCue struck out the next hitter as he reached his predetermined pitch count.  Brad Stone then come out of the Knight’s pen to fan the first batter he faced and pitched perfect baseball (with the help of two outstanding plays by Ratledge at short) over the final two innings to pick up his first career save.

The Knights have their home opener today, hosting Hopewell at 4:30.

Box Score

East Meck 12, West Charlotte 0

David Marvin in his first varsity start piched a no-hitter, striking out 11 to lead the Eagles to a 12-0 victory over West Charlotte.  David Daniels was 2-2 including a home run and Jonathan Crews was 3-3.  

East travels to face Mallard Creek today at 4:30

Providence 15, Olympic 1

The powerful Panther bats exploded for seven home runs on opening day as Providence beat Olympic 15-1.

Andrew MacLatchie lead the Panther parade with three home runs and Jackson Campana hit two.  Ty Buttrey and Brett Austin also each homered.

Buttrey was also the winning pitcher.

Providence host Hough on Friday.

North Meck 6, Butler 4

North Meck plated two runs in the seven to score a opening day come from behind victory over Butler.  

The Bulldogs lead 2-0 through five behind the no hit pitching of Dalton Eisenbath before the Vikings were able to come back vs. the Butler bullpen.

Butler will travel to face Weddington on Thursday.

 

 

Short and Sweet for Sabres

South Stops Catholic Before Rain 11-5

All the dignitaries were on hand to dedicate and bless the opening of the beautiful new Jack Hughes ball park in Pineville Monday afternoon , but as soon as the pregame festivities were completed, the South Meck Sabres started circling the bases as they upset Observer Sweet 16 number nine Charlotte Catholic in the season opener 11-5 in a game that was called after five innings due to rain.

 

The first five batters for the Sabres reached and scored as South raced out to a 5-0 lead with sophomore Earl Oliver’s first varsity swing resulting in a two run double to the gap in right center.

 

Catholic answer with three of their own when with two outs Alex Jensen and Collin Manning had back to back doubles and then Daniel Stewart tripled to clear the bases following a Sabre error.

 

Tim Youtsey greeted the new Cougar pitcher with a double to the wall in left center and scored on Andrew Mauldin’s second hit of the day.

 

South erupted for five more in the third with junior Adam Nix’s RBI double and a second gapper off the bat of Youtsey the big hits in the inning. 

 

Catholic was able to push a run across in the bottom of the frame on a pair of walks and Danny Ryan’s shot down the line in left and scored again in the fifth off of starter Chris Pearlman before Kevin Sidway came on to get the final three outs just in time before the rains set in for the evening.

 

South returns to action on Thursday when they travel to Porter Ridge

 

Box Score

Independence open the season with a 19-1 victory over West Charlotte.  The Patriots host Mallard Creek on Thursday. 

November 28

Bounce

 

Commonplace in locker rooms across the country is an anonymous quote saying “It is not how far you fall but how high you bounce.”  Thus will be the case in the SW4A in 2011.

 

After dominating throughout the first decade of the 21^st century, where a team from the SW4A played in the western 4A regional eight times, winning five titles, 2010 became a season of discontent for most of the league members.

 

For the first time in over two decades, the SW4A did not have a team win at least 20 games.  Five schools were slated onto the North Carolina state 4A western bracket, but before the third round was to begin, all but the final wild card qualifier, Myers Park, were sitting home.  The Mustangs joined them three days later as the SW4A failed to have a loop member reach the sectionals for the first time since 1994.

 

It was a rough season for the league right from opening day when South Meck was thumped by Charlotte Catholic in the first game of the season 7-2.  The league’s schedule was washed away on the next two days and then defending state champion Ardrey Kell was run over by North Meck.  A day later, eventual league champion Providence blew a three run lead late to the Vikings to fall 4-3 and then were crushed by Pinecrest 10-0 at the Impact Invitational.  After the first week of play, league teams were 6-10, a far cry from what was the normal winning percentage for the SW4A against non-conference opponents where the league was 276-131 against non-league teams in the proceeding four seasons including the state playoffs. The SW4A was only 51-31 in 2010.

 

The close of the season was little better for the league.  Champion Providence was upset in the first round after looking like they had found themselves and was ready to make an extended run in the state playoffs.  South Meck was blanked 11-0 and East Meck was bounced 5-3 in the first round as well.  Defending state champion Ardrey Kell was shut out 3-0 in the next round by eventual regional champion East Forsyth before TC Roberson ended the last of the SW4A hopes in an 11-3 whipping of Myers Park in the district.

 

2011 should be a bounce back season for the league.  Nine players have signed or committed with division one schools including six with teams from the ACC.  Four others inked National Letters of Intent this month to division two schools with at least a half dozen or more to follow.  The top four home run hitters in the league all return to their respective line-ups plus a plethora of other top level sticks.  But possibly one of the largest improvements in the coming season for the SW4A will be the return of power arms that had been the stable of the league for years.  2010 saw the league full of good pitchers but no dominate ones, thus no dominate teams in the conference in 2010.  In the past, the likes of Alex Wood, Richie Shaffer, Jordan Darnell, Andrew Smith, Matt Andress, David Mailman, Ryan Morris, Jonathan Ratledge, TJ Worrell (both before arm injuries) and Robert Woodard were able to lead their teams to league and tournament titles and deep into the state playoffs, many of them to the finals.  Further research would find similar result and the reason why the SW4A has been to 16 finals in 41 years.  In 2011 there are a number of “live arms” that could become one of those “special” ones, that will once again lead a SW4A squad deep into May or even June.           

 

That is why league coaches have been hard at work all fall refining their talent and preparing for what should be an excellent and exciding season of SW4A baseball.  Following November’s dead period, area ball fields will once again be active as players work through the holidays in anticipation of the new season, looking for one thing.  Bounce.             

For release: November 28, 2010

 

SW4A Preview – 2011

 

Ardrey Kell Knights – Coach: Hal Bagwell (288-114) – 5th season (15^th SW4A)

 

2010 Record: 19-9, 8-4 SW4A – T2nd

Last Conference Title: 2008

Last SW4A Tournament Championship: None

Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – Second Round

Last State Finals: 2009

Last State Title: 2009

 

Key Losses:    Jack Reinheimer – SS (All-State, All-SW4A, Braves, 31^st Round)

                        Ryan Butler – P (All-SW4A)

                        Ashton Lover – P (All-SW4A)

                        Cody Shelton – 3B (All-SW4A HM)

 

Top Returns:   Logan Ratledge – SS (All-SW4A – North Carolina State)

                                    Brett Lang – C (Charlotte)

                                    Chris McCue – P (North Carolina)

                                    Alex Leach – 1B (Appalachian State)

                                    Colin Keefer – 3B (UMass-Boston)

                                    Trent Thornton – P (North Carolina)

           

After two straight runs to the state finals, AK was knocked out of the 4A playoffs by eventual western regional champion East Forsyth in the second round in what turned out to be a microcosm of the Knight’s season where a good pitch becomes a home run and a ball destine for the outfield with the bases loaded is turned into an inning ender.  Ardrey Kell will start turning over their team as only two players remain from their state title squad of 2009, NC State signee Logan Ratledge and Charlotte signee Brett Lang.  Ratledge, fourth in the SW4A in HRs in 2010, will move back to SS where he played in ’09 and Lang will handle the majority of the catching duties.  If the Knights are to win a SW4A title in 2011 the pitchers will be the key.  Right handers senior Chris McCue and junior Trent Thorton (4-1 in 2010) , both who signed or committed with/to North Carolina will provide a good 1-2 punch and should be supplemented by junior Brian Hummel and seniors Quint English and Ethan Garrett.  Critical to the Knights success will be seniors Drew Davies and Appalachian signee Alex Leach.  Big years at the plate for Leach and Davies could lead the Knights back to the SW4A crown.

Butler Bulldogs – Coach: Kim Cousar (204-130) – 14th season

2010 Record: 8-14, 4-8 SW4A – 6th 
Last Conference Title: 2007 
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2007

Last Play-off Appearance: 2009 – 3^rd Round

Key Losses:    Ryan Mas – P  (All-SW4A)

Patrick McMahon – P/1B (All-SW4A)

Matt Rose - C

David Anderson – LF

Nick Salisbury – 2B

 

Top Returns:  Brandon McWhirter – P (UNC-Pembroke)

Ryan Hodge - SS

                        Chase Gehringer - CF

                        Tommy Hibbard – 3B/P

 

The Bulldogs where the youngest team in the league in 2010 with only two seniors in their regular starting line-up, that included sophomores in center and first and a freshman at second.  That will not be the case for Butler in 2011.  The last time Butler had this much talent laden squad returning was 2007 when they romped through the SW4A going undefeated, in route to a  27-1 record before falling to South Caldwell and Madison Bumgardner in the 4A sectionals.  The 2011 edition of the Bulldogs will feature junior Chase Gehringer, one of the swiftest players in the league, in center and an excellent SS in senior Ryan Hodge. Both corner infielders Tommy Hibbard (a two year veteran to the SW4A wars) and Dalton Eisenbath at first also return to the Bulldog line-up.  The Dawgs feature four pitchers that have logged significant innings in the league, including seniors lefty Brandon McWhirter, who has signed with UNC-Pembroke, Mitchell Rawlings, and Hibbard.  Throw in junior AJ Larson who was 1-1 last year and the Bulldogs should be a factor in the SW4A race.  The loss of sophomore 2B Nick Salisury to Independence will hurt.

  

 

East Meck Eagles – Coach: Clint Koppe (15-10, 6-6) – 2nd season

 

2010 Record: 15-10, 6-6 SW4A – 4th 
Last Conference Title: 1994 
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 1983

Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – 1^st Round

Key Losses:    Leighton Daniels – SS (All-SW4A)

Olen Little – P (All-SW4A)

Christian Lee – OF

Top Returns:  Lou Trosch – P

Jackson Reisterer – 2B

David Daniels – C (All-SW4A)

Jonathan Crews – P

 

2010 was a year of streaks for the Eagles.  Winning their first seven non-league games, East would drop their first four SW4A contests (three by a single run, the other a two run loss) to fall to the bottom of the league standings.  From there, the Eagles would whip off six straight loop victories to put them at the precipice of their first league title in 15 years before dropping their final two regular season contests to finish fourth in the league at 6-6.  An upset loss in the opening round of the conference tournament and a first round defeat in the 4A playoffs put the Eagles on the sidelines with a four game losing streak to end the year and a hollow feeling of what could have been.  The graduation of all league players Leighton Daniels and Olen Little leaves two large holes for the Eagles to fill in ’11 but three returning pitchers that won 10 games last season, more that any group of returning pitchers in the SW4A, will help soothe the loss.  East will be led by three year veteran Lou Trosch.  Trosch, an All-SW4A pitching selection when he was a freshman, quite probably will have been the starting pitcher in more SW4A games than any player in league history by season’s end.  Following Trosch to the hill will be Ben Leach (4-0) and lefty Jonathan Crews.  All-league performer David Daniels and junior Jackson Reisterer, who had an outstanding summer season, will provide a lot of punch at the top of the Eagle order.  If East can fill some of the graduation loss holes, they will contend for the title.     

Independence Patriots – Coach: Matt Dykema (22-47) – 3^rd season

2010 Record: 8-16, 2-10 SW4A – 7th 
Last Conference Title: 2004 (MECA) 2001 (SW4A) 
Last Tournament Championship: 2004 (MECA) 2001 (SW4A)

Last Play-off Appearance: 2009 – 1^st Round
Last State Finals: 2004
Last State Title: 1984

Key Losses:   Cody Starns – C/CF (All-SW4A)

Deano Psaroudis – OF

Jake Chisum – P

 

Top Returns:  Carson Plyer – 2B/P
                                    Brandon Wolf – SS/P

                        Taylor Cook – P (Newberry)

                        Tyler Bridgewater - OF  

                        PJ Sardinia – 3B

 

Much was expected from the 2010 Patriots, but after a 2-1 victory over East Meck to open the conference season, Independence would win just once more on the SW4A circuit to finish in the league basement for the third consecutive year.  No team lost more players to graduation than Independence as 12 seniors were part of the 2010 Patriot squad.  Fortunately for the Patriots, several of their top players do return as Independence looks to regain the form of a decade ago when the Patriots shared the league championship and won the SW4A tournament.  If Independence is to make a run, middle infielders and pitchers Carson Plyer and Brandon Wolf will both have to have big years.  The two have been the backbone of the Pats for the last three seasons but need more help, especially from the defense.  Taylor Cook, who led the team in innings pitched, would also benefit from improved defense. Tyler Bridgewater came on in the second half of the season to supply some pop to the Patriot offense and junior PJ Sardinia returns to man the hot corner.  But for Independence to be a top division team they will need some excellent performances from players that have yet to experience varsity competition. The opening of Rocky River in the adjacent pupil assignment area will make finding varsity caliber players even more difficult for the Patriots this season, however the transfer of Nick Salisbury from Butler due to pupil reassignment will be a hugh plus for the Patroits.

 

 

Myers Park Mustangs – Coach: John Spencer (34-21) – 3rd season

2010 Record: 15-12, 5-7 SW4A – 5th 
Last Conference Title: 2003
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2009

Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – District
Last State Finals: 2003
Last State Title: 1970

Key Losses:   Brian Holberton – C (All-State, All-SW4A)

Grant Fisher – P (All-SW4A)
Joe Hager – OF (All-SW4A)

 

 

Top Returns:  Matt Hedberg – P/OF 

                        Grant Goodson – CF

                        Matt Keeter – P

                        Tyler Powell – 3B/P (Western Carolina)

After finishing a disappointing 5-7 and in fifth place in the SW4A, Myers Park slipped into the State 4A playoffs as the final wild card selection.  Once in the tournament, the Mustangs advanced to the districts, further than any other SW4A squad, by knocking out two number one seeds before bowing out at TC Roberson. The loss of three all-league performers, including all-stater Brian Holberton, will be a challenge for the Mustangs to overcome but the talent is on the roster.  Matt Hedberg started slow on the hill for the Mustangs in 2010 but caught fire at the end of the season to finish the year with a 4-3 record, including a shutout of I-Meck champion Hopewell in the second round of the state playoffs.  Tyler Powell (Western Carolina) is the best defensive third basemen in the league and speedy Grant Goodson can play both center or in the middle infield for Coach Spencer as needed.  Breaking ball specialist Matt Keeter was very effective for the Mustangs out of the pen last year going 3-1.  MP has the talent to contend and with a few key contributions from newcomers, the Mustangs could win their first title since 2003.    

                  
Providence Panthers – Coach: Danny Hignight (147-49) – 7th season

2010 Record: 18-8, 9-3 SW4A – 1st 
Last Conference Title: 2010
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2010

Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – 1st Round
Last State Finals: 1997
Last State Title: 1995

Key Losses:    Kurt Semeniuk – P (All-SW4A)

                        Zack McKelvey – P

                        Ben Brown – 2B        

Top Returns:  Brett Austin – OF (All-State, All-SW4A – NC State)

Jackson Campana – 3B (All-SW4A – Clemson)

Jake Fincher – SS (All-State, All-SW4A – NC State)

Jacob Rothman – 1B

Andrew Maclatchie – C

Providence won their second consecutive SW4A title, their 10^th overall, and also won the league tournament for an eight time, both SW4A records. After struggling early, the insertion of sophomores Jacob Rothman and Andrew Maclatchie (Diamonds in the Rough) into the line-up help turn the Panther season around.  The moved freed up senior all-stater Brett Austin (NC State) from behind the plate to help shore up the outfield and added some protection to Austin in the line-up who led the league with 11 home runs.  Austin will be far from the only threat in the Panther line-up as once again he will be flanked by senior all-state short stop Jake Fincher (NC State) and junior all-league third basemen Jackson Campana (Clemson) who both tied for second in the league with eight HRs each.  After a stunning opening round loss in the state playoffs, Providence will be loaded on the offensive side, ready to make a run in 2011 but replacing the arms will be the key.  The Panthers graduated over 90 percent of the innings pitched in 2010, as only Ty Buttery (1-1) returns as a Panther pitcher that saw any significant action.  Campana has a 90+ fastball and has thrown some on the showcase circuit.  If the Panthers have the new arms groomed, a state title is a possibility.           

Rocky River Ravens – Coach: Shawn Schmitt (0-0) 1^st Year

2009 Record:  None
Last Conference Title: None

Last SW4A Tournament Championship: None

            Last Play-off Appearance: None
          Last State Finals: None
         Last State Title: None

Key Losses: None

Top Returns: None

 

For novice SW4A baseball followers, much might not be expected from first year school Rocky River.  But to do so would be a mistake and ignore the conference history of newly opened schools entering the league in baseball. Look at the last three new schools: If you have followed the SW4A in recent years, if was hard to miss Ardrey Kell’s entrance into the league in 2007.  After going 18-9 and making the playoffs in their initial season, the Knights won the league the following year and advanced to the state championship series before winning the state title in 2009.  Butler joined the SW4A in 1998, at the height of the Sabre/Panther cat fight era where each would represent the league in the state title series for three consecutive seasons from 1997-99.  But the Bulldogs quickly made their mark on the league finishing fourth their first year and then winning three consecutive titles from 2000-2002 making a run to the 4A regional in each of the 2001 and 2002 seasons.  Providence joined the SW4A in 1990, battling the defending state champion Sabres and Independence for league supremacy before falling to the Patriots.  The next season would be the first of back to back titles for the Panthers leading to a record 10, before Providence would win it all in 1995. The Ravens maybe an unknown quantity at this time but I would not discount them, especially if you know the history.      

 

South Meck Sabres – Coach: John Tuscan (16-10) 2nd Year

2009 Record: 16-10, 8-4 SW4A – T2nd 
Last Conference Title: 2004

Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2006

            Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – 1st Round
          Last State Finals: 2005
         Last State Title: 1989

Key Losses:    Deuce Wright – C  (All-SW4A)

                        Caleb Cunningham – P/OF (All-SW4A)

                        Trevor Hovis - OF

Top Returns:  Andrew Maulin – SS (All-SW4A HM)  

                        Tim Youtsey - OF

 

No team leaned on their seniors more than South Meck in 2010 as the Sabres had their best finish in the SW4A since 2006 when Hal Bagwell was still leading the Sabres.  Under the direction of first year head Coach John Tuscan, South finished tied for second in the SW4A with an 8-4 record. After a slow 1-3 start in the first two weeks of the season, Tuscan turn the ball over to his senior pitchers almost exclusively as they accounted for 15 of the Sabers 16 wins.  In fact, Mitchell Wagner, who was credited with the win in relief in a 25-0 victory over Harding, was the only non senior pitcher to receive a decision for the Sabres all season. In the field, it was much of the same, as junior shortstop Andrew Maulin and senior outfielder Tim Youtsey were the only non seniors in the regular starting line-up.  Daniel Brown, who DHed some in 2010, will likely see action in the outfield and the Sabres will look to senior Chris Pearlman to join with Wagner on the hill.  Sophomore Earl Oliver swings a good stick and could take over one of the corner infield positions for Coach Tuscan.  Other new faces that could play key roles if South is to win their first title since 2005 are catcher/pitcher Logan Koch and possibly freshmen Brooks Kennedy and Michael Smith.