Five Big Booms
By Mike & Gideon Briggs
The Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Athletics came with main character energy to the American Field on July 12. The vibes were lit with dust curling in the breeze, bright clouds in the sky, and the sun shining on the crowd. Each team’s defense flexed in the first inning– a strong showing with three up and three down. At the top of the second the A’s loaded their bases, but the Dodgers pitching clapped back before the squad could finesse any points. Following one walk on base and one strike out, the Dodgers in the dugout spammed the chat, encouraging their teammates at bat. A’s catcher, Aeden Goins, clocked the steal by the Dodgers’ base runner, throwing down as second baseman locked in on the tag out. Both teams remained in a situation-ship with home plate until the top of the fourth. The Dodgers new pitcher was in his ball era, walking two runners early on, setting the A’s up for stealing all the way to third. One, two, three, strikes had the third batter back in the dug out. The fans were hungry for some action, and the A’s said– bet. POW! A line drive single was bobbled by the pitcher, sending the A’s lead runner home. Arturo Liendo just hits different. The Dodgers knew they needed to touch grass after walking three more runs, ending the top of the fourth, while Philadelphia’s pitcher mogged, only letting one opponent on base, and striking out the rest. The A’s were looking goated with a score of 4-0. A strike out opened the fifth inning, but two Athletics batters responded with two fabulous hits- ok, twin. Lead runner for the A’s, Aeden Goins, attempted to snatch the bag, but his opp came through with the out at third. Dodgers’ centerfielder’s cleats said skrtt skrtt as he caught a fly ball, making the final out of the top of the fifth. Left on read by the A’s, they were shut down in the sixth with three up and three down. The Dodgers defense needed to get cooking or else they’d be chopped. One more run by the Athletics would secure the W. Gatekeeping the bases, Dodgers fielded a flyout toward third, followed by a ground out sent to first by the shortstop. Their aura farming was short-lived with a walk and steal to second. Next to bat for the A’s was John Q– a subbed player from the Senior league. John hit the ball full send to right field, giving his teammate the opportunity to run home, ending the game. Absolute Cinema. The Dodgers know ball, but not everyone can be the ultimate rizzler. And with the dub, the A’s walked off the field with five big booms.
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Battle of the Bats
By Mike & Gideon Briggs
Victory in the balance and lights shining on the American Field, the New York Highlanders faced the Washington Senators on July 10th. With the World Series looming on the horizon, Coach Erick Coe of the Highlanders had a clear vision for his players, stating, “The skill that will carry us to victory is total team effort.” With eight strikeouts, three fielding outs, and nine hits, his team did just that. The Senators responded in kind with eleven steals, six fielding outs, and five on base hits. The first inning had Highlands batter, Judah Young, firing a ball toward the outfield, landing him on first with the lead runner out at second. He advanced, stealing two bases, while the Senators pitcher, Brayden Rider, got the glory from three accurate strikes. Covering Young’s six, Grayson Steiro rocketed the ball to center field, sending Judah home. Sterio combined that run with one of his own– stealing third, then home on a passed ball. The Senators turned over the inning with a fly out caught by the pitcher, and scored two runs off walks during their first at bat. Before any more damage could be done, the Highlander’s pitcher battered the Senators batters with three strikeouts. Both teams were locked in a stalemate over the next two innings until the bottom of the third when Eli Harris of the Senators was walked on base. With tactical precision, Harris stole third and home on a missed throw down by the catcher. In the top of the fourth the score sat at 3-2 Senators, but Highlanders felt the thrill of the fight. After two walks and one batter out, Jax Gideon shot a ball to left field that resulted in an RBI and a runner on third. Two more walks tipped the scale in the Highlanders favor, 6-3, and their at bat ended with two fly outs. The Senators’ dugout roared with enthusiasm as Hunter Walton crushed the ball to right field. After a successful steal, Brayden Rider’s hit to center field sent Hunter home. Rising up to the challenge, Noah Dameron sent the ball down the third base line, seizing an RBI. Desperate to block further advances, the Highlanders defended with a strike out and an out on first. A hit by Colton Nunn had both teams on their toes. The batter dashed towards first, but came face to face with Highlanders’ first baseman who fielded the ball and beat Colton to the bag. With a will to survive, and full team effort, the final score remained 6-5 Highlanders. In an inspiring game, both teams went the distance and took chances, putting the ball into play in an intense battle of the bats.
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Defense Wins Games
By Stetson & Wyatt Swapp
Defense wins games. Used by many famous players. From old-timers like Willie Mays to current superstars like Pete Crow-Armstrong. There is a reason why. It’s true, and that is exactly what the Cubs did on the diamond. The ball game began with the Cubs at bat. The first runner got on base and stole second. Next, the center fielder caught a pop fly and threw to second to get an inning-ending double play. Then, the Twins were going to keep their momentum going and get a run to close the first inning. Subsequently, the Cubs came back to get 3 runs. Then, the Cubs awoke their defense to end the inning with no runs scored. On to the next inning, the Cubs had speed on the bases to get every base they could. They ended up scoring 4 runs to enlarge the deficit to 6 runs. It was time for the Twins to cut that deficit. But the Cubs’ defense was unstoppable and shut them down. To end the game 7-1. The Cubs really did win the game with defense. Even Cubs’ coach, Coach Phil, stated that, “…we had solid defense and we pitched well…” and the Twins coach said that the Best play thriller the team had was the “Double play at Center to Second.”
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A White Hot Diamond
By Mike & Gideon Briggs
On a sweltering day barely salvaged by the breeze- the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies set foot on the American field ready to play ball. Unlike the continually rising temps, the score remained zero for both teams all the way through the top of the second inning. The Cubs turned up the heat at the bottom of the second as three runners stood poised on base, with one out under the Phillies belts. Will Mooney stepped up to the plate, and slammed the ball high toward left field off of the first pitch. Caught in the glare of the burning sun, the hit resulted in three runs. Phillies pitcher, Patrick Griffin-Morris, held off the offensive rally with two more strikeouts. The Phillies offense stayed cool under pressure as their first batter struck out, and their second batter’s infield hit was beat by the speed of the Cubs’ first baseman. With a walked runner on second, they stood in perfect scoring position. Fourth batter of the inning, Patrick Griffin-Morris launched the ball past third into left field, gaining that much needed R.B.I. A big hit to right field had Patrick rounding second and heading towards third, but he was caught in a pickle! The crowd was enthralled, cheering as– back and forth– they watched the runner dodge the Cubs defense, until he was ultimately tagged out near third base for their final out. After one dead ball, Cubs batter Dakota Workman felt the burn of two strikes fly over the plate. But the third bullet sent through was dropped by the Phillies catcher. Hearing the encouraging roar of his team, Workman beat the heat of the error, making it safely to first. Following two strike outs, and one base on balls, Jason Williams’ sudden crack of the bat filled the diamond, slamming the ball toward second. The Cubs gained a fourth run, and the final out of the inning. Hot under the collar, Philadelphia rallied, sending one, two, then three runners home, while the Cubs returned the heat with three strikeouts by pitcher Jason Williams. Tensions high and anticipation even higher, the score rested at 4-4 at the top of the fourth. After a hard line drive single by the Cubs and a strike out by the Phillies, runner Will Mooney attempted to steal second, but was caught in another pickle! Pinned in no-man’s land and cool as a cucumber, Mooney outsmarted the defense sliding into second. Cubs players soon loaded the bases, and their final batter stepped up to the plate, carefully watching the pitches. His steady eye earned the Cubs their final run with a walk to end the game 5-4. Rain or shine, Cubs coach Wyatt Newberry stated that his team was “…more determined and more willing” to win than ever before, and despite the game’s slow start, the baseball diamond filled white hot with great hits and smart plays.
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Senators Fight to Earn 5 to 5 tie
By Carlton Morris
The Senators battled back from a five-run deficit to earn a 5–5 tie with the Browns in a five-inning game.
The Browns scored all five of their runs in the second inning after drawing several walks. After that, the Senators’ defense was outstanding, making big plays in the field and holding the Browns scoreless for the rest of the game.
Losing 5 to 0 entering the bottom of the fifth, the Senators refused to quit. They never gave up and joined together scoring five runs to even the game at 5–5. The comeback ended with the tying run crossing the plate before the final out ended the game, giving the Senators a hard-fought tie.
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A Close Game
By Carlton Morris
Today we have the Boston doves against the Cleveland Naps. I had previously asked the starting pitcher for the doves how he felt about his pitching today, he told me that he actually liked pitching in rainy or muddy conditions. The game started with the doves in the field. In the first inning the pitching was really good but at one point there was a dropped third strike that got two players home on Cleveland. Soon Cleveland took the field, their pitching was also really good, something that was also very noticeable was the catcher’s arm he could throw it really far really fast. Something that you could tell the Doves improved on from their first game was their base running, they had improved a lot on their stealing and lead-offs. At the end of the first inning it was 5-2 doves winning. In the second the doves pitching was just as good as in the first. When the naps took the field in the 2nd inning they had a new pitcher. The pitcher stuck out the side. By the end of the 2nd inning it was 5-3, the doves not scooting and the naps scoring once. Eventually the doves took the field and still had the same pitcher, who was Gibson Morris by the way, he struck out the first two batters, but not the 3rd eventually they got 3 outs. After the naps took the field the first batter hit the ball but it was really a two base error and he made it to second. Then the next batter hit it to left field and got the other man home. Eventually that inning ended, the 3rd, When the doves took the field they had a new pitcher, Wyatt, his pitching was good. I heard multiple people saying the ball looked weird when it was coming so it was hard to hit, which was probably a great thing to hear for the doves. Although they changed the pitcher again to Hughes Morris. I thought that by the 3rd inning the doves win was ensured, however in the 4th they scored 3 more runs making it 6 to 6 and eventually after that they scored 2 more making it 8 to 6 in the top of the 4th. Soon the naps took the field and the doves got a good hit making it 7-8 but the naps got 3 out ending the game resulting in a win for the naps.
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STL Browns at Boston Doves 12-11
By Carlton Morris
The STL Browns took an early 2-0 lead after their first three batters reached base, and two of them scored. The Doves quickly settled into defense and ended the inning with three outs.
The Browns’ pitching was solid, but the Doves fought through tough at-bats, hitting plenty of foul balls before connecting on several big hits. Lazander smashed a deep shot to right field, bringing in a run. Cylus followed with a double to right-center. The Doves stayed energized throughout the game, cheering each other on and keeping the dugout positive.
In the second inning, Danger made a great defensive play at second base. The Doves turned an error into an out at home thanks to their teamwork. After the Browns switched pitchers, the Doves quickly adjusted. Lazander launched another deep drive to center field, scoring two runs. Several walks helped extend their lead to 10-3.
The Browns responded with a few runs of their own, taking advantage of an error to cut the lead to 10-6. Owen and Gibson contributed to the Doves’ response, and Gibson eventually scored after the bases were loaded. Danger then earned a bases-loaded walk to bring in another run, giving the Doves a 12-6 lead.
The Browns would not give up. They opened the fourth inning with a home run and added more runs, narrowing the score to 12-9. They continued their comeback in the final inning, scoring twice to make it 12-11. With the tying run attempting to score, the Doves sealed the game with a throw home for the final out.
The Boston Doves held on for a thrilling 12-11 victory, achieving their first win of the season through timely hitting, strong defensive plays, and great team cohesion.
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Hot, Hotter, Hottest
By Dewey Breshears
It was sunburn weather outside as the Naps took on the Doves. The Doves batted great in the first inning but the Naps put the first half to a halt! The bottom of the first was so hot you could walk home tan!! The Naps batted so hard they scored two runs making it 2 – 0. By the time the 4th inning rolled around the Naps increased their runs by 2 and it was so hot that their pitches were smoking! The Doves had scored one run making it 4 to 1 and they scored two runs and the 4th! The bottom of the fourth was as quiet as a mime but the tension grew in the 5th. The Doves scored 1 run to get closer but that’s as close as they could get. In the end the Naps won and walked home holding sports equipment on fire!!
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Speed Never Slumps
By Carlton Morris
Some parts of baseball come and go: hitting slumps, power disappearing and then returning the next game, or not returning the next season. Even the best hitters and the best hits can find a glove. However, one thing that never slumps is speed. And the Boston Doves showed it in their 9-3 victory against the New York Giants.
The Doves felt warmed up and ready the moment they entered the field for their game against the Giants. They played the field well, but their speed, stealing, and lead offs were the most noticeable things they did. Hughes opened the game with a single; Gibson followed with another good hit despite a strikeout. Boston kept moving down the line, base to base, even if it was on walks. Hunter had the best hit of the inning for the Doves, a two-run double to center field, giving the Doves an early 3-1 lead.
The Giants fought back with two runs in the second, but Boston responded immediately. Hughes launched a deep double to left field, and after a couple of walks, Owen later doubled home and hit Silas after an aggressive trip stealing the bases. Silas stole both second and third base before the pitcher even pitched the ball. Showing that it wasn’t just the bats doing the damage, it was also the Doves’ legs, showing speed can get runs without big hits.
Gibson took over the mound from Silas and shut the door, striking out hitters and forcing weak hits. While the defense really came through with some good plays, like throwing two people out at home and a good play by the catcher who got thrown the ball, got the man out at home, then threw it to second and got a second guy out. Boston added four more runs in the final innings as Silas raced home, Lazander drove in a run, and Hughes delivered another RBI to seal the 9-3 win.
The difference was the speed of the Doves; however, those who look at the points at the end of the game will recall the hits and runs. The speed put pressure on the defense, produced scoring opportunities, and demonstrated once more that speed never falters while hitting and power do.
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Fight for Home Plate
By Stetson & Wyatt Swapp
The Boston Doves and New York Giants take the field. The Doves are at the plate first. They score 2 runs. Now it changes sides where the Giants get a deep hit, but the Doves outfielders manage to throw the ball back in time for a pickle between 1st and 2nd in order to get the out. Then another deep hit for a single. The Giants advance to 2nd with an aggressive lead-off. Next the Doves’ starting pitcher, Hunter Walton, with a great pick-off for the final out. More runs came out with the Doves making the score 5-0. The Doves manage to keep the Giants back with only allowing 1 run. Afterwards the Doves get hits, walks, and whatever it took to get more runs where they hit the 5-run limit, making it 10-1. Subsequently the Giants come back and also hit the run limit, but the game ended with the Doves on top 10-6.
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Here Comes the Sun
By Mike & Gideon Briggs
It seemed like weeks since it had been clear, but the San Diego Padres and Minnesota twins finally caught a dry day on June ninth. With the sun beating down on the fans, the players geared up and took to the American field at Optimist Ballpark. Stepping up to the plate, the Twins were ready for the first inning, but with two successive ground outs and a strike out no runs were scored. It was a hard bottom off the first for the Padres because Minnesota gave no ground. Before long two batters were cleaned up. Then player number one responded with an amazing hit. As the ball soared towards the blue sky, the batter dashed around the bases. With incredible skill the Twin shortstop leapt, snagging the ball and ending the inning in a dramatic fly out! The smiles returned to the faces of the home team at the top of the second inning. There was one ground out and one strike out in quick succession, but the tide soon changed. The players were feeling the heat and two runners were walked home putting the score at 2-0 Twins. Calling a time out, Padres Coach, Louie Bench, touched base with his team. He pulled his next pitcher from the bullpen, who sent Minnesota back to their dugout. One strike out and two walks opened the bottom of the second. Then the last batter in the line up squarely hit the ball to third. With a stunning defensive move the Twins baseman made the force out and threw to first for a stunning double play! Not a single run was scored during the third inning, both teams’ defense stayed strong. The shadows grew, the fans cheered, and both teams played excellent ball. When the game ended, the Twins were on top 6-1. In the final inning four runs had been walked home for Minnesota. The Padres had played well and worked hard for their one run when player number 12 stole home base. As this season continues, everyone hopes that the sun keeps shining on the ballpark, because after much rain it was nice to say “Here Comes the Sun.”
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Padres Shutout Cubs
By Dewey Breshears
It was a perfect day outside as the Padres took on the Cubs in a senior game. The game started out with number 6 of the Cubs pitching great and number 6 of the Padres hit a double with brute force! The Cubs stranded 2 of the Padres players like a man stuck on a deserted island. In the second half the Padres knew there was nowhere to go but up! #3 of the Padres was pitching really great! A Cubs player tried to get to 3rd but got out because of the Padres! But in the second inning the score was still zero to 0 and things were going even for each team at the bottom of the second it remained the same, but number three of the Padres were throwing as fast as a sonnet could run!
The Padres pitcher kept it at the bottom of the third while the Cubs were struggling to find a way to win this match. In the 4th inning the Cubs started to stop the other team from succeeding. The Cubs blocked a Padres runner, but the Padres had a secret weapon because they scored two runs making it 6 to 0. No one scored in the bottom of the fourth and the Padres won the game! The Padres coach said after the game, “today was a good day we did what we needed to do”! All in all, another magical day on the diamond!
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Stalemate on the Field
By Stetson & Wyatt Swapp
This day was a day of determination. It began when the 3-1 Highlanders took the field. When the Giants stepped up to the plate, they were swinging for their 3rd win. The Highlanders’ pitcher slowed them with a 3 up, 3 down. Now it was time for the Highlanders to grip their bats. Which they did and answered with 5 runs. The Giants were back and handed them 5 runs in return. This is where the determination needs to be used. And this is where the Highlanders excelled. “Each and every game, get better. Not only as players, but as people,” stated Coach Coe. They pressed their cleats down into the dirt. They swung the bat. Crack after crack after crack. They hit the ball very well. Which was rewarded with 5 runs. This was good for the Highlanders. But Coach Bench taught the Giants, “… to play as a team…” where they scored 1 run, and another, and another. But the Highlanders were full of determination. That is where the stalemate ended, but not the game nor the teams. The Giants stalled the Highlanders with no runs that next inning. Then they scored 5 runs to push the deficit to 2 runs. But sadly, that was the end of the great ball game: Giants 13 and Highlanders 15. In all, both teams performed and made an amazing ball game to watch.
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Blazing Hot Bats
By Dewey Breshears
It was the marquee Wednesday night matchup in the Majors!! The Superbas, who hadn’t lost a single game were up against the competitive Doves. It was extremely hot outside, so hot you could get a sunburn. In the first inning the Superbas were off to a great start but struck out. Pretty soon it got even hotter and the fire got to the Doves because their bats became alive. Gibson and Breshears got the Doves’ hits, putting them with a 5-0 lead. Everything was on fire in the second inning, but the Doves pitcher was going strong. All of a sudden, a timeout was called but nobody knows what happened and the Superbas picked up their game afterwards. They scored 2 runs eventually making it 5 to 4. They kept it going for the rest of the game.
It was less hot for the bottom of the second inning, but the Superbas kept at it. By the time the third inning rolled around the Superbas had tied the game 5 to 5. The game so hot that it could melt a snowman! With a new pitcher the Superbas were able to cool down the Doves while their bats caught fire. The Superbas piled on the runs scoring 5 more. The Doves mounted a comeback with the bases loaded but the Superbas’ pitching melted their chances. The Superbas won 10-5!
The heat got to everyone in this very exciting game!!
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Lockdown at Barnhouse
By Mike & Gideon Briggs
An early season game for the St Louis Browns and Boston Doves, hungry for their first taste of victory. The Browns took to the field at the top of the first, showing great defensive tenacity, not a single ground ball passed them. With confidence, the Browns came out swinging, but the Doves kept control of the park. Only two runs were allowed by the Boston team, and after three excellent strike outs the Browns were sent back to the dugout. Doves anticipated putting a score on the board in the top of the second, but the St Louis Browns had other plans. One, then two batters were struck out. Fortunately, Doves’ hitter Rose Miller got some wood on the ball. Sprinting towards first base, she barely beat the Browns’ defense, and later scored the Doves’ first run. The Browns pitcher rallied up and made the last out in the top of the second. The tension and anticipation amped up as the Doves took the field. Right off the bat Tyson Thopmson’s contact with the ball launched it into center field. Making it to second base, and soon after stealing third, Browns stood in an excellent scoring position. CRACK! A ground ball hit sent the lead runner home! STRIKE THREE! The Doves pitcher fought to keep the opposing team off his bases. BOOM! A huge hit to center field sent two more runners home. Catching the signal from his coach, batter Gideon Briggs bunted the ball making his way to first base, while the Doves catcher brilliantly made the tag at home for the second out. After a series of great plays, a strikeout closed the bottom of the third. The game remained within the Doves’ grasp as they responded by sending two runners home, but the Browns countered with three more runs ending the game with the final score, 9-3 Browns. As the season moves forward, Doves coach, Lauren Warden, said that she hopes to see her team’s confidence at the plate improve, while Brown’s coach, James Thomposon, was highly pleased with the pitching he saw on the field. There were highs and lows experienced on both sides, but the stand out of the game was each teams’ valiant defense. No doubt, every hit was rightfully earned, no base was given, and both teams had the barnhouse field locked down.
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A Player Shined more than the Lights
By Stetson & Wyatt Swapp
Dazzling pitching from the rising of a star player shocked the fans. It was a gloomy, rainy day yet the teams played through field conditions. Manager Chase Wagner motivated his team in an interesting yet in a great way. “Be motivated myself. If I’m not motivated, is the team going to be motivated? No.” With the motivation, they headed into the game against the Athletics. Alex Byrd threw the first pitch of the game. Crack! The Yankees batter hit a miraculous hit way into the outfield, touched first base, then second, headed to third. The left fielder for the Athletics throws the ball straight to the third baseman’s mitt. The runner slides, the mitt goes down, and “Out” the umpire calls. In the next inning, the Athletics didn’t just have good defense but also good offense, which they scored two runs. Yanks shut down by Athletics pitching. Before the game, Hayden Fender stated that “…cheer them (teammates) up whenever they do something good. Bring them up whenever they’re down. Baseball is all about failure…” When it was time for the Yankees to pitch, Hayden took leadership and was a good teammate. He called time and motivated Jeremiah Wagner. A few innings passed where both teams had hits and walks and outs. But the Athletics pulled out their secret weapon, Blake Phillips. He threw two straight innings with no batter getting even a touch of a base. When his innings were over, the Yankees finally got to touch first base, but the Athletics ended the ball game winning 2-0. It’s up to you: was it Hayden Fender who motivated his teammates or was it Blake Phillips who had miraculous pitching? Who shined more than the lights at the ball field?
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The Aces of the Bases
By Stetson & Wyatt Swapp
The underdog Phillies faced the undefeated Twins in a fantastic game. Both teams showcased exceptional defense and offense, making it a truly memorable match. It all began with utility fielder Patrick Griffin-Morris, who approached the bat with a determined mindset, “… be better than the following year…”. However, his efforts were stalled when he was walked, followed by the next batter. The Phillies displayed a relentless approach on the bases, but the Twins pitcher remained resolute in his defense. After allowing two batters to reach a base, he effectively shut down the Phillies’ offensive momentum. After a couple of innings, something ignited within the Twins. They managed to secure walks, hits, and two runs. Subsequently, the Twins capitalized on their opportunity and scored three runs in their next at-bat. The Phillies attempted to mount a comeback with two runs, but the defense remained quotable for both teams throughout the game. Ultimately, the Twins maintained their lead and clinched the victory, with the Twins pitcher delivering the final strike of the game. In the end, it was a matter of perspective, and the question of which team was the true ace of the bases remains open to interpretation for you to answer.
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Game of Nutrition
by Mason Collins
The Braves and Dodgers battled through a tightly contested game Saturday night, with the Dodgers jumping out to an early 2–0 lead in the first inning. The Braves answered quickly, cutting the deficit to 2–1 before eventually tying the score at 2–2 in the third inning behind a double and an RBI single. Strong pitching and defense highlighted the middle innings, including an impressive throw from right fielder Dakota Walton to record an out. With the game deadlocked entering the fifth, the Dodgers regained the lead when Landon Deckard doubled, stole third, and scored to make it 3–2. The Braves responded immediately, tying the game once again with a run-scoring hit to center field. Moments later, David Gutierrez delivered the biggest hit of the night, launching a two-run home run to deep left-center and giving the Braves a 5–3 advantage. The Braves turned to closer Josh Peck in the sixth inning, and he slammed the door by striking out the side to secure a 5–3 victory and the team’s first win of the season. After the game, Gutierrez credited his home run to “Just simply trying to put the ball in play.” while Peck reminded everyone that “it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still play.”
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A Cool Summer Game
by Dewey Breshears
The undefeated Twins took on the winless Phillies in the summer on June 5th. It was a cloudy and cool day outside as the teams faced each other. In the 2nd inning, the Twins got 2 runs. In the 3rd inning, the Twins pitcher was throwing hard, and the Twins had an amazing defense. Even with that hard effort, Number 2 of the Phillies hit a fastball for a single. The Phillies also had good fielding. At the bottom of the 3rd inning, the Twins scored on a double and barely made it to home plate, but still scored. In the same inning, the Twins scored 2 runs. Later, in the 4th inning, it got chillier, but that did not stop the Phillies! They scored on an infield single and 2 runs total. At the bottom of the 4th, the Phillies runner was in scoring position, but the Twins stranded him. On the very exciting last inning, the Twins pitched a great defensive play on the first hit of the inning. That was enough for them to beat the Phillies, 5-2 and remain undefeated. The Twins coach said, “There were a lot of missed opportunities for both teams.” He wasn’t kidding.
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A Flip of a Coin
by Carlton Morris
It all started with a flip of a coin like it had been flipped thousands of times before. It might have felt like an ordinary game, just a little baseball game played by adolescents. However there is a spark in every single one of those players pushing them to want to win. It was the first game of the season for the Boston Doves and they had high hopes for it. It was a warm summer day. The Browns won the game against the Doves by the final score of 9 to 3. The Browns fielding was the thing that was most noticeable the entire game for them, they worked together as a system calling the ball and knowing when they were going to pick someone off. The execution of the batting and running for the Doves was also very noticeable; it was something you could tell that was fighting back against the Browns defense. Even though the Doves lost you could tell that they didn’t give up and continued giving their best until the end but so did the Browns trying to ensure their win. In the first few innings they were fighting for the most runs but by around the 3rd inning it was leaning toward the Browns winning, by the 4th it was for sure the Browns’ win however the Doves never stopped fighting. It was a good game to watch and write about. In the end they were both good teams and showed integrity and willpower throughout the entire game.
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An Elephant Never Forgets
by Invisibly Upset
A year removed from a one-run loss in the Sunset Championship, Athletics coaches get some level of revenge in the 2026 Sunset opener beating the same coaching staff that knocked them off a year ago in the Angels-Expos final. Lots of scoring early in this one as Athletics immediately plated two in the top of the first only to relinquish the lead to the Braves who answered with four. The A’s added five over the next two innings to take a 7-4 lead before both offenses went on hiatus until the final frame. In the 6th the Athetics added one and facing a four run deficit, the Braves rallied in the final half to score twice losing 8-6. Certainly a good game with strong pitching in middle frames by Phillips & Byrd for the A’s.
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Mother Nature Wins, Metro Loses
by Invisibly Upset
As is becoming commonplace over the last few years, opening night was spoiled by wet weather and cool temps. Slated games were to feature matchups of coaching groups who were involved in last year’s Championships in both the Majors and Seniors. Now the job of starting our 2026 campaign falls to the Giants and Doves on Friday (weather permitting). Last summer the league was saddled with around 60 rainouts league wide which made for a scheduling nightmare. Ultimately all but one Sunset game were made up in full. This season hoping for better, but as we all learn, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Make up games have already been scheduled to Optimist for next weekend with some other games moved around to accommodate dual role players to avoid conflicting game times. Looking forward to a great season after a fairly fortunate Spring schedule with limited cancellations. Let’s hope better days are coming and soon!!!
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*In 2026 we are for the second time having a sports writing contest and are using this page to post game recaps from within our season written up by one of five contest participants. “Writers” will cover games from the Majors, Seniors, and Sunset in which they are usually not playing. Write ups will be around 150 words and be posted here. A Celebrity judge, Len Clark, will be reading them and picking a winning article in the end that will carry a prize package including $75 cash or free fall registration, a trophy/plaque, and a signed copy of our celebrity judge’s book. Other participants will receive some small prize for being involved.
Leo Cloutier was a great sportwriter and interviewer who also ran the biggest baseball banquet in the country every year in New Hampshire. He got his start after inquiring with legendary Philadelphia Athletics manager, Connie Mack about being the team mascot. Mack recognized the quality of his writing at a young age and recommended he consider sports writing. Cloutier would go on to cover the game from the 1930’s to the 1980’s leaving behind countless, priceless interviews of many of baseball’s greatest names. You can find many of his interviews on YouTube. We are glad to have the cooperation of his son Chris with our contest this year as well as our returning celebrity judge, Len Clark, an Indiana state sports broadcaster of the year and journalism professor at Notre Dame.
Our five contestants this year are:
Stetson & Wyatt Swapp of the Doves
Carlton Morris, sister of Gibson & Danger of the Doves
Dewey Breshears brother of Corwin of the Doves
Mason Collins of the Cubs
Michael Briggs of the Padres & Gideon Briggs of the Browns
