Friday, June 30, 2006

ASTORIA SAILS PAST KNAPPA IN FIVE

It was a big day for the big fly as Astoria tallied eight runs in the fifth inning to defeat Knappa 13-1 in a mercy-rule shortened victory.

The Fishermen got power from unexpected sources. The big blow in the fifth came off the bat of Adam Koehnke, a grand slam for his second home run of the day. Thomas Jaworski also blasted one out of the park and Matt Brause homered in the first inning to support his 5-inning complete game two-hitter.

Gary Aho and Joe Strickland had the two Logger safeties. Aho took the loss on the mound.

Knappa is off until Thursday, when the Loggers take on the Rainier Columbians in a doubleheader. Astoria Ford hosts its first annual 4th of July Tournament, beginning Sunday night with Seaside taking on McNary, followed by Astoria against Milwaukie at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

GULLS END WARRIORS WIN STREAK

Seaside scored all of its runs on a pair of two run home runs to end Warrenton's 8-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory at Huddleston Field in Warrenton Thursday.

The Gulls' Alec Carlson tossed a complete game 4-hitter and helped his own cause with a 2-run shot to center field in the third inning, scoring Mark Thysell. Thysell go the Gulls on the board with his own 2-run home run in the first inning after Will Beatty led off the game with a line drive double.

Other than the two bombs, Warrenton's Tyler Collier pitched another strong game, allowing five Seagull hits with nine strikeouts and two walks over seven innings.

The Warriors left nine runners on base, including runners in scoring position in each of the final four innings.

Warrenton's lone run was unearned, scoring on a Collier RBI single in the first inning scoring Eric Gantenbein. The red hot Collier was held relatively in check, going 1-for-4 at the plate.

Carlson struck out six and walked three with one hit batter in the win. Beatty finished with a pair of doubles in four at bats.

Freshman Ian Dueber doubled in his only plate appearance for Seaside, after entering the game as an injury replacement for sophomore Jeremy Carow in the sixth inning. Carow took a carom off the nose on a ground ball that ricocheted off the third base bag on a play that was initially ruled a foul ball, but later overruled.

Seaside is tentatively scheduled to play McNary at Astoria's 4th of July Tournament on Sunday night at 5:00 p.m. Warrenton has a week off before heading to Astoria July 6th for a 5:00 p.m. doubleheader against the Fishermen.

ASTORIA WILL SEND TWO 13-YR-OLD TEAMS TO DISTRICTS

The Astoria 13-year-old Babe Ruth "A" and "B" teams squared off at Aiken Field Thursday night, with the A's winning 5-1.

The "A Team" got all of the runs they needed on a 2-run double by Jesse Board in the first inning off "B" starter Karl Oman (Oman qualified for the A team but was unable to fulfill schedule requirements).

Dylan Glover got the start on the mound for the A's and recorded five strikeouts in two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk. Reese Johnson tossed two hitless innings of relief with one strikeout and one walk to earn the win.

The B team, coached by Dr. Larry Goza, scored its lone run in the sixth inning on a bases loaded walk to Alex Eterno scoring Rain Goza, who had led off the inning with a single.

Both teams will compete in the district tournament in Portland, which begins on Wednesday, July 5th. The B squad plays in a tournament at Longview's Roy Morse Park this weekend. Specific game times and opponents were not available as of last night.

Here is the roster of the Astoria 13-year-old Babe Ruth "B" All-Stars:

Chase Banta (ASTORIA)
Brandon Connor (ASTORIA)
Alex Eterno (ASTORIA)
Jon Fick (ASTORIA)
Rain Goza (ASTORIA)
Evan Knight (ASTORIA)
Richie Niverson (ASTORIA)
Karl Oman (LONG BEACH)
Brook Johnson (SEASIDE)
Will Myer (SEASIDE)
Andy Pittard (SEASIDE)
Mark Ulbricht (SEASIDE)

ASTORIA FORD BLANKS BLACK SOX

In a pair of games featuring a lot of younger players, the Astoria Ford Fishermen swept a doubleheader against visiting Oregon City, winning 7-0 and 11-0 in a pair of 5-inning games.

With several seniors resting and leadoff man Brent Culver not in the batting order, some up-and-coming Fishermen got a chance to shine.

Junior-to-be Sam Johnson started in center field in game one, going 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles and a run scored. In the second game, Johnson donned the catchers gear but the heavier burden in the field had no effect at the plate. Johnson had three more hits with his third double, completing a perfect 5-for-5 day at the plate.

Hans Lund pitched a two-hit shutout in game two for the victory. The Fishermen turned three double plays in the first three innings.

Jordan Poyer overcame a shaky first inning to toss a 2-hit, 5-inning shutout in game one. Poyer threw a lot of pitches in the first inning, walking two batters and going to 3-ball counts on two others, but the sophomore righthander got a strikeout and tagged out a runner trying to steal to end the threat, then retired eight of the next nine batters he faced with five strikeouts.

The Fishermen improved to 12-2 for the summer and return to North Coast District play tonight at Knappa with a 6:00 p.m. contest.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

FISHERMEN ROLL ON COLUMBIANS

Nick Bredleau tossed a complete game 1-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and the Astoria defense played error-free behind him in a 15-0, six-inning shutout at Rainier.

Adam Koehnke led the Fishermen offense with three hits and Mathias Brause had two hits, while Brendan Landwehr drove in two runs. The Fishermen also got key hits from Thomas Jaworski and Joey Dursse.

Astoria hosts Oregon City for two, beginning this afternoon at 4:30 p.m., then heads to Knappa for a 6:00 p.m. contest tomorrow. Yesterday, the Loggers were scheduled to play Tillamook, which has folded its baseball program for the summer.

COLLIER PERFECT AT PLATE...AGAIN!

Tyler Collier went 5-for-5 at the plate, raising his summer batting average over .700 as the Warrenton Warriors swept a non-league baseball doubleheader at Ilwaco, winning game one 14-0 in five innings and taking game two 7-2.

Eric Gantenbein pitched a 5-inning complete game, improving to 3-0 this summer. The senior righthander struck out seven and walked one, allowing four hits.

Collier went 3-3 with two runs and two RBI in game one, then added two hits in two at bats in the second game while picking up the win on the mound with two innings of hitless relief. Mike Davis pitched the first three innings for the Warriors, who improved to 8-1 with their eighth straight victory.

Warrenton heads to Seaside for a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 4:00 p.m. Only the first game will count in the district standings.

Monday, June 26, 2006

ASTORIA FORD MOTORS TO THIRD IN CORVALLIS

Buoyed by the return of state co-player of the year Mathias Brause, the Astoria Ford Fishermen defeated Sandy 4-3 in eight innings to take third place at an 8-team tournament in Corvallis this weekend.

Brendan Landwehr's RBI double scored Kevin Berry with the game-winning run in the eighth. Berry was recruited to bolster a lineup gutted by the Oregon State football camp and various other distractions and committments.

Down 3-2 in the seventh, Gabe Davis tied the game with and RBI single, scoring Brause.

In danger of losing his first game in more than two months, Brause pitched a scoreless eighth, then added a hit in the final inning to help move the winning run into scoring position. Brause allowed seven hits and struck out seven in the victory.

On Saturday, missing Brause along with several other players, Astoria was destroyed by Yakima, losing 17-1 in five innings. Yakima pounded Lebanon 17-2 in the tournament championship, which took some of the sting out of the loss.

The Fishermen return to Aiken Field Wednesday afternoon for a 4:30 p.m. doubleheader against Oregon City. Then its off to Knappa Thursday for a North Coast District matchup rematch against the Loggers.

THE WILDCATS BATS COME ALIVE AT HOME

The Seaside Wildcats came home to Broadway field for their second home stand this past weekend and looked great. The Wildcats won four out of five games to improve to 11-10 overall and 7-7 in the PIL. The Wildcats look like a brand new team with constant starting pitching and a line up that from top to bottom is producing runs. The Wildcats played three against the Skagit Eagles and two against the Portland Titans. The Wildcats outscoured opposing teams 39-18 over five games.
The wildcats took the first game 4-3 in 11 innings against Skagit on Friday. Addis O'Connor pitched all 11 innings for the complete game win. Aaron Svartumle got the game winning RBI single in the 11th scoring Spencer Wiggins from third base.
The Wildcats played a double header against the Skagit Eagles. They lost game one six to five. The Eagles got to Derek Haner early scoring two runs on three hits in the first inning. The Wildcats tied the game at two in the fifth when Robbie Knowles and Aaron Svarthumle each had RBI singles. Skagit added one in the sixth when Mike Burger drew a walk with bases loaded. Seaside answered in the bottom of the sixth scoring three runs. The Eagle defense allowed three runs to score on two big throwing errors. One of those errors was made by first basemen Zack Adam who was put into the game in the fifth inning as a defensive substitution. Adam would have his revenge in the top of the seventh inning. Craig Neu was on the mound in relilef. With two men on Adam hit a three run home run to left field to put the Eagles up 6-5. Rob Lloyd singled in the seventh but that would be the only hit for the Wildcats as they go down 6-5.

Game two of the double header was all Seaside as they won 14-4. The Wildcats got on the board first as Mike Rector doubled with two men on and two outs to put the Wildcats up 2-0. The Eagle would get one run in the second inning on a Jon Bittner RBI single. Skagit tied the game at two in the top of third getting one run on a Tyson Jaquez RBI single. AJ Orneals was on the hill for the Wildcats and would get the win. Skagit would not lead for long as Rob Lloyd tied the game at three with a home run in the bottom of the third. The fourth inning would be huge for the the Wildcats including as they got four runs on four hits. Matt Hendryx had a two run RBI single and Aaron Nelson had a two run homer. The Wildcats added four more runs in the sixth inning. Robbie Knowles had a three run home run and Aaron Svarthumle added an RBI double. Skagit got one run in the seventh. Seaside would add three runs in the seventh to end the game 14-4 in seven innings. In the Seventh Matt Hendryx had an RBI double and Aaron ended the game with a home run to left field.

The Portland Titans came out to Seaside for a double header on Sunday. The Wildcats continued to be hot a the plate and crushed the Titans 10-0 in six innings in game one. The Wildcats had got 10 runs on eight hits. Led off man Robbie Knowles never had an official at bat as he drew three walks and was hit by a pitch but Knowles would come around to score four times. The Wildcats jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. Seaside would add one run in the fourth, three runs in the fifth, and one run in the sixth to win it 10-0. Aaron Svartumle went 2-3 with three RBI's and a walk. Short Stop Adam White went 3-3 at the plate with three singles and he scored two runs. Evan Scandling would get the complete game win giving up 0 runs on six hits.

The Wildcats took game two 9-5. Jeff Willis would go eight innings for the Wildcats and get the win. Seaside went up 2-0 in the first. Rob Lloyd had a two run RBI double. The Titans would take the lead in the second as they scored three runs. Two errors by the Wildcats would allow three runs to score. Seaside would tie it up at three in the third on a RBI double by Adam White. Portland would add one run in the fourth. Seaside would take the lead back for good in the fifth as they scored three runs. With two outs Adam White had an RBI single and Rob Hitchens would follow with a two RBI double. The wildcats would add three more runs in the seventh. Rob Lloyd would hit a home run and Rob Hitchens and Lucas Stelter would each add RBI doubles with two outs in the seventh. The Titans would add two runs in the eight but that would be it as Kyle Corwin came on in the ninth inning to close things out. Wildcats win it 9-5.

The Wildcats go on a 11 game California road trip. The Wildcats will be back home in Seaside for a weekend series with the Langley Blaze on July 14th.

FIRST ACTION FOR ASTORIA BABE RUTH ALL-STARS

The Astoria Babe Ruth All-Star teams got one win each at this weekend's Don Rhoads Memorial Tournament, with only the 15-year-olds reaching single elimination play.

The Astoria 15's defeated Columbia-Cowlitz 9-6 on Saturday, setting up a Sunday morning showdown with tournament top-seed Longview, which had 10-runned all of its opponents in pool play.

Longview went up 3-0 before Astoria scored a run in the fourth inning when Joe Strickland doubled and scored on a Mason Brause RBI single.

It remained a 3-1 ballgame until the final inning, when Longview scored three times on a 1-out double, followed by a pair of bloop singles and an error.

Down 6-1 in their final at bat, the Astoria All-Stars would rally. Brause led off with a double, later scoring on a Kiefer Lucore sacrifice fly. Brady Leach singled and scored on a Nate West single. West would come home on an error. Down 6-4, Astoria had the bases loaded with the tying run in scoring position before the final out was recorded.

The 15-year-old All-Stars will return to Longview for another tournament this Friday. The 14-year-old team will also be in the field of primarily 15-year-old teams.

The highly regarded Astoria 14's had a forgettable start to the summer. The 2-time regional qualifiers won their opener, defeating Port Angeles 12-6 on Friday before running into a Saturday buzzsaw. Centralia smoked Astoria 7-1 before defending Southern Washington champion Kelso blitzed the Coasters 12-0 in five innings. No details were reported by the coaching staff.

The Astoria 13-year-olds just missed the winners' bracket by a hair after losing a tough pair of one-run games. Astoria defeated Port Angeles 10-5 on Friday behind the tough pitching of Taylor Fox. Later in the day, Willamette Valley grabbed an early 7-0 lead but Astoria stormed back with six unanswered runs before running out of time in a 7-6 loss.

Saturday's final game against Longview was almost a carbon copy, as Astoria fell behind 6-nothing early before racking up five runs in the sixth inning, stringing together several hits in a row. This time the preset 2-hour time limit worked in the favor of the locals, as Longview exploded for 11 runs in the seventh inning, but time ran out reverting the score to the previous inning for a 6-5 result.

Head coach Guy Davis praised the defensive play of his outfielders, including Dylan Glover, Skylar Olson and Erik Keating. Olson and Alex Eterno were both 4-for-5 at the plate going into the Longview game.

Davis expects to play the 13-year-old B team in a scrimmage some time this week.

LOWER COLUMBIA 12'S FIT IN WITH TOP COMPETITION

Meridian, Idaho, a regional qualifier in 2005, defeated Lower Columbia 10-5 Saturday night in the knockout round of a high-profile 16-team 12-year-old Cal Ripken tournament at Western Longview.

Lower Columbia won its final pool game Saturday, again in dramatic fashion. Conor Harber's 2-run home run in the eighth inning lifted the locals to an 8-7 victory over Puyallup. The game was tied 6-6 after five innings when a preset time limit kicked in and the teams went to a Kansas City tiebreaker, starting each half inning with a runner on second base.

Lower Columbia had scored all of its six runs in the first two innings before the bats went silent until Harber's blast in the eighth. The hard-throwing righthander took the mound in the fifth inning and finished out the game for the victory.

The Meridian, Idaho team, like most, had trouble catching up to Harber's fastball. The spuds bunted repeatedly in the late innings and forced some defensive errors to pull away late for a 10-5 victory. Lower Columbia again scored most of its runs early, with a 4-run first inning before the offense petered out and some defensive lapses proved costly.

Still, a 2-2 showing against very strong competition should have the local Majors All-stars feeling confident heading toward the state tournament in mid-July. Lower Columbia returns to the field this Thursday with another big tournament at Castle Rock.

INJURY MARS 11'S FIRST TOURNAMENT

After splitting a pair of five-inning pool games on Saturday, the Lower Columbia 11-year-old Cal Ripken All-stars lost to Kelso 9-2 in elimination play Sunday morning.

Overshadowing the loss on the field, was the potential loss of shortstop Nathan Spurbeck to a broken thumb, suffered in the fourth inning against Kelso. The game was tied at two in the fourth when Spurbeck suffered the injury trying to make a tag in a rundown between third and home. Without their defensive captain on the field, Lower Columbia suffered immediate negative results, as four errors shortly thereafter led to seven unearned runs in the 9-2 loss.

After falling behind 2-0, Lower Columbia tied the score in the second inning on a 2-run single by Josh Biel, scoring Kyle Kelly and Cody Fox.

In Saturday's first game against Central Longview, Lower Columbia fell behing 4-0 then scratched out runs in the second, third and fourth innings to get back in the game. Unfortunately, the locals left a lot of runs on the bases, leaving them loaded in the second, third and fourth innings, then ran out of time when the game was ended after five innings due to a two hour time limit with Central winning 5-4.

Game two against Castle Rock-Toutle Lake was also limited to five innings, this time with L.C. winning 9-5. Lower Columbia had just two hits against a hard-throwing pitcher but took advantage of 12 bases on balls. Josh Biel had an RBI triple in the fifth inning and Austin Wirkkala added a bases loaded, two-run single in the fourth inning.

Lower Columbia plays two games Saturday and two games Sunday in a tournament at Western Longview's John Null Park this weekend.

TOUGH TOURNEY FOR LOWER COLUMBIA 10'S

The local 10-year-old baseball All-Stars got an eye-opener at a tournament this weekend in Dallas, struggling against some tough competition from Oregon and Washington.

Lower Columbia was actually held hitless until their third game of the tournament, and third game of the day on a long hot Saturday afternoon.

Upper Rogue blistered L.C. 23-0 in four innings in the first game of the tournament Saturday morning. Immediately afterward, Lower Columbia took on Sandy, falling 13-0. In both games, the L.C. pitchers had trouble throwing strikes, while the hitters were unable to generate any offense.

Trevon Morgan gave Lower Columbia a better effort on the mound and the bats came around in the third game of the day, but Dallas topped the coastal crew 11-4.

In a Sunday elimination game, Lower Columbia picked up a little more offensive support, but Western Longview dominated in a 23-5 victory.

The next tournament action comes at Hoquiam this weekend for the area all-stars. Check the Last Dam Blog later this week for a tournament schedule.

ROUGH START FOR RENEGADES

After losing their opening two games, the North Coast Renegades AAU team was eliminated from the Rose City Invitational Tournament Friday morning with an 11-1 loss to Bend.

The Renegades play at Glencoe today, travel to Hillsboro Thursday, then host Westview for a noon doubleheader at Broadway Field on Saturday. All three games are against the AAA Legion teams for the three Metro schools.

Friday, June 23, 2006

THIN ASTORIA STEALS TWO AT CORVALLIS

With a roster ravaged by Babe Ruth all-star tournaments, football camp and various other distractions, a makeshift lineup featuring primarily J.V. players led Astoria Ford to two wins at a tournament in Corvallis.

If Astoria can upset Yakima Saturday, the Fishermen will play for the championship of the eight-team Junior State tournament Sunday night.

Astoria had just nine players in uniform in their opening 6-4 win over Riverside, California. Jared Rummell started on the mound and pitched long enough to earn the win before tweaking his back. Rummell would hit a 3-run double in the first game and would recover in time to lay down two key bunts as Astoria won a wild 16-11 affair over host Corvallis.

Hans Lund had a pair of hits, including an RBI double in game one. Lund added three more hits in the game two victory. Nick Bredleau started in centerfield in game one, but went to the mound to get the final two outs for a save, adding an RBI triple at the plate.

The Fishermen had an 11-4 lead in game two before Corvallis scored seven unanswered runs to tie the game. The Fishermen continued to hack away at the plate, pulling away for the win as they finished with 18 hits in the contest.

Astoria improved to 8-1 for the summer with the wins.

KENNEWICK WHACKS LOWER COLUMBIA

The Lower Columbia 12-year-old Cal Ripken A All-Stars fell to the Kennewick Americans 9-0 Friday at John Null Park in Longview.

L.C. plays its final pool game Saturday afternoon against Puyallup, then will head to single elimination play at either 5 or 8:00 p.m. against West Linn or Meridian, ID.

Starting pitcher Dalton Kelly held the Americans scoreless through three innings, but Kennewick struck for a pair of home runs in the fourth inning to open the scoring, then added another home run off reliever Ryan Tapio with two outs in the fifth.

According to Kennewick coaches, Lower Columbia was the first team to hold them under ten runs. The Americans, one of two teams representing Kennewick at the Western Longview-hosted tournament, hit 32 home runs as a team at one recent tournament. Kennewick had 10-runned the Black Hills B team in four innings immediately prior to facing Lower Columbia.

The L.C. All-Stars dropped to 5-2 overall with the loss.

O'CONNOR WORKS OT IN WILDCATS THRILLER

Addis O'Connor pitched a rare 11-inning complete game as the Seaside Wildcats defeated the Skagit Eagles 4-3 at Broadway Field Friday night in the first game of a 3-game series.

Aaron Svarthumle's RBI single with two outs in the 11th scored Spencer Wiggins with the game-winning run. O'Connor allowed seven hits, striking out seven with just two walks. A very low pitch count allowed him to stretch out into extra innings as the Wildcats won their second straight game.

Jesse Schmidt took the loss in relief of starter Mark Holleman, who left with a 3-2 lead and runners on second and third with one out in the seventh inning. Holleman had escaped a bases loaded jam in the sixth, striking out Aaron Nelson looking and retiring Adam White on a groundout to first.

With one out in the seventh inning, Wildcats leadoff man Spencer Wiggins beat out an infield hit, stole second and scored on a double by Robbie Knowles. Svarthumle greeted Schmidt with a double to right-center field, scoring Knowles to tie the game at 3-3. Schmidt responded by retiring the next six batters in a row, four on strikeouts as the game carried into extra innings.

Spencer doubled with one out in the 11th, advancing to third base when the ball got away from Schmidt after the throw back to the infield. After Robbie Knowles popped out to third base, Svarthumle stroked a single to right field to end the game. The Pacific Boxer outfielder went 3-for-5 with a double and a pair of RBIs. Wiggins, Knowles and Mike Rector had two hits each as the Wildcats outhit the Eagles 10-to-8.

The Wildcats and Eagles (based in Mount Vernon, Washington)square off again Saturday in a doubleheader starting at 4:00 p.m. Game one will be broadcast live on SportsRadio 1230 ESPN beginning with pregame coverage at 3:55 p.m. It's Youth Baseball Day at Broadway Field and all young players wearing their team jerseys will get free admission to the game.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY BASEBALL SCHEDULE

It's a busy weekend for local baseball teams. The weather is great. Find a field somewhere!

SEASIDE WILDCATS: vs. Skagit Eagles, 7:00 p.m. Friday and 4:00 p.m. (2) Saturday at Broadway Field
NORTH COAST RENEGADES: vs. Bend at Rose City Invitational Tournament at Clackamas Community College, 9:00 a.m. Friday
ASTORIA FORD: vs. Auburn-Riverside, 5:00 p.m. Friday; vs. Yakima, 5:00 p.m., vs. Corvallis, 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Hanson Field in Corvallis
ASTORIA 15-YR-OLD BABE RUTH ALL-STARS: vs. Hazel Dell, 3:00 p.m. at R.A. Long H.S. in Longview; vs. Beaverton, 6:00 p.m. at Rister Stadium in Kelso, both Friday; vs. Columbia-Cowlitz, 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Rister Stadium; Single elimination at 5 or 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Rister Stadium
ASTORIA 14-YR-OLD BABE RUTH ALL-STARS: vs. Port Angeles, 6:00 p.m. at Roy Morse Park in Longview Friday; vs. Centralia, 9:00 a.m., vs. Kelso, 2:00 p.m., both at Mark Morris H.S. in Longview Saturday; Single Elimination at 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Roy Morse Park
ASTORIA 13-YR-OLD BABE RUTH ALL-STARS: vs. Port Angeles, 3:30 p.m., vs. Willamette Valley, 6:00 p.m. Friday; vs. Longview, 9:00 a.m. Saturday; Single Elimination 5:00 p.m. Saturday-all games at Castle Rock H.S.
LOWER COLUMBIA 10-12 YR-OLD CAL RIPKEN A ALL-STARS: vs. Kennewick Americans, 3:00 p.m. Friday; vs. Puyallup, 12:30 p.m. Saturday; Single Elimination at 3, 5:30 or 8:00 p.m. Saturday-all games at John Null Park in Longview
LOWER COLUMBIA 11-YR-OLD CAL RIPKEN ALL-STARS: vs. Central Longview, 10:00 a.m.; vs. Castle Rock-Toutle Lake, 2:00 p.m. at Jump Field in Hoquiam Saturday
LOWER COLUMBIA 10-AND-UNDER CAL RIPKEN ALL-STARS: vs. Upper Rogue, 8:00 a.m.; vs. Sandy, 10:00 a.m., vs. Dallas, 4:00 p.m. at La Creole Complex in Dallas Saturday

SCHEDULE SNAFU FOR ASTORIA 15'S

The Astoria 15-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars were scheduled to play their first game of the season against Hazel Dell of Vancouver at the Don Rhoads Tournament in Kelso Thursday. Unfortunately, due to an earlier email sent by the tournament organizers, the Astoria coaches thought they weren't playing until today.

Fortunately, a mother paying attention to yesterday's radio broadcast, noticed the discrepancy and alerted the coaches, who were able to reschedule for today.

Astoria will play Hazel Dell at 3:00 p.m. at R.A. Long High School, then follow that with a 6:00 p.m. game against Beaverton at the new Rister Stadium at Tam-O-Shanter Park in Kelso.

Most of the 15-year-old tournament games will be played at Tam-O-Shanter, either on the Kelso High School field or Rister Stadium.

Astoria is in a 3-team pool with Beaverton and Hazel Dell, but will play three pool games. Astoria will play Columbia-Cowlitz at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Rister Stadium which will count toward Astoria's pool record but not Columbia-Cowlitz's. The top two teams from each of the three pools will advance to single elimination play later on Saturday, as well as the two third place teams with the best records.

In Thursday action from the 15-year-old tournament, Longview defeated East County 11-0, East County topped The Dalles 13-3 and The Dalles defeated Lacey 17-2.

Today's schedule:
POOL A: Kelso vs. Port Angeles, 3:30 p.m. at Kelso H.S. Field; Centralia vs. Columbia-Cowlitz, 3:30 p.m. at Rister Stadium; Columbia-Cowlitz vs. Port Angeles, 6:00 p.m. at KHS; Kelso vs. Centralia, 8:30 p.m. at Rister Stadium
POOL B: Longview vs. Lacey, 6:00 p.m. at Roy Morse Park
POOL C: Astoria vs. Hazel Dell, 3:00 p.m. at R.A. Long H.S.; Astoria vs. Beaverton, 6:00 p.m. at Rister Stadium

RENEGADES DON'T BRING THE WOOD

The North Coast Renegades lost their first two games at the AAU Rose City Invitational Tournament at Clackamas Community College yesterday.

The Renegades got solid pitching performances--despite shaky starts--from recent Knappa graduates Sean Ferguson and Derek Jacobson, but struggled offensively at the wood bat tournament.

Mooch Smith had a pair of hits in a game one 4-3 lost to the East County (Sandy) Knights. Ferguson took the loss, pitching the first six innings.

In their second game against N.W. Academy (Clackamas), Jacobson gave up three runs in the first two innings, but pitched brilliantly the rest of the way. Unfortunately, the Renegades were unable to muster up any offense.

The Renegades play their final pool game this morning against Bend, then await a Sunday matchup.

L.C. 12'S WIN DRAMATIC PITCHING DUEL

Conor Harber tossed a 2-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning as the Lower Columbia Cal Ripken 12-year-old A All-Stars defeated Black Hills B 1-0 in the opening game of a tournament at Western Longview.

Harber struggled with command, walking six batters, but was able to make big pitches to get out of bases loaded jams in the second and fifth innings. Despite a pitch count over 100, the hard-throwing righthander took the mound in the bottom of the sixth and retired the side on just seven pitches, by far his easiest inning.

It was a well-played game by both teams as Lower Columbia outhit Black Hills 4-to-2 and each team committed two errors. Black Hills' second error was by far the costliest. With one out in the sixth inning, Harber blooped a single to right field, then took second on a passed ball. After pinch-hitter Nick Zimmerman struck out, Dylan Smith hit a ground ball to third which should have ended the inning, but the throw sailed over the head of Black Hills' first baseman, sending Harber to third and Smith to second base. With Bretten Medina at the plate, Black Hills' starting pitcher Preston DuPriest threw a pitch that bounced to the backstop, allowing the speedy Harber to slide home with the only run of the game.

DuPriest started on the mound and pitched two scoreless innings before giving way to Jesse Harris to start the third. Harris was impressive, allowing just one hit and striking out four over two innings. Black Hills' third pitcher, Nick Leatherwood ran into trouble in the fifth inning, walking the bases full with one out. DuPriest returned to the mound and got Ryan Tapio to line into a 6-5 double play to end the threat.

Harber was the only player in the game with two hits. Dylan Smith and Dylan Garcia had the other two Lower Columbia safeties. Black Hills' Jordan McGregor had the game's only extra-base hit, a bloop double down the left field line to lead off the fourth inning. McGregor went to third on a passed ball, but was left stranded as Harber got a strikeout, a comebacker to the mound and another strikeout to end the inning.

Lower Columbia takes on the Kennewick Americans at 3:00 p.m. today after the Americans play Black Hills B at 12:30 p.m.

Lower Columbia and Black Hills did not corner the market on first day dramatics. In a back and forth game, West Linn B got a home run in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game, then scored the go-ahead run to take an 8-7 lead against Central Longview. Longview loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the inning, but a force out at home, an infield fly and a ground out ended the threat. Black Hills A, one of several very good teams at this tournament, cruised past Western Longview B 10-0 in four innings in their opener.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

JUST STOP CAUSE YOU' RE TOO ANNOYING

The following are things that really bother me:
People who wear sunglasses at night to try and look cool. ( you really look like a jerk)
People who wear socks with sandles. (why not just break out the fannypack and get it over with)
People who want Matt and I to comment about the local swim team. (this is probably the same person who can't figure out why ESPN never covers cross country meets)
People who like the WNBA. (Try and watch an entire game. I dare you. If you're really into cruel and unusal punishment why not just shove a pen in your eye, there I just saved you three hours of your life you can never have back.
Guys who order APPLE-TINI'S ( Richert you and you're one step above Apple-Tini guy with your Vanilla Kamikazes)
Women who order Bacon Cheesebugers and then say the following "Can I substitute a salad for the fries, I am on a diet?" NO YOUR NOT. And let's be honest your're going to end up eating the fries on the plate of the guy you came with anyway.

TILLAMOOK SUMMER BASEBALL FOLDS

The Junior State North Coast District is down to five teams as Tillamook has announced that they will no longer be able to field a team due to a shortage of players.

Warrenton was scheduled to play a doubleheader at Tillmook tonight. The Warriors will head to Ilwaco on Tuesday for a non-league doubleheader starting at 4:00 p.m.

RENEGADES ROAM TO FIRST TOURNAMENT

The North Coast Renegades, featuring a who's who of recent Clatsop County baseball all-stars, makes its summer debut at Clackamas Community College today at a weekend tournament.

The Renegades, coached by Bob Knutsen and assisted by Royal Latham, take on the East County Knights at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, then play the host team at 6:00 p.m. Another game against an opponent to be determined is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Recent graduates joining the AAU Renegades include Knappa's Derek Jacobson, Sean Ferguson and Jordan Shear, Shane Rudduck of Warrenton and Ilwaco's A.J. "Mooch" Smith.

A trio of Astorians return to the team after completing freshman seasons at Southwest Oregon Community College as Henry Brause is expected to be joined by Mike Gallegos and Andrew MacLean. Recent graduate Sean Fabela may join the roster as well, which comprises 18 former and current high school stars from Clatsop and Pacific counties.

Current Warrenton Warriors Dan Wolfe and Eric Gantenbein will suit up for the Renegades when they are not playing Junior State. Ex-Warrior Nick Miller returns following his freshman season at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Former Seaside star Patrick Latham returns from college in California and is joined by former Gulls Daniel Terranova (the '05 Gull grad will be playing on his home field this weekend) and John Knutsen. Fellow 2005 graduates Derek Spivey and Josh Stinnett may also play. Former Knappa standout Dana Barendse is also on the roster.

After this weekend's tournament, the Renegades head to Hillsboro to take on the Glencoe AAA Legion team Monday night at 6:00 p.m. Then its a return trip to the 'burbs to face Aloha's Legion team on Thursday night. Beaverton's Westview High will send its Legion team to the coast on Saturday, July 1 to play the Renegades in a noon doubleheader at Broadway Field in Seaside.

The Renegades are no longer affiliated with Babe Ruth and will play an independent schedule of non-league games and tournaments with no postseason.

LOWER COLUMBIA 12's PREPARE FOR TOURNEY

The Lower Columbia 12-yr-old Cal Ripken A All-Star team will face Black Hills B team tonight at 5:30 p.m. on the opening day of a tournament at Western Longview's John Null Park.

Placed in the Red Division, Lower Columbia will continue pool play Friday with a 3:00 p.m. contest against the Kennewick Americans, then face Puyallup at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Depending on the outcome of the pool games, L.C. will play a single elimination game at 3, 5:30 or 8:00 p.m. Saturday and hopefully advance to bracket play on Sunday.

The team scrimmaged the Lower Columbia B team at Columbia Field Wednesday night, winning 18-2. Six different pitchers threw an inning each, with Luke Foster being the most effective, striking out the side in the fifth inning to earn the win. Conor Harber went 2-for-4 with a home run and five runs batted in and Dylan Krizan and Nick Zimmerman each went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.

The difference was on defense, where the A team committed just one error to 13 by the B's. Just five of the 18 runs were earned.

For the 12B's, Corey Dunn hit a solo home run in the first inning off A starter Breton Medina. Brad Aho went 2-for-2 at the plate, stealing home in the second inning for the B team's other run.

The Lower Columbia B team, coached by Bob Brockey and assisted by Gary Aho and Jeff Eaton, plays in a tournament at Castle Rock the weekend before Independence Day. The combined 11/12B state tournament will be at Naselle July 7-9. The top B team at that tournament will advance to the N. Oregon 12-and-under A tournament the following weekend at Dallas, while the first place 11-yr-old team moves on to regionals.

Here is the roster for the Lower Columbia 12-yr-old Cal Ripken B team:

Patrick Cushing (P&L JOHNSON)
Zack Lemas (P&L)
Campbell Roscoe (P&L)
Brad Aho (KNAPPA)
Anthony Brockey (KNAPPA)
Roland Johansen (KNAPPA)
Nick Burge (NASELLE)
Dustin Eaton (NASELLE)
Robert Eaton (NASELLE)
Caleb Beatty (CLATSOP DISTRIBUTING)
Cody Higgins (LEWIS & CLARK)
Justin Sleutel (WARRENTON)
Corey Dunn (LONG BEACH MARINERS)
COACHES: Bob Brockey, Jeff Eaton, Gary Aho

WILDCATS BACK ON WINNING TRACK

With a barrage of scoring in the late innings, the Seaside Wildcats avenged an earlier loss to the Pacific Javelinas in a mercy-rule shortened 13-3 8-inning win at Sckavone Field in Portland.

With the win, the Wildcats improve to 3-6 in Pacific International League play and 7-9 overall heading into this weekend's 4-game home stand against the Skagit Eagles and Portland Titans.

The Wildcats and Eagles square off at 7:00 p.m. Friday at Broadway Field, then play two on Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. The Portland Titans spend their second consecutive Sunday at Broadway Field with a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.

Evan Scandling got the win with a strong outing, allowing five hits and three walks with five strikeouts over six innings.

Leading 4-2 in the fifth inning, the Wildcats scored three runs to open up the lead, before adding on in the sixth and seventh, ending the game early with a 3-run eighth inning.

Rob Lloyd had a big night at the plate for the 'Cats, going 4-for-5 with a home run. Adam White also homered for Seaside, as the Wildcats collected 14 hits in the victory.

Friday night is Ladies Night at Broadway Field, with free admission for all females for the game against the Skagit Eagles. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN Radio, starting at 6:55 p.m.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

L.C. 11'S LOOK TO RETURN TO REGIONALS

For the second consecutive year, Lower Columbia will field an 11-year-old Cal Ripken All-Star team.

Last year's squad, coached by Melton Lucore, placed third at state and earned a berth to regionals, where they went 1-and-2. Lucore returns to helm this year's team, which due to changes in age cutoff returns two players from last year, including Lucore's son Kyle and Lewis & Clark teammate Cody Foxx. Lucore piloted the league champion Lewis & Clark team during the regular season and will be assisted by Faaleo Poyer and Dave Spurbeck.

After a competitive game against the 12-year-olds, the 11's will see their first tournament action this Saturday at Hoquiam.

Pool play begins at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Jump Field, next door to Hoquiam's historic Olympic Stadium. Lower Columbia will take on Central Longview, then return to the field later to play Castle Rock-Toutle Lake at 2:00 p.m. Single elimination play begins Sunday at 9 or 11:00 a.m. with the semifinals at 1:00 and championship at 3:00 p.m.

Independence Day weekend, the Lower Columbia 11's will play in a tournament at Western Longview. The combined North Oregon 11/12B state tournament will be in Naselle July 7-9.

Here is the full roster of the Lower Columbia Cal Ripken 11-yr-old All-stars:

Kyle Lucore (LEWIS & CLARK)
Cody Foxx (L&C)
Andrew Bergeson (L&C)
Keelen Cuifici (L&C)
Josh Biel (WARRENTON)
Nick Freitas (WARRENTON)
Ross Kukula (LONG BEACH MARINERS)
Austin Wirkkala (MARINERS)
Nathan Spurbeck (NASELLE)
Chandler "Bob" Chapman (NASELLE)
Jeremy Poyer (P&L JOHNSON)
Kyle Kelly (KNAPPA)
Will Samp (alternate-CLATSOP DISTRIBUTING)
COACHES: Melton Lucore, Faaleo Poyer, Dave Spurbeck

YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME?

Yet another team cowers in fear of the mighty Fishermen.

A scheduled doubleheader against Taft never happened on Tuesday, as the Tigers cancelled at the last minute. Taft also never rescheduled a rained out game against Astoria in the spring despite a couple of opportunities.

That makes four cancellations so far this summer season for the reigning 3A state champs, beginning with "The Great Warrenton Smoke-Out" the first week of the season, which will be rescheduled.

All credit goes to Ilwaco for stepping in to play Astoria Ford yesterday. The visiting Fishermen took their lumps, falling 22-0 in four innings of game one. Astoria scored nine runs in the first inning and followed with a 13-spot, batting around twice in the second.

Leadoff man Brent Culver went 2-for-2 with three runs and three RBI's and Brendan Landwehr went 3-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and three RBI's in the rout. Mathias Brause and Hans Lund limited Ilwaco to two hits, including a double by Anthony Wirkkala.

Astoria cruised to an 11-nothing game two win in five innings as Nick Bredleau and Jared Rummell combined on the shutout.

Astoria will expect to get some real competition this weekend when they play in a tournament at Corvallis. They will also be severely shorthanded with football players at camp and top pitcher Brause limited by a 4H committment.

Astoria takes on Auburn-Riverside (a California school apparently, not the Washington 4A school) at 5:00 p.m. Friday at Hanson Field, adjacent to Corvallis High. Saturday, Astoria faces Yakima at 5:00 p.m. and the host team at 8:00 p.m. Teams will be seeded into brackets for Sunday competition.

Ilwaco's next scheduled game is at home against Warrenton on Tuesday.

SUMMER RUMBLE AT WARRENTON

The "Rumble On The River" rivalry between Warrenton and Knappa rolls on, despite changes in talent level and classification.

The two schools are no longer league rivals in interscholastic sports, but are still competing with Astoria, Seaside, Rainier and Tillamook for top honors in the Oregon Junior Baseball Association's North Coast District.

Warrenton's Tyler Collier continued a remarkable tear at the plate and tossed a 6-inning 3-hitter with nine strikeouts as the Warriors hammered the Loggers 12-2 at Huddleston Field on Tuesday.

The win was the seventh straight for the Warriors after a season-opening loss at Seaside.

Collier's 3-run double broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning. The senior pitcher also doubled and scored in the third and ended the game with a 2-run single in the sixth inning that gave the Warriors a ten-run margin. Collier went 3-for-4 with five RBI's and now has 14 hits in his last 16 at bats.

Knappa's only runs came on junior infielder Maury Dugan's 2-run home run to left field in the top of the fourth inning, which tied the game.

Gary Aho had another rough start on the mound for Knappa. The junior lefty continued to struggle with his control, walking walking eight batters and hitting one in 3-plus innings, allowing six runs, five earned.

Aho's wild first inning resulted in Warrenton's first run. With the bases loaded on walks, Brandon Slaughter drew a 4-pitch free pass to score Dan Wolfe. Aho ended the inning by striking out the side.

Collier's leadoff double in the third inning was misplayed and should have been an out. Nathan Massey followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Warrenton before Dugan's game-tying blast in the fourth. Aho loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning, walking Wolfe for the second time, plunking Mike Davis and issuing the second of three base on balls to Eric Gantenbein before Collier cleared the bases with a drive to the right-center field wall, ending Aho's day on the mound.

The Warriors scored five runs in the sixth inning on four hits and a costly bobble at shortstop on a potential double play grounder. The Loggers committed three errors and another three outfield fly balls were badly misplayed. Warrenton had just one error in the contest and outhit Knappa 10-to-3 with six doubles. Dan Wolfe scored four runs. Two of Knappa's three hits went for extra bases as freshman Cody Strickland doubled in the second inning to go with Dugan's 4th-inning homer.

Warrenton improved to 7-and-1 overall and 3-and-1 in North Coast District play. The Warriors travel to Tillamook on Thursday. Knappa dropped to 1-and-3 overall. The Loggers game with Seaside has been postponed this week. Knappa still has a makeup game with Rainier that may be played on Thursday.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

BABE RUTH ALL-STARS IN ACTION THIS WEEK

Astoria's 13, 14 and 15-yr-old Babe Ruth All-Star teams have been selected and all three teams will participate in Longview's Don Rhoads Memorial Tournament this week.

The Rhoads Tournament features 74 games on eight different fields with three age-group tournaments running simultaneously throughout Cowlitz County.

The tournament begins Thursday, with the Astoria 15-yr-olds taking on perennial power Hazel Dell Metro of Vancouver at 6:00 p.m. on the Kelso High School varsity field at Tam-O-Shanter Park. The 15's will play Beaverton Friday night at 6:00 p.m. at Rister Stadium, the new ballpark at Tam-O-Shanter, then finish pool play Saturday morning with a 9:00 a.m. game against Columbia-Cowlitz, also at Rister Stadium. The top two teams from each 4-team pool will advance to single elimination play with the tournament concluding with championship games Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Astoria's 14-year-old team, which qualified for regionals the last two years, opens tournament play Friday night at 6:00 p.m. at Roy Morse Field in Longview against Port Angeles. Saturday morning, the 14's face Centralia at 9:00 a.m. then play defending Southern Washington champion Kelso at 2:00 p.m. Both games are at Mark Morris High School.

The 13-year-old Astoria All-Stars also begin the tournament Friday with back-to-back games against Port Angeles and Willamette Valley starting at 3:30 p.m. The 13's finish pool play Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. against Longview. All of the 13-year-old tournament games will be played at Castle Rock High School.

Astoria will field a 13-year-old B team this year which will not participate at this tournament. The team will be coached by Dr. Larry Goza and the roster is still being formulated. Here are the rosters for the Astoria Babe Ruth All-Star Teams:

ASTORIA 15-YR-OLD ALL-STARS
Mason Brause (LONGSHORE)
Daniel Mathre (LONGSHORE)
Troy Sarpola (LONGSHORE)
Brandon Aydt (LONGSHORE)
Keifer lucore (LONGSHORE)
Joe Strickland (KNAPPPA)
Maury Dugan (KNAPPA)
Nate West (KNAPPA)
Brady Leach (KNAPPA)
Willy Einerson (MERCHANTS)
Trevor Puckett (MERCHANTS)
Steven Peterson (WARRENTON)
Nick DeGandi (SEASIDE)
COACHES: Brian Aydt, David Mathre, Dennis Leach

ASTORIA 14-YR-OLD ALL-STARS
Ian Erickson (LONGSHORE)
Taylor Landwehr (LONGSHORE)
Dylan Israel (LONGSHORE)
Ricky Sarin (LONGSHORE)
Zach Dursse (LONGSHORE)
Marc Gallegos (MERCHANTS)
Max Johnson (MERCHANTS)
Dane Lund (MERCHANTS)
Jake Hatcher (MERCHANTS)
Marcus Brown (LONG BEACH)
Trevor Couch (LONG BEACH)
Cody Strickland (KNAPPA)
Ian Dueber (SEASIDE)
Erik Knutsen (SEASIDE)
COACHES: Kent Israel, Jr., Mike Sarin, Mark Erickson

ASTORIA 13-YR-OLD ALL-STARS
Reese Johnson (CARLSON CONTRACTORS)
Billy Kerr (CARLSON)
Tyler Norfleet (CARLSON)
Thomas McFadden (CARLSON)
Jacob Davis (BUILDERS SUPPLY)
Taylor Fox (BUILDERS)
Dylan Glover (BUILDERS)
Trygve Olson (BUILDERS)
Jesse Board (BUILDERS)
Alex Eterno (J.J. NEIKES)
Erik Keating (NEIKES)
Skylar Olson (LONG BEACH)
Shawn Speer (SEASIDE)
COACHES: Guy Davis, Rick Fox, Art Olson

North Oregon Babe Ruth state tournaments are all scheduled for July 20-24, with Astoria the host site for the 14-year-old tournament. The 13-year-old state tournament is in Ontario with the 15-year-olds playing in La Grande. Regional tournaments are the first week in August with Kelso the host site for the 15-year-old regional, Umpqua Valley hosting the 14-year-old tournament and Pendleton the site for the 13-year-old tourney.

Information regarding district tournaments is forthcoming. Keep checking the website for current and up-to-date information about all of the area youth baseball teams!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Seaside Wildcats Go 1-4 In First Home Stand

The Seaside Wildcats played at Broadway field for the first time this summer. The Wildcats play in the Pacific International League which is a woodbat summer league made up of college players from all over the country. The Wildcats lost their home opener to the Everett Merchants 5-2. Seaside lead early in the game 2-1 as the Wildcats put two runs on the board in the second inning. With one out and runners on the corners in the bottom of the second Mason Reilly came up to the plate and hit a deep ball to center field. Zack Woodward missed played the ball and two run were able to score for the Wildcats. That would be it for the wildcasts offensivley. The wildcats left seven runners in scoring position for the rest for the game. The Merchants took the lead on back to back solo home runs from Andrew Lefave and Robbie Nelson in the fifth. Everett got one more run in the ninth inning to win it 5-2. It could have been a lot worse for the Wildcats as the Merchants left 17 runners on base. Friday's double header against the Merchants was rained out and a make up date has not be scheduled yet.
The league leading Seattle Studs with a record of 10-1 came to Seaside for a double header on Saturday. They split the double header taking game one 6-2 and falling in game two 6-5. The bats came alive for the Wildcats in the first game as they scored six runs on 10 hits. Andre Marshall lead off the game with a home run to put the studs up 1-0. Marshall went deep on the very first pitch he saw. The Wildcats answered with a run of their own in the first when Aaron Svarthumle doubled and drove in lead off man Robbie Knowles from second base. The game remained tied going into the fifth when Andre Marshall came up with one out and blasted his second home run over right field. That would be it for the Studs offense in game one. Addis O'Conner pitched a complete game went six innings gave up just two runs on six hits walked two and struck out two. The Wildcat offense came alive in the fifth as they scored five runs. Robbie Knowles started the inning off with a walk and then stole second. Aaron Nelson came up and hit a double and scored Knowles from second. Aaron Svarthumle walked and then Matt Hendryx was hit by a pitch. With runners on first and second Mason Reilly hit a single that scored two runs. Then Mike Rector and Rob Hitchens each added one run singles to put the Wildcats up 6-2. Robbie Knowles scored two runs, Aaron Nelson went two for three and scored a run, Aaron Svarthumle went one for four with one run scored and one RBI, Matt Henryx scored one run. Mason Rielly went two for three with two RBI's, and Mike Rector went one for three with one RBI.
The Seattle Studs took game two 6-5. Derek Haner took the hill and ptiched five sold innings for the Wildscats. Seaside took the lead in the first inning. Robbie knowles singled. Aaron Nelson reached on an error. Both runners take a base on a passed ball. With one out the DH Rob Lloyd came and and hit a single that scored Knowles from third. Knowles came up in the third inning and led off the inning a with a solo home run. The Studs answered with a pair of runs to tie the game at two in the fifth inning. With one out lead off hitter Nate Baker walked then stole second. Then Pat Allen flew out to right. The DH Shawn Lindsey smacked a double that drove in Baker from second. Then Tony Capacelli hit a double and scored Lindsey from second. Andre Marshall popped up to third base to end the inning but the Studs got two big runs with two outs. The Wildcats went back on top when they scored a run in the sixth to make it a 3-2 game. Aaron Svarthumle started the sixth off with a single. Rob Lloyd followed and was hit by a pitch. After Rector and Hitchens both flew out short stop Adam White singled and drove in Svarthumle. The Studs again tied the game in the seventh when they scored one run to amke it a 3-3 game. With one out Nate Baker reached on an error by White. Then Patt Allen singled and Baker went to third. Shawn Lindsey popped out to third. With two outs Tony Capacelli hit a single and scored Baker from third. Another big two out hit by Capacelli that scores a run. The wildcasts came right back in the bottom of the seventh and scored two runs. Aaron Svarthumle and Lucas Stelter each hit solo home runs to put the Wildcats back up 5-3. Seattle put up two runs in the eighth to tie the game at five. The Wildcats threatened in the eighth they had bases loaded with one out when Rob Hitchens came home on a squeeze play. Adam White failed to lay down a bunt and Hichens was out at home. White would reach on a fielders choice and Matt Hendryx followed with a single but Lucas Stelter struck out to end the inning. To the ninth we went tied at five. And leading things off was Andre Marshall. Marshall hit two home runs in the first game. On a 2-1 pitch Marshall went deep for the third time of the day. The Wildcats went down one two three in the bottom of the ninth. It was Andre Marshall's solo home run in the top of the ninth that was the difference in game two as Seattle wins it 6-5. For the Wildcats Robbie Knowles went 2-5 and scored two runs, Aaron Svarthumle went 2-5 with a home run and scored two runs, Lucas Stelter went 1-4 with a home run, and Adam White and Rob Lloyd each had and RBI.
The Portland Titans came into on Sunday for one game and looked very good as the beat the Wildcats 9-2. The titans were led by their lefty ace Logan Miller who was already 1-0 against
the WIldcasts this year. Miller went seven innings gave up just one run, struck out six, and only walked two. The Titans got to Wildcats pitcher Matt Young early as they scored two runs in the first. WIth two outs and runners on second and third the DH Doug McGee hit a single that scored two runs. Young would settle down and had things under control until the fifth. The Titans added one in the fourth. After Trevor Womack walked Spencer Omalza came up and hit a triple into right field scoring Womack. In the fifth Young allowed two runs off two hits and walked three batters. Jeff Willis came came in to relieve Young and faced a bases loaded with two outs. Willis got Omalza to pop out to right field on two pitches to end the fifth. The Titans added two more in the eight to go up 9-0. The one bright spot for the Wildcats came in the bottom of the eight when Aaron Svarthumle hit a two run bomb to striaght away center field. That would be it for the Widcats. They finish the day with two runs on three hits.
The Seaside Wildcasts are now 6-9 on the year and 2-6 in the PIL. This week the Wildcats will be at Sckavone Field Wenesday to take on the Pacific Javelinas then they return home:
Friday 7:00 vs Skagit Eagles (9) game will be on 1230 ESPN radio
Saturday 4:00 vs Skagit Eagles (DH 1x7,1x9) game 1 will be on 1230 ESPN radio
Sunday 1:00 vs Portland Titans (DH 1x7, 1x9) game 1 will be on 1230 ESPN radio

LOWER COLUMBIA 10's DROP THREE

The Lower Columbia 10-year-old Cal Ripken All-Stars got an early start in tournament play at Western Longview's weekend invitational at John Null Park.

After one rainy practice, the team played games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday against some tough Washington competition.

Led by three returning players from last year's all-star team, the L.C. All-Stars are coached by Naselle's Matt Scrabeck, with assistance from Joel Strange, Todd Tobey and Del Adams.

Scrabeck's son Sam had a great outing on the mound in L.C.'s final game of the tournament on Saturday, tossing six innings with 13 strikeouts as Lower Columbia and Mason County completed regulation tied at 1-1. In a seventh inning tiebreaker, Mason County was able to score the winning run on a bases loaded walk after starting the inning with a runner at second base.

Scrabeck's Naselle Majors teammate Nick Strange also returns from last year's squad and hard-throwing Trevon Morgan of Knappa Blue Majors also played as a 9-year-old on last year's team.

A total of 13 ten-year-olds played on Cal Ripken Majors teams this year indicating a strong youth movement in the area.

Lower Columbia lost its tournament opener 10-3 on Thursday then dropped a 13-1 decision to a tough-hitting Central Longview squad on Saturday. Coach Scrabeck singled out Danny Adams for offensive and Tyson Burnard for defense during the weekend.

The Lower Columbia 10's will look for their first win as a unit on Saturday when they open a tournament at Dallas' La Creole Complex with a game against Upper Rogue at 8:00 a.m., the first of three games on Saturday.

After another tournament at Hoquiam the weekend before July 4th, Lower Columbia will begin state tournament play at Newberg on July 7th. The Cal Ripken 10-and-under regional tournament will be at Ellensburg later in the month.

Here is the complete roster of the Lower Columbia 10-and-under Cal Ripken All-star team:

Sam Scrabeck (NASELLE MAJORS)
Nick Strange (NASELLE MAJORS)
Trevon Morgan (KNAPPA BLUE MAJORS)
Tyler Tobey (LEWIS & CLARK MAJORS)
Taylor Holthusen (L&C MAJORS)
David Blaylock (LONG BEACH MARINERS)
Hunter Stockfleth (MARINERS)
Bradley Culver (WILCOX & FLEGEL)
Matt Bergerson (W&F)
Danny Adams (GRANADA)
William James (GRANADA)
Tyson Burnard (KNAPPA BLACK)
Andy Miller (alternate-KNAPPA BLACK)
Curtis Bogh (alternate-CLATSOP ELECTRIC)
COACHES: Matt Scrabeck, Joel Strange, Todd Tobey, Del Adams

FISHERMEN TAKE TWO OF THREE

Astoria High School's long winning streak in baseball came to an end this weekend, as the Fishermen won two of three non-league games in the Portland area.

Astoria Ford split a Saturday doubleheader against Milwaukie's AAA Legion team, winning game one 3-0 behind a 3-hit shutout performance by senior pitcher Nick Bredleau. The victory extended Astoria's winning streak to 21 games, dating back to the opening Cowapa League doubleheader in the spring season.

Unfortunately, Astoria was unable to extend its streak into summer. The Fishermen took a 3-2 lead into the final inning of game two following Jordan Poyer's home run, but ended up losing 8-3 after three pitchers struggled with control, walking six around two hits in the final frame. Poyer took the loss after surrendering a hit and a base on balls to start the inning.

On Saturday, juniors Jared Rummell and Hans Lund, who failed to close out Saturday's game on the mound, combined on a strong performance against Taylor Electric in a 12-2 Astoria victory. The Fishermen pounded out 13 hits in the win as Lund had a pair of doubles and Thomas Jaworski hit a 3-run triple. Rummell picked up the win with six strong innings and Lund closed out the seventh.

Astoria returns to the field tomorrow with a non-league home doubleheader against Taft. The first game starts at 5:00 p.m. at Ernie Aiken Field.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

STRONG START FOR L.C. 12's

The Lower Columbia Cal Ripken 12-year-old All-Stars won three of their first four games, with a win over the local 11-year-olds and two wins in three contests against Beaverton teams over the weekend.

Coached by Mike Garcia and assisted by Gary Medina and Pat Harber, the Lower Columbia team is comprised of players from Astoria, Lewis & Clark, Warrenton, Knappa, Long Beach and Naselle.

Lewis & Clark's Conor Harber and Knappa's Dalton Kelly are both veterans of last year's 12-year old squad and will be two of the top pitchers. Harber, a fireballing righthander who runs as fast as he throws, will be the top catcher when not on the mound and will also see time at shortstop. Kelly, a big kid with good hands and a strong bat, will play at the corner infield positions when not toeing the slab.

The team features five players from league champion Lewis & Clark, which defeated Long Beach in the championship game.

The 12-year-olds beat the 11-year-olds 9-to-2 in their first game of the summer season, then went to Beaverton for a tripleheader on Saturday. Lower Columbia defeated the Beaverton 12-year-olds 8-to-6, then came out flat in the second game losing 4-to-1 before finishing the day with an 8-4 win over a Beaverton 11-year-old squad.

Long Beach's Ryan Tapio was a standout at the plate, going 5-for-7, also tossing four shutout innings on the mound and playing solid centerfield. Coach Garcia also singled out Naselle's Trevon Leland for his performance at the plate and in the field and said that Conor Harber had a couple of shots to the outfield that would have been home runs had a fence been in place.

The next tournament action for the Lower Columbia 12-year-old All-Stars comes up this week, with a tournament at Western Longview's John Null Park starting Thursday night and continuing through Sunday.

Here is the roster for the Lower Columbia Cal Ripken 12-year-old All-Stars (all players are 12):

Conor Harber (Lewis & Clark)
Ryan Johnson (L&C)
Dylan Smith (L&C)
Luke Foster (L&C)-played for Seaside last year
Evan Cain (L&C)
Dalton Kelly (Knappa)
Ryan Tapio (Long Beach)
Dylan Garcia (LB)
Dylan Krizan (Astoria)
Bretten Medina (Astoria)
Trevon Leland (Naselle)
Nick Zimmerman (Naselle)
COACHES: Mike Garcia, Gary Medina, Pat Harber

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

ALL-STAR BASEBALL SEASON IS HERE

Check the Last Dam Blog frequently for up-to-date information on Lower Columbia Cal Ripken and Astoria Babe Ruth All-Stars.

The Lower Columbia teams have been selected. Rosters and schedules are coming soon.

The Lower Columbia 10-and-under All-Stars have their first tournament this weekend at Western Longview's beautiful facility at John Null Park. LC plays its first game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday night, then returns to the field Friday at 4:00 p.m. Pool play concludes Saturday with bracket play continuing into the weekend.

The Lower Columbia Cal Ripken All-Star teams are comprised of players from Astoria, Lewis & Clark, Warrenton, Knappa, the Long Beach Peninsula and Naselle. The 10-and-under All-Star team features Naselle's Sam Scrabeck and Nick Strange and Knappa's Trevon Morgan, all veterans of last year's squad.

The 10-and-under team is coached by Matt Scrabeck, with assistants Nick Strange and Todd Tobey.

After this weekend, the LC 10's head to Dallas, Oregon's La Creole Complex for a tournament next weekend, then its off to Hoquiam for another invitational. The state tournament will be in Newberg the weekend of July 7-9 with regionals sited at Ellensburg, Washington later in July.

SOUND OFF!-Clatsop College

Let's hear from you folks!

Should Clatsop College consider adding athletic programs at their new relocated campus?

Could the college be considered anything other than a third-rate "13th grade" institution without athletics?

Click on the comment button to add your thoughts to the discussion.

JUNIOR STATE ROUNDUP

Rainier 11, SEASIDE 10…Billy Zimmerman hit a 3-run home run and had a key RBI double in a 2-run seventh inning as the Columbians came from behind to hand the Gulls their first district loss of the summer season.

Seaside grabbed a big lead early with eight runs in the third inning, seven coming with two outs. The key blow was a 3-run double off the bat of sophomore Jeremy Carow.

Mitch DeGandi got the start on the mound for the Gulls, yielding to fellow senior Sal Oros after surrendering Zimmerman’s 3-run bomb in the fourth inning, when the Columbians trimmed a 10-2 deficit to 10-to-7. Down 10-9 in the seventh inning, Zimmerman cracked an RBI double to tie the game, later scoring the go-ahead run.

Alec Carlson closed the game on the mound and took the loss for Seaside, but went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and a triple. Freshman Erik Knutsen went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

The Columbians also won the non-league second game of the doubleheader 6-to-3, scoring three unearned runs on three Seaside errors in the seventh inning to break a 3-all tie.

The Gulls drop to 3-and-1 in North Coast District play and 5-and-3 overall heading into Thursday’s home matchup with Astoria. Rainier hosts Warrenton on Thursday.

KNAPPA 4, Ilwaco 3…Logger freshman-to-be Cody Strickland pitched four scoreless innings and had the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning as Knappa defeated Ilwaco in a non-league game at Teevin Field Tuesday.

With the game tied at 3, Doug Montgomery was hit by a Ryan Garcia pitch with one out. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Montgomery came around to score the winning run on Strickland’s single to center field, only the fifth hit of the game for the Loggers.

Gary Aho, the fourth Knappa pitcher, picked up the win in relief, facing two batters in the top of the ninth.

The Fishermen rallied to tie the score with two runs in the top of the ninth inning. Senior Anthony Wirkkala led off the inning with a home run to left field off Knappa reliever Maury Dugan, only the second hit of the game for the Fishermen. With one out, freshman Marcus Brown singled and senior Alex Martin followed with a base on balls. Gary Aho took over on the mound and both Brown and Martin were able to advance on stolen bases. Freshman Dylan Bliss struck a line drive to center field for a sacrifice fly, scoring Brown from third with the game-tying run.

Senior Elias Hunsinger started on the mound for Knappa and pitched three hitless innings, allowing an unearned run on a walk and two errors in the second inning. Strickland took over in the third and retired the first eight batters he faced until Ryan Garcia walked with two outs in the seventh inning.

Knappa scored three 1st-inning runs off Ilwaco starter Cody Chalker to take the early lead. Derek Wall led off the game with a walk and scored on Gary Aho’s sacrifice bunt. Brian Andersen followed with an RBI single plating Joe Strickland, who had walked. Andersen went to third on a stolen base and wild pitch, scoring on Montgomery’s RBI single.

The Loggers improved to 1-and-1 overall with the win, while Ilwaco dropped to 0-and-2.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

JUNIOR STATE BASEBALL

After a tough North Coast District opening loss to Seaside last week, the Warrenton Warriors Junior Baseball team bounced back with a doubleheader sweep of visiting Estacada Monday.

The Warriors took game one 10-0 in five innings and completed the sweep with a 12-3 victory in game two to improve to 1-and-2 on the young season.

Eric Gantenbein picked up the mercy rule shutout in game one, scattering five hits with two strikeouts and a walk. Brandon Slaughter delivered a 2-run home run in the second inning and added an RBI single in the fourth. Dan Wolfe had a triple with two RBI's. The Warriors had just six hits to Estacada's five.

The Warrior offense broke loose for 15 hits in the second game, led by Tyler Collier's 4-for-4 performance. The senior-to-be had two doubles and three runs scored. Mike Davis added two hits and a pair of runs batted in and got the start on the mound, pitching the first three innings. Wolfe and Collier split the final four innings, allowing just one hit over that span as the Warriors outhit the Rangers 15-to-3. Wolfe went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, Kevin Moore was 2-for-2 with a double and Slaughter added two more runs batted in for five on the day.

The Warriors head to Rainier for a 4:00 p.m. doubleheader on Thursday. The Columbians visit 5-and-1 Seaside tonight. The Gulls also swept Estacada in a Saturday doubleheader, winning game one 7-1 and taking game two 8-6. The Gulls are off to a 3-and-0 start in district play after beating Warrenton on Tuesday and sweeping a doubleheader at Tillamook Thursday.

Monday, June 12, 2006

WORLD CUP U.S.AIN'T

This is the fourth-ranked team in the world?

A rather pitiful showing for Team U.S.A. in today's World Cup opener in Germany as the Americans fell to the Czech Republic 3-0. In further Group E activity today, Italy takes on Ghana.

Granted, the Czechs are rated behind only powerful Brazil in the 2006 World Cup field, but they made it look easy today. Jan Koller, the Czechs' powerful 6-8 forward scored in the early-going on a header off beautiful service from Tomas Rosicki.

Rosicki would tally later in the half on a brilliant 35-yard slicing rocket just inside the right post out of the reach of the U.S. goalkeeper, North Thurston High graduate Kasey Keller.

Claudio Reyna ripped a shot that deflected off the left post later in the half for the Americans' only legitimate scoring opportunity in the first forty-five minutes.

Rosicki scored again on a breakaway to put the game away with just over ten minutes remaining. Minutes earlier, Landon Donovan and Eddie Johnson nearly connected on a one touch cross into the box from the left side.

Shoddy defense, uninspired play up front and poor ball management characterized a sloppy opening effort from Team U.S.A., which will have another challenge on its hands Saturday against the Italians.

Koller left the match on a cot late in the first half after what appeared to be a right hamstring injury. The injury came with Czech Republic already leading 2-0 and did not cost them. However, Koller's status for the remainder of the tournament is undetermined.

Two teams from each of eight groups of four advance to the second round. Ties after head-to-head competitoni are broken by goal differential, which makes Team U.S.A.'s three goal loss potentially troublesome. Each team plays the others in the group once, recording three points for a win, one point for a tie and zero points in a loss.

Italy is a perennial soccer power, although the Italians are ranked only 18th and are considered vulnerable to an upset from World Cup newcomer Ghana.

SUCCESSFUL SUMMER DEBUT

New colors, new logos, new players...same old result.

The Astoria Ford Fishermen defeated Knappa 12-2 in six innings in the Oregon Junior Baseball summer debut for both teams at Astoria's Ernie Aiken Field Sunday night.

Yet another non-league team ducked the Fishermen as a scheduled contest against Estacada was cancelled. Somehow the visitors from Clackamas county found time to play Seaside on Saturday and are scheduled to play Warrenton today.

Astoria got a combined two-hitter from starting pitcher Nick Bredleau (4 innings, one hit, one unearned run, five strikeouts, no walks) and reliever Mathias Brause (two innings, one hit, one unearned run, five strikeouts, one walk) and big-time production from the top of the batting order.

Sophomore-to-be Jordan Poyer went 2-for-3 with a double, three runs scored and two RBI's in his first appearance since being selected 3rd-team all-state for his spring performance for the state champion Fishermen. Poyer started in right field and moved from seventh to third in the batting order for Astoria.

Brent Culver, a 2nd-team all-state selection this spring, stayed in his familiar center field and leadoff spots. Culver opened the game with a double, later scoring on a balk by Knappa starter Gary Aho. Aho, pitching from the windup with Culver on third base, balked as Culver broke for home on an attempted steal as the Fishermen took a 1-0 lead.

Knappa evened the score in the second inning when Aho singled, went to third on a wild pickoff throw by Bredleau and scored on a Maury Dugan ground out.

Aho had a rough outing in his first start of the summer. The ace of Knappa's new look staff, the lefty junior-to-be struggled mightily with his control in a 3-and-two-thirds innings stint, walking eight Astoria batters. A pair of leadoff walks to Joey Dursse and Adam Koehnke in the second inning turned into two Astoria runs, courtesy of an error and a wild pitch.

A leadoff bunt single by Poyer and a pair of walks loaded the bases with nobody out in the third, but Aho was able to pitch out of the jam. But three more free passes in the fourth inning, coupled with an RBI double by Culver and a run-scoring single by Thomas Jaworski ended Aho's day on the mound as the Fishermen tallied four runs to take a commanding lead.

Culver went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three runs scored and Jaworski had a pair of hits in five at bats. Everybody on the Astoria bench got into the game, which ended on a Joey Dursse double with two outs in the sixth inning, scoring Poyer to give Astoria the ten-run margin of victory.

The Fishermen are off until Thursday when they play at Seaside. Knappa hosts Ilwaco tomorrow.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

2A ALL-STAR BASEBALL SERIES

Knappa's Derek Jacobson played a full game at first base and went 2-for-4 at the plate as the West All-Stars defeated the East 3-2 in game one of a doubleheader at Linfield University in McMinnville.

The East evened the series at a game apiece with a 9-5 victory in game two.

Steven Maki had an RBI for the West squad in game two, as Jacobson, the N.W. League Player Of The Year, got the start on the mound. The OIT-bound lefty allowed four hits and four runs with eight strikeouts and five bases on balls in four innings of work, leaving with the game tied at four. Jacobson went 0-for-2 at the plate in the second game and Maki went 0-for-2 in game one.

The two teams, featuring the top 2A senior talent in Oregon, will play again Sunday. The 3A All-Star Series will be played next weekend at Legion Field in Roseburg.

SLOW FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER SEASON

Not a lot to report from the North Coast District of Junior Baseball. Between state championships, weather and fire, local teams had their first week of games postponed.

Now Saturday's scheduled non-league game between Astoria Ford and Tigard has been cancelled at Tigard's request.

Astoria Ford, the Astoria High School summer squad, will play Estacada Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. in what will be their first action of the summer season. Estacada is here for a long weekend, playing Seaside today, later facing Warrenton in a 4:00 p.m. doubleheader on Monday.

The Astoria Ford team is comprised of the state championship squad minus graduated seniors Kevin Berry, Kye Johnson and Travis Wesely. JV players Mason Brause, Brad Sarpola, Hans Lund and Oscar Carriere joined the team for the playoffs and will be on the summer roster.

Astoria postponed its scheduled opener against Knappa on Tuesday in order to organize and decompress following last Saturday's state championship victory over Sherwood. Thursday's game at Warrenton was postponed due to a controlled burn on an adjoining field and the resulting shutoff of water at Huddleston Field. Knappa's scheduled home game vs. Rainier was postponed due to rain on Thursday.

Friday, June 09, 2006

LAST DAM PLAYLIST

Curious about the music snippets you hear on the show? They all come from Matt's "eclectically challenged" personal library. Here is a rundown of the current "Last Dam Playlist":

"Anytime"-MY MORNING JACKET
"Baby Talk"-DAN BAIRD
"Badlands"-JOE D'URSO & STONE CARAVAN
"Can't Exist"-JOSEPH ARTHUR
"Dancefloors"-MY MORNING JACKET
"Flying Around The Sun With Remarkable Speed"-GIANT SAND
"Friends Forever"-OLD 97'S
"Girls Of Valor"-THE DELGADOS
"Have A Good Sleep"-HOT HOT HEAT
"Jacqueline"-FRANZ FERDINAND
"Jazzy On The Mix"-BUSY BEE
"Jam Back At The House"-JIMI HENDRIX
"Krazy Koz"-MOJAVE 3
"Long Shot"-AIMEE MANN
"Light Of Day"-JOE GRUSHECKY & THE HOUSEROCKERS
"Lit Up (New Version)"-THE NATIONAL
"Let Me Roll It"-ROBYN HITCHCOCK
"Left Behind"-AQUALUNG
"Million Town"-STRANGE CARGO
"On Automatic"-MICHAEL PENN
"Runaway Train"-KASEY CHAMBERS
"Shangri-La"-THE FOUR COINS
"Silver Manhattan"-JESSE MALIN
"Second Option"-CAITLIN CARY & THAD COCKRELL
"Something In You"-ORANGE PEELS
"Theme"-MICHAEL PENN
"The Rumproller"-LEE MORGAN
"The Dreaming Dead"-JESSE SYKES & THE SWEET HEREAFTER
"The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts"-SUFJAN STEVENS
"This Girl Is Taking Bets"-THEA GILMORE
"Turn My Camera On"-SPOON
"Volcano"-DAMIEN RICE
"Vampire Racecourse"-THE SLEEPY JACKSON
"When Our Vows Break"-TOMMY KEENE
"Wedding Song No. 2"-PAPA M
"Written On The Subway Wall"-DION
"Yeah"-LEWIS TAYLOR
"You Hit The Nail On The Head"-FUNKADELIC

Here's what else is in heavy rotation in Richert's CD players (no I-Pod)

Classic Playlist:
"Heart Of The Country"-PAUL & LINDA MCCARTNEY
"Danko/Manuel"-DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
"Pass The Hatchet"-ROGER & THE GYPSIES
"Highway Patrolman"-DAR WILLIAMS
"Surf's Up"-THE BEACH BOYS
"I'll Try Something New"-SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES
"Fire In The Rain"-AGENT ORANGE
"Peaches En Regalia"-FRANK ZAPPA
"Book Of Dreams"-DION
"You"-KLEENEX
"Ghost World"-AIMEE MANN
"Que Sera Sera"-SLY & THE FAMILY STONE

Current Playlist:
"Keep The Dream Alive"-OASIS
"Landed"-BEN FOLDS
"Pink Emerson Radio"-KATHLEEN EDWARDS
"Meteor Shower"-RHETT MILLER
"Secret For A Song"-MERCURY REV
"Diamond In The Mine"-THE BROKEN FAMILY BAND
"The Worst Part Of A Broken Heart"-SHANNON MCNALLY
"Master Of Disaster"-JOHN HIATT
"O'Sailor"-FIONA APPLE
"Lennox Hotel"-AIMEE MANN

SEASIDE WILDCATS-2006 Broadcast Schedule

THU June 15 EVERETT MERCHANTS 7:00 p.m.
FRI June 16 EVERETT MERCHANTS 1:00 p.m.
SAT June 17 SEATTLE STUDS noon
SUN June 18 PORTLAND TITANS 1:00 p.m.
FRI June 23 SKAGIT EAGLES 7:00 p.m.
SAT June 24 SKAGIT EAGLES 4:00 p.m.
SUN June 25 PORTLAND TITANS 1:00 p.m.
FRI July 14 LANGLEY BLAZE 7:00 p.m.
SAT July 15 LANGLEY BLAZE 1:00 p.m.
MON July 24 PACIFIC JAVELINAS 7:00 p.m.
TUE July 25 PACIFIC JAVELINAS 1:00 p.m.
SAT July 29 S.OREGON RIVERDOGS 5:00 p.m.
SUN July 30 S.OREGON RIVERDOGS noon
All home games at Broadway Field in Seaside
All broadcasts on SportsRadio 1230 ESPN
To see entire schedule: http://eteamz.active.com/cbotw/schedules/index.cfm?season=397944&division=3516075&subsite=3516076&league=3515731

BASEBALL TRYOUTS SUNDAY

The North Coast Renegades AAU baseball team will hold tryouts at Astoria's Ernie Aiken Field this Sunday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m. Recent Clatsop/Pacific County high school graduates 18 to 19 years old are eligible. The first game is scheduled for June 26 against Glencoe.

COLLEGE BASEBALL ON THE COAST!

The Pacific International Wood Bat Summer League has begun play and its newest member, the Seaside Wildcats, play their first home game on Thursday, June 15 at Broadway Field.

The Wildcats, formerly based in Portland, are comprised of players from a variety of 2- and 4-year colleges, including a pair of recent Seaside High School graduates. Catcher Matt Hendryx (class of 2003) just completed his junior season at Pacific University of Forest Grove by being named to the All-Northwest Conference second team. Daniel Terranova (class of '05) is a hard throwing righthanded pitcher who played for Clackamas Community College this past spring. Concordia College righthander Kyle Corwin (Neah-Kah-Nie class of '04) is another name familiar to North Coast sports fans. Seaside High School head coach Joel Dierickx will assist head coach Gerald Bolden.

The Wildcats' season commenced with a road trip to California in late May and continues through the end of July.

Other teams in the league include the Portland Titans, Pacific (Portland) Javelinas, Seattle Studs, Everett Merchants, Skagit (Mount Vernon) Eagles and Langley, BC Blaze.

SportsRadio 1230 ESPN will broadcast 13 home games this season, beginning with Thursday's home opener against the Everett Merchants at 7:00 p.m. The play-by-play voice of Wildcats baseball is Tom Kolker with Matt Richert on color commentary. All home games will be played at Seaside's Broadway Field.