Lightning, Wrong Call Do in Lyle's 7-6

Lyle's Family Barbershop Kid Pitch baseball team fell 7-6 to Diepholz in a weather-shortened game on Monday, May 24, 2010, leaving them with a 4-3 record for the season.

Lyle's had momentum back on their side as they had just scored 3 runs to move within 1 of Diepholz when lightning was seen in the distance and the game was called in the top of the sixth.

Bad weather was not the only thing that went against Lyle's that evening: a wrong call that benefitted Diepholz also ended up proving to be very costly. Garrett Branson of Diepholz was at third base with no outs in the top of the fourth inning when he attempted to go home on a passed ball. Stealing home or coming in on a wild pitch or passed ball is not allowed in this league, so Branson was tagged as he started walking back towards third base. He should have been ruled out immediately, but the umpires ruled the play a dead ball, and they allowed Branson to stay at third. He then scored when Conor Branson singled him home 2 batters later. And that was the difference in the game.

As unfortunate as that was, however, what really hurt Lyle's the most was they took too many strikes at the dish, which led to far too many strikeouts and far too few hits. All in all, Lyle's struck out 9 times in 5 innings with 4 of these being called third strikes.

Garrett Jones led off the game for Diepholz. Jones hit the 0-2 delivery from Preston Hayes to third baseman Syrus Sears whose throw to first was wide, allowing Jones to reach safely. Jones stole second and third base before coming home on a groundout that went pitcher to first base. Garrett Branson singled into left, stole second and third, and then he, too, scored on a single hit off of the bat of Brayton Sparrow. Conor Branson flew out to right center fielder DeAndre Thomas for out number 2, and Keagan Rhodes popped out to shortstop to end the inning.

Preston Hayes led off the bottom of the first by driving the ball deep into right center field for extra bases. As Hayes rounded first he ran into first baseman Garrett Branson who was standing in the basepath. The umpire signaled obstruction, and Hayes continued towards second base. When the obstruction occurred the ball was beyond the right center fielder and at the fence, and the umpire ruled that Hayes was only allowed second base on the play. Unbelievable! When asked for an explanation as to why he was not allowed third base at the very minimum, the umpire would not provide any reason, just saying second was all he was allowed.

Hayes stole third base and he came home on a grounder hit by Donovan Ferguson as the shortstop made a very good play to his left in the hole, robbing Donovan of a base hit. Quinn Camfield singled and stole both second and third, and he came home on a single hit by DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas. Thomas had a stolen base and was joined at first by Konour "Slammer" Smith, who was issued a free pass. Julian Harshbarger and Dakota Vasquez both went down swinging to end the first inning with the score tied 2-2.

Hayes had a good second inning on the mound for Lyle's as he struck out 3 batters while issuing one walk. Lyle's was able to capitalize and they took the lead with a 2 out rally. Isaac Ray and Sam Owen both struck out, but Syrus Sears hit a single into left. Preston Hayes followed with a triple into right center field, but he was stranded as Donovan Ferguson's blast into center field was hauled down, ending the second.

Donovan Ferguson had a good pitching performance in the top of the third, striking out the first two batters he faced and then inducing an inning-ending groundout to second baseman Isaac Ray. Unfortunately for Lyle's, however, they did not take advantage of the momentum, and they went down in order in their half of the inning, leaving the score 3-2 in favor of Lyle's. Quinn Camfield popped up to pitcher Gavin Bennett, and both DeAndre Thomas and Konour Smith were strikeout victims, bringing on the disastrous top of the fourth.

Donovan Ferguson walked Gavin Bennett, bringing up Garrett Branson. Branson singled into left center field. Bennett attempted to take third base on the play, and the throw from Quinn Camfield in left center to third baseman Julian Harshbarger was right on the money. Bennett went way towards the pitcehr's mound to avoid the tag of Harshbarger before racing towards second, and Harshbarger hung onto the ball just a tad bit too long. He threw it towards second and Bennett reversed course and ran back towards third base as no one for Lyle's was covering. Bennett most likely should have been called out for running out of the baseline to avoid the tag, but he was not. Still, the defensive breakdown with nobody covering third should not have happened, and Bennett was perched safely at third base as Branson took second on the play.

Things did not get any better for Lyle's as Brayton Sparrow stood at the plate. Sparrow fell behind 0-2 before hitting a slow roller to third base. Harshbarger attempted a play on the runner at the plate, and both the runners and Sparrow were safe and the score was tied. Had Bennett been called out for running out of the base line, Sparrow would have been thrown out at first and Lyle's still would have been holding a 1 run lead. The first pitch to the next batter, Conor Branson, was in the dirt, and Sparrow stole second. Branson attempted to come home, which is not allowed, and he was tagged out as he walked back towards third. It was then that the umpires ruled incorrectly that it was a dead ball, and Branson scored on the next pitch as Branson singled into left, moving Sparrow to third. So instead of being out of the inning with no runs allowed if Lyle's would have received correct calls, Diepholz held a 4-3 lead with nobody out and runners at the corners. Ferguson got Keagan Rhodes to groundout short to first, driving in Sparrow from third. Ferguson then finished strong by striking out the next 2 batters, Mason Campbell and T. J. Rappe. The damage was done, however, and Lyle's was on the short end of a 5-3 score.

The hitting woes continued for Lyle's in the bottom of the fourth as Julian Harshbarger, Isaac Ray and Sam Owen all struck out. Dakota Vasquez had a 1 out walk, but he was left stranded at first.

Preston Hayes was back on the mound in the top of the fifth inning, striking out Aron Emerick to start things off. Alex Platz was then issued a full count walk, but Hayes was able to catch Dawson Sikorski looking for out number 2. Jacob Brown, however, was granted a full count base on balls to place runners at first and third as Platz had swiped second and third during the at-bat of Sikorski. Brown stole second and he scored on the ball hit to shortstop Quinn Camfield, whose throw sailed up the line towards the plate, allowing both Platz and Brown to reach home safely. In Camfield's defense it appeared the runner at second running to third interfered with the play, making no attempt to avoid the throw, although that would have been a tough call to make in that situation. Gavin Bennett ended the inning as Isaac Ray made a very good play on Bennett's sharply hit grounder between second and first, easily throwing out the runner.

The bats woke up for Lyle's as the bottom of the fifth rolled around. Syrus Sears grounded out to first base unassisted for out number 1. Preston Hayes walked on 4 pitches, and Donovan Ferguson had an infield single to the second baseman. Quinn Camfield singled home Hayes, and Ferguson scored on a very good base running play as he was able to slide under the tag as DeAndre Thomas grounded out pitcher to first for out number 2. Konour Smith tripled down the right field line, plating Camfield, but Julian Harshbarger grounder out second to first to end the frame. It was as the teams were just beginning to play in the top of the sixth inning with Camfield pitching for Lyle's that lightning was seen in the east and the game was called with Lyle's on the losing side of a 7-6 score.

Lyle's "Slams" Pagliacci's 16-3

The Lyle's Family Barbershop Kid Pitch baseball team came out with hungry bats and served up a "Grand Salami" sandwich to Pagliacci's Pizza, defeating them 16-3 on Friday, May 21, 2010. The win upped Lyle's record to 4-2.

Konour Smith, recipient of the game ball, delivered the big blast of the evening as he came to bat in the top of the third inning with the bases loaded. Smith turned on a 3-1 fastball offering from pitcher Taylor Seward, sending it high and deep into right field as it one-hopped to the fence. Smith was able to touch home easily way ahead of the relay throw as he chased 3 of his teammates around the bases.

Things started out slowly for the gold and black shirted Lyle's squad as they only managed to score 1 run in the top of the first. Preston Hayes singled into right field and Donovan Ferguson followed by legging out an infield single of his own. Quinn Camfield popped out to catcher for out number 1, bringing in Julian Harshbarger. Harshbarger drove in Hayes from third with an RBI infield single as Donovan Ferguson beat the throw to second. Konour Smith walked on a 3-1 offering that was low and in the dirt to load the bases, and Isaac Ray had a swinging but that the catcher was able to field and tag out Ferguson racing in from third for out number 2. Dakota Vasquez grounded back to the pitcher who threw to first for out number 3.

Quinn Camfield started pitching for Lyle's in the bottom of the first. Jack Pilson had an infield hit between shortstop and third base, and he quickly moved into scoring position by promptly stealing second base. Camfield lost Tito Garcia, walking him on 5 pitches. Marcus Livingston was frozen and caught looking at strike 3 as Camfield's knuckleball floated into the strike zone for out number 1. Justus Donaldson whiffed as he tried to connect on a strike 3 knuckleball that danced like a butterfly blown upon the breeze for out number 2. Jordan Easton walked on 4 pitches to load the bases but Camfield was able to pitch out of the jam by getting Alex Stricklin to stand mesmerized with his bat on his shoulder as 1, 2, and 3 knuckleballs floated in for called strikes.

The bats came alive for Lyle's in the top of the second as Syrus Sears led off with a single into right. Sam Owen walked to join Sears on base, and they both pulled off the double steal to move up to second and third base. Preston Hayes had an RBI single to plate Sears and Donovan Ferguson followed suit by hitting his own RBI single, again of the infield variety as Owen came in to score from third. Quinn Camfield knocked in Hayes with the third consecutive single and fourth hit of the inning, but Julian Harshbarger, Konour Smith and Isaac Ray all struck out to end the rally, but the damage was done and Lyle's led 4-0.

Camfield was back on the mound in the bottom of the second inning, striking out both Mason Phipps and Jed Eaton on knuckleballs. Devon Reeley walked on a full count fastball that sailed high and wide, as did Evan Plush. Taylor Seward, however, became the sixth strikeout victim of Camfield and, you guessed it, he was victimized by a knuckleball that he flailed at and missed.

Lyle's broke it open in the top of the third inning as Dakota Vasquez got things going by drawing a leadoff walk. Vasquez stole second and Sam Owen was walked for the second time in 2 plate appearances. Both runners moved up as they pulled off the double steal, and the bases were loaded as Preston Hayes joined them on base by drawing a walk himself. Donovan Ferguson saw the ducks on the pond and he jumped on the first pitch he saw. Unfortunately, it was out of the strike zone so Ferguson was only able to foul the pitch back. He again swung at a pitch out of the zone before he eventually took strike 3 for out number 1. Quinn Camfield walked to drive in Vasquez and Harshbarger walked to drive in Owen, bringing up Konour Smith. Smith worked the count full before smashing a pitch that was high and outside deep into right field for a bases clearing grand slam, making the score 10-0. Since Smith was the sixth run of the inning, the inning came to a close.

Dakota Vasquez took over pitching duties in the bottom of the third. Bryson Sullivan struck out for out number 1, but Jack Pilson walked on 4 pitches. Vasquez lost Tito Garcia as his full count pitch went wide, and Marcus Livingston drove in both Pilson and Garcia with a 2 run double into right field. Justus Donaldson was walked but when Livingston and Donaldson attempted the double steal catcher Konour Smith threw out Livingston at third as Julian Harshbarger got the tag down for out number 2. Jordan Easton and Alex Stricklin both walked to load the bases, but Vasquez was able to end the bases loaded jam by striking out Mason Phipps.

Isaac Ray walked on 4 pitches to start the fourth inning, but he was called out attempting to steal second base when he avoided the tag of the shortstop. However, the umpire called him out anyway, claiming Ray had run out of the baseline, even though he could have fallen on top of the bag. He was nowhere near being over 3 feet out of the baseline, which is what the rule states. Be that as it may, Lyle's had nobody on and 1 out as Dakota Vasquez stood at the dish, and he, too was walked on 4 pitches. Syrus Sears went down swinging for out number 2. Sam Owen drove in Vasquez who had stolen second and third, and Preston Hayes walked to join Owen on the bases. Donovan Ferguson hit a ball deep into left field that tall grass and good hustle from the left fielder kept from being a home run, and Ferguson stood perched at third with a 2 run triple. Camfield walked and stole second, and Julian Harshbarger had a really good at-bat in which he battled for a 7 pitch walk to load the bases. Konour Smith came to the plate and the outfield moved back to stand just in front of the fence, but this time Smith was walked for his fifth RBI of the game, plating Ferguson. Isaac Ray and Dakota Vasquez both drew base on balls free passes to finish the scoring as Lyle's tacked on their second consecutive 6 run inning.

Donovan Ferguson went to the mound in the bottom of the fourth, giving up a single to leadoff hitter Jed Eaton. Eaton stole second and third and Devon Reeley walked. Ferguson caught Evan Plush looking for out number 1, but Taylor Seward singled in Eaton. Bryson Sullivan struck out on 3 pitches for out number 2, bringing Jack Pilson and the top of the order to the plate for Pagliacci's. Lyle's had a pitching change as Isaac Ray was brought in from his second base position to finish the game. Ray is the youngest member of the team, and he was the last on the squad to pitch in a real game. Ray did quite well in his debut on the mound. He went full to Pilson before losing him, but he got Tito Garcia to ground out to shortstop Preston Hayes, who fielded the grounder and ran to second base for the unassisted putout.

Although league rules specifically forbid an opposing team from deliberately walking a batter, it seems to me that Quinn Camfield has been getting walked intentionally. Because of that, I gave him permission to swing at 3-0 offerings, even if they were out of the strike zone. To this Camfield complied, and he did so on both his third and fourth plate appearances. He also was given the green light to swing at a 3-1 pitch out of the strike zone, but in both plate appearances Camfield chose to take a walk for the team instead. To show just how much of a team player Camfield is, he also gave up his catching spot he was scheduled to do in the bottom of the fourth inning, letting Julian Harshbarger take his spot. Harshbarger is one of three kids who are "playing up," meaning they are eligible to play in machine pitch baseball due to their young age. The other 2 are Donovan Ferguson and his cousin, Isaac Ray. But Camfield showed just what a great teammate he is by understanding that it would be good experience for Harshbarger to catch, especially in a game that was out of reach, so he volunteered to let Harshbarger go behind the plate. Camfield has also been seen trying to teach his teammates how to throw his great knuckleball pitch. Camfield has been an exemplary player and the epitome of a great teammate all season.

Our Loving Father

An interesting assignment would be to write your own epitaph. What would it say? For those who are outside of Jesus Christ and living in rebellion due to their disobedience to follow His gospel plan of salvation, they have no hope for any enduring epitaph for good, for those outside of Christ have no hope of eternal life. But for those of us who are in Jesus Christ we alone are able to have that “…peace of God, which passes all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7). Why? Because only those who are clothed in the garments of the Savior (Galatians 3:27) have hope of eternity spent with the Creator of the universe, for they alone are no longer considered to be enemies of God (James 4:4)! In fact, we have such a loving and forgiving God that not only are we no longer considered His enemy, we are considered His children! We have been adopted as His sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5), and we can call out to Him as our “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15). But He does not even stop there, which was more than we could have hoped for. No, our Father is so loving, He is so kind, He is so merciful, and He is so gracious that He makes us joint-heirs with His one and only truly begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and as His children we, too, can share in the glorification of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17)!

Those who understand what it is to have their relationship restored with their Creator no longer see Him as an angry, vengeful Judge, but as a tender, loving Benefactor for all of mankind who are lost and sundered from their Great Shepherd.

Many people today, particularly those who are caught up in the New Age movements, speak of Mother Nature as the cause and effect of all that comes upon them in this life. But if our eye is fixed upon the Person of Jesus Christ we will see Him as He is on the throne of God as King of kings and Lord of lords. We will understand truly that God is sovereign, and He is in control.

David wrote in Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

What assurance and what comfort for those who seek the Lord and His will are found within these six verses!

May the Lord bless you and your family!

Lyle's Falls to El Vaquero 7-6

In one of the best played games of the year, Lyle's Family Barbershop came up short, losing 7-6 to El Vaquero on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in walk off fashion. The loss drops Lyle's record to 3-2.

The setting sun seemed to be a factor early on as it shone in the eyes of the hitters for the first two innings as both teams stood deadlocked at 0-0. In the top of the third Lyle's plated 4 runs to take the lead. Konour Smith struck out on 3 pitches to start the inning, but Sam Owen took a 3-1 fastball into right field for a single. Leadoff hitter Donovan Ferguson lined a double down the left field line, putting runners at second and third. Dakota Vasquez struck out for out number 2, bringing up Quinn Camfield. Camfield was the starting pitcher for Lyle's, pitching 3 solid innings of no-hit baseball. Camfield drove a 3-0 fastball into deep left field for a double, driving in both Owen and Ferguson. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas singled home Camfield. Following back-to-back walks of Syrus Sears and Julian Harshbarger, Isaac Ray hit an RBI infield single to complete the scoring with Lyle's holding a 4-0 lead after 3 innings of play.

Lyle's had a great opportunity to tack on more runs in the top of the fourth, but they let the opportunity slip through their fingers, scoring 1 lone tally. Sam Owen popped out to the first baseman before Donovan Ferguson walked. Ferguson stole both second and third before coming home to roost on a single by Dakota Vasquez. Vasquez stole second to get himself into scoring position for Quinn Camfield, but Camfield was issued a pass as the full count fastball from James Phillippi was low and outside. Camfield and Vasquez pulled off the double steal to place two runners in scoring position for DeAndre Thomas, and it looked like magic would strike again off the bat of "Mr. Clutch," but his line drive up the middle was caught by the pitcher for out number 2. Syrus Sears struck out swinging to bring the inning to a close with Lyle's on top 5-0.

El Vaquero took advantage as the momentum swung in their favor as they rallied for 6 runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 6-5 lead. Konour Smith went to the mound, losing the full count battle to Dallas Boyer, as Boyer to first base on the free pass to start the inning. Jackson Clark hit a ball back to Smith, but his brief moment of indecision cost him as his throw to first base was late, allowing the hustling Clark to reach safely. Dalton Armes doubled in Boyer from second, putting runners at second and third. Rickey "Bobby" Farmer struck out for out number 1, but Kaleb South also was walked on a 3-2 count, loading the bases. Luke Hardy smashed a 3-1 delivery deep into right center field for a 3 run triple, making the score 5-4. James Phillippi had an infield single to tie the score at 5 runs each, and Alic Bianco followed by receiving a free pass. Joe Beadles was hit by a pitch to load the bases and when Myles Woodard walked on 4 pitches, the inning came to a close with Lyle's now trailing 6-5.

Neither team was able to do any damage in the firfth inning. Lyle's tied the score at 6 runs apiece in the top of the sixth inning, but they really let another big run scoring opportunity get away. Preston Hayes, who had missed the first 4 innings of the game due to a Project Extra play at school, led off with an infield single. Donovan Ferguson hit his second double of the game, and Dakota Casquez walked on 4 pitches to load the bases. Quinn Camfield drove the first pitch he saw from Dalton Armes hard but foul over the third base dugout. The count moved to 3 balls and 1 strike when Camfield hit a hard shot towards center for what looked like at least a bases-clearing double, but the ball took a really weird hop that shortstop Dallas Boyer was able to spear, forcing Vasquez at second as Hayes scored from third. DeAndre Thomas struck out for out number 2, and Syrus Sears was out on a close play at first to end the inning.

Preston Hayes, who pitched the fifth inning, striking out the side while walking one batter, resumed pitching duties for Lyle's in the bottom of the sixth. Dalton Armes led off by striking out, but Rickey "Bobby" Farmer walked on a full count as Hayes' fastball was just low. Kaleb South and Luke Hardy also walked to load the bases. The outfield players were moved onto the infield to help get a play at the plate, but the 2-1 offering from Hayes sailed inside to batter James Phillippi, plunking him on the shoulder to drive in Farmer from third with the winning run.

Quinn Camfield was awarded the game ball for his 3 innings of no-hit pitching and for driving in the first 2 runs of the game.

In Defense of Stay At Home Mothers

We have all heard these statistics until we have become immune to them: America has the highest divorce rate of any free country in the world; over one million abortions are performed each year; only sixty percent of our children are growing up in a nuclear family; teen pregnancies; crime; murder; suicide; and all types of abuses are on the rise and the list goes on and on. It does not take a rocket scientist to conclude that there is something very wrong with our society.

The blame can rightfully be placed in many directions. Included in these would be the devaluing of motherhood in America. I am here before you to encourage our young mothers to never forsake motherhood for money. Do not miss motherhood for a career. Too many today will try and discourage you from being a stay at home mother. I am here to encourage you in your efforsts, for the Lord will smile upon you.

It is unfortunate that with the rise of feminism during the latter half of the last century came the demise of stay at home mothers. Stay at home mothers are God’s plans for the family, and women who choose to be the godly women their Lord desires are increasingly coming under attack from those forces under the control of Satan who seek at every opportunity to undermine the home.

Covetousness is what keeps most Christian families from following the pattern for the home established by God in His holy word, and it is this covetousness that has harmed the children the most.

In writing to Titus regarding the duties of men and women, the Apostle Paul stated, 3. Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, 4. and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5. to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited. 6. Likewise urge the younger men to control themselves. 7. Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, 8. and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (Titus 2:3-8 [RSV])

I am proud of the wonderful job our own stay at home mothers here at Lake Land are doing with their children. I encourage each and every one of you to continue down this godly path, and remain the type of mother spoken of in God’s holy word.

May God bless all of you mothers and godly women, and may the Lord continue to send us godly women!

Lyle's Walks Off With 14-11 Voctory Over Lee's Famous Recipe

The Lyle's Family Barbershop Kid Pitch boys' baseball team bounced back from their previous day's loss with a 14-11 walk off victory over Lee's Famous Recipe. Lyle's record now stands at 3-1.

Preston Hayes started for Lyle's, walking Tyler Barr on a full count fastball. Drew Wick followed and reached on an error by first baseman DeAndre Thomas, moving Barr to second. Barr tried to take third as the pitch to Jacob Spitz eluded catcher Dakota Vasquez, who gathered the ball and fired to third baseman Syrus Sears. Sears threw to second baseman Donovan Ferguson, who chased the runner towards third before tossing the ball to shortsop Quinn Camfield, who chased Barr back towards second base. Camfield's throw to Ferguson reversed Barr again, and Ferguson threw back to third baseman Syrus Sears, who tagged out Barr for out number 1. Just a typical, 2-5-4-6-4-5 putout you see every day!

Spitz drew a walk to join Wick on the base path, as Wick had taken second on the rundown of Barr. Camdyn Considine reached as first baseman Thomas committed his second error of the inning, and when Considine tried to take second as the ball skittered away, Donovan Ferguson tracked the ball down, fired to shortstop Quinn Camfield, who tagged out the sliding Considine at the bag. Both Wick and Spitz scored on the play. Jacob Ghere followed with a single into right field, and he promptly stole second and third base, bringing up Zach Shores, who struck out swinging to end the top of the first.

The top of Lyle's batting order really came though as the first 4 batters reached base safely 15 times in 16 plate appearances. Donovan Ferguson led off with an infield single and he moved into scoring position as he stole second base on the first pitch to Preston Hayes. Hayes tripled into deep right center field, driving in Ferguson from second. Quinn Camfield singled into right to tie the game at 2 runs apiece, bringing DeAndre Thomas to the platter. Thomas grounded into a fielder's choice as the second baseman's throw to shortstop just nipped Camfield as he slid hard into second base. Thomas reached third following two stolen bases, and Syrus Sears joined him on the bases by drawing a walk to bring up Julian Harshbarger. Harshbarger was very patient at the plate, and he was soon facing pitcher Zach Shores with a 3-0 count. Shores tried to throw a fastball by Harshbarger, but the ball was definitely in Harshbarger's wheelhouse as he turned on the pitch, sending the offering deep into left field for a 2 run triple. Dakota Vasquez made an adjustment in the batter's box by moving a half-step closer to the plate, and it looked as if he was going to follow Harshbarger's triple with one of his own, but Vasquez' blast was hauled in for out number 2 as Harshbarger remained at third. Isaac Ray struck out looking to end the inning with Lyle's on top 4-2.

Syrus Sears took the mound for the first time for Lyle's in the top of the second, but the butterflies seemed to get the better of him this time around as he walked the bases loaded. (He will get another try on the mound.) Quinn Camfield picked his teammate up, though, and he came in to relieve Sears with the bases loaded and nobody out. Camfield walked the first batter he faced to make the score 4-3 before striking out Kyler McGehee as McGehee whiffed on a full count knuckle ball offered up by Camfield. Camfield caught Dalton Calhoun looking at a strike 3 fastball, bringing up the top of the order for Lee's. Camfield's full count fastball looked good but it was called ball 4, tying the score as Josh Blood was forced home. Drew Wick then grounded out to shortstop Preston Hayes unassisted for out number 3.

Lyle's took the lead in the bottom of the second, scoring 3 runs to make the score 7-4. Konour Smith lined out hard to shortstop for out number 1, bringing up Sam Owen. Owens had been dropped in the order because it appeared he was pressuring himself and swinging at too many pitches out of the strike zone, so it was thought that dropping him in the order would help him to relax at the plate. Although Owen struck out in his first plate appearance, the strategy seemed to work, as will be seen shortly. Donovan Ferguson started the 2 out rally by drawing a walk and stealing second. Preston Hayes had an infield single, moving Ferguson to third. Quinn Camfield walked to load the bases, bringing the 2 out specialist to the plate, DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas. Thomas hit a grounder between short and third, and the throw to the plate was too late to catch the speedy runner Ferguson who was racing in from third. The throw skipped by the catcher and Preston Hayes was able to score all the way from second as Camfield took third. Syrus Sears and Julian Harshbarger both walked to load the bases, but Dakota Vasquez took strike 3 to end the inning.

Sam Owen took over pitching duties in the top of the third. Jacob Spitz popped out to third baseman Syrus Sears on the first pitch for out number 1. Camdyn Considine followed by being issed a 4 pitch free pass. Considine stole second and third and he scored on the groundout to second baseman Dakota Vasquez off the bat of Jacob Ghere. Zach Shores singled hard into right field, just beating the throw to first from right fielder Julian Harshbarger. Logan Winn drew a full count walk following a steal of second by Shores, placing runners at first and second. Josh Blood hit a towering fly ball over the head of left fielder DeAndre Thomas for a 2 run triple, tying the score at 7-7. Owen showed excellent composure, though, as he struck out Trey Maulding with a full count fastball.

Isaac Ray took the first 3 pitches for strikes to start the bottom of the third, but Konour Smith followed with a clean single into right center field. Sam Owen came to the plate and he drove the first pitch he saw deep into right center field, but the ball hung up just long enough for the right center fielder for Lee's to corral it for out number 2. Owen's bat was definitely back! Donovan Ferguson, in an exceptional at-bat in which he spoiled 2 full count pitches on the corner before drawing a walk, joined Smith on the bases. They executed the double steal to perfection, and the bases were loaded as Preston Hayes worked a full count before being issued a base on balls. Quinn Camfield had an infield hit that turned into a double as the trio of Ferguson, Hayes and Camfield just kept running, giving Lyle's a 9-7 lead. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas singled up the middle with 2 outs yet again to drive in Hayes and Camfield, giving Lyle's an 11-7 lead. Syrus Sears went down swinging to end the bottom of the third.

Julian Harshbarger got the start for the top of the fourth. Harshbarger walked Shane Ghere, but Kyler McGehee grounded out second to first as Dakota Vasquez fielded the ball cleanly, throwing out the runner to first baseman Quinn Camfield. Dalton Calhoun reached as the comebacker to Harshabarger was fielded, but his throw to first was wide and sailed into right field. Camfield hurt his arm when he retrieved the ball and threw it back into the infield. Ghere scored on the play and Calhoun took second. Tyler Barr was called out on strikes for out number 2 and Drew Wick grounded out pitcher to first to end the top of the fourth. Lyle's went down in order in their half of the inning, and the score stood at 11-8 Lyle's after 4 innings of play.

Donovan Ferguson took over pitching duties as the fifth inning rolled around, and Jacob Spitz singled into right center field. Spitz stole second, getting himself into scoring position. Ferguson handled the hard hit ball hit off the bat of Camdyn Considine for out number 1 as Spitz moved to third. Jacob Ghere singled into center field to drive in Spitz, and it appeared Ferguson would get out of the inning with no further damage as Zach Shores hit a grounder to shortstop for an easy double play. However, the normally sure-handed Hayes let the ball get under his glove, and runners were now at first and second with still just 1 out. Logan Winn drove a fastball from Ferguson into deep center field for a 2 run triple. Ferguson lost the next batter as pitch number 7 to Josh Blood was just off the plate, bringing in Trey Maulding. Hayes reprieved himself for his earlier miscue, really picking up his team in the process as he caught a popup of Trey Maulding, doubling up Josh Blood at second base. Blood had stolen second on the previous pitch, and it appeared the ball was over the head of Hayes when it came off the bat. But Hayes' excellent unassisted defensive double play sparked his team to the walkoff victory!

Konour Smith led off with a walk to start the bottom of the fifth, and Sam Owen's bat, now alive and furious, hit a 1 and 1 pitch fastball deep into left field for the what proved to be the game winning RBI. Owen stole third with Donovan Ferguson at bat, and Ferguson walked again, but he was caught in a rundown as he tried to sneak an extra base following the walk, getting thrown out 6-3-4-3 on the play. Preston Hayes walked, and Quinn Camfield tripled home Owen and Hayes to make the score 14-11. DeAndre Thomas and Syrus Sears walked to load the bases as the game was called due to time.

Julian Harshbarger was awarded the game ball for his fine pitching and hitting.

Lyle's Takes It on the Chin, Loses 11-9 to Subway

The Lyle's Family Barbershop Kid Pitch baseball team suffered their first loss of the season, losing to a strong Subway team 11-9 on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Their record now stands at 2-1.

The boys in gold and black seemed a bit unprepared for play as the first inning began. Pitcher Quinn Camfield walked the leadoff hitter for Subway, Jacob Watson, losing him as his full count fastball sailed high and wide. Nickolas Redfern was called out on strikes for out number 1, bringing Chase Monroe to the dish as Watson stole second. Camfield was ahead in the count 0-2 before Monroe singled the 2 strike knuckleball into the right side of the field, scoring Watson for the first run of the game. The out could have been made, but first baseman Konour Smith broke towards second base to field the batted ball, and there was no one to cover first as second baseman Donovan Ferguson fielded the ball. Monroe swiped second with Mitchell Kremer batting, and Kremer also had a fluke single, scoring Monroe to make the score 2-0 Subway. Kremer stole second and third base, but he was picked off third base in a rundown for out number 2. Camfield then struck out Gabe Eickberg looking to end the inning.

Donovan Ferguson started things off with a bang, driving a 1 ball, no strike fastball into left field for a leadoff double. Preston Hayes had an infield single to the shortstop, and with excellent base-running Ferguson was able to take third on the play. Hayes stole second but Quinn Camfield went down swinging for out number 1. Syrus Sears had an RBI groundout second to first as Ferguson scored to make it 2-1 in favor of Subway. Sam Owen struck out to end the bottom of the first.

Quinn Camfield held Subway scoreless in the top of the second, striking out the side looking. Lyle's stormed ahead in their half of the second, scoring 4 runs to take a 5-2 lead. Isaac Ray started the rally by drawing a full count walk. He stole second and went to third on a groundout pitcher to first baseman off the bat of DeAndre Thomas. Dakota Vasquez doubled into left scoring Ray from third. Julian Harshbarger followed with a single, moving Vasquez to third. Vasquez scored on a Konour Smith smash into left. Donovan Ferguson struck out for out number 2, and Preston Hayes drove both Harshbarger and Smith in on a double up the middle. Quinn Camfield's nubber off the end of his bat was fielded by the Subway third baseman whose throw just nipped Camfield at first base, ending the rally.

Konour Smith took over pitching in the top of the third for Lyle's and he struggled with his command, walking the first 3 batters he faced. Smith struck out Jerry Stewart for out number 1, but he lost Jacob Watson on 4 pitches as Riley Lawson crossed the plate to make the score 5-3. Nickolas Redfern hit a shot back to pitcher Smith who threw to first baseman Camfield, who was playing in. Camfield fired to catcher Donovan Ferguson who tagged out Eli Lunsford at the plate for out number 2. Chase Monroe had an RBI single to make the score 5-4 Lyle's, bringing up cleanup hitter Mitchell Kremer. Kremer served up the big hit of the game, turning on 2-1 offering from Smith and driving the ball deep into right field for a grand slam, givng Subway an 8-5 lead.

Syrus Sears stuck out looking to start the bottom of the third, and Sam Owens was walked. Owens stole second and third base as Isaac Ray was called out on strikes. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas smashed a 3-1 fastball deep into left field for a run scoring triple. Dakota Vasquez was walked and stole second, but he and Thomas were both stranded as Julian Harshbarger struck out to end the rally.

Preston Hayes was on the mound for Lyle's in the top of the fourth inning, but he also struggled to find the strike zone, walking the first 3 batters he faced. Hayes struck out Dylan Shull for out number 1, but Coby Comstock walked, driving in Gabe Eickberg from third. Riley Lawson had an RBI groundout to first baseman Camfield, and Hayes sruck out Eli Lunsford looking for out number 3 with the score now 10-6 in favor of Subway.

Lyle's did not give up, however, and they made a game of it, scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the fourth to make the score 10-9. Konour Smith singled and stole second and third, bringing up the top of the order. Donovan Ferguson struck out on 3 pitches before Preston Hayes was walked on 4. Quinn Camfield reached on a single to load the bases. Syrus Sears drew a 4 pitch walk to drive in Smith from third. Sam Owen went down swinging for out number 2, but Isaac Ray picked his teammate up as he was issued a bases loaded free pass to drive in Hayes. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas also walked, but the rally came to a close as Dakota Vasquez was nipped at first base to end the bottom of the fourth inning.

Quinn Camfield was touched for 1 run in the top of the fifth as walks came back to haunt the Lyle's pitching staff. Jacob Simpson was issued a full count walk, but Camfield caught Jerry Stewart gazing as a full count fastball was taken for strike 3. Jacob Watson struck out for out number 2, but a 1-2 fastball from Camfield plunked Nickolas Redfern on the back to put runners at first and second. Chase Monroe singled up the middle, plating Simpson, and Camfield took care of "Grand Slam" Mitchell Kremer by getting him to take a floating knuckler for strike 3.

Lyle's had a very good opportunity to regain the lead in the bottom of the fifth, but they were unable to do so. Julian Harshbarger led off with a walk. Konour Smith also drew a walk, placing runners at first and second as Donovan Ferguson came to the platter. The second pitch to Ferguson got by the catcher, and Harshbarger was caught at third base after momentarily hesitating on the play for out number 1. Ferguson walked and he and Smith both advanced as they pulled off the double steal. Preston Hayes hit what appeared to be a go ahead line drive into right field, but first baseman Chase Monroe snagged the scorched line drive for out number 2. Quinn Camfield reached on catcher's interference to load the bases, but Syrus Sears struck out as Lyle's left the bases loaded without scoring.

Donovan Ferguson pitched the sixth and final inning for Lyle's, keeping Subway in check. Gabe Eickberg was issued a leadoff walk, bringing up Beau Bennett. Bennett hit a slow roller up the first base line, and Ferguson pounced on the ball, spun, and fired a strike to shortstop Quinn Camfield for out number 1. With 3 pitches Ferguson sent Austin Kowalczyk packing, striking him out for out number 2. Ferguson then finished his fine performance by striking out Dylan Shull, giving his teammates a chance for a comeback.

Lyle's, however, was unable to score in their bottom of the sixth. Sam Owen took a questionable strike 3 for out number 1, as did Isaac Ray. Subway wanted no part of DeAndre Thomas, walking him on 4 straight pitches, and Dakota Vasquez just missed getting an infield hit on a swinging bunt. Hustling all the way on the play, the throw from catcher to first base just beat the speedy Vasquez.

Donovan Ferguson was issued the game ball for his 2 great defensive plays and his holding Subway in check while on the mound.

Baptism With the Holy Spirit

By exploring certain words in the Bible, we have a clearer understanding of how God has dealt with and continues to deal with His creation, MAN. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John 3:12 and said to him, “If I have told you Earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you Heavenly things?” The Heavenly things are the spiritual things of Himself.

The only way we can understand the spiritual or the deeper things of God is by the power that comes from on high, or with the Holy Spirit. We are anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20) when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We are baptized with the Holy Spirit when we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). When we submit to having our sins washed away in that watery grave of baptism we are baptized into the death of Jesus (Romans 6:3) and we are buried with Christ (Romans 6:4). Our old self has been crucified with the Lord (Romans 6:6) and we rise up out of that watery grave to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow after our own selfish desires and passions, we live for Christ: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

When Jesus spoke with Nicodemus in John 3:5, He told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” When Paul wrote to the congregation in Rome in Romans 6:4 and said, “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life,” the “newness of life” of which Paul writes is the same thing Jesus said of being “born of water and the Spirit.” It is also the same thing as Paul tells us in Titus 3:4-6 when he calls it the “washing of regeneration.” 4. but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5. He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, 6. Which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. . . . This is why Jesus further told Nicodemus in John 3:7, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’” The transformation is performed by God through the power of the Holy Spirit, and this occurs at baptism. This also explains why John wrote in Revelation 20:6, “Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power. . . .” We share in the first resurrection when we share in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ when we are buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6:3-4). Hopefully, you can by now see that our burial with Christ in that watery grave of baptism is also the baptism with the Holy Spirit. They are one and the same.

May the Lord bless you and your family!