AND THEN THERE WERE TWO!!!

The 12th seeded Lyle's Family Barbershop Boys Kid Pitch Baseball team held on to squeak past a very good number 2 seeded PBPA #35 club 6-5 on Saturday, June 26, 2010 and earn the right to face Alamo for the outright championship on Monday, June 28, 2010. Game time is at 5:30 PM.

Lyle’s won the coin toss and elected to be the home team for the game. Quinn “The Eskimo Mr. Cool” took the mound for Lyle’s as the contest got underway. Peyton Lane walked to the plate and on a 1-0 count he allegedly was struck by the pitch. As to where the phantom ball struck him is anyone’s guess, but he was awarded first base. Derek Owens hit a popup just in front of home plate that stayed fair for an infield hit as PBPA had something going. Camfield may have been a bit rattled as he uncharacteristically walked the next batter, Cayden Collings, on 4 straight out of the strike zone as PBPA loaded the bases with nobody out. Nicholas Owens lined out to third baseman Konour "Slammer” Smith for the first out of the inning as the bases remained loaded. Reese Bergstrom hit a grounder back to Camfield who threw home to catcher Sam “The Rally Man” Owen to force out Lane at the plate for out number 2. It appeared Lyle’s would get out of the inning unscathed but the ball somehow ended up rolling towards the pitcher’s mound and Derek Owens took advantage and scooted home safely for the first run of the game. It was at that point that the coach for Lyle’s was granted time to talk to his infield to remind them to relax and play good, fundamental baseball, and they seemed to respond as Camfield struck out Nate Browning looking on a full count fastball to end the inning. Before that out was recorded, however, Matt Ashby received the second phantom hit by pitch of the inning to load the bases again. The reason I believe these were phantom hit by pitches is because both of these occurred following Camfield fastballs, and yet neither of the boys who were allegedly struck even flinched…and believe you me, anyone who is struck by a Quinn Camfield fastball would be rolling and howling in pain! Be that as it may, the top of the first ended with PBPA holding a 1-0 lead.

Quinn “The Eskimo Mr. Cool” Camfield led off the bottom of the first for Lyle’s and he grounded out shortstop to first for out number 1. Preston “The Machine” Hayes uncharacteristically struck out swinging on a full count Nicholas Owens offering for out number 2, but Donovan “Smooth Hustle” Ferguson drew a full count 2 out walk to keep the inning alive. Konour Smith, however, grounded out pitcher to first to end the first inning with Lyle’s still trailing 1-0.

Camfield was back on the mound in the top of the second. Seth Duhamell singled up the middle to start things off for PBPA. Josh Bushert grounded out third to first as Duhamell took second. Peyton Lane reached on an error as Duhamell moved to third, and it was here that we had our first little bit of controversy. Lane tried to take second on the play but he was thrown out at second. In the meantime Duhamell was sent home from third base. The first base and third base coaches for PBPA were getting upset, and I had no idea why, so I asked for time to go talk to the umpires to see what exactly was going on. As I headed out to the field I said quietly and calmly to the first base coach, “Let’s just get this right, Jeff.” When I approached the base umpire I asked him after hearing the third base coach yelling, “You can’t call time when players are off the base!”, “Did you call time?” He sheepishly replied, “Yes, I did.” I then said, “Then there is no out at second base, the runner goes back to first, and the runner returns to third.” I was not happy about what had happened, and I honestly felt that we were really getting the short end of the stick because we could have had 2 outs with nobody on and only 1 run in. Instead, we were facing a 1 out situation with runners at the corners and PBPA’s numbers 2, 3, and 4 batters coming to the dish. That was not a situation I cared to be in. But if an umpire calls time, then the play on the field stops.

Quinn “The Eskimo Mr. Cool” lived up to his nickname and he calmly struck out Derek Owens and Cayden Collings in succession. Both strikeouts were set up by knuckleballs that kept the batters off-balanced, preventing them from catching up to the blazing 2 strike fastballs from Camfield. So in spite of everything, Lyle’s still only trailed by 1 run.

Julian “Hey Jude” Harshbarger led off the second by being issued a walk from Nicholas Owens. DeAndre “Mr. Clutch” Thomas popped out to the first baseman for out number 1. Isaac “GPS” Ray also was issued a 4 pitch free pass, bringing Dakota “Badlands” Vasquez to the platter. Vasquez hit a double into right center field that tied the score as Harshbarger scored from second, and Ray moved to third. Sam “The Rally Man” Owen struck out for the second out of the frame and the bases were loaded as Quinn “The Eskimo Mr. Cool” drew the third walk of the inning. Preston “The Machine” Hayes hit the ball well but second baseman Derek Owens gobbled up the ball and threw Hayes out at first to end the inning.

Preston “The Machine” Hayes was called upon to pitch as the third inning began, and he held PBPA in check. Nicholas Owens was robbed as first baseman Donovan “Smooth Hustle” Ferguson made an excellent over the shoulder catch as he dove with his back to the plate to pull down the ball, holding on to it with both hands for out number 1. Reese Bergstrom reached as his high infield popup was dropped by second baseman Dakota Vasquez, but Hayes pitched around the miscue. Matt Ashby reached on a fielder’s choice as Bergstrom was forced at second base for out number 2, but another error allowed Nate Browning to reach safely, placing runners at first and second. Hayes induced Seth Duhamell to popup to third base to end the inning with the score still tied 1-1.

Lyle’s took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third. Donovan “Smooth Hustle” Ferguson grounded out to the shortstop whose throw nipped Ferguson at first, and Konour “Slammer” Smith followed with a 1 out walk. Julian “Hey Jude” Harshbarger went down swinging, setting up some 2 out heroics for DeAndre “Mr. Clutch” Thomas. Thomas jumped all over the first pitch he saw which was high and outside, but he drove the ball way out into right center field for a triple as Smith scored from first base. Isaac “GPS” Ray struck out to bring the inning to a close.

PBPA scored an unearned run to tie the game in the top of the 4th inning. Josh Bushert grounded out to shortstop Quinn Camfield but Donovan Ferguson dropped the throw, allowing the runner to reach base safely. Peyton Lane reached on a fielder’s choice for the first out of the inning. Lane moved to second as Ferguson handled the ball hit by Derek Owens unassisted for out number 2. Cayden Collings hit a double over the head of left fielder Julian Harshbarger that scored Lane, but Hayes got out of the jam by getting Nicholas Owens to ground out to shortstop Quinn Camfield whose throw to Ferguson at first base was in plenty of time.

The bottom of the 4th inning proved to be the difference in the ballgame as Lyle’s was able to rally for 4 big runs and take a 6-2 lead. Dakota “Badlands” Vasquez singled into right for his second hit of the game but he was forced out at second as Sam “The Rally Man” Owen replaced him on the base path at first. Owen stole second ahead of Quinn “The Eskimo Mr. Cool” Camfield’s single into left as Owen moved to third. Preston Hayes drove home Owen as Hayes reached on a fielder’s choice when Camfield was forced at second, and Donovan “Smooth Hustle” Ferguson was walked in a very good 8 pitch at-bat. Konour “Slammer” Smith singled home Hayes for the second run of the inning, and both Smith and Ferguson came home to roost as Julian “Hey Jude” Harshbarger blasted a pitch deep into center field for a 2 run double. DeAndre “Mr. Clutch” Thomas grounded out second to first as Lyle’s now found themselves with a 6-2 lead after 4 completed innings of play.

Preston Hayes went back to pitch for his final inning of work as the fifth inning began. Reese Bergstrom was hit by a pitch as he led off for PBPA. It was now time for manufactured controversy to erupt. Matt Ashby hit a fly ball into center field that dropped for what looked like an apparent hit. However, center fielder Isaac “GPS” Ray picked up the ball and threw to second baseman Dakota “Badlands” Vasquez, who was standing on the bag to force out Bergstrom. It was not even a close play, and Vasquez did not bobble the ball. But for some unknown reason the first base coach for PBPA became enraged and yelled at the umpire. The coach was then given a warning, and play continued with Ashby at first with 1 out. Hayes walked Nate Browning ahead of a single off the bat of Seth Duhamell that drove in Ashby. Josh Bushert grounded out short to first for out number 2. Leadoff hitter Peyton Lane reached safely as his popup fell in front of pitcher Hayes. The coach for Lyle’s was granted time to talk to his infield and give them some encouragement to relax and get the job done, and they responded positively once more as Derek Owens ended the threat by grounding out to shortstop Camfield for out number 3.

Lyle’s was unable to put more pressure on PBPA as they failed to score in their bottom half of the frame. Isaac Ray struck out and Dakota Vasquez grounded out unassisted to the first baseman. Sam Owen walked but he was stranded as Quinn Camfield popped out to third.

Camfield went back to pitch in the top of the sixth for Lyle’s. Cayden Collings singled into left field and he stole second and third. Nicholas Owens was called out on strikes on a borderline pitch and the first base coach was not happy at all with the call, and he let the home plate umpire know it. Reese Bergstrom singled home Collings to pull PBPA to within 1 run, but Camfield struck out Matt Ashby looking at a fastball. He then struck out Nate Browning swinging on another great fastball that painted the black of the plate to end the inning and the ballgame with the score 6-5 in favor of Lyle’s. It was Camfield’s second consecutive save in as many days as Preston Hayes improved his pitching record to 3-4.

DeAndre “Mr. Clutch” Thomas and Julian “Hey Jude” Harshbarger were awarded game balls.

Lyle's Overcomes Much Adversity in 7-5 Victory

The Lyle's Family Barbershop Boys Baseball team overcame a lot of adversity as they scored 3 runs in the top of the final inning to come from behind to defeat KC Summers 7-5 on Friday, June 25th, 2010. This was a tremendous victory as the squad dedicated the game prior to its start to their teammate Syrus Sears in the hopes that a win would allow their comrade to play another game with them. Lyle's faces PBPA #35 tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM with the winner facing Alamo for the city championship next week.

Preston "The Machine" Hayes led off with a single for the visiting Lyle's club, but Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield popped out to pitcher Nick Vaughn for out number 1. Donovan "Smooth Hustle" Ferguson followed with a line drive that was snagged just off the dirt by shortstop Joey Nunez for out number 2. But just when it looked as if KC Summers would get out of the inning unscathed, Konour "Slammer" Smith drove a 2-2 fastball deep into right center field for a 2 run home run. Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger then struck out swinging to end the top of the first with Lyle's holding a 2-0 lead.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" continued his remarkable tournament pitching performance as he struck out Brody Shook looking on a smoking fastball that blazed over the outside corner of the plate. Nick Vaughn coaxed a walk from Camfield before stealing second base. Jackson Nichols grounded out to first baseman Donovan "Smooth Hustle" Ferguson unassisted for out number 2 as Vaughn took third on the play. Lyle's should have gotten out of the inning still holding a 2 run lead as Joey Nunez grounded third to first but he was called safe at first base, and Vaughn was able to cross home to make the score 2-1. Noah Patterson whiffed at a knuckleball offering from Camfield for out number 3 so no further damage ensued.

Things started well for Lyle's in the top of the second as Isaac "GPS" Ray led off with a single into right field. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas hit the ball well but right to shortstop Joey Nunez who turned the hard smash into a 6-4-3 double play. Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez popped out to third baseman Brody Shook as Lyle's half of the second inning came to a close.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" came out firing strikes in the bottom of the second as he struck out in succession Calvin Haney, Lance Warfel and Addison McMillian. McMillian was caught looking at a fastball from Camfield while Haney could not catch up with a Camfield fastball. Lance Warfel was left twisting in the wind as he tried to hit a knuckleball from Camfield that dropped a good 8 inches in its flight to the plate.

Lyle's increased its lead in the top of the third to 3-1. Sam "The Rally Man" Owen hit the ball hard but at the wrong spot as once again shortstop Joey Nunez was there to gather the ball in his glove and throw out Owen. Preston "The Machine" Hayes hit the ball back to pitcher Vaughn for out number 2 but Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" hit a deep fly ball into left field for a triple. Donovan Ferguson had the first of his 2 2 out RBI opportunites as he drove a fastball into left field for a double that scored Camfield from third. Konour "Slammer" Smith was caught looking to end the inning.

Preston "The Machine" Hayes began pitching for Lyle's in the bottom of the third inning. Christian Richardson was called out on strikes to start things off right for Hayes and third baseman Konour "Slammer" Smith made 2 fine plays in succession as both Daniel Carpenter and Luke Coffey grounded out third to first.

Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger walked to start the top of the fourth but Isaac "GPS" Ray was called out on strikes on 3 pitches. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas walked to join Harshbarger on the basepath. Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez had a wickedly vicious cut that he just missed connecting on that would have sailed the ball into next week had he hit it, but instead he went down swinging for out number 2. Thomas and Harshbarger attempted the double steal but Thomas was called out on a phantom tag that was never applied to end the inning.

KC Summers took advantage of the gift as they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-3 lead. Preston "The Machine" Hayes walked Cameron Knierem to open the door for KC and Brody Shook followed his teammate through by drawing a free pass himself. Nick Vaughn hit a ball to shortstop Donovan "Smooth Hustle" Ferguson. Ferguson threw to third baseman Sam "The Rally Man" Owen but Owen dropped the ball as KC Summers loaded the bases. Jackson Nichols walked, forcing in Knierem from third. Joey Nunez hit a grounder that eluded the glove of Owen at third, scoring Shook and tying the game at 3 runs apiece. Noah Patterson hit a ball between third base and shortstop that was fielded by Ferguson, but he was unable to beat Nichols to the vacated bag at third as KC took the lead. Calvin Haney reached on a fielder's choice for out number 1 as catcher Konour "Slammer" Smith picked up the ball and touched home plate, forcing Nichols racing in from third. Lance Warfel was cut down swinging for out number 2 and Hayes got Addison McMillian to look at strike number 3 for out number 3 to bring an end to the fourth frame.

Lyle's was able to tie the game at 4 each in the top of the fifth. Sam "The Rally Man" Owen doubled down the right field line and he came home as Preston "The Machine" Hayes followed suit with a double of his own, also into right field. Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield walked but Donovan "Smooth Hustle" Ferguson struck out swinging at a very good Jackson Nichols fastball for out number 1. Hayes and Camfield pulled off the double steal, placing runners at second and third, and Konour "Slammer" Smith walked to load the bases. Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger and Isaac "GPS" Ray struck out as Lyle's let a very good opportunity to do further damage slip through their fingers.

With the score tied, Preston "The Machine" Hayes pitched his third consecutive inning for Lyle's. Christian Richardson hit a sinking line drive into right field for a single that just popped out of the glove of right fielder DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas, who made a terrific play just to get to the ball. Daniel Carpenter grounded out third to first as Konour "Slammer" Smith's throw to Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield easily beat the runner for out number 1, but Richardson was able to move to second on the play. Luke Coffey hit a grounder to Smith at third, but Smith hesitated just long enough to allow Coffey to reach first base safely. Smith's subsequent throw was wild and Richardson was able to come around and score as KC Summers retook the lead 5-4. Hayes then got Cameron Knierem to strike out looking to end the inning, setting the stage for some last chance heroics.

The bottom 3 of the order came to bat to start the top of the sixth inning, but as I have told the team all season long we do not have any automatic outs on this squad. They proved me right again. DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas earned his nickname again as he legged out a single up the middle as he faced a no balls and 2 strikes situation. Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez had an infield single, moving Thomas to second. Sam "The Rally Man" Owen moved Thomas to third as Owen reached on a fielder's choice with Vasquez being forced at second for out number 1. Preston "The Machine" Hayes also hit into a fielder's choice for out number 2 but Thomas was able to score from third on the play to tie it up at 5-5. Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" doubled into center field as Hayes was held at third, bringing up Donovan "Smooth Hustle" Ferguson to the platter. Ferguson drove a 1 strike fastball into right center field that scored both Hayes and Camfield as Lyle's held a 7-5 lead. Ferguson swiped third base but Konour "Slammer" Smith struck out swinging on a full count to close the inning.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" was back on the mound for Lyle's in the bottom of the sixth as KC Summers was poised to send the top of their order to face him. A sweet, dancing knuckleball that floated like a buttefly but stung like a bee caught Brody Shook looking as out number 1 was in the books. Nick Vaughn was also sent packing as another tantalizing knuckleball froze him at the plate. Jackson Nichols extended the inning and increased the tension, as well as this writer's blood pressure, as he drew a 4 pitch walk, but Joey Nunez was called out on strikes to end the inning and the game, only this time it came on a beautiful fastball right down central that Nunez could not pull the trigger on.

KC Summers is a very good ballclub who had an exceptional season. It is now time to take care of business with PBPA #35 tomorrow.

Konour Smith, Quinn Camfield and Donovan Ferguson were all awarded game balls, Smith for his home run and good defense at thrid base, Camfield for his hitting and great pitching, and Ferguson for his superb defense and his game winning 2 out RBIs.

Lyle's Advances by Defeating Buffalo Wild Wings 12-1

After losing the previous night 5-4 to number 1 seeded Alamo, Lyle's Family Barbershop bounced back by eliminating Buffalo Wild Wings from post-season play as they defeated their opponents 12-1 on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Kid Pitch boys baseball. The victory gives Lyle's a record of 8-10 overall, and leaves them as only one of four teams left in the field of 15. They face KC Summers at 5:30 PM tonight with the winner advancing to play number 2 seeded PBPA #35 for the championship of the loser's bracket.

This might have been one of the best played games Lyle's has put together all season. Winning pitcher Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield did not allow a hit in 3 innings, striking out 7 while walking 4. Camfield also went 4 for 4 at the plate with 4 singles while driving in a game high 5 runs.

Lyle's lost the coin toss and Buffalo Wild Wings elected to be the home team. Preston "The Machine" Hayes walked on 4 straight pitches from Brendon Miller to start the game, and he stole second ahead of Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield's single into right field. The running game continued as Camfield stole both second and third. Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson knocked in Camfield from third as he grounded out pitcher to first for out number 1. Konour "Slammer" Smith followed with a deep drive into right center field that landed for a triple. Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger doubled home Smith, but Harshbarger was caught stealing for the third out of the inning as DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas struck out swinging for out number 2.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" started things off right for Lyle's by striking out Martez Enloe looking on a fastball that painted the outside corner. A 1-2 fastball caught Brendon Miller in the back, and he stole second and third. Alex Lensink also walked and stole second base, but Camfield was able to strike out Brock Smith for out number 2. Skyler Hood walked to load the bases but they were stranded as Travis Bailey hit a soft line drive back to Camfield to end the inning with Lyle's leading 3-0.

Isaac "GPS" Ray, who was at the plate with a 3-0 count when Julian Harshbarger was caught stealing in the top of the first inning, worked the count full before drawing a pass to start the second. Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez had an infield single as the sliding Ray beat the throw to second. Sam "Dancing Bear" Owen hit a double into left field to move Vasquez to third, but the relay throw home from shortstop Brock Smith just beat Ray at the plate for out number 1. (It appeared from my angle in the third base dugout that Ray was safe at home as he slid under the tag, but his mother, who was coaching first base, thought he was out. But it is true that the umpire did not move into good position to make the call. He was standing directly behind the catcher and his line of vision on the tag was blocked by the back of the catcher.) Preston "The Machine" Hayes doubled into center field to drive in Vasquez, but Owen was only able to advance to third as he had to wait to see if the ball would be caught. Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" singled into center scoring Owen as Hayes moved to third. Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson lined a double into left that plated Hayes for the third run of the inning with Camfield holding at third as the left fielder got the ball in quickly. Konour "Slammer" Smith hit a popup that appeared to be heading into left field for a hit but shortstop Brock Smith made a fine catch on the ball with his his back to the plate. Camfield tagged up at third and attempted to score, but Smith's throw home was a strike, and Camfield stopped dead in his tracks. He then headed back to third but he got caught in a run down as the catcher threw to third. Camfield reversed course and the throw went back to the catcher and Camfield tried again to return to third base. The catcher threw the ball to shortstop Smith who fired back to the catcher who finally tagged out Camfield to complete the double play that went 6 - 2 - 5 - 2 - 6 - 2 as Lyle's held a 6-0 lead.

Following a walk to J. C. Keller, Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" made quick work of Wild Wings, striking out Mike Botts and Ethan Grasl on fastballs before getting Doug Emenecker to flail at a tantalizing knuckle ball for strike 3, ending the second inning.

The top of the third had Lyle's scoring 3 more runs to take a 9-0 lead. Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger walked and teammate DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas was the first of 3 Lyle's batters to be hit by pitches thrown by Martez Enloe. Harshbarger and Thomas pulled off the double steal and Isaac "GPS" Ray was hit to load the bases. Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez reached on a fielder's choice as Harshbarger was forced at the plate. Sam "Dancing Bear" Owen became the third of the trio of hit batters in the inning, driving in Thomas from third and also knocking out Enloe since he had to be removed following the third hit batsmen of the inning. Brock Smith took over pitching duties for Wild Wings and he struck out Preston "The Machine" Hayes for out number 2 but Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield singled in Ray and Vasquez with Owen taking second. Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson went down swinging as Smith put a fastball low and away that Ferguson could not catch up with, ending the inning.

Preston "The Machine" Hayes took the mound for Lyle's to start the bottom of the third. Tyler Estes grounded out to short as Camfield easily handled the ball and threw to first baseman Ferguson. Leadoff hitter Martez Enloe singled into left, just eluding the glove of Camfield. Enloe swiped second and third base, scoring on a single up the middle off the bat of Brendon Miller. Alex Lensink also singled ahead of the fielder's choice from Brock Smith who forced Lensink shortstop to second as Miller took third. Smith stole second to put 2 runners in scoring position but both runners were stranded as Skyler Hood, who really battled at the plate, was finally struck out on the eighth pitch from Hayes to end the inning.

Lyle's failed to score in the fourth frame as they went down in order. Konour Smith and Julian Harshbarger both struck out and DeAndre Thomas grounded out third to first as pitcher Brock Smith was working hard to give his team a chance.

Preston "The Machine" Hayes had a very good fourth inning pitching as he held Wild Wings in check. Travis Bailey popped out in foul territory to catcher Konour "Slammer" Smith who made a textbook play on the ball. Bailey popped up a 1-2 fastball, Smith spotted the ball, whipped off his mask, camped under the ball and squeezed it in his mitt right next to the fence just as he had been told to do for out number 1. J.C. Keller walked but Hayes struck out Mike Botts for out number 2. Ethan Grasl grounded between first and second but first baseman Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson, who is getting very smooth at first base, gobbled up the ball and raced to first ahead of the runner for out number 3.

Lyle's scored their last 3 runs of the game in the top of the fifth inning. Isaac "GPS" Ray got the rally started by receiving his team leading 20th walk of the season. Ray stole second and third before Dakota "Badlands" Vasquez also walked and stole second base. Sam "Dancing Bear" Owen went down swinging for out number 1. Preston "The Machine" Hayes hit an infield single to load the bases just ahead of the infield single off the bat of Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" that scored Ray from third. Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson was called out on strikes as the catcher dove to his right to haul in called strike 3 for out number 2. Konour "Slammer" Smith was hit by a pitch to drive in Vasquez for the second run of the inning. Julian "Hey Jude" Harshbarger was issued a full count walk to drive in Hayes for the third and final run of the inning as DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas struck out swinging.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield strode back to the mound as the bottom of the fifth inning rolled around, and the coach met with his infield to let them know that this was it, they had a chance to move on if they held their opponents and kep them from scoring. Doug Emenecker walked on a full count fastball and then he stole second base. Tyler Estes struck out for out number 1 and Emenecker moved to third as Martez Enloe grounded out to first baseman Donovan "Hustle" Ferguson unassisted. The game ended on a strikeout as Camfield caught Brendon Miller looking at a 2-2 fastball.

Konour "Slammer" Smith was awarded the game ball for his great defensive work behind the plate and his first inning triple.

Out of 15 teams that began this double elimination tournament, there are only 4 teams left: Number 1 seeded Alamo; number 2 seeded PBPA #35; number 4 seeded KC Summers; and number 12 seeded Lyle's. And it is the number 12 seeded Lyle's team that no one wants to face.

Lyle's Sends Strong Message to League: "WE'RE READY TO PLAY!!"

Lyle's Family Barbershop Boys Kid Pitch baseball team sent a strong message to the league as they defeated a very good fifth seeded team in Subway 17-3 on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Lyle's, the twelfth seeded team in the post-season tournament, had all cylinders clicking for them as they hit, fielded and pitched their way to victory.

Preston Hayes led off with a walk from hard throwing pitcher Mitchell Kremer, and Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield singled into left as Hayes held at second. Donovan Ferguson had an infield single that loaded the bases, and Hayes scored as all runners moved up on a walk to Konour "Slammer" Smith. DeAndre Thomas struck out swinging for the first out of the game, but teammate Julian Harshbarger picked his teammate up by hitting a bases clearing double into right field, making the score 4-0 Lyle's. Isaac "Laughter" Ray and Dakota Vasquez both struck out to end the inning.

Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" Camfield strode to the mound for Lyle's and he held Subway in check, allowing just 1 run to score in their half of the frame. Jacob Watson walked and stole second and third, but first baseman Donovan Ferguson squeezed the popup off the bat of Dylan Shull for the first out of the inning. Power hitting Chase Monroe hit a deep fly ball into right field, but DeAndre "Mr. Clutch" Thomas, looking directly into the sun, hauled in the projectile for out number 2 as Watson had to race back to third to avoid being doubled off the bag. Mitchell Kremer singled into right center to bring home Watson, but Camfield was able to blow a full count fastball by Beau Bennett for out number 3.

Lyle's was able to score another run in the top of the second inning, and they really could have scored more, but a good double play put a stop to that. Sam Owen went deep into right field, but he was held to a single as the right fielder got the ball back into the infield quickly. Syrus Sears followed with a deep drive into center field, and Owen hesitated at third momentarily, with Sears hot on his heels. Owen scampered on home safely but Sears was tagged out by the shortstop for out number 1 as he headed back towards second base. Preston Hayes hit a triple into deep right center field and Quinn Camfield walked, but a sinking line drive off the bat of Donovan Ferguson was caught by the shortstop for out number 2. Quinn Camfield was caught in a very tough running situation, and he was doubled off of first base. From first base it appeared as if the ball had hit the ground first. The coaches for Lyle's appealed the call to no avail, and the double play ruling remained. I had a good look at the play from where I was standing in the third base coaches' box, and I believe the umpire made the right call, and I told him so between innings. But it was a very close play that could have gone either way.

Quinn Camfield went back to the mound in the bottom of the first with a 5-1 lead. Colby Comstock walked to start things off for Subway. Camfield sent a knuckler past the frozen Gabe Eickberg for out number 1, and a Camfield fastball was not caught up to as Austin Kowalczyk whiffed at strike 3 for out number 2. Nick Redfern walked but another Camfield fastball was gazed at by Jerry Stewart as it cut across the outside corner for out number 3.

The bats really came alive for Lyle's as the third inning rolled around. Konour Smith walked for the second time in the game, and DeAndre Thomas also coaxed a free pass from pitcher Chase Monroe. Julian Harshbarger doubled in Smith as Thomas moved to third, but when Harshbarger tried to stretch the double into a triple, Thomas was called out as he ran out of the baseline trying to avoid the tag at the plate for out number 1. Isaac "laughter" Ray walked, joining teammate Harshbarger on the bases. Dakota Vasquez hit an infield single to make the score 7-1 as Harshbarger came around to score, and Sam Owen's second single of the game into right field drove in Ray. Syrus Sears struck out for out number 2 before Preston Hayes doubled home Vasquez. Quinn "the Eskimo Mr. Cool" hit a deep fly ball triple into left field, driving in both Owen and Hayes for the fifth and sixth runs of the inning. Lyle's now led 11-1 heading into the bottom of the third.

Preston Hayes was given the ball as he took the mound in the bottom of the third. Jacob Simpson was called out on strikes to start the inning, but Eli (I was never given a last name) walked. Leadoff hitter Jacob Watson reached on a fielder's choice as shortstop Quinn Camfield fielded the ball and threw to second baseman Dakota Vasquez for out number 2. Dylan Shull followed with a deep fly ball into left field that was over the head of Isaac "Laughter" Ray, but Ray ran back, tracked the ball down with GPS precision, and reached high into the air to haul in the ball for out number 3.

Lyle's was not able to score in the top of the fourth. Donovan Ferguson walked and stole second and third, but Konour Smith and DeAndre Thomas both struck out swinging. Isaac Ray walked, but Dakota Vasquez took a tough called third strike, bringing the inning to a close.

Preston Hayes was sent back out in the bottom of the fourth, and Chase Monroe grounded out pitcher to first for out number 1. Mitchell Kremer hit a sharp grounder to shortstop Quinn Camfield, and it appeared from my vantage point that the throw to first baseman Donovan Ferguson beat the speedy Kremer, but the umpire ruled the runner safe. The next thing I knew I saw Kremer heading for second base, and I had no idea where the baseball was. I then spotted it coming into the infield behind the runner as he now headed towards third, and when the ball was not caught he then raced home for the second run of the game for Subway. Beau Bennett reached first safely as second baseman Dakota Vasquez could not handle the sharply hit ball. Time was called and I went to the mound to remind the infield to relax, have fun and just get the batter out. The advice seemed to work because Vasquez followed with one of the best fielding plays of the year. Colby Comstock hit the ball hard between second and first, appearing to have a single into right field. Vasquez fielded the ball cleanly as he ran to his left, spun on his heel, and threw out Comstock as his throw to first baseman Donovan Ferguson was right on target. Ferguson then made a fine play when he grabbed the one hop ball from the bat of Gabe Eickberg and stepped on first base unassisted to end the inning.

Lyle's bats kept pushing in the top of the fifth as they batted around. Sam Owen led off with a 4 pitch walk. Owen stole second as Syrus Sears stood in the batter's box. Sears walked and both he and Owen pulled off the double steal, placing runners at second and third. Preston Hayes then received his won free pass, loading the bases. Quinn "The Eskimo Mr. Cool" drove in Owen and Sears with a single into left field as Hayes held at second. Donovan Ferguson grounded out pitcher to first for the first out of the fifth, driving in Hayes from third. Konour Smith took a 0-1 fastball deep into right field for a home run as both he and Camfield scored on the blast. DeAndre Thomas was issued a full count walk as was Julian Harshberger, and when Isaac "Laughter" Ray walked the bases were loaded again with gold and black cladded Lyle's players. Dakota Vasquez hit a single into left, scoring Thomas with the sixth and final run of the frame as Lyle's increased its lead to 17-2.

Donovan Ferguson began pitching the bottom half of the fifth inning, and he promptly caught Austin Kowalczyk looking at strike 3 for out number 1. Ferguson lost both Nick Redfern and Jerry Stewart on full counts and when he nailed Jacob Simpson in the back on a 2-2 pitch, he was removed and Quinn Camfield was brought back in to close the contest. Camfield walked Eli No Name as the last run of the game crossed the plate, but Camfield struck out both Jacob Watson and Dylan Shull to finish the contest.

Everyone was awarded a game ball since as can be seen everyone did something special towards the victory.

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.

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.

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.

Lyle's Hangs on For 13-11 Win

Fresh off their first victory of the young season, Lyle's Family Barbershop Kid Pitch baseball team won its second straight game as they defeated Sarah Bush LHC 13-11 on Thursday, April 29, 2010 to improve their record to 2-0.

Sam Owen was given the start for Lyle's. After Owen calmed the butterflies down in his stomach he pitched very well, striking out the last 2 batters of the inning. Owen began by issuing walks to Michael Brown and Sam Perry. Owen Bridges singled into left field to drive in Brown, but when Perry tried to follow Brown to the plate he was thrown out when Syrus Sears' rocket throw gunned him down as catcher Konour Smith appled the tag. Bridges stole second and third and he came home when Brady Betts singled up the middle.

Donovan Ferguson continued his fine performance as Lyle's leadoff hitter, drawing a walk from pitcher Michael Brown. Ferguson immediately stole second base. Not content to remain on second base, Ferguson hit the bag at second and headed for third. A momentary run-down slowed him briefly, but Ferguson eluded the tag and slid into third base safely. Preston Hayes, one of the 2 game ball recipients due to his fine pitching and hitting performances, had an infield single, just beating the throw as he hustled down the line, driving in Ferguson for Lyle's first run of the contest. Hayes stole second base and went to third on an infield double hit by Quinn Camfield. Syrus Sears walked on a full count just ahead of Sam Owen's strike out swinging. Isaac Ray got caught looking for out number 2, but hot hitting DeAndre Thomas provided the lift as he had yet another 2 out clutch base hit, this time a double into left field, clearing the jammed bases for 3 RBIs and earning the other game ball. Hayes' great base running set up the double for Thomas as Hayes slid under the tag as Sarah Bush tried to force him out at home. Sarah Bush threw to third base in an attempt to get Camfield, but the ball went into left field, allowing both Camfield and Sears to score and Thomas to reach second base safely. Dakota Vasquez was called out on strikes to end the first with the score 4-2 Lyle's.

Preston Hayes made short work of the Sarah Bush LHC bats, striking out the side in order. His teammates took advantage and proceeded to score 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd to take a commanding 10-2 lead. Julian Harshbarger struck out but Konour Smith started the rally by drawing a 3-2 free pass. Smith pilfered second and third base just ahead of Donovan Ferguson's 2nd walk in 2 innings. Fleet-footed Ferguson stole second base and he and Smith came home on a double up the middle off the bat of Preston Hayes. Quinn Camfield had his second infield hit of the game, plating Hayes. Camfield got into the running game and he was soon perched on third base. Syrus Sears drew another walk and the bases became loaded as Sam Owen worked a full count before being issued a walk. Isaac Ray drew a big full count bases loaded pass for his first RBI of the season, scoring Camfield from third. DeAndre Thomas smashed a fastball into left field to score Sears and Owen to finish the inning as Lyle's reached the maximum of 6 runs allowed.

Sarah Bush came roaring back in the top of the third inning, scoring 6 runs on 2 hits, and benefitting from 8 walks. Lyle's did not score in their half of the inning as Donovan Ferguson's line-drive smash was caught by pitcher Trevor Smyser to end the inning, but they still clung to a 10-8 lead.

Preston Hayes took to the mound in the top of the 4th, slamming the door on Sarah Bush, garnering 2 Ks in the process. He also fielded a grounder hit back to him off the bat of Dylan Cole, throwing the batter out to first baseman Donovan Ferguson. Hayes' quick taking care of business ignited his teammates and they scored 3 more runs in the bottom of the 4th, increasing their lead to 13-8. Preston Hayes walked and stole second. Quinn Camfield doubled him home. Camfield took third on the throw and he scored when Isaac Ray grounded out to the second baseman following a strike out of Sam Owen. DeAndre Thomas had a 2 out double into left center field. Thomas stole third and he came home on a 2 bagger hit off the bat of Dakota Vasquez. Julian Harshbarger went down swinging to end the 4th.

Dakota Vasquez pitched the top of the 5th inning. Sam Perry walked and stole second and third. Owen Bridges whiffed at a 2-2 fastball for out number 1. Brady Betts and Logan Greual walked to load the bases, bringing up Trevor Smyser. Smyser blasted a 2-1 pitch deep into left field for a 3 run triple, pulling Sarah Bush back to within 2 of Lyle's. Vasquez showed great composure in the face of adversity, however, and he struck out the next 2 batters to end the inning and the game due to the time limit.

Many of the boys had to step up and play positions in which they were not comfortable. Syrus Sears was injured on a tag play at third base, and although he went to play in right field, he was unable to bat and so he had to sit out the rest of the game. Lyle's only had 9 players available on the field as Jerry Hale had to come out of the game also. DeAndre Thomas hurt his leg on his last at-bat and he asked if he could sit out that inning, but he played through the injury for his team when he realized that if he sat out it would only leave 8 position players on the field. DeAndre then very gamely assumed his position in right field in the 5th.

Lyle's Defeats Buffalo Wild Wings 12-8

Lyle's Family Barbershop defeated Buffalo Wild Wings 12-8 on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in their first completed baseball game of the season. Lyle's first game was suspended due to a late start this past Thursday with Lyle's trailing 5-0 going into the bottom of the fifth inning when the game was called.

Donovan Ferguson got things going in the right direction for Lyle's with a very good at-bat, spoiling two pitches before being issued a leadoff walk on a full count. He promply stole both second and third base as Preston Hayes stood in the batter's box. Hayes, too, drew a walk, bringing up the third batter, Quinn Camfield. Camfield hit an infield single driving in Ferguson from third base, giving Lyle's a 1-0 lead and moving Hayes to second base. Hayes and Camfield pulled off the double steal as Syrus Sears stood at the plate, and once they were both in scoring position Sears lined a 2-2 fastball into right field, scoring both Hayes and Camfield, increasing the lead to 3-0. Sam Owen struck out swinging for the first out. Sears stood at third base as Isaac Ray came to the platter following Sears' theft of second and third, but Ray went down swinging on a 2-2 fastball for the second out of the inning. DeAndre Thomas was able to pick up his teammates, though, and he lined a double down the third base line, plating Sears from third for the fourth and final run of the inning. Dakota Vasquez also followed with a single into right field, but Thomas had to stop at third as the ball was brought back quickly into the infield. Julian Harshbarger struck out looking on a full count to bring the top of the first to a close.

Konour Smith took the mound to start for Lyle's in the bottom of the first. Martez Enloe walked before Brendon Miller was called out on strikes for out number 1, but Enloe stole second to move into scoring position. Brock Smith, the starting pitcher for Wild Wings, singled into left center on a 1-0 count, and Enloe was able to score from second base easily. Smith stole second before coming home on a single hit by Alex Lensink, making the score 4-2. Wild Wings was able to load the bases as Travis Bailey singled and Skyler Hood was issued a free pass on a 3-2 pitch that was just off the plate, but on a 0-2 pitch Ethan Grasl's hard hit line drive up the middle was snagged by Konour Smith for out number 2. Smith then struck out Douglas Emenecker on a 2-2 knuckle ball he had just learned, ending the inning and the threat.

Lyle's notched another run in the top of the second as Donovan Ferguson started a 2 out rally when he was plunked on the first pitch he saw thrown from Brock Smith. Ferguson once again pilfered 2 bases, and Preston Hayes joined Ferguson on base as he drew a walk, bringing up Quinn Camfield. Camfield took a 1-0 fastball down the third base line to drive in Ferguson, making the score 5-2 in favor of Lyle's. Hayes and Camfield pulled off the double steal for the second time in two innings, but Syrus Sears struck out, leaving both runners in scoring position.

Konour Smith struck out the side in the bottom of the second, stranding runners at the corners. J. C. Keller had a one out walk and he moved to third on a two out double hit into right field off the bat of Martez Enloe, but Brendon Miller whiffed at a 3-2 knuckle ball to end the second.

Sam Owen walked on 4 pitches to start the top of the third. Isaac Ray went down swinging for out number 1. Owen took third as DeAndre Thomas singled into left. Both runners advanced as they, too, pulled off the double steal. This proved to be a big play as Dakota Vasquez, instead of hitting into a double play, was able to ground out second to first as Owen scored on the play. Julian Harshbarger walked on 4 straight pitches out of the strike zone. Harshbarger stole second base and Konour Smith joined Thomas and Harshbarger on the basepath as he, too, walked on 4 straight pitches off the plate. Jerry Hale then was called out on strikes on a 3-2 pitch as Lyle's left the bases loaded. This, too, would loom large as will be seen shortly.

Donovan Ferguson took the mound in the bottom of the third. Brock Smith hit a grounder to short and he reached first safely when shortstop Preston Hayes could not get the ball out of his glove cleanly. Alex Lensink followed with a shot into deep left center field. Konour Smith chased the rock down, but he held onto the ball for a few seconds before firing it all the way home on the fly to catcher Quinn Camfield. Brock Smith was able to score all the way from first base on the play, but Lyle's really had a chance to tag him out at the plate, but no play was made, and Lensink raced into second base for a double as the score stood at 6-3 in favor of Lyle's. Travis Miller hit a grounder to first baseman Sam Owen, but Owen did not throw to Ferguson at first base who was covering on the play, and neither did he take it himself, although he could have, and so runners were now at the corners with nobody out. Skyler Hood hit the first pitch he saw to second baseman Dakota Vasquez, but Vasquez was unable to handle the ball, allowing Hood to reach first safely as Travis Bailey moved to third. Ethan Grasl went down swinging for the frst out of the inning. Things were really looking up for Lyle's as Ferguson made an excellent defensive play as the next batter, Douglas Emenecker, hit a comebacker to Ferguson, who raced Bailey to the plate, tagging Bailey before he reached home safely for out number 2. It was at this point that Lyle's defense had a meltdown. Ferguson could not find the strike zone as he walked Mike Botts on 4 straight. J. C. Keller hit a popup on the infield between third base and home, and as Ferguson ran to catch the ball, his cleats caught momentarily, and he slid past the ball. He was able to get his glove on the ball while in fair territory, so Keller reached first safely to load the bases. Tyler Estes hit the first pitch he saw back to Ferguson, who knocked it down. While on his knees, Ferguson tried to throw out the runner racing towards third base, but his throw was wild, allowing 2 more runs to score as Lyle's 6-2 lead evaporated into a 7-6 deficit. Lyle's finally caught a break as the next batter, leadoff hitter Martez Enloe, hit the ball between first and second. The batted ball hit Estes as he ran towards second, and so he was called out for interference, bringing the bottom of the third to a close.

Lyle's failed to score in the top of the fourth inning. Quinn Camfield took the mound as Wild Wings increased their lead to 8-6 without the benefit of a hit. Brandon Miller drew a leadoff walk. Brock Smith joined his teammate on the bases as he, too, was issued a free pass. Alex Lensink struck out swinging as he flailed at Camfield's knuckle ball as it floated tantalizingly over the plate. Miller and Smith moved up on a double steal, and so Miller was able to score from third base as Travis Bailey grounded up the first base line. Camfield fielded the grounder and tagged the runner unassisted for out number 2. Camfield then recorded his second K of the inning, buckling the knees of Skyler Hood, who could not pull the trigger as the bottom fell out of the 1-2 knuckler.

Isaac Ray started a big rally for Lyle's as he walked to start the top of the fifth. Ray successfully stole second and third base, and DeAndre Thomas walked. Dakota Vasquez was out on strikes for the first out of the fifth, but Julian Harshbarger followed by walking to load the bases. Konour Smith walked as well, driving in Ray from third to make the score 8-7 Wild Wings. Donovan Ferguson was issued a bases loaded freebie, too, and the socre was suddenly tied 8-8. Preston Hayes came to the dish and he served up the biggest hit of the game, driving a fastball into centerfield for a bases-clearing triple, giving Lyle's an 11-8 lead. Quinn Camfield singled Hayes in from third as Lyle's scored their maximum per inning of 6 runs.

Quinn Camfield went back to the mound in the bottom of the sixth as his battery mate, Konour Smith, took up the catching duties. Smith had never caught before, and with 2 outs and a runner at second base and the best hitter for Wild Wings at the plate, Brock Smith, Brandon Miller, who had walked and stolen second following the strike outs of Tyler Estes and Martez Enloe, attempted to steal third base. Konour Smith fired a strike down to third baseman Syrus Sears, who put the tag on the runner to end the inning and the game.

Gardner-Whitworth Finishes Strong, Defeats Century 21 18-11

The Gardner-Whitworth 5th grade boys basketball team continued their fine play by defeating Century 21 18-11 on Saturday, March 6, 2010. This was the season finale for both teams, and Gardner finishes with a 2-3 record.

In many ways this was Gardner's best performance of the year. Although they basically ran a transition offensive game from start to finish, they protected the ball better than they have all season, committing a season low 14 turnovers. Defensively, Gardner was at the top of their game, holding Century 21 to 0 points in both the 1st and 4th periods. They also set a team goal to limit the damage of Century 21's top player, Konour Smith, and limit him they did, shutting him down completely from the field. Smith finished the game with just 1 point, going 1 for 2 from the charity stripe. As a team, Gardner's defense had 12 steals, led by Damien Ferguson with 4. Although the Gardner boys were just 8 for 48 (16.7%) from the field, they were taking very good shots, and just missing making the basket. The team also grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, turning those into 6 points on second chance opportunities. Gardner also cleaned the glass well on the defensive side, pulling down 21 boards.

Both teams came out slowly offensively, and neither team was able to score until Damien Ferguson connected on 1 of 2 free throws with 1:57 remaining in the opening quarter. On their next possession, Damien hit teammate Sawyer Overton down low for an assist, and Gardner led 3-0 as the period ended.

The teams matched up in the second quarter to a 5-5 stalemate, but Gardner found themselves leading at the half for the first time all season 8-5. Damien Ferguson had a basket on a drive to the bucket, and he also connected on another free throw. Cameron Brewer chipped in with his lone basket of the game, rounding out the scoring for Gardner in the 2nd period.

Things picked up a bit for Century 21 in the 3rd period as they scored 6 points to take a brief 11-10 lead, holding Gardner to just 4 points. Brock Rawlings had a basket after being fed a nice pass by Cameron Brewer, but when Century 21 took a 1 point lead with 1:47 reamaining to play in the 3rd, the Gardner coach called what will go down in basketball annals as the "Relax" timeout. Gardner's coach noticed that Damien Ferguson was about to "lose it" as his team had fallen behind, and he felt he was getting fouled a lot and not getting the call (he was), so the coach called for time to calm him down. Do Damien and calm go together? Calm and Damien? Damien? Damien! So the coach reminded Damien and the team that we still had a full quarter to play, and if Damien was not going to calm down he was going to have to pull him and not play him in the 4th period, and his team needed him. We win as a team, we lose as a team, and we play as a team. So as they broke from their huddle, the team said, "1, 2, 3 RELAX!" And relax they did, for Damien hit Sawyer with a perfect pass again down low. Sawyer missed the shot, but he grabbed the offensive rebound, putting it up and in through the hoop for his 4th point of the game, and Gardner found themselves on top as the 3rd period closed, leading 12-11.

Damien had 2 more baskets in the 4th period and Griffin Luce added his lone basket of the game to finish out the scoring. Damien's baskets came with under a minute to play and Gardner holding a slim 14-11 lead. The Gardner coach called for a full court press, and Damien was a one man wrecking crew, annihilating the Century 21 offense with his constant "stink-on-skunk" defense, garnering 2 steals and converting them to baskets for Gardner-Whitworth.

When Gardner was down 11-10 in the 3rd quarter, Andrew Polston of Century 21 committed his 5th foul of the game. He should have been removed from the game. However, Century 21 had no one on the bench to replace Polston, so the Gardner coach told the referees to let him continue to play. As the coach explained to his boys during the quarter break, "Boys, #5 just committed his 5th foul of the game. Technically, he should be out of the game, and I want us to win this game, but not with an asterisk, and not by having us playing 5 against 4 boys on the floor. We ARE going to win, but we are going to do so by beating their 5 players on the floor. So let's go out and win!" And the boys responded, shutting down Century 21 completely.

The coach for Century 21 was very appreciative after the game for our allowing his player to continue to play in the game. But I know I would have always had a bitter taste in my mouth if I had done any differently. After all, these are just 5th grade boys. As much as I want to win, I would prefer to lose against 5 players, than win by going 5 against 4. And I truly believe that the boys on the Gardner team preferred it this way, too, because they knew their coaches had confidence in them.

Hard Work and Total Team Effort Pay Off in 24-20 Comeback Victory for Gardner-Whitworth

The Gardner-Whitworth 5th grade boys basketball team's hard work and dedication finally paid off and brought forth a stunning victory as they came from behind to defeat Blue Cross/Blue Shield 24-20 on Saturday, February 20, 2010. The win gives Gardner a 1-3 record with one game left on the schedule to be played two weeks from today at noon on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Each week Gardner-Whitworth has shown steady improvement on both ends of the court, and today was no exception. Damien Ferguson scored the first basket of the contest midway through the opening period to give Gardner a 2-0 lead, but 2 baskets by Davis Johnson and 1 by Bryce Hampton put Blue Cross up 6-2 as the quarter ended.

The Gardner boys did much better in the second period as Damien Ferguson, Brock Rawlings and Sawyer Overton each scored 1 field goal, while Cole Diepholz had his first basket of the game for Blue Cross. Dylan Miner chipped in 2 free throws and Blue Cross led 10-8 at intermission.

Gardner had a lot of scoring opportunities in the third period, but only Cameron Brewer was able to connect from the field, and Blue Cross built up a 15-10 lead as the period came to a close. Cole Diepholz and Davis Johnson each had a basket for Blue Cross, and Diepholz also connected on his first of 5 made free throws.

The 4th quarter for the Gardner-Whitworth club was pure magic, as everything seemed to gel and come together for the boys on both ends of the court. Gardner went on a 14-5 run, leaving Blue Cross/Blue Shield and their fans in the dust in stunned amazement, bewildered as to just what hit them so fast and furiously. The smothering defense of Gardner so stymied the Blue Cross players that they were unable to make a single basket in the period, and they had to settle for 5 free throws.

Neither team gave up, which is highly commendable, but Gardner was able to rally by taking their game to a higher level. Everyone on Gardner who played was instrumental in the team's victory. Corey Van Houtin had a key block on Davis Johnson in the third period as Corey dropped down from the wing defensively when Johnson went to the corner to take his shot. Had Corey not blocked the shot, the team might not have won the game.

Joshua Lunsford, who had to come in to play in the 4th period to replace Hunter Miller who had fouled out, had a big defensive rebound, keeping Cole Diepholz off the offensive glass. Gardner was down 5 points at the time, and had Joshua not grabbed the board, Gardner might not have won.

Hunter Miller did an extremely excellent job defensively playing at the top of the 1-3-1 trapping zone defense, causing many turnovers. This also took considerable pressure off of some of his own teammates, too, which was incalculably beneficial and crucial for the victory. What made this even more amazing was that Hunter had only one and a half practices to learn this position as he normally plays on the wing. Had Hunter not stepped up defensively and caused all the turnovers he did while playing this new position, Gardner-Whitworth may have lost the game.

Brock Rawlings was great on both sides of the ball, too. He really mixed it up well, grabbing 3 offensive rebounds and pulling down 1 defensive board. Brock also had a field goal in the second period, but what turned out to be his most crucial play of the game was when Brock connected on both ends of a 1 and 1 opportunity in the 4th quarter. His free throws pulled Gardner to within 3 points of Blue Cross when he calmly sank his free throws. Had Brock missed either of these free throw attempts, particularly the first one, Gardner most likely loses the game.

Sawyer Overton did not let a slow start keep him from playing another excellent game. Sawyer missed his first 4 attempts from the field, but he ended up with 6 points on two baskets and 2 made free throws. None were more important than when he connected on a field goal with just 28 seconds remaining in the game and Gardner trailing by 3 points. Damien Ferguson hit Sawyer down low under the basket with a pass just as Sawyer had freed himself from his defender. Sawyer went up for the shot, making the basket as he was fouled, sending himself to the charity stripe with his team down by 1 point and the game on the line. Cool as a cucumber on crushed ice, Sawyer calmly put the shot up, hitting nothing but net as the string music rang beautifully throughout Riddle Gymnasium. The score was now netted at 20 points each. Had Sawyer not made these shots under pressure, Gardner most likely loses the game.

Cameron Brewer continues to grow as a player and as a team leader with each passing game. Cameron was given the task of keeping Cole Diepholz from the offensive glass, and he did just that, pulling down an amazing 10 defensive boards. Cameron is also coming into his own defensively, really beginning to understand the 1-3-1 defense, and he turned that understanding into 5 steals. Cameron also hit 2 free throws to go along with 2 baskets from the field to finish with 6 points, but his last basket was the most important of them all. After Blue Cross called time out with 15 seconds remaining, the Gardner-Whitworth coach implored his team to make the defensive stance of their lives, get the ball and put it into the basket at the offensive end of the floor. And that is exactly what they did. Blue Cross tried hard to get the ball into the hands of Cole Diepholz, but a swarm of yellow-shirted Gardner-Whitworth players encircled him, including Sawyer Overton and Damien Ferguson, both of whom were playing with 4 fouls. Damien stole the ball from Diepholz, spotted his point guard, Cameron Brewer, racing ahead down the floor and all alone, and Damien hit him with a perfect pass. Cameron caught it in stride for a lay-up and 2 points, putting Gardner up 22-20 with 4.3 seconds remaining. Had Cameron not made that basket, Gardner-Whitworth may have lost the game.

Damien Ferguson had 5 steals for Gardner, and none were as important as his last 2. The second to the last steal came with under 15 seconds remaining in which he had the assist to Cameron Brewer, and then his last steal occurred as Blue Cross threw the ball in after Cameron's basket put Gardner up by 2. Damien pilfered the inbounds pass and drove to the hoop, knocking in the last basket of the game and sealing the victory for Gardner-Whitworth 24-20. If Damien did not make that steal and basket, it would have been possible for Blue Cross to have won the game on a last second basket and foul. And the way Cole Diepholz was stroking his free throws, that was very much a distinct and strong possibility.

Although Griffin Luce was out of town and unavailable to play in the game, I believe he, too, contributed greatly to today's victory. All this past week Griffin was at the team's practices, and he always hustles and works very hard, making his teammates better players in the process. Had Griffin not given his all at the team's practices, chances are his teammates would not have been as prepared as they were for today's contest, and they may have lost the game.

One of the things of which I am most proud of is also something that shows the character of this squad, and it is this. Hunter Miller and Corey Van Houtin were screaming their heads off and encouraging and cheering their teammates on from the bench all throughout the comeback. If that does not show someone just how much they pull for each other, and the type of character this team has, then I do not know what would.

Gardner-Whitworth would not have won today's contest without the help and encouragement of Assistant Coach Leah Rawlings. Leah has been an outstanding assistant coach all season long, and she has really helped the kids learn how to play and love the game of basketball. She has offered keen insights that have helped and benefited the team immensely, and all of the kids have responded very favorably to her. If it was not for all of the hard work and dedication that Leah has put in as assistant baskletball coach, we may not have won this game.

Lastly, the game may not have been won without the support of the boys' families and friends. I was told today after our game by one of the league officials that the game before ours, in which an undefeated team was playing, there were maybe 10 people who showed up to watch it. But every week when we play the gym always fills up to capacity, and that is for a team that had not yet won a game. But these kids have worked so hard, and they have always pulled for each other from the very beginning, and their familes know this and they appreciate the effort shown by the boys. As a coach I can honestly say that I am very proud of these boys and what they have accomplished together as a team. They have never had any disciplinary problems, and the parents have been fantastic and extremely supportive getting them to practices and games. If it was not for the support of their families, friends and fans, they may have not won today's ball game.

Gardner never gave up, but when they fell behind 15-8 late in the 3rd quarter, their coach called for a time-out at the 2:43 mark. He felt that his team had not yet given up on themselves, but that they were dangerously close to doing so. So he told them they were too good to let that happen, and they had worked too hard and come too far just to let it slip away from their grasp. He got the boys to yell for the whole crowd to hear three times in succession, "WE ARE!" when he asked the boys three times, "Who's going to win?" He saw the look in their eyes as they said it, and he heard the conviction in their voices as their boisterous and exuberant cries rattled across the court, and he knew at that moment that some way, somehow, they would manage to pull out this remarkable and stunning victory.

With the team trailing 19-13 with 47.2 seconds showing on the clock and Cole Diepholz going to the line to shoot 2 free throws, the Gardner coach called timeout to ice Diepholz. The strategy worked partially as Cole missed the front end. He connected on the back end to put Blue Cross up 20-13, and from that point on Garder-Whitworth went on an 11-0 run to gain the victory. And the last 7 unanswered points came with less than 30 seconds remaining to tick off the game clock. It was truly a remarkable and memorable performance, and one for the ages. I hope all of these boys will cherish this memory for the rest of their lives.