W L %
South County 6 0 1000%
Lake Braddock 6 1 857%
West Potomac 5 1 833%
West Springfield 4 3 571%
TC Williams 2 5 286%
Annandale 1 6 143%
Woodson 1 7 125%
A couple of notes:
This represents conference play only -- NOT overall play (tournaments and non-conference games such as Lee or Mt. Vernon).
Coach Lee Harrington painstakingly put these together based on checking records with several sources. Thanks Coach!
I think it is safe to say that there will not be a game tonight, unless South County is hosting one in their new indoor stadium (just kidding -- it only seems like they would have an indoor stadium with their world class facilities).
Thank goodness the VSHL changed the name from the Patriot District to something catchy like Conference Seven!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Swinging In The Rain: Wolverines No Hit W.T. Woodson 19-4
It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in Fairfax that our scene lies), rattling along the school rooftop, and fiercely agitating the scanty beams of the field lights that struggled against the darkness.” — with "apologies" to Edward George Bulwer-Lytton.
Allowing no hits, and having plenty of their own, West Potomac pounded the Cavaliers 19-4 on a night more suited to bad writing than to softball. The steady rain dictated game tactics, as Coach Craig Maniglia juggled his line-up and his offensive tactics to ensure the game did not have to be called for rain.
The mercy rule had a double meaning in this game. It did not just mean the game ended after five innings because the Wolverines led by ten runs or more, it also meant mercy for the players, coaches, fans, and yes, umpires. A lot of credit needs to go to the Woodson field for not getting muddy, requiring cancellation. And, credit goes to the boys in blue, who did not suspend the game despite the steady downpour. Also, it was heartening to see way more Wolverine fans on the visiting bleachers than Cavalier fans on the home side.
If Lee was the "TGWBALCTEBTOTHIS" game, Woodson turned out to be this year's "This Team Is Not As Good As They Used To Be, So The Game Isn't Even Close" game (or "TTINAGATUTBSTGIEC" for short).
Starting pitcher Jayne Orleans was dominant, facing the minimum twelve batters in her four innings pitched. Reliever Christina Dillard was not as sharp, having difficulty with the wet ball. Christina did not give up any hits, but four walks, a bunch of slippery wild pitches, and an error led to Woodson scoring four runs despite having only six fair balls in their sixteen at bats.
The Wolverines stuck quickly, scoring four runs in the top of the first, whilst the rain was not too bad. Annabelle Miller started the run scoring off by singling with the bases loaded (thanks to an error and two walks) to drive in two runs. After Raven Williams scooted home on a wild pitch, Jayne knocked a sacrifice fly to center to close out the first inning scoring.
Jayne started off the game with two strikeouts and a walk. The Woodson baserunner was erased by Torie Bolger to Nikki for the caught stealing to end the inning.
Kate Gregory started off the second with the first of her three singles on the night. After three errors put two more Wolverines on base (yes, there were two Woodson errors on one play), the excitement of back-to-back bases loaded walks ensued. Raven and Annabelle both picked up RBI with their patience.
Then, things got interesting. Or at least I think they did -- my notes are streaked and stained by the rain. I'm pretty sure what happened is that Jayne either knocked a green smudge or an RBI single, as did Maddie Miller. Olivia Manous picked up an RBI on the team's second sac fly of the night. Kate added a single to left. While West Potomac was hitting the rain right off the ball, Woodson added five errors on the inning to let Wolverines take plenty of extra bases. It was 10-0.
Jayne got a flyout and two groundouts to make short, yet increasingly wetter, work of the second inning defensively. If there any great defensive plays, your faithful writer missed them for a work conference call (sorry, but my day job pays better than sportswriting for a softball blog!).
The top of the third started in a scintillating fashion. Jayne's RBI stroll with the bases loaded was the fourth straight base on balls. It was then that we realized the ump was in no mood to postpone the game -- the Woodson pitcher had little control of the wet ball -- and yet, fortunately, we played on. Olivia's single drove in another run. Her RBI single was followed by two more -- by Harley Devine and again by Kate, and the score was 15-0.
In the sloppy, rain-soaked bottom of the third, Megan Jackson made the play of the game. With four runs in already for Woodson, their batter smacked a long shot down the left line. Running at a full sprint, Megan reached up behind her and snagged the ball backhanded to end the inning. A SportsCenter Top Ten catch.
West Potomac got the four runs back in the fourth when Olivia smacked a hard double off the left field wall to drive in two. Olivia's shot might have the hardest hit Wolverine smack of the season so far. Kate followed up with a two RBI single to make the score 19-4.
In an effort to speed the game up, Coach Craig reinserted Jayne back on the mound. She whiffed two of the three in the fourth, showing no signs of the wet ball bothering her. Meanwhile, Wolverine parents Jim Miller and Sean Jackson were gathering wood to build an ark. After loading the bases in the top of the fifth, all three Wolverines were called out for leaving the base early. The intentional outs (which were set up by two walks and a single by Jayne -- all hits get mentioned in these articles) sped the game up.
In the bottom of the fifth, Jayne threw two balls, including one that slipped out of her hand and rolled harmlessly toward the home dugout. After that, she decided it was time to go home. She threw nine straight strikes, none of which were even fouled off, to end the game. After the eleventh pitch, and ninth straight strike of the inning ended the game, fans hightailed it to their cars to get warm and get home.
Wolverine Whispers: I'm not saying tonight's game at Annandale is not going to happen, but the weather service warnings of flash flooding for Fairfax County suggest it is, as they say at McDonald's, not McLikely. . .Jayne had seven strikeouts, while Christina added one. . .Kate went three for three with two RBI, Olivia went two for three with a screaming double and three RBIs (Editor's Note: Snoopy and Bugs Bunny in the same article? Reporter: I just need a Calvin and Hobbes reference to hit the trifecta), and Annabelle had three RBI and reached base four times, thanks to a hit and three walks. . .is it just me, or does anyone else automatically insert "Annandale" into the Billy Joel song "Allentown" anytime the Atoms come up? "Yeah we're living here in Annandale. . ." So, it is only me? Hmm.
Allowing no hits, and having plenty of their own, West Potomac pounded the Cavaliers 19-4 on a night more suited to bad writing than to softball. The steady rain dictated game tactics, as Coach Craig Maniglia juggled his line-up and his offensive tactics to ensure the game did not have to be called for rain.
The mercy rule had a double meaning in this game. It did not just mean the game ended after five innings because the Wolverines led by ten runs or more, it also meant mercy for the players, coaches, fans, and yes, umpires. A lot of credit needs to go to the Woodson field for not getting muddy, requiring cancellation. And, credit goes to the boys in blue, who did not suspend the game despite the steady downpour. Also, it was heartening to see way more Wolverine fans on the visiting bleachers than Cavalier fans on the home side.
If Lee was the "TGWBALCTEBTOTHIS" game, Woodson turned out to be this year's "This Team Is Not As Good As They Used To Be, So The Game Isn't Even Close" game (or "TTINAGATUTBSTGIEC" for short).
Starting pitcher Jayne Orleans was dominant, facing the minimum twelve batters in her four innings pitched. Reliever Christina Dillard was not as sharp, having difficulty with the wet ball. Christina did not give up any hits, but four walks, a bunch of slippery wild pitches, and an error led to Woodson scoring four runs despite having only six fair balls in their sixteen at bats.
The Wolverines stuck quickly, scoring four runs in the top of the first, whilst the rain was not too bad. Annabelle Miller started the run scoring off by singling with the bases loaded (thanks to an error and two walks) to drive in two runs. After Raven Williams scooted home on a wild pitch, Jayne knocked a sacrifice fly to center to close out the first inning scoring.
Jayne started off the game with two strikeouts and a walk. The Woodson baserunner was erased by Torie Bolger to Nikki for the caught stealing to end the inning.
Kate Gregory started off the second with the first of her three singles on the night. After three errors put two more Wolverines on base (yes, there were two Woodson errors on one play), the excitement of back-to-back bases loaded walks ensued. Raven and Annabelle both picked up RBI with their patience.
Then, things got interesting. Or at least I think they did -- my notes are streaked and stained by the rain. I'm pretty sure what happened is that Jayne either knocked a green smudge or an RBI single, as did Maddie Miller. Olivia Manous picked up an RBI on the team's second sac fly of the night. Kate added a single to left. While West Potomac was hitting the rain right off the ball, Woodson added five errors on the inning to let Wolverines take plenty of extra bases. It was 10-0.
Jayne got a flyout and two groundouts to make short, yet increasingly wetter, work of the second inning defensively. If there any great defensive plays, your faithful writer missed them for a work conference call (sorry, but my day job pays better than sportswriting for a softball blog!).
The top of the third started in a scintillating fashion. Jayne's RBI stroll with the bases loaded was the fourth straight base on balls. It was then that we realized the ump was in no mood to postpone the game -- the Woodson pitcher had little control of the wet ball -- and yet, fortunately, we played on. Olivia's single drove in another run. Her RBI single was followed by two more -- by Harley Devine and again by Kate, and the score was 15-0.
In the sloppy, rain-soaked bottom of the third, Megan Jackson made the play of the game. With four runs in already for Woodson, their batter smacked a long shot down the left line. Running at a full sprint, Megan reached up behind her and snagged the ball backhanded to end the inning. A SportsCenter Top Ten catch.
West Potomac got the four runs back in the fourth when Olivia smacked a hard double off the left field wall to drive in two. Olivia's shot might have the hardest hit Wolverine smack of the season so far. Kate followed up with a two RBI single to make the score 19-4.
In an effort to speed the game up, Coach Craig reinserted Jayne back on the mound. She whiffed two of the three in the fourth, showing no signs of the wet ball bothering her. Meanwhile, Wolverine parents Jim Miller and Sean Jackson were gathering wood to build an ark. After loading the bases in the top of the fifth, all three Wolverines were called out for leaving the base early. The intentional outs (which were set up by two walks and a single by Jayne -- all hits get mentioned in these articles) sped the game up.
In the bottom of the fifth, Jayne threw two balls, including one that slipped out of her hand and rolled harmlessly toward the home dugout. After that, she decided it was time to go home. She threw nine straight strikes, none of which were even fouled off, to end the game. After the eleventh pitch, and ninth straight strike of the inning ended the game, fans hightailed it to their cars to get warm and get home.
Wolverine Whispers: I'm not saying tonight's game at Annandale is not going to happen, but the weather service warnings of flash flooding for Fairfax County suggest it is, as they say at McDonald's, not McLikely. . .Jayne had seven strikeouts, while Christina added one. . .Kate went three for three with two RBI, Olivia went two for three with a screaming double and three RBIs (Editor's Note: Snoopy and Bugs Bunny in the same article? Reporter: I just need a Calvin and Hobbes reference to hit the trifecta), and Annabelle had three RBI and reached base four times, thanks to a hit and three walks. . .is it just me, or does anyone else automatically insert "Annandale" into the Billy Joel song "Allentown" anytime the Atoms come up? "Yeah we're living here in Annandale. . ." So, it is only me? Hmm.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Eliza Stars on Senior Night As Wolverines Record Eighth Shutout Win
Sometimes, when it's your night, it's not really your night.
But last night, it WAS Eliza Treadway's night on her night. As the sole graduating Wolverine on senior night, Eliza seized the spotlight by driving in the game's first run and then scoring the insurance run as West Potomac beat a much improved Lee Lancers 2-0 in a wind-blown home game at Wolverine Stadium.
Jayne Orleans pitched the complete game shutout to lift the team's record to 10-2, with eight of the wins coming via donuts for the other team. (Editor's Note: Thanks, now I'm hungry. Reporter: You used "shutout" in the headline -- I had to do something different!).
Longtime softball observers knew this would be one of those "This Game Will Be A Lot Closer Than Expected Because The Other Team Has Improved Significantly" games (or "TGWBALCTEBTOTHIS" as it is known for short). Lee has now has six travel team starters, and the game was a lot more thrilling than those of seasons' past. The Wolverines only managed six hits against the much improved Lancer team.
There was not much offense early, as Jayne had the only hit -- a single to center -- for either team in the first two innings. Meanwhile, the Wolverines were cruising defensively -- one walk was all Lee could muster in the same timeframe. Lee's only hit came in the third inning, but Jayne struck out her second batter of the inning to leave the Lancer runner stranded on third.
The offensive output for the Wolverines all came in the third inning. Olivia Manous led off with a seeing eye single to right field, grounded between a diving second baseman and the first baseman. A groundout moved her to second, but the inning really got going with two outs.
Eliza stepped up and slammed a single to center to drive in Olivia. It proved to be the game winning RBI. Our senior smartly took second on the throw home. Nikki Minnis followed with a single to left, with Eliza scoring on an error by the rightfielder for the 2-0 lead, which proved to be the final score.
The Wolverines had other chances to score but couldn't convert. Annabelle Miller led off the fourth reaching first on an error by the shortstop, but she died there. Leading off the fifth, Torie Bolger slammed a double to deep center that had a chance to get out, but the steady wind blowing straight in from center ensured it would stay in the park. (Her father immediately filed a complaint with the Weather Channel.) Torie's lead-off double went for naught, even with an infield single by Eliza. Annabelle led off the sixth with a walk, eventually reaching third, but getting no further.
After a walk to lead off the Lee sixth, Jayne retired the last six batters to put the bow on Eliza's senior night and the team's tenth win.
Wolverine Whispers: The game only took about two hours, despite numerous delays caused by mini-dust storms whipped up by the constant wind. . .it will be nice when April comes back and replaces March. . .Monday's game has not yet been rescheduled. . .that was the first game in this writer's memory postponed despite a sunny day and a dry field. . .during her one hitter, Jayne whiffed six hitters and walked three. . .Eliza had the only two hit game for West Potomac. . .Wolverine defense played a steady, error-free game. . .but there were no amazing defensive to write about either, just good, mistake free defense. . .the tape of the game has been sent at their request to the Nationals so they can see what an error-free game looks like (Editor's Note: Now you are just making stuff up. Reporter's Note: I'm just making a point about DC's team. A bitter, frustrated point, but a point nonetheless. If a team with mostly juniors and sophomores in the field can play without an error, why can't a team of highly paid multimillionaires? Editor's Note: Now you are monologuing!). . .see you Friday night at W.T. Woodson for the next game.
But last night, it WAS Eliza Treadway's night on her night. As the sole graduating Wolverine on senior night, Eliza seized the spotlight by driving in the game's first run and then scoring the insurance run as West Potomac beat a much improved Lee Lancers 2-0 in a wind-blown home game at Wolverine Stadium.
We did. Because she earned it.
Jayne Orleans pitched the complete game shutout to lift the team's record to 10-2, with eight of the wins coming via donuts for the other team. (Editor's Note: Thanks, now I'm hungry. Reporter: You used "shutout" in the headline -- I had to do something different!).
Longtime softball observers knew this would be one of those "This Game Will Be A Lot Closer Than Expected Because The Other Team Has Improved Significantly" games (or "TGWBALCTEBTOTHIS" as it is known for short). Lee has now has six travel team starters, and the game was a lot more thrilling than those of seasons' past. The Wolverines only managed six hits against the much improved Lancer team.
There was not much offense early, as Jayne had the only hit -- a single to center -- for either team in the first two innings. Meanwhile, the Wolverines were cruising defensively -- one walk was all Lee could muster in the same timeframe. Lee's only hit came in the third inning, but Jayne struck out her second batter of the inning to leave the Lancer runner stranded on third.
The offensive output for the Wolverines all came in the third inning. Olivia Manous led off with a seeing eye single to right field, grounded between a diving second baseman and the first baseman. A groundout moved her to second, but the inning really got going with two outs.
Eliza stepped up and slammed a single to center to drive in Olivia. It proved to be the game winning RBI. Our senior smartly took second on the throw home. Nikki Minnis followed with a single to left, with Eliza scoring on an error by the rightfielder for the 2-0 lead, which proved to be the final score.
Eliza singles to center to drive
in the game's first run.
The Wolverines had other chances to score but couldn't convert. Annabelle Miller led off the fourth reaching first on an error by the shortstop, but she died there. Leading off the fifth, Torie Bolger slammed a double to deep center that had a chance to get out, but the steady wind blowing straight in from center ensured it would stay in the park. (Her father immediately filed a complaint with the Weather Channel.) Torie's lead-off double went for naught, even with an infield single by Eliza. Annabelle led off the sixth with a walk, eventually reaching third, but getting no further.
After a walk to lead off the Lee sixth, Jayne retired the last six batters to put the bow on Eliza's senior night and the team's tenth win.
Wolverine Whispers: The game only took about two hours, despite numerous delays caused by mini-dust storms whipped up by the constant wind. . .it will be nice when April comes back and replaces March. . .Monday's game has not yet been rescheduled. . .that was the first game in this writer's memory postponed despite a sunny day and a dry field. . .during her one hitter, Jayne whiffed six hitters and walked three. . .Eliza had the only two hit game for West Potomac. . .Wolverine defense played a steady, error-free game. . .but there were no amazing defensive to write about either, just good, mistake free defense. . .the tape of the game has been sent at their request to the Nationals so they can see what an error-free game looks like (Editor's Note: Now you are just making stuff up. Reporter's Note: I'm just making a point about DC's team. A bitter, frustrated point, but a point nonetheless. If a team with mostly juniors and sophomores in the field can play without an error, why can't a team of highly paid multimillionaires? Editor's Note: Now you are monologuing!). . .see you Friday night at W.T. Woodson for the next game.
Photos from Senior Night/Win Against Lee
At 10-2, this team is casting a long shadow.
Torie ready to receive
Jayne ready to throw.
4-3 is scribbled in my notebook three times
in the first four outs. Kate to Raven.
Captain Bolger with pre-at-bat words of
wisdom for the hitting star of the game.
Eliza fouls one off.
The Big Manig
A talented writer would have a rhapsodical line
about softball, shadows, spring, and renewal.
Me? I've got nothing other than "Maddie isn't
lonely in right -- she has her own shadow."
This is what strike three looks like.
One of Nikki's three assists.
A nearly sold out crowd.
Annabelle multi-tasks.
Raven with a no-look tag.
Strike three!
Megan returns Lee's only hit of the game to the infield.
Eliza thinks she's stopping at third.
But scores on the error.
Next year, there will be a lot more of these.
Coach Craig, and the scoreboard, tell the story.
Eliza receives congrats from Coach Craig
as she's escorted by her brother and dad
for the senior night festivities.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Bats Stay Awake in Doubleheader Sweep
After doing their best hitting in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, the West Potomac Wolverines continued to pound opposition pitching on Monday, splitting the Annandale Atoms 22-0, and clawing the Osbourn Eagles 10-2.
Not to be outdone, the West Potomac squad was also dominant on the defensive side, with potent pitching and nearly flawless fielding. In fact, starting pitcher Jayne Orleans had a no hitter through five innings against Osbourn until she was pulled.
Annandale Game/22-0 West Potomac Win
The Annandale game started as a rout, and stayed that way. West Potomac lost the coin flip, and batted first. It was the only thing the Wolverines were to lose that day. After a leadoff out, 13 straight Wolverines reached base, with 10 scoring. Hits in the first inning were collected by Raven Williams (double plating two), Jayne Orleans (RBI single), Torie Bolger (RBI single), Nikki Minnis (single that land on the right field foul line, scoring one), Annabelle Miller (RBI single), and Raven again (another RBI, this time on a single). Also collecting RBI were Eliza Treadway, Maddie Miller (both on bases-loaded walks), and Jayne (hit by a pitch with the bases full).
Staked to a 10-0 lead, Jayne had few problems smashing the Atoms in the first inning. West Potomac tacked on another four runs in the second, behind four hits and two walks. Olivia Manous led off with a single, stole second, before Eliza singled her to third. Annabelle collected an RBI via a free pass with the bases loaded. Raven singled in another run for her fourth RBI of the game, and then Jayne hit a ringing double to right for two more runs (and her third/fourth RBIs of the game).
The game was delayed a couple of times between the dust bowl like effects of the strong winds, and once when sticks from the osprey nest above the light tower were blown onto the infield. The Wolverine Park osprey was just making a statement about the next game. (Editor's note: What was the statement? Reporter's note: wait for the next game's write-up.)
Coach Craig started emptying his bench quickly, replacing Jayne with Christina Dillard, bringing in Harley Devine to catch, Eliza to play second, and Izzy Crawn in right. Christina cruised throughout the game, allowing just one Atom to reach second base. Annandale hit no bombs the entire game. (Editor: the first two Atom references were good, but this one is a stretch. Reporter: I know, but I was desperate to get an "atom bomb" line in before the game story ended.)
Olivia's double to right get the 3rd inning started, as the team tacked on four more runs. Eliza and Izzy both walked. Caroline Bowman, inserted to play 3rd base, singled in a run with a smack to left, followed by Katie Hinkell knocking another single for an RBI. Christina was retired on a fielder's choice, but another run came in on the play.
The final five runs came in fourth (which was the Wolverines last licks because of the time limit). Harley and Olivia both walked. Eliza's infield single loaded the bases. Maddie and Caroline followed with RBI singles, and then Katie pushed a run across with a bases loaded walk. Christina got another RBI on another fielder's choice. Megan closed out the scoring with a single up the middle.
Osbourn Game/10-2 West Potomac Win
The game against Osbourn was eagerly awaited -- after all, the Eagles had lost to Lake Braddock on Saturday by just a 5-1 score, similar to the four run deficit in the Wolverine-Bruins game. There was a good chance this game would be a tough nailbiter of a game.
But not this time. Not today.
Ornithological (Editor: hey, you spelled it right the first time! Reporter: dumb luck) fans know that osprey kick the proverbial heck out of eagles when they duel. West Potomac are the Wolverines, but we have our own osprey that watches over us. So, the Eagles didn't have a prayer against our osprey.
This was a slow squeeze rather than a quick blowout like the 10-0 start to the Annandale game. But, by the time Osbourn got their first hit of the game, the score was already 9-0 in the top of the sixth.
Jayne pitched her best game of the season, allowing no hits in her five innings, striking out seven of the first eight batters she faced, and allowing only four baserunners, including one via an error before being pulled. She struck out two of the first three batters with change-ups. The second out in the third inning was the first time an Osbourn batter had a fair ball against her. Of her nine strikeouts in the five innings, six were caught with their bats on their shoulders. Christina added another two whiffs.
The Wolverines struck for a 2-0 lead in the home half of the first. Nikki reached on an infield single to second. With two outs, Raven doubled her in, and Jayne followed with a similar ringing double.
West Potomac increased the lead by half in the second when Megan's single was turned into an additional two-base error by the left fielder. Megan alertly went to third on it, and scored on Olivia's picture perfect sacrifice bunt.
The team doubled the lead to 6-0 in the third, taking advantage of some Osprey errors and two doubles. Annabelle led off with a double, and then Raven and Jayne were both gifted bases with errors. Annabelle scored at some random point during the errors, but this reporter didn't write down the specific play (feel free to fire me, but if you do, replace me with someone who uses fewer parenthetical inserts -- they get disruptive after a bit!). Megan capped off the scoring in the inning with a two run double.
The girls liked scoring three runs so much they did it again in the fourth. Katie's walk to lead off was followed by Nikki's liner to left for a single. Annabelle collected two more RBI with a double, and then Raven drove her in with a double.
Osbourn tried to scratch their way back into it with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth against Christina in the 6th, but she fought her way out of trouble. Maddie made sure the door slammed shut when she made the fielding play of the day with a diving catch with two outs and a runner on first. Having survived the sixth, Christina pitched a 1-2-3 seventh to close out the game.
Annabelle's double in the bottom of the sixth to drive in her sister after Maddie's double capped the scoring.
Wolverine Whispers: The team enjoys a much deserved break through Monday. Then, they have make-up games Monday and Wednesday. On the 21st they play Annandale at West Potomac stadium in a Conference match-up, then take on Lee at home on the 23rd.
Members of the "Three and/or Three" (three hits or three RBI in the doubleheader) include Annabelle and Raven (both had four hits, including three doubles) and five RBIs. Jayne had three hits (two doubles) and four RBI. Nikki had four hits, while Megan had three hits (one double) and three RBI.
Not to be outdone, the West Potomac squad was also dominant on the defensive side, with potent pitching and nearly flawless fielding. In fact, starting pitcher Jayne Orleans had a no hitter through five innings against Osbourn until she was pulled.
Annandale Game/22-0 West Potomac Win
The Annandale game started as a rout, and stayed that way. West Potomac lost the coin flip, and batted first. It was the only thing the Wolverines were to lose that day. After a leadoff out, 13 straight Wolverines reached base, with 10 scoring. Hits in the first inning were collected by Raven Williams (double plating two), Jayne Orleans (RBI single), Torie Bolger (RBI single), Nikki Minnis (single that land on the right field foul line, scoring one), Annabelle Miller (RBI single), and Raven again (another RBI, this time on a single). Also collecting RBI were Eliza Treadway, Maddie Miller (both on bases-loaded walks), and Jayne (hit by a pitch with the bases full).
Staked to a 10-0 lead, Jayne had few problems smashing the Atoms in the first inning. West Potomac tacked on another four runs in the second, behind four hits and two walks. Olivia Manous led off with a single, stole second, before Eliza singled her to third. Annabelle collected an RBI via a free pass with the bases loaded. Raven singled in another run for her fourth RBI of the game, and then Jayne hit a ringing double to right for two more runs (and her third/fourth RBIs of the game).
The game was delayed a couple of times between the dust bowl like effects of the strong winds, and once when sticks from the osprey nest above the light tower were blown onto the infield. The Wolverine Park osprey was just making a statement about the next game. (Editor's note: What was the statement? Reporter's note: wait for the next game's write-up.)
Coach Craig started emptying his bench quickly, replacing Jayne with Christina Dillard, bringing in Harley Devine to catch, Eliza to play second, and Izzy Crawn in right. Christina cruised throughout the game, allowing just one Atom to reach second base. Annandale hit no bombs the entire game. (Editor: the first two Atom references were good, but this one is a stretch. Reporter: I know, but I was desperate to get an "atom bomb" line in before the game story ended.)
Olivia's double to right get the 3rd inning started, as the team tacked on four more runs. Eliza and Izzy both walked. Caroline Bowman, inserted to play 3rd base, singled in a run with a smack to left, followed by Katie Hinkell knocking another single for an RBI. Christina was retired on a fielder's choice, but another run came in on the play.
The final five runs came in fourth (which was the Wolverines last licks because of the time limit). Harley and Olivia both walked. Eliza's infield single loaded the bases. Maddie and Caroline followed with RBI singles, and then Katie pushed a run across with a bases loaded walk. Christina got another RBI on another fielder's choice. Megan closed out the scoring with a single up the middle.
Osbourn Game/10-2 West Potomac Win
The game against Osbourn was eagerly awaited -- after all, the Eagles had lost to Lake Braddock on Saturday by just a 5-1 score, similar to the four run deficit in the Wolverine-Bruins game. There was a good chance this game would be a tough nailbiter of a game.
But not this time. Not today.
Ornithological (Editor: hey, you spelled it right the first time! Reporter: dumb luck) fans know that osprey kick the proverbial heck out of eagles when they duel. West Potomac are the Wolverines, but we have our own osprey that watches over us. So, the Eagles didn't have a prayer against our osprey.
This was a slow squeeze rather than a quick blowout like the 10-0 start to the Annandale game. But, by the time Osbourn got their first hit of the game, the score was already 9-0 in the top of the sixth.
Jayne pitched her best game of the season, allowing no hits in her five innings, striking out seven of the first eight batters she faced, and allowing only four baserunners, including one via an error before being pulled. She struck out two of the first three batters with change-ups. The second out in the third inning was the first time an Osbourn batter had a fair ball against her. Of her nine strikeouts in the five innings, six were caught with their bats on their shoulders. Christina added another two whiffs.
The Wolverines struck for a 2-0 lead in the home half of the first. Nikki reached on an infield single to second. With two outs, Raven doubled her in, and Jayne followed with a similar ringing double.
West Potomac increased the lead by half in the second when Megan's single was turned into an additional two-base error by the left fielder. Megan alertly went to third on it, and scored on Olivia's picture perfect sacrifice bunt.
The team doubled the lead to 6-0 in the third, taking advantage of some Osprey errors and two doubles. Annabelle led off with a double, and then Raven and Jayne were both gifted bases with errors. Annabelle scored at some random point during the errors, but this reporter didn't write down the specific play (feel free to fire me, but if you do, replace me with someone who uses fewer parenthetical inserts -- they get disruptive after a bit!). Megan capped off the scoring in the inning with a two run double.
The girls liked scoring three runs so much they did it again in the fourth. Katie's walk to lead off was followed by Nikki's liner to left for a single. Annabelle collected two more RBI with a double, and then Raven drove her in with a double.
Osbourn tried to scratch their way back into it with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth against Christina in the 6th, but she fought her way out of trouble. Maddie made sure the door slammed shut when she made the fielding play of the day with a diving catch with two outs and a runner on first. Having survived the sixth, Christina pitched a 1-2-3 seventh to close out the game.
Annabelle's double in the bottom of the sixth to drive in her sister after Maddie's double capped the scoring.
Wolverine Whispers: The team enjoys a much deserved break through Monday. Then, they have make-up games Monday and Wednesday. On the 21st they play Annandale at West Potomac stadium in a Conference match-up, then take on Lee at home on the 23rd.
Members of the "Three and/or Three" (three hits or three RBI in the doubleheader) include Annabelle and Raven (both had four hits, including three doubles) and five RBIs. Jayne had three hits (two doubles) and four RBI. Nikki had four hits, while Megan had three hits (one double) and three RBI.
Photos From the Doubleheader Sweep
It's always good to throw your
first pitch with a 10-0 lead.
There are always a lot of
5-3s or 6-3s in my notepad.
Christina, pensive before hitting.
C-Bo and Izzy are ready for the play.
Eliza readies the throw.
Even the osprey nest got into the act, as wind
blew some sticks from the nest onto the field.
An oft repeated scene as a West Po baserunner
(Katie) cross the plate with one of 32 runs on the day.
Nikki wasn't far behind.
And another run by Annabelle.
Christina fires another strike.
A nearby fire drew some attention, also
making this more than a sports website.
The coaches enjoy the tournament runner-up
trophy. Coach Minnis is especially fascinated.
The team is envisioning the bigger trophy next year.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Stat Boy Breaks Down Today's Doubleheader, And the Overall Tourny
The West Potomac Wolverines continued to evidence their newly found dislike for round yellow objects thrown by girls wearing different colors than they are by continuing to crush said aforementioned round yellow objects with thick rounded metal sticks. Nearly every time a Wolverine crushed a yellow object (referred to by locals as “softballs” thrown by a “pitcher”), one of their teammates was soon scampering across a five sided white plate anchored in the ground.
Doing this 11 times Saturday against Robinson apparently wasn’t enough, as West Potomac had to double it in the first game Monday, crossing the five sided plate (referred to often as “home”) 22 times, to Annandale’s zero times. Then, in the second game of the final tournament day, West Potomac did it another 10 times, while Osbourn could only manage scoring a run twice.
Because I like math and you do not, I’m making your life easier. In the last three games of the Spring Break Tournament, West Potomac outscored its three foes by a 43-2 score, or, as they say on ESPN, “a lot to a little.” If you look at all five games, West Potomac went 4-1 by a combined score of 49-14, including three shutout wins. (Remember, the Spring Break Tournament includes the 2-0 win against Edison a week ago Saturday.)
It’s time for Johnny Sportswriter to take a break, and give up the stage to Stat Boy. So, if you don’t like easily understandable baseball stats that make the team look good, scroll down to the narrative story on the doubleheader. But, if you do like stats (and, come on, who amongst us doesn’t?), settle in for some Stat Boy fun. First, for today's doubleheader:
∙ The Wolverines pounded out 31 hits in the two games – 19 singles and twelve doubles.
∙ They went 31 for 61 on the day – an impressive .508 batting average.
∙ They earned 15 walks.
∙ Two reached by taking one for the team (HBP), and three reached on errors.
∙ Of the 32 runs scored today, 30 came via RBI, while two came on errors.
∙ The pitching duo of Jayne Orleans and Christina Dillard only struck out two against Annandale, but bit the heads off the bats of 11 Osbourn players (for those who don’t get the reference, the link is here).
∙ The pitchers only walked three hitters all day, and gave up just five hits.
∙ The first seven Osbourn Eagles to make outs against Jayne went down on strikeouts – two swinging, and five looking.
∙ The Wolverines flashed leather all day, committing just two errors – neither of which cost runs. Both were just one base errors.
And now for the tournament:
∙ The Wolverines had 34 singles and 19 doubles in the five games, for 53 hits.
∙ For the five tournament games, they hit .482
∙ They earned 18 free passes, and got aboard via being hit three times.
∙ Six reached on errors.
∙ Of the 49 Wolverine runs scored in the five games, 44 came via RBI.
∙ West Potomac pitchers allowed just a .194 batting average by opposing hitters.
∙ The West Po pitchers whiffed 27 batters across the five games.
∙ They scattered just 21 hits across 28 innings.
∙ West Potomac pitchers recorded nine 1-2-3 innings, while Wolverine hitters were retired in order just six times.
Doing this 11 times Saturday against Robinson apparently wasn’t enough, as West Potomac had to double it in the first game Monday, crossing the five sided plate (referred to often as “home”) 22 times, to Annandale’s zero times. Then, in the second game of the final tournament day, West Potomac did it another 10 times, while Osbourn could only manage scoring a run twice.
Because I like math and you do not, I’m making your life easier. In the last three games of the Spring Break Tournament, West Potomac outscored its three foes by a 43-2 score, or, as they say on ESPN, “a lot to a little.” If you look at all five games, West Potomac went 4-1 by a combined score of 49-14, including three shutout wins. (Remember, the Spring Break Tournament includes the 2-0 win against Edison a week ago Saturday.)
It’s time for Johnny Sportswriter to take a break, and give up the stage to Stat Boy. So, if you don’t like easily understandable baseball stats that make the team look good, scroll down to the narrative story on the doubleheader. But, if you do like stats (and, come on, who amongst us doesn’t?), settle in for some Stat Boy fun. First, for today's doubleheader:
∙ The Wolverines pounded out 31 hits in the two games – 19 singles and twelve doubles.
∙ They went 31 for 61 on the day – an impressive .508 batting average.
∙ They earned 15 walks.
∙ Two reached by taking one for the team (HBP), and three reached on errors.
∙ Of the 32 runs scored today, 30 came via RBI, while two came on errors.
∙ The pitching duo of Jayne Orleans and Christina Dillard only struck out two against Annandale, but bit the heads off the bats of 11 Osbourn players (for those who don’t get the reference, the link is here).
∙ The pitchers only walked three hitters all day, and gave up just five hits.
∙ The first seven Osbourn Eagles to make outs against Jayne went down on strikeouts – two swinging, and five looking.
∙ The Wolverines flashed leather all day, committing just two errors – neither of which cost runs. Both were just one base errors.
And now for the tournament:
∙ The Wolverines had 34 singles and 19 doubles in the five games, for 53 hits.
∙ For the five tournament games, they hit .482
∙ They earned 18 free passes, and got aboard via being hit three times.
∙ Six reached on errors.
∙ Of the 49 Wolverine runs scored in the five games, 44 came via RBI.
∙ West Potomac pitchers allowed just a .194 batting average by opposing hitters.
∙ The West Po pitchers whiffed 27 batters across the five games.
∙ They scattered just 21 hits across 28 innings.
∙ West Potomac pitchers recorded nine 1-2-3 innings, while Wolverine hitters were retired in order just six times.
Let's hope the Wolverine offense, which has finally awoken from its slumber, can continue to pound the ball.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Wolverines' Jekyll and Hyde Impersonation Earns Spring Break Saturday Tourny Split (And Painfully Long Analogy/Headline)
Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.
The Wolverines got to be both on Saturday at the Spring Break Tournament. They followed their worst game of the season with their best game of the season. A non-competitive 12-4 loss to the Oakton Cougars was followed immediately by a dominant 11-0 shellacking of the Robinson Rams, suggesting that Wolverines have far more problems with predator mascots than with grass-eating mascots.
The highlight for the game came when the Wolverines took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Nikki Minnis, in a replay of the start of Friday's night's game against West Springfield, reached second after the first baseman couldn't handle the throw on a routine grounder. Nikki later scored on a wild pitch, and the rout wasn't on.
Oakton led off their first with a couple of walks -- both scored, and the Cougars took a 2-1 lead. They added a third run in the second inning when another Oakton baserunner aboard with a free pass scored on a double. Meanwhile, including the first inning, the Cougar pitcher retired nine Wolverine batters in a row.
The Cougars pounced in the bottom of the third, scoring seven runs to put the game out of reach at 10-1. Oakton cobbled together five singles, a base on balls, three errrors, and a wild pitch to dispirit the West Potomac squad. After six runs in and just one out, Christina Dillard retired two out of three in relief, but the damage was done.
West Potomac tried to rally in the top of the fourth, scoring three runs before the rally fizzled. Maddie Miller led off with an infield single, scoring later on a wild pitch. Annabelle Miller followed her sister's hit with a hard single up the middle. Raven Williams reached on a fielding error, followed by a mental error by the third baseman. Jayne Orleans lined a shot up the middle that ticked off the pitcher's mitt and still had enough power to reach centerfield, driving in two runs.
After that, West Potomac only had one more baserunner for the entire game, when Eliza Treadway singled up the middle. Meanwhile, the Cougars tagged on two more runs, aided by two more Wolverine errors.
Before we turn the page on that game, West Potomac gave up five walks (four of whom scored), and committed four errors (all of which resulted in Cougar runs).
The second game saw an entirely different Wolverine team show up and play ball. While it took a few innings for the offense to get going, once they did it was the most damage with the bats the team has done this season.
The Robinson coach witlessly fueled the Wolverine rally by taking verbal cheap shots at the Wolverine pitcher and catcher. Once word spread of his trash talk, the angry West Potomac hitters stood up for their aggrieved teammates and battered the Ram pitcher in the third inning.
The game started slowly, as the Wolverines had two runners reach base but fail to score in each of the first two innings. Annabelle's infield single in the first went for naught, as she died on second after Raven was hit by a pitch. Then, in the second, Torie Bolger's walk and Olivia Manous's infield single also went for naught.
Meanwhile, Jayne was cruising, showing a command that wasn't there in the first game. She retired the side in the first on six pitches, gave up a single to start the second, but then got three quick outs. The third inning featured a little more excitement, but a potential problem was erased by Nikki's cat-like reflexes at short. Annabelle knocked down a hard liner, and it spun to Nikki. She fired to first, getting the runner by a half step.
Maddie got the hit parade started in the bottom of the third with a looping double to right. Annabelle drove her big sister in for the first run of the with a harshly smacked double to left center. The Wolverines went back-to-back-to-back doubles when Raven hit one to the same spot Annabelle had just hit hers. After Jayne drove in the third run of the game with a single, the Rams pulled their pitcher. Torie popped a single to center. Megan Jackson slammed the fourth Wolverine double of inning, earning two RBI. Olivia's groundout to second brought in Megan with the sixth run of the inning.
The big inning featured no errors by Robinson, and no walks. It was all hitting, pounded out six in a row, including four doubles. It was the most complete hitting inning of the season to date.
The top of the fourth was highlighted by a wild play in which the runner on second was cut down at home on a single to center. The ball traveled an unusual route, going from Olivia in center to Annabelle at third to Harley Devine behind the plate.
West Potomac then tacked on three more runs. Annabelle walked, Raven got an infield single, and both scored on Jayne's RBI single (one of the runners came home on an error). Eliza, running for Jayne, scored on an error by the first baseman.
Christina Dillard came in for a one-two-three inning, capped by a strikeout in the fifth. The game ended on the mercy rule when West Potomac had four straight singles to lift the score to 11-0. Katie Hinkel hit a single over the shortstop's head to left, then Nikki singled between short and 3rd. Maddie lined a single to left so hard that Katie had to stop at third. Annabelle's single and two RBIs was the last play of the game.
The sloppy fielding of the first game disappeared in the second -- West Potomac did not commit an error. The pitching was sharper too -- no walks and just four scattered singles were allowed.
There was no word on what, if any, additional trash talking the Robinson coach did.
Wolverine Whispers: The team has a 7-2 record, with two more games on Monday before a well-earned Spring Break rest. The schedule for Monday:
While it is a workday, Coach Craig is hopeful for a big crowd during the lunch hour to cheer on the team. And, 4pm is close enough to the end of the day, you can always claim an important meeting in Alexandria!
On the day, Annabelle and Jayne led the damage at the plate. On the day, Annabelle had four hits and three RBIs, Jayne had three hits and four RBIs. Also contributing significantly at the plate were Maddie (three hits, one RBI), and Megan (2 RBI). Raven had a single and a double, but also reached on an error, and was hit by a pitch.
The Wolverines got to be both on Saturday at the Spring Break Tournament. They followed their worst game of the season with their best game of the season. A non-competitive 12-4 loss to the Oakton Cougars was followed immediately by a dominant 11-0 shellacking of the Robinson Rams, suggesting that Wolverines have far more problems with predator mascots than with grass-eating mascots.
Kate's back -- at least in the field.
The highlight for the game came when the Wolverines took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Nikki Minnis, in a replay of the start of Friday's night's game against West Springfield, reached second after the first baseman couldn't handle the throw on a routine grounder. Nikki later scored on a wild pitch, and the rout wasn't on.
Eliza holds her swing.
The Cougars pounced in the bottom of the third, scoring seven runs to put the game out of reach at 10-1. Oakton cobbled together five singles, a base on balls, three errrors, and a wild pitch to dispirit the West Potomac squad. After six runs in and just one out, Christina Dillard retired two out of three in relief, but the damage was done.
Christina provided some needed relief.
West Potomac tried to rally in the top of the fourth, scoring three runs before the rally fizzled. Maddie Miller led off with an infield single, scoring later on a wild pitch. Annabelle Miller followed her sister's hit with a hard single up the middle. Raven Williams reached on a fielding error, followed by a mental error by the third baseman. Jayne Orleans lined a shot up the middle that ticked off the pitcher's mitt and still had enough power to reach centerfield, driving in two runs.
Raven slides in -- safe!
After that, West Potomac only had one more baserunner for the entire game, when Eliza Treadway singled up the middle. Meanwhile, the Cougars tagged on two more runs, aided by two more Wolverine errors.
Before we turn the page on that game, West Potomac gave up five walks (four of whom scored), and committed four errors (all of which resulted in Cougar runs).
The second game saw an entirely different Wolverine team show up and play ball. While it took a few innings for the offense to get going, once they did it was the most damage with the bats the team has done this season.
The Robinson coach witlessly fueled the Wolverine rally by taking verbal cheap shots at the Wolverine pitcher and catcher. Once word spread of his trash talk, the angry West Potomac hitters stood up for their aggrieved teammates and battered the Ram pitcher in the third inning.
The game started slowly, as the Wolverines had two runners reach base but fail to score in each of the first two innings. Annabelle's infield single in the first went for naught, as she died on second after Raven was hit by a pitch. Then, in the second, Torie Bolger's walk and Olivia Manous's infield single also went for naught.
Speed kills: Olivia legs out an infield single.
Meanwhile, Jayne was cruising, showing a command that wasn't there in the first game. She retired the side in the first on six pitches, gave up a single to start the second, but then got three quick outs. The third inning featured a little more excitement, but a potential problem was erased by Nikki's cat-like reflexes at short. Annabelle knocked down a hard liner, and it spun to Nikki. She fired to first, getting the runner by a half step.
Anatomy of a play: the ball slams off Annabelle's mitt
Nikki adjusts to the ball.
The runner on second takes off.
Nikki scoops.
Out or safe? Blue made Robinson blue.
Maddie got the hit parade started in the bottom of the third with a looping double to right. Annabelle drove her big sister in for the first run of the with a harshly smacked double to left center. The Wolverines went back-to-back-to-back doubles when Raven hit one to the same spot Annabelle had just hit hers. After Jayne drove in the third run of the game with a single, the Rams pulled their pitcher. Torie popped a single to center. Megan Jackson slammed the fourth Wolverine double of inning, earning two RBI. Olivia's groundout to second brought in Megan with the sixth run of the inning.
Maddie gets the hit parade started with a double
The big inning featured no errors by Robinson, and no walks. It was all hitting, pounded out six in a row, including four doubles. It was the most complete hitting inning of the season to date.
Annabelle steams into second after her
RBI double opened up the scoring.
No, this is not the same play, just the next pitch.
Raven deposited it in the same place Annabelle did.
The top of the fourth was highlighted by a wild play in which the runner on second was cut down at home on a single to center. The ball traveled an unusual route, going from Olivia in center to Annabelle at third to Harley Devine behind the plate.
Torie's single falls between three Rams.
Megan hurts Coach Maniglia's hand while celebrating
her two run double (took third on the throw)
West Potomac then tacked on three more runs. Annabelle walked, Raven got an infield single, and both scored on Jayne's RBI single (one of the runners came home on an error). Eliza, running for Jayne, scored on an error by the first baseman.
Christina Dillard came in for a one-two-three inning, capped by a strikeout in the fifth. The game ended on the mercy rule when West Potomac had four straight singles to lift the score to 11-0. Katie Hinkel hit a single over the shortstop's head to left, then Nikki singled between short and 3rd. Maddie lined a single to left so hard that Katie had to stop at third. Annabelle's single and two RBIs was the last play of the game.
The sloppy fielding of the first game disappeared in the second -- West Potomac did not commit an error. The pitching was sharper too -- no walks and just four scattered singles were allowed.
There was no word on what, if any, additional trash talking the Robinson coach did.
Wolverine Whispers: The team has a 7-2 record, with two more games on Monday before a well-earned Spring Break rest. The schedule for Monday:
12:00
WP vs Annandale @WP
2:00
Osborne vs Annandale @ WP
4:00
WP vs Osborne @ WP While it is a workday, Coach Craig is hopeful for a big crowd during the lunch hour to cheer on the team. And, 4pm is close enough to the end of the day, you can always claim an important meeting in Alexandria!
On the day, Annabelle and Jayne led the damage at the plate. On the day, Annabelle had four hits and three RBIs, Jayne had three hits and four RBIs. Also contributing significantly at the plate were Maddie (three hits, one RBI), and Megan (2 RBI). Raven had a single and a double, but also reached on an error, and was hit by a pitch.
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