8U Southeast Regional's Championship Game vs. Okeeheelee

West Raleigh 8U's are headed to the Southeast Regional Championship Game against another Florida team, Okeeheelee FL who had just beaten the Florida State Champs Palm Gardens in the National League Bracket Championship game.

Coin Flip...and WR will be the first to the plate.

#9 Payton hits a single line drive shot to center field.
#28 Brian hits a sac bunt to move #9 over.
#98 Blake hits a hard ground ball up the third baseline for a double, scores #9.
#8 Evan drops one into center field for a two out single, scoring #98. #8 will head to third on the throw home.
#32 Timothy hits a hard ground ball towards second scoring #8.
#14 Zach will get the last hit of the first with a fly ball to center field for a single.
WR will get three runs in the top of the first.

Okeeheelee's first three batters get on all will line drive shots, one to right field, the other two up the middle. The fourth batter hits a one hopper to #32 Timothy at short who throws to #11 Grayson at second for out #1, a run will score. The next batter hits a hot line drive shot towards third, #9 Payton knocks it down, but no play can be made and a run will score. The sixth batter pops up to #11 Grayson at second for out #2, and the last batter strikes out swinging to end the first.

3-2 WR after 1

#7 Jacob will get the only WR hit in the second with a high one hopper over the pitcher for a base hit.

Okeeheelee's first batter hits a one hopper to #9 Payton at third who throws to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The second batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short who makes the throw to #2 at first. The third batter bunts for a hit. The fourth batter hits a fly ball to #28 Brian in right center field for out #3.

3-2 WR after 2

West Raleigh would get two hits in the third.
#2 Garrett hits a two out double to center field.
#8 Evan hits a line drive BOMB to center field scoring #2 from second.

Okeeheelee goes three up three down in the third. First batter flies out to #16 Payton. The second batter hits a bomb to right center field that #28 Brian catches. The third batter also flies out to #16 in left center field.

4-2 West Raleigh after 3

West Raleigh comes ALIVE in the fourth inning.
#14 Zach leads off for WR in the fourth with a Bomb single to left field.
#16 Payton B bunts for a hit
#17 Ryan bunts for a hit
#7 Jacob hits a hard ground ball between first and second, #7 is out at first and #14 will score.
#11 Grayson bunts, and with a bad throw to first two runs will score, #16 and #17.
#9 Payton hits a rope up the middle that goes to the fence #11 will score and #9 will settle in at third.
#28 Brian hits a BOMB double to center field, scoring #9.
#98 Blake hits a line drive single to left field. 1st and 3rd 1 out.
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball up the 1st baseline, for a double. Scoring #28. 2nd and 3rd 1 out.
#8 Evan gets a base hit to center field scoring #98.
#32 Timothy hits a sac fly to right field scoring #2.
#8 Evan will get the last hit of fourth and #32 Timothy will get the last RBI.

Eight runs have crossed the plate for the Blues in the fourth. If they can hold a hard hitting Okeeheelee team then they can with this game in four innings.

Okeeheelee's first two batters get on with base hits. The third batter pops up to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The next batter gets on with a single up the middle to load the bases. the next batter hits a ground ball back to #17 Ryan at pitcher who makes the toss to #7 Jacob at home, who steps on the plate and gets the force out at home, Jacob then turns and throws to 32 Garrett at first in a double play attempt but the ump calls the batter safe. Bases loaded 2 outs and the next batter flies out to #28 Brian Rubin in center field to end the game.

West Raleigh Wins the 8U Cal Ripken Southeast Regional's 12-2 in four innings.

It was a great weekend that our boys will remember for ever. Great baseball with great families. The 8U's end their season 31-0.

Congratulations to the WR 9U team who also won their Southeast Regional's, and to both the 10U and 12U West Raleigh teams who clenched their Regional's and are both headed to the Cal Ripken 10U and 12U World Series!!!!

Check out this great video that Mark Dilday put together of the games from this weekend. (Click the word "Video" in the above sentence and it will take you to the link).

ROLL BLUE!!!

Bracket Game 2 - OCALA FL

West Raleigh will face the same Ocala FL team that we faced in the first game of pool play. We had heard many times throughout the weekend that Ocala had wanted us, and they wanted us bad.

Ocala would chose to be the away team and the first to the plate. Their first three batters would all get on, two with hits up the middle and the other by bunt. The fourth batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second who throws to #2 Garrett at first for out #1, and an Ocala run will score. The fifth batter bunts, bad throw home in attempt to get the runner will lead to two runs scoring. Good hustle by Jacob who runs back to the backstop to get the ball and also beats the second runner who is called safe on the tag. The sixth batter grounds out to #32 Timothy at short stop who gets the ball to Garrett at first. The seventh batter hits a HIGH one hopper that #10 David jumps up, grabs and throws to #2 Garrett at first for out #3.
Ocala jumps out of the gate quick with three runs in the first.

#28 Brian will start off our hitting with an one out line drive single to center field.
#2 Garrett hits a hard ground ball to the first basemen, who can't handle it and Garrett makes it there safe.
#8 Evan hits a hard line drive to right center field scoring #28.
Evan will have the last and only RBI of the first inning for WR.

1-3 Ocala after 1

Ocala gets one on in the second, but only three batters will step to the plate. The first batter pops up to #32 Timothy who makes the catch behind third. The second batter will get on by a bad throw to first. The next batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at third, who grabs it, turns makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second, who steps on second, turns and throws to #2 Garrett at first for a 5-4-3 DOUBLE PLAY!!!

#16 Payton Bloom steps to the plate with one out on the board in the second and hits a hard grounder towards third, the third basemen makes a diving stop on the ball, but Payton makes it easily to first.
#17 Ryan drops one in behind third for a base hit.
#7 Jacob hits a slow rolling bunt up the first baseline to load the bases.
Bases loaded...and Ocala turns a double play on WR, by catching a pop up at second and then catches our runner not tagging up.

1-3 Ocala after 2

Ocala's first batter in the throw gets on with a bad throw to first. Their second batter flies out to #98 Blake in left field. The third batter hits a one hopper to #32 Timothy at short, who throws it to #17 Ryan at second for out #2. The fourth batter hits a line drive up the middle for a single. The fifth batter flies out to #16 Payton B. in left center field for out #3.

#9 Payton leads off the bottom of the third with a hard ground ball up the middle.
#28 Brian hits a hard ground ball towards the first basemen, Brian gets to first safe and #9 moves to second.
#98 Blake hits a line drive to left field to score #9.
#2 Garrett hits a 3 SHOT HOME RUN over the center field fence, scoring #28, #98 and #2.
#8 Evan gets a base hit over second.
#16 Payton steps to the plate with a man on first and two outs and hits a line drive single over third.
#17 Ryan bunts for a hit to load the bases. But this would be the last hit for the Blues in the third, and WR will take the lead.

5-3 West Raleigh after 3

The first two Ocala batters get on in the fourth inning, 1st and 2nd no outs. The third batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton Green at third, who grabs it tags third for the force, throws to #17 Ryan at second for the DOUBLE PLAY! The next batter hits a ground ball up the middle, 2nd and 3rd 2 outs and the next batter lines out to #98 Blake in left field to end the fourth.

West Raleigh will get two hits in the fourth.
#9 Payton hits a line drive by the second basemen for a base hit.
#98 Blake hits a hard one hopper towards the short stop for a base hit.

5-3 West Raleigh after 4

Ocala's first batter hits a high pop up for a hit. The second batter hits a hard ground ball to #9 Payton he gets the ball to #17 Ryan at second for out #1. The third batter hits a fly ball double to center field. The fourth batter hits a line drive shot to left field and scores a run. The Next batter strikes out swinging for out #2. The sixth batter hits a line drive over the short stop and scores another run. The next batter attempts a bunt, #7 Jacob pops up from catcher, grabs the ball and throws him out at first. Ocala gets two runs in the fifth to tie the game.

West Raleigh will go three up, three down in the fifth, and we are headed into the sixth with a tied ballgame.

Ocala's first batter hits a hard ground ball to #9 Payton G. at third, who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for the out. The second batter gets on with a line drive shot to center field. The third batter bunts, #10 David hustles in, grabs it and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for the out, the runner advances to second. The fourth batter hits a long fly ball to center field and the go ahead run scores. The fifth batter pops up behind third, the ball drops in and the runner at third starts to head home, he gets in a run down and we are able to tag him out.

West Raleigh is down by 1 run, and MUST score at least one to keep the game going.
#16 Payton B. hits a hard single up the middle.
#17 Ryan hits a line drive by third for a single.
#7 Jacob sac bunts and move the runners over to 2nd and 3rd 1 out
#10 David sac bunts and scores #16 from third...GAME TIED!!!
#9 Payton Green hits a shallow pop up the falls behind the pitcher for a walk off single to score #17 Ryan.

West Raleigh wins 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth and are headed to the 8U SE Regional Championship game.

Bracket Game 1 - OVEIDO FL

West Raleigh will meet Oveido Florida in their first bracket game. Scouting reports on Oveido is that they can hit and they play good defense. WR will be the away team and will be the first at the plate.

West Raleigh will only get two hits in the first inning.
#9 Payton G. hits a single by the 3rd basemen.
#2 Garrett hits a double to left field, scoring #9.

The Blues get on the board and take a 1 run lead in the top of the first.

Oveido's first batter hits a hard ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who throws it to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The second batter gets on with a ground ball base hit. The third batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at 3rd, who throws to #32 covering 2nd for out #2. The next three Oveido batters all get on with singles and a run will score. The seventh Oveido batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at third, who takes it himself and tags third base for the force and final out of the first.

1-1 after 1

West Raleigh will get only one hit in the second inning. #32 Timothy hits a line drive to right center field for a single.

Oveido's first two batters of the second inning get on with base hits. The third batter hits a line drive that #17 Ryan catches at second. The next two batters get on, and two runs score. The sixth batter hits up the middle, a run will score, another base runner attempts to score the our field will get the ball in and our cut off will make the throw to #11 Grayson at catcher who tags the runner coming into home. The next Oveido batter hits a line drive back at #10 David at pitcher who makes the catch for out #3 .

1-4 Oveido after 2

Top of the third and West Raleigh's first two batters get out on good defensive plays by Oveido.
#9 Payton G. starts are hitting in the third with a ground ball that gets by their short stop and their third basemen for a single.
#28 Brian hits a HARD grounder by the second basemen. 2nd and 3rd two outs.
#98 Blake hits a ground ball double up the line, scoring #9 and #28.

Blake has the last hit and RBI's for WR in the third. The Blues are chipping away, and are getting their stride back.

Oveido goes three up three down in the third. The first batter hits a one hopper to #32 Timothy at short stop who throws the ball to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The Second batter hits a fly ball, that #16 Payton B. runs back on and makes the catch for out #2. The third batter pops up to #17 Ryan at second for out #3.

3-4 Oveido after three

The fourth inning is a big inning for Blues.
#8 Evan hits a line drive BOMB that goes to the fence for a double.
#32 Timothy smokes one by the first basemen #8 Evan will score from second and #32 will head to second on the throw home.
#14 Zach hits a two out Line Drive BOMB to left field scoring #32, and #14 heads to second on the throw home.
#10 David drops one into center field, #14 gets into a run down between 3rd and home and he makes is safely back to third.
#17 Ryan hits a line drive shot to left field, #14 will score.
#9 Payton G. smokes one by the short stop, scoring #10, #17 will score on a bad throw home and #9 Payton will move to second.
#28 Brian singles up the middle and #9 will score.
#98 Blake has the last hit of the fourth with a ground ball single by the third baseman.

West Raleigh will get five runs in the fourth inning and take the lead for the first time in the game.

Oveido's first batter flies out to #14 Zach in right field. The second batter hits a one hopper to #9 and third who throws it to #2 Garrett at first for out #2. The third batter gets on with a line drive single to center field. The fourth batter lines out to #17 Ryan at second to end the fourth.

9-4 West Raleigh after 4

#8 Evan starts off the hitting for the Blues in the fifth with a line drive single to center field.
#32 Timothy bunts for a hit.
#7 Jacob comes up with one out on the board, and hits a hard line drive one hopper to the short stop, who turns and throws #32 out at second and #8 will score.
West Raleigh gets two hits in the fifth and one more run.

Oveido's first batter hits a ground ball between 1st and 2nd, #14 Zach in right field will charge the ball and make the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The second batter attempts a bunt, #10 David at pitcher hustles in bare hands the ball and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #2. The next two batters get on with base hits, Oveido has 1st and 2nd two outs. The fifth batter hits a one hopper to #17 Ryan at second who takes it to the bag himself for the force at 2 and the third out of the fifth.

10-4 West Raleigh after 5

#17 Ryan steps to the plate with one out on the board and hits a line drive single to center field.
#9 Payton hits a line drive to left field for a base hit.
#28 Brian hits a fly ball dropped by the right center fielder to load the bases.
#98 Blake hits a line drive to left field scoring #17.
#2 Garrett hits a sac fly to center field scoring #9.
#8 Evan hits a double to center field scoring #28 and #98.
#32 Timothy hits a fly ball to right field scoring #8.
#16 Payton B. drops one into left center scoring #32.
Payton Bloom has the last hit for the Blues and six more runs have crossed home. Three more outs is all the Blues need to make it to the semi-final game.

Oveido will go three up three down in the sixth. The first batter will hit a one hopper to #9 at third, he gets it to #2 at first for out #1. The second batter will fly out to #8 Evan in right field for out #2 and #16 Payton B. will get the last out of the game by making a diving catch on a ball to left center field.

16-4 West Raleigh and they move onto the semi Final game (the American League Bracket Championship game).

Pool Play-GAME 4 VS. PEACHTREE VA

West Raleigh's final pool game game is against a great hitting team from Virgina - The Peachtree All Stars. WR will be the away team and hit first in our 10 am game.

#9 Payton Green leads us off with a line drive over the third basemen for a single.
#28 Brian Rubin bunts for a hit (Brian's bunt actually starts rolling backward, rolls past the catcher that had moved up to field it and STOPS on the plate!).
#98 Blake hits a BOMB double to center field scoring #9.
#8 Evan hits a rocket shot that is knocked down by the short stop, #28 scores and all runners are safe.
#32 Timothy bunts for a hit, the pitcher fields the bunt and attempt to keep Blake at third, but a bad throw home and #98 will score, all runners will advance. 2nd and 3rd no outs.
#16 Payton hits an one out DOUBLE line drive up the middle to score #8 and #32.
Payton Bloom would have the last hit and RBI's of the first inning for West Raleigh as the boys jump on the board with five runs.

Peachtree's first batter will get on with a line drive up the middle. #11 Grayson tries to knock it down, but the runner is able to make it to first. The next batter pops up to shallow right field and #8 Evan hustles in and makes the catch for out #1. The third batter hits a hard ground ball to #98 Blake in left field, Blake hustles in, grabs the ball and makes a rocket throw to #17 Ryan at second for out #2. The fourth batter lines out to #17 Ryan at second for out #3.

5-0 WR after 1

#7 Jacob leads off the second inning with a bunt hit
#2 Garrett hits a hard grounder to second that the second basemen makes a nice stop on, and gets #7 sliding into second.
#9 Payton hits a line drive to left field, #2 Garrett heads to third on a bad throw to first and #9 heads to second, #2 will score and #9 will move to third on a bad throw home.
#9 will have the last hit of the second inning for WR. Peachtree makes a nice double play to end the second inning with a fly ball catch in center field followed by the throw home to tag our runner as he attempts to cross home. West Raleigh does get one run in, in the second.

The first Peachtree batter goes down in dramatic fashion. He leads off with a line drive shot to the center field fence, #16 Payton Bloom hustles to the fence, rockets the throw to #17 Ryan at second who tags the runner sliding in for out #1. The second batter flies out to #28 Brian in right center field for out #2. Peachtree's third batter gets on with a ground ball up the middle. Their fourth batter hits a ground ball to #14 Zach at third, who fields it, turns and makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second to end the inning.

6-0 WR after 2.

#98 Big Bad Blake McCain, leads off the third inning with a Solo Shot HOME RUN over the center field fence (The ball stays in the air until it hits in the middle of the street) He hit that one 215' easy!
#8 Evan follows up with a laser shot to center field.
#32 Timothy Sac bunts
#16 Payton B. hits a two out line drive shot to left center field for a double, scoring #8.
Payton has the last hit for the Blues in the third and the last RBI's. WR puts two more on the board.

Peachtree goes three up, three down in the third. Their first batter hits a BOMB to left field by #98 lines himself up and makes the catch for out #1. The second batter hits a nice line drive shot to center field, but #16 Bloom hustles in and makes the diving catch for out #2. The final Peachtree batter hits a ground ball to #14 Zach at third, Zach turns goaltender goes down on his knees, knocks it down, grabs it throws to #2 Garret at first. The throw is a bit off line and #2 has to come off the bag to catch it, but he flips around and TAGS the runners foot as he is about to hit the bag for out #3!

8-0 WR after 3

The fourth inning will be a HUGE inning for West Raleigh's offense. The boys are hitting and they are hitting the ball hard. We will hit 8 batters before Peachtree can get an out on us in the the fourth. If there was a hole in the field, our boys found it.

#11 Grayson starts off our hitting with a base hit over third.
#7 Jacob bunts for a hit.
#2 Garrett hits a hard ground ball between first and second, the second basemen rushes the throw and over throws first, #11 scores and all runners advance.
#9 Payton G. hits a line drive to left field #7 scores.
2nd & 3rd no outs
#28 Brian drops one behind third close to the third baseline scoring #2.
#10 David hits a fly ball to center field for a single.
#8 Evan hits a hard ground ball to the short stop, the SS is able to knock it down but could not make a play, #9 scores.
#32 Timothy hits a fly call single to center field scoring #28.
Bases are loaded and there is 1 out on the board.
#16 Payton B. will drop one in over 3rd for a single and #10 will score.
#17 Ryan will hit a hard ground ball that will hit the third basemen glove, the short stop who is backing up will grab it and throw #32 out on a fielders choice to third. #8 will score.
#11 Grayson hits a fly ball to center field.
#7 Jacob will hit a hard one back up the middle, hitting the machine and scoring #16.
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball up the first base line for a single, scoring #17.
#9 Payton G. hits a hard ground ball by the third basemen scoring #11.
#28 Brian hits a line drive single up the middle scoring #98 (who was in running for #7).

Brian will have our last hit and RBI in the fourth inning. 11 Runs will score for the Blues. All they will need is three outs to end the game.

Peachtree's lead off batter of the fourth hits a line drive double to center field. Their second batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at short stop, he gets the batter on his way to first, and the runner on second will advance to third. The next batter will hits a ground ball between first and second, #2 Garrett will grab it and beat the runner to the bag to get the force at first. The runner from third will score. The fourth batter for Peachtree drops one into left center for a single. Their next batter pops up to #2 Garrett in foul territory on the first base side.

West Raleigh wins 19-1.

Pool Play-GAME 3 VS. MARSHALL TN

West Raleigh will head to the plate first again Marshall County All Stars in our third pool play game of the SE Regional's. With an 8pm start time, our boys will be playing under the lights.

#9 Payton G. starts off our hitting in the first with a one out hit up the middle that hits the machine.
#28 Brian hits a line drive single to left field.
#2 Garrett heads to the plate with 1st and 3rd two outs and hits a 3 RUN OUT OF THE PARK HOME RUN scoring #9, #98 and #2.
#8 Evan hits a a hard ground ball at the first basemen, it hits the first baseman's leg and #8 makes it safely to first.
#10 David bunts for a hit.
David would have the last hit of the inning and 3 runs score for WR in the top of the first.

Marshall will go three up, three down in the first. #16 Payton Bloom takes care of out #1 with a fly ball catch in left center field. #9 Payton Green will grab the next batters ground ball at third and throws to #2 Garrett at first for out #2. #11 Grayson will grab a one hopper at second and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first to end the inning.

Top of the second and Marshall gets out first two batters out.
#11 Grayson will start our hitting with a two out ground ball up the third base line.
#7 Jacob gets a base hit on a fly ball to center field
#9 Payton G hits a line drive to center field, scoring #11.
#28 Brian hits a hard ground ball the short stop, who turns to throw to second, and the second basemen drops the ball, all runners are safe.
#98 Blake hits a line drive to center field, #17 Ryan (who is in to run for Jacob our catcher) and #9 Payton scores. Marshall throws it home in an attempt to get #9 at the plate, runners advance on the throw, 2nd and 3rd two outs.
#2 Garrett steps to the plate and for his second at bat in the second inning he hits ANOTHER 3 RUN OUT OF THE PARK HOME RUN!!! Scoring #28, #98 and #2.
#8 Evan will get the last hit of the second inning with a hard ground ball to the short stop. The short stop is able to knock it down but was not able to make a play. Six more runs have crossed the plate for the Blues in the second.

Marshall comes out hitting hard in the second inning. Their first four batters get on base, two by throwing errors and two with line drive hits to the outfield. Another Marshall batter will get on base with an over turned call by the ump. #10 David at pitcher grabs a hard hit ball up the middle before it can hit the machine and throws the runner out at first (ump calls runner out), the then ump over turns the call and calls the runner safe saying that since his glove touched the sand bag at the machine the glove then became part of the machine. The crowd is stunned. Three runs will score for Marshall before WR gets their first out of the inning. Batters 6, 7 and 8 all will be retired. The first and third outs are ground balls hits to #9 Payton at third, for out 1 he tags third for the force and for out 3 he throws to #2 Garrett at first. The second out is a ground ball to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first.

9-3 WR after 2

#14 Zach leads off in the third with a ground ball with eyes up the first base line (I've been waiting all season to use that one) for a single.
#16 Payton B. hits an one out laser shot up the middle for a single.
#11 Grayson attempts a sac bunt but Marshall is able to get the throw to third to get Zach coming into the bag for an out.
#7 Jacob hits a line drive to right center field, scoring #16 from second. They throw home in an attempt to get #16 at the plate and #11 and #7 move to second and third.

Jacob would have the last hit and RBI of the third. One more run has scored for WR as we head into the bottom of the third.

Marshall gets one man on in the third. The first batter strikes out swinging. #9 Payton makes a nice line drive foul ball catch at the third base side for out #2. The third batter hits a fly ball into right field, the runner heads to second, #8 gets the ball to #32 Timothy at cut off and #32 runs the runner back to first. The fourth batter flies out to #28 in right center field.

10-3 WR after 3

#2 Garrett will get the only hit for West Raleigh in the fourth inning. No runs will score. Marshalls first two batter will get on with hits in the bottom of the fourth, but West Raleigh will retire the next three batters with no harm done. Third batter will fly out to #28 Brian in right center field. The fourth batter attempts a bunt, but #10 David at pitcher hustles in, bare hands it and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for the out. The final batter of the fourth hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first.

10-3 WR after 4

Top of the fifth and the first two batters for WR get out.
#32 Timothy will get the hitting started with a line drive shot to center field for a single.
#16 Payton B. bunts for a hit.
#11 Grayson hits a rope up the middle scoring #32 and #16.

Grayson has the last hit and RBI's of the fifth inning. Two runs have crossed the plate for the Blues in the fifth.

Marshall goes three up, three down in the fifth. The first batter hits a shallow infield pop up that #7 Jacob hustles up at catcher and makes the catch for out #1. The second batter strikes out swinging and the third batter hits a hard grounder to #9 Payton at third, he grabs, turns and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first to end the fifth.

12-3 WR after 5

West Raleigh will get two guys on in the top of the sixth.
#9 Payton G. hits a hard ground ball to the short stop and a miss throw to first gets him settled in safely.
#98 Blake hits a BOMB that is just shy of going out of the park, hits the fence in center field. #9 Payton makes it to third safely and #98 Blake ends up at second. Blake would have the last hit of the game for WR.

Marshalls first batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at third, he makes the throw around the ump at the mound to #2 at first for out #1. The second batter gets on with a line drive shot to right center field. The third batter hits a hard ground ball to #32 Timothy at short, who grabs it and makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second. The fourth batter is able to beat the throw to first on a slow ground ball up the middle. The fifth batter pops up to #32 Timothy at short stop to end the inning and the game.

12-3 West Raleigh Final after 6 complete innings.

Pool Play-GAME 2 VS. DONELSON TN

7/23 - 12pm Pool Play game 2 vs. Donelson Diamond Dawgs from Tennessee. West Raleigh will be the visitors and the first to step to the plate.

#9 Payton G has a lead off bunt hit.#28 Brian hits a high fly ball that drops into center field for a single.
#98 Blake has a line drive shot to left field, Coach Pate has #9 head to home, but Donelson gets that ball in quick and tags #9 out as he is sliding into home. #98 will have the last hit for the Blues in the first and WR is held scoreless in the top of the first.

The Dawgs first batter gets on by error. The second batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second, who makes the throw to #32 Timothy who is covering second from short for out #1. The next Donelson batter strikes out swinging and the next batter hits a slow ground towards first, #10 David hustles in, grabs it throws a quick underhand toss to #2 Garrett at first to get out 33.

0-0 after 1.

#32 Timothy leads off the second with a ground ball between first and second.

#8 Evan hits a line drive to right center for a single. #17 Ryan lays down a sac bunt. 2nd and 3rd 1 out. #14 Zach hits a hard shot towards short, Donelson's SS knocks it down and makes the throw to first to get #14, #32 scores and #8 heads to third. Donelson over throws third and #8 scores.

Zach will have the last RBI's for the WR 8U's in the second. Two runs have scored for the Blues.

Donelson will go three up three down in the second. #10 David has a nice line drive catch at pitcher.#16 Payton Bloom has a fly ball catch in left center field and #9 Payton Green grabs a hard one hopper at third and makes the throw to #2 at first.

2-0 WR after 2

#28 Brian Rubin will get the only hit for WR in the third inning. He hits a nice line drive shot to right center field for a single. Donelson will also only get one hit in the third. Their lead off batter hits a line drive shot to right field, #8 Evan hustles in, grabs it makes the throw to first but the ump calls him safe. Other great defensive plays for WR in the 3rd were by #28 Brian who hustles in on a line drive to center field, gets the ball in to #32 Timothy who is covering second for the force. The third Donelson batter strikes out swinging and the fourth batter hits a fly ball to shallow right field, #8 Evan hustles in and makes the one knee catch to end the third.

2-0 WR after 3

#2 Garrett starts off our hitting in the fourth with a fly ball to center field for a single.
#8 Evan hits a ground ball up the third base line for a single
#14 Zach hits an one out BOMB line drive to the left field fence, scoring #2 and #17.
#16 Payton B. Bunts for a hit and an RBI scoring #14.
West Raleigh tacks on three more runs in the fourth taking a 5-0 leading after 3 1/2.

Donelson goes three up, three down in the fourth. #16 Payton Bloom grabs the first out with a diving catch in center field. #32 Timothy grabs a ground ball at short stop, makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #2. #32 Timothy also takes care of out #3 when the batter pops up to short stop.

5-0 WR after 4

#10 David Dilday starts off the fifth inning for the WR Blues, with a base hit single.
#98 Blake hits a two out BOMB Double to left field, #11 Grayson who is in to run for #10 scores from first. Donelson attempts to get #11 out at home, and the throw home moves #98 over to third, they then attempt to get #98 at third, but another bad throw will allow #98 to score.
#2 Garrett will have the last WR hit of the 5th, and a laser shot of a hit it was. He hits the ball so hard up the first base line that the Dawgs first basemen DUCKS to get out of it's way! Garrett makes it safely to second.

Donelson's first batter of the fifth is out with a one hopper to #9 Payton at third who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first. The Second batter hits a hard ground ball up the middle for a base hit. The next Dawgs hitter lines out to #16 Payton B. in left center field. The fourth batter hits a hard ground ball by third for a single. Donelson has 1st and 2nd, 2 outs when the next batter hits a line drive to right field scoring two runs. The sixth batter of the bottom of the fifth lines out to #28 Brian Rubin in right center field.

7-2 WR after 5

WR will go three up three down in the top of the sixth. Time for some West Raleigh D!

Donelson's first batter hits a shallow pop up that lands on the third base foul line, out boys wait to see if it goes foul...but it doesn't, man on first. The second batter hits a hard ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop, he turns makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second, he then turns and throws to #2 Garrett at first for an attempt at a double play, but the ump calls the runner safe. The third batter hits a hard ground ball to #9 Payton G at third, he knocks it down makes the throw, but the runner beats the throw to second. The fourth batter flies out to #16 Payton B. in shallow left center field. The fifth Dawgs batter hits a hard ground ball to #2 at first, he knocks it down but it bounces off his glove, and deflect to #17 Ryan. All runners end up safe. The next batter hits a ground ball up the middle, scoring their man on third, all runners safe-bases loaded. The seventh batter hits a hard line drive that #17 Ryan grabs out of the sky for the final out of the game.

West Raleigh wins 7-3 in six complete innings.

SE Regional's Pool Play-GAME 1 VS. OCALA FL

West Raleigh 8U Blues head to the fields in Pulaski TN and are seated in the American League Pool of the Southeast Regional 8U Tournament (a tournament that this years 9U's won last year as 8U's).

First Pool Play game for the 8's is against an Ocala Florida team, WR Blues are the first to the plate.

#9 Payton G starts us off with a single to left field.
#28 Brian bunts for a hit
#98 Blake hits a bomb shot to left center field
#2 Garrett steps to the plate, watches the first pitch, swings and misses on pitch 2, swings and misses on pitch 3, pitch # 4 is headed over the plate, #2 swings, it's going, it's going, IT'S GONE!!! Garrett hits a Grandslam homerun!
#14 Zach drops one in behind the pitcher with one out on the board.
#8 Evan hits a hard ground ball but the short stop is able to knock it down and throw #14 out at second.
#16 Payton B hits a ROPE between 2nd & 3rd, the shortstop knocks it down but is unable to make a play and all runners are safe.
1st and 2nd 2 outs
#17 Ryan hits a ground ball up the third baseline for an RBI single, as #8 crosses the plate.
#10 David will have the last hit of the first with a hard ground ball that the Ocala short stop couldn't handle.

West Raleigh takes a 5 run lead heading into the bottom of the first.

Ocala's first batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second who turns and throws to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. Ocala's next two batters get on with line drive shots to the out field. Ocala has 2nd and 3rd 1 out. The fourth batter will hit a ground ball towards Garrett at first. #2 grabs it, tags first for out #2, an Ocala run will score on the play. The fifth batter will strike out with a strike three foul tip catch by #11 Grayson.

5-1 WR after 1

The Blues will get only two hits in the Second.
#9 Payton leads off the inning with a line drive to left field.
#98 Blake hits a line drive to the left field fence (Ocala rockets the ball in quick keep #98 to a single).
No runs score for WR in the top of 2.

Ocala's first two batters of the second go down with great catches by the Blues. #98 Blake in left field will grab a fly ball for out #1, and #17 Ryan will catch a pop up to second for out #2. Ocala's next three batters get on with hits up the middle to load the bases. The sixth Ocala batter flys out to #16 Payton Bloom to end the second.

5-1 WR after 2

#14 Zach leads off the third with a ground ball up the middle that hits the machine for a hit.
#8 Evan hits a laser to left field for a single.
Ocala is able to get our next two batters out with force outs at third. 1st and 2nd 2 outs.
#10 David drops one into left field for a single and #16 scores.

David will have the last hit and RBI for WR in the 3rd.

Ocala's first batter of the third grounds out to #17 Ryan at second who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first. The next batter hits a hard ground ball to #9 Payton at third, #9 makes a nice grab on the ball but miss throws first and the runner is able to move to second. The next Ocala batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short, he attempts to tag the runner on his way to third, misses, throws to #2 Garrett at first, and the throw is in time. Man on 3rd, two outs. The fourth batter lineds out to #8 Evan in right field.

6-1 WR after 3

#9 Payton G leads off the fourth with a line drive up the middle.
#28 Brian ALSO hits a line drive up the middle for a single.
#2 Garrett hits an 1 out line drive DOUBLE to right field scoring #9.
#14 Zach hits a two out ground ball between second and third, the third basemen knocks it down but no play can be made as #28 scores and #2 moves safely into third.
#8 Evan hits ANOTHER laser shot by the thirdbasemen for an RBI single as #2 crosses home.
#16 Payton B will have the last hit and RBI of the fourth with a double to left field scoring #14.

West Raleigh gets in four more runs in the fourth.

Ocala's first batter hits a BOMB to center field for a lead off double. Their next batter bunts for a hit, and with some messy WR play their runner on second is able to score. Ocala has one man on first, when their third batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second who throws to #32 Timothy at short who is covering second for out #1. Next batter hits a one hopper to #9 Payton at third, he makes the throw to Ryan at second for out #2. The final Ocala batter hits a hard ground ball that is headed between 2nd and 3rd, #9 Payton G hustles over,grabs it and makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second to end the inning.

10-2 after 4

#7 Jacob will get the only WR hit in the top of the fifth with a line drive shot to center field. No runs will score. Three more outs to go.

Ocala's first batter of the fifth drops on into shallow right field, we attempt to get him at first, but an over throw to the bag, and the runner is safe. Good backup by #7 Jacob keeps runner at first on the miss throw. Next batter hits a line drive single to center field. Third batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second who turns and throws to #32 Timothy covering second for out #1. An Ocala run will score with a blooper that drops in just right into shallow left center field. Next batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy, he attempts to tag the runner on his way to third, Ump calls runner out of the baseline for out #2. Another Ocala run will score with a BOMB to left center field. Second and third two outs. The next batter gets on and a run will score on a hard ground ball to short. The last batter of the inning hits a hard ground ball to #32 Timothy who makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second to end the fifth.

10-5 after 5.

#32 Timothy will have the only WR hit of the sixth with a line drive laser to center field. No WR runs will score.

Ocala will go three up three down in the sixth. The first two batters hit ground balls to #10 David at pitcher who makes the plays to #2 Garrett at first for outs 1 and 2. The third and final Ocala batter drops one infront of #14 Zach in right field, he runs in, grabs it and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first to end the game.

West Raleigh wins 10-5 after six complete innings.

ENC State Championship Game vs. North Wake Knights

West Raleigh will meet the North Wake Knights who also went 4-0 in pool play and obviously 2-0 in Bracket play so far this tournament. Both teams have scored 93 runs in the first six games against their opponents. And to put it as Coach Rick put it "The match ups between North Wake 8U and West Raleigh 8U are starting to become a Duke and Carolina type of rivalry".

Even though West Raleigh is the higher seed, we say we want to hit first. Superstition would have most believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and this superstition-ist agrees. So West Raleigh heads to the plate.

#9 Payton will lead off for the 8U's and he starts us off with a ground ball single between short and third.
#28 Brian Bunts, it appears he will make it to first safe, but North Wake throws the ball to first anyway and over throws it to right field, #9 will score and #28 moves safely to second.
#14 Zach steps to the plate with one out on the board, and hits a hard ground that hits third base for a single.
#32 Timothy bunts for a hit and an RBI as #28 crosses home.
#8 Evan hits a ground ball to the third basemen which will force #14 out at third.
#2 Garrett hits a two out BOMB double to left center, #32 and #8 will score. #2 will move to 3rd on the throw home.
#17 Ryan has a line drive single over second to score #2.
#16 Payton hits a line drive up the middle for a single.

Payton will have the last hit for the 8U's and #17 Ryan will have the last RBI of the first. As they have done in the previous two games of Bracket play they have again scored five runs in the top of the first inning.

The North Wakes first batter hits a ground ball to #9 P. Green who gets it to Garrett at first for out #1. The second batter hits a line drive between first and second, Zach grabs it in and gets it in to #2 and the runner is called safe on a close play at first. NW third batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop, who makes the throw to #17 at second for the force out and out #2. The fourth batter hits a ground ball up the middle for a single. First and second two outs. #10 David knocks down the next Knight's batters hit at pitcher and makes the throw to Garrett at first to end the inning.

5-0 West Raleigh after 1.

Both WR and NW go three up three down in the second.
We got our three outs when NW's first batter hits a hard ground ball up the middle back towards the machine, but #10 David turned goaltender knocks it down before it can hit it, grabs it and makes the throw to #2 at first for out #1. #10 David would also get the second out on a ground ball back at pitcher, he gobbles it up and gets the throw to Garrett in time. The third out came courtesy of #17 Pickles Smith who grabs a pop up hit between first and second.

5-0 West Raleigh after 2.

West Raleigh will get three hits in the third.
#98 Blake gets the first hit with a line drive single over third base.
#14 Zach...BUNTS for a hit!!!
#32 Timothy BUNTS for a hit!
#2 Garrett hits a sac fly to right center scoring #98.
One run will score in the third.

Again North Wake goes three up three down in the third. #2 Garrett HUSTLES in on a short shallow blooper and makes a diving catch for out #1 (we are all certain that Garrett learned that move from coach Jake during warm ups earlier in the day...although Garrett seemed to pop up MUCH quicker then coach Jake did). The second batter bunts, #9 Payton hustles in from third, grabs it and gets the throw in time to #2 at first. The third NW batter flies out to #98 Blake in left field.

6-0 West Raleigh after 3.

The 8U's Blues bats heat up again in the fourth.

#16 P. Bloom gets us started with a lead off line drive over second for a single.
#10 David hits a line drive up the middle for a single.
#11 Grayson bunts for a hit to load the bases.
#9 Payton hits a BOMB over the left fielders head for a double which will score #98 and #10.
#28 Brian hits a hard ground ball, the second basemen knocks it down but doesn't get the throw off and #11 will score.
#98 Blake hits a laser ground ball by the third basemen scoring #9.
#32 Timothy hits an one out rope through the middle for a 2 RBI double, scoring #28 and #98.

#32 Timothy would be that last guy to get a hit and RBI for the 8U's. Six more runs will score in the fourth.

North Wakes first batter hits a hard grounder between 1st and 2nd, #8 Evan charges and grabs the ball in right field and makes the throw in time to #2 at first. The next three batters get on base, two with line drive hits and the third with a ground ball. The fifth batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at third, he grabs the ball, tags third to get the force out and out #2. A Run will score on the hit. The next batter pops up a high one that #9 P. Green calls at third, and makes the catch for the final out of the game.

West Raleigh has won the 8U ENC Ripken State Tournament and has earned the automatic bid to play in the South East Regional tournament in Tennessee!!!

The boys played amazing defense and connected with the ball to drive it as hard as they had all season. The 7U Blue and 9U Blue teams ALSO won Their State Tournaments on Sunday. Congratulations to all the boys and ROLLLLLLLLL BLUE!

Bracket Game 2 vs. Winterville

This will be the third time this All Star season that Winterville and West Raleigh will meet, this game will be the most important, the winner will advance to the State Championship game and will play one of the North Wake teams (North Wake Knights and North Wake Thunder are on another field getting ready to start their game to see who will advance to the Championship game also).

West Raleigh is the first to step to the plate:
#9 "Speedy Legs" Green hits a ground ball to the third basemen and beats the throw to first.
#28 Bunts, and will get to first safely but Winterville STILL throws to first and it is a bad throw, #9 will move to third.
#98 Blake will drop one into shallow left field for a single and a RBI scoring #9.
#14 Zach hits a Line Drive BOMB to left field for a single to load the bases.
#32 Timothy hits a ground ball to the second basemen who gets Zach out at 2, but #28 will score.
1st and 3rd 1 out.
#8 Evan hits a line drive double over the left fielder, #98 and #32 will score from first, and #8 will move to third on the throw home.
#2 Garrett hits a Sac Fly to score #8.
#17 Ryan hits a "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty" (Coach Rick was heard saying) bunt perfectly down the third baseline for a hit.
Ryan would have the last hit of the first and Garrett would have the last RBI. Five runs will score in the top of the first for the Blues.

Wintervilles first batter strikes out swinging, their second batter lines out to #17 Ryan at second. Their third batter hits a ground ball up the third base line for a single and their fourth batter hits a one hopper to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throw to #2 at first for out #3.

5-0 West Raleigh after 2

#10 David leads off with a bunt hit in the second.
#11 Grayson hits a hard grounder up the third baseline that gets by their third basemen for a single.
#9 Payton hits a line drive to left field, #10 will score and #9 will advance to second on the throw home.
2nd and 3rd 0 outs.
#28 Brian hits a hard line drive single up the middle scoring #11 and #9.
#98 Blake...BUNTS for a hit!
#14 Zach hits a high fly ball that is dropped by the short stop, but he manages to grab the ball and get #98 out at second, #28 will score.
#32 Timothy hits a LASER up the middle for a single.
#8 Evan hits a rope to left field to load the bases.
#2 Garrett hits a sac fly to right center, scoring #14.
Evan will have the last hit in the second and Garrett will have the last RBI, five more runs score in the top of the second.

Winterville goes three up, three down in the second. #32 Timothy will run in on a short shallow pop up at short stop for the first out. The second batter will strike out swinging and the third batter will hit a line drive to shallow left field that #98 Blake runs in on and makes the catch for out #3.

10-0 West Raleigh after 3.

WR will only get two men on in the third. #16 Payton Bloom hits a line drive double to left field, and #10 David hits a hard line drive that the third basemen catches but CAN NOT hold onto (it was hit that hard) and David beats the throw to first. The next three batters will go down with great defensive plays made by Winterville.

Wintervilles first batter attempts a bunt up the third baseline, but #9 Payton hustles in, bare hands it and throws to #2 at first for the out. Their second batter pops up to #11 Grayson at catcher who makes the catch for out #2. Third batter hits a line drive over second for a hit and the fourth batter hits a ground ball up the middle to #32 Timothy who makes the throw to #2 at first for the out.

10-0 West Raleigh after 3.

#98 Blake hits a hard ground ball up the third baseline, the Winterville out fielder throws it to second, Blake slides in safe in dramatic fashion with the Winterville second basemen holding the ball, standing on the bag but was too high to lay the tag.
#14 Zach hits a BOMB to left field. This blogger figures it hit the 189 mark and would of been gone at WR) but at the Bambino field in Winterville it is a Standup double, #98 will score.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive rope up the middle #14 heads to third and round, they throw home keeping #14 at third but #32 will advance to second on the throw.
#8 Evan hits a missile (blogger is having trouble coming up with so many different adjective to explain the bombs that the 8U's were hitting today) to left field for a double. #14 and #32 will score.
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball single between first and second. Runners on 1st and 3rd no outs.
#7 Jacob hits a line drive over third for a single to score #8.
#16 Payton drops one into left field to load the bases.
#10 David hits a hard ground ball that the short stop knocks down and gets #16 out at second, and #2 will cross home.
#11 hits a line drive over third scoring #7.
#9 Payton hits a fly ball to left field for a base hit (loads the bases)
#28 Brian hits a one hopper OVER the second basemen for a single, #10 will score.
#98 Blake hits a line drive to left field #11 will score.
#14 Zach hits a hard grounder by the third basemen, #9 will score.
#32 Timothy hits a hard grounder up the middle scoring #28.
#8 Evan hits another line drive up the third baseline to score #98.
Bases are still loaded, and our boys are finding every whole in the field. It is not that Winterville is bobbling the ball, the balls are all soaring to spots on the field where their players are not. If they play back, we seem to get it in front of them, if they play up we hit it behind them. At no point did Winterville give up, we just simply were crushing the ball and hitting around them. Coach Pate knew that our boys were so locked into the machine that he had our next two batters hit, and held the runners at third (bases loaded) so they could get the forced outs at home. By the time the inning would end we would score eleven more runs in the fourth.

Wintervilles first batter in the fourth hit a short shallow pop up to #10 David at pitcher, wh runs in and grabs it before it hits the ground with a diving catch for out #1. The second batter hits a BOMB to center field for a double. The third batter looked as if he was trying to follow suit, but was trying too hard and struck out swinging. The fourth batter hits a single up the middle, but the over throw in from the out field allows runners to advance. Second and third two outs. The final Winterville batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first to end the game.

21-0 West Raleigh Final.

The North Wake Knights beat the North Wake Thunder 12-2 after 5 1/2. So West Raleigh and North Wake will as they did in district meet to see who will take the title of ENC State Champs.

Bracket Game 1 vs. West Chatham

West Raleigh will face West Chatham in the first Bracket Game of the State Tournament. The bracket play for the ENC Cal Ripken State Tournament is a single elimination tournament. So even if you goes 4-0 in pool play, one loss in bracket play and you are eliminated.

West Raleigh will step to the plate first:
#9 Payton hits a line drive over third base for a single.
#17 Ryan lays a perfect bunt (Coach Jake was heard saying "That's a beauty, That's a Beauty!" as the W. Chatham defenders run up on the ball) for a hit.
#14 Zach hits a STAND UP DOUBLE that one hops to the 200 marker on the fence. #9 and #17 will score.
#28 Brian hits a line drive over second for a single, 1st and 3rd no outs.
#32 Timothy bunts for a hit to load the bases.
#8 Evan hits a line drive over the left fielders head scoring #14, #28 AND #32. Evan attempts to take third, slides in and the ump calls him out (groans of disapproval on the call could be heard from the stands but Evan pops up respects the Umps call and hustles off the field, head held high).
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball up the middle for a single.
#16 Payton bunts for a hit.
#11 Grayson pops up a high one that the pitcher loses and gets to first safely.

Grayson is the last WR player to get to first, and Evan would have the last RBI's of the first as the 8U Blues get five runs in the first.

West Chathams first batter hits a high line drive that tips off of the top of #7 Jacobs glove at pitcher and one hops to #17 Ryan at second who will make the throw to #2 at first. The second W.Chatham batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short, but manages to beat the throw to first. The third batter hits a one hopper to #9 Payton at third who throws to #17 Ryan at second for the force and out #2. The next batter hits a line drive to deep left field that #14 Zach runs back on and makes the catch for out #3.

5-0 West Raleigh after 1.

The first two West Raleigh batters in the second get out by great defensive plays made by West Chatham on hard hit balls.
#14 Zach hits a two out ground ball double up the third base line.
#28 Brian rockets one back at the pitcher that hits him square in the chest. The pitcher goes down, but is able to get up and walk off the field okay. (He returns to the field at the end of the game to join his team for hand shakes, he gets a standing ovation from both teams for his toughness). Brian will stay at first and Zach who had run on the hit stays third.
#32 Timothy hits a single up the middle on a hard ground ball. #14 will score.
#8 Evan hits a LASER line drive to left field scoring #28 and #32.
#2 Garrett hits a BOMB double to center field which will score #8.
#16 P. Bloom hits a line drive over second for a single scoring #2.
#11 Grayson hits a line drive over third for a single
1st and 2nd two outs
#7 Jacob hits a high pop up to the pitcher that he drops and all runners are safe and bases are leaded.
#98 Blake hits a hard ground that the short stop grabs, but all runners are safe including #16 at home.
#9 Payton hits a line drive up the middle #10 (who is running for #11) will score, #7 heads home and #98 heads to third from first. Blake slides into third as the ball is thrown in from the outfield. West Chatham tags Blake "OUT!" is the call, but #7 has already slide into home so the run counts before the out. So eight more runs have scored for the 8U Blues in the second.

West Chatham's first batter has a nice line drive hit over second for a single. The second batter attempts a bunt, #7 hustles in grabs it and throws to #28 Brian to get him out at first. Runner advances. The third batter pops up to #11 Grayson at catcher for out #2, and the fourth batter hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second, throws to #28 at first for out #3.

13-0 West Raleigh after 2.

#17 Ryan leads off the third with a ground ball to the third basemen. He reaches first safely.
#14 Zach hits a BOMB double to left center field, the get the ball in quickly at get #17 Ryan sliding into third for the first out.
#28 Brian hits a rope up the middle for a single, scoring #14 from second.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive up the middle. 1st and 3rd 1 out.
#8 Evan hits a line drive single to left field, #28 will score.
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball to the second basemen, ump calls #2 out on close play at first.
#16 Payton hits a 2 RBI line drive double to left field, scoring #8 and #32.
and #11 Grayson has the last hit of the third with a line drive double to left field scoring #16.

Five more runs have scored in the top of the third.

West Chatham will go three up three down in the third. The first batter bunts and #10 David runs in from third, bare hands the ball and throws to #28 at first for the first out. The second batter hits a BOMB to the left field fence in foul territory, #98 Blake will hustle to the fence to make the catch for out #2. The third W. Chatham batter hits a one hopper to #17 Ryan at second, who throws to #28 Brian at first for out #3.

18-0 West Raleigh after 3.

#98 Blake starts off our hitting with a hard ground ball single to the short stop who is playing in the grass.
#10 David hits a LONG line drive single to left center.
#17 Ryan hits a ground ball to the short stop who looks to throw to get the force at third, but the third basemen is not covering so the short stop (frustrated) simply holds the ball as all runners advance.
#14 Zach hits a ground ball to the third basemen, #10 is forced out at third and #98 will score.
West Chatham's third baseman will get the next to WR batters out to end the fourth. One more run will score.

West Chatham's first batter hits a line drive over second, West Raleigh attempts to get him out at first, but the throw goes past first and the batter advances to second. The next West Chatham batter gets one by us between 2nd and 3rd, #16 Payton Bloom charges, grabs the ball throws to #14 Zach at third who tags the runners foot as he's sliding in for an out. Zach THEN see the runner from first is heading to second so he pops up, throws to #17 Ryan at second who tags THAT runner sliding in to the bag for out #2! The next batter flies out to #10 David to end the game.

West Raleigh will win 19-0 and is headed to Bracket game #2 against the home team-Winterville.

Pool Play Game 4: Kinston

Last pool play game of the ENC State Tournament and West Raleigh is slated to play Kinston. West Raleigh will be first to take the trip to the plate.

#9 Payton hits a ground ball to the short stop, who fields that ball and makes the throw to first, BUT Speedy Legs Green has beat the throw and is safe with a base hit.
#98 Blake hits an one out ground ball to the third basemen who bobbles it and both runners are safe.
#17 Ryan with two outs now on the board bunts for a hit and a RBI as #9 crosses home.
#14 Zach hits a ROPE to left field scoring #98. Both Ryan and Zach will advance on the bases when Kinston throws home in attempt to get #98.
Zach will have the last hit and RBI of the first inning and two runs have scored for the Blues.

Kinstons first batter hits a fly ball to shallow right center, Ryan is running back Brian is running in...both have called the ball...Brian calls it again, Ryan backs off and #28 makes the catch for out #1. The second batter hits a blooper that drops into the infield, that #32 runs in on, grabs it and makes the rocket throw to #2 at first for out #2. Kinstons third batter smokes a line drive to center field for a single. #32 Timothy will grab the next batters ball up the middle, and makes another amazing throw to first to end the first inning.

2-0 West Raleigh after 1

The second inning was a HUGE offensive inning for the Blues.
#28 Brian leads off with a line drive single past the second basemen.
#10 David bunts for a hit and #28 heads to third, they attempt to get #28 out, but he reaches safely, and David advances to second.
#16 Payton drives a line drive double to left field scoring #10 and #28.
#11 Grayson hits a ground ball to the short stop, there is a bad throw to first #11 is safe, #16 attempts to score from second but the ump calls him out at home. #11 has advanced to second.
#9 Payton bunts for a hit and #11 moves to third.
#32 Timothy hits a hard ground ball up the middle for a single, scoring #11.
#98 hits a BOMB TRIPLE to left field scoring #9 and #32.
#2 Garrett hits a fly ball that drops into right field #98 will score and #2 is safe at second.
#17 Ryan hits a ground ball single up the third baseline.
#14 Zach hits a ground ball threw the third baseman's legs scoring #2.
#8 Evan hits a line drive past the third basemen, #17 scores.
#28 Brian with a 2 RBI double, scoring #8 and #14.
#10 David hits a ground ball to the short stop and beats throw to first, #28 moves to third.
#16 Payton hits a line drive to right center scoring #28.
#11 Grayson gets a ground ball past the third basemen for a single and an RBI, scoring #10.

Grayson would have the last hit and RBI of the second for West Raleigh. Twelve runs score in the second inning for the 8U's.

Kinston will go three up three down in the second. The first out is a ground ball to #10 David at pitcher who makes throw to Garrett at first. Second out is a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 at first. Third batter hits a slow ground ball towards third, David and P. Green hustle in, #9 grabs the ball, #10 hits the dirt so Payton can make the throw over to #2 at first for out #3.

14-0 West Raleigh after 2

Top of the Third:
#98 Blake leads off with a high fly ball that drops into shallow left field for a single.
#2 Garrett drops one into shallow right field for a single.
#17 Ryan gets a single on a ground ball between short and third to load the bases.
#14 Zach scores #98 on a hard ground ball to left field.
#7 Jacob attempts to stop his swing on the first pitch, but makes contact, the balls heads to the pitcher, #2 will score and #7 is out at first.
#10 David gets the last hit and RBI of the third with a LONG line drive to center field scoring #17.

West Raleigh will bring three more home in the third.

Kinston's lead off hitter hits a line drive single over second. The second batter hits a slow grounder to #7 Jacob at pitcher who makes throw to #2 at first. The third batter hits a hard ground ball up the middle that #32 knocks down, but runners are safe at first and second. The fourth batter hits a shallow pop up to #17 Ryan at second, Ryan runs in on it and makes a great catch, turns and throws to #32 at second to get the runner who didn't tag up out at second.

17-0 West Raleigh after 3

WR will get two hits in the fourth.
#9 Payton hits a ground ball to the short stop and beats the throw to first.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive single to center field.

Time to play some defense:

First batter hits a slow ground towards third #9 hustles in and makes throw to #2 at first for out #1. Second batter hits a line drive double over our out fielders. The third batter hits a line drive over second, #16 P.Bloom gets it in quick to try to keep the lead runner at second who has taken off for third, runner gets in a pickle and after a few throws, slides back to second safely. The fourth batter strikes out swinging. The fifth and final batter hits a one hopper to #17 Ryan at pitcher who makes the throw to Garrett at first.

17-0 Final. The WR 8U's great defense has locked in the Blues into first place for bracket play, which starts Sunday morning at 11am.

Pool Play Game 3: Camden

Sky's are blue and today's forecast looks good for baseball. West Raleigh 8U's are playing Camden is game three of pool play today.

WR is first to bat and the Blues get only one hit in the first inning. A line drive base hit by #9 Payton Green to left field. It was a quick top of the first and now its time for the boys to get baseball ready and play some defense.

Camden will go three up three down in the first. The first out was a heads up play by #8 Evan in right field who grabs a ground ball that cuts between first and second. #8 Grabs the ball looks to first and guns it to #2 Garrett to get the runner out at first. Second batter hits a ground ball to #10 David at third who makes the throw to Garrett at first. And the last out of the inning is a ground ball back to #11 Grayson at pitcher who makes the throw to first.

0-0 after 1

#17 Ryan starts off the hitting for WR in the second with a lead off bunt hit.
#14 Zach hits a BOMB over the Center Fielders head for a double, scoring #17 from first.
#16 Payton has a one out bunt hit that moves Zach over to third.
#11 Grayson hits a high one for a hit that scores #14.
#10 David drops one into right field for a single and and RBI when #16 scores and #11 moves to third.
#28 Brian hits a LASER to center field for a double and #11 will cross home.
#9 Payton has the last hit of the second with a LINE DRIVE TRIPLE scoring #10 and #28.

Six runs have crossed home for the Blues.

Camden's first batter hits a ground ball to #17 at second and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #1. The next batter hits a slow grounder up the third baseline that #10 David hustles in on, bare hands, throws to Garrett at first and...Ump calls runner safe at first. Great defensive play by David, Camden has a man on first. The third batter hits a ground ball to #11 Grayson at pitcher who throws to #9 Payton who is covering second for out #2. Next batter for Camden gets on with a ground ball base hit. The fifth batter his a blooper that #17 Ryan hustles in, grabs and tags the runner on his way to second for out #3.

6-0 after 2.

#2 Garrett hits a ground ball to the second basemen who makes a bad throw to first and Garrett makes it to second.
#17 Ryan hits a double to left field up the third baseline scoring #2.
#14 Zach hits a BOMB double to left field foul pole, #17 will score.
#8 Evan hits a hard ground ball to the short stop that he can't handle and bobbles it and Evan makes it safe at first.
#11 Grayson has the last hit and RBI of the third with a LINE DRIVE shot over second to score #14.

Three more runs come in for WR in the third.

Camden's first batter strikes out with a strike three foul tip catch by #7 Jacob. The second batter hits a laser to center field and #16 Payton Bloom runs in and makes a DIVING CATCH in center field for out #2. Third out was a ground ball up the middle grabbed by #9 Payton at short stop who makes throw to #2 Garrett at first.

9-0 after 3.

#28 Brian hits a hot line drive to center field for a double.
#9 Payton hits a line drive single to left field scoring #28.
#98 Blake scores #9 on a rope to left field that goes to the fence.
#2 Garrett hits a line drive to right field #98 will cross home.
#32 Timothy hits a ground ball up the first base line for a single. First and third no outs.
#14 Zach sac fly to center field scoring #2.
#16 Payton has the last hit of the fourth with a line drive between first and second.

Four more runs have scored and if West Raleigh can hold Camden to three or less runs, game will end and West Raleigh will win.

Camdens first batter hits a line drive to to left center for a single. The Second batter hits a ground ball to #9 Payton at short stop who makes the throw to #32 Timothy at second. Camdens third batter hits a BOMB TRIPLE to center field scoring a run. Fourth batter for Camden hits a ground ball to #11 Grayson at pitcher, who checks the runner at third (he runs back to third) he then makes the throw to #28 Brian at first for out #2. The next batter for Camden hits a one hopper to #11 Grayson at pitcher who makes the throw to #28 at first to end the game.

13-1 final, next game 5pm vs. Kinston.

Congratulations to the 8U Red team for winning the Tar Heal District 3, District tournament today against East Chatham. And congrats to the 7U Blues who won their first game 17-0.

Roll Blue!

Pool Play Game 2: Supper Optimist

The skies are gray, the clouds are rolling in and the outlook of rain is imminent.

West Raleigh is the first to step to the plate in the first inning.

#28 Brian starts us off with a ground ball single between first and second.
#9 Payton bunts for a hit.
#98 Blake hits a ground ball single past the third basemen to load the bases.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive single between first and second scoring #28 and #9 Timothy will move to third on the throws home.
#14 Zach hits a line drive single to left field, scoring #98.
1st and 3rd no outs.
#2 Garrett hits a line drive to right field, the right fielder attempts to make a play on the ball, but the ball gets by him. #32 will score, #14 will score, and before Supper Optimist can get the ball to the infield #2 GARRETT WILL SCORE. In the Park HR for #2.
#17 Ryan will get a one out single, with a ground ball past the third basemen.
#10 David will bunt for a hit, and have the last hit of the inning.

West Raleigh is able to score six in the first.

For the fifth inning (first one against Supper Optimist) straight WR is able to have a three up three down inning.
First batter hits a slow ground ball up the first baseline that #2 Garrett runs in on, grabs and tags the runner on his way to first. The second batter grounds out to #17 Ryan who makes the throw to Garrett at first and the third batter hits a ground ball to #10 David at pitcher who gobbles it up and makes the throw to first to end the inning.

6-0 after 1.

West Raleigh will only get one hit in the second. #98 Blake hits a fly ball double to left field.

Supper Optimist first batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 at first for out #1. Next batter hits a short blooper that drops in between the plate and the pitching machine, #10 David charges, bare hands the ball and makes a mid air turning throw to #2 at first for out #2! The next Optimist batter gets on by beating the throw to first. The fourth batter hits a ground ball back to #10 David at pitcher who gets the ball to Garrett at first to end the second.

6-0 after 2

#2 Garrett starts off the Blue with a hard ground ball single between 1st and 2nd.
#8 Evan hits a fly ball that drops into center field.
#17 Ryan bunts for a hit to load the bases.
#11 Grayson hits a ground ball to the third basemen, #2 will score #17 is out at second.
1st and 3rd one out.
#10 David bunts for a hit and an RBI as #8 crosses home.
#28 Brian hits a ground ball to the first basemen, #11 will score and the Optimist will get #10 out at second.
#9 Payton will have our last hit of the inning with a bunt hit.

Three more runs have scored for the 8U's in the top of the third.

Supper Optimists first batter of the third hits a BOMB to center field (a very LONG double that could have easily been a triple). The second batter has a sac bunt to move the runner over to third. The third batter pops up to #32 Timothy at short, runner stays put at third. The fourth batter hits one up the middle, the run scores and the batter is safe at first. The fifth batter hits a ground ball back to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throw in time to get the batter at first for out #3.

9-1 after 3

#32 Timothy starts off the fourth with a bunt and makes it safely to first on an over throw.
#16 Payton Bloom drops one in front of second, and #32 will be out on his way to second, 316 is safe at first.
#8 Evan has the last hit of the fourth with a two out ground ball single past the third basemen.

No runs will score for WR in the fourth.

Clouds are swirling, skies are darkening and we need to hold the Optimist if there is any chance of getting this game in tonight.

The Optimist will have four guys come to the plate in the fourth and end up with one hit. Three outs came courtesy of #32 Timothy fielding a ball up the middle and making the throw to #2 at first. #9 Payton will field a ground ball at third and get the force out #17 Ryan at second. #17 Ryan would also take care of out #3 when he catches a pop up at where the grass and dirt meet.

9-1 after 4

#28 Brian steps to the plate with two outs on the board and hits a hard ground ball up the middle for a base hit.
#9 Payton hits a line drive TRIPLE to left center, scoring #28.
#98 Blake has a hard hit ball to third #9 will score and #98 settles in safe at first.

Blake has the last hit and last RBI of the fifth, if our boys can hold them in the bottom of the fifth the game will end after five.

Pitching machine delay
Umps STILL trying to fix machine
Machine fixed

First batter for Optimist steps to the plate, hits a ball up the middle that our defense could stop but just could get the throw in time. One man on...no outs...

and...

LIGHTING...30 minute TIME OUT....

The clouds open, the rain is pouring down in buckets...the fields are puddling...and Games are called for the night. We will have to finish tomorrow afternoon...

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose...sometimes it rains"-Bull Durham

18 hours later....

Supper Optimist and WR meet at 1pm to finish the game they had started the day before. Optimists have one man on and no outs. The second batter hits a ground ball to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second for out #1. The third batter hits a slow roller up the third baseline for a hit. The fourth patter pops up to #32 Timothy at short stop for out #2. The fifth batter hits a ground ball up the middle that #32 grabs, and runs to tag second for the force and to end the game.

11-1 final.

Minutes after this game ends, the skies open up AGAIN and dump so much water on the fields that all the games for the rest of the day has been canceled.

The 8U's will resume play tomorrow at 2pm and 5pm to finish their pool play games. Bracket Games start on Sunday.

Congratulations to the 7U Blues who won their first game at the 7U ENC State Tournament this afternoon in Wilson 14-3 and the 8U Reds for their win today in Sanford 6-0 in the Tar Heel District Tournament.

ROLL BLUE! (and Reds!)

ENC State Tournament Pool Play: Game 1 vs. West Chatham

It felt like 130 degrees (and it wasn't a dry heat) in Winterville Thursday afternoon as the West Raleigh 8U Blues take the field against West Chatham in their first game of the ENC Ripken State Tournament.

The 8U's start off slow with a three up three down first inning. Our boys were having a hard time getting their timing down and West Chatham made three nice plays to keep us at bay.

The West Chatham team didn't seem to have any trouble with their timing as their lead off hitter rocked on to Right Center for a triple. Their second batter lined out to #32 Timothy at short stop for out #1. The third batter hit a slow grounder to #10 David who checked the runner at third as saw him heading for home, so he makes the throw #7 Jacob at catcher who chases the runner back to third "PICKLE"...but it was a short pickle, with a high throw to third, that goes over our third basemen the runner scores, and the batter is headed to second when we make another bad throw towards second and the runner ends up on THIRD! So West Chatham has scored a run, and the batter is now on third and one out is on the board. The fourth batter hits a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short, who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first. W. Chatham's fifth batter hits a one hopper to Right Center for a hit. The sixth and final batter hits a shallow popup to #10 David at pitcher for out #3.

West Chatham takes a 2 run lead after 1.

#14 Zach starts off our hitting with a one out ground ball double up the third baseline.
#9 Payton Bunts for a hit.
#8 Evan drops one in left field for a two out single, hitting in #14 Zach. First and Second 2 outs.
#10 David hits a line drive up the middle scoring #9 Payton. Coach Rick excitedly waves Evan towards third after he hits second. The West Chatham team hurries the ball in and gets Evan in a pickle between second and third. Which the third basemen hustles and tags Evan out on the play.

West Raleigh has gotten two runs back and the score is tied 2-2 after 1 1/2.

West Chatham goes 3 up 3 down in the second. The first batter strikes out, the second batter flies out to #28 Brian in center field and the third out is a ground out to #10 David at pitcher.

2-2 after 2

The 8U's seem to come a alive in the third innings of our games this season, and this game would follow suit.
#17 Ryan starts off our hitting with a bunt hit.
#28 Brian smacks a line drive single to left field.
#7 Jacob Bunts for a hit.
#98 Blake hits a hard ground ball up the third base line that the third basemen makes a great play on the ball, #28 Brian is forced out at third but #17 Ryan will score.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive double to center field scoring #7 and #9. #32 will move to third when W Chatham throws home in the attempt to get Green at the plate.
#14 Zach grounds out to the third basemen who makes the throw to first in time to get Zach but #32 will score.

Timothy will have the last hit of the third and Zach will have the last RBI, WR has tacked on four more runs.

West Raleigh plays great defense in the third and W Chatham again go three up, three down in the third. The first two outs were ground balls to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throws to #2 Garrett at first. #9 Payton takes care of the third out by grabbing a ground ball at third and gets the ball to Garrett at first.

6-2 after 3.

Fourth Inning WR would have three more hits on six batters.
#2 Garrett bunts for a hit.
#17 Ryan hits a two out ground ball that gets by the third basemen.
#28 Brian hits a hard grounder between first and second to score #10 David.

West Raleigh has added one more run.

Bottom of the fourth and W Chatham again goes three up three down. #2 Garrett takes care of the first batter on a shallow pop up on the first baseline that he HUSTLES in to make the running catch. The Second out is a ground ball hit to #9 Payton at third who throws to #2 at first. #9 Payton will also take care of retiring the third batter of the inning when the batter bunts and Payton hustles in from third to grab the ball and make the throw to Garrett at first.

7-2 after 4

#98 Blake starts off our hitting in the fifth with a line drive double to left field.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive over second base for a single scoring #98 from second.
#9 Payton hits an one out ground ball by the third basemen, runners are on first and third.
#2 Garrett hits a ground ball to the second basemen who gets #9 sliding in, and #32 will score.
#8 Evan hits a hard ground ball that the third basemen bobbles the hot ball and all runners are safe.
#11 Grayson hits a ground ball by the third basemen scoring #2, and all runners will advance on the throw home.
#17 Ryan hits a 2 RBI single up the third baseline scoring #8 and #11.
#28 Brian would have the last hit of the inning with a line drive to center field.

Five more runs have crossed the plate for WR and if they can hold West Chatham in the fifth the game will end by ten run rule.

Well...West Raleigh WILL hold West Chatham and for the fourth inning in a row W. Chatham will go three up three down in the fifth.

The first batter will bunt and #9 Payton will hustle in from third, grab the ball and make the throw to #2 Garrett for out #1. The second batter hits an one hopper to #17 Ryan who makes the throw to Garrett at first for out #2. The third batter will hit a ground ball to #9 Payton at third who makes the throw to #2 at first to end the game.

First game of the State tournament was an exciting one. West Chatham came out hot and were a great team, but our boys finished strong and got the win.

Next game: 6:15 vs. Supper Optimist.

ENC Ripken State Tournament Pool Play Schedule

The West Raleigh 8U Blue team will be playing in the Eastern North Carolina State Tournament starting this Thursday in Winterville.

Opening Ceremonies start at 11am.

7/7/11-2:45pm at the Ruritan Field West Chatham vs. West Raleigh
7/7/11-6:15pm at the Kiwanis Field Supper Optimist vs. West Raleigh

7/8/11-1:30pm at Bambino Field West Raleigh vs. Camden

7/9/11-10:00am at Ruritan Field West Raleigh vs. Kinston Nationals

Pool Play ends 7/9 am and Bracket Play begins 7/9 afternoon.

Roll Blue!

8U District Championship Game

6PM Sunday evening and the West Raleigh 8U Blues arrive at the Factory to learn that the 7U Blues had defeated the North Wake 8U Thunder 17-7, placing them in the semi final game against the North Wake 8U Knights. The 7U's would end up in third place out of 11 teams in the 8U District tournament losing to the North Wake Knights 13-0.

This meant it would be a rematch of yesterdays game against the North Wake 8U Knights and the West Raleigh 8U Blues for the District Championship.

West Raleigh would be the first to the plate in the first inning:

#32 Timothy leads off the first inning with a hard grounder that gets by the first basemen for a single.
#98 Blake hits a hard ball back to the short stop who has trouble holding on to it, one he gets a hold of it he makes a bad throw to second (#32 was already there) and the ball heads to the outfield allowing #32 to move to third and #98 to take second.
#7 Jacob on his last pitch has to swing and hits a "swinging" bunt back towards the pitcher, #32 will score and we have 1st and 3rd one out.
#14 Zach hits a line drive to left field to score #98
#2 Garrett drops one into right field that it appeared that the right fielder was going to catch, he drops it #14 will be out at second, #7 takes the turn at 3 and heads home. The Knights throw in an attempt to get #7 at the plate..."SAFE" and #2 moves to second on the throw home.
That would be were our hitting would end. The Knights defense were all over anything in the air and that included foul pop ups at the fence.

The first batter for North Wake would hit a rocket shot to #17 Ryan at second who grabs it and makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first that makes a nice reaching catch for the out. The next batter hits a slow grounder that makes it to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #2. The third batter for the Knights gets one by us between second and third and is safe at first. The fourth batter lines out to #28 Brian Rubin in Right Field.

3-0 after 1

The 8U's go three up three down in the second. North Wake is playing tight D and making great throws to first.

The first North Wake batter gets on due to a 8U error (sometimes our boys play so hard they have trouble holding back and errors are made). The next three Knights batters go down. The first out was a ground ball to #9 Payton at third who makes the throw to #17 Ryan at second. The second out was a ground ball to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first. And the third out was a fly ball to #16 Payton Bloom in center field.

3-0 after 2

#10 David Dilday would have the only hit for the 8U Blues in the third. A nice ground ball shot up the third baseline. But our defense stays tight and the Knights will go three up three down in the third. The first two outs were ground balls back to #10 David at pitcher who makes the throws to #2 Garrett at first. The third out would be a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who will also make the throw to #2 Garrett at first.

The fourth inning for the 8U's seemed to be our lucky inning yesterday against the Knights - lets see if we can do it again.
#14 Zach hits an one out fly ball that drops into left field, the left fielder drops it and Zach is able to make it safely to second.
#2 Garrett hits a line drive to right field for a single.
#28 Brian bunts for a hit and an RBI as #14 Zach scores,Garrett will move to third and Brian will move to second on the throw home to try to get Zach crossing the plate.
#17 Ryan hits a ground ball that hits third base for a single and to load the bases.
#16 Payton Bloom hits a STAND UP TRIPLE to deep center field scoring #2, #28 and #17.
#9 Payton Green has a sac bunt to score #16.
At the end of the fourth five Blues have touched home and we have taken an eight run lead.

North Wakes first batter hits a ball that hugs the third base foul line for a single. The second batter hits a hard ground ball to #17 Ryan at second, who throws to #32 Timothy covering second from short stop for out #1. The third Knight hits a Line Drive shot to right field, followed by a line drive double to right field by the next NW batter which will score two runs. The fifth batter hits a shallow fly ball to left field that #98 Blake runs in on to make the grab for out #2. The sixth batter hits a pop up to #10 David at pitcher for out #3.

8-2 after 4

#32 Timothy will start off the fifth inning with a triple to right field that he will be able to score on with a bad throw in from the out field. Our next two batters get out, and #8 Evan hits a hard ground ball double up the middle. He would have the last hit of the fifth, and one more run would score. The North Wake Knights have put some key defensive players in some key defensive spots in their outfield against us, and they have made amazing catches this game on our power hitters.

North Wakes first two batters of the fifth get out. The first batter flies out to #28 Brian in right field and the next lines out to #9 Payton at third (who grabs the ball before it hits the dirt). The next two Knights batters get on with singles, when the fifth batter of the inning hits a line drive shot to center field, it hits our out fielders glove and bounces towards the fence. Two runs are able to score and the batter is safe at second. The next and last batter of the fifth hits a ground ball, one hopper to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first for out #3.

9-4 after 5

WR 8U's would only get one hit in the sixth, a line drive double by #28 Brian to center field. North Wake leads off the sixth inning with a line drive double to center field. The next batter hits a hard ground ball to #32 Timothy at short who throws to #2 Garrett at first for the out, the Wake batter stands still on second not making a move for third. The next Wake batter drops one into center field, #16 gets it in quick to #32 Timothy who makes the throw to third as the Wake man on second heads to the third base bag, he then turns and heads back to second, we throw to #17 Ryan at second, he heads back to third, we throw...he then turns and makes it back to second safe. The next batter hits a ground ball up the middle to load the bases. The fifth batter for the Knights hits a ground ball to #9 Payton Green at third, who tags the bag for the force out and out #2, the man on third scores, two on two away. The crowd is pretty silent on each side for the next batter who is battling at the plate. he has swung and missed, he has swung and fouled off a couple, and as the last pitch is thrown he swings and miss to end the game.

9-5 final and the 8U Blues have won the 8U District 2 Championship game.

Congratulations again to the West Raleigh 7U Blues for taking third in the 8U Districts. Next weekend...Charlotte bound to play some Western North Carolina baseball teams.

ROLL BLUE!!!

Districts - Day Three Game Two - North Wake Knights

Game four for the District Tournaments for the 8U's is against the North Wake's A-Team the Knights.

The 8U's are first to the plate again this game. We know the Knights are a good team and are so far the only other undefeated team in the District Tournament.

#7 Jacob starts off our hitting in the first with a Bunt hit.
#32 Timothy hits a fly ball to right field, the ball is dropped by the right fielder, Jacob heads around the bases from first to home, North Wake throws the ball in to the catcher, the catcher grabs the throw, blocks the bag at tags Jacob with his glove, Jacob who missed the bag then reaches over and touches home with his hand..."SAFE" yells the UMP...unfortunately for North Wake the catcher had the ball in his other hand and NOT in his glove so one run scores.
Our next three batters get out, but #32 was able to score when #2 Garrett grounded out to the first basemen.

Our defense starts the game strong and North Wake goes three up, three down in the first.
The first two outs were courtesy of #32 Timothy at short stop, one a pop up and the other a ground ball that we throws to #2 Garrett at first. The third out was a pop up to #17 Ryan at second.

2-0 after 1.

The 8U's would only get one hit in the second inning. #14 Zach would hit one between second and third for a single. No runs score and we are stalled at two. The first two North Wake batters get on with a line drive single of short stop and a hard grounder up the middle for a triple that takes a bad hop in the out field to the fence. A run will score, they have a man on third and no outs on the board. Their next batter will fly out to #16 Payton in center field, he throws home to get the runner that tagged at third, but the runner is able to beat the throw and North Wake has tied the game. Their fourth batter lines out to #9 Payton at third, and their fifth batter goes down swinging.

2-2 after 2

West Raleigh goes three up, three down in the third. North Wake goes three up three down in the third. Defense plays were made by #32 Timothy at short who snatches a one hopper and throws to #2 at first for out #1. #7 Jacob who catches a short pop up foul ball at catcher for out #2. And the third out was another ground ball to #32 Timothy at short stop who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first.

2-2 after 3.

West Raleigh starts to hit in the third, and really opens things up.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive single to right center field.
#98 Blake hits one by the short stop for a single.
#2 drops one into shallow right to load the bases.
#10 hits a BOMB to foul left field, that North Wakes left field is able to make the play on for out #1, #32 tags up at third and scores, runners move over to second and third.
#14 Zach hits a hard ground ball the the third basemen who holds that ball and doesn't make a play, bases a reloaded - one out on the board.
#17 Ryan hits a double off the left fielders glove scoring #98 and #2.
#28 Brian has a Sac Fly to left center to score #14 Zach who tags and runs in from third.
#16 Payton bunts for a hit, North Wake makes a bad throw to first and #17 will score.
#9 Payton hits a ground ball to the third baseman and makes it safely to first.
#11 Grayson has the last hit of the fourth with a nice line drive shot over second scoring #16 Payton.

Six runs have crossed the plate for WR in the 4th.

North Wakes first batter attempts to bunt, but #9 Payton Green HUSTLES in on the ball and makes the throw to #2 at first in time for out #1. The second batter has a ground ball double between second and third. The third batter for North Wake hits a ground ball to #17 Ryan at second who makes the throw to #2 at first for out #2. The fourth North Wake batter strikes out and we managed to hold them in the fourth.

8-2 West Raleigh after four

Top of the fifth and #98Blake will start us off with an one out line drive single to left field.
#2 Garrett hits a double over the center fielders head.
#10 David Bunts for a hit & an RBI as #98 crosses the plate.
#14 Zach hits a BOMB to left field that turns into a Sac Fly when the North Wake left field is able to run back on it and make the play, #2 tags up at third and scores.
#17 Ryan hits an IN THE PARK HOME RUN collecting 2 RBI's when he and #10 touch home.
#28 Brian hits a line drive single over second
#16 Payton hits a double up the third baseline. Second and Third - two outs
#9 Payton hits a hot hopper by the third basemen, scoring #28.
Payton would have the last hit of the fifth for WR as we add on five more runs.

North Wakes first three batters all get on and two runs score. This ensures North Wake a 6th inning will be played (our first of Districts). The next three North Wake batters get out, the first is a ground ball to #32 Timothy at short who makes the throw to #2 Garrett at first (another run would score on the play). The next out was a shallow pop up that #2 Garrett would run in on from first to make the catch. The third out was a line drive catch to #16 Payton Bloom in center field.

13-5 top of the sixth.

#7 Jacob hits a line drive shot between first and second for a single.
#32 Timothy hits a line drive between first and second, #7 attempts to take third but North Wake is able to get the ball to the third basemen who tags Jacob on the foot as he is sliding into the bag for out #1.
#98 Blake hits a BOMB to left field, the left field attempts a diving catch by the ball zooms by him and #32 scores and Blake settles in at second.
#2 Garrett hits a single between first and second
(first and third one out)
#10 David hits another laser shot that the left field grabs for the out and #98 will tag and score.
#14 Zach hits a hard ground ball between second and third for a single.
#17 Ryan hits a line drive over second scoring #2.
#28 Brian hits a line drive to center field #14 scores, #17 makes it to third, sliding in safely before the tag and #28 heads to second on the throw to third.
#16 Payton hits a line drive to center field to score #17.

Payton Bloom would have the last hit and RBI of the sixth. Five more runs have scored, and now it was time for some defense.

The first batter hits a ground ball back to #11 Grayson at pitcher who makes the throw to #28 at first. The second North Wake batter hits a line drive double to right field. The third batter hits a fly ball to shallow left center #9 Payton at short stop runs back to the grass to makes the catch, after colliding with another Blue player also heading towards the ball, #9 keeps the ball tight in his glove and out #2 is secure. The next North Wake batter hits a shallow pop up that drops in on the pitcher, and a run will score. first and second 2 outs. The fifth batter his a line drive up the middle that makes in to center field a run will score, #16 Payton Bloom grabs the ball, guns it to #17 at third who tags the runner trying to take the bag for out #3. North Wake is able to get two more in, in the sixth. But West Raleigh is able to hold on to the lead and the win.

18-7 final. This win puts us in the Districts Championship game Sunday night at 6pm.

ROLL BLUE!!!