The first two pool play opponents in the Lombard Tournament provided little competition for the Warriors as the team won both games by the mercy rule. These two pool play victories assured the Warriors of a Championship game appearance.
CLICK HERE for team and individual statistics through Game #24.
In the morning game, Glen Ellyn's lead off hitter walked and later scored. This represented Glen Ellyn's only run of the contest.
The Warriors failed to score in the bottom of the first inning. But, Glen Ellyn wouldn't stop the Warriors' offense for long. Connor Bartle successfully bunted with runners on first and second to get things started. Trent Sichelski legged out an infield hit to score Connor. The Warriors would never trail again in this one.
In the second inning, a ground ball to second base hit Trent Sichelski hard in the jaw. Trent recovered and retired the runner on a throw to first base before he was removed from the game. This was a gutsy play that was made when this was still a ball game--with the Warriors trailing in the second inning.
Connor Bartle settled in on the mound and pitched into the fourth inning. By rule, he had to be removed from the game after hitting two batters in the fourth inning. However, he allowed just one hit in this appearance.
The Warriors put the first game away with an 8 run third inning. The offense had four extra base hits in the inning--doubles by Matt Carroll and Matt LeVigne, a triple by Matt Olinksi and a homerun by Rick Sisco (his second of the season). Rick continues to surprise opponents by providing power at the bottom of the order. He had a single, double and homerun in this game.
Jason Enguita relieved Connor Bartle in the fourth inning. Jason struck out three and walked none in this appearance. His control continues to improve as the season progresses.
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Glen Ellyn went on to beat Lombard (our afternoon opponent) by the slaughter rule--which was an indication that our afternoon opponent might not provide much resistance for the Warriors. So far, the quality of our opponents in the Lombard tournament has declined considerably compared to last season.
Last year, two 14U Warriors teams were formed due to the big turnout at the 2010 tryouts. Over 65 players tried out for the teams in 2010. One of the 14U Warriors teams was eliminated during pool play with an 0-3 record. The other 14U Warriors team ended up winning the Lombard tournament (its only tournament championship in 2010) after coming from behind in the semi-finals and hanging on to a one run lead over Palos in the championship game. There certainly weren't any twenty run victories in Lombard last season. I'll cover more on this topic in a future post.
After Tyler Dempsey held Lombard scoreless in the first inning, the Warriors put 8 runs on the board in the bottom of the frame. The Warriors drew four walks in the inning--and capitalized with three consecutive hits by Matt Olinksi, Connor Bartle and Matt LeVigne. Matt Olinksi would go on to drive in four runs in this game.
Last year, two 14U Warriors teams were formed due to the big turnout at the 2010 tryouts. Over 65 players tried out for the teams in 2010. One of the 14U Warriors teams was eliminated during pool play with an 0-3 record. The other 14U Warriors team ended up winning the Lombard tournament (its only tournament championship in 2010) after coming from behind in the semi-finals and hanging on to a one run lead over Palos in the championship game. There certainly weren't any twenty run victories in Lombard last season. I'll cover more on this topic in a future post.
After Tyler Dempsey held Lombard scoreless in the first inning, the Warriors put 8 runs on the board in the bottom of the frame. The Warriors drew four walks in the inning--and capitalized with three consecutive hits by Matt Olinksi, Connor Bartle and Matt LeVigne. Matt Olinksi would go on to drive in four runs in this game.
Lombard scored an unearned run in the top of the second inning. But, that would end Lombard's scoring for the day. Matt Olinksi pitched the next two innings--striking out three. And, Trent Sichelski mopped up in this one--striking out two and allowing no runs despite an infield error behind him.
In the meantime, Tyler Dempsey was putting up some amazing numbers in this game. Tyler had two homers (including a grand slam that landed approximately 315 feet from the plate in straight centerfield), three hits, four runs scored and seven RBI in this game--not bad for a day's work.
Tyler Dempsey
The Warriors will play for the tournament's championship on Sunday.
