Warriors Stun Host Oak Lawn Westside!

CLICK HERE for updated team and individual statistics through Game #19

For the second consecutive season, the Warriors stunned the host Oak Lawn Westside team in tournament play. The Oak Lawn team ended up winning its tournament in 2009 and was undefeated in this year's tournament until tonight. This Westside team performed well in several tournaments last season--including a very competitive one at the Wisconsin Dells.

The Warriors knocked Westside's starting pitcher out of the game after scoring four runs with just one out in the first inning! Robbie Maxfield led off the game with a swinging bunt single followed by an error by Westside's shortstop. Paco Lauciello hammered a double to deep centerfield to score Robbie. Lance Cardinal and C.J. Brucki were both hit by pitch before Jason Waner lined a two run single into leftfield. The score was 4-0 after one inning of play.

Tyler Knight retired Westside quickly in the first inning--striking out two hitters. But, Westside scored four times in the second inning to tie the game at four runs a piece.

The Warriors did not get another baserunner until the fourth inning when Tim Prendergast smashed a ball right back at the pitcher which deflected off his leg between short and third for a single. Tim was left stranded. Westside scored a run in the bottom of the fourth to take a 5-4 lead into the fifth inning.

Westside scored again in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two out triple to take a 6-4 lead in the game. Unfortunately, that sixth run was the one that eliminated the Warriors from this tournament as the runs allowed tie breaker was set at 28 for the series--which is exactly how many runs the team allowed in its three games of play.

The Warriors stormed back in the top of the sixth inning with three runs to take a 7-6 lead. The big play was Jack Lebert's delayed steal of home. Westside detected the steal play and initiated a rundown on Jack...but then tossed the ball away which allowed both the tying and lead runs to score!

Jason Waner retired the side in order in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Warriors scored an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning when Ryan Novak walked and later scored.

Westside's lead off hitter reached base as the tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning on an infield error. After Jason struck out the next hitter for the first out, the next batter hit a ground ball to Sam Marc who turned the double play to end the ballgame.

WARRIORS: 8 runs, 8 hits, 1 error, 6 left on base
WESTSIDE: 6 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 3 left on base

Undermanned Warriors Lose Two

CLICK HERE for updated team and players statistics through Game #18

For the first time in four years of Warriors' baseball, the team narrowly avoided a forfeit. The Warriors lost both games of the tournament doubleheader--in large part due to absent players. In fact, the top four offensive players (according to our statistical leaderboard) missed one or both games of the doubleheader.

I'm proud of the nine players who battled in that second game--nearly upsetting a 3-0 Elmhurst team despite being short-handed.

The Southside Hitmen had too much fire power for the Warriors in the first game. The Hitmen scored 11 runs on 11 hits, while the Warriors were held to just two hits in the game (by Robbie Maxfield and Jack Lebert). Robbie was particularly impressive as a lead off hitter--reaching base twice and putting the ball in play each time against a tough pitcher who struck out 12 hitters in this outing.

Ryan Novak battled as the Warriors' starting pitcher for six innings against the hard hitting Hitmen in very hot, humid conditions. When the Hitmen broke the game open with four unearned runs in the top of the sixth inning after a two out infield error, I went out to the mound to make a pitching change. Ryan convinced me to let him finish the inning--and got the hitter to tap a grounder back to the mound to end the inning. It's players like Ryan (and we have several), and the toughness he demonstrates under the most difficult conditions, that motivate me to continue coaching youth baseball.

It's also players like Ryan Knightly who give me confidence that what I'm doing still makes some sense. Despite being unable to play baseball due to a broken bone, he continues to call whenever he is unable to attend a team event! He felt bad that he was out of town and unable to be at the games to support the team today.

Once the first game ended, the Warriors were faced with an exodus as players scattered to participate in other events. However, C.J. Brucki rejoined the team and the Warriors called up its new alternate, Roberto Gonzalez, to bring the roster to nine--the minimum number to play the game.

As it turned out, the Warriors were fully capable of beating the Elmhurst Wildcats--even with the reduced roster. Some timely hits early by the Wildcats, a lack of timely hitting by the Warriors and some questionnable calls by the umpires led to a late inning rally by the Wildcats. With just a little deeper roster, this game was very winnable.

Tim Prendergast threw four good innings for the Warriors. He allowed five runs--four of which scored after two out singles by the Wildcats. Allowing five runs was reasonable given the small strikezone--and it was good enough to have the Warriors in a tie game going into the fifth inning of play.

The Warriors continued to threaten in this one--but rarely produced a timely hit. Twice the team failed to score despite getting a runner to third base with less than two outs. The Warriors managed just six hits in this game--and just eight hits throughout the entire doubleheader.

Another promising sign was Tyler Knight's performance. Tyler reached base three times in the second game--including a double to deep rightfield. He also pitched a scoreless seventh inning--and had some real pop on his fastball. The Warriors will be taking a closer look at Tyler's pitching during tomorrow morning's game.

Commitment to Tournaments

Over the past few days, it seems that nearly everyday I'm opening an email with news about another scheduling conflict in which one of our players will be unable to participate in a tournament game. Although most of these scheduling conflicts are unavoidable, a few are disappointing particularly given that our tournament schedule was posted last February.

Due to our team's strong track record of participation, we went into this season with a smaller roster--with the intention of giving players more playing time (as discussed in detail during the preseason parent meeting).

Currently, the team could be missing at least five players for one of the tournament games in Oak Lawn. I've been informed of more conflicts if the game had been scheduled for later in the afternoon. For the following tournament (Lombard)--there is another game in which we will be missing at least four players. It's discouraging to prepare all season for tournament play--and then not enter the competition with the full force of our roster. As we learned in Palos, it takes just one loss to face elimination from a tournament.

I realize that some of these scheduling conflicts are unavoidable. However, I wanted to bring the situation to everyone's attention so that we are not put in a position where the Warriors must forfeit a game.

Warriors Win Big Over Knights

CLICK HERE for team and individual statistics through Game #16.

The Warriors handed the Cicero Knights its first loss in Chicagoland Metro play in over two years with an 18-4 victory in seven innings at Centennial #4 on Father's Day. The Knights were undefeated in Metro League play in 2009. Prior to this game, the Knights had not yet lost in 2010 and are the Memorial Weekend tournament champions.

Ryan Novak was the Warriors' starting pitcher. He pitched three impressive innings--holding the hard hitting Knights to just one run. Ryan pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the third inning after the Knights loaded the bases with no outs. Cicero scored just one run before Novak struck out the final three hitters of the inning!

The Warriors came out hitting in this one. C.J. Brucki led off the game with a triple to deep centerfield. He leads the team with 4 triples on the season. Paco Lauciello drove C.J. home with a base hit to centerfield. Lance Cardinal brought Paco home with a line single to leftfield. Ryan Novak singled sharply to leftfield to score Lance. Ryan Novak had three hits in this game to improve his batting average to .500 and his on-base percentage to .617--he now ranks third on the squad in both of these categories.

The Warriors extended its lead to 7-0 in the second inning. Jim Robley lined a two-strike curve ball into centerfield for a base hit and later scored when C.J. Brucki grounded to second base. Jason Waner placed a perfectly executed bunt down the third base line for a hit and scored on Paco Lauciello's double to deep rightfield. Paco had three runs batted in during the game and now leads the team with 26 RBI for the season. Jason scored three times in the game and leads the Warriors with 25 runs scored for the year.

The Warriors scored a run in the third inning and another run in the fourth inning--both times as a result of infield errors by the Knights. The Warriors scored four runs in the fifth inning after Jack Lebert doubled to leftfield to score Tim Prendergast and Ryan Novak. The Warriors led 13-1 after five inning of play.

Tim Prendergast was nearly unhittable in his three innings of work in middle relief. Tim did not allow a run while striking out 7 hitters and walking none. He leads the staff with an impressive 1.85 earned run average. And, his WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) is an incredible 0.97--the lowest in Warriors' history. Currently, Grant Lewis holds the all-time Warriors record in this category with a 1.41 WHIP during the 2008 season.

The Warriors scored five more runs in the sixth inning. Tim Prendergast hit a towering double to the leftfield fence to score two runs in the inning.

The Knights scored three runs in the seventh inning to make the final score 18-4 in favor of the Warriors.

CICERO KNIGHTS: 4 runs, 6 hits, 7 errors, 9 left on base

WARRIORS: 18 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, 6 left on base

Roberto Gonzalez Joins Team as Alternate

The Warriors have added Roberto Gonzalez to the team's roster as an alternate. He is expected to be activated for at least one game in the Oakj Lawn tournament. Roberto plays a variety of positions--and is strong at the corners (first and third base) as well as in the outfield. He will also help the team offensively.

Paco Lauciello: 2010 Home Run Champ

Paco Lauciello was named the OYA Pony League's 2010 Home Run Champion after winning the Home Run Derby earlier this evening at Centennial Field #6. This is quite an accomplishment given that there is only one winner annually in a league with over 120 players.

The Final Four included Paco Lauciello, Tim Prendergast, Tyler Dempsey and Mike Pitsoulakis. Each of the four remaining contestants hit ten pitches to determine which two players would advance to the championship round. A home run (hit over the fence) counted as 4 points and any ball reaching the fence counted as 2 points. Paco led the Final Four with 26 points in that round: 6 of his 10 hits were home runs and 1 other hit was driven to the fence!

Paco battled Mike Pitsoulakis in the championship round. Mike recorded 18 points in his ten swings. Paco needed just 8 swings to accumulate 22 points to win the championship. During these 8 swings, only 1 hit fell short of the fence.

Congratulations to all of the participants. This was the first Home Run Derby in OYA's history--and the event clearly has great potential for future years.

The Final Four ("Murderers Row")

Warriors Photos Now Available

The photos from our Warriors' photo session are now available for viewing and/or printing. CLICK HERE to view all of the photos. If you would like to order any prints, please read the following:

To order a print(s), click on the photograph of your choice to make your selection. Then, click on the "BUY" button located on the upper right portion of the screen. You will then be prompted to select a product. When selecting your print's aspect ratio (e.g., 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc.), please look for the ones included in the "Best Fit" category. By choosing the sizes within the Best Fit category, you can be assured that your print will best match what you see on the screen and that you won't have large segments of the print cutoff due to improper cropping. After you've made all of your print selections, you may proceed through the checkout process in a manner similar to any other internet store.

Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions that you have. I will be happy to walk you through the ordering process. I will also review each order prior to submitting it to my third party fulfillment company (MPix).

The pricing of these photos has been set as at a very reasonable level (for Warriors' families only): 4x6 (99 cents), 5x7 ($3), 8x10 ($4.25), 11x14 ($12), etc. Please keep in mind that photos look better when printed at the larger sizes.

MPix charges a flat rate for shipping & handling. If you order small prints, I believe the charge is $3.50 for up to 50 prints. If you order larger prints, the charge is $6.75---and that remains the same for up to 50 prints.

Some other merchandise is also available through the site such as cards, magazine covers, magnets, buttons, etc. Those items are fulfilled by another company.

Again, please do not hestitate to call me at 708-349-1467 (home) or 708-846-1466 (cell) with any questions or comments.

Schedule: Individual Photo Sessions

I will be shooting individual player photos (optional) on Tuesday, June 15th. Like last season, the photos will be taken from my garage. Here are the assigned time slots:

• Tim Prendergast (2:40 - 3:00 pm)
• Jack Lebert (3:00 - 3:20 pm)
• Ryan Novak (3:20 - 3:40 pm)
• Sam Marc (3:40 - 4:00 pm)
• Lance Cardinal (4:00 – 4:20 pm)
• Jim Robley (4:40 – 5:00 pm)
• Robbie Maxfield (5:00 – 5:20 pm)
• Paco Lauciello (5:20 - 5:40 pm)
• Ryan Tannebaum (5:40 - 6:00 pm)

More specific information has been distributed via email.

And the Rain Continues...

After the entire slate of Pony games was cancelled yesterday due to the rain, the Warriors experienced the same fate in Dunham Park on Sunday.

The Dunham game was delayed as work continued to get the field in playable condition. Just as the lines were being striped and the bases dropped into place, the rain fell again before a single pitch was thrown.

This was frustrating for all the Warriors as this was the farthest site that the team was scheduled to play at all season. And, it was more frustrating for the people who were working on the fields since late morning.

I'm working with the Dunham coach to see if we can reschedule the game. This time, the Dunham Travelers will most likely play the Warriors in Orland Park--on July 6th, July 8th or July 11th.

Nine Survive First Round of HR Derby

Unfortunately, yesterday’s Home Run Derby was postponed after the first round due to the rain. However, the following nine players made the first cut by accumulating at least ten points in the round:

1. Julian Gutierrez- Braves (20)
2. C.J. Brucki- Phillies (18)
3. Tyler Dempsey- Astros (16)
4. Paco Lauciello- Mariners (16)
5. Tim Prendergast- Diamondbacks (14)
6. A.J. Giron- Astros (12)
7. Matt Donnelly- Reds (10)
8. Matt Murphy- Phillies (10)
9. Mike Pitsoulakis- Twins (10)

All points will be reset for the next round—and reset again in the rounds subsequent to that.

The exciting conclusion to the Home Run Derby will take place on Thursday, June 17th @ 6:00 pm on Centennial #6.

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C.J. Brucki of the Phillies is the 2010 Pony Baserunning Champion after recording the fastest time of the sixteen contestants in a race around the bases. The runner-ups were Mike Pitsoulakis of the Twins and Jim Robley of the Royals (who were within 1/100th of a second of each other). Most players ran an inside-the-park homerun in just over 15 seconds.

Warriors Sweep Another Doubleheader

CLICK HERE to view team and player statistics through Game #15.

For the second straight weekend, the Warriors swept a doubleheader. This sweep improved the team's overall record to 9 wins against 6 losses.

The first game was one of the more unusual games in Warriors' history. Frankfort grabbed the early lead after scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning on two doubles to centerfield. Lance Cardinal struck out the final two hitters of the inning to hold the Eagles to just one run.

The Warriors tied the game in the second inning when Lance Cardinal doubled to deep centerfield and later scored on Ryan Novak's base hit to centerfield. Before this game was over, Lance hit a triple to rightfield and another double to rightfield before the Eagles intentionally walked him in the eighth inning! Lance is the only Warrior to be issued an intentional walk during the 2010 season.

The Warriors took the lead when Jim Robley grounded to the second baseman to score Jack Lebert in the top of the third inning. But, Frankfort immediately tied the game in the bottom of the frame after scoring two runs as a result of an infield error by the Warriors.

The Warriors scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning to take a 5-3 lead. Frankfort's defense broke down with four errors in the inning--and Lance Cardinal capitalized on the situation with a triple to deep rightfield.

Tim Prendergast held the Eagles scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings, but Frankfort tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning on another infield error by the Warriors.

In an unusual turn of events, the Warriors failed to score after lining into a double play in the sixth inning, a triple play in the seventh inning and another double play in the top of the eighth inning!

In a pressure situation, Ryan Novak did not allow Frankfort to score in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings. The Warriors pushed across the lead run in the top of the ninth inning when Ryan Knightly doubled and scored on Jim Robley's line drive single to centerfield.

The Eagles had one last chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two runners on base and two outs, a ball was hit high into the wind to Paco Lauciello in rightfield--and Paco made the running catch to end the ballgame.

WARRIORS: 6 runs, 14 hits, 3 errors, 8 left on base

FRANKFORT: 5 runs, 5 hits, 7 errors, 7 left on base

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The second game of the doubleheader was far less thrilling. The Warriors jumped out to an early lead after scoring three runs in the first inning. Jason Waner and Jack Lebert singled to start the game before Paco Lauciello hammered both runners home with a triple to deep rightfield.

Frankfort scored a run in the bottom of the first and two runs in the bottom of the second to tie the game. The Eagles recorded five hits in the first two innings of play.

But, the Warriors regained the lead after scoring four runs in the third inning. Paco Lauciello drove a double to rightfield to score Jack Lebert. Lance Cardinal singled Paco home. And, Tim Prendergast hit a sacrifice fly to deep centerfield to score Lance. The Warriors would never again trail in this one.

The Warriors extended its lead by scoring two runs in the fourth and three runs in the fifth inning. Jack Lebert singled home a run and Sam Marc hit a ground ball to the second baseman to bring another run home. Sam had three RBI in this game and now ranks second on the team with 18 RBI for the season. In the meantime, Ryan Tannebaum threw three strong innings--holding the Eagles to just one run in this span. Jim Robley ended Frankfort's hopes by retiring the Eagles in the seventh inning.

WARRIORS: 14 runs, 17 hits, 0 errors, 7 left on base

FRANKFORT: 5 runs, 12 hits, 2 errors, 7 left on base

Warriors to Appear in All-Star Events

For the first time, OYA will host two special events prior to the OYA Picnic All-Star games. Although full-time Warriors players are not eligible to participate in the games, the players are eligible to compete in these special events--the "Baserunning Challenge" and the "Home Run Derby".

The Baserunning Challenge and Home Run Derby will take place on Saturday, June 5th at Centennial #6 at 3:30 pm. Players should arrive at the field no later than 3:15 pm for check-in. Players should wear their PONY team uniform (e.g., Royals, Twins, etc.) rather than their Warriors uniform as they will be representing their teams in these competitions.

Several Warriors were nominated to represent their teams to compete for the honor of being named the fastest baserunner and home run champion of the entire Pony League:

Baserunning Challenge:
C.J. Brucki (Phillies), Robbie Maxfield (Diamondbacks), Jim Robley (Royals) and Ryan Tannebaum (Cardinals)

Home Run Derby:
C.J. Brucki (Phillies), Ryan Knightly (Twins), Paco Lauciello (Mariners), Jack Lebert (Reds), Sam Marc (Royals), Lance Cardinal (Royals) and Tim Prendergast (Diamondbacks)

Best of luck to all of the Warriors and we look forward to seeing you at Centennial Park on Saturday.

Warriors Eliminated From Tournament

Despite having a 2-1 pool play record and the second best overall run differential of all 12 teams in the Chicagoland tournament (+26 runs), the Warriors were eliminated from the tournament this afternoon.

In our pool, three teams ended up with 2-1 records (Warriors, Palos and Frankfort). The next tie breaker is head-to-head play--in which all teams were even once again. (Palos beat Warriors; Warriors beat Frankfort; Frankfort beat Palos). The third tie breaker is total runs allowed for the tournament. Palos won that tie breaker with 14 runs allowed--while the Warriors allowed 17 runs in the tournament. Unfortunately, 14 runs turned out to be the magic number for advancement.

The Warriors needed some help from the other two pools to get an at large bid. The Warriors won the tie breakers against all the at-large teams in Grant Park's bracket. But, two of the 2-1 teams squeezed in ahead of the Warriors from the South Cicero bracket as South Cicero allowed just 11 runs and the Southside Hitmen allowed only 14 runs in the tournament.

So, the final four looks like this: Grant Park, South Cicero, Southside Hitmen and Palos. (The fifth ranked team was the Orland Park Warriors.)

The Warriors gave itself a chance by winning a doubleheader today. But, it was too little too late after several missed opportunities in the Palos opener. Hopefully, the team has learned from this experience and now has a better understanding of what it takes to advance in a tournament.

The Warriors will play again next Sunday in a doubleheader at Frankfort. The games will be played at the same facility that we played at today.

I hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day. And, GO WARRIORS!

Warriors Sweep Doubleheader

CLICK HERE for team and individual statistics through Game #13.

The Warriors kept its tournament hopes alive by sweeping a doubleheader on Saturday at Commissioners Park in Frankfort.

The Warriors jumped out to an early lead after scoring four runs in the first inning against the Frankfort Eagles. Tim Prendergast doubled to deep leftfield to score two runs and Sam Marc lined a single into leftfield to score Tim.

Lance Cardinal held the Eagles scoreless through two innings. But, after yielding a double and two walks to start the third inning, the Warriors went to Jason Waner in relief. Later in the inning, Frankfort's #5 hitter hammered a home run to deep left-centerfield that carried an estimated 335 feet in the air to clear the fence--just missing my car by about 20 feet to the right. This three run homer gave the Eagles a 5-4 lead after three innings of play.

But, the Warriors scored six runs in the top of the fourth inning to regain the lead. Once again, Tim Prendergast slammed a deep fly ball to centerfield--this time for a triple. And, Sam Marc again lined a single to leftfield to score Tim. Sam would end up with four hits and five RBI in the ballgame.

The Warriors scored nine more runs before the game ended. C.J. Brucki hit the first home run of the season for the Warriors in the final inning of play.

WARRIORS: 19 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors, 8 left on base

FRANKFORT: 10 runs, 9 hits, 1 error, 8 men left on base

**********

The Warriors once again jumped out to an early lead against the Midlothian Thunder--scoring six runs on six hits in the first inning. The Warriors scored 15 more runs in the next two innings--and went on to beat the Thunder 22-4 in five innings of play before the slaughter rule was invoked.

Notable hitting achievements included Tim Prendergast with two doubles and a single; Sam Marc with two more hits; C.J. Brucki with a double and a triple; Lance Cardinal with two base hits; and Ryan Knightly with two hits and a walk.

Tyler Knight pitched four impressive innings. He walked one hitter while striking out eight batters. Tyler struck out the side in the third and fourth innings.

MIDLOTHIAN: 4 runs, 4 hits, 1 errors, 2 left on base

WARRIORS: 22 runs, 19 hits, 1 error, 4 left on base

Palos Holds On to Beat Warriors 3-2

CLICK HERE for team and individual statistics through Game #11.

Palos defeated the Warriors by a score of 3-2 in the opening round of the Chicagoland Metro League tournament.

Ryan Novak was the Warriors starting pitcher. He struck out seven hitters and allowed just one run in his four innings of work.

The Warriors scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning when Paco Lauciello lined a single to centerfield to score Robbie Maxfield. Palos tied the game in the top of the fourth on a single to deep centerfield in which C.J. Brucki threw the batter out when he attempted to stretch the single into a double.

Palos scored two runs in the fifth inning after two outs on a ground ball to the right side of the infield. The Warriors scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Paco Lauciello grounded out to first to score Ryan Tannebaum.

Tim Prendergast held Palos scoreless in the final two innings of play. Tim struck out eight hitters in his three innings of work.

The Warriors had another opportunity in the bottom of the seventh inning. Ryan Novak started the inning with a single to centerfield. With one out, both C.J. Brucki and Jack Lebert bunted for hits down the third base line. But, with the bases loaded and one out, the game ended on consecutive strikeouts.

PALOS: 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 error, 6 left on base
WARRIORS: 2 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, 9 left on base

Hitmen Rally Late to Top Warriors

CLICK HERE for team and player statistics through Game #10.

The Southside Hitmen scored six runs in the final two innings of play to top the Warriors by a score of 8-3 at Centennial Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Warriors jumped out to an early lead after scoring three runs in the first inning on just one hit. The Warriors drew four walks in the inning. But, a scoring opportunity was wasted when the Warriors failed to score again with the bases loaded with one out.

Lance Cardinal was the Warriors' starting pitcher. He held the Hitmen scoreless through three innings and did not allow a hit. Lance struck out five and walked two in this outing.

The Warriors had only one hitter reach base in the next three innings when Sam Marc walked in the bottom of the third inning. The Southside Hitmen started chipping away at the lead after scoring one run in the top of the fourth inning on three consecutive hits and another run in the top of the fifth inning on back-to-back doubles. The Warriors held a one run lead as the game moved into the top of the sixth inning.

The Hitmen rallied in the sixth after two outs. Southside then scored three runs on three his to take a two run lead. The Warriors threatened in the bottom of the frame after Jason Waner and Paco Lauciello started the inning with base hits. But, the Hitmen then struck out the side to end the inning.

The Hitmen scored three insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning on three more hits and two infield errors. Tyler Knight made his Warriors' pitching debut--entering the game with one out. He retired the last two hitters without allowing a run. Jack Lebert started the bottom of the seventh inning with a double to deep leftfield. But, the Warriors once again went down with three strikeouts to end the inning.

SOUTHSIDE HITMEN: 8 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors, 8 left on base

WARRIORS: 3 runs, 5 hits, 3 errors, 8 left on base

Warriors Add a Player to Its Roster

The Warriors added a player to its roster this morning. For much of the season, the team hoped to get by with an 12 man roster. The smaller roster provides more playing time for each player. However, given some upcoming scheduling conflicts for a few players, the team will not have enough players to compete in every scheduled game. The Memorial Weekend tournament, for example, requires a minimum of ten players--and we had just nine players available for the opening day of that first tournament. Of course, we are always at risk of unanticipated absences (such as with injuries).

So, the Warriors are pleased to announce that Tyler Knight has joined the team this morning. Tyler accepted an alternate roster spot--and is expected to play in games as needed for the remainder of the season. We expect Tyler to be a valuable addition to the team.

Warriors 17, Darien 3

CLICK HERE for team and individual statistics through Game #9.

The Warriors pounded out 13 hits and 12 runs in the final two innings of play to defeat Darien Demons by a score of 17-3 at Centennial Park.

The Demons took the early lead in the first inning after the lead-off hitter doubled to rightfield and later scored on a tapper back to the mound. Paco Lauciello threw a runner out attempting to steal second base--which minimized the damage and slowed Darien's running game for a few innings.

The Warriors failed to score in the bottom of the frame despite drawing two walks to start the inning after a runner was picked off second base followed by two infield pop outs.

Darien extended its lead in the top of the second inning after three consecutive hits. Once again, Paco Lauciello threw out a runner attempting to steal--and Ryan Novak struck out the lead-off man as Darien left two stranded to end the inning.

The Warriors had five consecutive hits to start the second inning and scored four runs to grab the lead. The Warriors would never trail again in this one.

Ryan Novak retired Darien quickly in the top of the third inning with a pop up and two strikeouts. The Warriors scored just one run in the bottom of the frame despite two hit batsmen and a walk. The Warriors were retired on three pop ups to the first baseman in the inning.

Darien scored again in the fourth inning after the lead-off hitter walked and scored on a base hit to rightfield. C.J. Brucki retired another Darien runner on a steal attempt. The Warriors failed to score in the bottom of the frame as the inning ended on a line drive double play to the first baseman.

Tim Prendergast struck out three Darien hitters in the fifth inning. The Warriors broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth with seven runs on six hits. Paco Lauciello doubled to deep leftfield to drive home two runs. And, Ryan Novak lined a single into leftfield to score another run. Ryan had three hits and 4 RBI on the day. Lance Cardinal also had three hits and 3 RBI in the game.

Ryan Tannebaum pitched a flawless sixth inning before the Warriors offense exploded with another five runs in the bottom of the inning. The game ended as the mercy rule was applied after six innings of play.

DARIEN: 3 runs, 5 hits, 2 errors, 6 left on base
WARRIORS: 17 runs, 20 hits, 2 errors, 10 left on base

Warriors 12, Barons 1

CLICK HERE to view the team and individual statistics through Game #8

C.J. Brucki with 3 extra base hits

The Warriors beat the Burr Ridge Barons by a score of 12-1 in seven innings on Mother's Day. The Warriors jumped out with an early lead after scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. C.J. Brucki smashed the first of his three consecutive extra base hits with a double to deep left-centerfield. He later scored on a base hit by Jason Waner. Ryan Novak hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield to score Jason. The Barons scored a run in the bottom of the frame after the lead off hitter singled to centerfield and later scored on a ground out to the second baseman.

The Warriors scored four runs in the top of the third inning. Ryan Tannebaum took a fastball in the back to get the rally started with a hit batsman. Sam Marc and Paco Lauciello both reached base on infield errors. C.J. Brucki then drove home two runs with a triple to deep rightfield. C.J. later scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jason Waner.

Jason Waner held the Barons scoreless in the bottom of the second and third innings. In the bottom of the second inning, Ryan Novak killed a Burr Ridge rally by hustling to back up first base from his rightfield position. When the ball was thrown past the first baseman, Ryan was there to field the ball and throw the advancing runner out at second base. The Warriors would go onto retire five Burr Ridge runners attempting to advance to an extra base!

The Barons did not score in the remaining four innings of the game as four different Warriors' pitchers threw shutout innings: Ryan Tannebaum, Jim Robley, Sam Marc and Robbie Maxfield.

The Warriors scored four more times in the top of the fifth inning. Paco Lauciello singled and scored on another extra base hit by C.J. Brucki. Tim Prendergast singled to centerfield to drive in two runs. Ryan Novak and Jack Lebert also had base hits in the inning.

The Warriors scored one run in the final inning of play when Ryan Tannebaum singled and later scored. Sam Marc also singled to rightfield in the inning.

WARRIORS: 12 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors, 5 left on base

BURR RIDGE: 1 run, 7 hits, 2 errors, 8 left on base

Time of Game: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Warriors Compete in OYA Pony Baseball

For the next six weeks, most of the Warriors' players baseball experience takes place within the OYA Pony League. OYA Pony baseball provides our players with an extra 16 to 20 games in the season. Every Pony team has at least one Warriors player. Most teams have two or three on the roster.

Earlier this evening, two Warriors players pitched at Centennial Park for the Diamondbacks in a game against the Phillies. I happened to be at the park with my camera and captured some photos of Robbie Maxfield and Tim Prendergast. CLICK on photo to view larger version of the image.

Robbie Maxfield (OYA Diamondbacks)

Tim Prendergast (OYA Diamondbacks)