This should be a fun couple of weeks. There are two games that separate the 4 seed from the 5,6,7.. but anything can happen. Everybody is playing everybody. Courtland can create distance from the pack and close in on a 3 seed tonight with a win over EV. KG is down but not out. They can hang with teams. That was proven in their 3-0 loss to EV.  Im sure they are looking to get some back against Culp tonight. Culp, has been up and down in their hitting performance but has managed to get it done to an extent. Caroline is making a strong case and are on the heels of culpeper and EV should one of them stumble. Spotsy is team to not overlook that can snatch a game from anyone at anytime. I still think it will be EV, Culp, Caroline, and Coutland in the top 4 but the seedings could be all shuffled around or one of those outside teams could sneak in like EV did last year right at the end. Who knows.

EV vs Courtland is cancelled, J.V will still play at EV, so i assume Culpeper vs KG will still be a go, but just an assumption.  

 

The EV vs courtland game will be made up thursday. 

Funny how the weather is still playing havoc with getting the games in.

 

My son's JUCO (DII) played in a steady rain last Sunday.  Most HS teams would have cancelled.  It was so sloppy even the umps could not get a sure footing.

Culpeper won a tight one 9-8 over King George, they were down 1-2 at the top of the 5th, then down 1 run in the bottom of the 7th.  Came back and won a squeaker.

Who pitched?  I assume Lane started for KG.  Sounds like it was a very good game.

Does anyone have the date/time for the Culpeper vs. Eastern View game which was rained out earlier in the season?

 

EV and Culp has not be rescheduled yet.  

 

Below are the pitching stats for KG and Culp. Pitching stats are not fair and brutal.   Hunt doesn't deserve the loss and Lafin the win.   Smith came in with Bases loaded in the 6th,  Culp up 7-5 with 1 out, ground ball to SS,  DP.    Top of 7th, 7-5 couple of walks, single, 1 out with  bases loaded.  Lafin comes in, walks in a run 7-6, ground ball to SS gets the force on 2cnd, throwing error to first, runner on 3rd & 2cnd scores, KG takes the lead. 8-7  Culp come up on the bottom of the 7th,  couple of key base hits,  Slawson with the winning RBI, Culpeper wins 9-8

 

Ferrel should have the win and Ward the loss, oh well.   Note:  Peavley had his 1st and 2cnd HRs of the season.  Culp has 5 players with HRs,  3 players with 2 or more.

 

 

KING GEORGE          IP    H    R   ER   BB   SO   HR
Lane Ward                6.00   10    7    7    2    9    2
Matthew Hunt (L)       0.33    3    2    2    0    0    0
 BLUE DEVILS 13           
Ramey Farrell          5.33    9    5    5    3    6    0
Brett Smith              1.00    1    3    2    2    0    0
Blaine Lafin (W)       0.67    0    0    0    1    0    0

EV 7 KG 5... KG stretched Culpeper and EV to the max two days in a row. Good to see fight from all three teams. After a long road trip two days in a row and a heartbreak loss on day 1 it would be easy to come out flat... But they did the opposite. Kudos to KG.

Who pitched for both teams? I am guessing that ward pitched for KG.

Not bad for a team that only returned two starters from last years championship team.  KG is young - only one senior(?), a few juniors and the rest sophomores.   I pretty much figured it is a rebuilding year - as they get more experience they should improve.  KG started a MS team this year, so that should bode well for the future - gives them time to get more experience.

 

Lane (KG) pitched against Culpeper, so I'd guess Mark Antoz got the start or maybe Matthew Hunt.

I only saw KG at the beginning of the season but it appears they improved quite a bit, nice work KG.   It will be interesting next year when these teams are moved into the new Districts.

EV 3 Courtland 1

Martinez and Neal threw complete games. EV manufactured when they needed it. Great game by both teams.

Chancellor 4 vs Caroline 9

At the Caroline/Chancellor game, Caroline's Joe Shiflett pitched six innings, striking out 12, walking three while allowing four hits.  Shiflett was 4-4 at the plate with three doubles and a single. Adam Desjarlais pitched in relief in the seventh striking out three.

Andrew LeMaster, started for Chancellor, pitching four innings striking out one, walking one, and allowing eight hits.  Tyler Cross pitched in relief two innings striking out two, walking two and allowing one hit.

 

                                     R H E

Chancellor       3010 000   4 4 1

Caroline          3310 02X   9 9 1

Culpeper 17 James Monroe 0.  T Wilson got the start on the mound.  One note#  Culpeper may have lost Brett Smith, their 3rd starter in the pitching rotation, for the season due to a nagging knee injury.  Brett came limping off the mound during the King George game.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Chargers gain edge in district

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Caroline stops Eastern View

Looks like it will be a battle between Spotsy,Chancellor, and Courtland for the 4th seed in the tournament. Any predictions on who will clinch the final spot?

Not to take away anything from Spotsy or Chancellor but my pick is Courtland - they are solid all around and their defense appears to be disciplined.

I am going to have to lean towards Courtland for the final spot. They do play defense, and they do have the easier road to the playoffs compared to Spotsy and Chancellor. Again, not to take anything away from either of these two teams, they both have to get through EV and Culpeper this week alone. On the flip side, this "forecasted" rain could play a huge factor into the final push as it will definitly take a toll on everyones pitching. These games could all be pushed toward the end of the week and into next week. If I am Caroline I like where I am sitting. Yes, EV has Chancellor and Spotsy this week, who are both in the playoff mix, and Culpeper has three games this week, to include Spotsy, Chancellor, and Caroline. Then the big one comes next week. EV and Culpeper will play twice in the week, and that does not include what games may be pushed back. In my opinion, Culpeper has a tough task over the next couple weeks and EV needs to keep an eye out, because they are not running away with anything. This should be a great couple weeks of baseball, Cant wait to see it unfold.

Culpeper lost their 3rd starter with Smith being out but they have a lot of arms who haven't seen much mound time and Culpeper's outfield defense has not been tested much this season.  I think Caroline is in a good spot and are strong all around and I will repeat it again,  "Culpeper's unwillingness to adjust their starting lineup will be their demise".  EV's bats seem to be streaky and they seem to play very hot/cold but have had some timely pitching with Cain & Nemo.  Courtland is very steady on the defense which would make the difference on the close game.  If Chancellor does not get they will at least do some damage buy eating up some arms when needed the most.

EV cancelled they will try to give it a go wed.  I would imagine alot will be cancelled today.    

Who do you guys feel is the best player you have seen this year in the district?

To me the best player in the district is a player who contributes to his team in more than just one way. This player is a game changer who has an impact on defense and offense. Most players who have been Battlefield District players of the year have had strong offense and defensive stats. These type of players give it 100 percent from the moment they walk on the field to the last out. How about listing the candidates for each team to see who is in the running.

 

This is a question best answered by the coaches who have the knowledge as to what each player has done each game (stats). Most of us only get to see opposing teams twice each season.

 

Eastern View -

Culpeper -

Caroline -

Courtland -

Chancellor -

Spotsylvania -

King George -

James Monroe -

Eastern View- Ben Pittman
Culpeper-Blaine Lafin
Caroline-Joe Shifflet
Courtland-Jacob Neal
Chanceollor-Chris Barlow
Spotsy-Lucas Weaver
King George-Lane Ward

Still a lot of baseball left to play though.

Culpeper - Jermain Butler and John Anderson ?

Be careful of the padded stats game. This is a little tough as some pitchers do not contribute more then just pitching.

 

Eastern View - We havn't seen them.

Culpeper - Tough one; OF has not been tested.  Elliot & Gorby have been solid.  Butler bat died off and Anderson hits 3 HRs but average Batting average.   Overall - Slawson or Lafin.

Caroline - J. Shifflet

Chanceollor - Barlow

Spotsy - only saw them once, 3-2 game

King George - Ward

 

For those that know, what are the stats of some of these players? I am not very familiar with them. I believe Anderson is catcher/DH but isnt he pretty young? Does he lead district in dingers? I know Butler is young as well but is a good size kid. Not sure on stats. I have seen slawson has been on a bit of tear lately. Has he been this hot all season?

KG @ Caroline postponed until Thursday (5/9/13).

Culpeper Vs Spotsylvania postponed until Monday

Update: Varsity game Chancellor vs. Eastern View is still on for today at 4:45PM. The JV game was cancelled.

the EV vs Chancellor game was postponed. 

I think the 4 seed will be 7-7 to get in the playoffs.  2 teams, Chancellor and Spotsy get that who has tie breaker, or lets say Courtland and Spotsy are 7-7 who has tie break, or chancellor and courtland are 7-7, would that mean they all would have split with each other and then who would have last spot. How does that work? Number draw? playoff? With early this week being rained out, can anyone afford to play scheduled games, rain outs and a playoff?  Should be interesting.....this is where the pitching rules are definitely going to make a difference.   

I totally agree Mr. Zeus!  This is going to come down not just arms but "mound experience".  Teams that have been using the same old lineup with the same rotation will most likely lose at the end.  Due to make up games, teams will start placing arms on the mound with little to no experience and then will have to replace fielders who have very little reps on the field or at bat.   Teams who use a "platoon" fielding/batting concept are much more healthier.  They have used several pitchers on the mound during tight games and most likely will win out at the end.   I think # 4 team will be no less then an 8-6 record due to mathematical probabilities.  To end up with a tie of 7-7 is possible but most likely not probable.  Let's face it - baseball is all about math.

District will be won with pitching, defense and coaching. Pitchinggoest in this order EV,Courtland, Caroline, Culpeper. Culpeper has not used pitching wisely.  A few over pitched and some good ones not used at all. EV has given pitchers experience and not overused the good ones. Courtland and Caroline have one excellent pitcher each and will have issue with pitching rules as Zeus has pointed out. Defense I believes goes to Culpeper except for a few spots, 3rd base decent glove weak arm, catcher strong arm poor catching technique saw 4 pass balls vs.chancellor though didn't matter in blowout. EV next, though weak at corners. Strong all around catcher, average ss.  Courtland sound all around infield but like Culpeper catcher has good arm but poor tech behind plate. Caroline steady all around and well coached, which leads me to next area.  Coaching - EV is by far far best coached team in district, I may not like them but the do excellent work with talent they have.  Caroline next, again well coached and play smart baseball. Courtland right behind Caroline does good job with average talent. Culpeper's demise will be the coaching. As EV is best coached team in district cross town rival is worst. No baseball acumen at all. It will take the players supreme effort to get through district to regions and overcome coaching. My predictions EV and Courtland will advance.

Between today and next week most team have 4 games to play....should be an interesting end of the season.

 

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Innings Pitched	1	1	1	1	1	Rest	Pitch Full
Innings Pitched	2-3	Rest	Pitch Full
Innings Pitched	4-7	Rest	Rest	Pitch 2
Innings Pitched	4-7	Rest	Rest	Rest	Pitch 3
Innings Pitched	4-7	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Pitch Full
Innings Pitched	8-9	Rest	Rest	Rest	Pitch 2
Innings Pitched	8-9	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Pitch 3
Innings Pitched	8-9	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Pitch 5-6
	Maximum 14 IP in 7 consecutive days

 

VHSL Baseball Pitching Regulations

 

For the purposes of this rule, delivery of one pitch constitutes having pitched in one inning.

 

A pitcher may pitch in a maximum of nine innings in one day but not more than fourteen innings in any seven day consecutive period.

 

If a pitcher pitches in one inning for four consecutive days that pitcher shall have one calendar day of rest from competition pitching beginning with the day following the fourth consecutive day a pitch is thrown.

 

If a pitcher pitches in two or three innings in one day that pitcher shall have one calendar day of rest from competition pitching beginning with the day following the first day a pitch is thrown.

 

If a pitcher pitches four to seven innings in one day that pitcher shall have two calendar days of rest from competition pitching beginning with the day following the first day a pitch is thrown. Further restrictions regarding this section include:

- After two days of rest a pitcher may pitch a maximum of two innings.

- After three days of rest a pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings.

- After four days of rest a pitcher may pitch to the limit of the rule.

 

If a pitcher pitches in eight or nine innings in one day that pitcher shall have three calendar days of rest from competition pitching beginning with the day following the first day a pitch is thrown.

- After three days of rest a pitcher may pitch a maximum of two innings.

- After four days of rest a pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings.

- After five days of rest a pitcher may pitch to the limit of the rule.

 

This limitation applies to regular season as well as post season play.

Penalty

Violation of this rule constitutes use of an ineligible and forfeiture of any games in which such violation occurs. Additionally use of an ineligible carries a $100 fine for the offending school.

 

If past seasons are any indicator, unless there is a 3 way tie (for any seed), they'll determine the seeding by 1) head-to-head 2) preseason draw.  If there is a 3 way tie, I can see the seeding determined by the records of the teams amongst themselves - like they did for the seeding last year when KG, Spotsylvania and Caroline all finished with 11-3 district records.  In that case Spotsy was 3-1, KG 2-2 and Caroline 1-3 so Spotsy had the #1 seed, KG #2 and Caroline #3 for the tournament.  I don't think they'll do a playoff unless it's for the #1 spot.

 

I agree the pitching rules will have an impact on how everything plays out.

I agree big bang, coaching and experience will be the deciding factor  i would change only culpeper to farrell, EV to gardner.  culp has fine players; however, the young pitchers are hurt.  most likely due to the poor coaching and the lack of a structured regimen. Hitting, well, if the coach wants to play competitive ball, stats must be utilized.  Passed balls &  errors are not addressed.  truly the coach has not utilized advanced play such as bunt defense, cut plays, etc. Youth, favortism, inexperience,, are not attributes of a winning coach. culp has all the talent but ev's coach with experience & knowledge & talent will lead the way to the finals  

 

 

 

EV is definitly a well coached team but they also have a good amount of talent there as well. Caroline, Courtland, Spotsy, Chancellor, are all well coached teams as well. Right now they might not have as much talent player for player, but they have guys in place (hungry guys at that) which make them all dangerous teams especially going down this final stretch. If I were EV and Culpeper I would not take ANYONE lightly. Chancellor has a game with EV and Culpeper, as does Spotsy. Then Caroline is sitting in the shadows waiting for someone to fall. Im not taking anything away from KG or Jayem but neither are in the running at this point which is why I hightlighted the others. Regardless of their record, neither team is going to roll over for anyone.

Culpeper 3 Chancellor 1.  Ferrell and Barlow pitching duel with some unexpected fireworks.   Butler ejected for sliding into home,  Ump said it was malicious,  out for 3 games.  Ouch!  Butler & Smith shared LF and pitched,  Butler out for 3 and Smith out for the season.   Wilson and Davis are available to pitch and play OF.   Tough games approaching should make it very interesting.  Ferrell gave up 2 hits, he has been outstanding all season and will be missed next year.