West Springfield moved to 5-1 with a 10-1 win over Lee on Thurday, 29 March. Frank Sturek pitched 5 innings to get the win, giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 4 strikeouts. He also had 2 RBI.
These next couple of days should produce some answers for a few teams. Oakton is at LB on Monday at 4. Does Oakton have the pitching to beat a good team? Can they hit Church (my guess)? I will say LB has the best looking field I have seen at this time. Tuesday Oakton is at home against WS. Those same questions could be answered again.
Well bxbomber - both Marshall and McLean run-ruled West Springfield today. Marshall beat them 10-0 and McLean(Josh Sborz pitched) beat WS 19-0.
The WS baseball team was clearly disappointing.
The WS baseball team was clearly disappointing.
The game to see was at Lake Braddock. LB beat Oakton 2-0 in a very good HS game. LB pitched Church who must have limited Oakton to just a few hits and 8 or so k's. Some real nice defense gems were handed in by the Oakton defense. LB scored on a solo shot by Gransback. In the sixth LB plated their second run on an overthrow with the bases loaded.
A lot of these local Spring Break tournament games are taking there toll on pitching. Unless a team has 2, 3 or even 4 legit pitchers, you can see more of these games getting out of hand (high scoring & 10 run rule games). Playing 4, 5 or 6 games in less than a week makes teams use all their pitchers.
Of course the hitters are taking advantage and padding their stats. Everything should start evening out again next week when they get back to conference play.
During this period, you see teams like West Springfield and McLean losing a string a games that they would not lose during a typical two games a week conference schedule. As they say, you can never have too much pitching.
Of course the hitters are taking advantage and padding their stats. Everything should start evening out again next week when they get back to conference play.
During this period, you see teams like West Springfield and McLean losing a string a games that they would not lose during a typical two games a week conference schedule. As they say, you can never have too much pitching.
Admittedly, I'm not an expert on the rosters of the clubs in Northern Virginia. (That's my disclaimer) Nonetheless, if I am a quality team, whether I have a deep staff or not...that alone should not keep my bats from working. If a team is getting 10-run-ruled, or losing by wider margins, in succession, it says just as much about their lack of offensive production as it would their lack of pitching depth.
In combination, that suggests that they may not be very strong.
I do agree though that playing 4-6 games in a week is beyond taxing. Under VHSL rules, I was not aware that a team could subject themselves to that. With a maximum 20 game schedule, its hard to believe that a team would have 4-6 games in seven days.
In combination, that suggests that they may not be very strong.
I do agree though that playing 4-6 games in a week is beyond taxing. Under VHSL rules, I was not aware that a team could subject themselves to that. With a maximum 20 game schedule, its hard to believe that a team would have 4-6 games in seven days.
Robinson beats Stone Bridge in a mid afternoon game 6-4. Patrick Baker (JMU) and Ty Mocabee (GMU) threw for both teams. Patrick went 5 1/3 only giving up 2 earned runs and Ty went 5 innings giving up 6. It was without a doubt a battle of hard throwers with each pitcher throwing near 90. Robinsons Denis Mikush hit a homerun in the 5th to give Robinson a 5-4 lead and Robinson never looked back
Good for Robinson and the Baker boy. Oakton beat WS 3-1 to conclude their spring break games.
West Potomac 11 WT Woodson 3 in final of the West Potomac Spring Break Tournament
Jayme Murray with a solo HR in the 2nd
Sean Trenchard with a two run HR in the 4th
WP explodes for 6 in the top of the 7th to break the game open
Jayme Murray with a solo HR in the 2nd
Sean Trenchard with a two run HR in the 4th
WP explodes for 6 in the top of the 7th to break the game open
I guess you can say Robinson got a little pay back from last year's end 2nd round North Regional playoff loss to Stonebridge. Good luck to both teams. You never know, the two teams could meet again later this year.
I heard McLean (with 4 loses) beat undefeated Lake Braddock 5 - 2 today.
Northern Virginia team results from Spring Classic, Orlando, Florida:
Madison 10 McMinn (TN) 0
Centreville 5 Narbonne (CA) 10
Madison 8 Illiana Christian (IL) 3
Centreville 14 McMinn (TN) 0
Madison 7 Narboone (CA) 6 11 innings
Madison 10 McMinn (TN) 0
Centreville 5 Narbonne (CA) 10
Madison 8 Illiana Christian (IL) 3
Centreville 14 McMinn (TN) 0
Madison 7 Narboone (CA) 6 11 innings
Herndon 4 Oakton 3
West Springfield beats T.C. williams in 6 innings 10-0. Connor Tagg gets 8 strikeouts and his 2nd shutout of the season
Chantilly moves to 8-2 with 4-3 win over Westfield. Concorde game w/Oakton up next.
On a cold windy Tuesday night, Centerville beat Robinson 5 - 4. It was the first conference game of the season for each team. The pitching matchup was Mikush facing Bach, with college coaches in attendance. One coach said Mikush hit 89 MPH, with Bach at 85 MPH. Centerville took an early lead on some timely hitting and a handful of Robinson fielding miscues. Robinson came back later in the game with single runs in the 6th and 7th. Mikush was pulled after 5 innings, reaching over 100 pitches. Bach pitched the entire game and threw close to 150 pitches. The game ended with Bach striking out the last two hitters with runners on base. The story of the game was Bach pitching out of several jams with timely strikeouts.
150 pitches on a cold windy night...YIKES
Chantilly 3 Oakton 2
West Springfield defeats South County 5-4. Tyler Tobin piches 6 innings giving up 4 runs and Daniel Allen gets the save . Daniel Allen gets 2 RBI on 2 hits. blake Bird gets 1 RBI. Close game.
quote:Originally posted by bxbomber:
150 pitches on a cold windy night...YIKES
Maybe it's just me, but that's way too many pitches. Especially for HS.
Robinson beat Westfields 3 - 1 last night. Robonson's Chase Bailey had an exceptional pitching performance, that included a complete game 1 hitter. The only hit was a single up the middle and the only run occured on a leadoff walk, stolen base, infield out & another infield out.
It looks like Robinson is getting their big three pitchers in line. If they do that they will be tough to beat in the region. They were my top choice on 2-25. Had some concern early but perhaps they are getting it under control. The team which continues to improve each week will win the region. I know some think all the teams get better.... I beg to differ. There are some who play their best ball at the start of the year and flatline the rest.
Bxbomber, a quick check of Robinson's schedule shows that, even with the win just reported, they have lost three of their last five games. Doesn't look to me like they're getting much better as the season progresses.
As for being tough to beat in the region, I would put them behind several other teams including Lake Braddock, Oakton (who they play next), Madison, McLean, maybe South County, and I'm certain a few others.
We'll see if they do progress and get stronger, but at this point, halfway thought the season, a record of 4-5 doesn't seem to show any promise of doing so.
As for being tough to beat in the region, I would put them behind several other teams including Lake Braddock, Oakton (who they play next), Madison, McLean, maybe South County, and I'm certain a few others.
We'll see if they do progress and get stronger, but at this point, halfway thought the season, a record of 4-5 doesn't seem to show any promise of doing so.
BBgood, I saw their first game against Fairfax. If Bailey and Baker pitched as MR_BIG says then they have already made progress. You cannot win the region in April. To win you need pitching, and you have five weeks to get it peaked. I still like Robinson in the Concorde and beyond. Have not seen SC, but still like LB, Concerns with Madison, Sborz is tough and thus Mclean. I will give you Oakton, #2 in the metro? Interested?
I will take Lake Braddock in the region, hands down.
That is an excellent pick, does this mean I can have the field? I am a big fan of LB and Rutherford and really like their two pitchers Church and Rogers. That is a team which gets better every week. My favorite aspect of LB is that they know where to be every play... seldom seen today.
How about I take LB, and you take Robinson plus one other team of your choosing. Gentleman's bet?
I too will take LB to come out of the Northern region, but not necessarily hands down. Yes, they are extremely well coached. If I had one game that I had to win if my life depended on it, I'm taking Rutherford as my head coach. That said, LB's defensive execution leaves a lot to be desired at times. When I've watched them play quality opponents over the years I have always had the opinion that they play 'tight', like they don't enjoy what they're doing. It's not any fun for them. Again, this is only an observation from someone on the outside, but it seems as if they're afraid to make mistakes, which of course, leads to mistakes.
They are good enough that they could go undefeated in the Patriot; SC, WS, Woodson all lost too much offense with the class of '11 to be considered legitimate threats to LB. Not saying it's impossible, but very unlikely.
I like Madison to get to the regional final, but certainly McLean and Oakton are pretty solid clubs as well. Like berryberry, I am not as high on Robinson. Solid arms, yes. I don't see enough offense from them to make me believe they will be there at the end.
They are good enough that they could go undefeated in the Patriot; SC, WS, Woodson all lost too much offense with the class of '11 to be considered legitimate threats to LB. Not saying it's impossible, but very unlikely.
I like Madison to get to the regional final, but certainly McLean and Oakton are pretty solid clubs as well. Like berryberry, I am not as high on Robinson. Solid arms, yes. I don't see enough offense from them to make me believe they will be there at the end.
Yes I will take that and Madison to go with Robinson. Pudge does a real good job making the Madison teams play above their talent. Not the studs but the 7, 8 and 9 hitter who think they should be hitting 1,2 and 3. Great motivator. Now one break for LB is that I believe they match up with the National in the first round. For LB they can probably save their two pitchers. If Mclean and Oakton could combine that would be a good team. Oakton has to outscore their opponents every time. This is to say they will not have to many low scoring games where their pitching beats the other teams pitching. I will get a second look at Robinson on Tuesday against Oakton. Wow how about Centreville, some solid ballplayers, Bach has thrown well. Just not sold on the coaching and decisions on pitchers arms to make them a pick.
Bx, I haven't seen Centreville in quite some time so I really don't know much about what's happening with that program. However, I think you chose very well with Madison. There are a lot of things that can happen, but I expect that it will be Madison and LB there at the end. I suspect that LB is deeper and more talented, but Madison has Pudge who has been there several times before, which accounts for a lot.
If Patriot district lines up against National, that would help, but the likelihood is that no matter which district they line up against, LB will be the #1 seed so they would play the #4 seed of the other district anyway, so it's not as much of an advantage as it may seem. That will have more of an impact on the #3/4 seeds from the Patriot, so they at least have a good chance to pick up a first-round win.
If Patriot district lines up against National, that would help, but the likelihood is that no matter which district they line up against, LB will be the #1 seed so they would play the #4 seed of the other district anyway, so it's not as much of an advantage as it may seem. That will have more of an impact on the #3/4 seeds from the Patriot, so they at least have a good chance to pick up a first-round win.
Madison.....they are a solid program for sure, but they are not the Madison of 10 years ago...no program is, maybe Lake Braddock is the closest given their successes over the past 5-6 years.
The entire region (except National) has tremendous balance and athletes. Teams that get better during the year, and get as much pitching healthy for the playoffs, are going to be the toughest.
The entire region (except National) has tremendous balance and athletes. Teams that get better during the year, and get as much pitching healthy for the playoffs, are going to be the toughest.
LB definitely has the pitching and defense but their bats concern me . The one game I attended vs Oakton they struggled to put across 2 runs against a very poor pitching staff. My top 2 at this point are probably Mclean and Robinson . Robinson has won two of their last three beating 2 very solid teams in Stone Bridge and Westfield. Their pitching has finally reached the expectations of this year and from what i saw against westfield they came through at the plate when they needed it . As for Mclean I think wins over LB and Madison speak for themselves.
Back in 2006 Oakton pitched a sophomore who topped out at 75. In the state semi-final and won. As long as you do not walk hitters with the new BBCOR bats you have a chance. I credit their staff with keeping LB off balance at the plate in that game. The problem with Oakton's staff in my opinion is that they all throw about the same (75 - 80)except for their senior sidearmer. They do not have a shutdown pitcher who guarantees them a 2-1 victory. And except for LB which has always been a good fastball hitting team it does not match up well with the rest of the region. They do have a big bonus this year which they have not had in the past and that is Coach Kildoo who is handling their pitchers.
Well, anything can happen in a single-elimination format, so we'll see how it goes when the regionals do start. However, honestly I don't see Robinson as being there at the end. Good pitching, especially their #1, but not much else. They might realistically be in the top 5 in the region, if that.
West Springfield defeats Woodson 5-0. Connor Tagg pitches 6 shuout innings and Dan Allen finishes of the seventh. Nick Stevens had 2 RBI. West Springfield goes through the Patriot district the first time with one loss...to first place Lake Braddock. Coach Jason Olms and the Wet Springfield seniors have put together a respectable season so far.
Robinson 6-4 over oakton
Three things stood out to me in the Oakton loss. Thought the Oakton starter did his job, for Oakton to win they have to make plays in the field. Bunch of errors. Liked how the Robinson team stayed back on the Oakton pitching and put the ball in play second time around.
The Robinson starter Mikush looked strong and with a double play did not face the Oakton leadoff again until the 4th. I believe his wheels came off after he hit the Oakton catcher in the face. (Early indication possible broken nose, ball hit the helmet first, good thing)
DISSAPPOINTED to hear the CF #23 for Robinson yell out "get up.. stop crying" to the hit batter, as he laid on the ground bleeding. CLASSLESS..
Baker came in and threw the last innings looking strong. Good win for Robinson. Oakton can win with their pitching but not if they plan on giving up 7 or 8 errors.
The Robinson starter Mikush looked strong and with a double play did not face the Oakton leadoff again until the 4th. I believe his wheels came off after he hit the Oakton catcher in the face. (Early indication possible broken nose, ball hit the helmet first, good thing)
DISSAPPOINTED to hear the CF #23 for Robinson yell out "get up.. stop crying" to the hit batter, as he laid on the ground bleeding. CLASSLESS..
Baker came in and threw the last innings looking strong. Good win for Robinson. Oakton can win with their pitching but not if they plan on giving up 7 or 8 errors.
Others from the Post:
Westfield 9
Centreville 2
Chantilly 3
Herndon 1
Lake Braddock 9
South County 4
Stone Bridge 2
Fairfax 0
McLean 9
Langley 3
Marshall 10
South Lakes 1
Madison 10
Jefferson 0
Yorktown 5
Stuart 3
Westfield 9
Centreville 2
Chantilly 3
Herndon 1
Lake Braddock 9
South County 4
Stone Bridge 2
Fairfax 0
McLean 9
Langley 3
Marshall 10
South Lakes 1
Madison 10
Jefferson 0
Yorktown 5
Stuart 3
Sorry to hear about the Oakton catcher who took a pitch to the nose in the game. I heard the ball hit plastic (brim of the helmot) first, before it hit him in the face. One of the worst things to see in baseball game, a batter taking one to the face.
I moticed that the two previous pitches to the batter were curve balls taken for strikes. You know he was probably looking for another curve, but the ball came in high and hard and he had no time to adjust.
These two boys played togther for the past two years on their Northern VA showcase team (pitcher & catcher). It difinately shock the pitcher up, since he proceded to walk four batters in a row to give up the 4 - 1 lead and then was pulled from the game. Can you imagine hitting a friend in the face, see him lying on the ground spiitting blood. He did get to his feet after a few minutes, but it was a scary moment for all. I just hope the Oakton player is OK.
I moticed that the two previous pitches to the batter were curve balls taken for strikes. You know he was probably looking for another curve, but the ball came in high and hard and he had no time to adjust.
These two boys played togther for the past two years on their Northern VA showcase team (pitcher & catcher). It difinately shock the pitcher up, since he proceded to walk four batters in a row to give up the 4 - 1 lead and then was pulled from the game. Can you imagine hitting a friend in the face, see him lying on the ground spiitting blood. He did get to his feet after a few minutes, but it was a scary moment for all. I just hope the Oakton player is OK.
As noted earlier, Robinson’s Patrick Baker came in to pitch the last three innings tonight, giving up only one hit. He threw well and kept ahead of the hitters. Oakton only had 3 or 4 hits the entire game, but probably had 8 or 9 walks, keeping them in the game.
Oakton, after starting out so well out of conference (6 – 1), is now 0 – 3 in conference, losing some close games. Robinson is now tied for the conference lead at 2 – 1.
The Concord has no easy teams, like most other conferences. There are no games where you can run up the score, pad the stats and get the easy 10 run rule game. It will be fight to the finish.
Oakton, after starting out so well out of conference (6 – 1), is now 0 – 3 in conference, losing some close games. Robinson is now tied for the conference lead at 2 – 1.
The Concord has no easy teams, like most other conferences. There are no games where you can run up the score, pad the stats and get the easy 10 run rule game. It will be fight to the finish.