Southeastern District Tournament

Should be a good tourney!!!

I think the River is playing its best ball at the right time.  It would not surprise me if they get past WB.

 

Hard to see OS overcoming GF though.

I believe you are correct about the OS and GF game. However, I will say after watching Hickory games for the past few years… A lot can be said and some credit needs to be given to Coach Bowles at Oscar Smith.  They are a much improved program than what I saw (for the first time) 4 or 5 years ago. Even the JV team… had bench players that were dependable ball players which gives credence to his and his staff’s  coaching talents.  They should be even better next year. Kudos to him.. for his efforts to right the ship. Good luck in the playoffs.

The best game River has played all year was their last one. How are they playing the best baseball? It will be a good game. The first time the two faced off NR lost 3-1 and game two was 2-1 (WB win).  They are both fairly equal and it will be another close game.  It will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes.  Grassfield should beat OS, but we have seen close games all year between good teams and bad teams... for example Hickory only beat Lakeland Monday 1-0 and that lone run was off an error Lakeland's 3rd baseman made.

Anything can happen, hopefully the weather holds off and doesn't push this thing into late next week.

I think NR has won 4 of its last 5 and played its best game last time out.  Seems like a pretty easy observation to say they are getting stronger as the season ended.  They could lay a stinker out there but at home they way they finished I expect them to put a good showing on against WB.  We'll see soon enough.

You have made the correct observation, though NR has actually won 6 of their last 7.  The lone loss came to WB, by a run, in the bottom of the 7th.  Regarding tonight's matchup, we shall see.  It should be a great game between two very good programs.

I'm predicting Hickory will join Great Bridge in the Eastern Region tournament.  The winner of NR/WB will have the unenviable task of taking down Great Bridge and winning the championship game...  a tall order.  While I think Grassfield wins tonight, they have been manhandled twice by Hickory this year by a combined score of 27-0.

Which seeds (and teams) made it out of last year's tournament?

Last year it was Great Bridge who I believe was the #4 seed and Nansemond River who by virtue of being the #1 seed was an automatic bid.

Last Year 2012 seeds NR (1) WB (2) HH (3) GB (4) IR (5) GF (6)....but who cares that was last year. I got GB and Hickory making it. Both WB and NR are good teams but thats a hella of a feat to knock off GB! Best of luck to everyone

757teamz reporting Grassfield 5 Oscar Smith 1

Western branch 8, nansemond river 7

Valiant effort by Nansemond River but they could not overcome questionable coaching decisions and a 5 run 2nd inning by WB.  Like every player on the NR roster, Zach Rice has had some struggles this year.  Unlike other players he was the only one the NR head coach gave up on this season.  A proven big game pitcher.  How quickly forgotten was the game to determine a Regional berth against WB and Nick Thompson 2 years ago, or the game to determine a State berth at ODU against Churchland a 1 loss team, or the game last year at Great Bridge to tie WB for first place and force a one game playoff for the automatic Regional berth.  That pitcher was passed over tonight and brought into the game in relief in the 2nd inning after WB tattooed the ball scoring 5 runs.  Unfortunately the hole that was dug was too deep to climb out of against a fundamentally sound and well coached team in Western Branch.  Certainly the decision not to start your proven senior pitcher headed to the University of North Carolina should make some scratch their head and question if the outcome would have been different if he started the game.  Not sure of multi-hit performers, however Alex Hunt of WB, Zach Rice, Tucker Rhoads and Tyler Jordan of NR all went yard.  Congratulations to WB.

Go Dawgs,  Not sure why your up here whinen about Rice not starting the game last night!  Clearly he has not pitched well this whole season!  Not taking anything away from his talent, because he is a good pitcher just had a ruff season!  Why wouldn't you start a proven pitcher in Fitzwater?  He pitched well all year!  The fact that he is a sophomore and Rice is a senior shouldn't make no difference if he is capable if getting the job done, which he has proven to do!  Also the comment on the head coach giving up on Rice is complete bullcrap!  He has supported Rice all year and been behind him!  Why do you think he kept putting him out there, trying to give him confidence!  Maybe you should think about the whole situation before you start talking out of your butt!

You're misinterpreting my comments.  It was not a dig at Fitzwater who has pitched well this year.  It was in support of a player who has pitched big games, not sure how many tournament or elimination games Lakeland has ever played in, but Rice certainly has for Nansemond.  Pretty clear the outcome of the game doesn't support your assertions.  Not pitched well the whole season?  That's some revisionist history, but I would expect nothing less from somebody named getdirty.  And the last sentence is too similar to what you posted last year under the name "bleedingblue"  to someone else on this board.  But I guess with the move to a different school you're no longer bleeding blue.  If you want to disagree that's fine, but at least do so with some level of intelligence.

I'm still bleeding blue trust me Go Dawgs. This person is someone entirely different.

Regardless of the outcome of last night, the season is over and yes there many decisions that anyone can go back and wonder about!  NR did struggle all year and that's a fact!  All though I said Rice didn't pitch well this season is irrelevant of what he can do!  Maybe struggled should have been the word of choice because they all did!  But I will say this, Zach Rice is a great kid and a great baseball player! I hope that he excels and does well at UNC!  Good luck to him and his family!

Moving forward we have WB (4) vs. GB (1) @5:30 and GF (3) vs HH (2) @8:00.  GB and WB could be a very good game. Both times this past year GB won 5-0 and 3-1!!! I don't know if Jones is starting but they (WB) are going to have to mustard several hits and play error free baseball. If that happens WB could make a heck of a run into Regionals banking they win the District Championship game.

 

Last weeks games were good ones. OS had chances to win, but questionable base running mistakes killed all that. You have to wonder what Coaches and Athletes are thinking about in the box and base paths. We all know how the nightcap ended. Great game by NR in trying to make a comeback and great job by "Senior" Zach Rice for leaving it all out on the field for his last High School game.

I certainly hope NR has a tarp and/or one heck of a drain.  I was in the area around lunch time today and swear I saw Noah getting the ark ready.

I would put serious bank on Connor Jones pitching against Western Branch. In a single elimination tournament you have to win the one your in before looking to the next game.

       
That field drains well. The outfield can get a little soggy though.

can you hear the silence? It's almost deafening. Summer ball is about to begin. Good luck to all the fine you men graduating this season. Wether baseball is in your future or not take life by the horns and win at everything you do. Have no regrets

Yea a lot of people have shut it down after last friday's games! When your season is over, I guess there isn't much to talk about.

Guess we will find out in an hour or so who the starting pitchers are for tonite's game between Great Bridge and Western Branch.  I remember a few years ago (2009 or 2010) that Indian River did not start their ace, Dean Ali, against Western Branch in the semi-final game of the tournament, and Western Branch prevailed.  At that time, only four teams advanced to the tournament.

Western Branch 8  Great Bridge 1

WB 8R, 13H, 0E

GB  1R, 3H, 3E

 

WB came out with intensity and played a very clean game.  C.Selby pitched a complete game 3 hitter inducing 14 of 21 GB batters to pop out.  WB struck early against C.Jones in the first getting a 2 out infield hit by Rutherford, a single by Abby and a double by Roth.  In the third inning, WB tacked on another run on a series of errors by GB.  A one out single was followed by a grounder to first.  The first baseman tried to get the lead runner at second and threw the ball into LF.  This was followed by E5 for the second WB run.

 

In the fouth, WB scored 2 more on a one out single by Selby and a 2 run HR by Hayes.  In the fifth, WB scored 2 more on a bazaar play.  A pair of singles by Rutherford and Abby was followed by a groundball to second.  The trail runner going to second collided with the fielder.  In the ensuing confusion, one run scored, the runner on first who was in the collision was thrown out at third and the batter ended up on second.   While the scoreboard registered a hit, the umpires ruling was the ball went between the second baseman's legs (e4) prior to the collision, therefore no deadball.   WB scored 2 more in the 6th all with 2 outs on a 3 singles, 2 wild pitches and a balk.

 

GB broke up the shut out by Selby with a 6th inning solo HR by C.Cody.

 

Congrats to WB for a very played game.  GB looks flat since they clinched the district while WB played like they had to win to stay alive.

 

WB

C.Selby  7 IP, 3H, 1K, 3BB

 

J.Hayes 1-4, HR

G.Mariana 1-4, single

Z.Rutherford 4-4, 4 singles

A.Abby 3-4, 3 singles

M.Roth 1-4, double

K.Butler 1-4, single

C.Selby 2-4, 2 singles

 

GB

C.Jones 5 IP, 10H, 3K, 0BB

G.Barcliff 1 IP, 3H, 0K, 0BB

L.Harrelson 1IP, 0H, 1K, 0BB

 

C.Cody 1-3, HR

T.Lane 1-3, single

A.Newell 1-2, single

 

Sorry if I misspelled any names.

Wow.  Congrats to WB.

 

It was only a matter of time for Jones to have a subpar game. It's good that he got it out of his system prior to Regionals.

Interesting observation...Hickory did not start their Ace Connor Eason tonight and lost to Grassfield 5-4

Is there really that much difference between Carter and Eason? I doubt it. Carter has proved that he's a very capable pitcher and should have handled Grassfield.

 

Although they've manhandled them each time during the regular season, it's tough to beat an opponent 3 times. Looks like he had a bad game, and I'm guessing that they were thinking ahead and probably didn't mentally prepare for this one.

You may be right, but one things for sure, if you look beyond the game you're playing you find yourself watching the next one rather than playing in it.

The decision to start Carter had no bearing on the outcome of this game. He pitched well enough to win.  An intentional walk in the top of the 7th to put the winning run on 1st with two outs is up for debate, but what happens next is the killer.  In an attempt to back pick the runner at 2nd, the Hickory catcher throws the ball into centerfield, which allows both runners to advance.  The runner was dead to rights, but nonetheless, the tying and winning runs are now in scoring position.  Next, a hard hit ball to right is aggressively overplayed, the ball rolls under the rightfielders' glove and both runs score easily.

 

In the bottom of the 7th, Hickory draws a walk with two outs, and then is retired on a soft liner to left.  It appeared as though they were pressing a bit offensively on the heels of the previous half inning.

 

Give credit to Grassfield though.  They never gave up and kept battling.  It was enough to scratch together a win and give them a chance to compete for a Regional berth.

 

The outcome of the game is the culmination of what happens over the course of 7 innings.  The only definitive statement that can be made about the decision not to start Eason, a 1st team all-district pitcher and UVA commit, is that you don't know if the outcome of the game would have been different.  Your 1st team pitcher and UVA commit doesn't throw a single pitch in a single elimination tourney and you get bounced.  Sure makes for interesting discussion.

 

As for the decision to intentionally walk the go ahead run with two outs thereby having a force at every bag, I would agree that was also questionable.  However, I've seen a coach decide to pinch run for a runner on 1st base when the winning run was on 2nd base in the bottom of the 7th with two outs this year.  Sometimes coaches engage in too much strategy.

 

One thing that can be said, the two coaches who played it one game at a time are playing for a Regional berth tonight.  Should be a great game.

I agree with your general sentiment, but at this stage it is all Monday Morning Quarterbacking.  Had Eason pitched and had the same result, another human being could say, "Gee, Carter dominated Grassfield the last time out, why didn't coach give him the ball in the tournament?"

 

Regarding the intentional walk, I understood the decision and didn't blink an eye when they did it.  They walked one of Grassfield's best hitters with an open bag to give them force outs practically everywhere.

 

All coaches can do is make the best decision at the time the decision is made, based upon what they have personally seen.  What happens next is why we banter on this board!

 

Regarding tonight's game, it should be a good one.  I do think that one program is better suited to continue winning, beyond tonight.  After all, the winner gets Kellam as a reward in the first round of Regional competition.  Congrats to both for getting to this point, and good luck tonight!

I have only seen GF play a few times this year and did make the hike to NR last night to see GB win. At least everyone thought they had it in the bag. Almost did not stay for the late game. Figured H would kill them again. Glad I stayed great game.

 

Also GF started a Soph. pitcher do not know his name but someone told me he was a Soph. That kid did a great job.

 

Then they bring in a Fresh to close the game. This kid pitched like a SR. Nothing shook him. In the 7th he struck out one of H best players, heard he is going to UVA.  All I can say is they have a bright future. Good Luck to both teams tonight. What time is game tonight?

Theirs been nothing but praise up here for Eason. He's a great young man with a very bright future ahead of him. He's HH's #1. Been number 1 all year.  Seen comments up here "Eason may be the best lefty sophomore ever to come out of SED" and all that jazz! Well then, Eason should have been a no brainer from the start.

 

I'll throw this thought out.... Your #2 or #3 start your first round game in a single elimination tourney.  Your starter (#2 or #3) is getting beat around the park like a red headed step-child...who you going too?!?!?!?! Duh...your #1. So why not start the kid. It doesn't make sense. They may have never have been in a position to have to walk a kid late in the ball game. Carter is a great kid, not taking anything away from him, but your #1 has to sack up and start. Let him bow is neck and give it all he's got. Cause if you lose well, it's simple you go home.

 

I know coaches get up here and read up on what everyone thinks they should do, but I been there. Yea it was as a JV Head Coach and Varsity Assistant, but how idiotic do you have to be, too not start your #1.  It's win or go home and no Coach should just be happy with making the tourney. Also, for coaches to look past present day games based on match-ups in a go or go home tournament is a cardinal sin. You have to play the game at hand and fight like hell to play the next day. Which means throwing the best 9 you got out their. Not starting your best 8 position players and throwing your #2.

 

Now that several people have made statements about the H Pitching. Who know what would have happened. Both players I have been told are good kids. H did make several errors that cost them the game besides the coach maybe starting the wrong guy.

 

I also think H thought they would walk all over GF and pitching would not make a difference. They were playing for today. I have not see anyone give GF credit. Well they are playing tonight while others are at home. Good for You GF - Good for You!!!!

Very well said nrbb07 !  I learned that "cardinal" sin lesson from my Dad/Coach many many years ago... 

For the record, Carter is the real deal as a young man and gamer, good baseball player !

Grassfield has had a tremendous year and is one more win from playing at ODU, congrats to them !!!

I think at the root of the discussion is whether or not Hickory started "their No. 1 pitcher". I think the view of some on the board is that Eason is their No. 1, and the view of others is that Hickory had a two-headed horse.  Perhaps a 1a and 1b.  I do know this...they each started games against the top half of the district, and they each had their own success and occasional struggles.  Point is, just because Eason has committed to UVA as a 10th grader does not necessarily dictate that he is the "No. 1" for his high school team.  Carter, as a senior and leader of his team, pitched well all season, and had the numbers to prove it...again, against the top half of the district.  As did Eason!  

 

This is just my view, and I understand the point of others.  I just don't think Hickory losing last night is as simple as suggesting that they bagged their No. 1 starter.  I think they threw their senior leader who has had success all year, feeling that he would do no different on the tournament stage.  Fact is, he didn't.  He competed and threw just fine.  Some missed offensive opportunities, and a couple of key defensive miscues really hurt them.  And to Grassfield's credit, they took advantage of those opportunities.

 

       

Very good points.  The fact that Grassfield had been soundly beaten by Hickory twice, 17-0 and 10-0, probably had as much to do with who they trotted out there as the outcome of the GB/WB game.  And props to the young man from Grassfield.  He was hit hard a couple of times including a HR by Lowry and got into some trouble with runners in scoring position, but he never flinched or got the deer in the headlights look and got the job done. Also, after giving up the lead in the 5th or 6th the reliever (Stallings?) hung in and in the 7th after regaining the lead handled the heart of Hickory's batting order with 2 strike outs and a fly ball.

Congratulations to GF....I forgot to mention that earlier while I was ranting about #1's. May the best team win. I got WB!!! I beleive Rutherford is on the bump!!!!!