Closing Day Details

In case every one didn't get coach Barry's email, I have attached the official announcement from the league below.  The Red Sox Backyard Bar B Q at Brent's house will take place after the closing ceremonies.

The updated food list is below:

   * Updated Food list (6-16-06 @ 6:25 am)

   Derrik's parents:
   - paper cups
   - box of hot dogs (Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns)
   - macaroni or potato salad.

   Gary and Melanie:
   - box of links & box of burgers
   - picnic pack of condimnets (mustard, relish, etc.)
   - a couple liters of soda
   - salad

   Lawrence and Nikki
   - Hot Links
   - Hamburger Patties

   Norey Smith
   - Deserts & Drinks

   Trent Jeter:
   - Baked Bean's
   - Hot Dog's
   - Chips

   D'Angelo:
   - chips
   - sodas

   Charle's folks:
       -Chicken

   Barry:
   -fried chicken

   -bake beans

   -water

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladera Little League

  Invites you to

Closing Day Ceremonies 

&

Board of Directors Elections

  Saturday, June 17, 2006

(Not Sunday – Please note correction of earlier typo)

at Ladera Little League

  Eligible Parents/Members may vote from 12-4pm

(Priority Voting for parents of TOC participants with 4pm games) 

  Closing Day Ceremonies begin at 2pm .   There will be pre-ceremony activities and contests such as home run derbies, throwing, and running contests beginning at 12:00 PM.

( Teams arrive at 1pm )

   I hope everyone can make it.

Red Sox Season Ending Pool Party Sat Jun 17

The Backyard Bar B Q will be held on Sat June 17th after the closing ceremonies.  It's a pot luck so please respond back to me with what you will bring, and I will forward to Gary.

I will send the address info when I get it.

Also, familiarize yourself with the candidates running for the board and be prepared to vote on Saturday.  You can find the list of candidates at www.laderalittleleague.org

Lawrence

Red Sox Practice Wed Blair Hills Park 6PM

We will practice tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6PM at Blair Hills Park.

Blair Hills Park is located at 5950 Wrightcrest Drive Culver City  CA.  You can only access it travelling Southbound on La Cienega just south of Rodeo Rd.

Our make up game with the Mets is tentatively scheduled for Friday at 6PM.

Red Sox Practice Sat 11AM - Ladera

Red sox will have practice Saturday May 27, 11:00  the minor field Ladera.

Red Sox Game 16 Update

I've attached the score sheet and game recap for yesterday's game.  The final score was Diamondbacks 11, Red Sox 9.


I have also updated the stats website - http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com  

You can also find the game recap here.

Red Sox Game 15 Summary - Comeback Kids

The Red Sox and Braves engaged in a nail biter Friday evening as the Braves outlasted the Sox 8-7.  The Red Sox spotted the Braves 6 runs over the first 4 innings but rallied to tie the game in the top of the 6th.  A clutch RBI single by Al "Poppy" Lester clinched the game for the Braves in the bottom of the 6th.

Braves starting pitcher Al Lester was on cruise control in the early innings.  The Red Sox only managed a walk by Jonathan Phelps in the first.  Jonathan was left stranded at 1st base.

Lawrence Gilliam got the start for the Braves, starting his 7th game of the year.  The Red Sox got off to a slow defensive start as the first two Braves batters reached base on plays that would normally result in outs.  Lawrence settled in to get the 3rd batter on strikes.  Gary Smith and Grant Craddolph combined to record the second out (4-6) on a ground ball to second.  Lawrence retired the next batter on strikes to end the inning - but the damage was done as the Braves scored 2 runs.

The Red Sox went silently in the top of the 2nd.  Lawrence led off the inning with a walk but was left stranded on 3rd as Al Lester continued his strong performance on the mound with 3 strike outs through 2 innings.  The Braves also benefited from the strong defense of 2nd baseman Trevor Edior who recorded out 3 (4-3) when he fielded a ground ball to 2nd and threw to Chris Smith on 1st.

Lawrence got in the groove in the second inning - striking out the side to record 5 strike outs through 2 innings.  At the end of 2, the score remained Braves 2, Red Sox 0.

The pitcher's dual continued in the top of the 3rd with Al Lester striking out the side - 3 up 3 down.  That would close the book on Al.  He threw 27 of 44 pitches for strikes, struck out 6, walked 2, and allowed 0 runs.

Malik Henry, Al Lester and Julian Ross put together a string 3 hits in the bottom of the 3rd and scored 3 runs to give the Braves a 5-0 lead.  The Red Sox got out of the inning on an unassisted put out by Jonathan at first and 2 strike outs by Lawrence.  Lawrence would exit the game after the max 3 innings.  He threw 45 of 70 pitches for strikes, struck out 7, walked none, gave up 5 hits and 5 runs (4 earned).  He currently leads Red Sox pitchers in innings pitched ( 24.1), ERA (8.63), and strikeouts (40).  At the end of 3, the score was Braves 5, Red Sox 0.

Julian Ross took over the pitching duties for the Braves in the top of the 4th.  After allowing a walk to David Cooper, he struck out the side to keep the Red Sox scoreless through 4.

David Cooper returned to the mound for the Red Sox after a 12 game hiatus.  In a solid return to the mound, David navigated the bottom of the 4th allowing only a single run.  Jonathan caught a pop fly in foul territory to record out 1.  Lawrence recorded out 2 (and nearly converted a double play) on an unassisted out on ground ball just right of 2nd base.  David recorded his 1st K of the year to get out 3.  Through 4 innings, the score as Braves 6, Red Sox 0.

The bats finally caught fire for the Red Sox in the top of the 5th.  Trent Jeter got things started with a walk and moved the 2nd on a wild pitch.  Rick Powell followed with an RBI double down the 3rd base line to score Trent.  Rick leads the Red Sox with phenomenal .636 On Base Percentage.  After a walk by Grant, Jonathan stepped to the plate and delivered a line drive 2 RBI double to left center.  Rick and Grant scored on the play.  Jonathan leads the Red Sox in batting (.471), hits (16), RBIs (11) and doubles (4).  Derek Marshall walked but was left stranded.   The Red Sox scored 3 runs in the top of the 5th.

David stayed on the mound for the Red Sox in the bottom of the 5th -  turning in another good effort.  After allowing a walk to the lead off runner, Jonathan Phelps (who moved to catcher in the 5th) hooked up with Derek Marshall (who moved to 2nd base) to throw out a runner attempting to steal 2nd to record the first out in the inning.  After an infield single by Trevor Edior, Grant executed a double play to close out the inning.  He caught a high pop fly to deep short stop and threw to Derek on 2nd to double up a runner leaving 2nd early.  The Braves got one run in the inning on Red Sox overthrows (I'll spare you the "T" word prognosis).    At the of 5, the score was Braves 7, Red Sox 3.

The Braves pitching took a turn south in the top of the 6th as the Red Sox staged a comeback in the final inning.  The Red Sox were the benefactors of 6 walks in the inning.  Charles Heard, Gary, D'Angelo Johnson, Jonathan, David, and Lawrence all walked in the inning.   Charles, Gary, D'Angelo and Jonathan scored to tie the game at 7-7.  Derek had an RBI in the inning.

With the game tied at 7, Red Sox dug in to try to force extra innings.  Gary handled a routine ground ball to 2nd and threw to Charles on 1st to record out 1.  After an infield error and a walk, Al Lester stepped to the plate for the Braves and delivered a line drive, walk off, RBI single to left center to bring home Jahde Wilson.  Game ball goes to Al Lester for 3 shut out innings on the mound and a walk off RBI single.

The Red Sox showed a lot of determination in coming off the mat to tie the game in their last at bat.  Heads should be held high.

I have updated the stats on http://LaderaRedSox.ShortURL.com

You can find the game recap here.

As always, the game summaries are archived on the blog.

Red Sox Saturday Game Time Change

Our Saturday game against the Diamonbacks has been moved up to 12PM.  Please plan to arrive by 11AM for warm up.

See you on the field this evening at 5:00 for our game against the Braves.

______________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com  - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.Blogspot.com - Blog

Red Sox Practice Update - Wed Practice Moved to Ladera

We've changed the location for practice tomorrow (Wed).  Practice has been moved to Ladera Ball fields.  We'll see you at 5:30.

Lawrence

Red Sox - Practice Tue and-Wed 5:30 PM - Rancho

We'll practice tomorrow (Tue) and Wed at Rancho Cienega at 5:30 PM.

Rancho Cienega is located at the intersection of ML King Blvd and Rodeo Rd.

Red Sox Game 13 Summary - Red Sox vs. Diamondbacks

The Red Sox dropped another game on Tuesday in a 9-6 loss to the Diamondbacks. 

The Diamondbacks used superb hitting to jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first.  Four of the the first five D'back batters collected base hits - including one double and one triple.  Starting pitcher Grant Craddolph did well to escape the inning allowing only 2 runs.  D'Angelo Johnson, caught a fly ball to short in his return game.  Rick Powell had a put out at 3rd to record out 2, and Grant has a strike out to record out 3.

The Red Sox came back in the bottom of the first with 2 runs.  Gary Smith, who has been on a hitting tear of late, got things started with a double to left center field.  Jonathan Phelps collected an RBI on a sacrifice.   Grant followed with a walk.  Derek Marshall legged out an infield single to third - moving Grant to third.  Lawrence Gilliam collected an RBI on a sacrifice - scoring Grant.  At the end of 1, the score was tied 2-2.

The Red Sox ran into pitching woes in the 2nd - walking 6 batters and allowing 6 runs.   The Red Sox used 3 pitchers in the 2nd, Grant, D'Angelo, and Lawrence.  Grant and Lawrence both recorded strike outs but the walks led to the inning being called on the 6 run limit. 

The Red Sox mounted a rally to get back into the game in the bottom of the 2nd.  David Cooper started the inning with a single.  The D'Backs pitching went south as the next for Red Sox batters reached on walks and HBPS (Rick - HBP, Charles Heard - HBP, Gary - BB, Jonathan - BB).  David and Rick scored runs.  Despite a pair stolen bases by Gary, the Sox left 2 runners stranded and only mustered 2 runs to make the score 8-4 at the end of 2.

Lawrence stayed on the mound to start the 3rd despite a swelling ankle from a 1st inning ankle sprain.  After walking the first batter and hitting the next, Jonathan took control of the inning at first base and single handedly retired the side.  He snagged a fly ball and completed an unassisted double play by tagging out the runner leading off from first.  He recorded out 3 on a ground ball hit to first. 

The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the 3rd as Lawrence and Norey Smith grounded out and David flied out.  It was good to see the guys put the bat on the ball.  Now the focus is on driving the ball with power to get it out of the infield.

Lawrence returned to the mound in the 4th.  He walked 6, struck out 2, allowed 1 hit and gave up 2 runs.  Charles and Lawrence combined to catch a runner attempting to steal home on a passed ball.  Charles hustled to retrieve the ball and delivered a perfect flip to Lawrence for the tag.

Needing 5 runs to tie, the Red Sox refused to give up in the 4th.  Rick started the inning with a single up the middle.  Trent Jeter and Gary followed with walks to load the bases.  After a strike out, Grant, Derek and Lawrence walked.  Rick scored on a walk and Gary scored his team leading 14th run of the season.  The D'Backs brought in their closer, Marxey Cousins (who also went 2-2 with 2 RBIs in the game), to seal the deal.  The Sox had the bases loaded with 2 outs but could not come up with the clutch hit to extend the inning.

Final score:  D'Backs 9, Red Sox 6.  The D'Backs are currently undefeated in the 2nd half of the season.

I have updated the stats site - http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com

I have attached the game recap and score sheet..

The game recap can also be found here.

Red Sox - Practice Wed 6PM - Rancho

We'll practice tomorrow at Rancho Cienega at 6PM.

Rancho Cienega is located at the intersection of ML King Blvd and Rodeo Rd.

I've updated the stats site ( http://LaderaRedSox.ShortURL.com)  to include today's game.  I also added pictures for all of the players.

_______________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.Blogspot.com  - Blog
http://LaderaRedSox.ShortURL.com  - Stats

Red Sox: Announcing the new Red Sox Stats Page

I've added a new site to track the team stats.  It will be updated after each game with batting, fielding, pitching stats and spray charts.  Click on the player name to get individual season stats and spray chart.

The site is at:

http://laderaredsox.shorturl.com

I will continue to update the blog with game summaries and the html game (pitch by pitch) recaps.

________________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com   - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com   - Blog

Red Sox Game 12 Summary - "T-Ball-itis Rears Its Ugly Head"

The Red Sox dropped their 10th game on the season on Saturday with a 9-3 loss to the Nationals.    The loss brings the Red Sox 2nd half record to 0-2.

Grant Craddolph took the mound for his first start of the year.  He had his A game working early on as he held the Nationals scoreless in the first inning.  As usual, the Red Sox defense played well behind him.  In the first inning, Lawrence Gilliam handled a pop fly to second for the first out.  After a single, an HBP and an error by Lawrence at 2nd, the bases were loaded.  Grant beared down and got the next batter to ground out to the pitcher.  Grant easily fielded the grounder and threw the runner out with a shot to Charles Heard on first.  Grant struck the next batter out to end the inning.

The Red Sox bats came to life in the bottom of the first as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead.  The first 4 batters recorded hits.  Gary Smith got things started with a double to left center field.  After advancing to 3rd on a passed ball, Gary scored on an RBI single to left field by Jonathan Phelps.  Jonathan moved to second on a wild pitch and was brought home on an RBI single by Grant Craddolph.  It was an awesome display of hitting for the Red Sox.  At the end of one, the score was Red Sox 2, Nationals 0.

Grant continued to stymie the Nationals in the second inning.  After allowing a lead off double to Nathan Moore to start the inning.  Grant buckled down and got the next 3 batters.  Out one was recorded on a come backer to the mound 1-3 (Grant to Charles).  Grant struck out the next batter to record his second K for the day.  Grant closed the side by snagging a hard hit line drive back to the mound.  Web Gem material.

The Red Sox were held scoreless in the bottom of the second.  Lawrence Gilliam lead off the inning with a pop fly infield single but was left stranded.  At the end of two, the scored remained 2-0 Red Sox.

The Nationals struck for 2 runs in the 3rd on 2 hits and a walk.  Grant recorded out 1 by fielding a ground ball to the mound and gunning the lead runner with a throw to Gary covering second.  He recorded his 3rd strike out of the game to record out 2.  Charles handled a pop fly to third to record out 3.

The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the 3rd.  Grant walked with one out but was caught stealing 2nd. 

After pitching the max number of innings in a game (3), Grant was relieved by Lawrence in the top of the 4th.  Grant went 3 strong innings, allowing 2 runs, 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 HBP.  He struck out 3.

The Nationals got 1 run in the top of the 4th to take a 3-2 lead.  After striking out the first batter, Lawrence allowed a double Nationals RF, Quincy.  Quincy would score on a wild pitch and a passed ball.  Lawrence struck out the next batter to record out 2.  Charles fielded a tricky ground ball between 1st and 2nd to record out 3.

The Red Sox answered back in the bottom of the 4th.  After the first 2 batters struck out. Blake White walked to get things started.  Lawrence followed with a walk to get runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs.  Norey Smith stepped to the plate and delivered a clutch 2 out RBI base hit to score Blake and move Lawrence to 3rd.  Rick Powell followed with a walk to load the bases for team batting leader Jonathan.  Jonathan was robbed of a base hit up the middle by a great play by Nationals short stop, Chase.  At the end of 4, the score was tied 3-3.

The Nationals scored 3 in the top of 5th as the Red Sox caught a severe case of "T-Ball-itis".  The Red Sox have not found a cure for this dreaded disorder as it has reared its ugly head in many close games this season.  After getting the first batter on a 1-3 putout from Lawrence to David Cooper on 1st, Lawrence surrendered a double to Nationals hard hitting catcher, Reuben.  Rick fielded a hard hit ball to 3rd and held the runner at second.  And then.... "T-Ball-itis".  A series of bad throws and bad decisions allowed both runners to score.  Disgruntled, Lawrence walked the next batter.  Out 2 was recorded on Lawrence's 3rd K of the day.  And then .... a relapse of "T-Ball-itis".  Another sequence of over throws allowed the 3rd run of the inning to cross the plate.  After another walk, David recorded out 3 on 1st with an unassisted put out.

The Nationals brought in their fire balling closer Chase in the top of the 5th.  He made quick work of the Red Sox, retiring the side in order with 2 strike outs.  He was aided by the third Red Sox batter of the day being called out for throwing a bat after making contact with the ball.  At the end of 5, the score was 6-3 Nationals.

Charles and Derrick Marshall handled the pitching duties for the Red Sox in the 6th.  On  3 walks and 3 hits, the Nationals struck for 3 runs.  Derrick had a nice throw to 2nd on a steal attempt to record out 1.  He would later record 2 strike outs to close out the inning. 

The Red Sox displayed a "never say die" attitude in the bottom of the 6th.  David hit a hard grounder to the whole between SS and 3rd and was robbed of a base hit by a great play by the National short stop, Kyle.   After the next batter stuck out, Lawrence stepped to the plate and delivered a 2 out single up the middle but was left stranded on first.

The guys played a good game despite their recurring ailment.   The first 4 innings of the game were the best that the guys have played all year.  When you consider the fact that we gave the Nationals 3 outs on thrown bat errors, and 3 runs on "T-Ball moments", the game was much closer than the final score suggests.  

Special thanks to Gary's parents for the tasty wings and to Grant's parents for the cake.

The game summary is attached and can be found here.

The season to date stats are attached and can be found here .

As always, an archive of these updates can be found on the blog.

Red Sox Practice - Monday 5:30 Rancho Cienega

We'll practice Monday, 5/8 at 5:30 - Rancho Cienega Park.

Red Sox Missing Game Recaps

Since I didn't get the game summaries completed for several games, I thought that I'd at least send out the game recaps.  They are attached and also posted on the blog.

Game 7: vs. Diamondbacks
Game 8 vs. Rockies
Game 9 vs. Nationals
Game 10 vs. Mets


Also, thanks for not clowning me on my penchant for mistyping the word "through" when I really meant "threw".

_________________________________

Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

Red Sox Game 11 Summary

The Red Sox dropped their 1st game of the 2nd half of the season last night to the Braves.  The final score was 8 to 1.  The Sox struggled on offense through out the game and could only muster 5 base runners for the evening.  Braves starting pitcher Malik Henry pitched 3 shut out innings and was relieved by Joshua Holmes in the 4th who preserved the victory for the Braves.

Derek Marshall took the mound for his first start of the year and turned in a solid performance.  After walking the first 4 batters, Derek settled in and retired 6 of the next 8 batters that he faced.  He went 3 strong innings, throwing 35 of 82 pitches for strikes, allowing 1 hit, 4 runs, 7 walks, and ringing up Ks on 4 batters.

Lawrence Gilliam relived Derek in the 4th.  He started out shaky as he is learning to manage his new found velocity.  He dinged his next door neighbor Trevor Edior in the back for a HBP.  Trevor would later get his revenge with an RBI single to left in the 5th.   He struggled with control through out the evening but turned in 2 good innings.  In total he through 28 of 53 pitches for strikes, walked 3, hit 1 batter, surrendered 2 hits, 4 runs, and had 4 strike outs.

The Red Sox defense played well.  Rick Powell handled a sharply hit line drive to 3rd in the 1st.  Gary Smith recorded 2 assists from second - both to David Cooper at 1B in (1 in the 1st and 1 in the 3rd).   Lawrence also had 2 assists on the day.  In the 3rd, he handled a ground ball at short to get the lead runner with a good through to Rick at 3rd.  In the 5th, he bobbled a dribbler back to the mound and threw a shot to Jonathan Phelps at 1st to record the out.   Grant Craddolph handled a fly ball to short to record out 3 in the 2nd.

Offensively, the hitting woes continued.  Jonathan, who leads the team with a .541 batting average continued his strong hitting with 2 infield singles - both hit to the 3rd baseman.    Charles Heard had the only other hit of the day with his 5th hit of the year - a sharply hit ball to right center field in the 4th.  The Red Sox scored their only run when Trent Jeter walked in the 5th, advanced to 3rd on wild pitches, and scored on a sacrifice from Grant.  The only other Red Sox base runner was Rick who walked in the 2nd.

The guys did a good job of putting the ball in play - the Braves 1st baseman, Chris Smith, recorded 8 put outs.  They simply couldn't find the wholes in the Brave infield.   I see more time and money spent at Slamo in the future.

That's all for now.  I've attached and posted the usual files.

The season to date stats are attached and can be found here

The game summary is attached and can be found here

Red Sox Game Mini Summary 6 - Glimpses of Brilliance

The Red Sox dropped their 4th game of the year today in a 13-4 loss to the Braves.  The game was much closer than the final score suggests. 

The Braves got out to an early start with 3 runs in the top of the 1st.  Red Sox starting pitcher, Lawrence Gilliam, allowed  a single, a walk, a double, and a triple in the inning.   Grant Craddolph, SS,  had the 1st put out of the game easily fielding a hard hit line drive to short.  The play would prove to be a harbinger of the great Red Sox defensive plays to follow.

Lawrence drew a walk in the bottom of the 1st but was caught stealing 2nd base.  Braves pitcher Joshua Holmes retired the balance of the side on strikes.

Strong defense and pitching for both teams would follow for the next 2 innings.  Red Sox pitcher, Lawrence Gilliam, worked the 2nd and 3rd innings.  He allowed 1 more run.   In total, he threw 31 of 52 pitches for strikes, walked 1, and struck out 3.  The Red Sox played exceptional defense.  Grant  and David Cooper, 1B,  connected for a 6-4 putout in the 2nd.  Lawrence and David had a 1-3 putout to start the 3rd.  Grant caught another sizzling line drive to short, and Ricky Powell, 3B,  handily fielded a pop fly to 3rd.

The Red Sox scored their first run in the 2nd.  Derek Marshall drew a walk and advanced to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch and passed, respectively.  With 2 outs, Jonathan Phelps delivered a clutch RBI single to score Derek.

The Red Sox added another run in the 3rd.  Lawrence walked, stole a base, and scored on a wild pitch.  Rick and Derek also drew walks in the 3rd but were left stranded.

At the end of 3, the score was 4-2 Braves.

Derek relieved Lawrence on the mound to start the 4th.  He turned in another strong inning of work, and the superb defense continued.  Grant had a 6-3 put out to Charles Heard at 1B on a sharply hit ball to short.  Derek handled a comebacker to the mound to retire the 2nd batter with a strong throw to Charles.  Jonathan fielded a pop fly to 2B to close out the side.

The Red Sox offense was held in check by a strong pitching effort by Braves reliever, Jalen.  The Sox were held scoreless in the 4th and 5th.  They only mustered 2 base runners.  Jonathan took one for the team with a HBP in the 4th.  Lawrence continued his 4 game hitting streak with a single in the 5th.  Both were left stranded on base. 

Derek and Grant combined to work the 5th inning from the mound.  The inning started off with a bang, literally.  Ricky handled a shot to the hot corner and calmly gunned the runner down at first (okay enough firearm imagery - i gotta stop writing these things at 1:30AM).  Walks would due the Sox in as Red Sox pitchers gave up 4 free bases, leading to 4 runs.

In the 6th, walks continued to be a source of pain as 5 walks led to 4 runs.  The Red Sox were unable to stop the aggressive Braves base runners from scoring once they reached base.  Coming soon to a practice field near you - passed ball drills!!!

The 6th inning also the debut of Charles on the pitcher's mound.  The hard throwing lefty retired all 3 batters that he faced.  He had 1 strikeout and 1 assist on a put out to Jonathan at 1B.  Ricky fielded another pop fly to end the half.  A promising debut.

The enthusiastic crowd was wowed by the spectacular defensive plays turned in by the Sox.  We saw glimpses of brilliance, indeed.  With more the 2/3 of the season left, we are already seeing marked improvement. 

Thanks to Charles' family for bringing the tasty sandwiches and Gatorade.

For you stats heads - DEREK, I have attached the usual files.

You can find the game summary here.

You can find the season stats to date here.

There are a few more pics on the blog .  If you have any that you'd like to see posted, please send them to me.

Coach Barry breaks down the keys to victory.

There they are!!! Burgers!!!

Where are the snacks?

A win well earned. The guys look a little tired.

..but win or lose, I will always do my best. PLAY BALL!!!!

... and I will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win...

I trust in God, I love my country...

Red Sox Practice Today 6PM La Dera

We will hold a short practice today, Thur, at 6PM at La Dera. The
focus will be on pitching , catching , and hitting.

Red Sox Game 5 Summary - Sweet Taste of Victory

The Sox dug deep and came up with their 2nd win of the young season with an 11-5 win over the Diamondbacks.  The combined aggressive at bats with solid pitching and a stingy defense to take the win. 

1st Inning

Lawrence started the game with a single up the middle 3rd pitch of the game.  The Dbacks starting pitcher, Marxey, dug in and retired the rest of the side on strike outs.

Lawrence started the game for the Sox on the mound.  In the first inning, Lawrence struck out 3, walked 1, allowed a single, and 1 run. 

At the end of 1, the score was 1-0 Diamondbacks

2nd Inning

In the top of the 2nd, Grant flied out with a sharp comebacker to the pitcher.  Gary walked and proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd with extremely aggressive base running tactics.  He later scored the Red Sox's first run on a passed ball.

Lawrence stayed on a pitcher in the bottom of the second.  He held the D'backs scoreless - striking out the side and allowing 1 hit. 

At the end of 2, the score was tied 1-1


3rd Inning

David started the top of the 3rd with a walk.  He moved to 2nd on Lawrence's ground out to 3rd and later scored on a wild pitch.

Lawrence took the mound for a final inning of work in the bottom of the 3rd.  He benefited from superb defense by his infield.  David took care of out number 1 with an unassisted put out at 1st.  The next batter singled and promptly advanced to 2nd and 3rd on a stolen base and passed ball.  The runner would later score on a wild pitch.  Lawerence struck out the next batter.   Out 3 was recorded on a crisp 6-3 putout from  Grant to David. 

That would close the book on Lawrence's mound appearance.  In 3 innings of work, Lawrence threw 37 of 58 pitches for strikes, struck out 7, allowed 2 runs, 3 hits, and walked one.

At the end of 3, the score was tied at 2-2.


4th Inning

The Red Sox rallied for 3 runs in the top of the 4th.  Rick got things started off with a single to center field.  Grant followed up with a walk.  Norey collected an RBI on a 1-3 ground out - scoring Rick.  Derek, Trent and David followed with walks.  Grant stole home during Derek's at bat to score run 4 for the Sox.  Lawrence collected his second hit of the night with an RBI single up the middle scoring Trent to give the Sox and 5-2 lead.  Jonathan closed the inning with a sharply hit ground out to 2nd.

D'Angelo came on in relief for the Sox in the top of the 4th.  Stingy defense from the Sox held the D'Backs to 2 runs in the inning despite a home run by the D'Backs' Bukhari.  Out 1 was recorded on a 3-4 put out from David to Lawrence.  Out 2 was recorded by Derek on an unassisted put out of a runner attempting to advance home on a passed ball.  The 3rd out was also recorded on a great catcher to pitcher put out at home and Derek retrieved a wild pitch and quickly tossed it to D'Angelo who applied the tag on the sliding runner.

In one inning of work, D'Angelo threw 9 of 27 pitches for strikes, allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. 

At the end of 4, the score was 5-4 Red Sox.


5th Inning

The Red Sox looked to add some insurance runs in the top of the 5th.  D'Angelo got the inning started with a walk.  Gary, Norey, Derek, Trent and David followed with walks.  D'Angelo, Norey, and Derek scored to make the score 8-4.  Grant followed with an RBI base hit to score Trent making the score 9-4.  Grant was called out after reaching 1st due to a thrown bat.  Jonathan followed with a single up the middle but was called out on close steal attempt at the plate to record out 3.

Grant relieved D'Angelo to close out the game in the bottom of the 5th.  Out 1 was recorded on a 4-3 put out from D'Angelo and Jonathan.  Grant recorded a strike out for out 2.   Grant and Jonathan closed out the game on a 1 - 3 put out.

In one inning of work, Grant threw 9 of 22 pitches for strikes, stuck out 1, walked 2, allowed 0 hits, and 1 run. 


It was a very satisfying win for the Red Sox, ending a 3 game slide.  The guys did a much better job of swinging the bat.  They would like to thank the enthusiastic crowd for providing needed morale.  A special thank you also goes out to Blake's parents for the KFC chicken snacks.


You can find the game summary by clicking here.

The season to date stats can by viewed by clicking here.

Red Sox Updated Schedule/Snack List/ Game 4 Summary

Game & Snack Schedule

It appears that we finally have a firm schedule.  I have attached the updated schedule in Excel format.  The schedule includes the person responsible for snacks.  The link to the schedule has also been updated on the blog.

This week:
Wed. 4/19  6PM   at Diamondbacks   - Snacks: Blake
Fri. 4/21  vs. Braves   - Snacks Charles
Sun 4/23 vs. Diamondbacks - Snacks D'Angelo



Picture Day

To follow up on Michelle's email, picture day is this Saturday at 9:30. 
Please be sure our players are in full uniform and try to be BE EARLY if possible. 

 

Everyone should bring their picture order envelops that Marie passed out and they should be completed with your payments included. They may not have extra order envelopes on that day.

 

I have inquired if there will be a picture make-up day for anyone who will not be able to attend, no reply yet....I will let you know.

 

Any questions, please give Michelle a call at:  323-815-2146


Game 4 Summary

Another tough lost in the last game vs. the Nationals (8-2) to run our record to 1-4.

We were plagued by strikeouts.  We only put 2 balls in play the entire game:
1) A fly out to the 3rd baseman by Jonathan
2) An RBI single in the 3rd by Ricky to score D'Angelo.  Ricky would later score on heady base running.

Defensively, we got a Herculean effort on the mound for D'Angelo.  He went 2 1/3 innings recording 4 strike outs, ZERO hits, an assist, and a put out.

We also saw the debut of Grant on the mound.  Grant pitched 1 2/3 innings, striking out 2, walking 1 and allowing ZERO runs. 

Charles recorded another put out behind the plate catching a National base runner trying to steal home in the 2nd.  He also had an assist (2-1) on a put out at home.  Jonathan in his debut at catcher also has a put out 2-1 to get a runner trying to advance home.

The defensive play of the game was turned in by Terry, Jonathan and Ricky.  Terry fielded a line drive single to left field and fired it home to Jonathan to get the runner in a pickle.  Jonathan ran the runner back to 3rd and fired a strike to Ricky who applied the tag at 3rd.

The game summary can be found by clicking here.

As always, you can find these by reviewing the articles on the blog.

Red Sox Schedule for the Week

Practice: Tuesday 5:30  Rancho Cienega Park

Game: Wednesday 6PM  vs. Diamondbacks

Game: Friday 5PM vs. Braves

Red Sox Batting Practice Cancelled

Due to rain, we are cancelling today's batting practice.

Lawrence

On 4/14/06, Lawrence Gilliam <lgrhythm@gmail.com> wrote:
> We have a reservation at Slamo for 6PM today (Friday).
>
> Slamo is located at 5750 Mesmer Avenue in Culver City. There is a link to
> the mapquest site below.
>
> http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=+5750+Mesmer+Ave+%09+&city=Culver+City&state=CA&zipcode=
>
>
>
> _______________________________
> Lawrence Gilliam
> http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com <http://laderaredsox.blogspot.com/>
>
>

Red Sox Batting Practice Today 6PM Slamo

We have a reservation at Slamo for 6PM today (Friday).

Slamo is located at 5750 Mesmer Avenue in Culver City.  There is a link to the mapquest site below. 

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=+5750+Mesmer+Ave+%09+&city=Culver+City&state=CA&zipcode=


_______________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

Red Sox vs Braves Game Summary / Season to Date Stats

The Red Sox took another lost last night 13 - 3 against the Braves to run their season record to 1-2. 

They took an early 2 run lead in the top of the 1st inning.  D'Angelo and Norey led off the inning with walks.  Derek collected a 2 RBI single to score D'Angelo and Norey.

In the bottom of the first, the Braves recorded 6 runs.  Jonathan started on the mound for the Red Sox and did a good job in a fill in start for Lawrence who was on the 1 day DL (flu).   Jonathan threw 22 out 33 pitches for strikes, 1 strike out,  and issued 0 walks.  There were several "almost" great plays in the field where the guys fielded the ball well but missed the out on close plays at 1st and 3rd. 

The Braves ace pitcher - Julian - settled in the 2nd inning and retired the side on strike outs - all looking.  This points to one of the key areas where the team needs to improve.  Of the 9 strikes called in the inning, Red Sox batters only swung the bat twice.  7 out of 9 strikes were called.  We simply have to be more aggressive.  The umps are more prone to give the close calls to the pitcher if the batters are not swinging.

Derek took the mound at the top of the 2nd.  The Braves recorded another 6 runs in the 2nd on good hitting by the meat of their lineup.  An excellent 4-6 out was recorded by Gary on a bang-bang play to Grant at second.  Derek threw 15 of 39 pitches for strikes, struck out 1, and walked 4. 

D'Angelo started top of the 3rd with a rope double to left center.  The Red Sox, however, were not able to take advantage of the lead off double.  Coach Lawrence sent D'Angelo home on a wild pitch that bounced direcltly back to the catcher, and D'Angelo was CS at home.

The Red Sox went to fire balling D'Angelo on the mound in the top of the 3rd.  In another strong effort on the mound, D'Angelo through 11 of 19 pitches for strikes, recorded 3 strike outs, 0 walks, and 1 base hit - on the 2 through 4 hitters in the Braves lineup.

The top of the 4th started with an electrifying line drive TRIPLE by Rick to right center.  The ball almost rolled to the fence.  Rick later came home to score on a wild pitch by the Brave's closer - Malik - to make the score 13 - 3 Braves.

I have attached the game summary (html) file.  You can also access it by clicking here.

I have also attached the season stats to date (xls) file.  You can access the stats here.

Red Sox Game Schedule Week of 4/10

The league transition team is still in the process of revising the game schedule.  They have completed the revision of games up to this weekend. 

The game dates below are firm:

Tuesday  4/11 6 PM vs. Braves
Thursday  4/13 6 PM vs. Nationals

Please plan to arrive at the field by 5PM.


________________________________
Lawrence Gillliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

Red Sox Game 2 Summary - Encouraging Loss

The guys showed a lot of heart today in a losing effort against the Rockies.  They rallied back from a 4 run deficit in the 1st to score 5 in the top of the 2nd and take the lead.  They took a 6-4 lead into the 3rd before succumbing to Rockie clutch hitting in the 3rd to lose 10 -

In the top of the 1st, the Red Sox stranded 3 runners after walks by Terry, Gary, and Charles.

Lawrence started the game on the mound for the Red Sox.  He did an admirable job given the short notice.  He faced 7 batters, throwing 20 strikes out of 24 pitches.  The Rockies delivered several clutch 2 hit singles to score 4 runs in the fourth.  The Red Sox almost escaped the inning with minimal damage but were on the short end of a close play at first - with D'Angelo delivering a bullet shot from 3rd to Charles at first.  Looked like an out to me - but I need glasses.  Lawrence recorded out 1 on a routing pop up to the mound. Derek recorded out 3 on an unassisted CS at the plate.


The team rallied for 5 runs in the top of the second - batting around the order.  After walks by Norey, Jonathan, Blake, Gary, and Charles,   D'Angelo delivered a 2 RBI line drive double to right center.  Derek followed with a single.  Runs were scored by Jonathan, Lawrence, Blake, Gary and Charles. 

D'Angelo relived Lawrence on the mound in the top of the 2nd.  He promptly stuck out the side in order on 12 pitches.  Awesome inning.

The Red Sox added a run in the 3rd on a walk and aggressive base running by Jonathan.

The Rockies struck for 3 runs to take a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 3rd with 5 consecutive singles.  Derek recorded another unassisted CS at the plate.  D'Angelo struck out 2 more batters to stretch his K total to 5 for the day.

The Rockies brought in their closer in the top of 4th and held the guys at bay - surrendering only a walk to Derek and striking out the side.

We should all be proud of the determination showed by the guys in coming off of the canvas after the 1st to give last year's 1st Half champions a serious challenge.

Key opportunities for improvement include:

- more accurate throws to first from our infielders
- more aggressive/confident plate appearances
- improved wild pitch blocking skills from the catchers

I have attached the score sheet.  The game summary/boxscore  can be found here and on the the blog .

I have also attached an Excel Spreadsheet containing season stats.  They can also be found by clicking here.

Red Sox Game 1 Summary

The guys took their opening game tonight with a solid effort. 

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, scoring 6 runs in the first inning behind RBI singles from Lawrence and Jonathan.  Norey also had a base hit in the 1st.  Trent, Norey, Garry, Rick, Lawrence, and D'Angelo scored in the first.

In the bottom of the first, the Red Sox retired 3 of the first 4 Mets batters.  Behind solid pitching from Lawrence, the Red Sox did not allow a run.  Lawrence struck out 2 and hit one batter.  Out 3 was recorded on a solid play by Gary throwing out the runner at 1st (played by Jonathan).

The Red Sox scored 3 more runs in the 2nd.  Derrick, Gary and D'Angelo singled.  D'Angelo collected an RBI.  Derrick, Gary and Rick scored.

The Red Sox held the Mets scoreless in the 3rd and 4th behind stellar pitching by Derrick.  Derrick struck out 5 and walked 3.  In the 3rd inning, Rick and Jonathan turned in the defensive play of the game.  Rick fielded a sharp grounder hit to 3rd and delivered a shot to Jonathan on first.  Jonathan streched to make the catch and stayed on the bag to beat the runner by half a stride.  Web Gem material indeed.

The Red Sox scored 1 run in the 3rd.  Derrick walked, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, stole 3rd, and advanced home on passed ball.

In the top of the 4th, the Red Sox scored 2 runs.  Lawrence led things off with a base hit up the middle.  Grant walked.  Blake hit an RBI single to the left side of the diamond, scoring Lawrence.  Grant scored on a wild pitch.

Jonathon took the mound in the 4th inning to close out the game.

The guys did a great job in their first game. 

You can find the box score for the game by clicking here.

The team will practice tomorrow at 5:30 at Rancho Cienega Park  (intersection of Rodeo Rd and King Blvd).

Red Sox Make Up Game Tomorrow, Photo Gallery 1 Posted

We will play the Mets tomorrow at 6PM to make up Monday's rain out.  Please arrive at 5:15PM so that the players have time to warm up. 

I've posted at few pictures to the blog from practice and Opening Day.  They can be found here:  PICTURE GALLERY 1

Please let me know if you are not comfortable with your child's photo on the blog.


_________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.BlogSpot.Com

Opening Day Time

The league has launched the official website - http://laderalittleleague.org

They request that the kids be on the field in uniform by 12PM on Sunday.  As you know, parking is a challenge on Opening Day, so I recommend an early arrival.


Lawrence

Red Sox - No Pitchers and Catchers Practice tonight

There will be no practice tonight.

The next practice will be tomorrow at 5:30.  We will have a scrimmage game against the Rockies.

Red Sox - Tuesday Practice Change

Due to rain in the forecast, we will hold practice tomorrow at the Total Baseball (West Coast Baseball)  batting cages in El Segundo.   We have a hitting and a pitching cage reserved from 7PM to 8PM.  

We also have the jerseys, hats and socks to distribute.  Coach Barry has pants to try on in M L and XL.  

Total Baseball address:  430 E. Grand Ave  in El Segundo.

Take the 105 W to Sepulveda.  South (left) on Sepulveda to Grand Ave.  Right on Grand.  The Mapquest link is below:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=430%20E%20Grand%20Ave&city=El%20Segundo&state=CA&zipcode=90245%2d3903&country=US&geodiff=1


Sorry for the late notice.

Red Sox Practice Schedule for the week of 3/27

The guys played a good game in their first scrimmage today.  The pitching and fielding is coming along.  Our biggest opportunity for improvement is in the area of hitting.  The team that they played today is likely to be the best team in the league.  Special thanks to Jonathan's mom, Marie, for keeping score.

The practice schedule for the week is as follows:

Team Practice               Tue    3/28  5:30PM
Pitchers and Catchers    Wed  3/29  5:30PM
Scrimmage Game         Thur    3/30  5:30PM

Opening Day               Sun    4/2

_________________________________________

Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

Red Sox Scrimmage Update

Our scrimmage game tomorrow will take place at the Ladera Ball Fields
- as opposed to the originally announced Rancho Cienega park.

Please plan to be there by 2:45 PM.

Red Sox - Batting Cage Day - Sat 9AM

In lieu of the originally scheduled Pitchers and Catchers practice, the team will meet at the Slamo batting cages tomorrow at 9AM.  We have reserved  a cage from 9AM - 9:50AM.   Slamo is located at 5750 Mesmer Avenue in Culver City.  There is a link to the mapquest site below. 

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=+5750+Mesmer+Ave+%09+&city=Culver+City&state=CA&zipcode=


_______________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

Red Sox: Additional Notes and Dates from Coaches Meeting

Additional items of interest:

Uniform Distribution to Managers - March 25th

Opening Day - April 2nd

Picture Day - April 22nd

There will be a year book this year that has a team photo and roster for each team.  The league will use them as a fund raiser.

The league will hire a field maintenance company to paint the lines prior to games.  Chalk will not be used this year.

The Red Sox jersey color has been changed to "away" gray.  This means that we will order gray pants with red stripe (as opposed to the white pants that we discussed during the Parent's Meeting).


_________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com

2006 Game Schedule Link Added

The game schedule is available via the "2006 Red Sox Schedule" link under the "Links" section of the blog (upper right). This schedule is tentative and could change.

Wk of 3/20 - Practice and Scrimmage Schedule Update

We just received word that the entire coaching staff needs to attend a meeting this evenning so there will be NO practice today.

The practice schedule for the week is as follows:

Thur 3/23 5:30 PM
Fri 3/24 5:30 PM

Additionally, there will be a practice for pitchers and catchers on Sat. I'll send an update on the time later this week.

Finally, there will be a scrimmage game on Sunday 3/26 3PM at Rancho Cienega Park.

Practice Update

We held another good practice today.   We focused on proper fielding techniques on ground balls and fly balls.  We also got some good infield work in.  Each player in attendance had the opportunity to work out at each infield position.

Given the probability or rain tomorrow, there will be no practice (Friday).

The next practice is scheduled for Sunday, 3/19 at 3:00 PM. 

Prior to the start of practice, there will be a mandatory Parent's Meeting.  Please plan to be in attendance.

On the horizon, Coach Barry is attempting to schedule a scrimmage game for Sunday  March 26th.  We will keep you posted.


_________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
http://LaderaRedSox.Blogspot.com

We're Off and Running

Thanks for checking in to LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com.


This blog will be updated frequently to keep you updated on practice, game, and team meeting schedules.


We had a productive first practice on Tue, Mar 14. We have a spirited and talented group. We're looking forward to a good season.


The next 2 practices are:


Thursday, Mar 16 @ 5:30 PM Ladera Ball Fields
Sunday, Mar 19 @ 3:00 PM Ladera Ball Fields



See you there.