Red Sox Game 2 Summary – Choose Your Own Superlative

Magnificent… Superb…Outstanding….Exceptional…take your pick.   The Red Sox combined solid hitting, strong pitching, and a stingy defense to run their record to 2-0 with a win tonight over the Diamondbacks.   Red Sox pitchers combined to throw 3 shut out innings, with 7 strikeouts.  The bats rang out for 12 hits including two doubles, one triple, and a homerun.  It was a/an <insert your own superlative> effort by the Red Sox.

1st Inning

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead in the first inning with lead off batter Grant Craddolph (.667) singling on a sharply hit ground ball to third base.  Grant would again display his aggressive base running style as he scored by advancing all the way home on 2 wild pitches and a stolen base.  Jonathan Phelps walked and was brought home by an RBI double to left field by Derek Marshall who is currently batting 1.000 with 5 RBIs for the season.  Tristan Williams continued the rally by singling in Derek with a fly ball hit to shallow left field.    Tristan would advance to second on a wild pitch and then score on a series of overthrows by the Dbacks.  Next Bailey Goldstein and Lawrence Gilliam drew walks and advanced to third and second respectively on wild pitches.  Diamondback pitcher, Salvador dug deep and retired the next 3 Red Sox batters stranding Bailey and Lawrence.  In all, the Red Sox scored 4 runs in the top of the 1st.

The Red Sox sent veteran pitcher, Lawrence Gilliam, to the mound for the start.  Lawrence was in mid-season form as he retired the Dback side on strikes (1-2-3).    He got the first two batters on called strikes and went to the change up to get the 3rd batter swinging. 

At the end of the first, the score was 4-0 Red Sox.

2nd Inning

After a rare strikeout by the Red Sox lead off batter, Jonathan got things started for the Sox in the 2nd inning with an infield single to 3rd base.   He advanced to 3rd on throwing mistakes by the Dbacks.   Derek continued his hitting streak and drove in Jonathan with a line drive triple down the first base line.  Tristan stepped to the plate and continued the hit parade with a double to left field – scoring Derek in the process.   Tristan was left stranded as the next two Red Sox batters struck out and grounded out to first.

Lawrence continued his solid performance on the mound in the second inning.   After walking the lead off batter, the first out was recorded by Jonathan on an unassisted ground ball to first base.  The Dbacks' runner on second base advanced to 3rd on the put out but got a little greedy and ended up in a run down between 3rd base and home.  Red Sox catcher, Derek Marshall, and third baseman, Kyle Reece, successfully orchestrated a 2-5-2-5 run down play to get the runner.   Lawrence would get the Sox out of the inning by striking out the Dbacks' imposing catcher.  That would close the book on Lawrence.  In 2 innings of work on the mound, he allowed 0 hits, walked 1, struck out 3, and allowed 0 runs – superb starting pitching.

At the end of 2, the score was 6-0 Red Sox.
 

3rd Inning

The Red Sox added an additional run in the 3rd inning.  Dominic Vasquez collected his first base knock of the season and advanced home on a series of passed balls and Dback overthrows.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Derek shed the mask and took the ball for his 2007 season pitching debut.  Lawrence moved behind the plate to complete the battery.  Derek wowed the crowd with an outstanding start; striking out the first two batters (1 called and 1 swinging).  The Red Sox should have been out of the inning 1-2-3 as Derek easily handled a ground ball up the middle and threw to Jonathan at first.  In rare lapse in concentration, Jonathan, the Gold Glove 1st baseman candidate, failed to make the catch allowing the runner to reach successfully.  Derek kept his composure, and the next batter hit a ground ball to the exact same spot.  Derek and Jonathan easily converted out 3 (1-3).

 At the end of 3, the score was 7-0 Red Sox.

4th Inning

The Red Sox continued their scoring binge in the 4th inning.  Jonathan Phelps thrilled the crowd with an inside the park home run shot to right center field.  The blast, which was heard around the park, was the first Red Sox home run in 2 years.   Derek followed with a walk.  Tristan delivered an RBI single to short stop to score Derek.  Next, Bailey collected his first hit of the year with an RBI single to right center to score Derek.   Lawrence flied out to foul ground territory on a great play by Dbacks' first baseman Salvador.  Kyle slapped a ground ball to second base and reached safely on a Dback overthrow.  Kyle aggressively ran the bases and scored on a Dback overthrow.  Dominic collected his second base hit by legging out a dribbler down the 3rd base line.  Desmond Box  followed with a walk.  Grant delivered an RBI single to short stop to score Dominic.  The half inning was called due to the 6 run per inning rule – ending an awesome display of offense by the Red Sox.

Derek shook off arm fatigue and took the mound to start the 4th inning.   The Dbacks' leading batter, Christian, singled to right field to start the inning.  The toll of catching 2 innings and pitching an inning caught up with Derek as he walked to next 2 batters.   The Dbacks mustered 2 runs to put up a fight.  Jonathan Phelps relieved Derek on the mound and promptly got the first batter he faced to ground out to Derek at first base.   Jonathan got the next batter on strikes.  The last batter was retired on an unassisted ground out to Derek at 1st base.  Jonathan looked sharp in his season pitching debut retiring all 3 batters that he faced and displaying a lot more "heat" than last year.  In total, Jonathan threw 11 of 14 pitches for strikes, allowed 0 walks, 0 hits, 0 runs, and struck out 1.    Derek threw 13 of 30 pitches for strikes, struck out 2, walked 2, allowed 1 hit, and 2 runs.   

At the end of the 4th, the game was called on time with Red Sox taking the victory 13-2.

The Red Sox coaching staff will be awarding virtual game balls after each solid Red Sox effort (win or lose).   Game balls for the first two games are below:

Game 1 Game Balls

Trent Jeter for his solid base running and scoring the winning run.

Grant Craddolph for scoring 3 runs and setting the tone on the bases.

Tristan Williams for a solid starting pitching effort.

 

Game 2 Game Balls

Lawrence Gilliam for 2 shut out innings of pitching and a strong effort behind the plate.

Derek Marshall for his hot hitting, 5 total bases, and 2 RBIs.

Jonathan Phelps for his round tripper and shut down closing pitching.

Current Standings

Red Sox       2-0

Braves          2-0

Dodgers        1-1

DBacks        1-2

Mets            0-2

Nationals      0-2

I have attached the score book and game recap.  As always, you can find an archive of these updates on the blog.  I have also updated the stats site.

_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com   - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com  - Blog

Red Sox April 7th Game Reschedule

We currently have a game scheduled against the Dodgers on Sat, April 7th which is the day before Easter.  The Dodgers are unable to play that day and many Red Sox parents have expressed a desire to reschedule the game.

We are looking at moving the game to the prior Thursday which is April 5th at 6PM.

Does anyone have an issue with this move?

If so, please respond by tomorrow (Thur) so that we can finalize plans.

Thanks.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com   - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com  - Blog

Red Sox - Game Reminder

We will play the Diamondbacks tomorrow at 6PM.  Please arrive by 5PM for warm up and batting practice.


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

Red Sox - Practice Update

I hope you all enjoyed the thrilling victory yesterday.  As you can see, there is much work to be done.

We will be practicing Tuesday (tomorrow) at 5:30 at Blair Hills Park.

Blair Hills Park is located at 5950 Wrightcrest Drive in Culver City.  The park in located off of La Cienega just South of Rodeo Road.  The park in only accessible by traveling South on La Cienega.  Turn right on Wrightcrest which the first right that you can make on La Cienega south of Rodeo.  The park will be on the left side of the street.

Mapquest link is 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=5950+Wrightcrest+Drive&city=Culver+City&state=CA&zipcode=


Lawrence

Red Sox - Game 1 Summary - The Thrill of Victory

The Red Sox started the season with a bang by pulling out a nail biter against the Mets. The game went down to the bottom of the 5th inning with the Red Sox taking the win on a game winning stolen base by Trent Jeter. The guys battled back from an early deficit earn a hard fought 8-7 win.

1st Inning

Tristan Williams got the start on the mound for the Red Sox. Mets batter, Evan, legged out a dribbler that stopped between the catcher and the pitcher for a lead off single. Evan would later steal 2nd and advance home on Red Sox throwing errors. Tristan buckled in a stuck out the next batter on 3 pitches. The 3rd Mets batter reached after being hit with a pitch (HBP). Out number 2 was recorded when Red Sox catcher, Derek Marshall, fired a throw to Grant Craddolph (SS) to nail a runner trying to steal 2nd. After a walk to the 4th Mets batter, the Red Sox recorded out number 3 when Kyle Reece and Lawrence Gilliam successfully converted on a pickle play. The out went 4-5-4.

In the bottom half of the first, Grant got things started for the Red Sox by legging out an infield fly ball. He promptly stole 2nd and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch. Derek stepped to the plate and delivered an RBI double to left center field. Derek moved to 3rd on throwing errors by the Mets. The Mets defense toughened up and shut the Red Sox rally. After a strike out, Tristan stepped to the plate and hit a rope to center field. Mets center fielder Tyson snagged the line drive and doubled up Derek on third.

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

2nd Inning

Tristan stuck out the side to retire the Mets in the top of the 2nd, allowing only an infield bloop fly ball single. This would close the book on Tristan. He went 2 innings, threw 34 pitches (23 for strikes), walked 1, stuck out 4, and allowed 2 hits - an excellent starting line.

In the bottom half of the 2nd, Dominic Vasquez led of the inning by getting hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Lawrence followed with a dribbling infield single to third base, advancing Dominic to 2nd. The Mets pitching toughened up to strike out the next 2 Red Sox batters. Out 3 was recorded on a routine grounder to the pitcher after a strong at-bat by Bailey Goldstein.

At the end of 2, the score remained 1-1

3rd Inning

Lawrence took the mound for the Red Sox at the top of the 3rd. Fighting early season jitters, Lawrence struggled with control early. He walked the first 3 batters that he faced with all 3 batters scoring on a series of wild pitches, passed balls, and stolen bases. He settled in to sit the next 3 Mets batters. Out 1 was recorded on a strike out. Jonathan Phelps recorded out 2 with an unassisted play at first base. Lawrence closed out the inning with a strike out to record out 3 but the damage had been done as the Mets struck for 3 runs in the top of the 3rd.

The Red Sox turned to the top of the line up in an effort to keep pace with the Mets. Grant led off the inning with a walk and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch to Derek. Derek reached 1st after being hit by a pitch. Grant stole home to make the score 4-2. Jonathan walked. Derek was called out stealing home on a controversial call. Tristan reached on a walk. Newcomer, Evan Lott stepped to the plate and delivered a 2 run RBI single to right-center field. This huge effort by Evan tied the score at 4-4. Evan was thrown out attempting to stretch the single into a double. Lawrence reached first on a Mets fielding error but was left stranded.

At the end of 3, the score remained tied at 4-4

4th Inning

Lawrence stayed on the mound to start the fourth. He ended up striking out the side but continued to struggle with control. He walked the fist batter after starting ahead in the count 0-2. He settled in to get the next batter on strikes and then walked the 3rd batter. He regained form to get the 4th batter on strikes but allowed a run on a wild pitch. He closed out the inning by striking out the 5th batter. For the day, Lawrence pitched 2 innings, walked 5, struck out 5, allowed no hits but surrendered 4 runs. He threw 24 of 49 pitches for strikes.

In the bottom of the 4th, Terrance Gant got things started by drawing a walk after falling behind 0-2 in the count. Trent came in as a courtesy runner for Terrance. Grant reached on an infield single to the hole between 3B and SS advancing Trent to second base. Trent would later steal 3rd base with Grant moving to second. Derek delivered a huge 2 run RBI single to right-center field scoring Trent and Grant with the count 3-2. Derek would then score with heads up, aggressive base running, stealing home. Jonathan followed with a walk but was left stranded as the next two Red Sox batters struck out.

At the end of the 4, the Red Sox led 7-5.

5th Inning

Grant relieved Lawrence on the mound to start the 5th. The Mets were not ready for the heat as grant retired the first batter on 3 pitches. The next batters reached on a walk and stole second. On the steal attempt, Derek fired a shot to second that just sailed over Tristan's head who was covering second. Thanks to sound defensive rotational coaching by Coach Barry, Lawrence, who was playing 2nd base, was in position to field the over throw and threw a dart to Kyle at 3rd to nail the runner attempting to advance to 3rd. Grant battled through some control issues and questionable calls by the Blue to walk the next 3 batters. 2 of the runners would score on aggressive base running and wild pitches tying the game at 7. Grant dug deep to record a strike out for out 3. In total, Grant went 1 inning, walked 4, stuck out 2, allowed no hits, and 2 runs. He threw 10 of 29 pitches for strikes.

Needing a run to win in the bottom of the 5th, Lawrence drew a walk to lead of the inning. He advanced to 2nd and 3rd base on a stolen base and wild pitch. With Trent up at bat, he attempted to steal home on a wild pitch but was tagged out a home on a close pay by hustling Mets catcher, Evan. Evan did an excellent job of blocking the plate. Trent would draw a walk and then show his veteran seasoning by aggressively stealing 2nd and 3rd. With Kyle at bat, Trent scored the winning run by stealing home on wild pitch. Game over … Red Sox win 8-7.

So the Red Sox start the 2007 season just as they started the 2006 campaign, with a win over the Mets. They'll enjoy the "W" but will regroup to address several key deficiencies; wild pitches, pitcher control (walks), and base running being most prominent.

The Red Sox coaching staff would like to welcome our newest player, Desmond Box , to the team.

Updates From Cathy

Hello all,

Just a few updates.  

1.  Opening Day is this Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 10:00 p.m.  Please arrive not later than 9:30 a.m.  Parking will be a challenge.

2.  I passed out picture day envelopes at the practice on Tuesday.  If you did not get one, I will have them again at the practice game tomorrow.  

3.  Picture Day is scheduled for Saturday March 31, 2007.  Our scheduled time is 11:20 a.m.  so please arrive approximately 15 minutes early (11:05) and be sure all players are in full uniform for the picture.  The league will provide a basic package at no cost to the parents.  This package includes a cardboard Memory Mate with the team photo and individual picture of the child, a photo button and 4 wallet size photos of the child.  Parents can purchase additional items as well.  We have a game scheduled that day at 1:00 p.m.

4.  As you know the league is asking every family to volunteer two hours in the snack bar for every child you have playing in the league. The enclosed schedule has the dates and times that our team has been assigned to work in the snack bar.  Please look at the dates and times send me your first, second and third preference for working. I will complete the schedule and then send it out to everyone.  
The league really needs 100% participation for the snack bar to run effectively.  If you have already signed up for a time on the schedule or at another time, then disregard this.

5.  Finally, a team snack schedule has been posted to the blog.  Check the Red Sox Game Schedule link in the links section.  You can also find it here.


Thanks,
Cathy

Red Sox Game Snack Schedule Updated

Cathy has updated the Game Schedule with Snack responsibilities. Please review.

If you exchange games with another parent, be sure to let us know so that we can update the schedule.

The schedule is on the blog.

You can also find it by clicking here.

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

Red Sox -Quick Reminders and Announcements

Reminder: We have a practice game scheduled for tomorrow at Ladera at 5:30PM.  We will play the Diamondbacks.

Please review the Red Sox Game schedule.  You can find it here.  Please send me an email with any games that you know your child will miss. 

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

Red Sox Practice Update

Coach Barry called from the field and says that it is suitable for play.  The rain clouds appear to be moving out.   We will still hold practice today.

Red Sox Game Schedule Posted to the Blog

I have updated the blog with the 2007 Red Sox Game schedule. It can be found in the links section of the blog (along the right hand side of the page). The address for the blog is http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com


The schedule can also be found by clicking here.

We have a busy week.

Tue - Practice Game vs Nationals at 5:30
Thu - Practice Game vs Diamondbacks at 5:30
Sat - Opening Day Ceremonies
Sun - First League Game vs Mets at 2:00

Red Sox Schedule for the week

We will have 2 practice games this week.

We will play the Nationals on Tuesday at 5:30 at Ladera.

We will play the Diamondbacks on Thursday at 5:30 at Ladera.

Red Sox - Important League Info and Dates

1.     Uniform Distribution – Saturday March 17 beginning at 8:00am

Uniforms will be distributed only to those who have paid their complete registration fee and have turned in their Snack Bar Deposit

Players will need to sew on patch on sleeve

2.     Opening Day:  Saturday, March 24th at 10:00am

3.     Picture Day:  Saturday, March 31st at  8:00am

4.     Dodger Day:  Friday, March 30th at 7:30pm tickets need to be ordered by March 20th.

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

Red Sox Practice Schedule

We will have a 1 hr practice today from 5:30 to 6:30 at Rancho Cienega.

We will also practice on Thursday at 5:30 at Rancho Cienega.

Red Sox Practice Game Tomorrow TIME UPDATED

We will scrimmage the Mets tomorrow starting at 9AM.  Please arrive by 8:30AM for warm up.

The scrimmage will take place at Baldwin Hills Park located at 5401 Highlight Place.  The park is off of Rodeo Rd between La Brea and La Cienega.  If you are traveling west on Rodeo, turn right on Ridgely and you will run right into the park.   Baldwin Hill Elementary school is on the corner of Rodeo and Ridgely.  If you get to Clyde or Hauser, you've gone too far.

Here's a link to the Google Map

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=5401+Highlight+Place+los+angeles,+ca&layer=&sll=33.985218,-118.419228&sspn=0.130097,0.346069&ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=34.024067,-118.363588&spn=0.008127,0.021629&om=1&iwloc=addr

We will also practice on Sunday at 3PM - location to be determined.

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

CORRECTION: Red Sox Practice Schedule AT RANCHO

Practice tonight is at RANCHO CIENEGA  not Ladera.

Sorry for the confusion.

Lawrence

On 3/6/07, Lawrence Gilliam < lgrhythm@gmail.com> wrote:

Sorry for the late notice.  I thought that I sent out the practice notice already.

The Red Sox will practice today (Tuesday) and Thursday at 5:30PM at Ladera


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

Red Sox Practice Schedule

Sorry for the late notice.  I thought that I sent out the practice notice already.

The Red Sox will practice today (Tuesday) and Thursday at 5:30PM at Ladera


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

Red Sox Practice Game Today 3:30PM at Ladera

Today's practice game against the Dodgers is scheduled for 4PM at
Ladera. Please arrive by 3:30 for warmup.

We will be on the Jr. Field (the far west field).

Lawrence

Red Sox Weekend Practice Schedule

We'll practice Saturday at Rancho Cienega Park from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

We are planning a practice game for Sunday at Rancho Cienega Park at 3PM.  If we are unable to get the practice game organized, we'll still hold practice Sunday at 3.

Lawrence