Sunday, April 29, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Red Sox - Game Reminders
We play the Dodgers on Wednesday at 6PM.
I have updated the schedule , the standings and stats page.
Our loss to the Braves yesterday cemented us in 2nd place. Even if we drop the next 2 games, we will still be in 2nd place. We'll need to win the 2nd half of the season to force a playoff for a chance to advance to the Tournament of Champions. The 2nd half starts this weekend.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Friday, April 20, 2007
Red Game - Today's Game Is Rained Out
Lawrence
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Red Sox Thursday Practice
We will practice at the top of Kenneth Hahn Park - in the space where the damn used to be. Enter Kenneth Hahn Park on La Cienega and continue on the road - all the way to the top of the park. Let me know if you need more specific directions.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Game 7 Mini Summary - The Return of the Ping
The pinging sound of Al, Sc, and C (consult your periodic table) returned to Red Sox land on Sunday afternoon as the team collected 9 hits in their 15-5 win over the Mets. With the win, the Red Sox remain a game behind the Braves who lead the division. The Mets remain a half game out of 3rd place trailing the Dodgers. Tristan Williams (3-0, 7.50 ERA) got the start on the mound for the Red Sox. Veteran pitcher, Elyas, got the start for the Mets.
The Red Sox took an early lead, scoring 5 runs in the first inning. Grant Craddolph, Jonathan Phelps, Desmond Box, Lawrence Gilliam, and Tristan Williams all scored in the first inning. Notable hits included a double to right center field by Desmond to score Jonathan, and an infield single by Tristan to score Lawrence. Evan Lott and Kyle Reece also reached base in the inning as the Red Sox batted around the order.
The Mets got things started in the bottom half of the first with a lead off single by starting short stop, Evan. Red Sox catcher, Grant, hooked up with Lawrence at short stop, to catch Evan attempting to steal second. The Mets were held scoreless in the first.
The Sox struck for 3 more runs in the second inning. Runs were scored by Jonathan, Desmond, and Kyle. Kyle collected an RBI single in the inning.
The Mets rallied for 5 runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Red Sox pitcher, Tristan, battled through control problems on the mound, and the Mets showed patience at the plate – forcing Tristan to throw strikes. The Mets were the benefactors of 5 "free passes" in the inning and 1 HBP. Jordan Strong delivered a solid rip to right center field to score Evan. At the end of 2, the score was Red Sox 8, Mets 5.
The Red Sox scored 5 in the 3rd with a double by Grant, and consecutive singles by Jonathan, Derek Marshall, and Dominic Vasquez. Bailey Goldstein, Grant, Jonathan, Derek and Dominic scored in the inning.
Derek (0-0, 3.0 ERA) relieved Tristan on the mound in the top of the third inning and retired the side on strikes. He only allowed 2 base runners, an RBI single by Elyas and a walk to Christian. Terrance Gant took over left field, relieving Evan in the inning.
The Red Sox added 2 insurance runs in the 4th on a single by Jonathan, a double by Derek, and an RBI by Kyle. To take a 15-5 lead into the bottom of the 4th. Derek was lights out on the mound in the bottom of the 4th, striking out 2 more batters to bring his total for the day to 5.
Game Balls go to the following players:
- Tristan for solid starting pitching.
- Jonathan for scoring 4 runs and solid defense at 1st base.
- Desmond for his double to right center field.
- Kyle for collecting 2 RBIs
I have attached the usual files.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Game 6 Summary - Patience is a Virtue
1st Inning
Grant Craddolph (2-0, 6.86 ERA) took the mound for his first start of the season. He was solid in 3 innings of work - allowing only 3 runs. After out 1 was recorded by Jonathan Phelps on a ground ball to first base, the Dbacks got on track as Devin drew a walk. Armani followed with a towering fly ball double to right center field. Red Sox outfielders Desmond Box and Bailey Goldstein hustled to get the ball back in and hold the runners at 2nd and 3rd. Christian hit an RBI ground ball to Lawrence Gilliam at second base who just missed getting Devin at plate. Mychal followed with a ground ball to short stop to score Armani. Tristan Williams fielded the ground ball and stepped on second base to record out 2. The final out was recorded on a heads up play by Red Sox catcher, Derek Marshall, as he fired to Tristan to nail a runner attempting to steal second base.
The Red Sox answered in the bottom half of the first. Jonathan (.667 BA, .750 OBP) who leads the team in batting and on base percentage, got things started with a ground ball up the middle. He would reach 2nd and 3rd on wild pitches and eventually score on an overthrow. Desmond took one for the team (HBP), Lawrence walked, and Kyle Reece took another one for the team (HBP) to load the bases. Tristan showed patience at the plate as Dbacks starting pitcher, Anthony, struggled with control. He drew a walk which scored Desmond. Evan Lott stepped to the plate and collected an RBI – scoring Lawrence on a ground ball that was mishandled by the Dbacks short stop. Bailey collected 2 RBIs – scoring Kyle and Tristan on a ground ball hit to short stop to bring the total to 5 runs.
At the end of 1, the score was 5-2 Red Sox.
2nd Inning
After a strikeout for out 1, Grant allowed a walk to Shane, and an infield single to 3rd base by Anthony. Shane would score on wild pitch to bring the score to 5-3. The Red Sox tightened the strings as Jonathan recorded out 2 on a fly ball to foul territory. After another walk to Devin, Grant buckled down and recorded out 3 with his second strike out of the day.
Grant singled on a ground ball to center field to start the 2nd, and Jonathan followed with a walk. Grant and Jonathan moved to second and third on wild pitchers. With the Dbacks experiencing a case of TeeBall-itus (the dreaded ailment that grossly afflicted Red Sox Land last season), Grant and Jonathan were able to score on the same wild pitch. Sticking with the theme, Desmond drew a walk to score Grant. Lawrence collected an RBI on a ground ball back to the box – scoring Desmond. Kyle, who must have had a ball magnet in his back pocket, was hit by another pitch. Tristan followed with an infield single. Both runners were left stranded as Dback reliever pulled it together and recorded out 3 on a strike out.
3rd Inning
Terrance Gant and Dominic Vasquez took over for Evan and Desmond in the outfield. After surrendering a lead off walk to Christian, Grant retired the side on strikes – needing only 9 pitches. This would close the book on Grant. In 3 innings of work, he threw 33 of 69 pitches for strikes, allowed 2 hits, 3 runs, walked 5 and struck out 5; another great performance by a Red Sox starting pitcher.
Bailey led of the 3rd with a line drive double to deep right center field. Grant reached on a fielder's choice to place runners at first and second. Jonathan walked to load the bases. Bailey hustled home on a wild pitch and displayed a bit of creativity – employing the seldom used "crawl slide" to evade the tag at the plate. Grant would follow to score the second run of the inning. Dominic and Lawrence followed with walks to load the bases for Kyle. The Dbacks countered by bringing in experienced pitcher, Christian Cook. Kyle collected an RBI, scoring Jonathan on a ground out to the pitcher. With runners on second and third, Tristan hit a ground ball to short stop. Lawrence was overcome with sudden case of Teeball-itus and ran "unforced" into the tag between short and third for out number three.
At the end of 3, the score was Red Sox 11, Dbacks 3.
4th Inning
Derek made his second appearance on the mound this year in relief of Grant at the top of the 4th. Grant moved to catcher. Derek turned in a flawless inning, getting the first 3 batters he faced with a total of 14 pitches. He struck out the first 2 batters that he faced. Out 3 was recorded by Tristan who fielded a ground ball that took him to his knees. He scrambled to his feet and threw a bullet to Jonathan at first to get the runner - a play worthy of Web Gem consideration. In total, Derek faced 3 batters, allow no runners, collected 2 strikeouts, and threw 9 of 14 pitches for strikes.
Dbacks pitcher Christian made quick work of the Red Sox in the bottom of the 4th. He struck out the lead off batter on 4 pitches. After a walk to the next batter, Grant stroked a line drive to first base. Dbacks first baseman, Sal, snagged the line drive and stepped on the bag to double up the runner at first – WEB GEM!!!
No runs were scored in the 4th inning.
5th Inning
Jonathan (0-1, 4.00 ERA) filled the closer role for the Red Sox in the top of the 5th. Derek moved to first, Lawrence to short, Tristan to third, Dominic to second, and Desmond returned to center. Jonathan was strong in relief. After walking the lead off batter, he settled in to strike out the number 2 hitter. The lead off batter would score on misplayed ground ball. Tristan and Lawrence combined to get out 2 with a force play at second. Jonathan would take care of the rest, striking out the last batter of the game. In one inning of work, Jonathan threw, 15 of 24 pitches for strikes, walked 2, struck out 2, allowed no hits and no earned runs.
Game Balls go to the following players:
- Grant for solid starting pitching, solid catching, and scoring 2 runs.
- Bailey for the double to right center field.
- Jonathan for solid work at 1st base, scoring 3 runs, and closing out the game on the mound.
Scoring Note: The original game recap that I posted had Jonathan with an earned run in bottom of the 5th. I corrected this as the run was scored as the result of an error. The attached score sheet has not been corrected but the website and the box score is correct.
_____________________________________Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Red Sox Practice Schedule
We will practice tomorrow at 5PM at Ladera.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Red Sox Game 5 Summary - Too Close For Comfort
The Red Sox returned to the "W" column on Monday night with a 6-5 win over the feisty Dodgers. The win moves the Red Sox to 4-1 on the season and keeps them a half game behind the division leading Braves. The five inning affair came down to a close play at the plate with Lawrence Gilliam throwing to Grant Craddolph to get a Dodgers runner attempting to steal home.
1st Inning
Dodger ace, Morgan, got the start on the mound and made quick work of the Red Sox in the first; retiring the first three batters.
Tristan Williams (2-0, 6.00 ERA) got his fourth start of the year for the Red Sox on the mound. Phil Lawrence led things off for the Dodgers by reaching base on a mishandled infield ground ball. The Dodgers stuck first as Phil moved to 2nd and 3rd on wild pitches and then took home on a Red Sox throwing error. Dodger third baseman, Akia, singled on an infield fly ball but was left stranded as Tristan buckled down and recorded 3 strike outs to get out of the inning.
At the end of 1, the Dodgers led 1-0.
2nd Inning
Morgan stayed on the mound to pitch to the first 2 Red Sox batters at the top of the 2nd and continued his dominance by striking both batters out. Akia replaced Morgan to face Red Sox third baseman, Kyle Reece (.275 BA, .467 OBP). Kyle reached on an infield ground ball. Lawrence (.455 BA, .600 OBP) followed with a single through the 4-3 gap. Both runners were left stranded on a nice play by Dodger first baseman, Mike, who fielded a well hit ball by Dominic Vasquez (.300 BA, .462 OBP) and stepped on first base for the out.
Tristan turned in a nearly flawless performance in the bottom of the second by retiring the Dodger side on strikes.
At the end of 2, the score remained Dodgers 1, Red Sox 0.
3rd Inning
Bailey Goldstein stepped to the plate at the top of the 3rd and slugged a fly ball to deep right field that was caught by Dodger right fielder Khalid. Bailey's stroke would be a harbinger of things to come as the Red Sox bats shook of the "i-tus" and came alive. Grant (.667 BA, .737 OBP) stepped to the plate and singled to get the rally started. Derek Marshall (.667 BA, .714 OBP) brought Grant in with an infield ground ball single up the middle. Derek, following 3rd Base Coach Lawrence's instruction to "Get Here!!!!", was caught attempting to reach 3rd on the play for out number 2. Desmond Box collected his first hit of the year on an impressive fly ball to left field. Tristan (.455 BA, .625 OBP) followed with a walk. Dodger pitcher, Akia, dug deep and put an end to the 2 out rally by recording out 3 on a strike out.
Tristan stayed on in the 3rd and retired the first batter by catching a high fly ball on the edge of the grass. Dodger pitcher, Akia, stepped to the plate and helped his own cause by stroking a line drive to deep right field. The sharply hit ball was misplayed by the Red Sox right fielder, and the swift footed Akia stretched the double into a home run. Full of grit, Tristan beared down a struck out the next 2 Dodger batters to end the inning. This would close the book on another solid starting performance for Tristan. In 3 innings of work, he allowed 2 runs. He struck out an astounding 8 batters, walked 1 and allowed 2 hits; lowering his season ERA to 6.00.
With 3 innings in the bag, the score was Dodgers 2, Red Sox 1.
4th Inning
Kyle got things started in the 4th with a walk but was put out on a solid throw from Morgan to Phil as he tried to steal second. Lawrence followed with a ground ball single to right field. Lawrence would advance to second on a stolen base as Terrance Gant drew a walk. With runners at 1st and 2nd, Bailey stepped to the plate and delivered an infield single to 3rd base to load the bases. Grant doubled to left field to score Lawrence and Terrance. In his exuberance, he rounded second and met Bailey at third base – forcing Bailey home. Bailey was put out at home for out 2. Leading the team with a 1.500 Slugging Percentage and 9 RBIs, Red Sox catcher, Derek Marshall, stepped to the plate and delivered an inside the park home run on a line drive that skimmed the first base line to stay fair. Grant scored on the home run. Desmond followed with a walk but was left stranded as the next batter struck out. In all, the Red Sox rally tallied 4 runs.
Grant (1-0, 7.50 ERA) relieved Tristan to start the fourth. Dodger first baseman, Mike, walked to start the inning. Red Sox catcher, Derek, recorded his third CS of the season by firing a shot to Tristan at second to catch Mike attempting to steal. Grant would take care of the rest by recording outs 2 and 3 with strike outs. The final numbers on Grant: 1 inning of work, 2 strike outs, 2 walks, no hits, and no runs – a performance par excellence.
At the end of 4, the Red Sox led 5-2.
5th Inning
Phillip Lawrence relieved Akia for the Dodgers to start the 5th. Evan Lott was robbed of a base hit by Dodger SS, Kaelin, as he handled a shot off of Evan's bat at short stop for out number 1. Kyle delivered a double to left field. Lawrence and Dominic followed with walks to load the bases. Grant drew a walk to force in Kyle and add a very important insurance run. Phil would work himself out of the inning with 2 strike outs.
Lawrence (1-0, 6.00 ERA) came in to close the game for the Red Sox. He started strong with a strike out to get out number 1. He would then load the bases on walks bringing the tying run to the plate. Lawrence buckled down to record out 2 on a strike out. The next batter walked, bringing in a run for the Dodgers and making the score 6-3. Dodger utility man, Jordan Horton, stepped to the plate and hit a towering fly ball to 1st base. The Red Sox were unable to handle the fly ball and two runs scored on the missed ball and an overthrow to home. Grant's throw to Lawrence on the mound got away and the Dodgers attempted to send a runner from 3rd to score the tying run. Lawrence alertly retrieved the ball and flipped to Grant at home who applied the tag on the runner for out 3 – game over on a close call at home – way too close for comfort. Red Sox 6, Dodgers 5.
Game Balls go to the following players:
- Tristan for another solid performance on the mound – 8 strike outs.
- Derek for hitting a home run, scoring a run, driving in 3 runs, and playing solid defense at the catcher position.
- Lawrence and Grant for making the game saving play at home.
In other league news, the Dodgers defeated the Nationals tonight.
You can find the latest standings here.
I have attached the usual documents.
- Score Sheet
- Game Summary
I have also modified the Red Sox schedule to include the new snack responsibilities. You will also see 2 new columns for each game that allow you to link out to the Game Summary and Box Score for each game.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Red Sox Practice - Thursday at Jim Gilliam Park
We will meet at Jim Gilliam Park
4000 La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90016
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&q=jim+gilliam+park&near=Los+Angeles,+CA&radius=0.0&cid=34052222,-118242778,16563509296775497860&li=lmd&z=14&t=m
If you need directions, shoot me an email.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
Minor Division Standings
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Monday, April 09, 2007
Red Sox - Game Tonight - Reminder
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Red Sox Game Summary 4 - Lessons Learned
In a clash of unbeaten teams, the Braves outlasted the Red Sox last night in a 12-7 six inning contest. The win earns the Braves sole possession of 1st place in the Minor Division with the Red Sox slipping to 2nd. The Braves maintained a slim lead through the early innings. The Red Sox battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the 5th. Both teams played well with the Braves excelling in defense and base running, and the Red Sox making their mark with their bats and solid pitching. Spring Break vacation plans played a toll on both teams as the Braves suited up 9 and the Red Sox depended on the aid of pool players to fill out the line up.
1st Inning
Tristan Williams (1-0, 7.71 ERA) got the start for the Red Sox and went 3 strong innings. The Braves got on the board early when Devin walked and was singled in by Robert to make the score 1-0. Tristan struck out 1 and handled a sharply hit line drive up the middle for out 2. Out 3 was recorded by Jonathan throwing out a Braves runner attempting to steal 2nd (put out by Grant).
The Red Sox countered in the bottom of the 1st. Grant Craddolph (.667 BA .733 OBP) singled against Braves starter Jerrod and was brought home on an RBI infield single by Jonathan Phelps (.700 BA .769 OBP). At the end of 1, the score was tied 1-1.
2nd Inning
The Braves scrambled for 3 runs on 3 walks, aggressive base running, and a controversial no-call by the Blue. Red Sox pitcher, Tristan, remained calm on the mound and struck out 2 batters and handled a come-backer to the mound throwing to Lawrence Gilliam at 1st to get out of the inning.
The Red Sox kept pace in the second with Desmond Box drawing a walk and advancing to 2nd on a passed ball. Kyle Reece followed up with a double. Lawrence collected an RBI on a ground ball to short. Pool player, Akia from the Dodgers, followed with a walk. Bailey Goldstein followed with a solid lick up the middle that was handled by the Braves pitcher for an out. Kyle stole home to make the score 4-3 Braves. Grant delivered an infield single but was called out a first when he rounded towards second as opposed to running through on the close play.
3rd Inning
The Braves continued their scoring streak with 2 runs in the top of the 3rd. Jalen reached on a ground ball to second. Devin followed with a double to left. Both runners would score on Red Sox overthrows. Tristan remained strong on the mound handling another line drive up the middle for out number 1, striking out a batter for out number 2, and picking up an assist on a dribbler up the middle with the put out going to Lawrence at first. That would close the book on Tristan. In 3 strong innings, he threw 30 of 66 pitches for strikes, walked 4, struck out 4, and allowed 3 hits and 3 runs.
The Red Sox answered with 1 run in the 3rd. Jonathan legged out a grounder to 3rd for an infield single. The Braves turned in a superb 1-6-3 double play (Jerrod to Jalen to Devin). With the bases cleared from the double play, Tristan singled and proceeded to score on aggressive base running – taking home on a wild pitch.
At the end of 3, the score was 6-4 Braves.
4th Inning
Both teams tightened up the defense and pitching in the 4th inning as no runs were scored. Lawrence (1-0, 6.0 ERA) relieved Tristan on the mound for his 4th appearance this year. He struggled with control early as he issued walks to the first 3 batters he faced to load the bases. He was the benefactor of a Web Gem play by Jonathan and Kyle and they combined to nail the runner at third who had taken a huge lead off. At the time, the count on the number 4 batter was 3 balls 0 strikes, The great defensive play inspired Lawrence as he regained form and struck out the number 4 and 5 batters on the next 6 pitches to get out of the inning unharmed.
Braves starter, Jerrod, stayed on the mound and continued to perplex Red Sox hitters with his off speed array of pitches. After striking out the first batter, Lawrence reached on an infield single. The Braves defense proved its mettle as it turned in another 1-6-3 double play (again Jerrod to Jalen to Devin) to squelch the Red Sox.
5th Inning
Lawrence continued his tight rope act in the 5th as he again walked the first 2 batters he faced. This time the Braves capitalized on the charity by scoring a run on a wild pitch. Lawrence recovered to strike out the next 2 Braves batters on 7 pitches (with 4 of the strikes called). The third out was recorded on a coach interference play. This would close the book on Lawrence. In 2 innings of work, he threw 18 of 24 pitches for strikes, walked 5, struck out 4, gave up 0 hits, and allowed 1 run.
Needing 3 runs to tie and the "game clock" ticking, the Sox showed true grit in the bottom of the 5th. Grant got things started with a walk. Jonathan stepped to the plate and awed the crowd with a towering fly ball triple to left center field to score Grant. Dominic Vasquez (.333 BA, .455 OBP) followed with a walk. Jonathan scored on a wild pitch to make it a 1 run game. Tristan stepped to the plate and delivered a double to left field with Dominic getting caught at 3rd for out 1. Tristan used his quickness to score on a wild pitch to tie the game. Desmond walked but was caught in a pickle on an attempted steal and was called out (2-4-3-4-3-6) – another sound defensive play by the Braves.
6th Inning
The marathon affair continued into the sixth (and late into the night). Jonathan relieved Lawrence on the mound. Lawrence did Jonathan no favors as he failed to handle a toss from Bailey on a routine ball hit to second (E3). Joshua followed with an infield single to 3rd base. The Braves would scramble for 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th using sound base running and benefiting from a few Red Sox Tee Ball moments. Jonathan stayed focused on the mound and got himself out the inning striking out 3 batters.
Braves closer Jalen settled in to close the show. The Red Sox refused to wilt but came up short. Kyle lead off with a walk but the Red Sox could not convert as Lawrence followed with a shot to 3rd that was handled by sure fielding Braves third baseman Robert Togia. Following a strike out, the Braves recorded the final out of the game on a ground ball (6-5).
Game Notes
The Red Sox would like to thank Justin and Akia from the Dodgers for participating as pool players.
Current Standings
Braves 4-0
Red Sox 3-1
Dodgers 1-2
DBacks 1-3
Mets 1-3
Nationals 1-3
I have attached the game summary and box score. As always, they can also be found 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 Practice - Thur 5PM at Ladera
See you there.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Red Sox - Practice Schedule
We will play the Braves in a battle of the undefeated teams on Tuesday at 6PM. Please arrive by 5PM for warm up. Also, please let me know if you will not make the game.
_____________________________________
Lawrence Gilliam
Red Sox Schedule
http://LaderaRedSox.shorturl.com - Stats
http://LaderaRedSox.blogspot.com - Blog
Red Sox Game 3 Summary - Picture Perfect on Picture Day
The Red Sox ran their record to 3-0 on the young season with a 14-8 victory over the Nationals on Saturday. The Sox jumped out to a big lead with early offense and then employed solid defense and pitching down the stretch to take the victory. The win keeps the Red Sox atop the minor league division; tied with the Braves (3-0) who pulled out a hotly contested game against the Dodgers (1-2) on Sunday evening.
1st Inning
The Red Sox struck early when lead off batter Grant Craddolph (.667 BA .727 OBP) walked and was "swinging bunt" singled in by Jonathan Phelps (.571 BA .700 OBP). Derek Marshall (.750 BA .800 OBP) followed with a line drive triple to right center field to score Jonathan. It was Derek's second consecutive game with a triple. Bailey Goldstein walked and Kyle Reece hit an infield single to score Derek. Bailey would later score by stealing home on a wild pitch. Dominic Vasquez delivered an infield single to third base but was left stranded. In the top of the first, the Red Sox batted around the order and scored 5 runs.
Red Sox starting pitcher Tristan Williams (1-0 4.5 ERA-6) was strong from the start. He struck out the National's lead off batter to record the 1st out in the inning. The next 2 batters reached base on a walk and fielders choice play. These 2 batters would eventually score on wild pitches and passed balls. Tristan recorded out 2 by fielding a line drive hit back up the middle. He would strike out the number 5 batter on 3 called strikes.
At the end of 1, the score was 5-2 Red Sox.
2nd Inning
The Red Sox sent the top of the line up to the plate to start the 2nd. Grant singled on a fly ball to center field to get things started. Jonathan followed with an RBI line drive single to the hole between short and third. Next, Derek smacked a fly ball double to right center to score Jonathan and advanced to third on wild pitches. Tristan and Kyle drew walks to load the bases. Lawrence Gilliam broke out of his one game hitting slump to deliver an RBI single, scoring Derek. Dominic followed with a run scoring ground ball to bring Kyle home. Terrance Gant followed with a walk. Finally, Grant, on his second at bat of the inning, singled to left field to score Lawrence – ending the inning on the 6 run rule.
Tristan continued his stellar performance on the mound in the 2nd inning. After walking the first batter, he struck out the next 2 batters on 9 pitches. Derek recorded the third out by racing to the backstop to retrieve a wild pitch and tagging out the walked runner who was attempting to steal home. It was a great hustle play by the Red Sox starting catcher. This would close the book on Tristan. He went 2 strong innings. He allowed 2 runs, 0 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 4.
At the end of 2, the score was 11-2 Red Sox.
3rd Inning
The Nationals brought in Jordan to pitch the 3rd inning. He held the Red Sox at bay striking out the side. Tristan walked and was the only Red Sox base runner in the inning..
Grant (1-0, 10.0 ERA-6) relieved Tristan on the mound to start the 3rd. The Red Sox defense showed its versatility as Jonathan moved to catcher, Lawrence rotated to first, Derek shifted to second, and Tristan took over short stop. Grant came in smoking - striking out the first batter he faced on 5 pitches. The next batter was retired as Derek fielded a routine ground ball to second and threw to Lawrence at first. The Nationals, refusing to give in, began a 2 out rally that would yield 3 runs. The next 6 National batters would reach base on 1 HBP, 1 single, a Red Sox fielding error (E4), and 3 consecutive walks. This allowed the Nationals to score 3 runs. Grant battled through the walks (and an over zealous umpire) to record out 3 by striking out the National's number 8 hitter.
At the end of 3, the score was 11-5 Red Sox.
4th Inning
The Red Sox added a run in the top of the 4th. Kyle drew a walk and advanced home on a series of wild pitches and overthrows. Lawrence followed with a walk but was left stranded.
The Nationals battled for 1 run in the bottom of the 4th on 1 HBP and 3 walks. Grant struck out 2 batters in the inning, and out 3 was recorded 4-3 with Derek throwing to Lawrence. Grant would end his day on the mound after 2 innings of work. He allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 1 hit, 6 walks, and 2 HBPs. He struck out 4.
The Red Sox took a 12-6 lead into the 5th inning.
5th Inning
The Sox added 2 insurance runs in the 5th. Jonathan reached on a fielding error by the Nationals and proceeded to display his knack for running the bases by stealing 2nd and then scoring a series of wild pitches. Tristan drew a walk and then frustrated the National's pitcher by terrorizing the base paths. He stole second and moved the 3rd on an over throw. On the next pitch, he stole home on a wild pitch.
Lawrence (1-0. 7.20 ERA-6 ) relieved Grant to start the 5th. Out one was recorded on a Web Gem play by Derek at second base and he snared a sharply hit line drive. Lawrence hit the next 2 batters and then surrendered a single to right field. Red Sox right fielder, Terrance Gant , quickly fielded the ball and delivered a shot to second base to hold the Nationals to 1 run on the hit. Lawrence settled in to get the next batter to ground out 1-3. Lawrence fielded the dribbler and threw to Tristan at first base to record the out. The game ended with Lawrence ringing up the National's number 3 hitter on 5 pitches. In total, Lawrence went 1 inning, allowed 2 runs, hit 2 batters, allowed 1 hit, and struck out 1 to close out the game.
The entire team deserves game balls for this win but the following players earned special commendations:
Game 3 Game Balls
Tristan Williams for solid starting pitching and scoring 2 runs
Derek Marshall for 2 extra base hits, solid catching, and a Web Gem play at 2nd
Terrance Gant for quickly handling the sharply hit single to right field - holding the Nationals to 1 run.
Game Notes
Evan Lott was on the IL for the day (illness) but kept morale strong in the dug out by cheering the team on.
Special thanks to Greg Phelps for officiating the first couple innings as the Blue was late.
Current Standings
Red Sox 3-0
Braves 3-0
Dodgers 1-2
DBacks 1-3
Mets 1-3
Nationals 1-3
I have attached the game summary and box score. As always, they can also be found 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