June 22, 2008 – MARIETTA, GA – What a week of baseball!  The 13U USSSA Major Georgia State tournament was one for the memory books.  The Elite Red Sox played nine games in seven days and showed more heart in this tournament than any tournament this year.  With a seven and two record, the Elite Red Sox earned a third place finish against the best 13U teams in Georgia.  The format for this tournament was slightly different from others in that after two pool games; the field is seeded for a double-elimination tournament.

The Elite Red Sox first pool game was against the Sandy Plains Trojans.  With little to no experience with this team, the Red Sox did not know what to expect.  The Trojans did defeat the Atlanta Monarchs in a close Triple Crown Game just a week earlier.  As it turned out this one was never really close as the Red Sox won 13-5; giving up a couple of those runs on a wild pitch and an error.  The offensive highlight of this game was solo homerun by Matt Anderson.  Ryan Peurifoy, John Goodman, Blake Edwards, Eric Smith, Zack Woods and Dustin Boggs also had good offensive games with extra-base hits.

The next pool game was against the East Cobb Cubs who the Red Sox had recently beaten in the Triple Crown tournament; but that game certainly wasn’t a walk in the park.  This game would be different as the Red Sox put up twelve runs in two innings. The offensive highlight for this game was a two-run, opposite field homerun by Davis Townsend.  Davis’ HR was part of a four run 2^nd inning; but the Red Sox strung together some timely hits and walks to put up eight in the third.  This win ended pool play for the Red Sox with a 2-0 record; however, due to the 10 runs they allowed, would end up as the fifth seed.

As it turned out the fifth seed played the twelfth seed, so it was back to the Sandy Plains Trojans.  This meeting would be different from the first as the Red Sox got a chance to see the pitching that they were holding back in pool play.  After putting up four runs in the top of the 1^st, the Trojan’s pitcher struck out the side in the bottom.  After a pitching change by the Red Sox, they did not allow another run by the Trojans.  The Red Sox went on to tie the game in the second and take/extend the lead in the last five innings.  Ryan, Eric, Patrick Busscher, Zack, Dustin and Matt all had extra base hits or RBI’s to contribute to the timely offense.  With a 7-4 win, the Red Sox went on the face the East Cobb Astro’s AGAIN.

For the seventh time this year, the Red Sox faced the tough East Cobb Astro’s.  Normally the Red Sox give the Astro’s a good game; but this time, the Red Sox pitching and catching could not get together and every Astro runner advance one or more bases on either a wild pitch or a passed ball.  Combine this with the Astro’s pitcher throwing better than he has all year, and the Red Sox were almost shutout.  Still the loss sent the Red Sox to the loser’s bracket for their next game in the tourney.

The first game in the loser’s bracket was against the Sandy Plains Wildcats, which was the first meeting between these two teams this year.  After the first inning, the Red Sox had a 6-1 lead and felt the game was in control.  To get out of the inning, the Wildcats brought in one of there best pitchers and he continued to manage the Red Sox batters until he began to tire in the seventh.  The Red Sox pitched great through six with the defense holding the lead; however, they slipped in the seventh and not only allowed the Wildcats to tie the game, but to take a four-run lead!  Facing elimination from the tournament, the Red Sox dug down deep and rose to the challenge.  Patrick led off the inning with a walk followed by a solid hit by Matt.  They both advanced to second and third on a wild pitch.  The next batter struck-out and Garrick Rucker worked a walk to load the bases.  Just before facing the next batter, a balk was called on the Wildcats pitcher after he responded to the coach while still on the pitching rubber.  This pushed the first Red Sox run across the plate in the bottom of the seventh; the score was now 10-7.  The Wildcats made a pitching change and the new pitcher walked Zack to load the bases again.  Cameron Ragsdale was then able to get a base hit into shallow center field to push the eighth run across the plate and send it back to the top of the order.  Blake Edwards hit into what could have been a double play; but the Wildcats misplayed the ball and committed an error that allowed the ninth and tenth run to score, tying the game.  With one out, the Wildcats intentionally walked John Goodman to load the bases for the third time in the inning.  Eric then worked a full count and then a walk to get the winning run home.  The Red Sox over-came a four-run deficit in the bottom of the seventh to advance to the next round with a final score 10-11.  This was a huge win for the Red Sox and every player contributed at some point during the game.  The victory provided much needed momentum for the next games.

The sixth game of the tournament was against the South Forsyth War Eagles who the Red Sox faced earlier in the year at the Super NIT.  The Red Sox ran out of time in that game; but this one was much different.  Only allowing two runs, the Red Sox pitching was masterful against the War Eagles; but cannot be given all the credit as the Red Sox defense had another solid performance.  The Red Sox offense used some small ball and timely hits starting in the third to score first and maintain the lead.  Blake (2R RBI), John (2RBI), Dustin (R), Ryan(R), Davis(RBI, R) and Cameron (R) either scored or had RBI’s to contribute to the 6-2 victory over the War Eagles.

The seventh game was against the East Cobb Braves, the third East Cobb team the Red Sox have faced in this tournament.  This was the first time this year to face the Braves and they have always been a tough team for the Red Sox.  This game would be no different as the lead changed four times and the Red Sox putting together some fundamental offense to take the last lead in the bottom of the sixth.  In the third, Zack tied the game with a towering homerun over the left field fence.  In the sixth, with a couple of walks and pass balls, DJ was able to pull a ball to the right side and get, what ended up to be the winning run, home.  Blake also got an RBI insurance run, in the bottom of the sixth on a solid hit up the middle.  Matt had entered the game in the fourth and closed the door in the top of the seventh, striking out the side.  This 8-6 win sent the Red Sox to another meeting with the East Cobb Astro’s.

Employing some strategy noted from a previous game against the Astro’s, the Red Sox gave the mound to DJ Carlisle.  DJ has pitched well for his school team; but this was only his second time this year for the Red Sox and he certainly did not waste the opportunity.  DJ pitched five innings allowing only one earned run.  He kept one of the best hitting teams in the southeast to only four hits with some help from some excellent defense.  You may ask who relieved DJ?  Nobody had to because the Red Sox offense put up nine runs in those five innings to initiate the mercy rule in the fifth.  The Red Sox first two runs came after a solid hit by Davis and a blast over the right field fence by Patrick.  Zack continued his hot streak with another hit and Garrick pushed him across for three runs total in the second.  In the fourth, after another hit by Davis and Patrick, Zack stayed hot, hitting his second homerun of the day to increase the lead by five.  Then in the top of the fifth, Dustin and Cameron reached base on hits and Blake took his turn to drive in three runs on a homerun to right center field.  With an eight-run lead in the fifth, the Red Sox just needed to hold the top East Cobb team.  That is when the highlighted defensive play of the game happened.  With runners on first and second and two outs in the bottom of the fifth, the number three batter hit a flair down the right field line.  Attempting to keep the game going for another inning, the third base coach sent the runner from second.  With out hesitation, Matt caught the ball on one hop and fired a shot to home.  In perfect position, Garrick caught the ball on one hop and applied the tag for the third out!  Stunned, the Astro’s were sent packing, as the Red Sox had knocked them out of the 2008 Georgia Major State tournament in five innings; 9-1.  This win secured third place for the Elite Red Sox.

Continuing to battle through the losers’ bracket, the Elite Red Sox were scheduled to face the Atlanta Monarchs since the GA Bandits run-ruled them earlier in the day.  This would be the Red Sox ninth game compared to the Monarchs fifth in last six days; but the Red Sox were not going away easily.  Due to some tired arms, the Red Sox pitchers gave the Monarchs a six-run lead before their offense could score their first runs in the third.  John roped a double into left center to drive in two.  The Red Sox gave one back on a solo HR; but, Zack blasted his third home run to keep pace with the Monarchs.  In the fifth, DJ started the inning with a double to left and scored on an errant throw by the catcher after advancing to third on a fly to deep right field.  Cameron got on base with a hit and Blake teed off on his second homerun of the day to move to within one run of the Monarchs.  The Monarch coach began to employ some delay tactics, as he was worried about the momentum shift.  Like to many times in the past, the Monarchs found a way to get on base and with one swing put three more on the board.  The Red Sox were able to get one more across in the sixth with bases loaded as DJ worked a base on balls.  Unfortunately, the Monarchs were able to get a force-out with bases loaded to end the tournament for the Red Sox.  It was not easy, but the Monarchs took this one 10-7.

Without a doubt, this was the best tournament that the Red Sox had played all year.  The fortitude and character that they displayed demonstrated their ability to compete with the best in the country.  The team batted over 350 for the week, scoring 74 runs with 25 extra base hits including 8 homeruns.  Great Job Red Sox!

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

June 8, 2008 – ALPHARETTA, GA – Reminiscent of some of last years tournaments, the Elite Red Sox’ finish at the Triple Crown State tournament, was disappointing to say the least.  Absolutely dominating pool play, the Red Sox out-scored their opponents 45 to 9 through three games; but attempted to save pitching in the first game that counted.  The Wills Park Force did not and made it to the semi-final game.  Sometimes lessons are hard to learn.

“Thank you parents; your dedication does not go unnoticed!”

The starting time for the first pool game was 4:00 on Friday, which was a real strain for the team; but our parents demonstrated real dedication by making what ever arrangements that were necessary to have the players there on-time.  Thank you parents, your dedication does not go unnoticed!  This game was against the Wills Park Bulls and was over before it really even got started.  The Red Sox put up eight in the first spraying the balls to all fields including a bomb over the right field fence by Eric Smith (2-2, HR, BB, 3RBI, 2R).  Blake Edwards led the offense attack with three hits and six RBI’s (3-3, 2B, 6RBI, 3R).  Dustin Boggs also had a good offensive game with three hits and two RBI’s (3-3, 2RBI, R).  Samuel Kim (3), Cameron Ragsdale (2), and Zack Woods (1) all contributed with RBI’s of their own.  When the dust cleared, the Red Sox had put 20 runs on the board and blanked the Bulls.

The second pool game was against the East Cobb Cubs.  The Cubs put one on the board in the first and it was not until the third when the Red Sox got their first two runs.  The Red Sox hit the ball hard, but right at the Cubs.  With some good defense Zack held the Cubs to two runs through five innings taking care of four (K’s) on his own.  Dustin closed out the last two innings facing one over the minimum and striking out two.  Patrick Busscher (2-3, 3B, RBI) and Zack (2-2, RBI, R) both had good offense games driving in runs at critical points in the game.  Matt Anderson and Ryan Peurifoy also had RBI’s in the game to give the Red Sox the 7-2 victory.

Two and zero heading into the final pool game and the Red Sox were just having fun.  The third pool game was against the Tri-City Stixx.  The Red Sox started slow; but on the second time through the lineup, they jumped on the Stixx pitcher for seven runs.  The Stixx made a couple of pitching changes in the last three innings; but the Red Sox still put nine more runs on the board.  It was another team effort for the Red Sox offense with every player either getting a hit, a RBI or just getting on base.  A couple of highlights for this game came in the fourth when right after Patrick drove in two with a frozen-rope liner in the gap, Zack hit a monster homerun into the parking lot to put two more on the board.  Ryan, Matt(2), Garrick Rucker, DJ Carlisle, Dustin(2) and Cameron also pushed runs across the plate to add to the total.  The game did not start with a flurry of runs; however, when it was done, the Red Sox had finished with an eleven run lead, (18-7) and earned the number one seed for their pool.

As mentioned earlier, the first bracket game was against the Wills Park Force and turned out to be the last game that the Red Sox would play in the Triple Crown State tournament.  As the Red Sox experienced earlier in the year, the Force has no problem putting the ball in play and in the second inning, a little weary from pitching the day before, the Red Sox pitchers left too many pitches up in the zone.  By the time the Red Sox could get the final out in the inning, the Force had pushed six runs across the plate.  Similar to the game one day before, the second time through the line-up, the Red Sox were able to get some runs in; however, with bases loaded, a pick-off play ended the inning just before the momentum began to shift to the Red Sox side.  This energized the Force and they went on to score a few more in the last three innings.  The Red Sox offensive highlight of the game came from Garrick who hit a towering homerun over the right center field fence.  Although 75% of the Force’s hits were “bleeders” over the infield, the Red Sox could not put enough together to make up for the six run deficit they gave the Force in the second and they were headed home, defeated 11-4. 

The finish was disappointing for the Red Sox; but more lessons are learned from failure than success and several were driven home this weekend.  An interesting quote that seems appropriate:  “If you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get what you have always got”.  Change is necessary if different results are expected.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

May 18, 2008 – HAMPTON, GA – Around many local ballparks you hear people talking about 45/65, 50/70, 54/80 or even 60/90.  To some outside of baseball, this may sound like Greek; but, for those that spend their time inside the lines, these numbers represent progressions within the sport of baseball.  These numbers represent the dimension in feet for pitching and base length.  While 45/65 is for nine and ten year olds (and 12U if you play Little League^TM), 60/90 is the final step; those are the major league distances.  Actually the pitching distance is 60” 6” to be exact and you may have wondered why the extra six inches; according to WikiAnswers, back in the 1890’s, the builders misread the field drawing that said 60’ 0” and it has stuck all these years.  Unlike most age divisions, the 13-14 age division is split; the 13U teams normally play at 54/80 and the 14U teams at 60/90.  This week the 13U Elite Red Sox took the opportunity to compete in the 14U age division of the Clash of the Champions tournament so that they could play at the major league field dimensions. 

The Red Sox first pool game was against another team in the Elite program, the Elite Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs were missing some players and just could not get anything going against the Red Sox pitching.  Matt Anderson pitched three innings, striking out the side in the bottom of the first and three more in the next two.  Samuel Kim pitched the last two innings and with the help of the Red Sox defense was able to keep the shut-out alive until the end.  John Goodman (2-3, 2B, 2R, SB) and Zack Woods (2-3, 2B, RBI, R) led the offense for the Red Sox.  Davis Townsend, DJ Carlisle, Blake Edwards, Dustin Boggs and Cameron Ragsdale also contributed to the total with RBI’s.  The Red Sox took this one in five 8-0.

The second pool game was against the CC Lions, which are a school team out of Carol County.  This one started a little different as the leadoff batter for the Lions roped one into deep left field for a triple.  This run crossed the plate; but as it turned out would be the first and last for the Lions.  Although they hit the ball, the Red Sox pitcher, Blake Edwards used his defense to quiet the Lions.  The Red Sox offense answered back in the bottom of the first with two of their own to take the lead by one.  It was the fourth before the Red Sox would extend their lead by two and in the sixth; they opened it up on four straight hits to end the game.  Matt (2-2, BB, 2R) and Zack (2-3, 2R) stepped up big in these two innings and led the Red Sox’ offense in the game.  Also contributing with RBI’s were John, Garrick Rucker, Sam and Ryan Peurifoy (2).  The mercy rule was initiated in the sixth with a final of 9-1; Red Sox.

The first bracket game was against the Georgia Cobras and I’m sure you have heard of Octoberfest; this game was an Errorfest!  I am sure being short-handed and having players in positions that they do not normally play did not help; but the Red Sox gave the Cobras every opportunity to run away with this one.  Zack, Davis and John all pitched really well and only allowed one earned run through eight innings.  Both Zack (3-4, 2B, RBI, R), and DJ (2-4, 2RBI, R, SB) had a great offensive game.  Matt’s bat has really caught fire blasting his second three-bagger of the tournament; but he also contributed with a key sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the eighth to move the runner to third.  After intentionally loading the bases for the second inning in a row, the Cobras gave up a hit into shallow left by Cameron to plate the winning run.  It wasn’t pretty, but the Red Sox made it to the semi-final game with a final score of 7-6.

The semi-final game was against the Effingham Young Guns who have always played the Red Sox strong in the past.  This game would be no different, but Matt pitched a fantastic complete game, not giving up an earned run.  The Young Guns had a few hits; but could only push two runners across.  The Red Sox took advantage of a couple of errors in the second to get their first two runs; but went on the hit the ball hard to put the game out of reach.  Zack continued to have a great tournament at the plate (2-3, 2B, 2R); but Blake Edwards (2-2, 3B, BB, 2R) and John (2-3, 2RBI, R) joined the hit parade.  Also contributing to the offense was Davis (1-3, 3B, RBI, R), Matt (1-2, BB, RBI, R), Dustin (1-3), Samuel (1-1, RBI) and Garrick (1-1, R).  The Red Sox handled this game 8-2 and were on their way to the championship.

As it turned out, the two teams that made it to the championship game in the 14U division were both 13U and it was not the first time they’ve seen each other this year.  This year the East Cobb Astros have gotten the upper hand taking three of five from the Elite Red Sox.  Both coaches would say that this game was certainly not one of the best defensive games they’ve seen and the final score certainly reflected that.  With an error and some solid hits, the Astros jumped out to a five run lead in the second.  The Red Sox got one back; but played catch-up the entire game.  Two in the third and three in the fifth and sixth, got the Red Sox to within one, showing a great deal of determination and character.  However, it was too little too late and the five spot that the Astros put up in the second was too much to over-come.  No one really stood out in the offense as the runs were earned by just moving runners and getting a hit when they needed it.  After a few more in the seventh, the Red Sox dropped the championship 13-9.  The Red Sox will see the Astros again and next time they should be 100% healthy and take care of business.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page and some additional pictures in the Photo Album.

May 11, 2008 – ROCKWOOD, TN – Twenty teams from fifteen different states all converged on a small town in Tennessee this weekend for one of the most competitive tournaments in the south.  Teams from California, Texas, Michigan and New Jersey all make the trek to the Battle in the South tournament to put their team up against some the best in the country.  Although, the Red Sox were short two of their regular players due to a wedding; the team pulled together and played hard all weekend … well maybe not counting Friday night ;-). 

The Elite Red Sox first pool game was at 9:00 on Friday night after fighting traffic for four plus hours.  The trip obviously took a toll on the players, as this was the worst they have played all year.  Pitching and defense has always been the strength of this team; but not this night in Rockwood.  When it was all said and done, the Mt. Juliet Bearcats won 6-3.  I’ll borrow a quote from Forrest Gump and say “That’s all I’m goin’ to say bout that.”

The second pool game was against the South Oakland A’s who we also played against in the Elite Travel Classic.  The A’s are a solid team that can really hit the ball.  One of the highlights of this game was the bomb that Blake Edwards hit over the opposite field fence in the first inning  He also drove in two RBI’s in the 3^rd for a great offensive outing (2-2, HR, 3RBI, BB, R).  Both Matt Anderson (2-2, 2B, BB) and Garrick Rucker (2-3, RBI, R) also had good offensive games.  After allowing four runs in the second, Davis Townsend came into the game and shut the A’s down just as he did in ATL.  Although the Red Sox had runners on in every inning, they would only need two to take the win 9-4. 

The third pool game was another hard fought game against a team from Colorado; 5280 Baseball.  Certainly the highlight of this game was Eric Smith’s pitching performance.  Through 5 1/3 innings, he only allowed one earned run.  He had great command of his pitches and with the help of some timely defensive held the game in check until the very end.  That was when, the strangest thing that we have ever experienced from an umpire, happened.  With a runner on first, a second strike was called on the Red Sox batter.  Obviously frustrated, the batter expressed his dissatisfaction to the third-base coach.  Without another pitch even thrown, the umpire called the batter out.  He did not eject him he just called him out.  This ended the Red Sox last at bat to try and break the 3-3 tie.  Of course, in full support of his player, the Red Sox head coach argued the case; but was quickly ejected from the game.  5280 proceeded to score one in the bottom of the 6^th to win the game.  We should have protested the call; but, we’ll just pass on the warning to other teams that make the trip to Rockwood.

With a record of 1-2, the Red Sox were destined to a consolation game against Brooklawn baseball out of New Jersey.  Brooklawn has some talented players; but apparently haven’t played much competitive ball up to this point.  After a few pick-off plays and some run downs, the Red Sox took this game 9 to 5.  Without exception, every Red Sox player contributed offensively in this game with either a hit, RBI, R or sacrificing to move runners into scoring position.

Over-all it wasn’t a bad tournament for the Red Sox.  One thing about this team… they always seem to enjoy themselves whether they are on the topside or the bottom.  This team really has great chemistry.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

May 4, 2008 – LAGRANGE, GA – Competitive baseball… that is exactly what the Elite Red Sox pursue and that is what the West Georgia Bash provided this weekend.  Teams do not get better by playing weak tournaments just to accumulate points.  They get better when they are pushed to execute.  Although the Red Sox had a few misplays, they showed tremendous character and did not let up until the game was over. 

The first pool game was against the Carrollton Clippers who are a solid team but as they showed late in the game can be easily managed with pitching that keeps them off balance.  Although the Clippers were able to string a couple of hits together in the first three innings and push five across, the Red Sox pitching sent seven out of last fifteen batters back to the dugout without even touching a ball.  As far as the Red Sox offense, they hit the ball hard; but, it was one of those days when everything goes right at the defense.  The Red Sox offensive leader was DJ Carlisle (2-3, 2B, 3B, RBI, R).  Therefore, the Clippers took the first pool game 5-2.

The second pool game was against the Homeplate Chilidogs.  The Red Sox coaches reminded the players of an event that happened earlier in the year and that was all the motivation that was needed.  Unlike what they have done all year, the Red Sox jumped out early with a six-run lead in the first inning.  When it was all said and done, as a team, the Red Sox’ batting average was .542 led by Dustin Boggs (3-3, 3RBI, SB), Eric Smith (2-2, 2B, 3B, 3RBI, R), Zack Woods (2-3, 3B, RBI, 2R), John Goodman (1-2, 2B,BB, RBI, 2R) and Samuel Kim (1-2, BB, 2R).  In addition to his offense, and with the help of Red Sox defense, Dustin made a relief pitching appearance shutting down the Chilidogs in the fourth and fifth innings.  With the eleventh run scored in the fifth, the mercy rule was imposed and the Red Sox had taken their second pool game 11-3 in five. 

Due to the one and one record, the Elite Red Sox earned the number five seed facing the number four seed the Emerald Coast Blazers in the second round.  This game was a pitchers duel from the beginning.  Although the Blazers had runners on base in a few innings, they could not push a run across against Matt Anderson.  Matt only allowed two hits and struck-out nine through six innings.  In the top of the sixth with two outs, Eric worked a BB and Patrick Busscher moved him to second with a solid hit to right-center.  DJ loaded the bases with an infield hit deep in the hole at short.  Obviously the Blazer pitcher was pressing and hit the next two batters (Matt & Garrick Rucker) to give the Red Sox the first two runs of the game.  Unfortunately, the Red Sox could not hold the lead in the bottom of the seventh as they allowed the Blazers to score their first two runs and tie the game.  With the international tiebreaker in place it took the Red Sox two additional innings to get the win; but some solid pitching by John closed the deal.  The Red Sox won 3-2 in nine innings.

The Red Sox second bracket game was against the Circle City Hooks who had only allowed seven runs in their three previous games.  The Red Sox jumped out early with three runs in the first.  One of those runs came from a solo blast over the left field fence by Davis Townsend.  The Red Sox hit the ball solidly the whole game but could not always get the hits when they needed them.  Patrick (3-4, 2RBI) and Zack (2-2, BB, R) led the offense in this game accounting for five of the ten hits in the game.  Eric (6IP, 3ER, 5K) pitched a great game through six innings; but the pitch count caught up with him so he did not return in the seventh.  With a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the seventh the Red Sox allowed a couple of hits and a misplay to let the game slip through their hands.  Circle City won the game 7-6. 

The Red Sox played too well to hang their heads and rest assured, the experience with failure is a greater teacher than winning the entire tournament.  The Red Sox will work harder and will be stronger the next time these two teams meet up.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

April 26, 2008 – CANTON, GA – SQUEEZE was the word used a lot this weekend at the Cherokee Reds Invitational tournament and it did not have anything to do with bunting!  The umpires at this tournament were either trying to push an agenda or were completely oblivious to any pitch that did not fit in an 8” square just below the belt.  One of our pitchers that will normally throw over 70% strikes did not make it through an inning.  You might say, maybe he had an off night; but another one of our best pitchers had to be pulled after throwing 58 pitches in just two innings.  During one game, the comment was made by a spectator that, “someone is going to get hurt if the umpires keep forcing the ball to be thrown right down the middle of the plate”, and sure enough, one of the Red Sox’ pitchers just about got their ankle broken.  Well enough of the negative, let us focus on the positive.  The Elite Red Sox overcame the other teams, the umpires and personal injury to earn two victories and a tie in another rain-shortened tournament.

The Elite Red Sox first game was against the Powder Spring War Eagles.  Although the Red Sox had runners on base in every inning, it was not until the third that they pushed two across to take the lead 2-1.  In the fourth, Samuel Kim started off the inning with a line shot off the centerfield fence, stole two bases but; the Red Sox still could not get a hit to fall to get the run home.  With a hit batter, a couple of walks and some solid hits by Ryan Peurifoy, Davis Townsend, Eric Smith and DJ Carlisle, the Red Sox finally put the game away with three more runs through the sixth.  In this game, the Red Sox pitching did not allow and earned run and was handled by Matt Anderson, Patrick Busscher and Dustin Boggs.  The final was 5-2 and the Red Sox closed out their first pool game.

The second pool game was against the Wills Park Force, which had some familiar faces from the past.  If you know anything about the Red Sox, you know that we allow fewer runs scored than every other 13U Major team in Georgia.  According to the USSSA rankings, the Red Sox’ only allow 2.6 runs per game compared to the next lowest, which is 3.9.  So when they allow 10 runs through two innings (8 earned) there is something up.  We have to give them credit though, since after making the adjustment, the Force was only able to put one more on the board through the remaining three innings.  This adjustment kept the Red Sox in the game long enough to get the tie.  Actually, even after allowing the Force to score five in the first, the Red Sox jumped on their pitcher in the bottom of the first to take a two run lead, 5-7.  The Red Sox had opportunities in the second and third after doubles by Ryan and Garrick Rucker, but could not get the hits when we needed them. 

In the bottom of the second after allowing the Force to take the lead back by three in the top, the Red Sox got the scare of the weekend.  As Eric was trying to advance to second after the Force made a play at home, he slid into the shortstop covering the bag and sustained a head and neck injury.  The game was stopped and Eric was transported to the hospital for evaluation.  The CAT scan came back negative; but Eric was out for the remainder of the tournament.  His prognosis is good and Eric will be with us next weekend in LaGrange.  Up to that point, he was four for four at the plate with one walk; tough loss for the Red Sox.

With the added motivation of an injured player, the Red Sox got a couple of runners on with a solid hit by Dustin and some great hustle by Davis.  With two on, John Goodman proceeded to make it a one-run game with one swing by blasting a three-run homer over the left field fence.  That gave John a 3-3 game at the plate with two singles at his previous at-bats.  With a walk and some aggressive base running, the Red Sox tied the game in the fifth.  After a booming double (his second of the game) by Zack Woods, the Red Sox almost pulled out the comeback win of the season; but time expired and the game ended in a tie 11-11.  This earned the Red Sox the number one seed in their pool.

The first bracket game was later that same day against the Kennesaw Mustangs, which also had many familiar faces.  True to previous games, the umpires were still making orange juice out of our pitching.  After allowing two in the first, John Goodman struck out the side in the second.  The Red Sox tied the game in the second after DJ reached on a solid hit up the middle and Garrick went long for two RBI’s.  You could not have scrubbed G's smile off with a Brillo pad as he rounded all the bases.  The Mustangs scored two more in the third; but true to their reputation, the Red Sox never backed down.  With one out, Cameron Ragsdale sent a rope to the left field corner for a stand-up double.  With great hustle, Ryan legged out an infield hit and advanced to into scoring position after a first and third situation.  Davis then proceeds to tie the game by driving in both runners with the second double in the inning.  John then drove in the go ahead run with a solid single.  After John advanced to second, Patrick Busscher drove him in with the third double of the inning.  This was enough to put the game out of reach for the Mustangs.  The final was 6-4 Red Sox. 

Just like so many tournaments this season, the rain came over night and was too much for the field to handle.  The tournament was called and the final standings were based on pool play.  The Red Sox were in a good position to take this tournament; but had to settle for second after the rain. 

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

April 21, 2008 – MARIETTA, GA – Thanks to THE ONE in charge, we finally had great weekend weather and some great baseball.  Although the Elite Travel Classic is not sanctioned by USSSA or AAU or any of the other governing bodies, it is associated with the Travel Ball Select  web site and draws top competition from all over the eastern U.S.  Demonstrating tremendous determination, the Elite Red Sox came from behind in every pool game to go 3-0, beating some solid teams including the South Oakland A’s (MI), East Cobb Astros (GA) and Warhawk Baseball (AL).  The Red Sox’ performance accentuated the fact that if you are going to beat them, you better not let up until its time to shake hands!

The Red Sox’ first game was against the South Oakland A’s out of Michigan.  This team is serious about baseball, as this is at least the third time they have come down south to play.  With two double plays by John Goodman, Cameron Ragsdale and Eric Smith in the first two innings, the Red Sox were able to hold the A’s scoreless.  The Red Sox scored their first two runs in the third that matched the two the A’s scored in the top.  It was not until the top of the fifth before the next runs were scored and before, the Red Sox knew it they were down by five on some very solid hits by the A’s.  In the bottom of the fifth, the Red Sox got back two on some base-on-balls and a double by Blake Edwards.  The Red Sox held the A’s in the sixth and came in down by three.  Ryan Peurifoy started the bottom of the sixth with a hit to left and Eric Smith picked up the RBI following Ryan’s hit with a opposite field double.  DJ Carlisle drove in Eric also with an opposite field double.  The Red Sox were down by one as DJ moved to third when the A’s attempted to gun Eric down at home.  With no outs, Garrick Rucker hit a rope to deep left field that allowed DJ to tag-up and score to tie the game.  Cameron Ragsdale earned a walk and advanced to second on a pass ball.  With an infield hit, deep in the hole at short, Blake reached base with one out and advanced Cameron to third.  Davis Townsend then proceeded to blast a hit through the left side gap to score Cameron that would prove to be the winning run.  Patrick Busscher went to the mound in the top of the seventh and was masterful as he faced the minimum with the help of his defense turning another double play.  Down by five to a strong hitting team, the Red Sox rallied back to take the first pool game and set the theme for the remaining pool games.

Just as exciting as the first pool game, the Red Sox rose to the occasion again to beat the East Cobb Astros.  Through the top of the third, the Red Sox were on top by a score of 4-2; but then the proverbial bad inning occurred and before the Red Sox could get three outs, the Astros had taken the lead by three.  The Red Sox held them in the fourth and came to bat in the fifth.  Even though the Astros brought in the big gun to close out the game, Cameron lead off the inning with a ground rule double off the net in left field and Eric earned a walk.  Zack Woods moved the runners to second and third and DJ got the RBI to get the Red Sox to within two.  With two outs and time running out, Dustin earned a walk that brought Blake to the plate with two runners on base.  All the fans were thinking it; but dared not to say anything, as we knew he had the potential to win this game with the long ball.  No sooner said (thought) than done as Blake blasted a three-run home run over the left field fence into traffic on Lower Roswell Road to win the game.  For the second game in a row, the Red Sox came from behind to win.

The third game against Warhawk baseball (AL) was just simply a pitchers duel.  Eric Smith pitched a complete game only allowing six hits through seven innings and no earned runs.  He had seven K’s and only one free pass.  One Warhawk run crossed the plate in the plate in the second on a misplay by the Red Sox defense.  The Warhawk’s pitcher did well also, keeping the Red Sox off balance through four innings; however, he could not go the distance and that is when the Red Sox turned the “Tide”.  Scoring three in the fifth and two in the sixth, the Red Sox again came from behind to take their third pool game and secure the number three seed out of sixteen teams.

Well, you may ask what the number three seed earned.  Home field advantage was about it since as it turned out, the East Cobb Astros could do no better than sixth seed and they were slated to play who?, you guessed it, the number three seed.  So, for the fifth time this season, we played the Astros.  Unlike the previous game, there were lead changes in this game; but through five innings, the score was tied at five a piece.  In the sixth, the Astros strung together some big hits and before they knew it, the Red Sox were behind by six.  The Red Sox were able to push two more across; but time ran out and the tournament was over for the Red Sox.

It was a great tournament and the Red Sox are well on their way to making a name for themselves in the world of travel baseball.  Will the Red Sox get some well-deserved recognition from the people that follow these tournaments?  Probably not; but does it really matter? Naaah…  We don’t need their acknowledgement because the Red Sox are confident in their ability to compete at the highest levels and we are having fun!!!!.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

April 6, 2008 – HAMPTON, GA – Despite the rain and revised format for the Super NIT in Atlanta, the Elite Red Sox again showed the competition that we are a team to be reckoned with.  I’m sure if you asked both the East Cobb Astros and the South Forsyth War Eagles, they were lucky that they left with a win.  The Red Sox had opportunities; but a slow start in both games sent them home early.

After waiting four-plus hours, the Elite Red Sox got their first game against a tenacious Shiloh Heat.  After implementing a short sighted tie-breaker rule for four innings, the Red Sox’ Matt Anderson blasted a double to score the first run of the game.  Ryan Peurifoy followed Matt with a solid single to drive in another run.  One run was all the Red Sox would need to get the win and advance in the winners bracket.

The Red Sox next game had to be the shortest of the tournament.  Facing the East Cobb Astros, the Red Sox loaded the bases in both innings and could only get one across.  The Astros had two hits to start the game and scored on a passed ball and a wild pitch.  In the end, one run was the difference that eventually sent the Astros on to an Elite 24 berth.

The third game was against the South Forsyth War Eagles.  The Elite Red Sox spotted the War Eagles three runs in the first.  Although the Red Sox had runners on in the first two innings, it wasn’t until the third that they were able to push two across on some base-on-balls and some solid hits.  With bases loaded, the War Eagles began to delay the game to make sure the Red Sox would not get another at bat.  As it turned out they got the ground ball they were looking for and the tournament was over for the Elite Red Sox. 

Given the format, the Red Sox coaches were extremely pleased with the team’s performance.  Given a little more time, both losses could have easily ended differently.  The season is still early and due to the weather, the Elite Red Sox have not gotten the games they planned; but a message has been sent; The Elite Red Sox are a tough team to contend with.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

 In the first pool game against Powder Springs Longhorns, Samuel Kim pitched the complete game and only allowed three runs with five K’s through five innings.  Sam also had a good offensive outing going 2-2 with 3 runs scored.  Also contributing to the offense was Boggs (2-4), Rucker (2-4), Goodman (2-3, 3RBI), Anderson (3B) & Townsend 2-3.  The final was 11-3.  Then the monsoon hit!

 Moving to another park on Sunday, in our second pool game, we faced the Douglasville Storm.  With some good defense behind him, Garrick Rucker pitched a shut-out; but handled several by himself with four K’s in four innings.  The offense for this game was a team effort with almost every player either scoring a run for getting an RBI.  With a 9-0 win, the three runs allowed earned the number one seed.

 As it turned out, we faced the Douglasville Storm in our first bracket game.  The Red Sox turned up the heat and this time blanked’um again12-0.  Eric Smith went the distance for the shut-out, getting four K’s in four innings.  Another team outing for offense saw almost everyone contributing to the total.  Townsend, Goodman and Anderson were standouts accounting for six RBI’s between them.

 The second bracket game was against the GA Titans.  We faced this team earlier in the year when the weather forced the use of wood bats.  Although the final results were both a win, this time the spread was 8 instead of 1.  Boggs pitched a complete game only allowing 1 earned run and 4 hits through 5 innings.  He also struck out 4 and picked off two runners.  Goodman (2-3, 2B, RBI), Hawk (2-2, 2B, 3B) and Busscher (1-3, 2B, 2RBI) were the offensive stand-outs in this game.  All three had extra base hits contributing to a final score of 9-1.

 Like it should be, the championship game ended up with the number one seed (Red Sox) against the number two seed (EC Hurricanes).  Both teams knew that runs were going to be a premium due to the two pitchers that started the game (Anderson – Red Sox & Underwood – Hurricanes).  Both can dominate with mid-70 mph fastballs and some of the best off-speed pitches around. 

 Through three innings, only three batters reached base for both teams.  In the fourth with one out, trying to be too careful to a number three and four batter, the Red Sox’ pitcher surrendered two walks.  With a passed ball and a wild pitch, these two accounted for the only runs the Hurricanes would be able to push across the plate.  Anderson went on to retire the next two batters. 

 In the fifth, the Red Sox were also able to capitalize on a mistake by the Hurricanes after a solid hit to left by Anderson and a throwing error by the second baseman.  As it turned out, those two innings would account for the final score. 

 Goodman took over for Anderson in the sixth and although he stumbled a bit, was able to keep the Hurricanes from extending their lead with some good defensive plays backing him up.

 The Red Sox made a run at the tie in the seventh; but the Hurricane’s pitcher was still pitching well enough, even after a pitch-count over 100 pitches, to hold the lead.  The final score was 2-1 Hurricanes; but the Red Sox can’t hang their heads as they played a great game and look forward to facing the Hurricanes again.

 Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

March 16, 2008 – CONYERS, GA – Record-breaking weather was not all that happened in Georgia this weekend.  Hardcore Baseball hosted a USSSA major tournament to benefit the 12U Rockdale Rhino’s quest for Cooperstown. 

With five players playing middle school or freshman baseball with their schools, the Elite Red Sox coaches are constantly scrambling to get nine players on the field.  As a result of requesting the last games on Saturday, the Red Sox were the only team that did not get at least one pool game.  To get the tournament in, Hardcore Baseball decided that the 13U majors would go directly to bracket play.  Seeding would be based on USSSA points within the previously established pools.  With a number one seed, the Elite Red Sox first bracket game was against the team that, given a normal schedule, probably would have made it to the championship game; the Dekalb Tigers. 

The Tigers are a talented group of players and coaches that have always given the Red Sox great competition.  Sunday’s bracket game would be no different; when the Tigers scored in the top of the fifth to tie the game at three.  Matt Anderson was not at his best; but was still able to shut down the Tigers in three of the four innings, striking out six.  The Red Sox’ bats caught fire in the bottom of the fifth and before the Tigers could get three outs, the Red Sox had put six on the board when time expired.  This win sent the Red Sox to the championship game against the Georgia Bruins.

Making the routine plays was all the was needed to get Davis Townsend the win.  He pitched five innings of shut-out baseball against the Georgia Bruins which was a repeat of his last outing.  Davis also helped himself offensively going 2-3 with an RBI.  DJ, Patrick & Cameron also added to the RBI total accounting for four more.  Blake, Dustin, Garrick, Ryan and Sam also contributed scoring seven of the nine runs that ended the game early when the mercy rule was triggered in the 5^th inning.  So by taking two games on Sunday, the Elite Red Sox proved to be the “King of the Diamond” this week by winning the championship game.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

March 2, 2008 – HAMPTON, GA – The 2008 5^th Annual North Forty Spring Shoot-out is a USSSA World Series qualifier that serves as a fundraising tournament for the Elite Red Sox and is co-hosted by the Hampton Youth Club.  The 13U Major division only had six teams; but represented the top teams in Georgia.  It’s always difficult to play in a tournament that you’re hosting; but the Elite Red Sox accomplished a goal that they had set only one week earlier. 

In their first pool game, facing the Georgia Boyz, the Red Sox missed some very good opportunities to take this game; but let it get away.  Their second pool game was against the East Cobb Astros, who just a week earlier had eliminated them from the Ricky Weems Memorial tournament.  This meeting would be different and after the Astros took an early lead, the Red Sox never backed down and went ahead in the top of the fifth.  The Astros put one on the board in the bottom to send the game into over-time.  With the international tie breaker rule in effect, the Red Sox put four on the board in the top of the sixth.  With a four run lead, the Red Sox pitcher (Hawk) finished the Astros off getting a pop-up to the infield and two K’s to get the win in a complete game outing.

With a second seed, the Elite Red Sox faced the Georgia Bruins.  This relatively new team has gained some valuable experience in their first two tournaments.  The Red Sox took that game and went on to face the soon to be tournament champions, the Georgia Bandits.  The Bandits were certainly motivated since the Elite Red Sox beat them twice in the only two times that they faced each other in calendar year 2007.  The Bandits scored early and it wasn’t until the fourth when the Red Sox made their move.  Four runs wasn’t enough and the Red Sox would have to be satisfied with a third place finish in the tournament. 

The Elite Red Sox can’t be disappointed; with the tremendous help of our parents, we raised enough money to cover the rest of our season and we beat one of the top ranked teams in the nation.  We’ll see each other again soon as five of the six teams in this tournament will be in Cumming next week to battle further.

Box Scores can be found on the Game Results page.

February 24, 2008 – AUSTELL, GA – The Ricky Weems Memorial baseball tournament was a fundraiser hosted by the Georgia Titans.  The Elite Red Sox handled their two pool games only allowing one run; but due to some bitterly cold temperatures on Saturday night, the second pool game was declared a wood bat only game.  This was our first experience using wood bats and it showed.  Although we had some really hard hit balls, it was obvious the Red Sox were not comfortable at the plate.  As a number two seed due to runs scored, the Red Sox faced the Powder Springs War Eagles ace pitching in the mid 70’s.  With patience & small ball, the Red Sox knocked the hurler out in four innings and proceeded to take control of the first elimination game.  The next game was against the eventual champions of the tournament, East Cobb Astros.  The Astros were on top of their game and after seven innings had eliminated the Red Sox from the tournament.  Considering the conditions and the early season, the coaches are pleased with where we are and now have a goal to shoot for; handle the Astros.

Box scores can be found under the Game Results page.

October 14, 2007, LAGRANGE, GA – The Elite Red Sox end their fall season with another appearance in the championship game.  With three of our best pitchers out with injuries, the coaches knew it was going to be a challenging weekend at the 2007 Fall State Tournament in Lagrange.  Of course, it was not just the Red Sox pitching; both the Columbus Copperheads and Opelika (Lee County) Invaders came to play.  Both proved to be solid teams that are well coached and can put the baseball in play regardless of the pitch.

Our first pool game against the Copperheads turned into a pitchers duel and through 5 ½ innings each team was only able to get three runs home.  Being the home team, the Red Sox took advantage of a defensive mistake and with some small ball, scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth. 

The Red Sox faced the Invaders in our second pool game and had a one-run lead going into the sixth inning after allowing two unearned runs in the fifth.  The momentum had shifted and before the Red Sox could retire the side in the sixth, the Invaders had taken a five run lead.  The Red Sox scored a couple to close the gap; but, suffered their first loss of the fall season to the Invaders.

As it turned out, the 1-1 start in pool play sent the Red Sox up against the Invaders in a do or die bracket game.  This game would be different from our first meeting since the loss from the day before was fresh on their minds.  Eric Smith took the mound and pitched five innings only allowing two earned runs.  Dustin and Blake led the offense each with a triple and a single accounting for four runs scored and four RBI’s.  John Goodman closed it out in the sixth facing the minimum.  The Red Sox defeated the Invaders eight to four in six which sent the Red Sox to their fourth championship game in four tournaments against the Columbus Copperheads.

The championship game proved to be a true marathon and the Red Sox missed some key opportunities to cross the finish-line ahead.  Leading most of the game, the Red Sox left 12 runners on base through nine, which allowed the Copperheads to stay close until the end.  The injuries finally caught up with the Red Sox and running out of pitching allowed the Copperheads a nine run inning which was too much to over-come.  The Red Sox never hung their heads though by scoring four in the ninth to make it respectable.  The Red Sox had finished an amazing fall season taking second in the 2007 USSSA Fall State Tournament.

As we look back on the 18-2 run, the coaches sum up the experience by pointing toward the chemistry of the players, parents and coaches.  We brought on five new players in the fall and without any significant practice, were able to be competitive and win 18 of 20 games this fall.  It is exciting to think about what we will be able to accomplish next spring and have already created a name for ourselves.  As quoted by a parent from another team; “the Elite Red Sox will be the team to beat in ‘08”.  The coaches appreciate the complements and look forward to working with these players and parents to prepare these kids for the next level of baseball. 

Box scores are on the Game Results page.  

Pictured Left to Right: Back - Coaches, Steve Bullington, Todd Smith, Pat Busscher, Russ Ragsdale; Center - Davis Townsend, DJ Carlisle, Dustin Boggs, Ryan Peurifoy, Garrick Rucker, Cameron Ragsdale; Front - Patrick Busscher, Matt Anderson, John Goodman, Matthew Busscher, Blake Edwards, Eric Smith; Not Pictured - Samuel Kim

 2007 Triple Crown Sports East Cobb Fall Classic Champions

September 30, 2007, MARIETTA, GA – The 13U Elite Red Sox made an indelible impression on Triple Crown Sports and East Cobb Baseball this weekend.  Although run production was not what it could have been (only due to just having 2 ½ practices since the end of June) the Red Sox pitching was absolutely dominating.  Of the four (YES THAT’S RIGHT… 4!) runs allowed in five games, only two were earned in twenty-five innings.  That was an amazing feat against a couple of solid major/AAA teams.  The pitchers can’t get all the credit because the Red Sox defense stepped up making most of the routine plays and several double-plays to strand nineteen runners.

Some of the stand outs from the weekend include:

• Matt Anderson batted over .500 for the weekend and had nine K’s in three innings pitched.
• Samuel Kim scored three times in one game; one time after a two-base bomb off the left field fence.
• Dustin Boggs, John Goodman & Ryan Peurifoy’s middle in-field play; turning several key double plays and showing great range to account for twenty-two outs.
• Blake Edwards and Cameron Ragsdale’s web-gem type defensive plays that stifled several of the opponent’s attempts to get on base.
• Key hits by DJ Carlisle, Garrick Rucker and Eric Smith that accounted for 10 RBI’s.
• Unselfish sacrifice by Patrick Busscher. Benched by a football injury he supported the team all weekend by being in the dug-out, encouraging the team and assisting the coaches during the games. 
• The pitching performance in the championship game by Davis Townsend; no earned runs in the six innings that he was allowed to pitch.

Winning the 2007 TCS East Cobb Fall Classic earned the 13U Elite Red Sox berths to the 2008 TCS regional tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC, the 2008 TCS World Series in Steamboat Springs, CO, the 2008 TCS Fall Nationals in St. Augustine, FL and the 2008 TCS Fall Nationals in Las Vegas, NV.

Box scores are on the Game Results page.  

2007 USSSA Rockdale Fall Classic Champions!

October 7, 2007, CONYERS, GA –The human spirit was alive and well at the 2008 USSSA Rockdale Fall Classic.  Sometimes winning for the sake of winning is not enough… and Sunday’s motivation came from an unfortunate turn of events.  

After a couple of solid pool games on Saturday, the Elite Red Sox headed into Sunday as the number one seed in our pool only allowing three runs in ten innings.  Our first bracket game against the Grayson Rams was easily in hand after the Red Sox jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning.  This sent us to the semi-final game against a solid Shiloh Heat team, who last Fall, ran up the score unnecessarily in a championship game.  A quick reminder of that provided some added motivation.  For the second week in a row, Matt Anderson took the mound and simply dominated.  He went 4 2/3 innings, did not allow a hit or a run and struck out seven.  John Goodman and Samuel Kim lead the offense, both going three for three with a double apiece.  Davis Townsend and Dustin Boggs also had good offensive outings accounting for four of the fourteen hits by the Red Sox.  Taking the game from the Shiloh Heat 6-2 sent the Red Sox to the Championship game for the second week in a row.

As the Red Sox were warming up for the championship game, Matt Anderson was accidentally struck in the eye with a bat.  He was immediately taken to the hospital where we later found out that he has three broken bones on his face that may require some minor surgery.  His eye movement and vision seem to be unaffected.  After Matt left, the Red Sox players began to rally around the accident.  Several chose to use eye-black and write Matt’s number 21 on their face.  It was a reminder to us all of our fallen player.  Facing the Georgia Bandits, certainly one of the strongest teams in Georgia, had new meaning now… “Let’s win it for Matt!”

The Red Sox struck first scoring once in the bottom of the first and with some great defensive plays, they held off the Bandits until the third when they scored twice on leadoff double and a walk.  In the bottom of the fourth, with a sacrifice bunt by Ryan and a solid hit by Dustin, the Red Sox put two on the board with some small ball to retake the lead by one.  Even after a leadoff triple and one out in the top of the fifth, the Red Sox made some great defensive plays to prevent the Bandits from scoring.  Eric led off the bottom of the fifth with a line shot into the right field corner for a lead-off, stand-up triple.  John drove him in with a solid single.  With two on and no outs, Cameron drove a ball into deep center for a stand-up double and two RBI’s.  Before, the Bandits could retire the side; the Red Sox had put four on the board in the bottom of the fifth.  The lead was now five. 

In the top of the sixth, the Red Sox pitcher was struggling and the Bandits loaded the bases with no outs.  Then, in a moment, the Red Sox executed one of the most rare defensive plays in baseball; the triple play.  Dustin caught a line shot right at the ground for the first out, flipped it to Ryan covering second for the second out and Ryan went to Eric at first for the third out!  If Dustin does not catch that ball, two runs score and the outcome of the game could have been different.  It was one of the most exciting plays this Fall.    

After the Bandits scored once on a couple of hits in the top of the seventh, the Red Sox made a pitching change bringing in Eric Smith to close out the game.  Eric Smith came to the mound with greater confidence than we have seen before; you could see it on his face… This is for Matt!  Eric struck out the leadoff batter with two on for the first out.  I believe this batter was the only player in the tournament to “go long” in one of the previous games.  With two on and one out the Red Sox conceded a run for an out as Eric got a ground ball to the right side to get the second out.  After an intentional walk to the number three batter, the clean-up hitter blasted the first pitch into shallow center and with a full speed charge, DJ Carlisle made a great catch to get the third out and end the game.  Red Sox defeat the Bandits 7-3 to take the 2008 USSSA Rockdale Fall Classic championship.

This tournament was one of the best examples of team play in our three years playing together.  Every player, at some point, made a crucial contribution to the TEAM’S success.  The Red Sox batted over .500 for the tournament, allowed only six earned runs and scored forty-seven; Fantastic job Red Sox!

The championship game was one of the most exciting games we’ve played and the coaches, players and parents certainly want to extend our thanks to Hardcore Baseball for putting on a great tournament.

Box scores are on the Game Results page.  

September 9, 2007, HAMPTON, GA – Neighbors helping neighbors was the theme for this weekend at North Forty Recreation Area in Hampton Georgia.  The Hampton Youth Club hosted a charity baseball tournament to raise money for Tom Hardy, who is dealing with many financial issues in his fight against cancer.  Keith Stone, a co-worker of Tom, organized the event in which teams from North Henry, McDonough and Hampton competed in a two-day baseball tournament.  Many local business and individuals donated time and money to make this event successful.  Over $2800 was raised by entry fees, concessions, raffles and donations.  The 13U Elite Red Sox went 4-0 on the weekend to take the tournament.  To complete the field, the 13U Elite Red Sox were invited at the last minute and were glad to participate in a worthy cause.  The other 13U teams showed a great deal of character and sportsmanship thorough-out the weekend.  Box scores are on the Game Results page.