July 24, 2003

SPORTS

Major League ends a fine ball season

It came down to this — one game. The Reds and the Athletics had identical league records, eight wins, one loss each. The Reds’ only loss of the season had been to the upstart A’s, who had beaten them earlier in the season in a shocker, 9–8. The A’s, who at the beginning of the season were an unknown quantity, but who picked up two key players in the free agent draft, were playing the biggest game of their young lives.

This time, the Reds would not be denied as they made no mistakes and beat the A’s 20–4 on the last day of the season, July 19. Ethan Brown returned from vacation and won his eighth game against only one loss, striking out seven for a league-leading 72 strikeouts in the season, clinching the championship for the Reds.

Jake Fugate made the catch of the year in right field, was 2 for 3, and scored two runs, Brittany Sheets was 3 for 4 and scored a run, Jenny Barnett was 2 for 3 with a run scored and almost scored again but was called out on a close play at home after colliding with the catcher, Matt Finn was 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored and Ryan Silvert was 3 for 4 with three runs scored. Cody Evans started for the A’s after returning from his vacation and took the loss. The A’s outfielders played exceptionally well, with Lucas Blanchard-Glueckert at left-center field, Sara Adkins in right, Aaron Fletcher in right-center and Alex Nickels in left.

In the other games in this final week of the season, the A’s defeated the Cubs 22–5 on Wednesday, July 16, with Alex Turner getting his sixth win of the season. Jerrico Stubblefield played excellent defense at catcher and contributed heavily at the plate. Brandon Semler played a stellar first base, Jerimiha Stubblefield played the hot corner, Ryan Phillips played shortstop and Jamie Kitzmiller played second base.

Alexis Onfroy-Curley started and took the loss for the Cubs, Lauren Miles added to her all-star credentials by playing shortstop and going 2 for 2 at the plate with a walk and a run scored, Nathan Mitchell got a huge hit in the fourth inning, batting in two runs, Zack Donley did yeoman’s service at catcher and Justin Donley played nearly flawless right-center field.

On Thursday, July 17, the Reds beat the Yankees 26–10. Joe Fugate started and won his first game of the year, was 3 for 3, walked, homered, and scored four runs. James Butler was 3 for 3, walked, doubled, and also scored four runs, Todd Sheets was 2 for 2 with a walk, home run, triple, and three runs scored. Sheets also pitched the last two innings and struck out six.

In the first game, on Saturday the 19th, the Cubs won their final game of the year by beating the Yankees 23–12. The Cubs ended the season at five wins and seven losses in third place and are poised to be a contender next season with the deepest pitching staff in the league and every player save one returning. Loren Miles started the game and got the win, Sam Morrison pitched a third of an inning and Carl Wiener finished the game with two thirds of an inning in this time-shortened four-inning game.

Buddy Adkins finished his career by going 5 for 6; everybody hit and contributed, including Shaquil Collett and Steven Scott, who both sprayed hits everywhere and played flawless defense at left field and third base, respectively. Lucas Donnell started and took the loss for the Yanks. Donnell undoubtedly throws the hardest of anybody in the league and has a bright future. Conor Stratton caught a rocket off of Collett’s bat in the fourth inning and had some clutch hits. Jeremy Paul played his usual Gold Glove defense, as did Asa Casenhiser and Ian Wimberly. All the Yankees will be back next year, which bodes well for them.

We, the coaches of the Reds, the Athletics, the Cubs, the Yankees, and Cedarville, are unabashedly proud of the season and the job our kids have done this year. We have seen them improve and grow as individuals and as teams. They are as fine a group of young men and women as you will ever have the pleasure to meet. We can’t wait for next season!

—Bob Morrison, Todd Sheets, Reggie Stratton, Rick Nickels, Bill and Shari Vine

‘Dogs rained out after 37th event

The Sea Dogs’ July 15 meet against Oakwood was rained out following the 37th event and thus posted no official score. The coaches, however, would like to recognize the swimmers’ achievements.

Results of the July 15 meet for the girls’ events are as follows:

Eight and under: Robyn Weigand, 2nd, 25-meter butterfly, 3rd, 25 backstroke.

9–10: Erika Chick, 1st, 50 freestyle, 2nd, 25 butterfly; Katie Triplett, 1st, 25 backstroke.

11–12: Maiya Thornton, 2nd, 50 butterfly.

13–14: Lasena Badger, 1st, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly; Erin Turner, 1st, 50 backstroke, 3rd, 50 butterfly; Miriam Barcus, 2nd, 100 freestyle; Sarah Morrison, 2nd, 50 backstroke; Barcus, Natalie Sanders, Badger, Bethany Traeger, 1st, 200 medley relay.

Results for the boys’ events are as follows:

Six and under: Ian Chick, 3rd, 25 backstroke.

9–10: Tyler Qualls, 2nd, 50 freestyle, 3rd, 25 butterfly; Roy Barnett, 3rd, 25 backstroke.

11–12: Jeremy Paul, 3rd, 100 freestyle.

13–14: Kelby Dierking, 1st, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly; Pete Lovering, 2nd, 100 freestyle; Evan Gerthoffer, 3rd, 100 freestyle.

15–18: Spencer Jordan, 1st, 50 butterfly; Seth Moore, 2nd, 50 butterfly; Michael Hosket, 2nd, 100 freestyle; Aaron Zagory, 3rd, 100 freestyle; Jordan, Zagory, Moore, Hosket; 1st, 100 medley relay.

‘Dogs to swim inValley regionals

The Yellow Springs Sea Dogs will be participating in the Miami Valley Swimming Association Championships at Wittenberg this Saturday, July 26. Younger swimmers will compete in the morning session while ages 11 and up will compete in the afternoon.

The Sea Dogs Recognition and Awards Banquet/Potluck will close out the season on Tuesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees should bring a dish to share and swimsuits for fun and games after the banquet.

For more information, call 767-9280 or 937-323-6105.

Youth Major League year-end picnic

The Yellow Springs Youth Major League baseball teams will have their end-of-year picnic on Sunday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m.

Events will include all-star baseball games, parent-child baseball games, a pool party, trophies, and more.

All events are at the Gaunt Park baseball fields and the Gaunt Park pool. For details, call Bob Morrison at 767-1703.

YSHS girls’ soccer parent meeting

There will be a girls’ soccer parent meeting on Tuesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m., at Yellow Springs High School.

Any parent who cannot attend should contact Coach MacKenzie Reynolds at mreynolds_ys@hotmail.com.

YSHS boys soccer team to hold meeting

The Yellow Springs High School boys soccer team will hold a mandatory preseason meeting on Friday, July 25, 6 p.m., in the YSHS cafeteria.

All interested student-athletes and their parents are expected to attend. Players who cannot attend should call coach Jim Hardman at 767-2200.

Golf team meeting

Golf team members, their parents or guardians and those interested in playing on the Yellow Springs High School golf team are invited to attend a meeting on Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m., in the YSHS cafeteria.

This will be a chance to meet the new coaching staff and discuss the 2003 fall season. Anyone that is interested in participating who cannot attend this meeting or has any questions should contact Seth Bothwell at 767-8443.