Game 15 MVP: Jack Lockhart

Our catcher/utility player, Jack Lockhart, came up big in his assingment in game 15 as catcher. Even though he has had limited experience behind the plate this year, he performed like a seasoned veteran and we are all proud of his tenacity and skill displayed on Saturday. In addition to his consistent offense performance (2 hits and 1 run scored), Jack caught a file tip off one of the Cadinals bats recording an out at a crucial time in the game (first time this was done all year). Congrats Jack!

Game 15 Recap: Pirates fall to Cardinals in nail-biter

Game 15 found the Pirates once again facing the first place Cardinals. After our last meeting, the Pirates discovered a quiet confidence that had them currently on a 4-game win streak. The beginning of the game did not dissapoint even the most diehard little league fan, as both teams were held scoreless in the first two innings behind solid pitching and good defense. After the Cardinals struck first blood by scoring one run in the 3rd inning, the Pirates followed by taking a 2-1 lead off an RBI triple by Garrison Thornton. The two teams traded runs over the next couple innings and the Pirates found themselves in the lead late into the fifth inning. However, a couple of untimely errors saw the Cardinals take a one run lead into the last inning. Even though our bats were lively throughout the game, once the Cardinals brought in their closer, we could not must another run and lost the game by one run. All in all, the Pirates must be commended for their effort and determination to compete.

Final Score: Cardinals 6, Pirates 5

Game 13 MVP: Brandon Chatman

Our second baseman and co-captain, Brandon Chatman, had a career game against the Athletics as he turned in solid numbers that included 2 hits, a stolen base and a run scored. He was a key part of our offensive attack that included 7 hits. Congratulations, Brandon!

Game 13 Recap: Pirates become a legitimate threat

Game 13 pitted our beloved Pirates againts our nemesis the Athletics. In a game that was supposed to be a lock for the Athletics, the Pirates remembered the sour taste left in their mouths after the last defeat. The first inning saw both team trade runs and the game was tied at 2-2. After the A's put up two more runs in the next two innings, the Pirates waited for their turn to strike. Going into the fourth inning, the A's had been held at bay and allowed only 4 runs behind solid pitching from Garrison Thornton. That's when the Pirates offense came alive and quickly began a 4-run rally that saw Jordan Lee and Ryan Mitchell get their first hits of the season. Timely hits by Ryan "A1" Aubrey and Miles Nosike were bookends for walks received by Cole McNeill, Jack Lockhart, Ryan "Row" Wimsatt and Justin Leone. The game ended with Matthew Hamilton coming in as the closer and retiring all six batters he faced. This was an especially sweet win since it marked our lowest run total we have allowed this season.

Final Score: Pirates 6, Athletics 4

Game 12 Recap: Cellar-dwellers No More

Game 12 pitted our beloved Pirates against the 3rd place Dodgers. In a game we were not supposed to win, we got out to an early 3-2 lead in the first inning. The Pirates brought their bats, as they reached a season high 8 hits in the game. A few key errors on defense in the 2nd and third innings resulted in us falling behind 10-4. Although Ryan "Ro" Wimsatt turned in a decent performance on the mound, reliever Brandon Chatman pitched 2 shut out innings which allowed the Pirates to resist falling further behind. In the bottom of the fifth, with the game on the line and down 10-4, the umpire notified me that due to time constraints it would be the last inning played. If we did not accumulate 7 runs, we would suffer a loss. I chose not to tell the players in fear that they may become tense and struggle to execute the plan. Thats when we began our methodical rally and ultimate comback. Justin Leone and Jack Lockhart led off the inning with singles. Ryan "A1" Aubrey followed that with his second hit of the game and drove in the first run of our 7 run inning. After walks to Ryan Mitchell, Perrin Williams and Kyle Cropper, Brandon Chatman delivered a 2 run single which put us down only 2 runs. The game ended as Jordan Lee was hit by a pitch, Garrison Thornton came through with an RBI single and Matthew Hamilton was walked to bring in the game-winning run. Although it may have not been pretty, the courage and determination displayed by our kids made it one of the best and most gratifying wins of the year. The surprising win over the 3rd place Dodgers catapulted us to 4th place in the standings and finds us in serious contention for the 4th seed in the tournament.

Final Score: Pirates 11, Dodgers 10