Game 9: (Playoff #2) Hastings vs Layritz

The Hastings spectators have let out almost all of their nerves yesterday, and today is for the leftovers. Layritz is a team I definitely want to beat, but lets not jinx it. knock on wood. Again, the music is spectacular, and the lyrics seem to fit the mood perfectly. The umpires are even dancing. Both teams today are wearing their team colours, and the energy is contagious. Lets play ball!

The top of the 1st inning starts off with Taylor, and a ball from Layritz. Taylor gets a base on balls after fouling for a while, and Ryan quickly follows after to get a man on 1st and 2nd. You can see the upset faces on the coach and Layritz pitcher. During Robbey’s up to bat, Taylor and Ryan both steal to get to 2nd and 3rd. Robbey walks after to load the bases. Anthony strikes out for the first out of the inning. Taylor then steals home during Josh’s up to bat for the first run. For the second out, Josh pops one up just past the 1st baseman, who catches it. It’s a base on balls for Keenan, and this loads the bases once again, and brings Shota to the plate. Shota then strikes out, and the Layritz pitcher is at 39 pitches. It’s three outs for Hastings, and the Hastings stand is joined by White Rock players and parents.



It’s the bottom of the 1st inning, and Shota is our starting pitcher. Keenan cannot pitch for the rest of the tournament, and some strategizing will be needed for the pitchers today. Layritz gets a base hit, after Robbey steps off the base. There is now one out for the inning, after Shota striking out the Layritz pitcher. A failed double play brings out the angry side of Vito, as well as some of the parents. The Hastings All-Stars are a bit shaken up, with now a man on 2nd and 3rd. Josh makes a great catch in the outfield for the 2nd out, and quickly throws it home to protect the plate. A hit to center field from Layritz brings in a run, and there is now a man on 1st and 2nd. Shortly after, a hard hit over Keenan’s head to center field brings in another 2 runs. The score is now 3-1 Layritz. An infield single from Layritz brings in a man to first, and there is a man on 3rd as well. A play from Taylor to Ryan gets the last out at 2nd base and cancels out a run home.

The top of the 2nd inning brings the same pitcher from Layritz, and a base on balls from Christian. For the 1st out, Ian strikes out from nice pitching from the Layritz pitcher. Taylor strikes out after Ian for the 2nd out, and Ryan gets out at 1st for the final out.

Shota is still pitching at the bottom of the 2nd, and he strikes out the first Layritz batter for the 1st out. Following the out, a Layritz player gets a double, and this brings up the pitcher up to bat who strikes out for the 2nd out. Robbey ttags first for the last out.

The top of the 3rd brings Robbey up to bat, who strikes out. Anthony is up next and he gets a base on balls. Katie goes in for Anthony as pinch runner, but Layritz gets a double play for the last 2 outs.



The bottom of the 3rd starts off with an out by Robbey, after a fast-reflexes catch for the 1st out. Layritz then gets a base hit and steals second. A bad play by Hastings brings a man o 1st and 3rd. Shota strikes out Layritz for the 2nd out, and a pinch runner is put in for the man on 3rd. Another base hit for Layritz brings in another run. The score is now 4-1 for Layritz. A catch by Anthony ends the inning. Phew.

It’s now the top of the 4th inning, and Scot gets out at first for the 1st out. Shota reaches first base after a hit to left field, and this brings Katie up to bat. Katie soon strikes out, and Shota steals second. Taz get out at first for the last out. >:(

The bottom of the 4th begins with a solo home run from Layritz. An out at 1st is the first out, and another double for Layritz puts Hastings further into depression. A throw from Taylor to Robbey gets the second out. Hopefully this game will not be the same as last year, but we can only hope. Robbey catches a pop fly for the last out.



It’s the top of the 5th inning and we need hits like people need oxygen. It’s the top of the batting order, with Taylor starting us off. Taylor gets out by a play at 1st base, and Ryan gets a base hit following. Layritz changes their pitcher, stalling the game once gain. Robbey pops one up to center field, and this is another out for Hastings. The spectators have almost gave up until… Anthony gets a two run, out of the park home run!! Anthony even knocks down Josh in a fit of excitement. This brings the score to 5-3, Layritz. Josh gets a base hit to left field straight after. Layritz attempts to shake up Hastings by changing their pitcher again. Keenan strikes out to bring Layritz up to bat.




It’s the bottom of the 5th inning and Shota continues pitching. Layritz gets a base hit to left field and following, another base hit. At this point, Robbey goes in as pitcher to bring out Shota. Coincidentally, “Staying Alive” also begins playing. Layritz then gets a base on balls to load the bases. Robbey strikes out a batter for the first out. A 2 run single from Layritz to bring the score to 7-3. The score is now 8-3 on a single. This is really bringing down the Hastings fans, as well as the players. Layritz gets a base on balls to load the bases again. Vito now brings in Anthony for Robbey. Ryan gets an out at home for the 2nd out. Anthony strikes out Layritz for the last out.



It’s now the top of the 6th inning and our last chance. Layritz seems warmed up, but are we? Shota starts us off with a base hit, until Layritz calls another time out. Christian gets a base on balls to the pleasure of the Hastings fans. The first out of the inning is Ian, who pops one up behind 1st base. Taylor gets an infield single to load the bases. Ryan then gets the 2nd out by a pop fly in center field. Layritz calls a time out once again and then walks Robbey to bring in a run. The score is now 8-4. Anthony gets a base on balls to bring the score to 8-5. Josh hits to the pitcher’s mound, and the pitcher then throws it to first for the final out of the inning, the tournament, and the Hastings 2008 All-Stars.



These boys played amazing for the entire Provincials, and I know that they will go on to do great things. I mean, we’re East Vancouver Ghetto, and 3rd in BC! We played great and fairly, and even though all of us believe we deserved to win… but hey, win as if you’re used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change. If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win. This is only the beginning, and for the last quote.. it’s not weather you win or lose, it’s how you play the game, and these boys and girl played the game incredibly and even inspired a baseball sister.

Game 8 (Playoff #1): Hastings vs White Rock

Well today’s the day. It’s actually very nerve-racking being a spectator, especially when you’ve been paying attention to the hard work both teams have been showing. White Rock is still undefeated, and Hastings has lost twice. The weather is still crazy at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day. I have found somewhat of a shady spot in the stands, after discovering 8 mosquito bites from sitting in the shade. I actually miss Vancouver rain…well, not really. :P
Wendell (Keenan’s dad) has noticed that White Rock would try to make an impression on the Hastings All-Stars during their infield warm-up, then quickly leave the diamond and dugout to avoid watching us. Today, Hastings practiced hard and left for behind the dugout. He enjoyed seeing Hastings show the same respect to White Rock.
For those who don’t really know, this game is first place vs second place. The winner advances to the final game, and the loser plays the winner of the third vs fourth game. Well this could be the beginning of the end, or the beginning of the beginning…it’s all up to fate (for those who believe in it), hard work, the umpires, strategy etc. Let’s have faith that all of those are in our favour. Here we go!



It’s the top of the 1st inning, and Taylor is up to bat. For some reason, we are Visitors again. Taylor starts off the game with a double, and the Hastings spectators are cheering the loudest I have heard so far in this tournament. Ryan gets the first out by a throw to first base. Robbey then gets intentionally walked to get a man on first and second. A nice hit by Anthony down the third base line brings Taylor home. Josh is up next with Robbey and Anthony on second and third. Josh gets out by a catch from the White Rock first baseman. An out at first is the last out, so a run in from Robbey doesn’t count.

The bottom of the 1st inning begins with Keenan pitching well, and the score 1-0. A good hit from White Rock gets him to first base. Keenan strikes out White Rock for the first out. A play at second by Ryan gets the second out on a base hit from WR. (WR= White Rock) Keenan strikes out the last WR player for the last out. Keenan ends the inning with 15 pitches.




It’s the top of 2 and Christian starts off with a strikeout for the first out. Shota is up next, and after two fouls he hits the ball straight to the third baseman who then loosely throws it to first for the second out. Three strikes to Ian brings us to the bottom of the 2nd.

The bottom of the 2nd starts off with the “homerun hitter” up to bat, but Keenan keeps his game face on. WR gets a double on a hit to the fence. A base hit from WR brings a player to first, and Hastings gets the first batter on base out at third for the first out. Waterman from the White Rock team is up next, I only remember him because he always jumps twice before stepping into the batters box. A bad hop at second allows WR to get on first and third. A hit from WR ties up the score, and Ryan gets a guy out at second for the 2nd out, but gets injured as well. Next, a base hit advances WR to 3rd, and they are now at the top of their batting order. A pop fly to Ian cancels out a run from WR and it’s now the next inning.



The top of the 3rd inning starts off with the top of our batting order, Taylor, but he soon strikes out against the tough WR pitcher. Ryan strikes out for the second out. There is a pitching change right before Robbey bats, and a meeting and a warm-up from WR which delays the game a short while. Hastings hasn’t stopped cheering since the game began. Robbey gets a base on balls, which brings Anthony up next. Robbey then steals second and Anthony strikes out for the 3rd out.

It’s now the bottom of the 3rd at 3:56 pm, and I’m afraid the heat is going to melt my laptop. Keenan strikes out WR for the 1st out. It’s a base on balls for WR, and he steals second. A pop fly caught by Shota gets the 2nd out. A great double down the 1st baseline brings in a run for WR. The score is now 2-1, and Keenan strikes out the last batter.

It’s the top of the 4th inning, and the dedicated fans re-apply sunscreen and wipe the sweat off their faces while sitting in the bleachers. Josh gets a base hit to start it off, and Keenan strikes out after for the first out. Katie gets a base hit to right field to get on second, and Josh gets out by a hot box. An incredible hit to the outfield by Shota advancing him to third brings in Katie to tie up the score. Tama (Shota’s mom) shows her enthusiasm by screaming “Yeah Shota!! He’s my son!!”. Another great base hit by Taz brings Shota home to bring the score to 3-2. Taylor advances Taz to second with a base hit. A nice hit by Scott is unfortunately caught by short stop for the last out.




The bottom of the 4th inning brings in Anthony for an injured Ryan. A failed catch at second base brings WR to first base, and a good play gets a batter out at first. At this point there are two outs. Keenan is pitches well and ends the inning with no runs on no hits for WR.

It’s now the top of the 5th, and the onions are beginning to smell really good. It’s a perfect summer day, and the music here at Joe Martin field is just the thing everyone needs. Robbey pops up to right field for the first out, and a pop fly catch in the outfield gets Anthony out as well. Another fast-reflexes catch by WR ends the inning.

In the bottom of the 5th, Keenan continues to pitch amazingly, and he is well past 60. Vito now brings in Anthony for Keenan after one of his best games. Anthony’s mom, Theresa created a noise maker out of a coin and a water bottle, and now the Hastings spectators have another tool for making sound. Anthony starts off with great pitching, but a WR batter has just got a double. WR has just got a base hit, and there is a man on 3rd and 1st. A hit to a WR batter has just loaded the bases. There is one out. A steal to home from WR has now tied up the score to 3-3. Oh crap. The WR batter has just gotten an out of the park home run to bring the score to 6-3, and there is now two outs. A discouraged Anthony is now being talked to by Vito, and he brings in Ryan for pitcher. WR has just got a double, and a pop fly catch by Taylor ends the inning.

The top of the 6th brings Keenan up to bat, and a new pitcher for WR. I have now put on my rally hat. It’s a walk for Keenan to start off the inning, and he quickly steals second. Christian strikes out for the first out, and the pitcher hits Shota for a walk. There is now a man on 1st and 2nd. Ian walks to make the bases loaded. WR now decides to change their pitcher, and there is a slight pause in the game for the new pitcher to warm-up. Taylor is now up to bat, and a short hit from him brings in a run to make the score 6-4. A base hit from Ryan brings in another run and another out. The score is 6-5 with Robbey up to bat. He gets a base on balls after a nerve-racking full count. The bases are loaded… and Katie slides home to tie the score!!!! Anthony strikes out to bring it to the bottom of the 6th.



I can’t breathe here in the bottom of the 6th, and a freaky 6-6-6 is on the scoreboard. Ryan is still pitching, and the Hastings supporters are sweating double due to nerves and the heat. Thank goodness there is a slight breeze today. A double by WR starts off the inning. Vito now switches up Ryan for Robbey to pitch. There are no outs, one man on second, and WR up to bat here in the bottom of the 6th. An incredible play by Robbey gets WR out at third. There is a man on 1st base. A hit in the outfield brings WR on 2nd and 3rd. Both hits to the outfield have bounced out of the field. Robbey has just struck out WR for the second out! Robbey has just purposely walked a heavy hitter, and the bases are now loaded. Vito has now brought Robbey out, and Taylor is now pitching. A hit to the batter walks WR, and that’s the ballgame. Hastings played extremely well, and will now play in the semi-finals.

Game 7: Hastings vs White Rock

It’s…so…hot. Can’t… type…ughhh. It’s a cloudless, blue sky and you see the I don’t believe there’s shade anywhere, maybe except for in the trees. Hopefully these teams will make it to at least 4 innings before they pass out from the heat in their insane uniforms. White Rock has won every single game they have played, and even if we lose today, we will still be in 2nd to play in the finals. If we win, it doesn’t really matter, so basically this is similar to an exhibition game.

The top of the 1st inning begins with Taylor out at 1st. Ian who is the pinch hitter for Ryan also gets out at 1st. Robbey is up next, and he gets a base hit. Anthony strikes out with Robbey on 1st for the last out.

The bottom of the 1st inning starts off with a hit from White Rock, and Josh pitching. He strikes out a White Rock batter for the first out. I have now moved to the shade behind the diamond. Robbey gets both outs on first, and there were two men left on base.




The top of the 2nd and there are two out in the inning for Hastings. The only problem about being in the shade are bugs. So far I’ve had a fly crawl down my shirt, a spider crawl over my legs, and 2 mosquito bites. So right now its very uncomfortable everywhere. The inning ends with no runs and no men on base.

We manage to hold back most White Rock players in the bottom of the 2nd but Josh walks players to make the bases loaded. The umpire’s decisions are causing many Hastings parents to be a little upset, as well as the team. White Rock steals home to make it 1-0 for them. We get a guy at home to bring us to the next inning.

In the 3rd inning, Katie gets a base on balls, and there is a change in the pitcher for White Rock. Katie gets out at second, and Taylor is the only man on 1st until he steals 2nd. Ian gets on 1st and advances Taylor to 3rd and Robbey is now up. Taylor steals home to tie the score, and the
White Rock back catcher gets injured, which brings in a new one. White Rock seems to delay the game for both times when there was a substitute. Well, it looks like the other back catcher comes back in the game. Just as he finally comes back in, Robbey gets an out of the park home run! This brings in two runs to bring the score to 3-1. Anthony gets a base on balls, but Keenan strikes out for the last out.




It’s now the bottom of the 3rd and the sun is still shining and the bugs keep biting. Ryan is now pitching instead of Josh. The first pitch is also a hit, and soon there is one out at first with a man on 2nd for White Rock. Ryan uses his reflexes to catch a hard hit and he quickly throws it to first for another out. Another great play by Hastings gets the last out, and Ryan’s pitch count is 6 pitches.
At the top of the 4th, Josh starts off with a base on balls. Scott gets out at first but advances Josh to 2nd. Ryan then gets a great hit to the fence to bring Josh home. The score is now 4-1. Christian, subbing for Katie, gets a base on balls and Ryan is on 3rd. Taylor is up to bat, but a throw to 3rd when Ryan was leading off gets Ryan out. Taylor gets out by strikes for the last out.

It’s now the bottom of the 4th, and Ryan starts off the inning with a strike, but the White Rock batter hits a solo home run to bring the score to 4-2. The next batter gets another solo home run and this brings the score to 4-3. A few more runs brings the score to 5-4 for White Rock with two outs. White rock gets a base on balls, and a man on 3rd steals home to bring the score to 6-4. Another run on a double makes the score 7-4 and brings us to the next inning.



At the top of the 5th, we need 3 runs to tie. Robbey gets a double, and this brings to the plate Anthony. Shota is now up to bat, and both Anthony and Robbey went out. Shota strikes out, and it seems like Hastings will be running laps today.

It’s the bottom of the 5th, and White Rock has just got an RBI double. The score is now 8-4. There are now too many runs to count, and it’s getting painful to watch. The score is now 10-5. We eventually get them out, and it’s the top of the 6th.



Scott is pitching for the top of the 6th, but the hits keep coming. The score is now 11-5. The score is now 14-5. Yay. We got an out. Well, and a mercy ends the ball game.

PS: Thanks to Gene for the pictures, because my camera broke.

Game 6: Hastings vs Mt. Seymour

It’s another early game for baseball, here in Joe Martin field. We look very warmed up, probably from an 7:30 am practice beforehand, and we’re are finally home for a change, so we get the advantage of batting last. Yesterday was a scrub game with the parents, coaches, Francesca (Anthony’s sister) and I against the Hastings All-Stars. Jeff Matsuda was the star of the game, getting a grand slam, and 7 RBIs.

Anthony starts off pitching for the 1st inning, and Hastings quickly gets the first 2 outs. There is now a man on second, with Mt. Seymour up to bat, and we get him out at first. There were 15 pitches thrown by Anthony.

Lets try to get some runs in the bottom of the 1st.
Taylor starts it off with a base hit, and Ryan strikes out by the Seymour pitcher, then Robbey. Anthony gets a base hit, then Keenan gets hit in the leg with a pitch-giving him a walk. Josh is next up to bat and he gets a base hit, making the score 1-0. Christian then gets a base on balls, and brings Katie (pinch runner for Anthony) in for another run. Christian gets out running to 2nd base, so the run scored by Keenan doesn’t count.



We get the first out by Robbey running up to get the bunt, and Ryan covering 1st to get the man out. The umpire obviously enjoyed that play because he yelled “OUT!” loud enough to make it echo through the trees. Three hits off Anthony makes the bases loaded, and a nice hit to center field brings in two runs for Mt. Seymour. The inning ends with a tie 2-2 score.



The bottom of the 2nd inning begins with my favourite song, Don’t Stop Believing or Midnight Train by Journey and this pumps up a lot of 80s rock fans. Three outs come quickly for Hastings, and we need to learn to hit off of tough pitchers.

The top of the 3rd starts off with great plays that gets no runs off of one hit for Seymour.

The bottom of the 3rd, starts off with a base hit for Robbey thanks to the sun in the short stop’s eyes. Immediately after, there is a double play for Seymour, clearing the bases. The pitcher strikes Keenan out, getting no runs for Hastings.

There’s a pitching change in the top of the 4th from Anthony to Shota, and right now there is one out with one man on second base. Shota catches a pop fly and gets the second out as Mt. Seymour bats again with the top of their batting order. A hard hit to Taylor catches it, and quickly throws it to first, but the umpire believed it was out. The first base man now stole 2nd, and there is a man on 2nd and 3rd. Ryan catches a fly for the 3rd out.

The bottom of the 4th starts off with Josh batting, and he gets out with Seymour’s pitcher. Maybe we should try bunting. Then, Taz stikes out. Shota is up to bat next, and he has a great hit to the fence, but Mt. Seymour catches it to get the last out.

It is now the top of the 5th inning, and the score is still 2-2. With some immense cheering from the Hastings side, thanks to Shota’s mom Tama, we get two outs fast. A walk to a heavy hitter from Shota, then Ryan gets the last out at second.



The bottom of the 5th starts off with a double down the left field line by Scott. Taylor hits, gets out at first but brings Scott to 3rd. Katie, subbing for Ryan, gets out on three bunt attempts, then Robbie… gets an out of the park home run! He brings in two runs, and the score is now 4-2 for Hastings. Anthony gets out at first for the last out. The Mt. Seymour pitcher is at 72 pitches.

Shota is still pitching at the top of the 6th, and there is now a man on first and second with no outs. Then Taylor, who has put on sunglasses in the sunny short stop position, catches the first out. A hard hit by a Seymour player makes the bases loaded. Robbey gets the second out, but the bases are still loaded. The Hastings crowd is cheering wildly for Shota, who stays in the game at an unknown amount of pitches. Shota walks in the 3rd run on some questionable umpire decisions, and this brings the score to 4-3 for Hastings. Then… Katie makes a great catch to take away a blooper to right field and Hastings win! It was a tough, scary game, but Hastings managed to pull through and the luck of the early games carry on.

Game 5: Hastings vs Dunbar

It’s another early game for Hastings, and the weather is sunny, but cold. The supporters are regretting wearing their summer-wear, luckily we have blankets. Let’s hope Hastings gets their game face on today and removes the loss that was considered “the biggest upset of the tournament” in the Prince George newspaper from their minds.



The top of the 1st inning begins with some pumpy rock music that is finally better than the country and chicken dance songs played the previous games. Taylor starts off the game with a base hit, and Ryan getting the first out by a pop fly catch in the outfield. Robbey then gets a ‘towering” hit down the 3rd baseline to get on first, and Anthony gets a base hit, then Keenan, who brings home Taylor for the first run. Next, Josh gets a double who then brings in two more runs to make the score 3-0. Keenan then gets another run on a base hit, and Dunbar switches their pitcher. Shota brings in another run by a base hit, then Ian who gets a double by a hit in the outfield hole, to bring the score to 6-0. Ian steals home to get another run during Ryan’s time up to bat. Ryan gets a double, and brings Taylor home. The final score is 8-0, Hastings.



The bottom of the 1st inning brings in no runs for Dunbar thanks to Keenan’s great pitching, and Hastings being on the ball.

The top of the 2nd inning begins with a double by Anthony, and then Josh brings in two runs with an out of the park home run. The score is now a mercy for Hastings.

The bottom of the second begins with a base hit from Dunbar off a bad bounce in the outfield. Josh gets the first out from a nice pop fly catch, and the inning ends with no runs on one hit.

I believe the Hastings All-Stars play better and are more focused during the morning games. Being a little tired to start sometimes helps when it comes to sports, speaking from experience.

Dunbar changes their pitcher in the top of the 3rd inning, and Ryan gets his second double to bring in a run. Robbey then gets a RBI after a hit to the fence, then steals home for another run. Keenan gets a base hit, and brings Katie home to bring the score to 14-0. Straight after, Christian gets 2 RBIs on a double. The top of the 3rd ends with 7 runs on 6 hits. The score is 17-0.



The bottom of the 3rd inning is played well by Hastings who are staying alert and calm with their lead in runs and they continue to keep composed into the top of the 4th inning. Anthony gets an out of the park home run to bring the score to 19-0. It’s like a totally different team is playing today, compared to yesterday’s game. A wacky double hot-box gets one out, but Keenan steals home to make the score an even 20-0.

It is now the bottom of the 4th, and Dunbar’s last chance to score some runs. An error in the outfield brings in 2 runs for Dunbar, and the final score is 20-2.

Game 4: Hastings vs Trail

Unlike yesterday’s game, today is ocean blue skies, wispy white clouds, and smokin’ hot with a slight breeze. It’s a perfect day for baseball, and the Hastings team have taken off their under armor to ensure that perfect “baseball tan”. It’s crazy to think that these boys and Katie are wearing two shirts, long pants, long socks, a helmet or a hat and their cleats in this heat. All these teams are an inspiration that have had numerous 3-4 hour practices through any kind of weather, everyday for these upcoming tournaments. It’s hard to have a normal life when you’re so dedicated to the game.

The top of the 1st inning starts off with two outs by the Trail pitcher, and a base hit by Robbie. The Trail team only has 9 players, so no breaks for any of them. The inning ends quickly with no runs on one hit, with Robbie left on 3rd base.


The bottom of the 1st is full of errors, until a nice throw from Josh to Christian at home prevents a run. Robbey continues to pitch well but he needs the support from the rest of the team who is recovering from letting a few men get on base. Another hard line drive brings in another two runs. The second run was a head-first slide, and the Trail player had to tag the base again when Robbey was already there, but the umpire called it safe. Vito is now talking to the umpires as well as the other coach, and at the same time the Trail parents are heckling and screaming “Whiners! Stop whining!” to the Hastings team. There is controversy already in the bottom of the 1st, but the Hastings parents are unfazed and continue cheering. The 1st inning’s final score is 2-0 Trail.



The top of the 2nd inning ends with no runs on no hits from Hastings. Let’s hope that we can keep more runs from scoring.

Maybe Taz can use his accuracy here in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Taz won a glove from the Skills competition last night for accuracy, throwing from home to second base. He was the only Hastings winner, but all played well.
There is also a pitching change from Robbey to Anthony, and Anthony ends the inning with no runs on one hit.

Trail remains pitching well, getting our Hastings batters out quickly in the top of the 3rd inning. The score is still 2-0 for Trail. Ian then gets a base and steals second, then third to hopefully start a rally. Yet Hastings is unsuccessful, and the top of 3 ends with no runs on one hit.

The bottom of the 3rd brings in no runs for Trail.

The Trail coach is trying everything to win this, pointing out that Ian doesn’t have a proper helmet and that Anthony is trying to distract their batter with a batting glove accidentally under his glove. Both teams aren’t let any other runs score in the top of the 4th inning. Now, the Trail back catcher is injured from “the bat” hitting his kneecap, or so he says. In actuality, the ball from their own pitcher hit him. Again, remember there is only 9 players, and the back catcher is unable to walk without help. So, the coach made the decision to put him out in the outfield with another catcher to avoid a forfeit. Let’s hope what goes around, comes around.


It is now the bottom of the 4th inning, and there was a pitching change from Anthony to Taylor. Trail has just scored another 2 runs on a home run to make the score 4-0. There was another pitching change from Taylor to Ryan, and Trail is having a great day for hitting. They now brought in another 2 runs after a hit straight down the 1st baseline. The score is 6-0, and let’s hope Hastings can show their true colours in the 5th inning.


It’s now the bottom of the 5th inning, and Hastings brought in no runs in the top of 5. It’s not over ‘till it’s over, and Ryan pitches no hits and no runs.


The 6th inning ends with Trail winning, 6-0 with injured players. They played well this game, and they did deserve to win. (maybe not the parents and coach) The odds weren’t in our favor today, but Trail needed a win, and Hastings needed a loss. This also shows that we are not perfect, and maybe it was good to show our team what we need to work on. So, on to the next game!

Game 3: Hastings vs Prince George All-Stars

It’s a gloomy day here at the ballpark, at an appalling 8:55 am, but the game starts off nicely with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem and the little league pledge. It was ended by a good luck “manly” handshake by Ian and a Prince George player. Let’s hope it doesn’t rain.

The top of the 1st inning starts off with a fantastic out of the park home run past the 208ft fence by Taylor. Unfortunately, there were no men on base as well. There are two great hits to the fence by Robbey and Anthony. This brings the score to 2-0 for Hastings. As if the game could not get any better, Josh smacks the second out of the park home run to make the score 6-0. Joe Mama is back! The hits continue to be great as we advance into the line-up.
Scott makes a dive over the 2nd baseman’s arm to get to second base, then Taylor gets a double to bring Scott home. Ryan is up next, and with a failed catch from the 3rd baseman, Ryan is safe at first, bring Taylor home to make the score 8-0. The top of the 1st inning ends with 8 runs on 7 hits, making the score an almost mercy.



The bottom of the 1st inning ends with Robbey pitching no runs by Prince George on 1 hit, with 1 man left on base. It has also began to drizzle, and the dedicated fans start to bring out their fleeces and blankets like the prepared Canadians they are.


In the top of the 2nd inning, Hastings continue to hit everything including the 3rd baseman, and many cars parked dangerously close to the diamond. We then bring in another 3 runs to make the score 11-0. This is maybe the best Provincial game yet for stealing and hitting.
At this point the score is 12-0. Speaking of hitting, Robbey has just hit an out of the park home run bringing in yet another 3 runs to make the score 15-0.
Taylor’s birthday homer has set the tone for this early baseball game.



It is now the top of the 2nd inning, and there is a pitching change from Robbey to Shota. The Hastings kids must be warmed up from last night in Keenan’s hotel room consisting of pillow fights for batting practice, wrestling for agility, video games (Halo) for focus, and farting competitions for endurance. They are also ready thanks to feast the mothers made.


Taylor is having a great (birthday) game, showing off his catching talent by making a diving, turn-around catch to get the 3rd out in the bottom of the
second.

The score is still 15-0 in the top of the 2nd inning… until Keenan gets an out of the park home run, again past the 208ft fence to make the score 16-0. Give us a break! The Hastings parents have barely sat down until Shota got another out of the park home run. The ball continues to land in the same spot past the fence. We are still batting in the top of the 2nd, and the score is now 19-0. The sun and blue skies are beginning to show their face as well.



Well as I was talking to my mom and grandmother about maybe Hastings should tone it down, my grandmother informs me that if there is a tie in the championship game, the most points win. That means that the more points that you receive in your games, you will win the tie. So White Rock already has a great advantage, from their first score of 32-0 against Prince George. This doesn’t really seem fair in my opinion, but I guess we have to keep going.

The top of the 4th inning ends off with the score is 21-0.



The bottom of the 4th starts and ends with another fast-reflexes catch by Taylor, and great pitches by Ryan. That's the ball game!

Game 2: Hastings vs Prince George #2 Team

Ryan starts off the top of the first inning with no men on base. Ian caught the first hit in the outfield from the Prince George player.




The Prince George supporters are very enthusiastic, always cheering, and even clapping along and dancing to the music. This Prince George team is the host team and was first denied a spot in the tournament until the coaches went to Williamsport to get permission. They are now in the tournament.





Taylor starts off the game with a double, and steals 3rd base.
Ryan hits a triple on an error in the outfield, and brings Taylor home to make the score 1-0.
Its been a long journey for these Hastings players, who used to be afraid to hit the ball (from what I have seen). Now these players all KNOW they can hit it, and you can see the determination in their eyes.
Ryan comes in on an RBI from Anthony’s pop up in the outfield, and Robbie steals home to make the score now 3-0.



The Hastings boys continue to make no mistakes and get the easy outs in the top of the 2nd inning. There is now a pitching change from Ryan to Anthony. The top of the 2nd ends off with no runs from the Prince George 2 team, and one man left on 3rd base.



The bottom of the second inning brings in another run by Taylor, by a base hit from Ryan. The bottom of the second inning ends with one run with one hit.

It’s the top of the 3rd inning, and the Prince George team is already trying to start a wave.




The score is now 6-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Ian got a base hit and brought in another two runs to make it 8-0.


It’s now the bottom of the 4th inning, and the score is 10-0, Hastings. That’s the ball game!

Layritz vs Dunbar

The Hastings team anxiously awaits their next game while watching the tied, extra-innings Dunbar vs Layritz match. The score is still 4-4 in the top of the 9th inning. We appear to be cheering for the Dunbar team, probably because in what I have seen:
• The Layritz pitcher hit 3 of our players, and never once uttered an apology
• Just now, the Layritz player tagged a Dunbar player out at first, then pushed him with his shoulder. Many Dunbar parents agreed it was “unnecessary”.

Its amazing to see the transformation of the Hastings players, from the view of a baseball sister for 6 years. Instead of goofing off in the stands, the Hastings All-stars are giving helpful tips, wildly cheering the other players on, and are getting focused for their game ahead.

The Layritz team just made an incredible diving catch in the outfield from a great hit from Dunbar. It is now the 10th inning.
**********

The Dunbar team still manages to show humor in the 11th inning, with the score 5-4 for Layritz with the bottom of the 11th left to go. The coach from the stands yells “Hey Jeff! This is only your 6th time up at bat! Don’t forget you have practice after the game.”
The Dunbar team has just tied up the score (5-5), and has a batter on 3rd base. The batter needs a base hit to win the game. However, the Layritz pitcher is now attempting to walk the batter to get another inning in, until… he slips! The pitch is good, and the batter hits a nice line drive, and Dunbar wins! Looks like good humor, and fair play has won them a very long and exciting game that left even the Hastings team pumped up for game 2.

Hastings' First Win

The PREVIOUS game: White Rock vs Prince George #2 team. Final score = 32-0 for White Rock


Game 1: Friday = Hastings vs Layritz



In the top of the 1st inning, Taylor starts off the lineup with a double to the right field fence. The crowd goes wild! This is a great way to start off the game. Ryan is up next, and walks to make 2 men on base. Then Robbey comes up to bat... and it's an out of the park home run! I have never seen the Hastings parents so energetic as Robbey runs happily around the bases, making the score 3-0 for us. At this point, Layritz changes their pitcher. The new pitcher (who I swear could pass for 16 years old), pitches a few, then hits Anthony for a walk to first base. Next up is Keenan, who again gets hit by the same pitcher, and it's a walk again. Josh comes up to bat, but quickly has to go back to the dugout because Christian is supposed to be up. Christian gets hit. Vito (our coach), talks to the umpire because normally 3 hits for a pitcher would mean he's out. However, it seems the umpire only gives the pitcher a warning, and he goes back into the game. The Hastings fans are now upset about this call, but move on. Josh then comes up to bat, he hits, Christian's out at second base, and Katie (who substituted for a hurt Anthony) makes a run in. This now brings the score to 4-0. Wait! Keenan steals home base, and makes the score 5-0. The final tally for the top of the 1st inning is 5 runs on 3 hits.


In the bottom of the 1st inning, Shota pitches well, and there are no runs for Layritz.

The top of the 2nd inning arrives, and the Hastings players seem to be a little nervous. There is an error in the outfield, and 1 run comes in for Layritz. Just as Hastings was recovering from the first error, another error is made in the infield and another run on a bunt makes the score 5-2. A failed catch in the outfield for Hastings brings in another 2 runs, and makes the score 5-4. There is now a pitching change from Shota to Keenan.

Now for 3 innings straight, both teams play hard and there are no runs on no hits until the bottom of the 4th inning.



In the bottom of the 4th inning, Ryan makes two great plays to get 2 men out. One run for Layritz comes in and ties up the score to 5-5. For the 3rd out, Anthony gets the guy out at 3rd base. The umpire calls it safe, but after some arguing from Hastings, he changes it to an out.

The top of the 5th inning has no runs on 1 hit from Anthony.

In the bottom of the 5th, Keenan pitches no runs.



The top of the 6th inning is a nail-biter. We need runs to win. The score is still 5-5, and this is our last time to bat. Layritz makes great plays and there are no runs scored for Hastings.



The bottom of the 6th inning has all the Hastings parents closing their eyes as Layritz advances two bases from Robbey's catch at first that was called safe by the umpire. Later on, there is an incredible play by Robbey, getting 1 out on first and throws it to 3rd to get the last out. It's all tied up, and now we go to extra innings.

In the top of the 7th inning, Taylor hits, but gets out on first base. Next up is Ryan, who gets a base hit for the relief of the Hastings supporters. Robbey then has a base hit as well, and Ryan advances to third base. Rally-hat time!! Anthony is up to bat. As Anthony is warming up, Robbey tries to steal second base, but gets out for the 2nd out. Anthony then gets a base hit to first base as Ryan steals home! Keenan goes up to bat, but he gets out. The score is now 6-5.


In the last inning, Hastings managed to hold back Layritz with amazing pitching from Keenan, and a great play made in the last minute with Anthony getting the man out at 3rd, then throwing it to first.



HASTINGS ARE VICTORIOUS!