When I look back at everything, I still wonder if it was all a dream. (I know that sounds like a total cliche, but its true!)
My brother did something pretty damn amazing with baseball.
You know, its funny, but I always tell people the same thing: that i keep missing out on my social life and being a teenager. But, to tell you the truth, I had a blast this summer, and something that I thought was so boring became exciting. Sitting there at the Little League World Series, screaming out "DONT GIVE UP!" and throwing a fast pitch of my heart and soul to the pitchers mound where by brother stood was almost the best summer of my life. (Its not the best because I hope there will be more to come)
Now, being the arrogant older sister, I'm pretty used to getting the good grades, wanting the center of attention, and trying to keep my brother as the younger sibling, our parent's #2 child. So, it was kind of a shock when you see your brothers name in the paper or on the news and have every dinner conversation be about baseball, baseball, baseball. But it was all worth it.
Baseball is one of those sports where you don't like it until you really get into it. There are no body checks, fights, soccer injuries or loud arrogant men with sweat pouring down their faces screaming at each other (well, sometimes). It is not all good fun though.
Baseball is more than just hitting, throwing and catching. It's strategy, passion, endurance, bravery, and most important...heart. (This is not to say that other sports don't have heart, they definitely do. Just baseball sometimes gets thrown on the back-burner)
I have seen so many kids with tears, yes, tears streaming down their faces, after losing a game- and I never understood how they could be so into it. I mean, I even felt sometimes that I could easily get up to bat and get a home run. Seriously. However, I still watched my brothers games, trying to figure out why these kids were so passionate. I now realize that baseball is more than a sport that I watch humbly to support my bro.
Baseball isn't a game. It's not a lifestyle.
Baseball is the smell of fresh grass and caramelized onions, seeing families at the games, and watching the players deliver after working on their technique over and over under the blue skies (or grey) and just being there. In the moment. Being a team.
And, realizing that even though the warm days of summer are soon gone, we can still linger through winter, waiting for spring.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
News
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/videos/index.html#VepHHQ9EB7xXeLbOBoDNMB2YMD0D7Way
copy and paste as website
copy and paste as website
Team Canada on Global
http://news.globaltv.com/video/index.html?releasePID=XKYo3E8aibwM9sdUS2VR_bdEoKu6ztrd
copy and paste as website.
copy and paste as website.
Canada vs. Mexico
Canada's first game in the Little League World Series was not only nerve-wracking, but an excellent spectacle of baseball from both teams. Mexico quickly used their pitcher up to 85 pitches, while Ryan was at 50. Ryan eventually was relieved by Anthony.
Anthony also had a great home-run to lead Mexico, however they tied up the score to bring the game to extra innings. I believe everyone would agree that this game is what baseball is all about. Team Canada made excellent plays, but grew tired in the 7th.
Sitting on the stands, you can really understand what the Little League World Series is all about. It was a hot 30 (?) degrees, and the fans weren't just sweating from the heat. Both Mexico and Canada had very enthusiastic cheers.
The cameras in your face are a little daunting, and sometimes you wish they'd go away.
Seeing the players on the megatron, in their brand new uniforms, makes you so proud that some parents and supporters even tear up.
The hardest part is probably not being able to have a conversation with your son, or daughter, brother or sister. Its sort of a bad example, but its kinda like prison. You can talk to them on the phone, and during visiting hours, but you can't take them home. But its definitely NOT like prison for the boys and girl. The team gets to stay in this baseball "mansion" on the world series site, that has everything a 11-13 year old would want. Video games, good food, and being with your friends all day long. The campus is so secret, that no one is allowed in there without a card with picture ID that you swipe at the door.
So, being a baseball sister is quite complicated. I never thought I would miss my brother a bit. Just a bit. And after this game especially: seeing the disappointed faces of the team (under the visiting tent)- its just so different than what you're used to. I am very excited to see Canada play Taiwan tomorrow.
Even if we win or lose, its really about how you play the game. And in this game against Mexico, we proved that both teams were winners.
Anthony also had a great home-run to lead Mexico, however they tied up the score to bring the game to extra innings. I believe everyone would agree that this game is what baseball is all about. Team Canada made excellent plays, but grew tired in the 7th.
Sitting on the stands, you can really understand what the Little League World Series is all about. It was a hot 30 (?) degrees, and the fans weren't just sweating from the heat. Both Mexico and Canada had very enthusiastic cheers.
The cameras in your face are a little daunting, and sometimes you wish they'd go away.
Seeing the players on the megatron, in their brand new uniforms, makes you so proud that some parents and supporters even tear up.
The hardest part is probably not being able to have a conversation with your son, or daughter, brother or sister. Its sort of a bad example, but its kinda like prison. You can talk to them on the phone, and during visiting hours, but you can't take them home. But its definitely NOT like prison for the boys and girl. The team gets to stay in this baseball "mansion" on the world series site, that has everything a 11-13 year old would want. Video games, good food, and being with your friends all day long. The campus is so secret, that no one is allowed in there without a card with picture ID that you swipe at the door.
So, being a baseball sister is quite complicated. I never thought I would miss my brother a bit. Just a bit. And after this game especially: seeing the disappointed faces of the team (under the visiting tent)- its just so different than what you're used to. I am very excited to see Canada play Taiwan tomorrow.
Even if we win or lose, its really about how you play the game. And in this game against Mexico, we proved that both teams were winners.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Videos and Photos
The families of Team Canada have all safely arrived in Williamsport, PA.
There will be video and photos of the stadium (which is huge btw), the team, and the games soon!
Canada vs. Mexico will be on ESPN, or TSN or Sportsnet Aug. 22 at 8am Vancouver time.
There will be video and photos of the stadium (which is huge btw), the team, and the games soon!
Canada vs. Mexico will be on ESPN, or TSN or Sportsnet Aug. 22 at 8am Vancouver time.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Update
The boys are officially now in Williamsport! We have been keeping in touch with Ryan, and he's been telling us about all the new equipment the team received. New bats, new batting gloves etc. Here is their schedule (from Jeff):
8:00- Breakfast
9:00- Security tag photos
9:30- Team and Individual photos
10:30-Equipment is handed out
11:00-ESPN Media Interviews
12:00-Lunch
1:00-Batting practice
2:30- Infield/Outfield practice
5:00-Dinner, then maybe a swim.
Sounds like Team "Canada" is having a good time eh? For Ryan especially, its like the disneyland of baseball.
Hope to see them soon!
8:00- Breakfast
9:00- Security tag photos
9:30- Team and Individual photos
10:30-Equipment is handed out
11:00-ESPN Media Interviews
12:00-Lunch
1:00-Batting practice
2:30- Infield/Outfield practice
5:00-Dinner, then maybe a swim.
Sounds like Team "Canada" is having a good time eh? For Ryan especially, its like the disneyland of baseball.
Hope to see them soon!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Nationals Final: Hastings vs. Turtle Club (Ontario)
It is another scorcher today, and as the fans (all decked out in Hastings hats and shirts) prepare noisemakers, the players warm up on the field. Dance music is blasting on the speakers, and you hear the occasional comments of “how are you holding up?” or “are you nervous?” from the parents. This is the final game, but it sort of doesn’t feel like it. Yet.
It’s now the top of the 1st inning, with Ian up to bat. I’ve never heard the Hastings fans this enthusiastic! Now it feels like the finals.
The sun has gone behind the clouds, so the weather is a little bit more bearable. A hit to shortstop by Ian is thrown to first. First out. Again, the same play is made for CC. Out. A hard hit to the outfield sends Ryan to second base. Taz is struck out for the final out.
Ryan will be pitching this game. “We will rock you” is playing in the background. The passionate atmosphere is contagious here in Michel Laplante field. Ryan strikes out the first Ontario batter. Anthony misses a hard hit to shortstop, and Ontario gets a single. Ryan strikes the next batter out. 2 outs, 1 on base. Ontario hits to the fence, and gets a double. One comes in. 1-0 for Ontario. Another hard hit is missed by CC, and another batter comes in. 2-0. This umpire seems to have the strike zone the size of a baseball. A nice play by Katie stops the runner at first.
Top of 2. Anthony will be starting us off. He is quickly struck out. Matteo is struck out next. A nice hit by Nick to the outfield is caught.
It’s the bottom of the 2nd inning, and a hit to the hole gets Ontario on first base. Ryan gets the bunt, and throws it to Katie for the first out. Ryan strikes the next batter out. And the next one!
Matt will be batting first for the top of the 3rd. Matt hits a single. Katie hits a double just over the third baseline, and brings Matt in. 2-1. It is now back up to the top of the batting order with Ian. It’s a battle of cheering in the stands here. Ian hits a home run! He brings in 2 runs to bring the score to 3-2. CC walks. Ryan strikes out for the first out. Taz strikes out for the second out. Anthony hits an almost home run, but unfortunately it’s a foul. Anthony walks, and CC is at third. Matteo strikes out for the last out.
Ryan walks Ontario, then strikes out the next batter. Anthony makes a great double play to end the inning.
Nick looked safe at first, but the umpire called him out. First out. Then, Alex gets struck out. A hard hit to right field gets Katie on base. Top of the batting order now. Katie steals third just as the Ontario coach calls a time-out. Ian is out at first, and the run doesn’t count.
Taz catches the pop fly for the first out at the bottom of the 4th. The next batter gets a single, after a missed catch in the outfield. Hastings catches the next pop fly for the 2nd out. Ryan strikes the last batter out to bring us to the 5th inning.
CC gets a double off an error at first base. Then, Ryan’s pop fly is caught in the outfield for the first out. Taz follows with an out at first. A hard hit by Anthony past shortstop brings CC home! 4-2. Matteo follows with a single. Nick is out by a play at first.
CC gets the first batter out at first. Matteo gets the next batter out the same way. The next batter is safe at first by an attempted play by Matteo. A hard hit for Ontario brings another batter on base. 2 out, and 2 men on base. Ryan strikes the last batter out and ends the inning.
Its already the top of the 6th inning, and both teams are having a meeting. The 50/50 is up to $650, if that gives you an image of how many people are here. Jordan gets a double! Katie goes in to be the pinch runner. Jordan bunts, and is out at first. Katie is now at third. A very nice hit by Ian gets him to second, and brings Katie in. 5-2. CC is struck out for the 2nd out. Ontario has just intentionally walked Ryan. Taz hits hard down the 2nd base line to get a double! He brings in Ian to make the score 6-2. Ryan is now at third. Anthony hits a home run!! The score is now 9-2 for Hastings! Matteo is struck out.
It is now the bottom of the 6th! Ryan will be continuing pitching. First pitch ball, second strike, third foul, forth ball, fifth ball, 84th pitch caught by Matteo thrown to first; one out. Anthony now pitching. #2 batter; first pitch, strike, second pitch, ball, third pitch, ball, fourth pith, strike, fifth pitch, strike – OUT. Last batter; first pith ball, second pitch, Taz catches the pop fly for the last out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE GOING TO WILLIAMSPORT!!!!!!!
Final Score: 9-2, Hastings, Team Canada!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Nationals Semi-Final: Hastings vs. Sydney Mines (Nova Scotia)
I’m finally here in Val D’or! It’s an extremely hot day, but there is a strong breeze that is somewhat cooling. I guess it’s also Murphy’s Law that I forgot to recharge my laptop battery. As the Mission Impossible theme song plays in the background, the Hastings fans quietly understand that this tournament doesn’t have to be a mission impossible for us.
It’s the top of the 1st inning and Matteo will be the starting pitcher for Hastings. It’s a hit down the first base line, and Katie quickly gets Nova Scotia out. Matteo strikes the next batter out. After there is a walk, and Matteo strikes the final batter out.
Ian is first up to bat for the bottom of the 1st. And it’s a home run!! What a way to start it off on the first pitch for Hastings. I-0. CC is struck out for the first out. Ryan follows with another strikeout. Taz is out at first by a good play for Sydney Mines.
Anthony catches the pop fly for the first out. The next two outs are a result of good pitching and plays.
Anthony will be starting Hastings off at the top of the 2nd. A nice hit by Anthony is almost caught, but he makes it to first. Matteo, Nick and Jordan are quickly struck out after.
The score is still 1-0 for Hastings, and Matteo is continuing pitching. Sydney Mines gets a single for the bottom of the 2nd. There is now one out and one man on base. The inning ends with one man left on second base.
It is now the top of the third, with Katie up. She gets a base hit. Ian then gets a double on an error, and this advances Katie to third. Next, CC gets a triple on another error to bring Katie and Ian home. 3-2. The next batters for Hastings are out by strikeouts.
A large error at home brings in two runs for Sydney Mines. The score is now 3-2 with two outs. Matteo strikes the last batter out. Matteo has thrown 60 pitches at the bottom of the 3rd.
Alex strikes out for the first out in the top of the 4th. A nice hit to the outfield gets Matt to second. Katie then strikes out. Ian walks, so there is a man on second and third. CC is up next. Sydney Mines catches the ball for the last out.
The bottom of the fourth is a fast 3 outs.
Ryan will be starting off Hastings in the bottom of the 5th. And he gets a home run! The score is now 4-2 for Hastings! A short hit for Anthony gets him to first, and advances Taz (who walked) to second. Matteo strikes out for the 1st out. Sydney Mines will be now changing their pitcher after he maxed out. A nice hard hit by Nick is caught for the second out. There are men on 1st and second. Matt is struck out for the final out.
Ryan makes the first play for the first out. Ian catches a hard hit and throws it to Katie for the next out. Matteo has now reached the max pitch count, and Anthony will be pitching now. Ryan makes the last play, and Katie does the splits at first for the final out.
Final score: 4-2, Hastings.
It’s the top of the 1st inning and Matteo will be the starting pitcher for Hastings. It’s a hit down the first base line, and Katie quickly gets Nova Scotia out. Matteo strikes the next batter out. After there is a walk, and Matteo strikes the final batter out.
Ian is first up to bat for the bottom of the 1st. And it’s a home run!! What a way to start it off on the first pitch for Hastings. I-0. CC is struck out for the first out. Ryan follows with another strikeout. Taz is out at first by a good play for Sydney Mines.
Anthony catches the pop fly for the first out. The next two outs are a result of good pitching and plays.
Anthony will be starting Hastings off at the top of the 2nd. A nice hit by Anthony is almost caught, but he makes it to first. Matteo, Nick and Jordan are quickly struck out after.
The score is still 1-0 for Hastings, and Matteo is continuing pitching. Sydney Mines gets a single for the bottom of the 2nd. There is now one out and one man on base. The inning ends with one man left on second base.
It is now the top of the third, with Katie up. She gets a base hit. Ian then gets a double on an error, and this advances Katie to third. Next, CC gets a triple on another error to bring Katie and Ian home. 3-2. The next batters for Hastings are out by strikeouts.
A large error at home brings in two runs for Sydney Mines. The score is now 3-2 with two outs. Matteo strikes the last batter out. Matteo has thrown 60 pitches at the bottom of the 3rd.
Alex strikes out for the first out in the top of the 4th. A nice hit to the outfield gets Matt to second. Katie then strikes out. Ian walks, so there is a man on second and third. CC is up next. Sydney Mines catches the ball for the last out.
The bottom of the fourth is a fast 3 outs.
Ryan will be starting off Hastings in the bottom of the 5th. And he gets a home run! The score is now 4-2 for Hastings! A short hit for Anthony gets him to first, and advances Taz (who walked) to second. Matteo strikes out for the 1st out. Sydney Mines will be now changing their pitcher after he maxed out. A nice hard hit by Nick is caught for the second out. There are men on 1st and second. Matt is struck out for the final out.
Ryan makes the first play for the first out. Ian catches a hard hit and throws it to Katie for the next out. Matteo has now reached the max pitch count, and Anthony will be pitching now. Ryan makes the last play, and Katie does the splits at first for the final out. 
Final score: 4-2, Hastings.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hastings vs. Val D'or
Hastings won todays game 17-2 against the home team Val D'or!
Thursday will be a day off with a banquet for the teams.
The next game is on friday, at 4:00pm (1:00pm Vancouver time). Hastings will play the 4th place team, which is Nova Scotia.
Keep looking at newspapers for any news of your team Hastings.
I'm off to Val D'or today, so there will be game posts with photos for the next games.
Thursday will be a day off with a banquet for the teams.
The next game is on friday, at 4:00pm (1:00pm Vancouver time). Hastings will play the 4th place team, which is Nova Scotia.
Keep looking at newspapers for any news of your team Hastings.
I'm off to Val D'or today, so there will be game posts with photos for the next games.
Hastings in "The Vancouver Sun"
Hastings all-stars win fourth straight at Canadian Little League championships
BY ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUNAUGUST 11, 2009
Ryan Matsuda bats for Hastings of Vancouver, which defeated North Regina 12-6 Tuesday to run its record to 4-0 in the preliminary round of the Canadian Little League Championship in Val-d’Or, Que.
Photograph by: Handout, Hastings Little League
Four years ago, the Hastings Community Little League gathered together a promising group of eight-year-old players — and their parents — and told them they had the makings of a champion.
It was easier said than done, of course. Families move. Injuries happen. Kids discover other sports and other interests. But this group stuck together and is now reaping the rewards at the Canadian Little League championships in Val-d’Or, Que.
Hastings, which shocked two-time defending champion White Rock 13-2 to win the B.C. title, is running roughshod over the competition from across Canada. The Vancouver east-side squad won its fourth straight Tuesday, thumping Prairie representative North Regina 12-6. It was their closest game so far.
In their first three outings, they trounced Nova Scotia 11-3, Ontario 19-2 and Valleyfield, Que., 23-2.
With one game remaining in the round-robin, today against host Val-d’Or, they have already clinched first place and a berth in Friday’s semi-finals. They have out-scored their opponents 55-13.
The final goes Saturday with the victors getting an all-expenses paid trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
“This was a long time coming,” Hastings head coach Jeff Matsuda explained Tuesday from Val-d’Or. “As eight-year-olds, the kids won our district handily and were, like, mercy-ing everybody. I mean, they were just mopping up teams. So our president at the time called all the parents together after that season and said: ‘Look, I see something special here and if you guys take this seriously, this team can go far.’
“We’ve been knocking on the door ever since. We finished third in the provincials with this group for the last three years. So it’s been a four-year wait.”
B.C. has produced the last four Canadian Little League champions with Whalley capturing the title in 2005 and ’06, followed by White Rock in ’07 and ’08. Whalley and White Rock are both from District 3. Hastings is the first B.C. champ from District 6 in 30 years.
“I think the kids are pretty confident but this is still new territory for us,” said Matsuda, whose son Ryan is one of his ace pitchers. “We’d heard rumours that once you win the B.C. provincials, it gets easier but we can’t feel over-confident. Anybody can beat anybody on any given day, right? You still have to play the games.”
Hastings is in excellent position, however.
Today’s round-robin finale means nothing to their seeding so Matsuda can save his top arms for the playoff round. Thursday is a day off.
“We are set up well for the playoffs,” conceded the Hastings coach. “We have a really good schedule.”
In Tuesday’s game against North Regina, Hastings fell behind 4-0 in the first before breaking the game open in the final two innings. Matteo Vincelli stroked a two-run homer for Hastings while Taz Burman added two RBIs.
• An all-star team comprised mainly of players from the B.C. Premier League defeated Quebec 7-6 Sunday in Kindersley, Sask., to win the Canada Cup, emblematic of baseball supremacy for players 17 and under. B.C. finished the tournament with an overall record of 7-1 and edged Alberta 2-1 in the semi-final game.
epap@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
BY ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUNAUGUST 11, 2009
Ryan Matsuda bats for Hastings of Vancouver, which defeated North Regina 12-6 Tuesday to run its record to 4-0 in the preliminary round of the Canadian Little League Championship in Val-d’Or, Que.
Photograph by: Handout, Hastings Little League
Four years ago, the Hastings Community Little League gathered together a promising group of eight-year-old players — and their parents — and told them they had the makings of a champion.
It was easier said than done, of course. Families move. Injuries happen. Kids discover other sports and other interests. But this group stuck together and is now reaping the rewards at the Canadian Little League championships in Val-d’Or, Que.
Hastings, which shocked two-time defending champion White Rock 13-2 to win the B.C. title, is running roughshod over the competition from across Canada. The Vancouver east-side squad won its fourth straight Tuesday, thumping Prairie representative North Regina 12-6. It was their closest game so far.
In their first three outings, they trounced Nova Scotia 11-3, Ontario 19-2 and Valleyfield, Que., 23-2.
With one game remaining in the round-robin, today against host Val-d’Or, they have already clinched first place and a berth in Friday’s semi-finals. They have out-scored their opponents 55-13.
The final goes Saturday with the victors getting an all-expenses paid trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
“This was a long time coming,” Hastings head coach Jeff Matsuda explained Tuesday from Val-d’Or. “As eight-year-olds, the kids won our district handily and were, like, mercy-ing everybody. I mean, they were just mopping up teams. So our president at the time called all the parents together after that season and said: ‘Look, I see something special here and if you guys take this seriously, this team can go far.’
“We’ve been knocking on the door ever since. We finished third in the provincials with this group for the last three years. So it’s been a four-year wait.”
B.C. has produced the last four Canadian Little League champions with Whalley capturing the title in 2005 and ’06, followed by White Rock in ’07 and ’08. Whalley and White Rock are both from District 3. Hastings is the first B.C. champ from District 6 in 30 years.
“I think the kids are pretty confident but this is still new territory for us,” said Matsuda, whose son Ryan is one of his ace pitchers. “We’d heard rumours that once you win the B.C. provincials, it gets easier but we can’t feel over-confident. Anybody can beat anybody on any given day, right? You still have to play the games.”
Hastings is in excellent position, however.
Today’s round-robin finale means nothing to their seeding so Matsuda can save his top arms for the playoff round. Thursday is a day off.
“We are set up well for the playoffs,” conceded the Hastings coach. “We have a really good schedule.”
In Tuesday’s game against North Regina, Hastings fell behind 4-0 in the first before breaking the game open in the final two innings. Matteo Vincelli stroked a two-run homer for Hastings while Taz Burman added two RBIs.
• An all-star team comprised mainly of players from the B.C. Premier League defeated Quebec 7-6 Sunday in Kindersley, Sask., to win the Canada Cup, emblematic of baseball supremacy for players 17 and under. B.C. finished the tournament with an overall record of 7-1 and edged Alberta 2-1 in the semi-final game.
epap@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Hastings vs. Saskatchewan
Hastings won (even after a 4-0 lead) against the Prairies today.
Final score: 12-6.
The next game is at 4:00pm our time against Val D'or tomorrow.
Ryan and Matteo had good pitching, and congrats to Matteo who hit a nice home run.
Final score: 12-6.
The next game is at 4:00pm our time against Val D'or tomorrow.
Ryan and Matteo had good pitching, and congrats to Matteo who hit a nice home run.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hastings vs. Quebec
Hastings beat Quebec 23-2 today!
Check out the live feed tomorrow at 10am (our time) to see Hastings vs. the Prairies.
Check out the live feed tomorrow at 10am (our time) to see Hastings vs. the Prairies.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Hastings vs. Ontario
Hastings won 19-2 for todays game! (Mercy)
Next game is at 4:00pm (their time) and 1:00pm (our time) tomorrow.
Check into the official Canadians website to view the live video!
Next game is at 4:00pm (their time) and 1:00pm (our time) tomorrow.
Check into the official Canadians website to view the live video!
Update from Julie (who is in Val D'or)
· Hastings had a great start with 4 runs in the fourth
· Sidney Mines fought back and in the third the game was 4-3 Hastings
· Hastings opened it up again in the 4th with another 4 runs including a homerun from Ryan M.
· Ryan got another homer in the 6th
· Ryan had a great game pitching with over 8 strike outs – he also completed the entire game he was one batter short (Anthony Cusati finished the last batter)
· Christian Cullen and Ian Creamore had doubles
· Alex Owen had 2 singles
This was for Hastings vs. the Maritimes, where they won 11-3.
· Sidney Mines fought back and in the third the game was 4-3 Hastings
· Hastings opened it up again in the 4th with another 4 runs including a homerun from Ryan M.
· Ryan got another homer in the 6th
· Ryan had a great game pitching with over 8 strike outs – he also completed the entire game he was one batter short (Anthony Cusati finished the last batter)
· Christian Cullen and Ian Creamore had doubles
· Alex Owen had 2 singles
This was for Hastings vs. the Maritimes, where they won 11-3.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Little League Canadian Championship Site
To view the actual Canadians site, go to this website:
http://www.cbmvd.qc.ca/en
There is also a live feed for the games.
Today, Hastings played against The Ramblers from Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia.
We won 11-3!
The next game will be tomorrow at 1:00pm (Quebec time) and 10:00am our time. Check out the video!
http://www.cbmvd.qc.ca/en
There is also a live feed for the games.
Today, Hastings played against The Ramblers from Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia.
We won 11-3!
The next game will be tomorrow at 1:00pm (Quebec time) and 10:00am our time. Check out the video!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hastings in the "Province"
An article in the Province featured Hastings in the sports section on Friday, Aug.7th.
Here is an excerpt from the article by Steve Ewen found at A52 Sports.
"The Hastings Little League All-Stars team didn't have to look far to see what winning the provincial championship meant to their association. Vito Bordignon...admitted he was a little teary-eyed after his club beat White Rock-South Surrey 13-2 last Sunday. He wasn't alone. 'You say a lot of grown men with tears in their eyes, and a lot of those guys had been in this association before I was here,' said Bordignon, 43. Hastings is the first team in 30 years from District 6 (Vancouver East Side) to claim the 11-12 crown. 'We knocked off quite a giant,' said Bordignon. 'It doesn't happen a lot for our district. Sometimes, you don't think it's ever going to happen. For whatever reason, this team got it together and played its best at the right time and really shone.'"
Vito and Dale were also interviewed for Breakfast Television. If I find a link, I will post it here.
Here is an excerpt from the article by Steve Ewen found at A52 Sports.
"The Hastings Little League All-Stars team didn't have to look far to see what winning the provincial championship meant to their association. Vito Bordignon...admitted he was a little teary-eyed after his club beat White Rock-South Surrey 13-2 last Sunday. He wasn't alone. 'You say a lot of grown men with tears in their eyes, and a lot of those guys had been in this association before I was here,' said Bordignon, 43. Hastings is the first team in 30 years from District 6 (Vancouver East Side) to claim the 11-12 crown. 'We knocked off quite a giant,' said Bordignon. 'It doesn't happen a lot for our district. Sometimes, you don't think it's ever going to happen. For whatever reason, this team got it together and played its best at the right time and really shone.'"
Vito and Dale were also interviewed for Breakfast Television. If I find a link, I will post it here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hastings on CTV
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip200738#clip200738
Check this out!
Copy and paste this as a website.
Check this out!
Copy and paste this as a website.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Provincials Finals: Hastings vs. White Rock
It is finally here ‘folks, the determining game to continue on to the Canadians in Quebec! It’s a hot, sunny day, and there are more people watching than ever before. As the announcer calls out the lineup, the inspirational music feels like one of those sports movies: you know, like “Bad News Bears”, or “Rocky”. Today is the big one, and the mothers are uneasily chomping on their Spitz (better than their nails, eh?), while the fathers scream out encouragement. Lets play ball!
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It’s the top of the 1st inning, and Ian starts us off with a walk. White Rock is pitching their “lefty” pitcher. Matteo hits a single shortly following. A hit down the third base line gets Ryan a double, and brings in Ian. 1-0. Never-mind! It’s a foul for Ryan. But Ryan follows 2 strikes with a home run!! This brings in 3 runs for Hastings. 3-0. At the moment, the White Rock coach is talking to the pitcher and back catcher. Taz pops one up, and gets out for the first out. Another one pops up for Anthony, and he is out as well. Next, CC hits a double into the outfield! White Rock gets Katie out at first for the last out.
Ryan will be pitching for the bottom of the 2nd inning. Ryan walks White Rock with no strikes. A hard hit is an error for CC, and there is now a man on 3rd and 1st for White Rock. Ryan strikes out the next batter for the 1st out. An almost double play gets one player out, but one run comes in for WR. 3-1. Katie catches the last out.
It is now the top of the 2nd inning, and there is $715 dollars in the 50/50 pot. Matt is out at first from a short hit to the 3rd baseman. And Nick follows with a home run! The score is now 4-1 for Hastings, and back to the top of the batting order. After, A pop fly is missed in the outfield, and this brings Ian to second base. Matteo then is struck out. Again, Ryan hits a home run to bring in another two runs for Hastings! The score is now 6-1. WR catches a hit from Taz for the close.
As “Sweet Child O’ Mine” starts blasting from the speakers, Hastings keeps a controlled and determined look on their face. A play by CC makes the first out. Ryan strikes out the next batter. Next, Taz redeems a missed play by CC at second!
It’s now the top of the 3rd, and there are a couple of defensive changes for White Rock. Anthony hits to the fence, but his ball is caught by WR. A play by WR gets CC out at first. Katie then smacks a home run!! The score is now 7-1! Jordan is the last out by a play by shortstop.
The bottom of the 3rd and WR gets a single to begin. The bases are now loaded with one out. Ryan strikes out the next batter for the second out. And the last out!
It’s the top of the 4th with Nick up to bat. A hard hit is missed by WR and he gets a single. There is a pitching change for WR as well. Its back up to the top of the batting order next. Ian pops one up and is out for the first out. An error for the shortstop gets Matteo on first. Ryan hits to a hole in the outfield, and Taz follows with a single. The score is now 10-1! Anthony walks. Ryan W, then Katie are struck out to end the inning.
It is now the bottom of the 4th inning, and a hit for WR gets him a double. Two more hits for WR bring a run in, and Nick catches a hit in the outfield. 10-2, with one out. Ryan W makes a play for the second out. Ryan strikes the last batter out.
It’s the top of the 5th inning, and the score is 10-2. Everyone is on his or her feet now, and Anthony is warming up to pitch. Alex walks to start us off. Then, Nick gets out at first. Ian is out at first, but a run comes in for Hastings. 11-2. Matteo is hit in the leg, and gets a walk. He seems to be slightly injured and limping. There is a pause in the game while the coaches check out his leg. Matteo walks it off and is on first. Now, White Rock is intentionally walking Ryan. There is now a man on 1st and 2nd for Hastings. A hit by Taz is caught for the last out.
Ryan will continue pitching for the bottom of the 5th inning. WR walks. CC tags the WR player, and stops a hard hit. His hand seems to be a bit injured and there is a pause in the game. There are two outs. Ryan strikes out the last WR batter.
The top of the last inning is already here. Anthony hits a home run! It is now 12-2 for Hastings. Next, CC walks. There is another pitching change for WR, and a break from the game. Katie makes a hit, but is out by a play to first. Matt gets a hard single following Katie. CC steals home to bring the score to 13-2. Nick gets a single, and Matt is out at home. There are 2 outs for Hastings, and it is the top of the batting order. Ian is out at first.
It is now the bottom of the 6th, and Anthony will be pitching. (Ryan has maxed out) A hard hit by WR gets him to first base. A nice almost double play by Matteo gets one out. Ryan gets the next out. And Anthony pitches the final strike, and the final out!!!!!!!!
WE ARE GOING TO THE CANADIANS IN QUEBEC!!!!!!!!
Hastings is now the BC champs!!
Keep checking into the blog for Team Hastings on the road to Quebec.
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It’s the top of the 1st inning, and Ian starts us off with a walk. White Rock is pitching their “lefty” pitcher. Matteo hits a single shortly following. A hit down the third base line gets Ryan a double, and brings in Ian. 1-0. Never-mind! It’s a foul for Ryan. But Ryan follows 2 strikes with a home run!! This brings in 3 runs for Hastings. 3-0. At the moment, the White Rock coach is talking to the pitcher and back catcher. Taz pops one up, and gets out for the first out. Another one pops up for Anthony, and he is out as well. Next, CC hits a double into the outfield! White Rock gets Katie out at first for the last out. 
Ryan will be pitching for the bottom of the 2nd inning. Ryan walks White Rock with no strikes. A hard hit is an error for CC, and there is now a man on 3rd and 1st for White Rock. Ryan strikes out the next batter for the 1st out. An almost double play gets one player out, but one run comes in for WR. 3-1. Katie catches the last out. It is now the top of the 2nd inning, and there is $715 dollars in the 50/50 pot. Matt is out at first from a short hit to the 3rd baseman. And Nick follows with a home run! The score is now 4-1 for Hastings, and back to the top of the batting order. After, A pop fly is missed in the outfield, and this brings Ian to second base. Matteo then is struck out. Again, Ryan hits a home run to bring in another two runs for Hastings! The score is now 6-1. WR catches a hit from Taz for the close.
As “Sweet Child O’ Mine” starts blasting from the speakers, Hastings keeps a controlled and determined look on their face. A play by CC makes the first out. Ryan strikes out the next batter. Next, Taz redeems a missed play by CC at second!
It’s now the top of the 3rd, and there are a couple of defensive changes for White Rock. Anthony hits to the fence, but his ball is caught by WR. A play by WR gets CC out at first. Katie then smacks a home run!! The score is now 7-1! Jordan is the last out by a play by shortstop.
The bottom of the 3rd and WR gets a single to begin. The bases are now loaded with one out. Ryan strikes out the next batter for the second out. And the last out!
It’s the top of the 4th with Nick up to bat. A hard hit is missed by WR and he gets a single. There is a pitching change for WR as well. Its back up to the top of the batting order next. Ian pops one up and is out for the first out. An error for the shortstop gets Matteo on first. Ryan hits to a hole in the outfield, and Taz follows with a single. The score is now 10-1! Anthony walks. Ryan W, then Katie are struck out to end the inning.
It is now the bottom of the 4th inning, and a hit for WR gets him a double. Two more hits for WR bring a run in, and Nick catches a hit in the outfield. 10-2, with one out. Ryan W makes a play for the second out. Ryan strikes the last batter out.
It’s the top of the 5th inning, and the score is 10-2. Everyone is on his or her feet now, and Anthony is warming up to pitch. Alex walks to start us off. Then, Nick gets out at first. Ian is out at first, but a run comes in for Hastings. 11-2. Matteo is hit in the leg, and gets a walk. He seems to be slightly injured and limping. There is a pause in the game while the coaches check out his leg. Matteo walks it off and is on first. Now, White Rock is intentionally walking Ryan. There is now a man on 1st and 2nd for Hastings. A hit by Taz is caught for the last out.
Ryan will continue pitching for the bottom of the 5th inning. WR walks. CC tags the WR player, and stops a hard hit. His hand seems to be a bit injured and there is a pause in the game. There are two outs. Ryan strikes out the last WR batter.
The top of the last inning is already here. Anthony hits a home run! It is now 12-2 for Hastings. Next, CC walks. There is another pitching change for WR, and a break from the game. Katie makes a hit, but is out by a play to first. Matt gets a hard single following Katie. CC steals home to bring the score to 13-2. Nick gets a single, and Matt is out at home. There are 2 outs for Hastings, and it is the top of the batting order. Ian is out at first.
It is now the bottom of the 6th, and Anthony will be pitching. (Ryan has maxed out) A hard hit by WR gets him to first base. A nice almost double play by Matteo gets one out. Ryan gets the next out. And Anthony pitches the final strike, and the final out!!!!!!!!
WE ARE GOING TO THE CANADIANS IN QUEBEC!!!!!!!!
Hastings is now the BC champs!!
Keep checking into the blog for Team Hastings on the road to Quebec.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Provincials Game 8: Semi-Finals: Hastings vs. West Van.
We have made it to the playoffs. For a recap, today’s earlier game with Hastings and Coquitlam ended with Coquitlam winning. However, Hastings remained in 2nd, and this game will decide who goes to the finals with White Rock. The other playoff game with White Rock and Coquitlam knocked out Coquitlam, ending with a score of 8-6.
The music is energetic and is pumping up the already excited crowd.
The top of the 1st inning starts off with a single from Ian. A pop fly in the infield from Matteo is caught for the 1st out. Ian is safe at third by an error for West Van. A nice hit to the fence by Anthony brings home Ian and Ryan. 2-0, Hastings. A good bunt by CC gets him to first, but Taz is out at third. CC is out at second for the last out.
The bottom of the 1st will be pitched by Matteo. An error by Anthony gets WV on base. Another error by Ryan gets another man on base. Ryan redeems himself with a tag at shortstop for the first out. Ryan gets another out at 2nd. A nice play by Ian and Katie get the last out. 
Matt will be starting off the top of the 2nd inning. Matt strikes out. A nice hit to the hole in the outfield gives Nick a double. Its now back to the top of the order with Ian, and he is out by a pop fly catch. Lastly, Matteo is struck out.
The bottom of the 2nd is an error for Hastings, getting WV on base. A great play by Ian gets that same batter out at second. Katie then gets the second out at 1st base. A missed diving catch in the outfield brings a run in for WV. 2-1. Matteo finishes the inning off with great pitching. Ryan starts off the 3rd inning with a home run for Hastings. 3-1. Taz, then Anthony follow with singles. CC strikes out for the first out of inning 3. A nice hit down the 1st base line for Katie brings in 2 more runs for Hastings. 5-1. A short hit by Jordan gets Katie out at home. WV catches Nick’s hit in the outfield to bring them up to bat.
Anthony makes the throw to first base for the first out. Ryan makes the next play, but the runner is safe on 1st. North West hits to the outfield to bring a man on third and second. A good throw for Anthony prevents a run for WV. The bases are now loaded with two outs. A hit for WV brings a run in. 5-2. Matteo finishes the inning. 
Ian and Matteo are out at the top of the 4th, and Ryan hits another home run! 6-2. Taz strikes out for the last out.A hit down the 3rd base line brings WV to second and third base. Anthony stops a hit, but a run comes in for WV. The score is now 6-3. Hastings is catching a little too late, and is struggling to get the last out. Another run comes in for WV. 6-4. Katie gets the out at first.
WV strikes out Anthony for the first out. CC, then Katie gets out by pop flies in the outfield.
Matteo strikes out the players with no hits and no runs.
Its now the top of the 6th, with 2 outs. Ian just walked, and WV is intentionally walking Ryan. The bases are now loaded and Taz walks to bring the score to 7-4. Anthony pops it up for the last out.
Bottom of 6, Ryan is pitching. A home run for WV brings in 2 runs to bring the score to 7-6. It’s a nail-biter now, and to finish off the inning, Katie dives not a second too late into first for the last out! Hastings is off to the finals against White Rock!
Final score: 7-6, Hastings.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Provincials Game 6: Hastings vs. White Rock
Now today is a great day for baseball. It is a perfect mild day with a breeze.
Ian will be starting off the top of the 1st inning for Hastings. A nice hit to the hole in the outfield gets Ian to second. Taz follows with a single, and survives a short hot box. Ryan brings Ian in with a single. 1-0, Hastings. Two outs later, CC hits to the fence, but is out by White Rock. 2 players left on base.
Matteo will be the starting pitcher. A hard ball to Ryan W gets White Rock safe at first. Next, a home run! This brings White Rock to 2-1. This shakes up Hastings a bit. A small error almost lets 2 men get on base; however, we manage to get two outs. Shortly after, another man gets on base: looks like I spoke too soon. There is now a pitching change to Alex. A lucky foul ball prevented a 3 run homerun for White Rock.
There are a few changes to the infield and outfield – hopefully to stop White Rock’s offense and batting. But a hit to left field brought in a run for White Rock. 3-1 However, Owen was finally able to throw three strikes to get the next batter out – on now to a new inning.
There is a pitching change for White Rock no in the bottom of the 2nd. It’s a quick out to end the inning.
The score is still 3-1 for White Rock, at the bottom of the second inning. Hastings Alex Owen was able to get two quick outs – working on his third. Hasting needs this final out and focus on the sticks. However, they will have to wait as a White Rock player walks to first after four balls were thrown. Nevertheless, a ground ball between first and second was scooped up by Anthony, Hastings’ second baseman and quickly thrown to Katie for their final out.
Hasting is now up to bat, top of the order, leading off – Ian. And with confidence, Ian was able to hit a homerun to left field on the first pitch of at the top of the third inning. This was followed by Taz, with another homerun to centerfield – tying the game at 3-3! Ryan then makes a nice hit for a single, and Matteo gets on base after that. An error for White Rock gets Anthony on base. Alex gets out by a catch in the outfield, but Ryan comes home. 4-3 for Hastings.
It’s now the bottom of the 3rd inning, and Matt catches the first out in the outfield. Nick catches another ball to get the second out. We catch the last out to bring us to the 4th inning.
The top of the 4th resulted in no runs and 1 hits for Hastings.
A nice diving catch by Ryan gets the first out for Hastings. White Rock hits the ball to the fence (literally) to get him to first. Anthony prevents White Rock to get to full bases. White Rock then gets a home run to bring the score to 6-4. A play by Ryan ends the inning.
It’s the top of the 5th now, and Matteo gets a single. Alex is out in the outfield, and Ryan W in the pinch runner for Matteo. Nick is out, and the top of the inning finishes.
Taz is the new pitcher for the bottom of the 5th. An error by Ryan gets a man on first. There is one out so far and CC holds back the 2 men on base. A hard hit by White Rock gets the bases loaded. Anthony gets the last out at first to make the run not count. The score is still 6-4.
It’s the top of the 6th, and Hastings needs 3 runs. Matt gets on first with a hit, and Katie is the pinch runner. Jordan is out at first. A hit from Ian brings Katie in to make the score 6-5. There is another out. Two outs for Hastings, and Ryan gets a walk. Matteo gets a single and brings Ryan in to tie the score! 6-6. Anthony is out.
There are two men on base to start the bottom of the 6th. And, a home run makes the score 9-6. The game is over.
Final Score: 9-6, White Rock.
Ian will be starting off the top of the 1st inning for Hastings. A nice hit to the hole in the outfield gets Ian to second. Taz follows with a single, and survives a short hot box. Ryan brings Ian in with a single. 1-0, Hastings. Two outs later, CC hits to the fence, but is out by White Rock. 2 players left on base.
Matteo will be the starting pitcher. A hard ball to Ryan W gets White Rock safe at first. Next, a home run! This brings White Rock to 2-1. This shakes up Hastings a bit. A small error almost lets 2 men get on base; however, we manage to get two outs. Shortly after, another man gets on base: looks like I spoke too soon. There is now a pitching change to Alex. A lucky foul ball prevented a 3 run homerun for White Rock.
There are a few changes to the infield and outfield – hopefully to stop White Rock’s offense and batting. But a hit to left field brought in a run for White Rock. 3-1 However, Owen was finally able to throw three strikes to get the next batter out – on now to a new inning.There is a pitching change for White Rock no in the bottom of the 2nd. It’s a quick out to end the inning.
The score is still 3-1 for White Rock, at the bottom of the second inning. Hastings Alex Owen was able to get two quick outs – working on his third. Hasting needs this final out and focus on the sticks. However, they will have to wait as a White Rock player walks to first after four balls were thrown. Nevertheless, a ground ball between first and second was scooped up by Anthony, Hastings’ second baseman and quickly thrown to Katie for their final out.
Hasting is now up to bat, top of the order, leading off – Ian. And with confidence, Ian was able to hit a homerun to left field on the first pitch of at the top of the third inning. This was followed by Taz, with another homerun to centerfield – tying the game at 3-3! Ryan then makes a nice hit for a single, and Matteo gets on base after that. An error for White Rock gets Anthony on base. Alex gets out by a catch in the outfield, but Ryan comes home. 4-3 for Hastings.
It’s now the bottom of the 3rd inning, and Matt catches the first out in the outfield. Nick catches another ball to get the second out. We catch the last out to bring us to the 4th inning. The top of the 4th resulted in no runs and 1 hits for Hastings.
A nice diving catch by Ryan gets the first out for Hastings. White Rock hits the ball to the fence (literally) to get him to first. Anthony prevents White Rock to get to full bases. White Rock then gets a home run to bring the score to 6-4. A play by Ryan ends the inning.
It’s the top of the 5th now, and Matteo gets a single. Alex is out in the outfield, and Ryan W in the pinch runner for Matteo. Nick is out, and the top of the inning finishes.
Taz is the new pitcher for the bottom of the 5th. An error by Ryan gets a man on first. There is one out so far and CC holds back the 2 men on base. A hard hit by White Rock gets the bases loaded. Anthony gets the last out at first to make the run not count. The score is still 6-4. It’s the top of the 6th, and Hastings needs 3 runs. Matt gets on first with a hit, and Katie is the pinch runner. Jordan is out at first. A hit from Ian brings Katie in to make the score 6-5. There is another out. Two outs for Hastings, and Ryan gets a walk. Matteo gets a single and brings Ryan in to tie the score! 6-6. Anthony is out.
There are two men on base to start the bottom of the 6th. And, a home run makes the score 9-6. The game is over.
Final Score: 9-6, White Rock.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Provincials Game 5: Hastings vs. Trail
As the boys start warming up, I can feel the temperature getting hotter. Thank god for the pool, DQ and 7 Eleven nearby. Taz will be pitching for this game. It’s the top of the 1st inning, and there has been an out and a walk. A slight error by Ryan gets another man on base. However, it was not enough to get any runs in.
The bottom of the 1st starts off with Ian and Ryan getting on base, then Anthony gets an RBI. 1-0. Soon after Matteo books it, and is safe at first. This brings Ryan in to make the score 2-0. Bases are now loaded, and Nick hits to bring in another 2 runs. Another run later, Ryan W. gets hit in the face. After spitting out some blood, he seems to be sitting out right now. The inning ends with the score 5-0. I am told Ryan W. has a huge fat lip, lets hope he feels better soon!
The top of the 2nd inning starts off with a pitching change to Matt. After some good plays and pitching, there are no runs and no men on base for Trail. A nice hit by Taz in the bottom of the 2nd brings Ryan in. 6-0. Afterwards, the inning ends.
It’s a quick inning for Hastings, and we continue to hold back Trail with no runs and one man left on base.
It is still 6-0 at the top of the 4th, and Matt carries on pitching well. Bases loaded, Hastings struggles to get the last 2 outs. Trail steals home to make the score 6-1. There is a pitching change to Matteo. Another run comes in. 6-2. There are two outs, and another pitching change to Anthony. Its still two outs, and two nice hits to the outfield ties up the score. Trail is going crazy, and Hastings is shaken up. We FINALLY get the last out. Let’s hope to get more runs in. A nice double by Ryan starts off the bottom of the 4th. Ryan slides in to make the score 7-6. Anthony then makes a great double, followed by a double by Matteo. This brings the score to 8-6. Matteo slides to third, and is safe. It’s a quick last out for Hastings, and there’s no men left on base.
The top of the 5th ends with no runs for Trail.
The bottom of the 6th has no runs for Hastings as well.
Lets see if we can hold back Trail. It’s the top of the 6th and Anthony pitches a quick 3 outs! The game is over, and the final score is 8-6.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Provincials Game 4: Hastings vs. Dunbar
Ryan will be pitching for this game. It’s the top of the 1st inning with another beautiful day in Mackin Yard. It’s a quick 3 outs for Dunbar.
A catch in the outfield is the first out for Hastings in the bottom of the 1st. A nice hit by Ryan gets him to first base. Now, it’s two outs with one man on base. An error for Dunbar brings Anthony to second. Next, Matteo gets a double, which brings Anthony home for the first run of the game. 1-0. A hit from Taz, then CC, makes the score 3-0. It’s a series of errors for Dunbar, and a hit from Nick brings CC in. 4-0. Katie strikes out for the last out.
A single from Dunbar starts off the 2nd inning. Shortly after, the bases are loaded with no outs. Ryan holds back the men on base with a quick 3 strikeouts.
The bottom of the 2nd inning ends with no runs on one hit for Hastings. Ryan strikes two men out, and Jordan catches a pop fly in the outfield for the end of the top of the 3rd.
It’s a quick 3 outs for Hastings in the bottom of the 3rd.
Again, Ryan strikes out Dunbar. The score remains 4-0, Hastings.A single from Matt starts off the bottom of the 4th, and Katie is the pinch runner for him. A hit from Ryan advances him to second, and brings Katie in. 5-0. A double for Anthony brings in Ryan W and Ryan M! 7-0. The bottom of the 4th ends soon after.
This kind of heat actually makes me miss Vancouver winters. Ryan does another speedy strikeout session for the top of the 5th.It’s now the top of the 6th, and the score is still the same. Taz is the new pitcher and there are two outs. This is the last chance for Dunbar to score at least 7 runs. Errors for Hastings let two men get on base. Taz manages to strike Dunbar out for the end of the game.
Final Score: 7-0.
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