The DAWGS Continue to Celebrate the Season at the Backyard Bistro!

The Backyard Bistro was nice enough to sponsor the West Raleigh Minor League this season, so as any team should do...we had our end of season party at the Backyard Bistro! The restaurant supported us all season (along with 6 other teams), so we went to support them!

The families were very excited to gather in one spot...ONE WEEK after the team won the CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

The Bowdish Family came in with this masterpiece for dessert! Thank you!

The kids piling food on their plates! A delicious buffet with everything you can think of to eat!

A packed house because the DAWGS were iiinnn tthhheee HOUSEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Filling up their bellies!

 After dinner, Coach Lance said a little something about each Riverdog. They were handed a gift bag with some great goodies in them.

A 7 year old...#3...JOHN!!!

A 7 year old...#12...LUIS!!!

A 7 year old...#4...IAN!!!

A 7 year old...#44...LUKE!!!

A 6 year old...#27...BEN!!!

A 7 year old...#14...CHARLEY!!!

A 6 year old...#8...GRIFFIN!!!

A 5 year old...#16...GAVIN!!!

A 7 year old...#2...NOAH!!!

A 5 year old...#5...CULLEN!!!

A 7 year old...#1...JACK!!!

A 7 year old...#7...LAWSON!!!

Baseball cards, a trophy and a memorable DVD of the season were found in the boys' gift bags!

After the awards, we watched the DVD of the season that was put together by Stephanie and Zoie. Lots of long hours and hard work going through LOTS and LOTS of pictures and videos and then to sync it all. We definitely appreciate it!

Just a few recaps of the season...

Coach has always told the players that DEFENSE wins ball games. Please take a look at the standings:

Backyard Bistro Fall Minor

Team Name	P	W	L	T	Pct	F	A
Riverdogs	12	11	1	0	0.917	159	38
Bats	12	11	1	0	0.917	174	75
Thunder	12	6	6	0	0.500	89	125
Lookouts	12	6	6	0	0.500	111	105
Bees	12	4	8	0	0.333	72	140
Bulls	12	3	9	0	0.250	109	146
Scrappers	12	1	11	0	0.083	71	156

The runs allowed (A column)...very impressive for the Riverdogs! That means that the other teams scored a combined 38 runs against us. Great job Coaches for teaching them the drills and encouraging them to make those great defensive plays!

Not too many times will you see outfielders throw runners out at the infield, but the Riverdogs were able to do that quite a few times!

Bottom line...the Riverdogs met new friends and had fun playing the game of baseball! Lots of hard work paid off and it was a great RIDE to be on with everyone!

Enjoy the winter...keep swinging the bats...13 weeks until the Spring season...as Coach told us all last night!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship Awards

Written by: Beth Rhew
Monday, October 31, 2011

West Raleigh takes pride in promoting sportsmanship above everything else. The biggest trophy awarded each season is for the Sportsman of the League.

Each team selects a player that best exemplifies good sportsmanship to receive the team Sportsmanship Award. Then, the head coaches for each league vote on those selected players and choose the one to be the Sportsman of the League.

Congratulations to all of our Fall 2011 Sportsmanship Award Winners:

Softball League

Sportsman of the League: Jill Magner

Blue Devils - Kylie Mews

Hurricanes - Emori Berglund

Tar Heels - Jill Magner

Wolfpack - Anna Brest

Minor League

Sportsman of the League: Charlie Brosius

Bats - Fletcher Hayden

Bees - Parker Buchanan

Bulls - Charlie Brosius

Lookouts - Sean McSoley

Riverdogs - Ian Turner

Scrappers - Nathaniel Caraballo

Thunder - Patrick Queen

Rookie League

Sportsman of the League: Garrett McCraw

Phillies - Ryan Wolfram

Mets - Reid Richards

Marlins - Elmo Sager

Padres - Josh Holloman

Cubs - Garrett McCraw

Nationals - David Dilday

Braves - Matt Dempsey

Major League

Sportsman of the League: Will Parker

Astros - Andrew McCann

Brewers - Grant Condry

Cardinals - Kevin McSoley

Giants - Johnny Serencsics

Pirates - TJ Tutka

Reds - Will Parker

Junior League

Sportsman of the League: Oliver Primo-Squire

Rays - Josh Smith

Orioles - AJ Rubel

Rangers - Anthony Fraraccio

Athletics - Tucker Penny

Yankees - Oliver Primo-Squire

Red Sox - Connor Gallimore

Closing Ceremonies

After the championship game this afternoon, the West Raleigh Minor League had the closing ceremonies. The Bats received their 2nd place trophies and the Riverdogs received their 1st place trophies. Members from each of the seven minor league teams were represented with their coaches.

Waiting to receive their first place trophies!

Fun times!



Cheering on the Bats!



Coach Lance giving a speech before the first place trophies are awarded to his players!

One great thing about West Raleigh is how sportsmanship is put above everything else. Each team has its own Sportsmanship Award and it's up to the head coach as to how he is chosen. The majority of the teams have the players, coaches and parents submit a name and that is how the Riverdogs chooses who earns the Sportsmanship Award. This season's recipient for the Fall 2011 season goes to Ian Turner! Great job, #4!!

The 7 players who earned the Best Sportsmanship Award from their teams. The Bulls' Charlie Brosius took home the Sportsman of the League trophy!

Minor League Championship Game...

RIVERDOGS 6  Bats 0

The Championship Game was scheduled for yesterday, but was changed to today at 1pm due to the weather. It was VERY COLD, but the Riverdogs came through and earned the Championship title with a 6-0 win over the 2nd place Bats!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second base for out #2.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #3.
That's a 1-2-3 inning!

2nd inning:
Jack held the runner to a single by quickly throwing the ball into the infield from right centerfield.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) in a fielder's choice for out #1.
Luke caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

4th inning:
Charley (third) to Lawson (second) in a fielder's choice for out #1.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) in a fielder's choice for out #2.
Luke had a bank-handed stop and threw the ball to Lawson (second) for out #3. What a play!

5th inning:
Lawson had an unassisted play at second for out #1.
Luke caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2.
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

6th inning:
Ian caught a fly ball at first base for the first out.
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for outs 2 and 3 to end the game.
A great 1-2-3 inning!

Definitely loved watching our catchers behind the plate! Great work Jack, Cullen, Griffin and Louis!

So impressed with the outfielders! Great work John, Benjamin, Gavin, Noah, Cullen, Griffin, Louis and Jack!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 0-3 with hard hits
Ian: 1-3 with a double to right field
Luke: 3-3 with 2 hits to left centerfield
John: 3-3 with a great hit to centerfield and 1 RBI
Charley: 2-3 with great hits to center and left centerfield with 2 RBI
Benjamin: 2-3 with a nice hit to centerfield
Gavin: 2-2 with 3 RBI
Noah: 0-2
Jack: 0-2
Luis: 0-2
Cullen: 2-2 with hard hits to third base
Griffin: 1-2 with a hit to shortstop

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Sunday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Bats	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9
Riverdogs	3	0	2	0	1	X	6	16

Coach Dave was definitely missed today! He was coaching his daughter's team to the Championship game in a big softball tournament. Unfortunately, the schedules didn't work out. We missed you Coach Dave! A HUGE thank you to Dan Stahlman for pinch hitting and taking the dugout coach position for today!

Gavin gave the Riverdogs' Team Mom, Stephanie, some flowers as a THANK YOU!!

Afer the Championship Game...the Riverdogs telling the Bats they played a great game!

Riverdog Champions!!

FIRST PLACE!!! Coach Dave...we MISS you in this picture!

Last post-game speech!

Thank you to all the parents, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, other family members and good friends to come out and cheer on the DAWGS!!!!!!!!!

Play the song, "We are the CHAMPIONS" loud and proud, Riverdogs!!! You deserve it!!!

Tournament Game #2: RIVERDOGS 16 Bulls 10

What a game! The Bulls can definitely hit that ball! They definitely earned every run they scored! The Riverdogs continue to play great and work together. They practice specific drills with their coaches and the plays are executed in games. It's very impressive and the DAWGS have come a long way!

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
The first 2 Bulls' batters hit doubles into right and right centerfield.
Benjamin (centerfield) threw the ball to Luke (shortstop) at second base for an out!
Lawson went running back and over to his left for an impressive fly ball catch for the second out!
Charley caught a foul ball between third base and the visitor dugout for the last out!

2nd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning!
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke caught a low fly ball for out #2.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #3.

3rd inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke caught a fly ball at shortstop for out #2.
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for out #3.

4th inning:
The Bulls were hitting the ball in this inning!
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #1.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out.

5th inning:
The Turner brothers (Gavin-pitcher to Ian-first) for the first out.
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Okay, so the ball is out to right centerfield..Jack backs up his teammate, gets the ball and fires it to Lawson...Lawson turns around and throws the ball to Luke at second base to get the runner out! WOW!

6th inning:
Luke made an unassisted play at second for out #1.
Benjamin (centerfield) to Luke (shortstop) at second base for out #2.
Charley (third) to Lawson (second) in a fielder's choice to end the game!

It's fun watching our catchers behind the plate! Great work Jack, Luis, Cullen and Griffin!

Definitely impressed with our outfielders and how they back up each other...excellent job John, Gavin, Noah, Jack, Benjamin, Luis, Cullen and Griffin!

Now for our OFFENSE...

Lawson: 2-4 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Ian: 4-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 4-4 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored
John: 3-4 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Benjamin: 3-3 with 1 RBI
Gavin: 0-3, but will get them next time
Jack: 2-3 with a double to left centerfield and 2 runs scored
Noah: 3-3 with 3 runs scored
Luis: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Cullen: 2-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Griffin: 3-3 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored

Wednesday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Bulls	3	0	0	5	1	1	10	17
Riverdogs	1	7	5	0	3	X	16	28

Coach Lance's mom and sister surprised he and Lawson! They drove up from Mooresville JUST for the game!
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE HAUL UP HERE TO WATCH THE DAWGS!!!

Thank you Team Mom Stephanie and Layne for the great sign! Luis' family and John's family brought signs, too!

Next up for the Riverdogs...

Friday night practice at Ephesus starting at 5pm!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tournament Game #1: RIVERDOGS 19 Bees 4

The Riverdogs played the Bees today at 1pm in the tournament and the DAWGS were on fire!!! It is so fun watching them!!! Here's how it looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke to Charley (at third base) who then threw the ball to Jack (catcher) for an out at the plate!!! WOW!
Cullen threw the ball from right centerfield to Charley (third base) for out #2! Another WOW!
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the third out.

2nd inning:
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for an out.
John caught a hard line drive that was foul at third base to end the inning! Another WOW play!

3rd inning:
A 1-2-3 inning...
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for the second out.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the third out.

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Ian made a diving catch that was foul by the first base dugout for the last out! WOW!!

5th inning:
Lawson  had an unassisted play at second base for outs 1 and 2 and one of them was almost a double play!
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3.

6th inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for an out.
Lawson caught a line drive at second base to end the game!

Great job catchers!!!!!! Jack, Cullen, Griffin and Luis!!!!! Way to back everyone up and get that ball in outfielders...John, Benjamin, Gavin, Noah, Jack, Luis, Cullen and Griffin!!!!!


Now for the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 4-4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Ian: 4-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-4 with a double, 4 RBI and 1 run scored
John: 3-4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored
Charley: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Benjamin: 3-3 with a triple, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Gavin: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Noah: 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI
Jack: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Luis: 2-3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Cullen: 3-3 with 2 runs scored
Griffin: 3-3 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored

Way to hit the ball DAWGS!!!!

Next up for the Riverdogs...

Practice Tuesday at Ephesus starting at 5pm and then the Bulls Wednesday at 5:30pm!!!

Way to go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regular Season champs!!!!!!!

Last night's game against the Lookouts concluded the Fall 2011 Regular Season! Our coaches and players have worked so hard this season (just like the other teams) and it paid off with an 11-1 record!!!!

Sometimes regular season champions are overlooked in leagues because people tend to think about the tournament and the tournament champion. But, in my eyes, and I hope in other people's eyes...to have an 11-1 record for the season with 159 total runs and ONLY 38 runs against us...that is extremely impressive for these 5, 6 and 7 year olds!!!

Here are the final standings:
Backyard Bistro Fall Minor
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Team Name	P	W	L	T	Pct	F	A
Riverdogs	12	11	1	0	0.917	159	38
Bats	12	11	1	0	0.917	174	75
Thunder	12	6	6	0	0.500	89	125
Lookouts	12	6	6	0	0.500	111	105
Bees	12	4	8	0	0.333	72	140
Bulls	12	3	9	0	0.250	109	146
Scrappers	12	1	11	0	0.083	71	156

The minor league tournament begins Saturday morning on Nowell Field. Since we enter the tournament with the #1 seed, our first tournament game will be on Sunday at 1pm against the winner of the Thunder/Bees game!

Here's the link to view the bracket:

http://wrbaseball.org/tournament.php?tournid=46

All teams begin with a 0-0 record heading into the tournament!

HAVE FUN OUT THERE...Lawson, Ian, Luke, John, Charley, Benjamin, Gavin, Jack, Noah, Luis, Cullen, Griffin, Coach Lance, Coach Dave, Coach Cailean and Coach Wayne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #12: RIVERDOGS 8 Lookouts 0

Cullen during bp before the game

Charley is next in the batting cage before the game

Good times...excited...post warm up before the final regular season game!

Coach Dave leading it in the cage for the Dawgs!!

John in the batting cage and Jack to follow

Tonight's game concluded the regular season! Here's how we looked defensively...amazing, by the way!!!

1st inning:
Gavin (pitcher) to Luke (shortstop) to throw the runner out at second base.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for out #2.
Benjamin (centerfield) threw the ball to Luke (shortstop) at second base for the last out. What a play!

2nd inning:
Benjamin (centerfield) held the runner to a single by quickly throwing the ball into the infield.
Benjamin (centerfield) threw the ball to Luke to make out #2 at second base.
Luke caught an infield fly ball at shortstop for out #1.
Ian did an amazing play and caught the ball that most likely would have ended up in a single with 2 RBI for the last out.

3rd inning:
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #1.
John (third) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #3. A great 1-2-3 inning.

4th inning:
Lawson made an amazing catch at second base for out #1.
John backed up his teammate, threw the ball into the infield to hold the runner to a single.
Lawson tagged the runner out on the way to second base for out #2.
Benjamin (centerfield) threw the ball to Lawson at second base for out #3. Wow!

5th inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
Lawson, Luke and Benjamin were running to try and catch the ball that was headed to just behind second base. Lawson made an unbelieveable sliding catch for the first out!
Lawson tagged the runner out en route to second base for out #2 and turned it into a double play by throwing the ball to Ian at first base to end the inning! Beautiful!!

6th inning:
Another 1-2-3 inning!
John (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for out #2.

Luis, Jack and Griffin were our star catchers for the evening! Great work behind the plate!

Way to go outfielders...the Lookouts were hitting the ball out there. Great job backing each other up and throwing the ball into the infield Gavin, Noah, Jack, Cullen, Luis, Griffin, Benjamin and John!

Now for our OFFENSE...

Lawson: 2-3 with a double to leftfield, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Ian: 2-3 with a nice single to left centerfield, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luke: 3-3 with nice hits to leftfield and 1 run scored
John: 3-3 with great hits down the middle, 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Charley: 1-3 with a hard hit to right centerfield
Benjamin: 1-3 with a shot to centerfield
Gavin: 1-3 with a single to leftfield, 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Jack: 2-3 with infield hits
Noah: 1-2 with a great hit to right centerfield and 1 RBI
Luis: 0-2 with 1 RBI
Cullen: 0-2 but will get them next time
Griffin: 1-2 with a run scored

This was the Riverdogs' second shutout of the season. They showed outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork tonight!!!!

Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #11: RIVERDOGS 15 Bulls 2

A nice Tuesday night at the ballpark! The Riverdogs played great tonight and here's how it looked for our DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Lawson tagged the runner on his way to second base for out #1.
John caught a great fly ball out in left centerfield for out #2.
Luke (shortstop) took a fielder's choice to second base where Lawson was at to end the inning.

2nd inning:
Luke reached/leaped out and caught a line drive at shortstop and then threw the ball to Ian (first base) to get the runner out...double play!
John caught a hard line drive at third base for the last out.

3rd inning:
Charley (third base) to Ian (first base) for out #1.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for out #2.

4th inning:
Lawson (second base) to Ian (first base) for out #1.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first base) for out #2.
Charlie took a fielder's choice (third base) to Lawson (second) for the last out.

5th inning:
Charley stopped a hard hit at pitcher and threw the ball to Ian, but just missed getting the out.
Ian reached up and caught a ball that was headed to right field for the first out.
John (third) to Ian (first) for out #2.
John caught a fly ball at third base for the third out.

6th inning:
Luke caught an infield fly ball at shortstop for an out.
Charley charged the ball that landed between home and first base...threw the ball to Ian at first base to end the game.

Jack did an amazing job behind the plate for the Dawgs. There was one play where he quickly took off his helmet, grabbed the ball and was about to throw it to Ian at first base until he was told "foul ball." Luis is showing great improvement as catcher...he's getting up quickly and wants to make a play. Cullen is also improving a great deal with the hard work behind the plate. Noah shined for an inning as a Riverdog catcher, too!

Our outfielders did a great job paying attention, getting the ball into the infield and backing them up! Way to go John, Noah, Benjamin, Cullen, Luis and Gavin!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 3-4 with a great hit to right centerfield and 2 runs scored
Ian: 3-4 with a double and 3 runs scored
Luke: 3-4 with a double to left field, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
John: 2-4 with a nice hit to right centerfield, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 2-3 with a great hit to left centerfield and 2 runs scored
Benjamin: 3-3 with a triple to right field, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored
Gavin: 2-3 with a hit to right field, 3 RBI and 1 run scored
Jack: 3-3 with a nice hit to left centerfield and 2 RBI
Noah: 2-3 with a great hit down the middle and 1 RBI
Luis: 0-3 with 1 RBI
Cullen: 0-3 with a hard hit to first base

Tuesday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Bulls	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	7
Riverdogs	7	4	0	2	2	X	15	23

The Riverdogs will be back in action this Friday night at 5:30pm vs the Lookouts! It's the last regular season game of the Fall 2011 Minor League season!!!


Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #10: RIVERDOGS 14 Scrappers 0

The Riverdogs played the Scrappers this morning with a 9:30am start, which meant the team needed to be there for pre-game practice at 8:30am. It's hard to believe the season is nearing the end. Wow! Coach Lance was so proud of how the team played defensively...so all DAWGS earned a gold bone! That's a pretty big deal to them to be able to put a gold bone on their batting helmets!

Here's how it all played out...DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
The Turner brothers had the first out (Gavin at pitcher to Ian at first base).
Lawson caught a fly ball at second base.
John caught a fly ball out in left centerfield in a 1-2-3 inning!

2nd inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for out #1.
Lawson caught another fly ball at second base to end the inning.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Charley caught an infield fly ball at pitcher for the second out.
Another Lawson to Ian throw for the last out. Another 1-2-3 inning.

4th inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Ian (first) ran up, fielded the ball, turned around to throw the ball to Lawson who covered at first base for the last out. Beautiful play!!

5th inning:
Turner boys again for out #1 (Gavin at pitcher to Ian at first base).
Luke caught a fly ball at shortstop for the second out.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out.

6th inning:
Jack (catcher) threw off his mask in about .2 seconds, picked up the ball and threw it to Ian at first base for an out. Another beautiful play by some Riverdogs!
John caught a line drive at third base to end the inning.

John, Benjamin, Gavin, Jack, Noah, Luis and Cullen did an outstanding job backing up the infielders!!! Behind the plate...hats off to Luis, Cullen and Jack! GREAT WORK!

Now for the OFFENSE...due to the run rule...we switched from offense to defense with one out...

Lawson: 3-3 with nice hits to the left side and 3 runs scored
Ian: 3-4 with a triple, double, single, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 4-4 with a double, 2 RBI and 4 runs scored
John: 4-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 3-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored
Benjamin: 2-4 with a nice hit to left field and 3 RBI
Gavin: 3-4 with infield hits and 1 RBI
Jack: 4-4 with a triple, 3 singles and 2 RBI
Noah: 1-4 with a hard infield hits and 1 RBI
Luis: 1-3 with a hit to third
Cullen: 0-3 with infield hits

Saturday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
RIVERDOGS	2	0	4	3	0	5	14	28
Scrappers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

We're entering our last week of regular season play...

Practice tomorrow at 12:30-2pm at Ephesus Church!
Game against the Bulls Tuesday night!
Game against the Lookouts Friday night!
Tournament play begins next Saturday!!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rain, Rain and More Rain

Due to the weather today...the Riverdogs spent one hour in the batting cages to work on some hitting drills at Grand Slam USA with the coaches. Hopefully the field will be in good playing condition on Thursday for our practice at 5:30pm!

Cullen Price's Masterpiece

For now I had to take a picture of Cullen's masterpiece about the Riverdogs because I do not know how to upload a PDF into a blog! Here is what he wrote in his story:

I had a baseball game. 

We won the game. 

The score was 11-3. 

I got Sunkist. I got orange lips. 

In the game Luke hit a biggy. But he got out.

He actually wrote out an entire team cheer on the slide!!! It's the one that goes like this:

 

Hey my name is Cullen and you know what I got?

"Hey whatchugot?"

I got a team that is hotter than hot.

"How is hot?"

Grand slams and homeruns, too.

"uh hah. uh hah."

Now let's see what Ben can do.

 

If any of the Riverdogs are writing about the team, then send them to me and I'll post them. It's best if you take a picture of it!

 

GREAT JOB #5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #9: RIVERDOGS 22 Thunder 8

Another Saturday at the ballpark in early October! Today at 11:30am the Riverdogs "hosted" the Thunder. We were down two teammates today...Cullen and Luke. We definitely missed them!

Here's what the DEFENSE did...

1st inning:
Charley caught an infield fly ball at third base for the first out.
Noah held the runner to a single after throwing the ball quickly from left field.
Charley tagged the runner out to end the inning.

2nd inning:
Lawson (shortstop) to John (second) for outs 1 and 2.
Ian caught an infield fly ball at first base for the last out.

3rd inning:
Benjamin (left centerfield) threw the ball to John (second) for an out.

4th inning:
Noah (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (shortstop) to Charley (third) for the last out.

5th inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first base for an out.
Lawson caught a fly ball at shortstop for the last out.

Great job behind the plate! Way to go Jack, Luis and Griffin! The outfielders were kept a little busy today. Way to go Noah, Gavin, Benjamin, Griffin and Luis!

Now for the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 5-5 with 3 RBI
Ian: 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI
John: 4-4 with a triple and 1 RBI
Charley: 3-4 with 2 RBI
Benjamin: 4-4 with a double and 1 RBI
Gavin: 3-4
Jack: 4-4 with a triple, double and 5 RBI
Noah: 4-4 with a double and 4 RBI
Luis: 3-4 with 1 RBI
Griffin: 3-4 with 1 RBI

This week is a different week for the Riverdogs. We have THREE practices before our next game. We practice Sunday at 1:30-3pm at Ephesus and then Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30-7pm at Ephesus!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #8: RIVERDOGS 6 Bats 8

The Riverdogs played a good mid-week game tonight! We missed our #8...Griffin.

Here's how we looked DEFENSIVELY...

1st inning:
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the first out.
Ben caught a nice fly ball out in centerfield for the second out.
Charley had an unassisted play at third base for the third out.

2nd inning:
Noah kept the runner to a single by quickly throwing the ball in from leftfield.
Ben threw the ball from centerfield to Lawson at second base for an out.
Lawson (second) to Luke (shorstop) at second base for the last out.

3rd inning:
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out an out.
Ian tagged the runner out at first for the last out.

4th inning:
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.

5th inning:
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Lawson caught an infield fly ball for the second out.
Gavin (pitcher) to Charley (third) for the last out.

It's great to see the outfielders backing up each other and the infielders in case of any overthrows. Great job Jack, Noah, Cullen, Benjamin, Gavin and Luis! Also, it takes a lot of work to try and catch every pitch that comes to you. Way to go catchers...Jack, Luis and Cullen!

OFFENSIVELY here's how we looked tonight...

Lawson: 1-4 with a single to left center and 1 run scored

Ian: 1-3 with a beautiful triple down the rightfield line, then a passed ball that got him home with 2 RBI and a run scored

Luke: 2-3 with a nice hit to left centerfield

John: 1-3 with a great hit to centerfield

Charley: 3-3 with a great shot to centerfield and 2 runs scored

Benjamin: 3-3 with 2 great hits to left centerfield and one down the middle along with 2 runs scored

Gavin: 1-3 with a nice hit out to right centerfield with a RBI

Jack: 3-3 with great hits to right centerfield along with 3 RBI

Noah: 2-3 with infield hits

Cullen: 2-3 with infield hits

Luis: 1-3 with an infield hit

Wednesday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
RIVERDOGS	0	2	0	2	2	0	6	20
Bats	1	0	4	2	1	X	8	16

Next up for the DAWGS is a game this Saturday at 11:30am against the Thunder!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #7: RIVERDOGS 12 Bees 1

While the Riverdogs were at West Raleigh...

Coach Lance was here:


A HUGE thank you to Coach Cailean, Coach Dave, Coach Wayne and Tom Hegeman who came in to pinch hit! Great job coaches!

The Riverdogs played 4 in the outfield instead of 5 since we were down 2 teammates.

Here's how the DEFENSE looked this afternoon...

1st inning:
Lawson (second) to Luke (shorstop) for an out at second base.
A double play...Luke caught a fly ball at second and then threw the ball to Ian at first.

2nd inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Lawson (third) for an out.
Charley caught an infield fly ball at the pitcher's mound for an out.

3rd inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for an out.

4th inning:
John (pitcher) to Luke (shortstop) at second base for the first out.
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the second out.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for the last out.

5th inning:
John (second) to Luke (shorstop) at second base for an out.

6th inning:
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Charley had an unassisted play at third for the 2nd out.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) at second base for the last out of the game.

Now for the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 4-4 with a triple to left centerfield
Ian: 3-4 with 2 hits to right centerfield and 2 RBI
Luke: 3-4 with a double to left centerfield and 2 RBI
John: 2-4 with a hit to left field
Charley: 4-4 with 3 singles to left and left center along with 3 RBI
Benjamin: 2-4 with a hit to left center and 1 RBI
Gavin: 2-4 with a hit down the middle and 3 RBI
Noah: 2-4 with infield hits
Cullen: 2-4 with infield hits and 1 RBI
Luis: 2-3 with infield hits

Saturday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Riverdogs	6	3	2	0	1	0	12	26
Bees	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	14

Next up...
Practice at Ephesus TOMORROW at 1:30-3pm!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #6: RIVERDOGS 7 Lookouts 3

It was a close game and the Lookouts came to play ball against the Riverdogs! This game ended the midpoint of the season because the Riverdogs have played all the teams. Here are the stats from tonight's game...

DEFENSE...

1st inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1.
Lawson caught an infield fly ball at second for out #2.
Noah quickly threw the ball in from left field to hold the runner to a single and 1 RBI.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for the last out.
The Lookouts scored their three runs in the first inning!

2nd inning:
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for the first out.
Then, Luke caught an infield fly ball at shorstop for the second out.
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the third out. A 1-2-3 inning.

3rd inning:
The momentum started with a double play! Charley caught a line drive at the pitcher's mound for out #1 and then threw the ball to Ian at first base because the runner didn't tag to make it into the double play.
John caught a fly ball at third to end the inning.

4th inning:
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for outs 1 and 2.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out in a fielder's choice.

5th inning:
John (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Ian (first) for out #2.
Luke backed up his teammate, caught the ball and then threw the ball to Lawson at second base for the last out.

6th inning:
Charley (third) to Ian (first) for one out.
Lawson tagged the runner from first to second to end the game.

The Riverdog outfielders have really impressed the coaches with backing up each other! They work on that a lot during practice and it is showing in the games. Great job Gavin, Noah, Benjamin, Griffin, Jack and Luis! Also, our catchers did a decent job behind the plate. Way to go Jack, Cullen, Luis and Griffin!

Here's a look at our OFFENSE...

Lawson: 1-3
Ian: 1-3
Luke: 2-3
John: 1-3 with 1 RBI
Charley: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Benjamin: 2-3
Gavin: 2-3 with 1 RBI
Noah: 1-3 with 2 RBI
Jack: 2-2 with 2 RBI
Griffin: 1-2
Cullen: 0-2
Luis: 0-2

Here are the standings after tonight's game:
Backyard Bistro Fall Minor

Team Name	P	W	L	T	Pct	F	A
Riverdogs	6	6	0	0	1.000	82	19
Bats	5	4	1	0	0.800	81	31
Thunder	5	3	2	0	0.600	50	52
Bulls	6	3	3	0	0.500	54	62
Lookouts	6	3	3	0	0.500	51	50
Bees	5	0	5	0	0.000	14	73
Scrappers	5	0	5	0	0.000	30	75

The next practice is scheduled for Thursday at Ephesus Church starting at 5:30pm!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #5: RIVERDOGS 11 Bulls 1

The Riverdogs arrived to West Raleigh bright and early for pictures at 8am! I took a bunch of team photos there this morning, but I think I was still half asleep because they did not turn out! So, if you took any...please send my way, so I can post on here. Thanks!

The weather was not great, but at least we did not have a downpour. Rick Pate, Interim Director of Baseball at West Raleigh, along with a few staff members worked until around 10pm Friday night fixing the fields and then were back at it VERY early Saturday morning and throughout the day. It took a lot to keep those fields in playable conditions due to Mother Nature. Due to the weather, we started our game at 9am instead of 9:30am.

We missed our very own Coach Wayne helping out the team! But, a big thanks to Benjamin's dad, Dan, for filling in as dugout coach!

Here are the stats for today...

DEFENSE:
1st inning:
Noah backed up his teammate and kept a solid Bulls hitter to a single.
Lawson (second) to Luke (shorstop) for the last out of the game.

2nd inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Luke (shortstop) to Ian (first) for another out.

3rd inning:
Luke (third) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (shortstop) to John (second) for out #2.
Ian caught a fly ball at first base for the last out.

4th inning:
Lawson (second) to Luke (shortstop) for the first out.
Luke caught a very high fly ball for out #2 at shortstop.
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out.

5th inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Ian caught a fly ball at first for out #2.
Lawson (third) to Ian (first) for the last out.

6th inning:
Luke (shortstop) to Lawson (second) for the last out of the game.

Jack, Luis, Gavin and Cullen did a great job behind the plate!

A big shout out to our outfielders for quickly throwing the ball into the infield with the Bulls' big hitters! Way to go John, Charley, Benjamin, Gavin, Noah, Jack, Griffin, Cullen and Luis!

Now for our OFFENSE...

Lawson: 3-4 with a double and 2 runs scored
Ian: 3-4 with a double, RBI and 2 runs scored
Luke: 3-3 with a double, RBI and 2 runs scored
John: 3-3 with a RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 0-3, but will get them next time!
Benjamin: 2-3 with 2 RBI and 1 run scored
Gavin: 1-3 with 2 RBI
Noah: 2-3 with a RBI and 1 run scored
Jack: 2-3
Griffin: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Cullen: 2-3 with a RBI
Luis: 2-3

Practice is scheduled for Sunday at West Raleigh, 3-5pm. We play the Lookouts Monday night at 5:30pm!!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game #4: RIVERDOGS 14 Scrappers 4

We played the Scrappers tonight at 5:30pm and here's the breakdown of the stats...

For the DEFENSE:

1st inning:
Gavin (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Lawson (second) to Luke (shortstop) in a fielder's choice for out #2.
Ben kept the runner to first by quickly throwing the ball in from center field.
Ian caught a foul ball at the first base area for the third out.

2nd inning:
Charley (third) to Luke (first) for the first out.
Lawson caught a line drive at shortstop for the second out.
Lawson (short) to Luke (first) to end the inning in 1-2-3.

3rd inning:
Charley (pitcher) to Ian (first) for out #1.

4th inning:
Ian had an unassisted play at first for out #1.
John threw the ball from the outfield to Lawson at second base to tag the runner out (out #2).
Gavin (pitcher) to Ian (first) for the last out.

5th inning:
John (second) to Luke (shortstop) in a fielder's choice for out #1.
Ben (pitcher) to Luke (shortstop) at second base for out #2.
Charley caught a fly ball at third for the last out.

6th inning:
Lason (second) to Ian (first) for out #1.
Ian had an unassisted play at first for the second out.
Gavin (pitcher) to Ian (first) to end the game.

Luis, Griffin, Cullen and Jack are improving behind the plate! The outfielders continue to back each other up. Good job Gavin, Cullen, Lawson, Benjamin, Jack, Luis, Ian, John, Griffin and Noah!

For the OFFENSE...

Lawson: 3-3 with a double and 3 runs scored
Ian: 1-3 with a RBI and a run scored
Luke: 3-3 with 2 doubles, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored
John: 3-3 with a RBI and 2 runs scored
Charley: 3-3 with a double and 1 run scored
Benjamin: 3-3 with a double and a RBI
Gavin: 1-3 with a RBI
Noah: 2-3 with 1 run scored
Jack: 1-3 with 1 run scored
Griffin: 1-3 with a run scored
Cullen: 2-2 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored
Luis: 0-2 with a hard hit to shortstop

Next up the Riverdogs practice at Ephesus Church this Thursday at 5:30pm!

Reminders: Food Drive this week and it's important that all players be at West Raleigh by 8am this Saturday for pictures. Individual pictures will be done as well as the team photo. This company is on a schedule, as well as the Riverdogs. They'll be in the batting cage by 8:30am!

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!