2009 Game Summaries
May 13 - SEVERNA PARK - The young Seahawks fought with all their hearts but came up just short in a 3-2 season-ending loss to Severna Park. In an errorless game, the 'Hawks scored their runs via a Bobby Hite homer and an exciting double steal with Ryan Schoenbauer stealing second base while Jesse Holian swiped home. While Zach Morris pitched another terrific game, the winning run scored when the Seahawks were unable to turn a double play with the bases loaded.
Few people gave these Seahawks, with their 6-11 record, much of a chance against Severna Park's County Championship team but as the game showed, playing well and executing the standard plays usually puts a team in a position to compete. Fielding a starting nine of 2 seniors, 2 juniors, 3 sophomores and 2 freshmen, the future looks bright for South River baseball in the coming seasons. This team has much to be proud of and certainly, they will miss JK White, Eric Aumann, and Bobby Hite next season.
May 11 - OLD MILL - For the second year in a row, the Seahawks ended Old Mill's season and will next play Severna Park in a repeat of last season's playoff scenario.
The 'Hawks jumped to a quick lead, scoring three runs in the top of the third inning. Kevin Loftis opened with a single to right center and was followed by a Bobby Hite single to left center. After Eric Aumann walked to load the bases, Zach Morris delivered a two-run single to left center. Joe Scott, running for Aumann, then scored on a wild pitch.
The Patriots answered with five runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead. The Seahawks scratched back with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie the game. But Old Mill scored again in their half of the fifth to regain the lead in a see-saw battle. Each team scored single runs in the sixth inning to keep the score knotted, this time at 7 runs each.
But South River owned the seventh inning. Ryan Schoenbauer opened with a walk in an extended at bat. When Schoenbauer broke for second base, Loftis hit behind the second baseman for a single with Schoenbauer continuing to third base. Both were delivered when Hite crushed a triple into the deepest reaches of the park. Aumann plated Hite with an infield single. After a walk to Morris and runners subsequently advancing on a wild pitch, Nick Whiting came through with a two-run single to produce the games final 12-5 score.
Morris came in to relieve Aumann and pitched the final inning to preserve the Seahawk win.
Kudos go up and down the Seahawk lineup:
Kevin Loftis - 3 hits, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI
Bobby Hite - 3 hits including a triple, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs to go with 2 stolen bases
Eric Aumann - 1 hit, 1 RBI, 6 innings pitched with 6 strikeouts
Zach Morris - 1 hit, 2 RBIs, and a run scored
Nick Whiting - 1 hit, 2 RBIs, and a run scored
Ryan Schoenbauer - 2 walks, a triple, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored
May 1 - SEVERNA PARK - The good news......the young 'Hawks had 8 hits including 4 doubles against Severna Park.
The bad news....it wasn't enough to prevent a 10-4 loss.
The top 4 Severna Park hitters were a combined 11-for-16 including 2 homers and a double, scoring 8 of the 10 runs. In fact, that was ALL of the hits allowed by JK White. Only 5 of the runs were earned against White.
The 8 Seahawk hits were spread among 7 hitters with 2 going to Jesse Holian. The four doubles were by Kevin Loftis, Eric Aumann, Holian, and Ryan Schoenbauer.
The defensive highlight of the game was an unusual 5-2-3 double play turned by the Seahawks in the first inning. The game opened with Severna Park hitters going single, walk, single, single and hit by pitch. Fortunately, the lead off hitter foolishly attempted to steal second and discovered that White has a quick move to the plate and catcher Bobby Hite has a rifle arm. Hite easily caught the runner with his throw to Nick Sia for the first out. With the bases loaded, the sixth hitter grounded sharply to third baseman Kevin Loftis who snapped a quick throw to the plate to force the lead runner while Bobby Hite fired a strike of his own to first baseman Zach Morris for the inning-ending double play.
It seems that over the last several games (taking out the 1 hit shutout at Broadneck), the younger Seahawks are beginning to catch up with the varsity level pitching. Balls are being hit more sharply; extra base hits are beginning to fall; and more and different hitters are being involved in rallies. Come playoff time, these young Seahawks just might be a team to scare a few others.
April 29 - BROADNECK - Very little went well for the Seahawks while dropping to the Broadneck Bruins 10-0. The 'Hawks were able to scratch out just one hit, a single by Kevin Loftis.
The first two Bruin hitters doubled to score before an out could be recorded. But pitcher Zach Morris settled down and stopped the flow.....for a while. Morris seemed to struggle with his control as the game progressed, eventually walking four batters, hitting another four, and allowing four hits and six earned runs in just four full innings. JK White relieved Morris but was unable to stem the tide of Bruins crossing the plate. White faced 6 hitters, 4 of whom scored.
It just wasn't a good day to be a Seahawk.
April 27 - SOUTHERN - After scoring three runs in the top of the 6th inning, the Seahawks committed four errors and allowed 6 unearned runs to drop the game to Southern, 10-8 Monday afternoon.
In the top of the 6th after a strike out, Scott Clampet singed and stole second. Nick Sia followed with a single of his own. After a balk scored Clampet and moved Sia to second, Kevin Loftis plated Sia with a single down the left field line but was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double. Eric Aumann then tripled to center and scored when Bobby Hite's sharp grounder to third was booted.
The bottom of the 6th began innocently enough with the 'Hawks leading 8-4. The first Southern hitter flied out to right field before the wheels fell off of the Seahawk cart. The inning "featured" two walks, two hit batters, four Seahawk errors, and only 1 Southern hit. There were overthrows, throws to the wrong base, throws not cleanly handled, and misplayed ground balls to turn an apparent win into a disappointing loss.
On the positive side, the game featured a real show by Eric Aumann who singled, doubled, and tripled to go with a walk while the 'Hawks scored 4 runs out of Eric's spot in the order (courtesy runners replaced Eric once he reached base each time). In 6 2/3 innings, he struck out 8, walked 5 and gave up only 2 earned runs. He also hit two batters.
Right fielder Zach Morris also made several outstanding plays including a diving catch of a fly ball. Zach also contributed 2 RBIs. Also with a couple of RBIs was Bobby Hite - both coming on a first-inning triple to right-center. Freshmen Nick Sia and Scott Clampet each had two hits.
April 24 - ANNAPOLIS - The 'Hawks pulled out another squeaker with a 4-3 win against Annapolis, scoring the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the 7th inning. Ryan Schoenbauer opened the inning with a deep fly ball that was dropped by the center fielder, allowing Schoenbauer to reach second base. After advancing on a passed ball, Schoenbauer scored on a balk to tie the game. Kevin Loftis singled down the third base line and was able to reach second base when Annapolis botched a force play. Bobby Hite then walked to load the bases. With two outs and two strikes, Josh Rowe grounded a single into right field to score Loftis with the winning run.
Zach Morris pitched the entire game, striking out a season best 13 hitters. Morris walked only 2 and gave up just 1 earned run to gain his first win of the season.
Bobby Hite doubled in the first run of the game to establish a new school record for doubles in a season (10). Charlie Hardesty also ripped a double to knock in a run.
April 23 - SEVERNA PARK - The young Seahawks struggled all day trying to mount an offense. Finally in the 7th inning, Eric Aumann broke up Dylan Taylor's no-hit bid with a sharp single off of the first baseman's glove. Then, Bobby Hite drilled a double to left center for the only 'Hawk hits of the day. Hite's double gives him 9 for the season and ties the school record! Congratulations, Bobby!
Aumann also pitched very well again. Against the powerful Severna Park machine, Aumann gave up only 5 hits, walked 5, and struck out 7. Of the six runs scored, only three were earned. His ERA is now a sparkling 2.56, despite a record of 2-4. Opposing hitters are struggling to hit only .225 against him and have struck out 44 times, placing Aumann among the county leaders.
If the Seahawks could only score some runs for him.....
April 18 - SOUTHERN - The good news? Another win for the Seahawks. The bad news? Base running is an adventure!
Despite repeated base running blunders that killed two innings, the 'Hawks survived a 9-inning thriller for another 3-2 victory, their third consecutive win. The winning run scored on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 9th inning. Again, the real story was outstanding pitching.
Zach Morris started and went the first 7 innings, giving up 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 5 and walking 3 hitters before being relieved by JK White. White pitched the final two scoreless innings to gain credit for the win.
Down 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs, JK White worked a walk before Ryan Schoenbauer reached on an error. Nick Whiting then walked to load the bases before Eric Aumann ripped a vicious shot off of the 1st baseman's foot for a hit and a game-tying RBI as White scampered home.
Then, in the bottom of the 9th with 1 out, Schoenbauer was hit by a pitch. After Nick Whiting singled, Aumann walked to load the bases. Bobby Hite worked the count to 3-1 before taking ball 4 and forcing in Schoenbauer with the winning run.
Hite also had 2 doubles, bringing his season total to 8 - just one away from the South River school record!
April 17 - BROADNECK - In an extremely well played game, the 'Hawks earned a 3-2 victory against Broadneck. Scoring all three of their runs in the fourth inning with two outs, South River batted around and came up with some clutch hitting by young players. Eric Aumann opened the inning with a double. After a ground out and a fly out, Josh Rowe singled home AJ McDonald who was running for Aumann. Nick Sia then singled on a swinging bunt and JK White walked to load the bases. Charlie Hardesty's single plated Rowe and kept the bases loaded for Ryan Schoenbauer who walked to deliver the eventual winning run.
The Bruins came roaring back in the top of the sixth with consecutive singles to open the inning. Then, Ryan Kroll - the Bruins' best hitter - ripped a double to left center. When the 'Hawks scrambled to attempt a play on the second runner at the plate, the low throw bounded over Bobby Hite's head. Fortunately, Aumann was exactly where he belonged - backing up the play - and he retrieved the ball to throw his most important strike to Nick Whiting covering third base to catch Kroll trying to advance. Without this throw and tag, Broadneck would have had the tying run at third with no outs!
Schoenbauer reached base four times from the lead off spot and Sia was outstanding at shortstop with six assists. Aumann was again terrific on the mound to earn his second win and reduce his ERA to 2.47 while striking out five and walking only one. Aumann walked the leadoff hitter in the seventh but settled down to induce a pop out and two strike outs to end the game.
April 9 - MEADE - The 'Hawks got another pitching gem today while the bats finally woke up for a 15-2 victory in five innings. Today's game featured lots of highlights. Almost everyone in the order scored at least once except Charlie Hardesty who contributed a two-run double on his own. Zach Morris had a single and a double with three RBI and scored four times; Josh Rowe had a double and two RBI; Bobby Hite had a double; and, JK White had three RBI including a double.
From the mound, JK was terrific, giving up just 5 hits, walking none and striking out 6 Meade hitters. In the third inning, the opening two Meade hitters singled but JK responded with three consecutive strikeouts to end the threat.
The game also showed some serious leather being flashed. In the fourth inning with a runner on second, Nick Whiting fielded a bouncer and quickly tagged the approaching runner before snapping a throw to first to complete a double play. But the best play of the game came at the end. With a runner on first base and one out, the Meade hitter blasted a long fly ball to left center. Ryan Schoenbauer sprinted back and to his right to make a brilliant diving catch. He then jumped to his feet and fired the ball back into the infield where Jesse Holian was able to double up the surprised runner at first base to end the game. Thus far, this is the defensive play of the season for the 'Hawks and was the perfect cap to an excellent game!
April 8 - ANNAPOLIS - Today was the Zach Morris Show! Morris delivered the finest pitching performance of his career but, sadly, the 'Hawks couldn't provide any run support in a 1-0 loss. Morris struck out 8, walked 5, and allowed only 4 hits over six innings while slapping two singles of his own.
The first Annapolis hitter of the game tripled into the right field corner and scored on a sacrifice fly for the game's only run. The only other Seahawk hits were singles by Nick Sia and Nick Whiting - the team's hottest hitters over the past few games.
April 7 - OLD MILL - When you fail to execute the fundamentals, you put yourself in a hole. These failures against Old Mill resulted in the Seahawks dropping a game that was very well within their reach. Little things turn into huge differences like hitting behind the runner to gain an extra base, sacrificing yourself on a bunt, hustling to beat out a potential double play, watching the base coach for guidance to advance or hold your base.
The 'Hawks began the second inning with a Nick Whiting single. When Zach Morris dropped a perfect sacrifice bunt, the Old Mill pitcher threw wildly to first. With runners on first and second with no outs, the Seahawks were poised for a big inning. After a strike out, Andrew Oliver worked a walk to load the bases when Jesse Holian delivered a sacrifice fly to score Whiting. But, that's all South River was able to muster, wasting a great opportunity to score a bunch of runs.
Bobby Hite opened the third inning with a double to left but the Seahawks were unable to advance him at all when two simple ground outs to the right side would have scored a run. In the fifth inning with one out, Ryan Schoenbauer stuck out but hustled to reach first when the ball bounded away from the catcher. However, Schoenbauer was then thrown out attempting to steal second base without getting a jump. Bobby Hite followed with a walk and Eric Aumann ripped a single but both were left on base when Josh Rowe struck out. Three runners reached base in the inning but no runs were scored.
Finally, in the bottom of the seventh inning, Schoenbauer lined a double to right center to open the inning - the PERFECT beginning to the inning. All the 'Hawks needed was to advance him to tie the game. When Bobby Hite crushed a line drive to left center, the Old Mill centerfielder made a terrific play - a back-handed diving catch running away from the plate. However, once the dust cleared, Schoenbauer remained at second base! The next hitter, Eric Aumann, rolled out to second base and would have scored Schoenbauer had he tagged up on the previous play. Without his advancing, Josh Rowe ended the game with a strikeout.
Young players making mistakes continue to hurt the Seahawk chances to win. With 54 strikeouts in 185 at bats while hitting a paltry .221 with runners in scoring position, the 'Hawks must take advantage of every opportunity to gain a win. South River outhit and outslugged Old Mill but, in the most important stat of all, didn't outscore them.
Once again, Eric Aumann was fabulous on the hill. In his fourth complete game, Aumann stuck out five, walked only two, and gave up only five hits. Only two of Old Mill's runs were earned. Although Aumann can't seem to catch a break, his ERA continues to shrink.
On the plus side, Nick Whiting had a single and a double and scored both runs, while Freshman Nick Sia contributed an RBI single in his first varsity plate appearance.
April 1 - CHESAPEAKE - You wouldn't want to go snake hunting with these Seahawks - you're sure to be bitten! The scheduled starting pitcher, Zach Morris, caught a throw with his eye during pre-game warm ups resulting in a concussion and lots of stitches! JK White was asked to step into the starting role and JK performed very well under the circumstances. In six innings, White struck out 2, walked 1, and allowed only 5 earned runs but it wasn't enough as the 'Hawks fell again, 7-3.
Inconsistent defense and strike outs continued to plaque the Seahawks. Three errors, 11 strike outs, and the failure to make routine plays put the young 'Hawks into a hole from which they were unable to climb. Offensively, Bobby Hite contributed 2 RBIs on a double and a sacrifice fly while Nick Whiting had a single and a double.
March 30 - NORTHEAST - In dropping their fourth game of the season, the Seahawks wasted another outstanding mound effort by Eric Aumann. Aumann pitched another complete game, allowing only 1 earned run but even this brilliant performance could not overcome the mistakes of his Seahawk teammates. The 'Hawks five errors combined with a misplayed bunt play allowed Northeast to essentially have two extra innings while gaining a 4-3 victory.
In the fifth inning, the opening Northeast hitter walked. The next hitter reached on an errant throw while attempting to sacrifice bunt. The next hitter reached when another sacrifice bunt was misplayed to load the bases with no outs. At this point, Aumann flashed his skills by striking out the next two hitters and inducing a pop out to third base to end the threat without surrendering a run.
Highlights for the Seahawks included two singles by Ryan Schoenbauer and Kevin Loftis plus an RBI double by Freshman Charlie Hardesty.
March 27 - NORTH COUNTY - Although the 'Hawks dropped their third game of the season, they produced their most exciting inning of the year when they scored four times in the top of the 7th inning. Bobby Hite opened the inning with a single and stole second base. Kevin Loftis followed with a double to left center to score Hite. Then, Eric Aumann produced the 'Hawks first triple of the year with a rocket to right center, scoring Loftis. Nick Whiting then came through with the 'Hawks 4th consecutive hit, a double to left and scoring Aumann. Later in the inning, Soph Josh Rowe ripped a double of his own down the right field line. Although the 'Hawks came up short, they showed the firepower that some of our young players can produce.
In the 4th inning, Nick Whiting, Zack Morris, and JK White singled consecutively with White picking up an RBI. After an out, Soph Jesse Holian came through with a 2-out 2-run single of his own.
This game also featured the first appearance of Soph David Kersey on the mound. Kersey pitched 4 solid innings, surrendering only 3 earned runs. A quality outing like this will surely earn Kersey more opportunities.
March 25, - GLEN BURNIE - Eric Aumann demonstrated why he was selected as Pre-Season All State when he dispatched Glen Burnie in a complete game victory, 6-1. Eleven Glen Burnie hitters took the long walk back to the dugout, nine after swinging and missing. Aumann used a sharp breaking ball and good location to stay around the plate and keep the hitters off balance. Sophomores Ryan Schoenbauer and Josh Rowe had the only Seahawk hits with two apiece. Rowe also had two RBI while Schoenbauer, Zach Morris, and JK White each knocking in one run.
The 'Hawks put the game out of reach in the fifth inning when they scored three runs. Aumann and Nick Whiting walked and, after a balk, Zach Morris delivered a sacrifice fly. When JK White laid down a squeeze bunt, Glen Burnie unsuccessfully attempted to get Whiting at the plate and allowed White to reach first base. Rowe then sent home the final Seahawk run with his second single and second RBI of the game.
March 23 - FALLSTON - The Seahawks continued with their poor performance at the plate, striking out another 9 times in losing to Fallston 10-6. The 'Hawks drew first blood with two runs in the first inning after two were out. Kevin Loftis singled into right field and, after Eric Aumann and Nick Whiting walked, was scored by a Zach Morris single. Then, John Kyle White delivered the second run when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Fallston used five consecutive hits to take the lead after three innings, 4-3. South River scored again in the fourth inning when Josh Kidwell reached on an error and scored on a Ryan Schoenbauer single. Eric Aumann singled to open the fifth inning and was scored on another RBI single by Zack Morris. But Fallston came back with three runs of their own to take the lead for good. The Seahawk scoring was rounded out in the sixth inning. Ryan Schoenbauer walked and scored on a Bobby Hite double.
March 20 - OLD MILL - The 'Hawks struggled all day at the plate, striking out 11 times during the afternoon while losing to Old Mill 7-3. The Patriots sprayed 12 hits including a double and a home run to constantly pressure the young Seahawks. Old Mill used four singles and a botched bunt play to score 4 runs in the second inning to gain the upper hand. The damage may have been even greater if not for a Whiting-Loftis-Kidwell double play that ended the inning.
The Seahawks finally got on the board in the sixth inning when Kevin Loftis delivered Bobby Hite on a ground out. The 'Hawks scored twice more in the top of the 7th when Zack Morris opened the inning with a single. Danny Hall followed wiht a pinch hit walk and Charlie Hardesty reached on an error. A wild pitch scored Morris and, after consecutive strike outs, Loftis knocked in his second run with an infield single. But the rally, and the Seahawks, fell short. 7-3 with an opening day loss.
Pitching for the Seahawks was Eric Aumann who surrendered 12 hits, striking out 7 and walked none in a complete game loss.