2010 Game Summaries
May 19, 2010 - North Point Playoffs - The 2010 season came to an end today with a 3-1 loss against North Point. While disappointing, the improvement over last season's results are remarkable and represent an achievement of huge proportions when considering the youth of the players in the program. According to MaxPreps.com, these Seahawks improved their overall ranking within the state more positions than all but one other program!
Today's game was exciting despite the bats going a little cold. Ryan Schoenbauer got the Seahawks on the board with a solo home run down the right field line in the 6th inning. Down 3-1 in the 7th, Bryan Shores opened the inning with a long double to centerfield. After a strike out, Gabe Vertucci beat out an infield hit to put the tying runs on base. But, that was as close as the 'Hawks could get.
It's time to say good bye to our seniors - Chris Barger, Kevin Loftis, and Nick Whiting. All three players will be missed.
Congratulations to all of the Seahawks! It was a great season with many unexpected successes.
May 14, 2010 - North County Playoffs - The Seahawks continued to simply pound the ball, putting up 14 hits against the favored North County team for a 8-2 victory in the first round of the playoffs. Keeping with another recent trend, the 'Hawks started early with consecutive singles by Nick Whiting and Ryan Schoenbauer. After a Connor Cox sacrifice bunt, Scott Mitchell plated both runners with a double. Mitchell then scored on the first of two Joe Scott doubles for a 3-run first inning.
After 2 outs in the second, Whiting again singled and Schoenbauer reached on an error and stole second base. Cox followed with a 2-run single for a 5-1 Seahawk lead.
The 'Hawks put the game away with a 3-run sixth inning. Mitchell opened the inning with a single. Bryan Shores singled and Nick Sia entered to run for Shores. Joe Scott ripped his second double to score both runners. Scott was knocked in by Whiting with his 3rd single of the game.
Scott Mitchell pitched a complete game to post his 6th win against 2 losses. Mitchell scattered 6 hits, struck out 2, walked 5 and hit one batter.
The 2 runs scored by Ryan Schoenbauer established a new school record of 25 runs for a season. The 2 doubles by Joe Scott bring him to within 1 of the school record of 10 for the season, set just last year by Bobby Hite.
Over the past five games, the Seahawks are hitting an incredible .462 AS A TEAM!
On now to North Point for the second round on Monday!
May 10, 2010 - Broadneck - In one of the most exciting games of the season, the 'Hawks posted their 4th consecutive victory to ensure themselves of a winning season while whipping Broadneck 12-10. Every 'Hawk starter had at least one hit for a total team victory. Scott Mitchell led the hit parade with 4 singles and 3 RBIs; Kevin Loftis had a 2-run double and a 2-run single; Bryan Shores had a single and a double; Joe Scott knocked in 2 runs with two singles; Gabe Vertucci and Jake Gratz had 2 hits and 2 RBIs each.
Ryan Schoenbauer reached base four times on a hit by pitch, 2 walks, and a single to score 3 runs. Schoenbauer has reached base now 9 of his past 10 trips to the plate.
Scott Mitchell started on the mound and struggled into the 2nd inning. After giving up 6 runs, Mitchell was relieved by Kevin Loftis who pitched the remainder of the game. Loftis struck out 7 Bruins, walked 3 and gave up 8 hits and 3 earned runs to get credit for the win.
Over the last two games of the season, the Seahawks put together 35 total hits to raise the team batting average to .336, one of the highest team averages in the area.
May 7, 2010 - Annapolis - The Seahawks exploded offensively against Annapolis and raised their season record to 10-9 with an 18-3 win today. The entire top of the order was unbelievably productive today with a total of 13 hits, 12 runs, 11 RBIs, 3 doubles and 3 triples. The outburst was highlighted by Ryan Schoenbauer's perfect 5-for-5 day including 2 triples. But there were plenty of excellent days by lots of 'Hawks today:
Nick Whiting - 2 runs, 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and a double;
Ryan Schoenbauer - 4 runs, 5 hits, 4 RBIs, and 2 triples;
Kevin Loftis - 3 runs, 2 hits, 2 RBIs, a double and a triple;
Scott Mitchell - 3 runs, 2 hits, 3 RBIs, and a double;
Joe Scott - 2 RBIs, and 2 doubles; and,
Jake Gratz - 3 runs, 2 hits, 1 RBI, and a double.
All of this offense supported Chris Barger who pitched the complete game, giving up only 3 runs on 4 hits.
It was an outstanding game all around Seahawk-land.
May 5, 2010 - Arundel - It's been a long time but finally, the 'Hawks put a hurt on the Wildcats, 9-4, to even their record at 9 wins against 9 losses. Kevin Loftis, in his first ever mound start, pitched a complete game, giving up only 3 earned runs on 5 hits and walking only 1 'Cat. The 'Hawks jumped out to an early lead with 5 runs in the first and 4 more in the second inning to coast to the win.
Ryan Schoenbauer had 2 hits (including a double), Loftis had 3 hits (including a double), Connor Cox had a 2-RBI single, and Joe Scott had 2 RBIs on a squeeze bunt and a sacrifice fly. Other RBIs went to Loftis, Scott Mitchell, Bryan Shores, and Gabe Vertucci. Charlie Hardesty also had a double to round out the 11 hits by the Seahawks.
In a key 4th inning with one out, Arundel used an error, two singles, and a hit batter to score a run. A fly out to right field left the bases jammed with Wildcats and two outs. Arundel sent their All County 2nd Baseman Zach Andrews to the plate and tensions were high. But, Bryan Shores crept behind the runner at first and Loftis whirled with a perfect throw to end the inning with a pick off! Arundel never seriously threatened after that.
May 4, 2010 - Southern - Scott Mitchell pitched his 2nd complete game win against Southern scattering 11 hits and striking out 6 while only walking 2 hitters. Mitchell also contributed a triple of his own. Kevin Loftis, Mitchell, Connor Cox and Nick Sia all had 2 hits each. Nick Whiting had a 2-RBI double while reaching base 4 consecutive times.
The turning point in the game came in the Seahawk 6th when Ryan Schoenbauer walked on a wild pitch with Nick Whiting advancing from 2nd to 3rd base. Schoenbauer continued to run toward 2nd when the pitcher threw wildly into centerfield, allowing Schoenbauer to advance to 3rd. But, he didn't stop there and simply kept running with the throw to the plate sailing over the catcher's head. This unusual play capped a 5-run inning to put the game away for the 'Hawks.
April 30, 2010 - Severna Park - In a turnaround of results over this season, the 'Hawks jumped out in front of the Falcons in the first inning. Using hits by Nick Whiting, Ryan Schoenbauer (double), Scott Mitchell (2 RBIs), Bryan Shores, and Connor Cox, the Seahawks posted 3 runs in the bottom of the first inning. But, that was pretty much the end of Seahawk offense resulting in a 15-4 loss over 6 innings.
The top of the first ended with one of the better defensive plays of the year. With a runner on second, the hitter singled into centerfield. Ryan Schoenbauer fielded the ball and fired a strike to the plate. Despite a collision, Jake Gratz held onto the ball to end the inning.
Starting pitcher, Bryan Shores, struggled in the top of the 2nd inning as Severna Park used a 'Hawk error, a single, a double, and two home runs to score 6 runs to essentially put the game away.
April 28, 2010 - Broadneck - The Bruins of Broadneck jumped all over the Seahawks, building a 10-1 lead after 5 innings. Broadneck's pitcher, Ryan Kroll, was replaced with the thinking that the game was in hand. But, no one told the Seahawks.
The 'Hawks put together two late inning rallies, sending 10 hitters to the plate in the 7th, to bring the final score to 12-7. This late scoring continues a puzzling trend for this young team. As long as the pitching can hold off the opposition early in the games, the 'Hawk hitters tend to come alive late. But sometimes, the early hole is simply too deep as it was on this day.
Several younger 'Hawks had an excellent day at the plate. Bryan Shores was 2 for 2; Joe Scott was 3 for 4 with two doubles; Gabe Vertucci kept his hot hitting with a 2 for 4 day; and, Josh Rowe had a pinch hit RBI double. Unfortunately, it was too little - too late for the Seahawks.
April 27, 2010 - Annapolis - The 'Hawks took advantage of 8 Annapolis errors to post a 10-6 victory. Freshman Gabe Vertucci was the hitting star with 3 doubles in 3 trips plus a perfect sacrifice bunt. Ryan Schoenbauer and Kevin Loftis each contributed doubles of their own while Schoenbauer also scored 3 times with 2 RBIs. If the Seahawks had run the bases adequately, the game would have been no contest at all.
From the mound, Scott Mitchell won his 4th game while striking out 7. Kevin Loftis relieved Mitchell in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and ended the threat without surrendering a run for the save.
April 23, 2010 - Arundel - What do you say about a game with 10 errors - 5 coming from third base? Sloppy? Inept? Puzzling? How about all of the above?
Any ground ball toward the left side seemed to have a life of its own - bouncing off gloves, going between legs, or hitting the fielder in the chest. Fortunately for the Seahawks, the affliction conspired against both teams but still left the 'Hawks with an 8-5 loss.
Bryan Shores continued his hot hitting with two hits including a double. Joe Scott ripped an RBI double down the left field line and Nick Whiting had an RBI single. Chris Barger pitched well enough to earn the win, walking 4 and fanning 2 over 4 1/3 innings while giving up just 5 earned runs.
Consistent with what's been happening this season, the 'Hawks fell behind in the first frame only to battle back to tie the game after three innings. But 3 errors in the fifth allowed the Wildcats to score 3 runs to pull ahead for good.
In the 6th inning, the Seahawks pulled off the defensive play of the year. The first hitter grounded to third - but as you guessed, the ball went through the legs of Scott Mitchell - and the runner would eventually score an unearned run on a wild pitch by reliever Kevin Loftis. After a single and two walks loaded the bases, the next Wildcat hitter crushed a line drive right at Mitchell who caught the ball, touched third and fired to first to record a TRIPLE PLAY.
The 7th inning saw another late game rally by the 'Hawks. Loftis reached on an error and scored on a triple by Mitchell into right field. After a strike out, Joe Scott walked to put runners on second and third with the tying run at the plate. But, that's where the rally died with a strike out and a pop up.
April 22, 2010 - Southern - Scott Mitchell continued to lead the Seahawk pitchers with a complete-game victory against Southern by a score of 3-2. Mitchell struck out 7, walked 3, and hit one batter and scattered 6 singles en route to the win.
Although the 'Hawks had only 4 hits, they continued the trend of hitting hard shots right at defenders. In the 3rd inning, Gabe Vertucci singled in his first varsity at bat. Kevin Loftis doubled into right centerfield to score Vertucci and Ryan Schoenbauer who had reached via a fielder's choice. In the 'Hawk 6th, Loftis again doubled and scored on a Bryan Shores infield single.
Vertucci played extremely well in the field in his second varsity start. Tooch had 8 assists and 1 put out during a flawless game at shortstop.
With a 6-6 record, the 'Hawks now have equaled last season's win total despite a roster full of freshmen and sophomores.
April 19, 2010 - Severna Park - Free passes (walks or hit batters) continued to create too many opportunities for the opponents. The Falcons used 11 walks/hit batters to consistently put pressure on the 'Hawks defense to post an 11-1 victory.
Offensively, the 'Hawks continued to hit the ball hard despite having little to show for it. Maybe they should follow the advice of Wee Willie Keeler and "Hit 'em where they ain't!" A few of the Seahawks appear to be doing just that. Joe Scott and Ryan Schoenbauer are hitting .556 and .500, respectively, over the past five games. If the hitters can just come through with key hits in important situations, the runs should begin to pour across the plate. If only....
April 16, 2010 - North County - After giving up 3 unearned first inning runs, the Seahawks battled back to get to within a run in the top of the sixth inning. Then, just as the heavens opened for a brief shower, walks began to rain on the Seahawk parade. Surrendering four consecutive walks - all of which scored - in conjunction with four singles resulted in a 6-run sixth inning to put the game away for North County.
For 5 full innings, Chris Barger pitched beautifully while giving up only 1 earned run. After striking out the first batter in the 6th, Barger gave up a single and this runner was forced out on the next play for the second out of the inning. But then another single and three consecutive walks ended Barger's day on the mound.
For the year, 33% of the runs allowed by the Seahawks have reached base via free passes - either walks or hit by pitches.
The highlight of the Seahawk day was provided by Ryan Schoenbauer who blasted a ball over the right field fence for a 2-run homer in the 4th inning. Schoenbauer leads the 'Hawks in hitting with a .438 average.
April 14, 2010 - Meade - In a complete turnaround, the 'Hawks played their best game of the season against Meade. Even when making outs, the Seahawks hit the ball hard in slashing 12 hits on the afternoon. In the field, the 'Hawks were flawless until a meaningless error in the final frame.
In the first inning, Ryan Schoenbauer ripped a double and scored on a Kevin Loftis single. Scott Mitchell followed with a single - one of his three hits - before Charlie Hardesty also singled into left field. The problem??? The balls were hit too hard to score additional runs!
For the game, Loftis scored twice; Bryan Shores had three hits including a double and an RBI; Schoenbauer had 2 hits including a double and scored a run; and, Joe Scott walked twice and scored a run.
But the story was really the performance of Scott Mitchell on the mound and at the plate. Mitchell pitched a complete game, striking out 6, walking 3 and giving up only 2 earned runs. At the plate, his 3 singles led the way.
The middle of the Seahawk order (Schoenbauer, Loftis, Mitchell and Shores) was devastating, going 10 for 16 with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs.
April 12, 2010 - Old Mill - The Old Mill Patriots rode 12 walks and 2 hit batters to paste the Seahawks 16-6 in five innings, representing the worst loss of the season. The 'Hawks jumped out to a 4-run first inning lead only to surrender 5 unearned runs in the bottom of the frame, giving up the lead for good. The Patriots batted around in the 3rd inning after the first two hitters were put out to score 7 more runs to place the game out of reach.
Nick Whiting and Joe Scott continued their hot hitting with 2 singles each. Kevin Loftis and Nick Sia both had 2 RBIs with the remaining RBI coming on a Ryan Schoenbauer sacrifice fly.
Making 4 errors combined with so many runners reaching base without earning their way points to areas where the young Seahawks must improve.
April 9, 2010 - Northeast - Trailing 7-0 after five innings, the young Seahawks started to battle back against Northeast. Batting around in the sixth inning, the 'Hawks scored three times before leaving the bases full. The rally began with a Joe Scott double - his second hit of the game. After Nick Whiting was hit by a pitch, Ryan Schoenbauer delivered Scott with an RBI single into right field. Working a double steal, Schoenbauer was thrown out at second but this play allowed Nick Whiting to score from the front end of the double steal. The 'Hawks then worked hard to load the bases before Luke Jenkins worked an RBI walk for the third run of the inning.
In the final frame, the Seahawks again loaded the bases for Scott Mitchell who delivered an RBI single. With the bases full with the tying runs, a full count and the runners going on the pitch with two outs, Connor Cox was unable to come through, ending the exciting rally and the game.
Ryan Schoenbauer had two hits and an RBI. Joe Scott had two hits including a double and a walk.
April 7, 2010 - Glen Burnie - The young 'Hawks are beginning to show their talent are beginning to bunch their hits. In a 14-3 victory over the Gophers today, the Seahawks crunched out 14 runs on 14 hits while leaving only 3 runners stranded. The top of the order was particularly effective today going 9 for 13 with 3 doubles, 8 RBIs, and scoring 11 times.
The key inning was the third when Joe Scott opened with a double down the left field line. He was followed with doubles by Nick Whiting, Ryan Schoenbauer, and Kevin Loftis. After Scott Mitchell reached on an error, Bryan Shores contributed an RBI single.
Lots of contributors today:
Nick Whiting - 4 runs scored, 2 stolen bases, a double;
Ryan Schoenbauer - 3 runs scored, 2 RBIs, 2 hits including a double;
Kevin Loftis - 3 hits including a double, 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored;
Scott Mitchell - 3 hits, 3 RBIs, a run scored;
Bryan Shores - an RBI single; and,
Joe Scott - a run scored and a double.
Not to mention the pitching but Chris Barger surrendered only 1 hit in 4 2/3 innings to get credit for the win.
April 3, 2010 - Dundalk - The nightcap of the Easter set, the 'Hawks outlasted Dundalk by a score of 7-3. Scott Mitchell achieved his first win of the season on the mound by pitching 6 innings and striking out 9 hitters in front of an errorless defense. Luke Jenkins knocked in two runs with two singles while Nick Whiting scored a double and Kevin Loftis contributed a triple. Zack Pleffner also had a 2-run single while Freshmen Jake Gratz and Eric Young both performed well.
April 3, 2010 - Great Mills - The opening game of a 2-game Easter set resulted in the first domination of an opponent by the Seahawks. Bryan Shores was the major story, pitching a 1-hitter and having 2 doubles at the plate. The 'Hawk bats were alive throughout the game, scoring 5 runs in the second, 2 in the third, and 4 more in the fourth inning. Nick Whiting used his two hits (including a double) at opportune moments and resulted in four RBIs. Ryan Schoenbauer also had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, Nick Sia had 2 hits and scored twice, and Charlie Hardesty scored twice. The game was stopped after 5 innings with the 'Hawks winning 11-1.
April 2, 2010 - Old Mill - After suffering through a tough 6-run first inning, the Seahawks refused to quit and fought back with 5 runs through the middle innings to close the deficit to 6-5. But the Patriots came up with 2 more runs in the 6th inning to really apply the pressure. Down by 3 runs in the final frame, the 'Hawks used consecutive singles by Bryan Shores and Connor Cox to begin their final push. With walks to Charlie Hardesty and Nick Sia, four Seahawks reached in succession. After pushing across two runs to make the score 8-7, the 'Hawks had the tying run at 3rd base with two outs. Unfortunately, that's where the rally died.
The Patriots are expected to challenge for the County Championship so the performance of the young Seahawks shows significant promise. Connor Cox and Bryan Shores each contributed 3 hits with Shores having a pair of doubles. Nick Sia knocked in two runs in support of his sterling relief performance. Sia pitched six innings of relief, giving up only 2 runs to keep the Seahawks in the game and giving them the chance for victory.
March 25, 2010 - Meade - The 'Hawks won their first game of the season, riding a 3-run jack from Freshman Scott Mitchell in the top of the 7th inning. Mitchell's home run came after Nick Whiting and Ryan Schoenbauer opened the inning with consecutive singles and provided the 'Hawks with a 5-1 lead. But, the game was far from over.
The Mustangs came back with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th and loaded the bases with two outs. With the runner at first base seeming to stray a little far from the bag, Catcher Kevin Loftis whipped a throw down to Bryan Shores for an attempted pick off. The throw got away briefly from Shores and the runner at third broke to the plate attempting to tie the game. But, Shores had other ideas - his one-hop throw back to Loftis was on the money. Loftis caught the throw, blocked the plate, and applied the game-ending tag to preserve the win.
Chris Barger won his first game as a Seahawk pitcher, giving up just 2 hits in 6 innings and whiffing 6 batters. Connor Cox relieved Barger and was credited with the save.
Schoenbauer and Shores both had two hits with Shores knocking in 2 runs and Schoenbauer stealing two bases.
March 24, 2010 - Chesapeake - The veteran Cougars, returning 12 players this season, proved too strong for the young Seahawks in a season-opening 6-1 loss. The 'Hawks kept the game close until giving up 3 runs in the top of the sixth inning that featured a perfectly executed squeeze play.
However, that's not to say that that all of the highlights belonged to the opponents. Freshman Scott Mitchell started on the mound and acquitted himself very well over five innings. Mitchell struck out 5 and only surrendered 4 earned runs. Freshman Connor Cox relieved Mitchell in the top of the sixth and finished up the game, giving up only 1 hit and walking 2. Cox also had two of the three 'Hawk hits in his three trips to the plate. Senior Nick Whiting had a double for the only Seahawk extra-base hit. Senior Captain Kevin Loftis moved behind the plate this season and threw out consecutive Cougars attempting to steal in the 7th inning.