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Redbirds Season Wrap-up
July 28, 2005
Well, it's over for this year. The season is in the books. Now is the time to take stock of the season ... and I intend to do that here and now!
At the start of the year, the Redbirds were an unknown quanitity. Jim Black wanted to put together a team that would be able to complete with the American Legion teams in the Central Kansas area with the hope of them being certified as an American Legion team. He put together his team in his normal way ... talking to contacts, scouting the local high school players. The group that he settled on was from a number of different high schools. Some of them had played with Coach Black at various times while others were complete strangers to any Jim Black team. In initial conversations about the team before the season started, Jim expected the pitching and defense to be good, but was suspect as to how much offense the Redbirds would generate. The affiliation with the American Legion never happened, but the Redbirds were able to go a different way and affiliate with Hap Dumont instead in order to have a post season.
Coach Black also wanted to have some young assistants and settled on two recent Bethany College graduates, Brad Bengsten and Ryan Biegert, to help coach the team. This move was a stroke of genious as both Brad and Ryan were indispensable to this team.
Due to poor weather, the season started slowly ... first with a double header versus the Senior McPherson Babe Ruth team (a sweep for the Redbirds), then a week later a double header versus the Kansas Intimidators (a sweep for the Intimidators). Little did the Redbirds know how much of their destiny as a team would depend upon the Kansas Intimidators. At this point in the season, standing 2-2, you could start to see the beginnings of what the Redbirds could become.
As the weather settled into a typical summertime pattern, the Redbirds began to actually play some of the games they had scheduled and what emerged was a team with good pitching and defense, just as Jim Black had anticipated, but with a suprising amount of pop in their bats. Moreover, the Redbirds also exhibited that elusive characteristic that coaches all strive for but can never make happen on their own: Chemistry.
Through the 42 game season, there were few times when the team got down on itself ... a testimony to their togetherness. The Redbirds were truely a team that enjoyed being together as much as they enjoyed playing the game. Witness the accomplishments of the 2005 Mid-Kansas Redbirds:
- Championships in 3 of 5 tournaments entered in the regular season and 2nd place in another.
- Placed 1st or 2nd in very tournament entered during the regular season but one.
- 27 wins .vs. 8 losses in the Regular Season.
- Berth to the NBC World Series.
This is a great season for any team, let alone a team that was just put together in the last few days before the season started. Let us not forget the great moments and individual performances of this season:
- The Lane Wolfer game winning homer in the top of the 9th versus Sante Fe Trail in the championship game of the Russell Tournament.
- Johnathun Bowers gutsy pitching performance in the same game that won him tournament MVP.
- Run-ruling the Salina Falcons on their home field.
- Run-ruling the Wichita Bucs and Wichita Gators in the Augusta Tournament.
- Darrin Biegert going 9-12 with 4 doubles and a triple in the Pratt Tournament
- Winning all games but one by run-rule in the Pratt Tournament.
- The complete game 2 hitter by Tyler Suderman at Nickerson that resulted in a 1-0 victory for the tournament championship.
TEAM STATISTICAL LEADERS
------------ Hitting ---------------------
Batting Average
.413 - Darrin Biegert
.392 - Johnathun Bowers
.388 - Lane Wolfer
On-Base %
.526 - Johnathun Bowers
.507 - Lane Wolfer
.490 - Darrin Biegert
RBI's
41 - Lane Wolfer
34 - Johnathun Bowers
28 - Darrin Biegert, Austin Pfannenstiel
Runs Scored
44 - Lane Wolfer
42 - Austin Pfannenstiel
40 - Darrin Biegert
Slugging Percentage
.733 - Lane Wolfer
.627 - Johnathun Bowers
.571 - Darrin Biegert
Home Runs
8 - Lane Wolfer
5 - Johnathun Bowers
2 - Tyler Viramontez
1 - Darrin Biegert, Tyler Suderman, A.J. Youngblood, Cory Youngblood
Triples
3 - Dustin Dick
2 - Johnathun Bowers, Josh Nathan, Austin Pfannenstiel
Doubles
15 - Darrin Biegert
14 - Lane Wolfer
9 - Tyler Viramontez
------------ Pitching ---------------------
ERA
.000 - Josh Nathan (9.3 Innings)
.176 - Tyler Suderman (37.3 Innings)
.261 - Johnathun Bowers (41.0 Innings)
Pitching - Wins
5 - Johnathun Bowers
4 - EJ Schrag
3 - Suderman, Cory Youngblood, Pfannenstiel, Biegert
------------ Base Running ---------------------
Stolen Bases
16 - AJ Youngblood
13 - Josh Nathan
12 - Lane Wolfer
Stolen Base Percentage (Minimum 8 attempts)
Lane Wolfer - 100%
Austin Phannenstiel - 88.9%
Josh Nathan - 86.7%
NBC WORLD SERIES
The Redbirds compiled a 2-5 record in the NBC World Series. While they didn't have great success in the tournament, a great time was had by all. The final outcome of the World Series was as follows:
1st Place - Wichita Sluggers
2nd Place - Wichita Gators
3rd Place - South Dakota Wildcats
4th Place - Topeka Hawks
Having played both the Sluggers and the Wildcats and competed well, it is obvious that the Redbirds belonged at the World Series and, had the ball bounced a little differently in a few games, could have placed high in the final standings. I don't think there is anyone who thought that the Topeka Hawks would have been difficult to defeat, yet they placed 4th. As they say, to win at this level, you need to be both good --- and lucky!
Thanks to all the Players, Coaches and Parents that made this season so fun. This one ranks as one of my all-time favorite seasons. Good luck to the Redbirds next year! We will see you around!
GW
Season Statistics now available on-line
July 27, 2005
Complete Season and NBC World Series batting and pitching statistics for the Redbirds are now available on-line on this site.
Just select the "Statistics" menu item to the left of the screen.
Check back later for the "Final Word" on the Mid-Kansas Redbirds 2005 Season!
GW
Redbirds season ended by the Intimidators
July 27, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds dropped their final game of the season today, losing to the Kansas Intimidators in the NBC World Series 12-6.
Things looked promising for the Redbirds early as Tyler Viramontez set the Intimidators down in order in the top of the first and the Redbirds took the early lead in the game, scoring 1 run in the bottom of the 1st on a Lane Wolfer double and two Intimidator errors. However, the Intimidators answered with 6 runs in the top of the 2nd and 3 more in the top of the 3rd to take a commanding lead they would never relinquish.
It seemed somehow fitting that the team that gave the Redbirds their first loss of the season, that gave the Redbirds 4 of their 13 losses and also the team that sponsored the tournament where the Redbirds earned their World Series berth would end the Redbirds season and their drive toward a National Championship in Topeka. The Redbirds, who haven't shyed away from tough competition anywhere, were pumped and ready to beat the Intimidators this time. But, this wasn't their day. Justin Miller was sharp for most of the game and threw a gutsy 145 pitch performance for the Intimidators.
Tyler Viramontez went 2 1/3 innings allowing 9 runs on 8 hits with no walks and 3 strikeouts. Tyler Suderman came next, going 2 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with a walk. Darrin Biegert finished the final 2 innings of the game, allowing no runs on one hit with 2 walks.
Offensively, no Redbird had more than one hit, but Austin Phannensteil and Tyler Viramontez each had 2 RBI's.
The loss ends a great initial season for the Redbirds at 29-13. The Redbirds are a young team with only a handful of players 18 years old. No doubt they will be a force to reckon with for years to come.
Box Score
NBC Tournament Rain Delay Information
July 26, 2005 - 11:30 PM
Information for Parents:
Rain stopped in Topeka at about 6:00pm this evening. By 8:30, the skys were clearing and we witnessed the sunset.
I would imagine that today's 3:30pm games will be able to start at or around 8:00am Wednesday morning so that the Redbirds versus Intimidators game time will likely be 10:30am.
I am writing this as of 11:30pm. If you have concerns regarding whether the games will be played Wednesday morning, I would recommend that you call the SCABA Rain Out line at 785-267-6558.
GW
Redbirds 1-1 in double elimination portion of NBC Tourney
July 26, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds are now 1-1 in the double elimination portion of the NBC World Series.
The Redbirds dropped the first game of double elimination play in a heart-breaker versus the Bonneville Lakers from Provo, Utah, 2-1.
This game was a classic pitcher's battle with Johnathun Bowers on the mound for the Redbirds. Both the Redbirds and the Lakers made both the easy and difficult plays, erasing the few baserunners via double plays, pickoffs and caught steals. In fact no baserunner for either team got past 1st base until the bottom of the 5th, when the Laker's Hall ripped a triple to right center field. Bowers then struck out the next batter, but walked the next. The Lakers then put on an intentional pick-off play designed to make the Redbirds forget about the runner on 3rd so that he could score. And, in fact, even though the Redbirds were ready for it, it worked.
The Redbirds answered in the top of the 6th with a double from Dustin Dick and a single by EJ Schrag that scored Dick, knotting the score at 1-1. Darrin Biegert then got on a fielder's choice error, giving the Redbirds runners on 1st and 2nd with just one out. However, a ground ball double play ended the opportunity for the Redbirds.
The score remained 1-1 until the bottom of the 7th when the Laker's lead-off batter walked and went to 3rd on an errant pick-off attempt at 1st. The next Laker batter grounded to Schrag at 3rd who held the runner at third and got the out at 1st. The Redbirds then pulled in the outfield and infield to prevent the winning run from scoring and the next Laker batter slapped a ball to left over the head of Viramontez to end the game.
Bowers pitched a fantastic game, allowing just 2 runs off on 4 hits with one strike out and 3 walks over 6 1/3 innings.
The loss put the Redbirds into the losers bracket versus the Mississippi team that they run-ruled on Saturday 23-7. However, even though the Redbirds showed up for the game at 1:00pm on Tuesday, the Mississippi All-Stars never did and the Redbirds won by forfeit.
Rain has also effected the schedule of the games in Topeka and the next game that was scheduled for 6:00pm on Tuesday versus the Kansas Intimidators has now been postponed until at least 10:30am on Wednesday. The Redbirds are looking forward to playing the Intimidators, a team that is responsible for 3 of the Redbirds losses this season.
The Redbirds record now stands at 29-12.
Redbirds take 4th in Pool at World Series
July 25, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds closed out pool play this morning against the South Dakota Wildcats from Rapid Falls, SD. In a sense, this was a "freebee" game as the outcome of the game would have no bearing on the final pool standings as the Wildcats had already clinched the 1st place seed and the Redbirds were already guaranteed the 4th place seed in their pool.
The game was 0-0 after the first inning, but the Wildcats came up big in the top of the second, starting the inning off with a solo homer by Pete Rose and following up with 6 more runs, creating a deficit that the Redbirds would never overcome. The Redbirds answered with 2 runs of their own on a hit batsman, a double by Tyler Viramontez and a single by Tyler Suderman and added another two spot in the bottom of the 3rd narrowing the gap to 4-7. But that was as close as the Redbirds would get as the Wildcats put the Redbirds away 12-5.
Sam Stucky started the game and went 3 innings for the Redbirds, allowing 7 runs on 7 hits with no strike outs and 4 walks. Cory Youngblood relieved Stucky in the top of the 4th and went 3 innings allowing 4 runs on 2 hits with 1 strike out and 4 walks. Mark Bengsten finished out the game in the 7th, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 1 strike out and no walks.
Offensively, Viramontez went 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI's.
The loss drops the Redbirds to 28-11 (1-3 in pool play). The Redbirds will be in action again tonight at 8:30pm against Utah Bonneville to begin the double elimination portion of the tournament.
Redbirds drop World Series game to Sluggers
July 24, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds stepped onto the field today the masters of their own destiny. Win both of the next two games and they win their pool. Loose one or both of these games and they will drop lower in the seeding of the double elimination tournament to start later this week.
With Tyler Suderman, who entered the game with a .89 ERA on the mound, it looked like the Redbirds would stand a good chance of coming out on top of the Wichita Sluggers. As it turned out, the game was every bit the stuggle it promised to be.
The Sluggers came up to bat first and Suderman retired the first three batters in order, striking out the lead off, getting the second batter to ground out to short and the third batter to squib one back to the pitcher. However, the Redbirds didn't fare much better, as the only runner was Austin Phannensteil who walked.
By the end of the second inning, the score was still knotted at 0-0.
However, in the top of the 3rd, the Sluggers loaded the bases on two walks and a single which brought up Moyer, the Slugger's number 4 hitter. After a questionable 2-2 ball/strike call that moved the count to full, Moyer crunched a pitch over the fence and just out of the reach of Dustin Dick for a Grand Slam home run that changed the complexion of the game. The Redbirds were unable to answer in the bottom of the 3rd. Darrin Biegert came on with two on and one out in the top of the 4th and closed out the Sluggers without allowing any runs to score.
The Redbirds scored their first run in the bottom of the 4th when Lane Wolfer walked and stole second and then was able to score when a hot grounder off of the bat of Tyler Viramontez careemed off the glove of the Slugger's 3rd baseman and into left field. The Sluggers scored another run in the top of the 5th off of a double, a walk and a single.
In the top of the 6th, the Sluggers put their first two batters on base with a single and a walk which chased Biegert off the mound in favor of Josh Nathan, but the Sluggers managed to score 2 more runs, bringing the score to the final tally of 7-1.
Suderman went 3 and a third innings allowing 4 runs on 4 hits with 2 strike outs and 4 walks. Biegert went 1 and two thirds innings allowing 3 runs on 3 hits with 2 strike outs and 2 walks. Nathan went 2 innings allowing no runs on 2 hits with no strike outs and 1 walk.
Sluggers pitcher Loveland handcuffed the Redbirds all night as the Redbirds only had 2 hits: Lane Wolfer went 1-2 with a walk and Darrin Biegert went 1-3.
The loss drops the Redbirds to 28-10 (1-2 in pool play) as they prepare for the last game of pool play on Monday morning versus the South Dakota Wildcats who are 3-0 in pool play so far.
Redbirds trounce Mississippi All-Stars in second game of NBC World Series
July 23, 2005
While the Mid-Kansas Redbirds waited to see if they could rebounded from their opening game loss, they began to wonder if they were even going to have an opponent. But 10 minutes before game time, along can a pickup with most of the Greenwood, Mississippi All-Stars piled in the back. The team sauntered on to the field without warmup and the game began. By the time the dust cleared, the Redbirds had throttled the All-Stars, 23-7.
The game started with a bang in the top of the first as Redbird lead-off batter Darren Biegert reached first on an error on the first baseman. Austin Phannenstiel singled to left and then Lane Wolfer launched a 3-2 pitch over the left field fence for a 3 run dinger (his 8th of the year). The Redbirds were able to push one more run across the plate in the top of the 1st, but left the bases loaded after batting through the entire 10 batter lineup.
Cory Youngblood retired the first three All-Star batters in order and the Redbirds began again, this time scoring 12 runs in the top of the 2nd in a half inning that took nearly an hour and saw 17 Redbirds come up to the plate. At this point, with the score 16-0 with 1 1/2 innings complete, the game looked pretty much over. However, the All-Stars had different ideas. 2 hits, 3 errors, 1 walk and 2 hit batsmen later, the All Stars had scored 7 runs and looked like they might actually make it a game.
However, the Redbirds settled down and scored 3 runs in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th while holding the All-Stars scoreless and closed out the game in 4 innings.
Cory Youngblood pitched a complete game allowing 7 runs (none of them earned) in 4 innings on 4 hits, 4 errors with 6 strike outs and 1 walk.
Wolfer went 2 for 3 with a homer, a double and 5 RBI's. Youngblood had a 3 RBI triple and Tyler Viramontez also had a double.
The win raises the Redbirds record to 28-9, 1-1 in their pool of the NBC World Series. The next game will be Sunday, July 24th at 6:00pm at the Hummer Sports Complex versus the Wichita Sluggers.
Redbirds loose first game at World Series
July 23, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds played a lackluster game today in Topeka as they lost their first game of the NBC World Series today against the Wichita Lobos, 8-3.
Overall, the Redbirds looked a bit sluggish as they committed 5 errors in the game.
Redbird starter Austin Phannenstiel went 5 innings allowing 5 runs while striking out 5 and walking just 1. Tyler Viramontez relieved Phannensteil in the top of the 6th, but could not hold the Logos scoreless either as they scored 3 runs on 5 hits with 3 strike outs and no walks.
Meanwhile, on the offensive side, the Redbirds had a total of managed just 3 runs on 9 hits, no walks and no errors.
Johnathun Bowers went 2 for 3 in the game and Lane Wolfer and Sam Stucky each had doubles in the loosing effort.
The loss moves the Redbirds record to 27-9 as the prepare to play again today at 6:00pm versus the Mississippi All-Stars.
NBC World Series Game Times
The Game Schedule for the Round Robin portion of the NBC World Series has been announced.
Game 1: 7/23/05 - 10:30am - Wichita Lobos at Hummer Field #2
Game 2: 7/23/05 - 6:00pm - Mississippi All-Stars at SCABA Field
Game 3: 7/24/05 - 6:00pm - Wichita Sluggers as Hummer Field #1
Game 4: 7/25/05 - 10:30am - South Dakota Wildcats at Hummer Field #1
Record from pool play will determine seeding into double elimination bracket. Double Elimination play begins Monday at 4:00pm.
Other teams in the tournament:
Wichita Gators, Topeka Hawks, Colorado Red, Ponca City Cards, KC Blues, Wichita Gators 17, Kansas Intimidators, Colorado Blue, KC Diamondbacks, Utah Bonneville.
NBC World Series Information
July 18, 2005
We have received the following information from the NBC World Series Tournament Director:
1. We will not know our game schedule until after registration on Friday. No game schedules will be released until then.
2. The Banquet on Friday Night is free for all players. Only parents would need to pay the $15 admission fee.
I will continue to remind all Redbird players that birth certificates are needed for registration in the NBC World Series next week in Topeka. Here is what the offical "Hap Dumont" rules say about birth certificates:
Players enrolled on an NBC "Hap" Dumont Youth
Baseball team roster must present to their respective
league President (before the league's first
scheduled game) an original record of their birth or
a certified copy or notarized photostat of that original
record of birth.
Please get your birth certificates to Jim Black as soon as possible.
Redbirds split with Newton
July 16, 2005 - 10:00 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds tried to make it a 5-0 weekend, but came up just short as they split with Newton tonight in a double header. The Redbirds seem to be having trouble putting runs on the board lately and Game 1 looked like it was going to be a carbon copy of Friday's game with Nickerson that ended up 1-0.
The 4:00 contest remained scoreless until Newton scored 1 run in the bottom of the 2nd on two singles and a hit batsman. The score remained 0-1 until the top of the 6th when Lane Wolfer walked and was knocked home by a Johnathun Bowers double.
The bottom of the 6th is where things got dicey. The Redbirds recorded two quick outs, but a double, a walk and an infield error left the door open and Newton drove through it with a Mac Truck, scoring 5 runs before starter Cory Youngblood was able to get the final out.
Then it was the Redbirds turn as EJ Schrag led the off the top of the 7th with a double and Cory Youngblood hit a 1-1 pitch 380 feet out of the park for a 2 run dinger. But the Redbirds weren't done yet. Wolfer and Tyler Suderman doubled and Josh Nathan drew a walk, bringing up Dustin Dick with bases loaded and 2 outs. Dick ripped a double down the right field line, clearing the bases and tieing the game at 6.
Bowers replaced Youngblood on the mound in the bottom of the 7th and held Newton scoreless to send the game into extra innings. Despite leaving 1 runner on base in the top of the 8th and 2 on base in the top of the 9th, the Redbirds were unable to get anything across the plate in the extra frames and Newton finally scored the winning run with a single and two errors on fielding bunt attempts in the bottom of the 9th. Final Score: Newton 7, Redbirds 6.
Game 1 Box Score
Cory Youngblood went 6 innings allowing 6 runs on 7 hits with 1 strike out and 3 walks. Bowers got the loss allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 1 strike out.
Offensively, Bowers went 3-5 with a double, Cory Youngblood hit his first homer of the year, Dustin Dick had a triple and Wolfer, Bowers and Suderman all had doubles in the loosing effort.
Game 2 started out much the same as Fenn held the Redbirds scoreless until the top of the 4th when Suderman singled and advanced to third on a passed ball and wild pitch. Dick hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Suderman to break the 0-0 knot.
The Redbirds came up with a 4 spot in the top of the 5th on a clutch 3 RBI double by Sam Stucky and an EJ Schrag single which scored Stucky.
Newton managed 1 run in the bottom half of the 5th on a single and a double off of starter Austin Phannenstiel. Bowers came on again in the bottom of the 6th to close out Newton and the Redbirds added another 3 runs in the top of the 7th on a walk, an error and two singles as they finished off Newton 8-1.
Phannenstiel got the win going 5 innings while allowing just 1 run on 4 hits with 8 strike outs and 3 walks. Bowers went 2 innings and recorded a save allowing no runs on 1 hit with 2 strike outs and 2 walks.
Suderman and Nathan both went 2-3 and Stucky had a double.
Game 2 Box Score
The split moves the Redbirds record to 27-8 as they head to the NBC World Series starting next Saturday in Topeka.
Redbirds squeeze by Nickerson for the Championship
July 15, 2005 - 10:30 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds won their 3rd tournament championship tonight in Nickerson as they slid by Nickerson Baseball Club, 1-0. This completes their sweep of the competion in this round-robin tournament. The Redbirds went 3-0, by defeating Pratt and Andover Central Thursday Night.
The pitching was the story tonight as Tyler Suderman threw a complete game 2 hit shut out, striking out 5 and allowing 5 walks. For Nickerson, Brett Willems threw a 5 hitter with 2 strike outs and 4 walks, allowing just a single earned run ... but that was all it took to do Nickerson in tonight.
The game was full of drama and great defensive plays. The most notable inning was the top of the 4th when Nickerson loaded the bases with no outs. However, Suderman struck out McCue and got Myers to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to end the threat.
Sam Stucky threw out Mace Krol attempting to steal 2nd in the top of the 2nd. That made Nickerson reluctant to steal second and gave the Redbirds several opportunities to turn double plays ... which they did in spades as they turned 3 double plays in the game, one to end the game in the top of the 7th. Nickerson turned 2 double plays as well.
The offense for the Redbirds happened in the 5th inning with 1 out as Josh Nathan walked. Darren Biegert then hit a high bouncing single that bounced out of the 2nd baseman's reach, moving Nathan to 2nd. Phannenstiel then walked which gave the Redbirds bases loaded with 1 out. Lane Wolfer then pushed a ball to 2nd, forcing Phannenstiel out at second, but avoiding the double play which scored Nathan from 3rd.
Biegert was 2 for 4 for the game collecting nearly half of the hits for the Redbirds.
The Redbirds record now goes to 26-7 as they prepare for a double header in Newton on Saturday night.
Box Score
Redbirds take 2 in Nickerson Tournament
July 15, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds had a 5 day layoff, but didn't look any worse for wear, as they opened play in the Nickerson tournament Thursday with a double-header.
In game one against the Pratt 86ers, the Redbirds started slow, failing to score in the first two innings, but began to rev things up as the game went on, scoring 4 runs in the top of the 3rd, 7 runs in the top of the 4th and 5 runs in the top of the 6th, going on to win in 5 innings, 16-3. It looked like the game might only go 4 innings as the Redbirds went into the field to play defense in the bottom of the 4th with an 11-0 lead, but Pratt scored 3 runs off of Sam Stucky in the bottom of the 4th to force the game into a 5th inning. Stucky pitched a complete game in the contest, but the stats will be forth-coming later.
In the second game, the Redbirds faced the Andover Central Jags who they had previously faced in the Pratt tournament. The Jags took an early lead at 1-0 in the bottom of the first, but the Redbirds came back in the top of the 4th, scoring 2 runs and an additional run in the top of the 5th. The Jags scored one more run in the bottom of the 6th and almost had another as they tried a suicide squeeze bunt with 2 outs, but the play was unsuccessful as the batter missed the bunt and Sam Stucky gloved the pitch and tagged out the runner. Tyler Viramontez went a full 7 innings and had at least 6 strike-outs (again, stats coming later).
The Redbirds will be in action again Friday in Nickerson against the host Nickerson team. The Redbirds record now stands at 25-7.
Additional Doubleheader added to Redbirds Schedule
July 12, 2005
Due to the format of the tournament this weekend, two additional games have been added for Saturday that are not related to the Tournament. The Redbirds will play Newton at Newton at 4:00pm and 6:00pm on Saturday.
Nickerson Game Times Announced
July 11, 2005
Game times for the Nickerson Tournament have been announced. Unfortunately, the tournament we thought was going to be on the weekend (Saturday, Sunday) will now be played on Thursday and Friday, July 14th & 15th. It seems that there is a wedding on Saturday that involves some of the Nickerson players and this may have some part to play in the fact that we aren't playing "on the weekend" as originally thought. Here are the game times for the Redbirds:
Thursday, July 14th, 4:00pm: Pratt
Thursday, July 14th, 6:00pm: Andover
Friday, July 15th, 8:00pm: Nickerson
Redbirds go 1-1 in day 2 of Emporia Tournament
July 9, 2005
After loosing the first game of the Emporia tournament on Friday by one run, the Redbirds lost to Junction City on Saturday in extra innings, again by 1 run.
Things looked glum from the beginning as Junction City scored 2 runs in the top of the first after a muffed double play chance that would have gotten the Redbirds out of the inning with no runs. The game remained 2-0 until the top of the 4th when Junction City scored 2 more runs on a triple, 2 singles and a dropped third strike. But the Redbirds came out smokin' in the bottom of the 4th with a lead-off single by Austin Phannenstiel and a 2 run homer by Lane Wolfer. But the Redbirds didn't stop there as Johnathun Bowers walked and Tyler Viramontez knocked him in with a clutch single. Following a Hit Batsman on Josh Nathan, EJ Schrag singled and brought in Viramontez. The throw from the outfield rattled around the backstop and Josh Nathan tried to score from third but was thrown out, ending the inning. However, the Redirds scored 4 runs on 4 hits and tied the score at 4.
The Redbirds managed to squeeze another run across the plate in the bottom of the 5th on Junction City errors and took the lead 5-4. The score remained at 5-4 until the top of the 7th when Junction City tied the game at 5 on a lead-off double by Floberg and and a single by Ervin.
In the bottom of the 7th, the Redbirds threatened as Wolfer got on by a throwing error from the Shortstop and advanced to 2nd. Bowers then singled to left and Wolfer tried to score from 2nd, but was thrown out at the plate. The Redbirds failed to score in the bottom of the 7th, so the game went into extra innings.
Landrith lead off the 8th with a triple (his second of the game) and scored on a ground out to 2nd. The Redbirds went quietly in the bottom of the 8th, loosing the game, 6-5.
Cory Youngblood started the game for the Redbirds and went 4 innings, allowing 4 runs while striking out 1 and walking 1. Tyler Viramontez came on in relief and took the loss pitching 4 innings, allowing 2 runs while striking out 3 and allowing no walks.
Lane Wolfer went 2-4 and hit his 7th homer of the year in the loosing effort.
Junction City Box Score
In the second game of the day, the Redbirds continued to be sparatic offensively, but managed to put away the feisty Manhattan Dick Edwards team, 4-0.
The Redbirds started the game looking a little more normal at the plate against Manhattan, scoring 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning, could only manage 1 additional run the rest of the game (top of 5th). Fortunately, the Redbirds pitching and defense held Manhattan scoreless the entire game.
Redbird Starter EJ Schrag went 4 innings while collecting the win allowing no runs on 5 hits with 1 strike out and 2 walks. Schrag worked out of two innings that Manhattan was threatening, both times getting the number 9 batter to ground out to 2nd with bases loaded. Johnathun Bowers came on in the 5th and pitched 3 innings allowing no runs on 1 hit with 1 strike out and 1 walk.
Offensively, Wolfer went 2 for 2 with 2 walks and Viramontez went 2 for 4, with Wolfer, Viramontez and Tyler Suderman each collecting doubles.
Manhattan Box Score
The Redbirds stand at 1-2 in pool play and Ottawa's win over McPherson Saturday evening mathematically eliminated the Redbirds from Championship play, marking the first tournament of the year that the Redbirds will not play in the championship game.
The Redbirds record now stands at 23-7 as they prepare for Tuesday's double-header in Lindsborg against Larned. The Redbirds will be in action next weekend at the Nickerson Tournament.
Redbirds fall to Pittsburg in the 7th
July 8, 2005 - 04:00 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds led the Pittsburg Post 64 team in every inning except the one that counted, the 7th, as they lost the first game of the Emporia tournament, 6-7.
In a game that featured 5 Redbirds errors and 8 Pittsburg errors, the Redbirds started out fast scoring 2 runs in the top of the first on a Phannenstiel single and two Pittsburg errors. Pittsburg answered with a run of their own in the bottom against Redbird starter Suderman on a hit and an error on a mishandled bunt. But the Redbirds poured it on, capitalizing on a Pittsburg outfield error and a triple from Dustin Dick, scoring 2 more runs in the top of the 2nd.
The Redbirds scored again in the 4th on error on the Pittsburg shortstop and a single by Lane Wolfer. The Redbirds had a comfortable 5-1 lead in the bottom of the 5th with runners at 1st and 3rd, when an attempt to throw out a steal went to center field, both runners ended up scoring to bring the score to 5-3. That seemed to give Pittsburg the idea that they could win the game and they proceeded to score another 2 spot in the bottom of the 6th to tie the game on a double, a single and a bunt. Johnathun Bowers came on in the bottom of the 6th but got out of the inning without any charged runs.
Bowers then helped himself out with a solo homer in the top of the 7th to give the Redbirds the lead, 6-5. But Pittsburg was not to be denied, hammering back to back doubles, followed by a game winning single to win the game, 7-6.
Suderman went 5 1/3 innings, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits with 3 strike-outs and 3 walks. Bowers recorded the loss as he went 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, with 1 walk.
The loss puts the Redbirds in danger of not making the championship round in a strange tournament format which contains 5 teams per pool, but with only two of the "pool play" games coming from within the pool and one game coming from the other pool. The 2 teams from each pool with the best record will advance to the championship round. Thus, the Redbirds can only hope that that Pittsburg will go 3-0 in pool play and everyone else in their pool will have at least one loss. However, it is possible that the Redbirds won't know whether they will play on Sunday until Sunday morning until minutes before game time.
The loss drops the Redbirds to 22-6. They will play Junction City at 11:45 and Manhattan at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 9th.
Box Score
NBC World Series Information
--Friday, July 22nd--------------------------------------------------
** All meeting events on Friday will be at the Ramada Inn Downtown (host hotel)**
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Team check in and registration
Pickup team packets, buy banquet tickets, buy gate passes for the week, pay entry fee $250, have two copies of rosters and proof on insurance for the team
4:30 PM Coaches rules meeting - all teams need to be present, limit three coaches per team
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Banquet
Banquet ticket will be required, purchase at registration $15 per person
Banquet will include the following:
1. Introduction of dignitaries
2. Introduction of the teams
3. HAP Dumont director presentation of the history of HAP Dumont
4. Guest speaker Steve Anson
5. Banquet Dinner
8:30 PM Home Run Contest
@ Hummer Park located at 6th and MacVicar
Each team can have up to 4 players, coach pitches to own players
--Saturday July 23rd-------------------------------------------------
8:45 AM HAP Dumont Sportsman Code
National Anthem
First Pitch by Lee Dodson
9:00 AM Pool Play games begin at both facilities
--Sunday July 24th---------------------------------------------------
9:00 AM Pool Play continues
--Monday July 25th - Thursday July 28th-----------------------------
9:00 AM Double elimination bracket play
Emporia Tournament Game Times
July 4, 2005
Redbird game times for Emporia Tournament:
Friday, July 8th, 1:30pm - Pittsburg/Colgan
Saturday, July 9th, 11:15am - Junction City
Saturday, July 9th, 3:45pm - Manhattan
I am assuming that all games will be played at Souden's Grove. See "Directions" link for map.
GW
Redbirds cruise past Larned to take Pratt Tournament
July 3, 2005 - 07:00 PM
Thiry minutes before game time, the temperature was 95 degrees and the wind was howling out of the south. But 5 minutes before the Redbirds took the field, the severe storms to the north turned the Green Sports complex in Pratt into what felt like an early spring game with the temperature around 65 and the wind howling out of the north at 25mph.
With the storms threatening the entire game, the Redbirds took it to the Larned Indians, earning their second tournament Championship by defeating the Indians 11-1 in 4 innings.
EJ Schrag shutdown Larned, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits with 4 K's and a single base on balls. With the exception of Perez, who had two doubles, no Larned player even got the ball past the pitcher until the second time through the lineup.
Meanwhile, the Redbirds continued their offensive barrage, scoring in every inning. They ended up with 11 runs on 13 hits off of Larned's Graham. The Indians also committed 6 errors.
It wasn't the big hit this game that gave the Redbirds their runs. With the wind howling in from left field, it was sharp singles and baserunning that separated the Redbirds from their opponent. Johnuthan Bowers was 2 for 2 while Austin Phannenstiel and Sam Stucky each went 2 for 3.
Box Score
The win raises the Redbirds record to 22-5 and gives the Redbirds 2 championships and one second place in the three tournaments that they have entered this year.
The Redbirds take the week off in preparation for play in the Emporia tournament next weekend.
Redbirds Roll into the Finals Again!
July 2, 2005 - 08:00 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds rolled into the finals of the Pratt tournament today by bowling over two opponents. The Redbirds have now reached the finals in all three tournaments that they have played in this year.
In game one, the Redbirds scored 16 runs on 15 hits to run-rule Lyons in 5 innings, 16-8.
Cory Youngblood started the game and pitched 3 innings allowing 6 runs on 6 hits with 3 walks and 2 strike-outs. Tyler Suderman relieved Youngblood in the top of the 4th and allowed 2 runs on 1 hit with 4 strike outs and no walks.
Johnuthan Bowers hit his 4th homer of the year and Darren Biegert continued his hitting terror by going 3 for 3 with a double. Sam Stucky had 2 doubles while going 2 for 2 and Austin Phannenstiel and Josh Nathan each went 3 for 4 with Phannenstiel hammering a triple.
Lyons Box Score
In the second game, Russell was the target. Bowers came out throwing darts as he held Russell to just 1 run and 3 hits while striking out 4 and walking 4 over 4 innings, while the Redbirds put on a hitting clinic, scoring 18 runs in just 3 at-bats.
Biegert was continued his perfect day, going 4 for 4 with 2 doubles and a triple and Lane Wolfer, Tyler Suderman, Dustin Dick, A.J. Youngblood and Sam Stucky all had doubles.
Russell Box Score
The Redbirds will meet either Larned or Nickerson in the Finals of the Pratt tournament, trying to win their second tournament of the year Sunday evening at 5:30pm.
The Redbirds record now stands at 21-5.
Redbirds outlast Andover Central
July 1, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds finished off the Andover Central Jags tonight 10-6 in their first game of the Pratt tournament, but it wasn't easy.
It looked as if it was going to be a tough night for the Redbirds, as the Jags put up 3 runs in the top of the first inning on 3 infield hits and 2 grounders that were pushed between 1st base and 2nd base. However the Redbirds came out swinging in the bottom of the 1st and scored 5 runs to take the lead on 3 hits, 3 errors and 3 base-on-balls. However, Andover removed Bridges from the mound and brought in Dooley, who kept the Redbirds off balance and prevented them from scoring again until the 4th inning. The Jags tied the game at 5 in the top of the 3rd inning and again at 6 in the top of the 5th inning.
Johnuthan Bowers came on for Phannenstiel in the top of the 6th and shut down the Jags, facing just 3 batters in the 6th. Then, with one out, Lane Wolfer doubled to left. That was the beginning of the end for Andover as Tyler Suderman hammered a 1-0 pitch over the left field fence for a 2 run dinger. After a second out, Dustin Dick profited from a 3 run error by the right fielder, Josh Nathan had an RBI single to bring in Dick and A. J. Youngblood doubled to bring in Nathan. The first batter for Andover grounded out to short, the next batter walked and the last batter hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game.
Austin Phannenstiel pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 runs on 9 hits, 2 errors and 4 walks. Bowers got the win, going 2 innings and allowing no runs, no hits and striking out one while walking just one.
Tyler Suderman had his first crank of the year while Biegert, Wolfer, Dick and A. J. Youngblood all had doubles. Phannenstiel and Nathan both went 2-4 and Nathan had 3 RBI's.
The win raises the Redbirds to 19-5 and the Redbirds will be in action again on Saturday in the Pratt tournament at 12:45pm and 3:00pm.
Box Score
Redbirds sweep Russell at home
June 29, 2005 - 10:00 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds got back to their winning ways Wednesday Night in Lindsborg as they gained 2 more wins against Russell.
In the opening game, Darren Biegert and Johnathan Bowers combined to pitch a no hit shutout in 5 innings as the Redbirds run-ruled Russell 8-0. Biegert went 4 innings with 5 walks and 4 strike outs with Bowers coming on in the top of the 5th and faced just 3 batters, striking out one.
On the offensive side of the page, the Redbirds scored in every inning but the 3rd as EJ Schrag went 2-2, Biegert went 3-4 with two doubles and 2 RBI's. Dustin Dick ripped a triple and Lane Wolfer also had a RBI double.
In the second game, Josh Nathan threw a complete game 2 hit shutout pitching just 70 pitches over 7 innings while striking out 2 and walking 1.
Offensively, Dustin Dick went 2 for 3 and Biegert went 2 for 4 and both Dick and Austin Phannenstiel pasted doubles as the Redbirds went on to win 4-0.
The wins raise the Redbirds record to 18-5. They will take Thursday off but will be in action again on Friday in Pratt at 3:00pm for the first game of the Pratt tournament.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
Preliminary Schedule for Pratt Tournament Announced
June 29, 2005
Coach Jim Black has received verbal notification of the times that the Redbirds will play at Pratt this weekend. While he does not know team names at this point, he has indicated that the Redbirds will be playing in Pratt on the following schedule:
Friday, July 1st:
- 3:00pm
Saturday, July 2nd:
- 12:45pm
- 3:00pm
The Redbirds will also play on Sunday, July 3rd, but the times will depend upon the results of pool play on Friday and Saturday.
Redbirds split with Hoisington
June 28, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds drove a long way to Hoisington tonight to face a team that they expected to dominate. Instead, the Redbirds played two hard-fought games, winning the opener 8-5 and falling short in the nightcap 8-9.
The Redbirds have played Hoisington 3 times so far this year and all games have been close. The Hoisington pitching staff seems to be able to keep the Redbirds offense just a bit off balance, preventing them from pulling away from a team that it seems that they should beat handily.
In the first game, Tyler Viramontez scattered 8 hits and pitched a complete game to beat Hoisington, collecting 8 K's against just 2 walks.
Johnathon Bowers tagged his 3rd homer of the year, a 2 run shot in the top of the 4th. Wolfer doubled in the 4th and Viramontez, Bowers, A.J. Youngblood and Josh Nathan all went 2 for 4 in the contest.
In game 2, the Redbirds stuck 1st, scoring 3 runs in the Top of the 3rd, capped by Lane Wolfer's 2 run shot (his 6th of the season) and led the rest of the game until the 6th inning. Tyler Suderman held Hoisington scoreless until the bottom of the 4th and went until the bottom of the 6th, allowing just 3 hits on with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. EJ Schrag came on in relief of Suderman. In the bottom of the 6th, Hoisington took a 1 run lead by scoring 5 runs on an error, 3 walks and 2 hits. The Redbirds came back with 2 runs in the top of the 7th on Dustin Dick's 2 RBI single, retaking the lead 8-7. However, Hoisington scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th, winning the game, 8-9. Viramontez went 3 for 3 with 2 doubles and Bowers 2 for 3 in the loss.
The split gives the Redbirds a record of 16-5 on the season. They will be in action again Wednesday in Lindsborg against Russell at 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
Redbirds lose in finals of "Summer Slam"
June 26, 2005
For the second straight weekend, the Mid-Kansas Redbirds made it to the finals of a tournament. This weekend, it was the "Summer Slam" tournament in Augusta. But, unlike last weekend, they weren't able to come home with the championship trophy. The Redbirds were defeated by the Kansas Intimidators in the championship game Sunday afternoon, 15-3.
Austin Phannenstiel (the starter) gave up 7 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks with no strike outs going the first two innings. Darren Biegert came on in the 3rd and allowed 8 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks with no strikeouts.
The lone bright spot came in the 2nd inning with the Redbirds trailing 1-2, when A.J. Youngblood hit a 3-1 pitch over the left field fence with Sam Stucky on base to put the Redbirds back on top 3-2 at the end of 1 1/2 innings. From that point on, it was all downhill as the Intimidators scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd and 8 runs in the bottom of the 3rd to seal the victory.
Darren Biegert continued his "Doubles Barrage" by knocking another 2 bagger in the 3rd inning.
The second place showing at the "Summer Slam" earned the Redbirds a birth to the 18 and under NBC World Series beginning July 22nd in Topeka.
The Redbirds earned the right to play in the championship game by defeating the Wichita Gators 14-3 on Friday and the Wichita Bucs, 12-7 on Saturday.
The loss brings the Redbirds record to 15-4 with 3 of the 4 losses courtesy of the Kansas Intimidators.
Box Score
Redbirds advance to the Finals
June 25, 2005 - 11:30 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds advanced to the finals for the second weekend in a row tonight in Augusta.
Darren Biegert was 4-5 with 3 doubles and Cory Youngblood pitched 107 pitches through 7 innings allowing 7 runs on 5 hits and 5 errors as the Redbirds defeated the Wichita Bucs 12-7.
The Redbirds will play for the championship tomorrow at 3:00pm in Augusta versus the Kansas Intimidators who swept the Redbirds in a double header earlier this year.
The Redbirds record now stands at 15-3.
Box Score
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds and the "Friends University Connection"
June 25, 2005
[Commentary]
The announcment by Tyler Viramontez that he signed a letter of intent on Thursday (6/23/05) to play baseball at Friends University next fall has underscored an undeniable connection with the Mid-Kansas Redbirds and Friends University. Viramontez announcement now means that there are 3 players on the Redbirds squad that will be playing baseball at Friends University next season: Viramontez, Jonathan Bowers and Lane Wolfer. Of the remaining players on the team, only one other, Austin Phannenstiel, has committed to a college next year (Pratt Community College).
It is also interesting to note that the assistant coaches for the Redbirds (Brad Bengsten and Ryan Biegert) graduated from Bethany College (a noted Friends KCAC rival) just last spring. With Manager Jim Black planning on making the Mid-Kansas Redbirds a powerhouse baseball program in the area for years to come, will the Redbirds connection with Friends continue to be strong, or is it just a one year fluke? There are certainly a number of players on the Redbirds roster who will be Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors in high school next fall that have the talent and attitude to play college ball.
Jim Black has brought together an interesting batch of athletes that have talent and desire to excel, but don't carry some of the attitudes and arrogance that typifies many "future" college players.
Is anyone watching?
Mid-Kansas Redbirds devour the Wichita Gators
June 24, 2005 - 06:00 PM
The Redbirds showed up at Augusta Friday afternoon thinking they were playing the Wichita Bucs. But, once they got there, they found that the team in the other dugout was actually the Wichita Gators. The tournament format had changed and since the Redbirds opening game time had not changed, the tournament director didn't inform Manager Jim Black of the change in opponent. But the Redbirds took it all in stride as they rolled over the Gators in 4 innings, 14-3.
The Redbirds started out fast with Lane Wolfer blasting a two out solo homer over the left center field fence. The hit energized the Redbirds as the next batter, Viramontez, slapped a single into left and following two walks, Cory Youngblood capped the scoring by shooting a 1-2 pitch between the 1st and 2nd basemen, scoring two.
But the Gators weren't done growling yet as they scored 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the first on 4 hits, including a double by Sworiwood off of Redbird Starter, Jonathan Bowers.
The Redbirds answered by scoring 2 more runs on 4 hits and a walk. This silenced the Gators as they didn't score again. The Redbirds continued to pour it on, scoring 5 runs in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th including a 2 run dinger by Bowers.
Austin Phannenstiel went 3-4 and A. J. Youngblood and Dustin Dick doubled.
Bowers pitched a complete game allowing just 4 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 1 with no walks. The Redbirds played flawless defense behind him.
The Redbirds move into the semi-final game Saturday Night at 9:00pm in Augusta versus the winner of the Wichita Bucs/Wichita Lobos. Should the Redbirds win Saturday night, they will play Sunday at 3:00pm. In the case of a loss, they will play Sunday Morning at 11:00am.
The win raises the Redbirds record to 14-3 and marks the 8th straight win for the team.
Box Score
Redbirds outlast Salina Martinelli's
June 22, 2005 - 10:00 PM
For the second time in two nights, the Mid-Kansas Redbirds ran into a Salina team that couldn't seem to get the ball over the plate. Last night, it was the Salina Falcons. Tonight, it was the Salina Martinelli's.
That transformed into a rather boring set of run-rule wins for the Redbirds as they won the opener 10-2 in 5 innings and the nightcap 12-2 in 4 innings.
In the opener, J. Tanner threw 94 pitches in 2 2/3 innings while walking 10 batters and allowing 10 runs on just 3 hits. The defense didn't help him any as the Martinelli's committed 5 errors. B. Cumberland finally relieved Tanner after the game was out of hand, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing no runs. Meanwhile, Austin Phannenstiel pitched a great game for the Redbirds, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. He struck out 6 while walking just 1.
There wasn't much to crow about from an offensive standpoint for the Redbirds as there really just weren't many pitches good enough to swing at.
While hopes were high, the second game wasn't any better. The Martinelli starter Josh Werner allowed 8 walks, 1 hit and 11 runs as the Salina team committed 6 errors in 2 1/3 innings. The bright spot in this game began in the bottom of the 3rd inning as S. Donaldson entered the game and actually threw strikes. The Redbirds, hungry for some hitable pitches, ate him alive as they nailed 4 hits and a sacrifice fly in the 6 batters he faced.
Sam Stucky made his pitching debut in the second game, allowing just 6 hits and 2 runs in 4 innings of work, while walking one and striking out 3.
Again, offensive highlights were difficult to come by, however, Suderman and A. J. Youngblood each had 2 RBI's in the second game and both Sam Stucky and A.J. Youngblood doubled.
The wins raise the Redbirds record to 13-3. They will be in action Friday at 3:00pm versus the Wichita Bucs, Saturday at 5:00pm versus the Wichita Lobos and Sunday at 4:00pm versus the Wichita Gators. All the games this weekend will be played in Augusta.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
Weekend Tournament Schedule Announced
June 22, 2005 - 10:30 AM
The game schedule for the weekend tournament in Wichita this weekend has been announced.
The Redbirds will open the tournament with the Wichita Bucs (Wichita Trinity High) on Friday afternoon (6/24) at 3:00pm. Saturday (6/25), the Redbirds will play the Wichita Lobos (East High) at 5:00pm. Probably the toughest game of the tournament will be on Sunday at 4:00pm when the Redbirds play the Wichita Gators.
All games will be played in Augusta.
Redbirds trounce Salina Falcons
June 21, 2005 - 10:00 PM
The Redbirds traveled to Salina Tuesday night to face the Salina Falcons at Dean Evans Stadium. The question was, how would the Redbirds perform with the afterglow of their 1st place tournament showing in Russell just two days earlier still showing on their faces. The Redbirds played 6 games in 3 days and coach Jim Black didn't know whether the pitching would continue to hold up.
As it turns out, he had nothing to worry about. Darren Beigert went 5 innings allowing 6 hits and 4 runs as the Redbirds run-ruled Salina in 5 innings, 13-4.
The game wasn't exactly pretty as the Salina pitching staff seemed to have a difficult time getting the ball over the plate collecting 10 walks and 1 hit batsman over the 5 innings of the contest. Gray, the Salina starter lasted just 1 2/3 innings, yielding to Sheets. Sheets then pitched the next 1 1/3 innings, which finally brought on Schrole who finished the game. But it was too late ... the damage had already been done. The 13 runs were scored with just 7 hits by the Redbirds.
Tyler Suderman went 3-3 with 2 RBI's and Lane Wolfer cranked a double to the warning track in left center in the first inning for the Redbirds. Josh Nathan and Jonathan Bowers each had 2 RBI singles in the 8 run 4th inning.
The second game looked like it was going to be a much more enjoyable game to watch as both teams remained scoreless after 2 innings. Cory Youngblood faced the minimum number of batters for the Redbirds and Salina's Walters had just 1 runner on base in each of the first two innings, one on a walk and the other by hit batsman.
However, the storm clouds found the Redbirds again and the game was suspended in the top of the 3rd inning after a walk to Biegert with one out.
The win raises the Redbirds record to 11-3. They will be at home in Lindsborg Wednesday night (6/22) against another Salina team, the Salina Martinelli's at 6:00 and 8:00pm, provided that more storms don't materialize out of thin air.
Box Score
Redbirds take Russell Tournament
June 19, 2005
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds finally got to play a tournament that wasn't cancelled by rain this weekend at Russell. And they celebrated by winning it!
The Redbirds avenged an earlier loss to Larned in pool play, defeating the Larned Legion team 11-2 in 5 innings in the semi-final game. Tyler Suderman threw a 2 hitter and allowed just 2 runs, both of them unearned. The Redbirds held a slugfest against Larned Pitcher Rapp, scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd including a 3 run homer from Lane Wolfer. Rapp yielded to Graham in the bottom of the second. Graham got the final out in the 2nd and held the Redbirds scoreless until Darren Biegert's grand slam in the bottom of the 4th.
In the championship game, the Redbirds took the early lead versus Santa Fe Trail and led most of the game, only to have Santa Fe Trail score 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game at 5-5. Both teams failed to score in the 8th. Lane Wolfer, who had a solo homer in the 3rd inning, hit a second solo homer in the top of the 9th, enabling the Redbirds to take the lead 6-5. The Redbirds got the final out with runners on 1st and 2nd to preserve the win and take the first tournament of the season.
Jonathan Bowers was named tournament MVP as he scattered 11 hits over 8 innings to get the win. Vieramontez came on in relief of Bowers in the bottom of the 9th to close out the game for the Redbirds and record the save. Santa Fe Trail's Brian Shively, a 4A 2nd Team All-Stater, pitched all 9 innings, but recorded the loss.
The Santa Fe Trail team from Osage County was comprised of a number of the players from the Santa Fe Trail High School team who placed 3rd in 4A State this year. However, they looked very weak in the opening games of the tournament as they lost to the Redbirds 19-4 in pool play while going 0-4 in the pool. But, once the single elimination portion of the tournament started, they became a different team, defeating the host Russell team (winner of the other pool) in their first game of the single elimination tournament, then eliminating Pratt on the way to the championship game.
The win raises the Redbirds record to 10-3. They will be in action Tuesday night in Salina at Dean Evans Field versus the Salina Falcons.
Championship Game Box Score
Semi-Final Game Box Score
The Redbirds win two on Saturday in Russell
June 18, 2005 - 08:00 PM
The Mid-Kansas Redbirds managed 2 more wins in the Russell Tournament, recovering from their 1-1 performance from Friday moving on into the semi-finals of the Russell Tournament.
The first game of the day was the final game of pool play against Hays. Austin Phannensteil held Hays scoreless until the 6th inning, allowing just 2 hits over those 6 innings as the Redbirds went on to beat Hays, 10-2. Vieramontez had a solo homer and Austin Phannensteil and Lane Wolfer each had doubles. Vieramontez and Suderman each went 2-3 in the contest. The win seeded the Redbirds into the single elimination tournament against Hoisington.
The second game against Hoisington was highlighted by a 2 run homer in the first inning from Vieramontez and doubles by Wolfer and Nathan. Vieramontez pitched a complete game 4 hitter allowing just 3 runs as the Redbirds went on to win 6-3.
The wins bring the Redbirds record to 8-3 and they will play Larned in the semi-final game of the tournament at 1:00pm Sunday in Russell.
Redbirds go 1-1 on opening day of Russell Tournament
June 17, 2005 - 08:00 PM
The Redbirds started out the Russell Tournament the way anyone would want their team to start out: by scoring 16 runs in the top of the first inning.
The inning was laced with walks but also featured several big hits. Jonathan Bowers went deep hitting a homer and Lane Wolfer and Josh Nathan each had triples ... all in the same inning. The Redbirds batted around more than 2 times in the opening inning as they crushed Santa Fe Trail.
After that, the game was all over but the shouting as Beigert held Santa Fe Trail to 4 runs and the Redbirds went on to win in 3 innings, 19-4
The second game wasn't quite as pleasant as the Redbirds suffered their first loss in 5 games, loosing to Larned 11-3 in 6 innings. Cory Youngblood pitched the first 5 innings and EJ Schrag came on for the 6th inning, but the Redbirds didn't give them much run support, mustering just 3 runs for the game. It seemed as if every bounce went the way of Larned as a number of bad hops seemed to happen at just the right time for them.
The Redbirds have one more game in pool play at 11:00am Saturday in Russell versus Hays.
Suderman throws a 1 hitter before the storm comes
June 15, 2005 - 08:00 PM
Tyler Suderman threw a complete game 1 hitter as the Mid-Kansas Redbirds shut out the Newton American Legion Class AAA team in 6 innings, 9-0.
No runs were scored until the bottom of the 2nd when the Sam Stucky scored on an EJ Schrag suicide squeeze bunt. The game remained 1-0 until the bottom of the 5th, when the Redbirds scored 6 runs to put the game out of reach, highlighted by a Tyler Vieremontez 3 RBI double. The Redbirds scored another 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th to complete the run rule. Lane Wolfer went 3 for 4 and Josh Nathan went 2 for 2 in the contest.
In the second game, Jonathan Bowers had a good start on a win before lightning put a stop to the game. Bowers had allowed just 1 run in the 2nd inning and the Redbirds had scored 1 run in the Bottom of the first and 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd with 2 outs when the game was called on account of lightning in the area. Bowers had helped himself at the plate by hitting a 2 RBI triple in the 2nd inning.
The win raises the Redbirds record to 5-2. They will be in action this weekend in Russell. Current games are scheduled for 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Friday, June 17th and 11:00am on Saturday, June 18th.
Two Additional Doubleheaders added to the Schedule
June 15, 2005
Two additional double headers have been added to the Redbirds Schedule.
On June 22nd, the Redbirds will be in action versus the Salina Martinelli's at 6:00pm and 8:00pm in Lindsborg.
On June 29th, the Redbirds will make up the cancelled game with Russell at 6:00pm and 8:00pm in Lindsborg.
Please make a note of these changes.
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