The Source Newspaper Articles
June 1, 2008 --
"The Source"
Titans ride 8-run first to district win
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
Romeo 9
Utica 4
A five-run sixth-inning rally proved to be the difference in the Bulldogs district quarterfinal win over the Chieftains at Troy Athens last Tuesday afternoon.
Utica jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, before Romeo answered with one run in the second and three more in the third, good for a 4-2 lead.
The Chieftains were paced offensively by Brian Mazurek with two hits and two runs scored, while Jon Nelson added three hits, two RBIs and a run. Andy Orr chipped in two hits and an RBI. Ben Orr started on the mound and took the loss, allowing seven hits and striking out four in 5 1/3 innings of work
Utica ended its season at 17-13 overall, while Romeo advanced to the May 31 district semifinal, facing Troy. The winner of that game will face the winner of the other semifinal between Eisenhower and Troy Athens for the district crown.
Austin Delmotte earned the win for Romeo on the hill.
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Romeo 9, Utica 4 (Pre-District)
May 28, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
(Host Troy Athens)
ROMEO 9, UTICA 4: Starting pitcher Austin Delmotte was 3- for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI to help his own cause. Ricky Roth finished 2-for-4 with three RBI while Garrett Henige was 2-for-3 with a double and RBI in the victory.
"Detroit Free Press"
Romeo 9, Utica 4: Austin Delmotte allowed one earned run and struck out seven, and he batted 3-for-4 with two RBIs, and Ricky Roth hit 2-for-4 with three RBIs for Romeo (17-12). Jon Nelson hit 3-for-4 with two RBIs for Utica.
"The Detroit News"
• Romeo 9, Utica 4: R, Austin DelMotte 7 strikeouts (3-4, 2 RBIs), Ricky Roth 2-4 (3 RBIs)
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The Source Newspaper Articles
"The Source"
Stevenson rolls in baseball showdown
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
Utica 5
Chippewa Valley 4 (8 innings)
Chris Ollila’s RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning scored Dan Rochon from second base, giving the host Chieftains the MAC Red Division win over the Big Reds last Wednesday afternoon.
Kevin Couchman led Utica offensively with two hits and two RBIs, while Ollila added a hit and two RBIs. Jon Nelson and Andy Orr each contributed two hits and a run scored, while Mike Jagitsch earned the win on the mound.
The victory improved Utica’s record to 16-12 overall, 4-7 league.
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Eisenhower 6
Utica 2
Brian Valente fired a two-hitter with 13 strikeouts, leading the visiting Eagles past the Chieftains in a MAC Red Division game last Monday afternoon.
Eisenhower was led offensively by Kirk Dandurand with two hits, including a double, two runs scored and two stolen bases, while Rick Lemanski added two doubles, two RBIs and a run.
Spencer Plizga started on the mound and took the loss for Utica, which received a hit and an RBI from Jon Nelson.
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Uitca 7, Romeo 5
May 23, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 7, ROMEO 5: Winning pitcher Dan Baranski allowed seven hits and struck out two, and Andy Orr (two RBI), Kevin Couchman (two RBI) and Ben Orr (one RBI) each had two hits for Utica. Austin Delmotte had two hits for Romeo.
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 7, Romeo 5: U , Kevin Couchman 2-4 (double, 2 RBIs, run), Andy Orr 2-4 (2 RBIs, stolen base); R , Austin Delmotte 2-4 (run)
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Uitca 5, Chippewa Valley 4 8innings
May 22, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 5, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 4 (8 INNINGS): Pinch Runner Dan Rochon scored on Chris Ollila's single with two out in the bottom of the eighth inning for Utica. Ollila drove in two runs on the day, and Kevin Couchman (2 RBI's), Andy Orr and Jon Nelson each had two hits.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 5, Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley 4 (8 innings): Chris Ollila drove in two runs, including the game-winner, for Utica (16-12, 4-7 MAC Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 5, Chippewa Valley 4: U , Chris Ollila GW hit (1-4, 2 RBIs), Kevin Couchman 2-4 (2 RBIs)
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Eisenhower 6, Uitca 2
May 20, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
EISENHOWER 6, UTICA 2: Brian Valente tossed a complete game, allowing three hits while stiking out nine to pace the Eagles. Kirk Dandurand finished the day 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases to lead Ike's offense. Rick Lemanski chipped in by going 2-for-4 with a double and RBI.
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Warren Mott Invitational Articles
May 18, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
MARAUDER CLASSIC: Josh Pippin was 7-for-12 with one home run, three doubles and six stolen bases to lead Warren- Mott in Round Robin play. Dylan Corbett was 6-for-9 with two walks and scored four runs and Alex Kinaya got his first two varsity hits -- including a walkoff double.
On the day, Sterling Heights beat Warren-Mott 8-4, Utica beat Center Line 10-0, Warren-Mott beat Center Line 5-4, Utica beat Sterling Heights 11-5 and Utica beat Warren-Mott 5-2.
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The Source Newspaper articles
May 18, 2008 --
"The Source"
Utica 5
Stevenson 0
Ben Orr fired a complete-game four-hitter with three strikeouts last Monday, leading host Utica to the MAC Red Division win over Stevenson.
Kevin Couchman paced the Chieftains offensively with three hits and two ribbies, while Brian Mazurek added two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Spencer Plizga also had three hits and an RBI, while Dan Baranski chipped in an RBI single. Jon Nelson scored a run. The win improved Utica’s record to 12-11 overall, 3-6 league.
Stevenson was led by Kyle Alef with two hits, including a double, while David Grabb started on the hill and suffered the loss.
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Utica 5, Stevenson 0
May 13, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 5, STEVENSON 0: Utica, which lost to Stevenson by a combined 26-7 in two earlier games this season, rode a fourhit shutout by Ben Orr to the victory. Kevin Couchman (two RBI) and Spencer Plizga (RBI) had three hits apiece, Brian Mazurek contributed two hits and an RBI and Dan Baranski added an RBI single for the Chieftains.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 5, Sterling Heights Stevenson 0: Kevin Couchman had three hits and two RBIs, and Benn Orr scattered four hits with three strikeouts for Utica (12-11, 3-6 MAC Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 5, S.H. Stevenson 0: U , Kevin Couchman 3-4 (2 RBIs), Ben Orr 7 innings (4-hitter, 3 strikeouts), Spencer Plizga 3-4 (RBI)
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The Source Newspaper articles
May 11, 2008 --
"The Source"
Stevenson prevails in MAC Red thriller
Utica 4
Eisenhower 0
Ben Orr fired a one-hitter, striking out six along the way, pacing the visiting Chieftains past the Eagles in a MAC Red Division contest last Tuesday afternoon.
Andy Orr had four hits for Utica, while Kevin Couchman had two hits and two RBIs. Jason Palazzolo contributed a hit and two ribbies, while Jon Nelson scored a run. The victory improved Utica’s record to 11-9 overall, 2-4 league.
Eisenhower, which fell to 7-8 overall, 1-5 league, was led by Colton Slank with a hit. Dan Drake started on the mound and suffered the loss.
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Utica 15
Chippewa Valley 0
The visiting Chieftains had their hitting shoes on, blasting the Big Reds last Monday in a MAC Red Division tilt.
Utica scored a run in the first inning, before adding three in the third and fourth innings, and eight in the fifth. Andy Orr led the offensive barrage with three hits, including a grand slam home run and a triple, driving in six runs and scoring three others. Brian Mazurek added a home run, two ribbies and three runs scored, while Steve Diaz had a dinger, two RBIs and a run scored. Jon Nelson chipped in two hits, two runs and an RBI, while Jason Palazzolo had a hit, two runs and a ribbie.
Dan Baranski earned the win on the mound, allowing four hits and striking out two.
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Ford II 5, Utica 2
May 10, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
FORD 5, UTICA 2: Winning pitcher Alex Hacias threw a four-hitter with two strikeouts, and Ford recorded 11 hits. Jon Kozak went 3-for-4 with a stolen base, Hacias went 2-for-3 and Zak Rich went 2-for-4 with a RBI.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica Ford 5, Utica 2: Alex Hacias pitched seven innings, giving up five hits and four walks and striking out two for Ford (9-9, 2-6 MAC).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica Ford 5, Utica 2: F , Alex Hacias 5-hitter (2-3), Jon Kozak 3-4, Zak Rich 2-4 (RBI)
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Dakota 3, Utica 2
May 9, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
DAKOTA 3, UTICA 2: Dan Blake went 3-for-3 with a run, Rodney Hush went 2 for-3 and Brian Marlinga drove in two runs for Dakota. Winning pitcher Mitch Lovett threw a seven-hitter with seven strikeouts. Dave Mazurek had two hits for Utica.
"Detroit Free Press"
Macomb Dakota 3, Utica 2: Dan Blake went 3-for-3 for Dakota (15-2).
"The Detroit News"
Dakota outlasts Utica in baseball
Closer Lovett, pressed into service because of glut of makeup games, works complete game.
Shawn Wright / Special To the Detroit News
MACOMB -- Mitch Lovett is used to finishing what someone else started.
But the Macomb Dakota closer threw his first complete game in a 3-2 victory Thursday over Utica. Lovett, who has five saves, gave up seven hits and struck out six and got his first career victory.
Dakota is 15-2 and 6-1 in the MAC Red; Utica is 10-8 and 2-5, respectively.
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"We had to make up four league games this week," coach Ken Thoel said. "By necessity, (Lovett) had to start and went the distance for his first time."
Lovett earlier in the week gave up the deciding hit in the seventh inning of a 5-4 loss to Sterling Heights Stevenson.
"He bounced back like I expected him to," Thoel said. "That's what you expect from the quarterback of the Class A state champions."
Center fielder Brian Marlinga made a throw to the plate that saved a potential tying run in the seventh.
"It was a perfect throw," Thoel said of Marlinga's effort. "It never came five feet off the ground. It was also his birthday, and he really wanted get the game over with and get to the Tigers game."
Marlinga was 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
Utica got within 3-2 on Andy Orr's single in the fifth.
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Utica 5, Eisenhower 0
May 7, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 4, EISENHOWER 0: BenOrr pitched a one-hit shutout with six strikeouts, while Kevin Couchman and Jason Palazolo had two RBI each to power Utica to the win. Andy Orr accounted for four of the Chieftains’ seven hits on the day.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 4, Utica Eisenhower 0: Ben Orr pitched a one-hitter and Andy Orr recorded four hits for Utica (11-9, 2-4 MAC Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 4, Eisenhower 0: U , Andy Orr 4-4 (4 singles), Ben Orr 1-hitter (6 strikeouts)
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Utica 15, Chippewa Valley 0 (5 inn.)
May 6, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 15, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 0: Andy Orr had three hits and six RBI, including a grand slam home run in the fifth inning to lead the Chieftains. John Nelson contributed with two hits, Brian Mazurek had one hit, and two RBI, including a solo home run in the first and Steve Diaz had a two-run home run in the fifth. Dan Baranski pitched all five innings, allowing only four hits and striking out two batters.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 15, Harrison Twp. Chippewa Valley 0 (5 innings): Dan Baranski pitched a four-hitter and Andy Orr smacked a grand slam for Utica (10-9, 1-4 MAC Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 15, Chippewa Valley 0 (5 inn.): U , Andy Orr grand slam, Brian Mazurek home run, Steve Diaz home run, Dan Baranski 4-hitter
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The Source Newspaper articles
May 4, 2008 --
"The Source"
Stallions blank Ramblers
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
Romeo 7
Utica 0
The visiting Bulldogs scored a run in the first, before adding two in the third, one in the sixth and three more in the seventh, defeating the Chieftains in a MAC Red Division contest last Monday afternoon.
Andy Orr took the loss on the hill for Utica, allowing three hits in six innings of work. He also had a hit as did Brian Mazurek and Dan Rochon.
The loss dropped Utica’s record to 7-9 overall, 0-4 league.
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Falcons fall to Big Reds
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
Utica 5
Fraser 2
Ben Orr fired a four-hitter with three strikeouts over six innings, earning the win in Utica’s MAC crossover triumph over the Ramblers last Tuesday afternoon.
Jon Nelson had two hits and an RBI for Utica, while Andy Orr added a hit and two ribbies. Anthony Fata contributed a hit and two runs scored, while Joe Johnson had an RBI double. Mike Jagitsch pitched the final inning for the save, his fourth of the season.
The win improved Utica’s record to 8-9 overall.
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Utica 9, Lakeview 3
May 2, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 9, LAKEVIEW 3: Senior left fielder Brian Mazurek belted home runs in consecutive at-bats and drove in a total of five runs to power Utica. Mazurek homered with a runner on in the first inning and then hit a three run shot in the second, giving winning pitcher Chris Ollila all the support he would need. Jon Nelson added two hits and an RBI for the Chieftains.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 9, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 3: Brian Mazurek had two home runs and five RBIs for Utica (9-9).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 9, Lakeview 3: U , Brian Masurek 2-3, (2 home runs, 5 RBIs), Jon Nelson 2-4 (RBI)
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Utica 5, Fraser 2
April 30, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 5, FRASER 2:john Nelson had two hits and one RBI and Andy Orr had two RBI's to lead the Chieftain's. For the Ramblers, Carson Beauchain hit two triples.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 5, Fraser 2: Jon Nelson had two hits and Ben Orr pitched a four-hitter with three strikeouts for Utica (8-9).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 5, Fraser 2: U , John Nelson 2 hits
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Romeo 7, Utica 0
April 29, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
ROMEO 7, UTICA 0: Tyler Armstrong tossed a three-hit shutout with eight strikeouts to lead Romeo. Jake Moore had two hits including an RBI double and Ricky Roth added a two-run single for the Bulldogs.
"Detroit Free Press"
Romeo 7, Utica 0: Tyler Armstrong pitched a complete game allowing three hits with eight strikeouts and Jake Moore added two hits for Romeo (10-5, 2-1 Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Romeo 7, Utica 0: R , Tyler Armstrong 7 innings (3 hits, 8 strikeouts)
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Ford II trips Utica in MAC Red opener
April 27, 2008 --
"The Source"
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
Ford II made the most of its opportunities last Wednesday afternoon against visiting Utica.
The Falcons took advantage of several Chieftain errors, holding on for an 8-5 MAC Red Division victory.
"Three runs was the difference here, but I’ll bet four of those runs were unearned," Ford coach Derek Ganfield said. "We can’t have that."
Conversely, Utica coach Andy Lukacs said his team only hurt itself in a game that could’ve gone in the Chieftains' favor.
"You have to play the game hard," Lukacs said. "If you don’t play the game hard, you’re not going to win. We had some kids who did a good job out there, but you’re going to win or lose as a team."
Ford took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double by Nick Rowe, scoring teammate Steve Moore, who had singled.
The Falcons added two more runs in the second inning when Jon Kozak singled up the middle, knocking in Alex Hacias and Rob Binder, extending their edge to 3-0.
Utica answered with two runs in the third inning as Andy Orr had a single that plated Anthony Fata, before Brian Mazurek scored on a Falcon error, closing the gap to 3-2.
Ford, though, responded with three runs in its half of the third, two scoring on throwing errors by the Chieftain catcher. Hacias added an RBI single, putting the Falcons on top 6-2.
The Falcons extended their lead to 8-2 with two more runs in the fourth inning as Rowe had an RBI single and Spencer Hult followed with a run-scoring double.
The Chieftains wouldn’t go away, though, rallying for two runs in the fifth inning as Kevin Couchman’s double scored both runners. Utica added another run in the sixth inning as Andy Orr’s sacrifice fly scored Ben Orr, who had singled, closing the deficit to 8-5. Utica wouldn’t get any closer, though.
Scott Taylor, who came on in relief of Binder, who started and pitched the first three innings, hurled the next two, earning the victory. Kozak pitched the final two innings, earning the save.
Offensively, Ford was led by Rowe with two hits, including a double, two RBIs and a run scored.
"He’s doing what we hoped he would come in and do, swinging the bat and knocking some runs in," Ganfield said. "He may hit the ball the hardest of anyone I’ve ever coached."
Moore added two hits, including a double, scoring two runs, while Binder added two hits and a run scored.
"Rob's a hard worker," said Ganfield, whose team improved to 7-3 overall, 1-1 league. "He's not blessed with a lot of athletic ability, but he's going to give you more than what you see out here. He's a competitor and a great kid."
Utica, which fell to 7-7 overall, 0-2 league, was led by Couchman with two hits, including a double, and two RBIs, while Ben Orr added two hits and a run scored. Andy Orr chipped in a hit, two RBIs and a run.
Ben Orr pitched the first 5 2/3 innings and took the loss. He allowed nine hits and struck out seven.
"This was probably Ben’s best effort," Lukacs said. "He still has things to work on, but based on what he's done in the past, there was much improvement."
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Stevenson 13, Utica 6
April 26, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
STEVENSON 13, UTICA 6: Steve Pistono was 3-for-4, driving in five runs, three of which came on a home run in the third. Mike Wood was 2-for-2, smacking a two-run homer and drawing two walks, while Ryan Battaglia finished with there hits and Jack Woodberg had two.
"Detroit Free Press"
Sterling Heights Stevenson 13, Utica 6: Steve Pistono of Stevenson (11-2, 3-0 MAC Red) went 3-for-4 with a home run and 5 RBIs, and teammate Mike Wood went 2-for-2 with a homer.
"The Detroit News"
• S.H. Stevenson 13, Utica 6: S , Steve Pistono 3-4, HR, 5 RBI, Mike Wood 2-2, HR, 2 RBI; U , Trevor Plizta 3-4
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Henry Ford II 8, Utica 5
April 24, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
FORD 8, UTICA 5: Nick Rowe went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a stolen base, and Steve Moore went 3-for-4 with two doubles for Ford. Winning pitcher Rob Binder had a hit, and Jon Kozak earned the save. Kevin Couchman went 3-for-4 with two doubles Utica.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica Ford 8, Utica 5: Nick Rowe hit 2-for-3 with two RBIs for Utica Ford (7-3, 1-1 Red).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica Ford 8, Utica 5: UF , Nick Rowe 2-3 (2 RBIs), Steve Moore 3-4 (2 doubles)
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Dakota 16, Utica 1
April 22, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
DAKOTA 16, UTICA 1: Rodney Hush and Mike Romanchik homered, Brian Marlinga, Danny Meurer and Tyler Kolb each drove in a run and Hayden Fox allowed two hits and struck out three batters as Dakota took its MAC Red opener in a mercy.
"The Detroit News"
• Dakota 16, Utica 1 (4 innings): D , Rodney Hutch 1-2 (HR, 2 RBIs), Ryan Marlinga 2-4 (double, 2 runs), Mike Romanchik 2-3 (HR, 3 runs, 2 RBIs)
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Utica 14-10, Lutheran North 10-0
April 20, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 14-10, LUTHERAN NORTH 10-0: Kevin Couchman had two hits and five RBI, including a grand slam home run, to lead the Chieftains in the first game of a doubleheader. John Nelson had three hits, including a solo home run, and three RBI, Brian Mazurek had two hits and two RBI, Andy Orr had two RBI, Steve Diaz had two hits, including a solo home run and Chris Ollila had two hits.
In the second game, Spencer Polizga had three hits and two RBI and Nelson, Couchman and Dan Baranski added two hits each.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 14-10, Lutheran North 10-0: Kevin Couchman hit a grand slam in the first game for Utica (7-5).
"The Detroit News"
* Utica 14-10, Lutheran North 10-0: Kevin Cochman had a grand slam in game one and five RBIs total, while Jon Nelson had three hits and three RBIs.
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Utica 12, Rochester 11
April 18, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
Comeback Chieftains rally again
The Macomb Daily Sports Staff
Utica’s baseball team rallied once.
Then the Chieftains rallied again.
And by the time they were done, the Chieftains had earned a 12-11 comeback victory over Rochester in a non-league game on Thursday.
Utica rallied from a 9-3 deficit in the bottom of the third before tying the score, then rallied from an 11-9 deficit in the bottom of the fifth. Brian Mazurek's runscoring double sparked the Chieftains' three-run fifth, and Andy Orr and Spencer Plizga each drove in runs to cap the comeback.
"This isn't the first time we've done this," Utica coach Andy Lukacs said.
On Tuesday, the Chieftains overcame a 6-3 deficit to L’Anse Creuse North with a four-run sixth inning to prevail 7-6.
Two weeks ago, Utica rallied from a 4-1 deficit to defeat Eisenhower in the Macomb County Early Bird Tourney.
"These guys have been coming back time after time after time," Lukacs said. "It's a group that just doesn't give up."
Orr drove in four runs, and Jon Nelson added three hits and two RBI to help the Chieftains even their record at 5-5.
Orr, Mazurek, Plizga and Dan Baranski each had two hits for Utica. Joey Johnson earned the win, and Mike Jagitsch retired the final batter with a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the seventh to record the save.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 12, Rochester 11: Jon Nelson went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, and Andy Orr went 2-for-3 with four RBIs for Utica (5-5).
"The Detroit News"
Utica rallies, outlasts Rochester, 12-11
Leads of 9-3, then 11-9 not enough for Rochester as Utica goes ahead for good on sacrifice fly.
A.J. Hakim / Special to The Detroit News
UTICA -- It took two rallies, but Utica finally escaped with a 12-11 baseball victory over Rochester on Thursday night.
Utica (5-5), which trailed 9-3 after 2 1/2 innings, scored three runs in the bottom of both the third and fourth innings to tie the score.
Again it fell behind, giving up two runs in the top of the fifth.
Again, Utica rallied.
Brian Mazurek knocked in a run off a double. Jon Nelson followed suit, getting on base with a single. Spencer Plizga scored Mazurek off a ground out to first. And Andy Orr, who finished with two hits and four RBIs, hit a sacrifice fly to center field that sent home Nelson for the winning run.
Both teams made it through the sixth inning unscathed. Rochester threatened Utica in the seventh, but Mike Jagitsch provided relief and, with two runners on base, got the final batter to fly out to left field. Jagitsch also recorded the save.
"It was a hitter's day," Utica coach Andy Lukacs said. "Both teams were hitting the ball. It was just kind of a slugfest out there. Someone almost always scored at every turn."
Mike Rau and Sam Kilberg each had three hits for Rochester (5-2).
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Utica 7, L'anse Creuse North 6
April 16, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 7, L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 6: Andy Orr had one hit with two RBI and Steve Diaz had two hits on the day to lead the Chieftains past L’Anse Creuse North. Travis Bondal and Robert Gray each had two hits for L’Anse Creuse North. Utica next plays Thursday against Rochester.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 7, Macomb L'Anse Creuse North 6: Andy Orr went 1-for-2 with two RBIs for Utica (4-5). Travis Bondar had two hits for North (2-3).
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Lamphere 6,11 Utica 2, 6
April 13, 2008 --
"Detroit Free Press"
Madison Heights Lamphere 6-11, Utica 2-6: Catcher Dalton Catcher hit two home runs and five RBIs in the second game for Lamphere (7-1).
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Utica 9, Anchor Bay 3
April 10, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
UTICA 9, ANCHOR BAY 3: Winning pitcher Andy Orr struck out four and allowed six hits, and Jon Nelson drove in two run for Utica. Brian Mazurek doubled and drove in two runs, and Jason Palazzolo has a RBI for the Chieftains.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 9, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 3: Andy Orr pitched a complete game, striking out four, and Jon Nelson had a pair of RBIs for Utica (3-2).
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The Macomb Daily Baseball Preview
April 7, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
MAC RED DIVISION
Utica aims to improve on a 2-10 reocrd ans seventh-palce finish with a squad that promises to be strong defensively, with All-MAC Red outfielder Andy Orr, shortstop Jon Nelson and catcher Spencer plizga back in the fold. The Chieftains' pitching poses a major area of uncertainty, though.
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Utica 5, Eisenhower 4
April 6, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
Utica edges Eisenhower
The Macomb Daily Sports Staff
Andrew Johnson hit a solo homer to lead Utica to a 5-4 victory over Eisenhower in pool play of the 2008 Macomb County Early Bird Tourney on Saturday at Utica High School. Spencer Plizga, Andy Orr and Ben Orr each had two hits to power Utica, which advanced to today’s semifinals at Stevenson at 11 a.m. Steve Diaz drove in two runs and Jon Nelson scored two runs. Chris Ollila picked up the save with two innings of relief.
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Utica 15, Lakeview 6
April 4, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
Utica's Spencer Plizga slides safely into home ahead of the tag by Lakeview catcher Nick Singleton in MAC action Thursday afternoon. (Rob Widdis/Special to The Detroit News)
UTICA 15, LAKEVIEW 6: Junior Andy Orr exploded on to the baseball scene in a big way. Orr had four hits, including a grand slam, and drove in eight runs to lead the Chieftains to the win. Jon Nelson also hat four hits and Spencer Plizga added a pair of hits and a RBI.
"Detroit Free Press"
Utica 15, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 6: Andy Orr (4-for-4, eight RBIs) hit a grand slam for Utica (1-1).
"The Detroit News"
• Utica 15, Lakeview 6: U , John Nelson 4 hits, Andy Orr 4 hits (grand slam, 8 RBIs)
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Port Huron Northern 8, Utica 7
April 4, 2008 --
"The Macomb Daily"
PORT HURON NORTHERN 8, UTICA 7: Nelson had three hits and a RBI, Orr had a solo home run and Ben Orr drove in a pair of runs for Utica.
"Detroit Free Press"
Port Huron Northern 8, Utica 7: Erick Harrington went 4-for-4 for Northern (1-0).
"The Detroit News"
• P.H. Northern 8, Utica 7: P , Eric Harrington 4 hits, James MacMillan 3 hits, Tyler Thomas 2-run home run
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In Control
April 2, 2008 --
"Shelby-Utica News (MI)"
Photo by Deb Jacques
Utica High senior captain and shortstop Jon Nelson works on a base running drill March 27 at Utica High.
IN CONTROL
Utica High baseball has winning potential
BRAD D. BATES C&G Sports Writer
Published: April 2, 2008
UTICA - After it's 15-14 run through 2007, the Utica High baseball team is ready to take the next step.
With the return of key players, like two-time captain and senior shortstop Jon Nelson and junior Andy Orr — who took home 2007 Macomb Area Conference Red Division All-Conference honors — coach Andy Luckas knows his team has potential and is confident that if his players work, they can achieve it.
“We’ve got some guys who played last year as sophomores and some seniors that have played for a couple years, so it’s not a totally new team,” Luckas said.
“If they do things right, they’re going to win their share of ball games. But it depends on how hard they want to work. It’s how much ambition they have to achieve success.”
To help his team find what it needs to make the most of the new season, Luckas brought in 2007 Division 2 state semifinalist St. Clair Shores Lake Shore for a scrimmage March 26 at Utica.
“If you aspire to be as good as you can, you want to play teams that will push you,” Luckas said. “I choose to set the bar as high as we can, and that’s why I bring in teams like Lake Shore.”
As the Chieftains get ready for the MAC Red, they hope to improve on last year’s 2-10 finish, and it will be up to leaders like Nelson to keep the team on track and shake off any early setbacks.
“I don’t usually name captains, because you have to have the right individual,” Luckas said. “(A captain) has got be a leader in school, practice and games. (Nelson) does all those great, and that’s why he’s been captain for two years now.”
Nelson hopes to use the knowledge he has picked up during his prior three years on varsity to relay to his teammates what types of things they need to be prepared for.
“A lot of kids come up to varsity, and they don’t know it’s a different game,” Nelson said. “The guys are bigger and throw harder. Everything is faster, and it’s a mental game that you really don’t see in junior high.”
To accomplish that, Luckas is looking for his players to start small — with the basics — and build on that to reach their potential.
“In the beginning, you practice fundamentals and things like being on time and showing enthusiasm,” Luckas said.
“Those are the things that bring a team together. If you do all those things, you will experience some success and become a confident team, and confident teams are tough to beat.”
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Area baseball teams optimistic about season
March 30, 2008 --
"The Source Newspapers"
By KEVIN LOZON
Source Sports Writer
At Utica, the Chieftains are hoping the move they made near the end of last year developing their younger talent will pay dividends this season.
Coach Andy Lukacs has nine players back from a team that finished 16-15 a year ago.
"Last year we gradually moved the younger players in and got them a lot of playing experience," Lukacs said. "Hopefully it will work out this year. We had a lot of close games last year, losing 10 league games, seven of which were by two runs or less."
Utica welcomes back seniors Kevin* Couchman (third base/outfield), Brian Mazurek (outfield/pitcher), Jon Nelson (shortstop), Jason Palazzolo (pitcher/outfield), Spencer Plizga (pitcher/catcher/infield), juniors Dan Baranski (pitcher/outfield), A.J. Johnson (utility), Andy Orr (pitcher/outfield) and Ben Orr (pitcher/first base/outfield).
"We have more experience and defensively we’ll be decent," Lukacs said. "Our hitting will be better because the kids are a year older and stronger."
Lukacs said he’s also encouraged with the newest additions to the varsity team, led by senior Chris Ollila (pitcher/infield), juniors Mike Jagitsch (pitcher/outfield/infield), Joey Johnson (outfield/first base), Luigi Pizzo (catcher/outfield), Josh Tilk (pitcher/outfield), Steve Diaz (catcher/first base), Dan Rochon (outfield/first base), and sophomores Jaron Beckett (pitcher/outfield/infield), Anthony Fata (shortstop/second base/outfield), Nick Flynn (pitcher/outfield/middle infielder), Stephan Meyer (pitcher/outfield/infield) and Michael Wilk (pitcher/first base/outfield).
The Chieftains have already suffered a major blow to their lineup as sophomore pitcher Trevor Plizga is out for the season with an injury.
"These guys are battling for varsity jobs," Lukacs said. "Our biggest question mark is pitching. Trevor was our best pitcher last year and he’s out for the year. We have a slew of candidates and we’ll have two scrimmages and the Spring Break Tournament to see who can do the job."
As for the key to success this season, Lukacs said if the team works hard, good things should happen.
"We have to come out, work hard and show improvement every day in practice and with every game we play," Lukacs said. "We have to do the things we’re capable of doing well - play good defense and hit the ball. We need at least five guys to step up and take command on the mound."
Utica is in the MAC Red Division this season and Lukacs said he doesn’t know if there really is a favorite.
"Everybody is good and if we’re going to beat them, we’ll have to do it with our A' game.
Utica opens the season on April 1 at the Spring Break Tournament, playing host to Port Huron Northern at noon, before playing L’Anse Creuse at 4:30 p.m.
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