Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Spring Sports Awards Announced....
All-Conference:
Spencer Haymond, Sr
David Johnston, Sr
Kevin O'Connell, Sr
Ben Sellew, Sr
All-Conference Academic:
Alex Hanelt, Soph
Jimmy Hill, Jr
Zach Hummel, Jr
David Johnston, Sr
Pat Morton, Sr
Kyle Richards, Soph
Sarah Hokanson, Jr
Nicole Pease, Jr
Hartwell Award:
Joe Spero
Spencer Haymond, Sr
David Johnston, Sr
Kevin O'Connell, Sr
Ben Sellew, Sr
All-Conference Academic:
Alex Hanelt, Soph
Jimmy Hill, Jr
Zach Hummel, Jr
David Johnston, Sr
Pat Morton, Sr
Kyle Richards, Soph
Sarah Hokanson, Jr
Nicole Pease, Jr
Hartwell Award:
Joe Spero
Monday, June 8, 2009
CCC Announces Baseball Division Placement...
With the addition of 8 schools - RHAM, Tolland, Rocky Hill, East Catholic, Middletown, Berlin, Plainville & Northwest Catholic, the CCC has announced baseball division placements to be effective in the 2009-2010 academic year.
Divisions will be as follows:
East: Hartford Public, Rockville, EO Smith, Fermi, RHAM, Tolland, Ricky Hill, Bloomfield
North: Glastonbury, Manchester, East Hartford, South Windsor, Windsor, Weaver, Wethersfield, East Catholic
South: Bulkeley, Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern, Middletown, Maloney, Platt, Berlin, Plainville
West: New Britain, Southington, Simsbury, Hall, Newington, Conard, Farmington, Northwest Catholic
Divisions will be as follows:
East: Hartford Public, Rockville, EO Smith, Fermi, RHAM, Tolland, Ricky Hill, Bloomfield
North: Glastonbury, Manchester, East Hartford, South Windsor, Windsor, Weaver, Wethersfield, East Catholic
South: Bulkeley, Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern, Middletown, Maloney, Platt, Berlin, Plainville
West: New Britain, Southington, Simsbury, Hall, Newington, Conard, Farmington, Northwest Catholic
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Chapter Ends, A New Chapter Begins....
For teams that did not qualify for post season tournament play, the end of the season was on the horizon and anticipated for a while, even for those teams that knew they had to win their last game to qualify or be done. Some thought, both conscious & sub-conscious, is given to this and serves to “cushion the fall”.
For teams that qualify, a loss in the CIAC State Baseball Tournament brings the high school baseball season to an instantaneous, screeching halt. “WOW, it’s over…”, “What are we going to do now…”, “Can you believe it…”
For the Seniors, air is sucked out of them feeling like an unexpected punch in the stomach, it’s hard to breathe for an instant – for their parents too. High school baseball has come to an end far earlier than they anticipated and wanted. For several moments, the world has stopped; for several moments, it’s far more than just a game; initial confusion results from realizing something they care about has been “taken away from them”. Folks that have played high school sports understand this feeling oh so well.
There were eleven such Tomahawks this year. Josh Barrett. Nick Barter. Spencer Haymond. David Johnston. Anthony Longo. Bryan Mester. Pat Morton. Nick Neild. Kevin O’Connell. Ben Sellew. Joe Spero. They will realize the successes of their senior year – some sooner than others but they all will.
Fifteen wins, CCC North Champions, a win against every team on their regular season schedule, best overall record in the CCC North; best overall GHS record since 2006; ranked as high as 3rd in the Hartford Courant Area Top 10 & 9th in the Hartford Courant State Top 10; several crazy, exciting wins, several exhilarating efforts. Then you get to the camaraderie, pasta parties, bus rides, hanging at the high school lot & how many other hi-jinks that only they know about….
A chapter of their lives has ended. All eleven are about to begin writing the next chapter; all will be significantly different; roads may go different directions, roads may come together; mapping the direction may look more like trying to read the old Rand-McNally Road Atlas prior to the days of punching destination addresses into the GPS….
Here’s to wishing them luck & hoping that their new chapters can be as successful as that just completed!!!
Thanks for the memories, boys; looking forward to those you are about to create….
For teams that qualify, a loss in the CIAC State Baseball Tournament brings the high school baseball season to an instantaneous, screeching halt. “WOW, it’s over…”, “What are we going to do now…”, “Can you believe it…”
For the Seniors, air is sucked out of them feeling like an unexpected punch in the stomach, it’s hard to breathe for an instant – for their parents too. High school baseball has come to an end far earlier than they anticipated and wanted. For several moments, the world has stopped; for several moments, it’s far more than just a game; initial confusion results from realizing something they care about has been “taken away from them”. Folks that have played high school sports understand this feeling oh so well.
There were eleven such Tomahawks this year. Josh Barrett. Nick Barter. Spencer Haymond. David Johnston. Anthony Longo. Bryan Mester. Pat Morton. Nick Neild. Kevin O’Connell. Ben Sellew. Joe Spero. They will realize the successes of their senior year – some sooner than others but they all will.
Fifteen wins, CCC North Champions, a win against every team on their regular season schedule, best overall record in the CCC North; best overall GHS record since 2006; ranked as high as 3rd in the Hartford Courant Area Top 10 & 9th in the Hartford Courant State Top 10; several crazy, exciting wins, several exhilarating efforts. Then you get to the camaraderie, pasta parties, bus rides, hanging at the high school lot & how many other hi-jinks that only they know about….
A chapter of their lives has ended. All eleven are about to begin writing the next chapter; all will be significantly different; roads may go different directions, roads may come together; mapping the direction may look more like trying to read the old Rand-McNally Road Atlas prior to the days of punching destination addresses into the GPS….
Here’s to wishing them luck & hoping that their new chapters can be as successful as that just completed!!!
Thanks for the memories, boys; looking forward to those you are about to create….
The Seniors
3 Josh Barrett
2nd base
Captain
Will attend Central Connecticut State University
16 Nick Barter3rd base
Will attend Eastern Connecticut State University
14 Spencer Haymondshortstop
Captain
Will attend the University of Connecticut
15 David Johnstonpitcher/dh
Captain
Will attend Eastern Connecticut State University
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
McMahon Tops Tomahawks, 2-0
McMahon & the Tomahawks hooked up in a 1st round match-up of the CIAC Class LL State Tournament on Monday afternoon at Riverfront Park. It was State Tournament baseball the way State Tournament baseball should be played. McMahon used single runs in the 1st & 3rd innings to eliminate the T'Hawks in a pitcher's duel by a 2-0 score.
McMahon used 4 singles, one of which was solid, to open scoring in the top of the 1st inning. A sacrifice fly knocked in the 2nd run in the top of the 3rd to end all scoring for the day.
The Tomahawks best opportunity to score came in the bottom of the 6th inning. With 2 outs, Josh Barrett cracked a line single into right field. David Johnston followed with a line drive double down the right field line, setting up runners on 2nd & 3rd with 2 outs. A ground out ended the inning to end the threat.
Johnston pitched a complete game for the Tomahawks. He surrendered 2 runs, scattering 6 hits, striking out 8 while walking 1. Johnston kept the game close, striking out hitters to strand runners in scoring position in both the 5th & 7th innings.
Barrett (2 hits), Johnston & Kyle Richards were the "hit getters" for the Tomahawks.
Well done boys!!!!
McMahon used 4 singles, one of which was solid, to open scoring in the top of the 1st inning. A sacrifice fly knocked in the 2nd run in the top of the 3rd to end all scoring for the day.
The Tomahawks best opportunity to score came in the bottom of the 6th inning. With 2 outs, Josh Barrett cracked a line single into right field. David Johnston followed with a line drive double down the right field line, setting up runners on 2nd & 3rd with 2 outs. A ground out ended the inning to end the threat.
Johnston pitched a complete game for the Tomahawks. He surrendered 2 runs, scattering 6 hits, striking out 8 while walking 1. Johnston kept the game close, striking out hitters to strand runners in scoring position in both the 5th & 7th innings.
Barrett (2 hits), Johnston & Kyle Richards were the "hit getters" for the Tomahawks.
1st baseman Mike Habzda tracked down a foul pop fly in the 6th inning & left fielder Jason Sutkowski ran down a deep fly ball in the 7th inning - both Top 10 Web Gems today.
The Tomahawks' successful season comes to an end with an outstanding 15-6 overall record, a 7-3 CCC North record & a share of the CCC North Division championship.Well done boys!!!!
Tomahawks Ranked #4 in Hartford Courant Area Top 10
The Tomahawks are ranked 4th in the Hartford Courant Area Top 10 rankings published this morning. The Tomahawks had a 2-1 week, dropping a game to Simsbury then downing both Meriden Maloney & East Catholic to end regular season play.
The T'Hawks open CIAC Class LL State Tournament play this afternoon, hosting Norwalk Brien McMahon High School in a 3:30pm match-up at Riverfront Park.
The T'Hawks open CIAC Class LL State Tournament play this afternoon, hosting Norwalk Brien McMahon High School in a 3:30pm match-up at Riverfront Park.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tomahawks Seeded 6th In CIAC Class LL Tournament
The Tomahawks are seeded 6th in the CIAC Class LL State Tournament. The T'Hawks (15-5) open play on Monday, June 1 @ 3:30pm, hosting Brien McMahon High School (10-10) in a 1st round contest at Riverfront Park. The winner advances to 2nd round play on Tuesday, June 2 taking on the winner of the Simsbury at Newington 1st round game.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Seniors' Day At Riverfront.....
Tomahawk Seniors put their stamp on Senior Day at Riverfront Park in defeating East Catholic, 3-1, to close out regular season play on an overcast but bright day. It was Seniors stepping up from the 1st pitch to the last.
Senior right-hander Ben Sellew toed the rubber for the Tomahawks. Sellew went the distance in earning his 5th win of the season. He yielded 1 run - unearned - on only three hits. He struck out a season high 8 & walked only 2 in a command performance. A swinging strikeout fittingly ended the game.
The Tomahawks scored all three runs in the bottom of the 1st. Seniors were the cause of the trouble for East Catholic. Spencer Haymond whacked a long double over the left fielder's head to lead off the inning. Josh Barrett followed with a sharp single to center, advancing Haymond to 3rd. David Johnston was hit with a pitch to load the bases. Haymond scored the 1st run of the game when the 2nd baseman let the ball slip out of his hand attempting to toss it back into the infield after catching a fly ball in short right field that the umpire had ruled an infield fly; Barrett advanced to 3rd. Kevin O'Connell's ground out drove in Barrett with the 2nd run of the game & moved Johnston along to 2nd base. Joe Spero followed with a clutch 2 out, line drive single to left to drive in Johnston, his shirt billowing in the wind, with the 3rd & final run. All Seniors.......
East Catholic plated an unearned run in the top of the 5th. A single, ground out moving the runner to 2nd & an throwing error on the next hitter created the run. Two ground outs ended the inning with no further damage.
Haymond's three hits lead the T'Hawk offense. Barrett followed with 2 hits; Spero had the other hit.
The Tomahawks end regular season play with an impressive 15-5 record & share the CCC North Divsion Championship. CIAC Class LL State Tournament seedings & brackets are to be announced sometime tomorrow. The T'Hawks expect to be the host team at Riverfront Park for the 1st round game early next week.
Senior right-hander Ben Sellew toed the rubber for the Tomahawks. Sellew went the distance in earning his 5th win of the season. He yielded 1 run - unearned - on only three hits. He struck out a season high 8 & walked only 2 in a command performance. A swinging strikeout fittingly ended the game.
The Tomahawks scored all three runs in the bottom of the 1st. Seniors were the cause of the trouble for East Catholic. Spencer Haymond whacked a long double over the left fielder's head to lead off the inning. Josh Barrett followed with a sharp single to center, advancing Haymond to 3rd. David Johnston was hit with a pitch to load the bases. Haymond scored the 1st run of the game when the 2nd baseman let the ball slip out of his hand attempting to toss it back into the infield after catching a fly ball in short right field that the umpire had ruled an infield fly; Barrett advanced to 3rd. Kevin O'Connell's ground out drove in Barrett with the 2nd run of the game & moved Johnston along to 2nd base. Joe Spero followed with a clutch 2 out, line drive single to left to drive in Johnston, his shirt billowing in the wind, with the 3rd & final run. All Seniors.......
East Catholic plated an unearned run in the top of the 5th. A single, ground out moving the runner to 2nd & an throwing error on the next hitter created the run. Two ground outs ended the inning with no further damage.
Haymond's three hits lead the T'Hawk offense. Barrett followed with 2 hits; Spero had the other hit.
The Tomahawks end regular season play with an impressive 15-5 record & share the CCC North Divsion Championship. CIAC Class LL State Tournament seedings & brackets are to be announced sometime tomorrow. The T'Hawks expect to be the host team at Riverfront Park for the 1st round game early next week.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sometimes The World Does Appear To Be Flat...
The Tomahawks traveled to Meriden to take on Maloney on an overcast, chilly, lazy day in a non-division game. After grabbing a 4-0 lead after the top of the 3rd inning, the Tomahawks put it on cruise control - and it almost cost them. Erratic pitching by the opponent caused what focus there was to sail off the edge quickly. An overall unenthusiastic performance enabled Maloney to tie the score, 4-4, scoring 4 in the bottom of the 3rd, and to make a game of it for the rest of the way. Fortunately, the T'Hawks escaped with a 6-5 win, improving their overall record to 14-5.
Jimmy Hill climbed to the top of the bump for the Tomahawks & backed up his nifty relief win versus New Britain a week ago today. Hill went the distance in a gutsy performance. He allowed only 1 earned run on 5 hits, striking out 5 & walking 3. It was his 3rd win of the season.
The Tomahawks opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd without a hit. Kevin O'Connell led off with a walk. Jason Sutkowski followed up with a walk. With no one out, O'Connell caught all of guard with a steal of 3rd, Sutkowski remaining at 1st. After an out, Nick Neild's ground out force play drove in O'Connell with the 1st run. Alex Hanelt was hit with a pitch; Spencer Haymond walked to load the bases with 2 outs. Josh Barrett's walk scored Neild with the 2nd run of the inning.
The T'Hawks added 2 more runs in the top of the 3rd to get out to a 4-0 lead. Kyle Richards led off the inning with a ground single up the middle. After a force out at 2nd, Sutkowski walked. Bryan Mester's looping liner was misplayed by the 2nd baseman, loading the bases. A walk to Neild plated O'Connell; a walk to Hanelt plated Sutkowski to close the scoring for the inning.
Maloney woke up with 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. A lead-off double got things rolling. After a strikeout, a single scored the 1st run. A throwing error on the next hitter set runners up at 2nd & 3rd. A ground out to the 1st baseman for the 2nd out of the inning scored the 2nd run. Runs 3 & 4 came on an "el bomb" over the left-center field fence to tie the score.
The Tomahawks bounced back with a run of their own in the top of the 4th to retake the lead. Richards walked with one out and stole 2nd base. After a strikeout, Zach Hummel hit a looping liner into left field for a base knock to drive in Richards.
The T'Hawks added what proved to be an important 6th run in the top of the 5th. Neild walked to lead off the inning. An Alex Hanelt sacrifice bunt moved him to 2nd. After a ground out moved Neild to 3rd, Josh Barrett followed with a line single to left, scoring Neild to make the score 6-4 Tomahawks.
Maloney scored a run in the bottom of the 5th to get back within 1 run, 6-5. A lead off single, followed by an error and & walk loaded the bases. An infield fly left the bases loaded. With one out, one of those crazy, don't get anyone fielder's choice singles scored the run. Hill responded by striking out the next 2 hitters with the bases loaded to end the threat and the scoring for the game.
Richards, Hummel & Barrett had the Tomahawks' hits. 10 Tomahawks walked & one was plunked by a pitch.
The Tomahawks end regular season play tomorrow, hosting East Catholic at Riverfront Park in a 3:45pm contest, weather permitting. CIAC Class LL State Tournament play begins next week with seedings and pairings announced early Friday afternoon.
Jimmy Hill climbed to the top of the bump for the Tomahawks & backed up his nifty relief win versus New Britain a week ago today. Hill went the distance in a gutsy performance. He allowed only 1 earned run on 5 hits, striking out 5 & walking 3. It was his 3rd win of the season.
The Tomahawks opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd without a hit. Kevin O'Connell led off with a walk. Jason Sutkowski followed up with a walk. With no one out, O'Connell caught all of guard with a steal of 3rd, Sutkowski remaining at 1st. After an out, Nick Neild's ground out force play drove in O'Connell with the 1st run. Alex Hanelt was hit with a pitch; Spencer Haymond walked to load the bases with 2 outs. Josh Barrett's walk scored Neild with the 2nd run of the inning.
The T'Hawks added 2 more runs in the top of the 3rd to get out to a 4-0 lead. Kyle Richards led off the inning with a ground single up the middle. After a force out at 2nd, Sutkowski walked. Bryan Mester's looping liner was misplayed by the 2nd baseman, loading the bases. A walk to Neild plated O'Connell; a walk to Hanelt plated Sutkowski to close the scoring for the inning.
Maloney woke up with 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. A lead-off double got things rolling. After a strikeout, a single scored the 1st run. A throwing error on the next hitter set runners up at 2nd & 3rd. A ground out to the 1st baseman for the 2nd out of the inning scored the 2nd run. Runs 3 & 4 came on an "el bomb" over the left-center field fence to tie the score.
The Tomahawks bounced back with a run of their own in the top of the 4th to retake the lead. Richards walked with one out and stole 2nd base. After a strikeout, Zach Hummel hit a looping liner into left field for a base knock to drive in Richards.
The T'Hawks added what proved to be an important 6th run in the top of the 5th. Neild walked to lead off the inning. An Alex Hanelt sacrifice bunt moved him to 2nd. After a ground out moved Neild to 3rd, Josh Barrett followed with a line single to left, scoring Neild to make the score 6-4 Tomahawks.
Maloney scored a run in the bottom of the 5th to get back within 1 run, 6-5. A lead off single, followed by an error and & walk loaded the bases. An infield fly left the bases loaded. With one out, one of those crazy, don't get anyone fielder's choice singles scored the run. Hill responded by striking out the next 2 hitters with the bases loaded to end the threat and the scoring for the game.
Richards, Hummel & Barrett had the Tomahawks' hits. 10 Tomahawks walked & one was plunked by a pitch.
The Tomahawks end regular season play tomorrow, hosting East Catholic at Riverfront Park in a 3:45pm contest, weather permitting. CIAC Class LL State Tournament play begins next week with seedings and pairings announced early Friday afternoon.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Simsbury Tops Tomahawks
Simsbury used single runs in the 1st, 3rd & 4th innings & 2 runs in the 2nd to tally all 5 of their runs & defeated the Tomahawks, 5-2, in the final CCC North game of the year.
The T'Hawks tried to rally, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to get to 5-2. Mike Habzda & Alex Hanelt led off the inning with walks; both moved up after a wild pitch. Anthony Longo reached 1st base when a 3rd strike eluded the catcher, however the baserunner was called out at home trying to score on the loose ball. The play ended with Hanelt on 3rd & Longo on 1st with one out. After a wild pitch scored Hanelt & moved Longo to 2nd, Spencer Haymond was hit by a pitch, putting runners on 1st & 2nd. Josh Barrett's looping liner deflected off of the 2nd baseman's glove in shallow right-center field to the centerfielder, enabling Simsbury to grab a force out a 2nd base for the 2nd out of the inning moving Longo to 3rd. David Johnston followed with the T'Hawks 1st hit of the game, a single into right center to drive in Longo with the 2nd run of the inning. That was all the T'Hawks could muster on this chilly night.
Habzda looped a double down the left field line with one out in the 6th for the T'Hawks other hit, but was stranded at 3rd base.
Johnston was the T'Hawks starting pitcher, pitching 5 innings. Joe Spero pitched 2 perfect innings to finish the game for the Tomahawks.
The T'Hawks finish CCC North division play with a 7-3 record and a share of the division championship with Southington, 7-2 winners over New Britain this evening. Their overall record now stands at 13-5.
Weather permitting, the T'Hawks travel to Meriden Maloney tomorrow & host East Catholic on Thursday to complete regular season play.
The T'Hawks tried to rally, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to get to 5-2. Mike Habzda & Alex Hanelt led off the inning with walks; both moved up after a wild pitch. Anthony Longo reached 1st base when a 3rd strike eluded the catcher, however the baserunner was called out at home trying to score on the loose ball. The play ended with Hanelt on 3rd & Longo on 1st with one out. After a wild pitch scored Hanelt & moved Longo to 2nd, Spencer Haymond was hit by a pitch, putting runners on 1st & 2nd. Josh Barrett's looping liner deflected off of the 2nd baseman's glove in shallow right-center field to the centerfielder, enabling Simsbury to grab a force out a 2nd base for the 2nd out of the inning moving Longo to 3rd. David Johnston followed with the T'Hawks 1st hit of the game, a single into right center to drive in Longo with the 2nd run of the inning. That was all the T'Hawks could muster on this chilly night.
Habzda looped a double down the left field line with one out in the 6th for the T'Hawks other hit, but was stranded at 3rd base.
Johnston was the T'Hawks starting pitcher, pitching 5 innings. Joe Spero pitched 2 perfect innings to finish the game for the Tomahawks.
The T'Hawks finish CCC North division play with a 7-3 record and a share of the division championship with Southington, 7-2 winners over New Britain this evening. Their overall record now stands at 13-5.
Weather permitting, the T'Hawks travel to Meriden Maloney tomorrow & host East Catholic on Thursday to complete regular season play.
Tomahawks In Courant State Top 10 For 1st Time...
An impressive 3 win week landed the Tomahawks in The Hartford Courant State Top 10 for the 1st time this season. The T'Hawks find themselves in the #9 spot. The T'Hawks also jumped to the #3 spot in the Courant's Area Top 10, up from 8th the previous week.
The Tomahawks entered last week tied with both New Britain & Southington for the top spot in the CCC North. At the end of the week, they stood alone, with impressive wins over both New Britain (7-3) & Southington (1-0). The week began with a hard-fought win over Manchester (7-3).
The wins over New Britain & Southington clinched at least a tie for the CCC North championship.
The Tomahawks now stand 13-4 overall, 7-2 in CCC North play. Regular season play ends this week, hosting CCC North rival Simsbury tonight & East Catholic on Thursday. The T'Hawks travel to Meriden Maloney on Wednesday.
The Tomahawks entered last week tied with both New Britain & Southington for the top spot in the CCC North. At the end of the week, they stood alone, with impressive wins over both New Britain (7-3) & Southington (1-0). The week began with a hard-fought win over Manchester (7-3).
The wins over New Britain & Southington clinched at least a tie for the CCC North championship.
The Tomahawks now stand 13-4 overall, 7-2 in CCC North play. Regular season play ends this week, hosting CCC North rival Simsbury tonight & East Catholic on Thursday. The T'Hawks travel to Meriden Maloney on Wednesday.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Johnston Freezes Southington Bats....
A looping lead-off triple to right field had the Southington Knights in business right off the bat in the bottom of the 1st inning. Tomahawk starting pitcher David Johnston would have none of that. It was strikeout, strikeout & strikeout to end the inning unscathed. In the bottom of the 2nd, it was strikeout, strikeout & strikeout. The tone was set for the evening....
Johnston hurled a complete game masterpiece, limiting Southington to three hits, while striking out a season-high 13 & walking only 1 to earn a classic 1-0 win over rival Southington in a crucial CCC North game. Johnston utilized an array of fastballs with a slicing curveball to freeze & discombobulate Knight hitters. After the lead-off triple, Johnston retired the next 14 hitters in a row - 9 on strikeouts - before a 2 out single ended the streak in the bottom of the 5th inning. He fittingly closed the game, K'ing the final hitter of the game.
The Tomahawks scored the only run of the game in the top of the 6th to break the ice in a tough pitcher's duel. Kyle Richards cracked a 2 out single through the 5-6 hole. After a Richards' stolen base, Kevin O'Connell drew a walk to put runners on 1st & 2nd with 2 out. Jason Sutkowski clutched it up, scorching a 2-2 pitch past the shortstop into left field for an rbi single, scoring Richards.
Richards, Sutkowski & Mike Habzda had the Tomahawks' hits. Fortunately 2 were bunched in the top of the 6th inning to grab the run.
The win clinched at least a tie for the CCC North championship with one division game remaining. It concluded a great 3-win week for the Tomahawks. The T'Hawks now stand 7-2 in CCC North play, 13-4 overall.
The Tomahawks return to action on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, hosting CCC North rival Simsbury at Riverfront Park in a 6pm contest.
Johnston hurled a complete game masterpiece, limiting Southington to three hits, while striking out a season-high 13 & walking only 1 to earn a classic 1-0 win over rival Southington in a crucial CCC North game. Johnston utilized an array of fastballs with a slicing curveball to freeze & discombobulate Knight hitters. After the lead-off triple, Johnston retired the next 14 hitters in a row - 9 on strikeouts - before a 2 out single ended the streak in the bottom of the 5th inning. He fittingly closed the game, K'ing the final hitter of the game.
The Tomahawks scored the only run of the game in the top of the 6th to break the ice in a tough pitcher's duel. Kyle Richards cracked a 2 out single through the 5-6 hole. After a Richards' stolen base, Kevin O'Connell drew a walk to put runners on 1st & 2nd with 2 out. Jason Sutkowski clutched it up, scorching a 2-2 pitch past the shortstop into left field for an rbi single, scoring Richards.
Richards, Sutkowski & Mike Habzda had the Tomahawks' hits. Fortunately 2 were bunched in the top of the 6th inning to grab the run.
The win clinched at least a tie for the CCC North championship with one division game remaining. It concluded a great 3-win week for the Tomahawks. The T'Hawks now stand 7-2 in CCC North play, 13-4 overall.
The Tomahawks return to action on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, hosting CCC North rival Simsbury at Riverfront Park in a 6pm contest.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A Hill Of A Game!!!!!!
Junior left-hander Jimmy Hill entered the game in the top of the 3rd with 1 out & runners on 1st & 2nd base with the score New Britain 2, Tomahawks 1. Hill sandwiched a run scoring single with 2 strikeouts to bring the top half of the 3rd inning to an end with New Britain leading 3-1. Little did the Hurricanes know they were done for the night. An infield single with 2 outs in the next inning would be the last of their hits & the plate would be ruled off-limits. Hill finished the game calm, cool & collected, giving up 2 hits & 2 walks to go along with 4 strikeouts to pick up a well-deserved win as the T'Hawks came all the way back for a 7-3 win. For about 2 hours, Jimmy Hill became Jimmy Key.
New Britain & the Tomahawks entered the game with identical 5-2 CCC North records & tied with Southington for the division lead. Such magnifies the importance of Hill's performance.
The Tomahawks opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Spencer Haymond legged out an infield single to open the inning. With 1 out, Kyle Richards drew a walk. After a successful double steal put Haymond & Richards at 2nd & 3rd, Kevin O'Connell's ground out plated Haymond.
New Britain countered with a run in the top of the 2nd, turning 2 walks, a sacrifice bunt & a single into a point to tie the score at 1's. New Britain took the lead in the top of the 3rd, scoring 2 runs on 2 walks & 2 singles to go ahead 3-1.
The T'Hawks grabbed 1 run back in the bottom of the 3rd to cut the score to 3-2 New Britain. Haymond led off the inning with his 2nd hit of the game. A wild pitch advanced him to 2nd, where he proceeded to steal 3rd with no one still out. Josh Barrett's ground ball to shortstop drove in Haymond.
The Tomahawks erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th, batting around. Haymond led off with a walk, followed by Barrett & Richards to load the bases with no one out. With 1 out, Jason Sutkowski's long fly to left field scored Haymond. A walk to Mike Habzda re-loaded the bases. Alex Hanelt's walk drove in Barrett. A wild pitch let Richards score & moved Habzda & Hanelt to 2nd & 3rd. Nick Neild's clutch single to center field drove in both Habzda & Hanelt with giant insurance runs to close out the scoring with the T'Hawks leading 7-3.
Haymond's & Richards' 2 hits each led the attack. Barrett, Habzda, Hanelt & Neild had the other hits.
Joe Spero was the starting pitcher for the T'Hawks. Hill entered the game in the top of the 3rd and went the distance for his 2nd win of the season.
The Tomahawks now stand at 6-2 in CCC North play, 12-4 overall. The T'Hawks return to action on Friday, visiting CCC North foe Southington for a 7pm contest.
New Britain & the Tomahawks entered the game with identical 5-2 CCC North records & tied with Southington for the division lead. Such magnifies the importance of Hill's performance.
The Tomahawks opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Spencer Haymond legged out an infield single to open the inning. With 1 out, Kyle Richards drew a walk. After a successful double steal put Haymond & Richards at 2nd & 3rd, Kevin O'Connell's ground out plated Haymond.
New Britain countered with a run in the top of the 2nd, turning 2 walks, a sacrifice bunt & a single into a point to tie the score at 1's. New Britain took the lead in the top of the 3rd, scoring 2 runs on 2 walks & 2 singles to go ahead 3-1.
The T'Hawks grabbed 1 run back in the bottom of the 3rd to cut the score to 3-2 New Britain. Haymond led off the inning with his 2nd hit of the game. A wild pitch advanced him to 2nd, where he proceeded to steal 3rd with no one still out. Josh Barrett's ground ball to shortstop drove in Haymond.
The Tomahawks erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th, batting around. Haymond led off with a walk, followed by Barrett & Richards to load the bases with no one out. With 1 out, Jason Sutkowski's long fly to left field scored Haymond. A walk to Mike Habzda re-loaded the bases. Alex Hanelt's walk drove in Barrett. A wild pitch let Richards score & moved Habzda & Hanelt to 2nd & 3rd. Nick Neild's clutch single to center field drove in both Habzda & Hanelt with giant insurance runs to close out the scoring with the T'Hawks leading 7-3.
Haymond's & Richards' 2 hits each led the attack. Barrett, Habzda, Hanelt & Neild had the other hits.
Joe Spero was the starting pitcher for the T'Hawks. Hill entered the game in the top of the 3rd and went the distance for his 2nd win of the season.
The Tomahawks now stand at 6-2 in CCC North play, 12-4 overall. The T'Hawks return to action on Friday, visiting CCC North foe Southington for a 7pm contest.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tomahawks Stick Together, Down Manchester 8-4
The Tomahawks traveled to Northwest Park to take on neighboring CCC North rival Manchester on Monday evening. Facing Manchester's versions of Rip Sewell & the eupheus pitch, having a half hour during the game to work on their bunt defense & emotions at a fever pitch, the T'Hawks showed some moxy sticking together for a hard-fought 8-4 win.
Ben Sellew worked hard in hurling a complete game for the T'Hawks, reeling in his 4th win of the season. Sellew surrendered 4 runs - 3 earned - on 7 hits. He struck out 3 & walked 2 in a gutsy performance.
After falling behind, 1-0, after the 1st inning, the Tomahawks knotted the game at 1's in their half of the 2nd. Kyle Richards led off with a single and stole 2nd base. Mike Habzda clutched it up with 2 outs, cracking a ground single into left field to score Richards.
Manchester came right back in the bottom half of the 2nd, scoring 2 runs on 5 bunt "singles" and a real single into left field. The inning ended when Jason Sutkowski gunned down a Manchester runner at the plate. Enough said.....
The Tomahawks brought a semblence of order to things in the top of the 3rd, responding with 3 runs of their own to grab a 4-3 lead. Anthony Longo walked, Spencer Haymond was hit with a pitch. After the 1st out on a fielder's choice, David Johnston drew a walk. Kyle Richards' single knocked in Haymond. Kevin O'Connell followed with a 2-run single to grab the lead for the T'Hawks.
The Tomahawks scored 3 more times in the top of the 4th to increase the lead to 4. Alex Hanelt drew a walk to lead off the inning. After a Longo sacrifice, Haymond looped a single to center, sending Hanelt to 3rd. Josh Barrett's single drove in Hanelt. Johnston was hit with a pitch to load the bases. After a popout, O'Connell delivered his 2nd 2 run single of the game, scoring Haymond & Barrett.
Manchester scored their final run in the bottom of the 5th on a walk, stolen base, single & sac fly.
The T'Hawks tacked on the final run in the 6th inning. Habzda was hit by a pitch to lead off. A Hanelt sacrifice moved Habzda to 2nd. Longo looped a hit into right field, sending Habzda to 3rd. A Haymond sac fly to center scored Habzda.
O'Connell had 2 hits & 4 rbi's. Haymond, Barrett, Richards, Habzda, Longo & Jason Sutkowski also had hits.
Anyone have any idea as to what the T'Hawks may work on in practice on Tuesday???
The Tomahawks now stand 5-2 in CCC North play, 11-4 overall. The T'Hawks return to action on Wednesday, hosting New Britain at Riverfront @ 6pm @ Riverfront in a CCC North contest.
Ben Sellew worked hard in hurling a complete game for the T'Hawks, reeling in his 4th win of the season. Sellew surrendered 4 runs - 3 earned - on 7 hits. He struck out 3 & walked 2 in a gutsy performance.
After falling behind, 1-0, after the 1st inning, the Tomahawks knotted the game at 1's in their half of the 2nd. Kyle Richards led off with a single and stole 2nd base. Mike Habzda clutched it up with 2 outs, cracking a ground single into left field to score Richards.
Manchester came right back in the bottom half of the 2nd, scoring 2 runs on 5 bunt "singles" and a real single into left field. The inning ended when Jason Sutkowski gunned down a Manchester runner at the plate. Enough said.....
The Tomahawks brought a semblence of order to things in the top of the 3rd, responding with 3 runs of their own to grab a 4-3 lead. Anthony Longo walked, Spencer Haymond was hit with a pitch. After the 1st out on a fielder's choice, David Johnston drew a walk. Kyle Richards' single knocked in Haymond. Kevin O'Connell followed with a 2-run single to grab the lead for the T'Hawks.
The Tomahawks scored 3 more times in the top of the 4th to increase the lead to 4. Alex Hanelt drew a walk to lead off the inning. After a Longo sacrifice, Haymond looped a single to center, sending Hanelt to 3rd. Josh Barrett's single drove in Hanelt. Johnston was hit with a pitch to load the bases. After a popout, O'Connell delivered his 2nd 2 run single of the game, scoring Haymond & Barrett.
Manchester scored their final run in the bottom of the 5th on a walk, stolen base, single & sac fly.
The T'Hawks tacked on the final run in the 6th inning. Habzda was hit by a pitch to lead off. A Hanelt sacrifice moved Habzda to 2nd. Longo looped a hit into right field, sending Habzda to 3rd. A Haymond sac fly to center scored Habzda.
O'Connell had 2 hits & 4 rbi's. Haymond, Barrett, Richards, Habzda, Longo & Jason Sutkowski also had hits.
Anyone have any idea as to what the T'Hawks may work on in practice on Tuesday???
The Tomahawks now stand 5-2 in CCC North play, 11-4 overall. The T'Hawks return to action on Wednesday, hosting New Britain at Riverfront @ 6pm @ Riverfront in a CCC North contest.
Tomahawks Up To #8 In Hartford Courant Area Top Ten...
The Tomahawks moved up to the #8 spot in the Hartford Courant Area Top 10 weekly poll announced today. The Tomahawks have a big CCC North this week, visiting Manchester tonight, hosting #7 New Britain on Wednesday @ Riverfront @ 6pm & traveling to Southington on Friday.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Effective & Efficient, Just What Was Needed...
The Tomahawks downed neighbor East Hartford by a 5-1 score in a CCC North contest at Riverfront Park in a nice, calm, in control, bounce back team performance.
The Tomahawks started quickly, scoring a run in the bottom of the 1st after just 3 hitters came to the plate. Spencer Haymond drew a 4 pitch walk to start the inning. After a stolen base, Josh Barrett singled sharply to left moving Haymond to 3rd base. A David Johnston fielder's choice in which all were safe drove in Haymond with the 1st T'Hawk run. The inning ended with no further damage being done.
East Hartford put together an infield single, stolen base, 2 fielder's choice and another infield single to tie the game, 1-1, in the top of the 2nd.
The Tomahawks iced the game with a 4 run microburst in the bottom of the 3rd. Haymond led off being hit by a pitch - yes again.... Barrett followed with his 2nd hit of the game. Johnston was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no one out. Kyle Richards followed with a line single to right, scoring Haymond. Kevin O'Connell followed the leader with a line single into right-center scoring Barrett & Johnston. Joe Ucello followed with a sharp ground ball to 2nd, driving in his 1st varsity run to complete the scoring for the T'Hawks.
David Johnston took the bump for the T'Hawks and was quietly efficient & effective. Johnston hurled 6 1/3 innings, limiting the Hornets to 1 run on 6 hits, striking out 7 & walking only 1 to earn his 3rd win of the season. Joe Spero induced a double play grounder to 3rd baseman Anthony Longo to end the game.
Barrett & Jason Sutkowski cracked 2 hits each for the Tomahawks. Johnston, Richards & O'Connell each had singles.
The Tomahawks ran their record to 10-4 overall & 4-2 in CCC North play. The T'Hawks return to CCC North action on Monday, visiting Manchester at Northwest Park for a 7pm contest.
The Tomahawks started quickly, scoring a run in the bottom of the 1st after just 3 hitters came to the plate. Spencer Haymond drew a 4 pitch walk to start the inning. After a stolen base, Josh Barrett singled sharply to left moving Haymond to 3rd base. A David Johnston fielder's choice in which all were safe drove in Haymond with the 1st T'Hawk run. The inning ended with no further damage being done.
East Hartford put together an infield single, stolen base, 2 fielder's choice and another infield single to tie the game, 1-1, in the top of the 2nd.
The Tomahawks iced the game with a 4 run microburst in the bottom of the 3rd. Haymond led off being hit by a pitch - yes again.... Barrett followed with his 2nd hit of the game. Johnston was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no one out. Kyle Richards followed with a line single to right, scoring Haymond. Kevin O'Connell followed the leader with a line single into right-center scoring Barrett & Johnston. Joe Ucello followed with a sharp ground ball to 2nd, driving in his 1st varsity run to complete the scoring for the T'Hawks.
David Johnston took the bump for the T'Hawks and was quietly efficient & effective. Johnston hurled 6 1/3 innings, limiting the Hornets to 1 run on 6 hits, striking out 7 & walking only 1 to earn his 3rd win of the season. Joe Spero induced a double play grounder to 3rd baseman Anthony Longo to end the game.
Barrett & Jason Sutkowski cracked 2 hits each for the Tomahawks. Johnston, Richards & O'Connell each had singles.
The Tomahawks ran their record to 10-4 overall & 4-2 in CCC North play. The T'Hawks return to CCC North action on Monday, visiting Manchester at Northwest Park for a 7pm contest.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
An Early Standing "7" Count Is The Difference....
While they were able to go the distance, the Tomahawks were unable to overcome a 1st round standing "7" count....
Newington used a single and sacrifice fly as bookends to 3 walks, 2 hit batters, 3 other singles & several "non-plays" to stagger the Tomahawks & plate 7 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. It was all they would score for the entire game, to win a TKO, 7-2, in a non-division game.
The Tomahawks scored runs in the 3rd & the 5th innings, but were unable to maximize opportunities that could have cut deeper into the Newington lead. David Johnston tripled to deep right-center field to lead of the top of the 3rd for the T'Hawks 1st hit. One out later, Kyle Richards singled sharply to left to score Johnston.
Alex Hanelt & Anthony Longo led of the top off the 5th with line drive singles to right. After a fielder's choice advanced both runners, Hanelt scored on Spencer Haymond's infield single. Newington escaped the 1st & 3rd with one out situation with no further damage.
Richards also singled to lead off the top of the 6th inning.
Jimmy Hill pitched 5 2/3 innings of relief, yielding 1 run, 7 hits, striking out 3 & walking none.
2nd baseman Josh Barrett & 1st baseman Mike Habzda both turned in a Web Gem for the final out of the 4th inning on what was not your run of the mill 4 to 3 ground out.
The T'Hawks now stand 9-4 overall & remain 3-2 in CCC North play.
The Tomahawks return to CCC North division play on Friday, hosting neighbor East Hartford at Riverfront Park.
Newington used a single and sacrifice fly as bookends to 3 walks, 2 hit batters, 3 other singles & several "non-plays" to stagger the Tomahawks & plate 7 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. It was all they would score for the entire game, to win a TKO, 7-2, in a non-division game.
The Tomahawks scored runs in the 3rd & the 5th innings, but were unable to maximize opportunities that could have cut deeper into the Newington lead. David Johnston tripled to deep right-center field to lead of the top of the 3rd for the T'Hawks 1st hit. One out later, Kyle Richards singled sharply to left to score Johnston.
Alex Hanelt & Anthony Longo led of the top off the 5th with line drive singles to right. After a fielder's choice advanced both runners, Hanelt scored on Spencer Haymond's infield single. Newington escaped the 1st & 3rd with one out situation with no further damage.
Richards also singled to lead off the top of the 6th inning.
Jimmy Hill pitched 5 2/3 innings of relief, yielding 1 run, 7 hits, striking out 3 & walking none.
2nd baseman Josh Barrett & 1st baseman Mike Habzda both turned in a Web Gem for the final out of the 4th inning on what was not your run of the mill 4 to 3 ground out.
The T'Hawks now stand 9-4 overall & remain 3-2 in CCC North play.
The Tomahawks return to CCC North division play on Friday, hosting neighbor East Hartford at Riverfront Park.
Tomahawks Ranked #14 in CSWA Weekly Poll
The Tomahawks are ranked 14th in the state-wide Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance (CSWA) weekly poll released on May 11, 2009. The Tomahawks received 17 points. Other CCC schools ranked in this week's poll are Bristol Central (2nd), New Britian (4th), Southington (21st) & Newington (26st). Seymour holds down the #1 spot with 177 total points (9 1st place votes).
The Tomahawks girl's softball team is ranked 25th in this week's CSWA weekly softball poll.
The Tomahawks girl's softball team is ranked 25th in this week's CSWA weekly softball poll.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Super Sellew(s)....
Ben Sellew had an early dinner engagement.... Or, was it needing to get home early to study.... If it wasn't a Monday, one might think he had a big date & needed to get ready. Whatever the reason, Big Ben made quick work of the Hall Warriors. Time of game: 1 hr 50 minutes. Ben's line: 7 innings, 0 runs, 4 hits, 3 strikeouts, 0 walks.... On 72 pitches, 53 of which were strikes. A most efficient performance in notching his 3rd win & 2nd complete game.
Oh, by the way, final score: Tomahawks 3, Hall 0.
The Tomahawks scored their 1st run in the bottom of the 4th, breaking up a scoreless duel. David Johnston opened the inning drawing a walk & stole 2nd base. Two outs later, Mike Habzda drove Johnston home with a ground single into right field.
The T'Hawks added 2 more runs in the bottom half of the 5th. Alex Hanelt frisbeed a single just over the 3rd baseman's head & barely inside the foul line. Hanelt stole 2nd on an odd hit & run outcome. Anthony Longo foul tipped a ball into the catcher's glove. When the ball fell to the ground, the plate umpire ruled the catcher had caught the foul tip & dropped the ball on the exchange trying to make the throw to 2nd, letting Hanelt stay at 2nd base after some confusion. Longo proceeded to successfully execute a sacrifice bunt, advancing Hanelt to 3rd. Josh Barrett followed with a ground single to left, driving in Hanelt. Barrett moved to 2nd on a wild pick-off attempt at 1st base. Spencer Haymond grounded to the 2nd baseman who threw wildly to 1st, permitting Barrett to score with Haymond moving to 2nd before the inning ended.
Mike Habzda cracked 2 singles; Hanelt & Barrett each singled for the T'Hawks.
Know that when you see the top Web Gems this evening on Baseball Tonight, the top Web Gem is really only the 2nd best play of the night. T'Hawk shortstop Haymond turned in the best, bare-handing a slow roller on the 3rd base side of the mound & making an accurate throw to 1st before sprawling on the infield grass to end the top of the 5th inning.
The Tomahawks now stand at 9-3 overall, remain 3-2 in CCC North play. The T'Hawks continue their busy week tomorrow, traveling to Ceppa Field in Meriden to take on Maloney High School @ 6pm in another non-division contest.
A "doubleheader": Sellew's younger, bigger brother, Jack hurled a complete game, 3-2 victory over the Hall jv's at the same time the varsity was playing. Jack struckout the side in the top of the 7th to close out his game. With Dad at the varsity game & Mom at the jv game, the cell phone airwaves were cluttered for a period of time.
Oh, by the way, final score: Tomahawks 3, Hall 0.
The Tomahawks scored their 1st run in the bottom of the 4th, breaking up a scoreless duel. David Johnston opened the inning drawing a walk & stole 2nd base. Two outs later, Mike Habzda drove Johnston home with a ground single into right field.
The T'Hawks added 2 more runs in the bottom half of the 5th. Alex Hanelt frisbeed a single just over the 3rd baseman's head & barely inside the foul line. Hanelt stole 2nd on an odd hit & run outcome. Anthony Longo foul tipped a ball into the catcher's glove. When the ball fell to the ground, the plate umpire ruled the catcher had caught the foul tip & dropped the ball on the exchange trying to make the throw to 2nd, letting Hanelt stay at 2nd base after some confusion. Longo proceeded to successfully execute a sacrifice bunt, advancing Hanelt to 3rd. Josh Barrett followed with a ground single to left, driving in Hanelt. Barrett moved to 2nd on a wild pick-off attempt at 1st base. Spencer Haymond grounded to the 2nd baseman who threw wildly to 1st, permitting Barrett to score with Haymond moving to 2nd before the inning ended.
Mike Habzda cracked 2 singles; Hanelt & Barrett each singled for the T'Hawks.
Know that when you see the top Web Gems this evening on Baseball Tonight, the top Web Gem is really only the 2nd best play of the night. T'Hawk shortstop Haymond turned in the best, bare-handing a slow roller on the 3rd base side of the mound & making an accurate throw to 1st before sprawling on the infield grass to end the top of the 5th inning.
The Tomahawks now stand at 9-3 overall, remain 3-2 in CCC North play. The T'Hawks continue their busy week tomorrow, traveling to Ceppa Field in Meriden to take on Maloney High School @ 6pm in another non-division contest.
A "doubleheader": Sellew's younger, bigger brother, Jack hurled a complete game, 3-2 victory over the Hall jv's at the same time the varsity was playing. Jack struckout the side in the top of the 7th to close out his game. With Dad at the varsity game & Mom at the jv game, the cell phone airwaves were cluttered for a period of time.
Tomahawks #10 in Courant Area Top 10..
The Tomahawks solid 2-1 win over CCC North rival Simsbury enabled the T'Hawks to hold onto the #10 spot in this week's Hartford Courant Area Top Ten rankings. The Tomahawks begin a busy week this afternoon, hosting West Hartford Hall @ Riverfront Park @ 3:45pm in a non-division game. The remainder of the week has the T'Hawks visiting Maloney tomorrow & Courant #7 Newington Thursday in non-division contests. The Tomahawks return to CCC North play on Friday, hosting neighboring East Hartford @ Riverfront Park for a 6pm evening start.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Huge.... Just Simply Huge.....
A hard fought loss at New Britain last Friday.... Losses on Saturday & Monday that were far more Tomahawk losses rather than other teams' wins.... The Tomahawks in need of a win to stem the tide & looking to see where they could grab one....Nothing that a you really can't get there from here trip to the archest of all rivals - Simsbury -couldn't solve. In the simplest of terms, huge, just simply HUGE!!!!
The Tomahawks showed up at Memorial Field in Simsbury on Wednesday afternoon. About three hours after getting there, they took home on the bus with them a 2-1 win after a hitch'em up effort from David Johnston. Johnston spun a 4 hit, complete game gem, yielding only an unearned run, striking out 6, walking one & nicking 2 on 94 pitches to grab the win. Offensively, Johnston was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 rbi's. All in all, a good day's work.
The Tomahawks broke the ice in the top of the 3rd. Josh Barrett, with 1 out, reached 1st when the left-fielder mishandled a sinking liner. Spencer Haymond followed with a single, sending Barrett around to 3rd base. Johnston's ground ball to short resulted in a force out at 2nd but was able to score Barrett with the game's 1st run. Kevin O'Connell & Kyle Richards followed with a single & walk respectively to load the bases before the side was retired.
Simsbury had things brewing in their half of the 4th when they loaded the bases on a single, error & a hit by pitch with no one out. 1st baseman Mike Habzda came up huge - there's that word again - when he turned a scorched line drive into a nifty double play, leaving runners on 2nd & 3rd with 2 outs. A walk again loaded the bases, but Johnston came up with a strikeout to end the inning.
Things remained 1-0, Tomahawks until the bottom of the 6th inning when Simsbury scored an unearned run on a lead off error, stolen base and 2 out single to tie the score, 1-1.
The T'Hawks responded in the top of the 7th in lightning quick fashion. After 2 quick outs, Haymond cracked a hard single to left through the 5-6 hole on a 1-1 pitch. Johnston immediately followed, smacking a long double to the base of the left-center field fence on the 1st pitch, scoring Haymond from 1st with what proved to be the game winner.
Simsbury went scoreless in their half of the 7th after a lead-off hit batsman was stranded at 2nd to end the game. A huge win.....
Haymond & Johnston with 2 hits each led the Tomahawk attack. O'Connell, Richards, Habzda & Jason Sutkowski also had hits.
In addition to Habzda's critical unassisted double play, Anthony Longo "D'ed" up at 3rd base with a barehanded, throw off the wrong foot play on a two out bunt attempt to end an inning. As the kid's say - just dirt!!!
The Tomahawks now stand at 3-2 in CCC North play and 8-3 overall. Today's win also qualifies the T'Hawks for the CIAC Class LL State Tournament at the conclusion of regular season play.
The T'Hawks return to action, weather permitting, tomorrow, visiting Meridan Maloney in a non-division game.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Fun Is Just Beginning.....
Major League Baseball has the Annual All-Star Game break as the traditionally accepted half-way point of their season. High school academic years have those scorned mid-terms. For those of us who need to work for a living, we have that much anticipated lunch break, on a daily basis no less….if you happen to be able to take/get one….
For CIAC high school baseball teams in Connecticut, it is the 10 game mark of a 20 game regular season. While it seems like we have just started playing, the Tomahawks have reached that point of the current season.
For our seniors, they are beginning to realize that high school careers are drawing to a close…. Games sometimes seem to mean much more to those guys. The seniors sometimes display more of a sense of urgency – they don’t have a next year……
At the halfway point, the Tomahawks have jumped out to a 7-3 record overall, 2-2 in CCC North play. Overall, the T’Hawks are one win away from qualifying for the CIAC Class LL State Tournament, a solid accomplishment to be so near at the halfway point of the season. In CCC North play, the T’Hawks stand at 2-2 with 6 CCC North games still to play; right, smack-dab in the middle of things. Good things have happened & will continue to happen.
As a fan, our guys have treated me to many special moments already this season. The big comeback in the season opener against Farmington, the exciting last inning heroics against Fermi…. Solid games versus Hall, Newington & East Hartford…. And the classic high school athletic contest at New Britain....
As in any season, there have been a couple of speed bumps. What would a season be without those? You really didn’t expect things to be that easy, did you?
The “new semester” begins tomorrow at Simsbury – the place that I'm really beginning to think that you can’t get to from here – would someone please build a major road that goes there????? Whether the Tomahawks win or lose, I expect they will not only compete, they will compete hard; the guys will lay it out the rest of the season.
The Tomahawks look forward to a just as successful, even better!!!, 2nd half of the season. Who would expect any differently? I’m ready to go along with them on the remainder of their journey…..
Join me.... The boys read this thing; show them your support - reach out, post a comment....
For CIAC high school baseball teams in Connecticut, it is the 10 game mark of a 20 game regular season. While it seems like we have just started playing, the Tomahawks have reached that point of the current season.
For our seniors, they are beginning to realize that high school careers are drawing to a close…. Games sometimes seem to mean much more to those guys. The seniors sometimes display more of a sense of urgency – they don’t have a next year……
At the halfway point, the Tomahawks have jumped out to a 7-3 record overall, 2-2 in CCC North play. Overall, the T’Hawks are one win away from qualifying for the CIAC Class LL State Tournament, a solid accomplishment to be so near at the halfway point of the season. In CCC North play, the T’Hawks stand at 2-2 with 6 CCC North games still to play; right, smack-dab in the middle of things. Good things have happened & will continue to happen.
As a fan, our guys have treated me to many special moments already this season. The big comeback in the season opener against Farmington, the exciting last inning heroics against Fermi…. Solid games versus Hall, Newington & East Hartford…. And the classic high school athletic contest at New Britain....
As in any season, there have been a couple of speed bumps. What would a season be without those? You really didn’t expect things to be that easy, did you?
The “new semester” begins tomorrow at Simsbury – the place that I'm really beginning to think that you can’t get to from here – would someone please build a major road that goes there????? Whether the Tomahawks win or lose, I expect they will not only compete, they will compete hard; the guys will lay it out the rest of the season.
The Tomahawks look forward to a just as successful, even better!!!, 2nd half of the season. Who would expect any differently? I’m ready to go along with them on the remainder of their journey…..
Join me.... The boys read this thing; show them your support - reach out, post a comment....
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tomahawks Fall To Southington
The Southington Knights used 2 big innings to over-run the Tomahawks, 13-0, in a CCC North game. The Knights sent 10 hitters to the plate in both the 3rd & 7th innings, scoring 11 of their 13 runs, 9 of which were unearned. In those 2 innings, Southington cracked 7 of their 11 hits, drew 3 walks & had a hit by pitch. Four strategically placed Tomahawk errors opened the drawbridge for the Knights.
Solid pitching limited the Tomahawks to 2 hits for the game, Kevin O'Connell's infield single to lead off the bottom of the 2nd inning & Alex Hanelt's line drive single to left-center field leading off the bottom of the 5th inning. The T'Hawks only threat came in the bottom of the 3rd when they were able to load the bases with 2 outs but were unable to push across any runs.
Ben Sellew was the Tomahawks starting pitcher, surrendering 2 earned runs in 6 innings. Joe Spero & Jimmy Hill combined to pitch the 7th inning, giving up 1 earned run.
2nd baseman Josh Barrett turned in a sparkling defensive play in the top of the 2nd inning.
The Tomahawks record now stands at 2-2 in CCC North play, 7-3 overall. The T'Hawks visit CCC North rivals Simsbury on Wednesday @ 3:45pm @ Memorial Field in Simsbury.
Solid pitching limited the Tomahawks to 2 hits for the game, Kevin O'Connell's infield single to lead off the bottom of the 2nd inning & Alex Hanelt's line drive single to left-center field leading off the bottom of the 5th inning. The T'Hawks only threat came in the bottom of the 3rd when they were able to load the bases with 2 outs but were unable to push across any runs.
Ben Sellew was the Tomahawks starting pitcher, surrendering 2 earned runs in 6 innings. Joe Spero & Jimmy Hill combined to pitch the 7th inning, giving up 1 earned run.
2nd baseman Josh Barrett turned in a sparkling defensive play in the top of the 2nd inning.
The Tomahawks record now stands at 2-2 in CCC North play, 7-3 overall. The T'Hawks visit CCC North rivals Simsbury on Wednesday @ 3:45pm @ Memorial Field in Simsbury.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)