Recap:
After falling behind 6-0 after two innings the Petrels came storming back to take home a 10-7 victory over the LaGrange Panthers. Every starter scored a run....The offense was paced by JJ Rizzo who went 3-6 with 2 RBI, Tim Ernst 2-4 with 2 RBI and Robert Pavelka 2-5 with 2 runs scored.
Sean Tuttle started the game and had a rough first inning giving up 5 earned runs on 6 hits. Freshmen John Hale threw 4 innings of dominate relief only surrendering 1 walk to record his first college win. Nick Greenfield came on in the ninth with one on and no outs and recorded his first save of the season.
Lost in the Box Score:
Pitching staff only surrendered 2 walks...after LaGrange pounded out 10 hits in the first 4 innings, they had only 1 the rest of the game....Oglethorpe left 12 men on base....Even though Brendan Pilger was 0-4 at the plate he grinded out some great AB's, nothing worse to an opposing pitcher than a nine hitter who makes you throw a ton of pitches...Not one but two, fake to third pick at first play worked, one by each team in consecutive innings...Will anybody forget Llano tripping 5 feet from the plate, then wiggling his way to score, well done. I haven't seen 'The Worm' since 1986....
Coach's Recap:
Great win against a very good team. After a nervous pregame warm up and a tough start, the guys hung together and battled for a hard fought victory. I'm very impressed about the composure and ability to come from behind. Then, when we did grab the lead our pitching and defense really stepped up. Part of becoming a great team is learning how to win...that sounds easy but in reality it is very difficult...Attitude is everything!
We move forward . Maryville College is up next....More on them later.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Ready, set, Go!
The marathon begins Tuesday at 3pm, in the hometown of Eddie LaGrange.
In the words of the immortal ACDC: "For those about to Rock, we salute you..."
LET'S GO PETRELS !!!
In the words of the immortal ACDC: "For those about to Rock, we salute you..."
LET'S GO PETRELS !!!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Roster Breakdown - The Frosh
Of course, none of these guys of played a game in a Petrel uniform. I'm basing this all on practices and their high school careers. Coaches are not crystal ball readers, we tend to be wrong, only occasionally, in our assessments. Like last year..I said Freshmen Micah Seehorn would play great defense, give us some speed but would really struggle at the plate....40 games later he was a .295 hitter!?! There is much to be said when the lights go on. Some guys just have that switch.
Enjoy!
#2 - Brandon McMichael - Outfield / Second Base
A speedy Inf/OF with good hands and an above average arm. He can play both the infield and outfield but will probably see more time in the outfield early in his career. Brandon gives us a nice option off the bench with speed on the base paths and is a good bunter. He'll need to work on his stroke during the year to shorten up his swing. Has the potential to develop into a leadoff type hitter and a solid 2B...
#4 Andrew Llano - Shortstop
Llano joins us after a year hiatus from baseball and from the St. Pius baseball program. He'll be the first player to wear the #4 since the last SS to come from Pius to Oglethorpe, Ryan Meehan. Both guys have a very similar style of play, for Llano that means some pretty big shoes to fill. There is no doubt he has the attitude, work ethic and talent to surpass Meehan's illustrious OU career. Andrew has quick feet, great hands and a ROCKET arm. He has a sweet swing with surprising power and knows the game of baseball. He'll most likely hit in the top of the lineup and give us some surprising speed on the base paths. He also is one of the locker room champs at video games....which may or may not be a good thing?!?
#7 Austin Benedict - Outfield
One of three Lakeside boys on the roster....Austin is a speedy center fielder with a good arm that will see time at all three outfield spots this year. A great bunter with a nice swing. He'll need some AB's to adjust to the college pitching but he works very hard and there is no doubt he'll find a way. Once on the bases he puts tremendous pressure on the opposing pitcher with his great speed.
#8 John Hale - Pitcher
After nursing an injury in the fall, John is fully recovered and ready to go. He will step into the starting rotation and will be able to give us quality innings. He has an unbelievable knack for pitching and delivers with four quality pitches. We will lean on him to make an immediate impact and get us deep into games.
#11 Chris Lucas - Outfield / First Base
Lucas joins us after a year at Ranger JuCo in Texas. He brings with him four years of eligibility and a passion for the game. Once you see Chris you think baseball player...when you see him you'll know what I mean. A smooth swinging lefty with a great arm and good speed, he'll give us a few options in the outfield and at first base. Chris will also contribute on the hill, giving us a quality lefty out of the pen.
#13 JJ Rizzo - Infielder
JJ transferred in at the semester break from Rollins College and immediately made his presence known. He has a smooth stroke, soft hands and a great arm...Coming from South Florida he has quickly made the adjustment to the cold weather. He'll see a lot of time at 1B and will also see time around the infield. Look for him to bat in the top half of the lineup and be a big run producer for the offense. He'll also see some time on the hill both as a reliever and spot starter.
#15 Brendan Pilger - Right Fielder
Pilber continues his career at Anderson Field after spending the past two seasons patrolling RF for St. Pius...He's very athletic, with a great arm and good wheels. He's been working extremely hard at his hitting and if he continues, he can develop into a big time hitter. He'll spend most of the time in RF and we look for him to mature into a leader on and off the field.
#18 Ben Giddens - Catcher
Ander, the Best Madden player on the team, starts the season as the #2 catcher and a candidate to get some AB's as the DH. He delivers a powerful stroke and we'll look to get him as many AB's as possible throughout the year. Behind the dish he's a good receiver and an excellent blocker. He gives the pitchers instant confidence with his catching skills and knowledge. As a freshmen he'll need to make the most of his time and learn the college game...He'll come into 2008 as the leading candidate to catch full time.
#20 Matt Anderson - Third Base
Matty will begin the season as the starting third baseman. He brings a gritty, blue-collar type of play to the team which is suited well for 3B. He's not afraid to put his body in front of screaming grounder or stick his nose in on a tag. Offensively he shows surprising pop in his bat. He's a tireless worker and has a me against the world attitude.
#23 Theo Stathakis - Inf
Basketball has claimed another victim...Theo playing some BB rolled is ankle and was diagnosed with a grade 3 sprained ankle (not good), It may take a few months to get him back and the possibility of red shirt will be discussed.
#26 Patrick Falco - Pitcher
After a tough loss in the Sugar Bowl his draft stock dropped and his NFL career never materialized....Just kidding. That was Shane Falco! Patrick gives the Petrels depth in their bullpen and looks to start the season as the setup man. The hope is he can move into the closer role later in the year. Now on a regimented throwing program Pat will gain arm strength which will only help him some zip to his fastball to go along with a good curve ball...
#28 Mario Rivera - Pitcher
The Hondurian sensation looks to fill out the starting rotation. Coming from a predominately soccer country, Mario has not had the intense baseball training found in the states. He has already added a few pounds to his frame through Infinite and with a structured throwing program will add to his arm strength. He brings a great curve ball to the mound along with a good sinking fastball. He's been working on a nice 'hook' change that will make his fastball that more deceptive.
#32 Stephen Archer - 1st Base
The big man has sure impressed us early on and is pushing for some serious playing time. A nice solid swing with good power, Archer could develop into a big time run producer. He's shown good footwork and a good glove at first base. Practice and hard work will only make him better.
Enjoy!
#2 - Brandon McMichael - Outfield / Second Base
A speedy Inf/OF with good hands and an above average arm. He can play both the infield and outfield but will probably see more time in the outfield early in his career. Brandon gives us a nice option off the bench with speed on the base paths and is a good bunter. He'll need to work on his stroke during the year to shorten up his swing. Has the potential to develop into a leadoff type hitter and a solid 2B...
#4 Andrew Llano - Shortstop
Llano joins us after a year hiatus from baseball and from the St. Pius baseball program. He'll be the first player to wear the #4 since the last SS to come from Pius to Oglethorpe, Ryan Meehan. Both guys have a very similar style of play, for Llano that means some pretty big shoes to fill. There is no doubt he has the attitude, work ethic and talent to surpass Meehan's illustrious OU career. Andrew has quick feet, great hands and a ROCKET arm. He has a sweet swing with surprising power and knows the game of baseball. He'll most likely hit in the top of the lineup and give us some surprising speed on the base paths. He also is one of the locker room champs at video games....which may or may not be a good thing?!?
#7 Austin Benedict - Outfield
One of three Lakeside boys on the roster....Austin is a speedy center fielder with a good arm that will see time at all three outfield spots this year. A great bunter with a nice swing. He'll need some AB's to adjust to the college pitching but he works very hard and there is no doubt he'll find a way. Once on the bases he puts tremendous pressure on the opposing pitcher with his great speed.
#8 John Hale - Pitcher
After nursing an injury in the fall, John is fully recovered and ready to go. He will step into the starting rotation and will be able to give us quality innings. He has an unbelievable knack for pitching and delivers with four quality pitches. We will lean on him to make an immediate impact and get us deep into games.
#11 Chris Lucas - Outfield / First Base
Lucas joins us after a year at Ranger JuCo in Texas. He brings with him four years of eligibility and a passion for the game. Once you see Chris you think baseball player...when you see him you'll know what I mean. A smooth swinging lefty with a great arm and good speed, he'll give us a few options in the outfield and at first base. Chris will also contribute on the hill, giving us a quality lefty out of the pen.
#13 JJ Rizzo - Infielder
JJ transferred in at the semester break from Rollins College and immediately made his presence known. He has a smooth stroke, soft hands and a great arm...Coming from South Florida he has quickly made the adjustment to the cold weather. He'll see a lot of time at 1B and will also see time around the infield. Look for him to bat in the top half of the lineup and be a big run producer for the offense. He'll also see some time on the hill both as a reliever and spot starter.
#15 Brendan Pilger - Right Fielder
Pilber continues his career at Anderson Field after spending the past two seasons patrolling RF for St. Pius...He's very athletic, with a great arm and good wheels. He's been working extremely hard at his hitting and if he continues, he can develop into a big time hitter. He'll spend most of the time in RF and we look for him to mature into a leader on and off the field.
#18 Ben Giddens - Catcher
Ander, the Best Madden player on the team, starts the season as the #2 catcher and a candidate to get some AB's as the DH. He delivers a powerful stroke and we'll look to get him as many AB's as possible throughout the year. Behind the dish he's a good receiver and an excellent blocker. He gives the pitchers instant confidence with his catching skills and knowledge. As a freshmen he'll need to make the most of his time and learn the college game...He'll come into 2008 as the leading candidate to catch full time.
#20 Matt Anderson - Third Base
Matty will begin the season as the starting third baseman. He brings a gritty, blue-collar type of play to the team which is suited well for 3B. He's not afraid to put his body in front of screaming grounder or stick his nose in on a tag. Offensively he shows surprising pop in his bat. He's a tireless worker and has a me against the world attitude.
#23 Theo Stathakis - Inf
Basketball has claimed another victim...Theo playing some BB rolled is ankle and was diagnosed with a grade 3 sprained ankle (not good), It may take a few months to get him back and the possibility of red shirt will be discussed.
#26 Patrick Falco - Pitcher
After a tough loss in the Sugar Bowl his draft stock dropped and his NFL career never materialized....Just kidding. That was Shane Falco! Patrick gives the Petrels depth in their bullpen and looks to start the season as the setup man. The hope is he can move into the closer role later in the year. Now on a regimented throwing program Pat will gain arm strength which will only help him some zip to his fastball to go along with a good curve ball...
#28 Mario Rivera - Pitcher
The Hondurian sensation looks to fill out the starting rotation. Coming from a predominately soccer country, Mario has not had the intense baseball training found in the states. He has already added a few pounds to his frame through Infinite and with a structured throwing program will add to his arm strength. He brings a great curve ball to the mound along with a good sinking fastball. He's been working on a nice 'hook' change that will make his fastball that more deceptive.
#32 Stephen Archer - 1st Base
The big man has sure impressed us early on and is pushing for some serious playing time. A nice solid swing with good power, Archer could develop into a big time run producer. He's shown good footwork and a good glove at first base. Practice and hard work will only make him better.
Date Change to Original Date...
This is what happens when you try and beat Mother Nature...Game is back on for:
Tuesday Feb. 6th 3pm
Tuesday Feb. 6th 3pm
Friday, February 2, 2007
We can only learn from history...
LaGrange, not much too say but we really do not like this team. Their coach is a great guy and has won everywhere he has been. I really respect him as a coach and a person. Probably one of my favorite coaches that I've played against, but there is something about playing LaGrange that we really do not like...maybe it has to do with Eddie LaGrange himself?
But I found this story up on their site, some pretty interesting stuff. May I point out that OU's last two wins against LaGrange, were games that I started and earned the win. Gentlemen, that's not really something I wish to say any longer.
Side note: Basketball teams sweep Austin, set to play Hendrix on Sunday.
But I found this story up on their site, some pretty interesting stuff. May I point out that OU's last two wins against LaGrange, were games that I started and earned the win. Gentlemen, that's not really something I wish to say any longer.
Side note: Basketball teams sweep Austin, set to play Hendrix on Sunday.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Roster Breakdown - Juniors and Sophomores
Juniors
# 5 Evan Baker - Second Base
Ebay begins his third year in the program and hopefully he can remain at his natural position for an entire year. A 2-bagger by trade, Bake started last year at SS for the Petrels, and while he did a great job he'll be even better at second base. He'll hit in the top half of the order and will constantly challenge pitchers on a day-to-day basis. Last year he led the team with a .350 BA after a notorious slow start, this year he has made the adjustment to the colder weather....If only we can get him to use less bleach....
#29 Nick Greenfield - Pitcher
Greenie is a talented pitcher with arguably the best 'stuff' on the team. With a good fastball, a new two-seamer, and a change to go along with the devastating slider and 12-6 curve, he is not short on quality pitches. He has shown flashes of dominance over the past two years but needs to be more consistent. There is no doubting his work ethic and determination to win. Greenfield will have to step up and and show the dominance he is capable of, every time he steps on the bump. Consistency is the key to Greenfield having a "Special" year...
Sophomores
#10 Brandyn Steen - Left Field / Second Base
Brandyn "#1" Steen has turned the corner....a rough 2006 has only made him stronger. He is attempting to make the switch from 2B to LF this year and has shown that he is capable of playing LF everyday, when the focus is right. Its not easy moving from a position that has a lot of responsibilities on every pitch, to a position that requires more patience. But with Steener's athleticism he should be fine. A good, aggressive hitter Steen has the chance to be a big contributor in the offense. His wheels are a huge asset and when he gets fully healthy will be able to steal his fair share of bases. Maturity from last season is evident in his daily work habits and that will only lead to greater success for the young Petrel.
#25 Sean Tuttle - Pitcher
King Tut burst on the scene last year with an impressive 6-2 record and 4-0 record in SCAC play. This year teams will be ready, so Tuttle needs to put in the extra work to stay one step ahead. He has great mechanics, a live fastball, good off speed pitches and a great feel on how to pitch. His imposing 6-4 frame lets him get on top of his fastball and create great backspin which makes it very difficult to hit. We'll need him to step up and do his thing all year. Along with Greenie these two will be at the top of the rotation for 2007 and 2008. I expect Tuttle to grasp the leadership role as a top pitcher and guide the rest of the talented but young staff. Sky is the limit for this guy.
Up next....the Lucky 13 Frosh.
# 5 Evan Baker - Second Base
Ebay begins his third year in the program and hopefully he can remain at his natural position for an entire year. A 2-bagger by trade, Bake started last year at SS for the Petrels, and while he did a great job he'll be even better at second base. He'll hit in the top half of the order and will constantly challenge pitchers on a day-to-day basis. Last year he led the team with a .350 BA after a notorious slow start, this year he has made the adjustment to the colder weather....If only we can get him to use less bleach....
#29 Nick Greenfield - Pitcher
Greenie is a talented pitcher with arguably the best 'stuff' on the team. With a good fastball, a new two-seamer, and a change to go along with the devastating slider and 12-6 curve, he is not short on quality pitches. He has shown flashes of dominance over the past two years but needs to be more consistent. There is no doubting his work ethic and determination to win. Greenfield will have to step up and and show the dominance he is capable of, every time he steps on the bump. Consistency is the key to Greenfield having a "Special" year...
Sophomores
#10 Brandyn Steen - Left Field / Second Base
Brandyn "#1" Steen has turned the corner....a rough 2006 has only made him stronger. He is attempting to make the switch from 2B to LF this year and has shown that he is capable of playing LF everyday, when the focus is right. Its not easy moving from a position that has a lot of responsibilities on every pitch, to a position that requires more patience. But with Steener's athleticism he should be fine. A good, aggressive hitter Steen has the chance to be a big contributor in the offense. His wheels are a huge asset and when he gets fully healthy will be able to steal his fair share of bases. Maturity from last season is evident in his daily work habits and that will only lead to greater success for the young Petrel.
#25 Sean Tuttle - Pitcher
King Tut burst on the scene last year with an impressive 6-2 record and 4-0 record in SCAC play. This year teams will be ready, so Tuttle needs to put in the extra work to stay one step ahead. He has great mechanics, a live fastball, good off speed pitches and a great feel on how to pitch. His imposing 6-4 frame lets him get on top of his fastball and create great backspin which makes it very difficult to hit. We'll need him to step up and do his thing all year. Along with Greenie these two will be at the top of the rotation for 2007 and 2008. I expect Tuttle to grasp the leadership role as a top pitcher and guide the rest of the talented but young staff. Sky is the limit for this guy.
Up next....the Lucky 13 Frosh.
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