Late-inning heroics lead Navigators to Victory over the Snowbirds: July 6, by Jordan Wolff
For those of you that couldn’t see some 4th of July fireworks, this game made up for it in more ways than one. The Navigators (7-3) defeated the Snowbirds (4-7-1) 10-8 on Saturday night.
This was a tale of two halves, as the offense didn’t pickup until the late stages of the game. You wouldn’t be crazy if you thought this game would be a classic pitchers duel.
The Navigators scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning thanks to an RBI triple from Miles Watson. That turned out to be the only offense for a while, as Snowbirds starter Chase Romaine held the Navigators to just two hits and two runs in four innings.
The Navigators pitching held the Snowbirds offense down for a while, as starter Matthew Magrann threw four scoreless innings allowing two hits and striking out one.
The Snowbirds saw its first run come in the top of the sixth inning, courtesy of a double from C/IF Hutch Kettler. Now we transition into the “second half”, where offense came at a premium.
The Navigators offense were able to figure out Snowbirds reliever Sonny Gowran, as they scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it a 6-1 game.
Did the Snowbirds give up? Nope as they retaliated with a seven-run top of the eighth inning to make it an 8-6 game. The inning saw nine Snowbirds come to bat, as infielder Nick Roch, and outfielder Luis Santino Arenado contributed big RBI’s.
The Snowbirds also took a gamble, as they dug deep in their bench to have pitcher Garrett Parkins pinch-hit, only for them to reap the rewards by him delivering an RBI single.
The Navigators retaliated in the bottom of the eighth inning, as outfielder DJ Brown delivered the dagger with a bases-clearing triple. In arguably the most wild game of the season, CLPB spectators got to see a game that displayed both offense and pitching.
Both teams will be eager to be in action on Monday, as the Snowbirds take on the 6-4-1 Juno Beach Loggerheads (5:30 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Navigators will take on the 4-6 South Florida Sailfish (5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Despite Strong Fight, Palm Beach Navigators Can’t Top Jupiter Wave: July 10, Jordan Wolff
In a matchup full of high expectations, it didn’t disappoint as the Jupiter Wave (8-5-0) defeated the Palm Beach Navigators (9-4-0) 8-7 Wednesday morning in a tense seven-inning contest.
You wouldn’t be crazy if thought this game would be all Wave, as they got out of the gates with a five-run first inning. All the runs came with two-outs, as catcher Robert Curbelo hit an RBI double and IF/OF Kirkland Festa hit an RBI single.
The Wave pitching held up for a while, as starter Matt Ellmyer went three innings, allowing one hit on two runs with four walks and strikeouts. The Navigators arms settled in too, as they only let up one run between the second and sixth inning.
You had a feeling the Navigators couldn’t stay quiet, as a double by first-baseman Peter Moforis made it a 5-2 game. Moforis wasn’t done as he started a sixth-inning rally with a solo home-run to make it a 6-3 game.
Moforis finished the game going 3-4 with three hits and three RBI’s. The Navigators scored two more runs to make it a 6-5 game headed into the top of seventh inning.
How did the Wave respond? Outfielder Jack Keiser stepped up to the challenge by hitting a go-ahead two-run home-run to make it 8-5 Wave. Keiser finished the game going 3-4, scoring two runs with three hits and three RBI’s.
The Navigators fought until the very last out, as they scored two more runs in the bottom of the seventh. These two teams had the chance to play each other again, but with first place on the line.
Did the Navigators get the ultimate revenge? Or did the Wave finish it off with a clean sweep?
Navigators pitching helps get revenge in 6-3 victory in game two of Doubleheader: July 10, By Jordan Wolff
Game one had more of an edge-of-your-seat type feel, game two had a classic baseball feel. Good defense and pitching helped the Navigators secure a 6-3 victory on Wednesday. They now hold sole possession of first place, something that’s impressive for the first-year franchise.
The Navigators got going right away, as a fielder’s choice by right-fielder Michael Gutierrez and double by second-baseman Ricky Del Rio put them up 2-0 in the second inning.
A man who continues to impress for the Navigators is pitcher Scott Bellina. With the Wave scoring eight runs in game one, the league leader in wins (3) and strikeouts (89) went five innings, allowed one run and struck out seven batters.
The Navigators offense kept up in the bottom of the third inning, as they made it a 4-1 game due to some walks and defensive miscues from the Wave.
A sac-fly by extra-hitter Trent Jones put the Navs up 5-1 in the fifth inning. Wave outfielder Jack Keiser continued his impressive day by hitting a two-run RBI double to make it a 5-3 game, but it was too little too late.
Keiser currently leads the league in RBI’s (15) and finished the day going a combined 5-7 with five RBI’s. The offensive star for the Navigators was Peter Moforis, who went a combined 5-7 with three RBI’s.
Both teams will be back in action on Friday, as the Navigators face the 5-9 Florida Vipers (12 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Wave will take on the 5-8 South Florida Sailfish (4:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Vipers Outlast Loggerheads 12-6 in Offensive Juggernaut: July, 10 by Jordan Wolff
As the days get hotter in Florida, so do the bats as the Florida Vipers were able to defeat the Juno Beach Loggerheads 12-6 Wednesday night. Both offenses combined for 23 hits, but early on it didn’t look as if we’d get that much offense.
The Vipers started the frenzy, as infielder Landon Fish hit a sac-fly to put his team up 1-0 in the first inning. That’s the only offense we’d see for a little bit, as Loggerheads P/IF Tim Bouchard (CLPB leader in ERA with 2.41) struck out nine batters and allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits.
Vipers starter Bryan Ariza held the Loggerheads offense to one run on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts. The offense picked up in fourth inning, as Loggerheads infielder Kam Kilchrist hit a single to make it a 1-1 game.
The Vipers retaliated, as outfielder Bryce Bruggemeyer hit a two-run RBI single to make it a 3-1 game. Things didn’t slow down in the fifth, as league leader in average (.488) and home-runs (3) Carter Huffman went yard to make it a 3-3 game.
The pattern of retaliation continued, as DH Jacoby Adkins and infielder Chris Eusay each hit singles and ended up scoring to make it 5-3 ballgame. Kilchrist continued his impressive day, as he hit a two-run home-run to tie the game at five going into the sixth inning.
Vipers outfielder Slayde Ortiz scored on a passed ball to make it a 6-5 ballgame. The term “crazy eights” certainly applied in this game as Loggerheads catcher Stephan Perez hit a sac-fly to make it a 6-6 ballgame.
How did the Vipers respond this time? By having its own six-run eighth inning. Bruggemeyer came up big and delivered the dagger with a three-run RBI single.
Another key to this game was havoc on the basepaths, as both teams combined for 14 stolen bases.
Both teams had a quick turnaround to Thursday, as the Vipers took on the Sailfish (9 a.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Loggerheads took on the 5-9-1 Palm Beach Snowbirds ( 10 a.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Loggerheads Offense lifts them Past the Palm Beach Snowbirds 12-7: JULY 11, BY JORDAN WOLFF
The Snowbirds were once again involved in a high-scoring matchup, but couldn’t muster enough in a 12-7 defeat against the Loggerheads Thursday morning. Despite combining for 21 hits, each team only scored in three out of the seven innings played (time-limit).
The Snowbirds got the party started, as first baseman Taylor Higgins hit an RBI single and catcher Max Alessi had a bases-loaded to put their team up 2-0.
The Loggerheads responded, as infielder Kam Kilchrist hit a two-run home-run in his second straight game to make it a 2-2 ballgame. The newest Loggerhead Tyler Chase made an immediate impact, as he hit an RBI double to make it a 3-2 lead.
The top fifth inning saw the Snowbirds regain a 5-3 lead, as C/IF Hutch Kettler hit a three-run home-run. The Snowbirds tacked on two more runs in the top of the sixth inning, as another walk by Alessi and an RBI single from DH Pedro Figueroa made it a 7-3 game.
Did the lead last for the Snowbirds? Nope, as the Loggerheads exploded for a seven-run bottom of the sixth inning. Catcher Stephan Perez hit a two-run RBI single to make it a 5-5 game. The Loggerheads found the long ball, as they saw three home-runs in the inning, each from Landon Leblanc, Carter Huffman and Tim Bouchard.
The Loggerheads took advantage of two Snowbirds errors to make it 12-6 before the game was called. The aggressive base-running continued, as both teams combined for seven stolen bases.
Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, as the Loggerheads take on the Vipers (5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS). The Snowbirds take on the Wave (2 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS).
Sailfish escape Wave with some late-inning Heroics in a 6-5 victory: July 12, by Jordan Wolff
With scoring 13 runs and having a player hit for the cycle, the Sailfish (6-8) had a game to remember on Thursday. They made an even bigger statement Friday, as they defeated the back-to-back champions (8-6) Jupiter Wave 6-5 in a classic contest.
For the first three innings, the momentum belonged to the Sailfish as Wave defensive miscues and a two-run home-run by second baseman Tim Kudlinski saw them go up 4-0.
Sailfish starting pitcher Will Farrar held the Wave offense down, as he went 4.2 innings, allowed two runs, walked four batters and struck out seven batters.
Once the fourth inning came, the momentum shifted to the Wave side. RF Drew Kendall, CF Jack Keiser and 3B Kirkland Festa contributed RBI’s to make it a 4-3 game.
The the bottom of the seventh came, where an RBI double from 2B Blake Mial and a sacrifice-fly from Jonathan Fernandez made it a 5-4 game.
How did the Sailfish respond? it’s rising-star Gweshaughn Richards hit a two-run RBI single in the top of the ninth inning, which ended up being the difference in the game.
Richards has had quite the week, as he hit for the cycle on Thursday going 4-4 with a walk. On Friday, he finished the game going 3-5 with two runs scored and two RBI’s.
These teams will have little time to rest, as they both return to action on Saturday. The Wave will take on the (5-9-1) Palm Beach Snowbirds (2:30 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Sailfish will look to win three games in a row against the (9-5) Palm Beach Navigators (5:30 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS).
Vipers pitching carries them to 4-1 Victory over the Red-hot Loggerheads: July 13, Jordan Wolff
With a Loggerheads (8-6-1) team that’s gone 7-2-1 in its last 10 games and ascended to the top of the CLPB, the Vipers (7-9) had their work cut out for them. They rose to the challenge, in a 4-1 victory against the Loggerheads on Saturday.
This game was much more even than you think, as both starting pitchers found their rhythm. Loggerheads starter Luke Bay went 5.2 innings, allowed three runs (two-earned), seven hits and struck out six batters.
Vipers starter Mark Link went 5.0 innings, allowed one unearned run, three hits, walked four batters and struck out seven. While pitching held up, both teams defenses combined for five errors in the contest.
It was 1-1 until the top of the sixth, where the Vipers scratched two runs across to make it a 3-1 game. The Loggerheads did make some noise in the bottom of the seventh inning, as three straight walks had the bases loaded with no outs.
With being short on arms, the Vipers turned to natural infielder Chris Eusay, who came into relief and retired the next three batters to leave the bases loaded.
Eusay finished the game going 2.0 innings, allowing one hit, one walk and striking out four batters. The Vipers scored an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning, as outfielder Anier Ricardo scored on a wild pitch to seal the victory.
The Loggerheads left 12 runners on base, even with a bases-loaded and no outs situation. Both teams will be back in action on Monday, as the Vipers will take on the (5-10-1) Palm Beach Snowbirds (2:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS). The Loggerheads will take on the (9-6) Jupiter Wave (6 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS)
The Vipers Pitching carries them to a shutout win against the Snowbirds: July 15, by Jordan Wolff
With holding the Jupiter Wave offense to just one run, could the Vipers (8-9) pitching put on an encore? Yes, as pitching carried them to a 2-0 win over the Palm Beach Snowbirds (5-11-1).
You knew offense wasn’t going to be the story, as Vipers starting pitcher Bryan Ariza had eight strikeouts (all swinging) in just the first three innings of play.
Ariza finished the game going 5.0 innings, allowing two hits, striking out 10 batters and walking three. Snowbirds starter Jon Moll also had a good outing, as he went 5.0 innings, allowed three hits, one run and struck out six batters.
Offensively, the Snowbirds had five hits and stranded a total 10 baserunners. Two runs turned out to be all the Vipers needed, as SS Chris Eusay hit an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning to make it 1-0.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Vipers tacked on another run due to an error by the Snowbirds. The more suprising part, is the Vipers had to dig deep into the bench for arms.
Outfielders Slayde Ortiz and Mark Sanders stepped up to go 3.0 innings, allowing three hits, three walks, no runs and striking out one batter. Pitcher Alex Diaz came into to close it out, going one inning with striking out and walking one batter.
Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday, as the Vipers will challenge the (9-7) Jupiter Wave (1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cardinals Complex-Rodger Dean Stadium). The Snowbirds will take on the (9-7) Palm Beach Navigators (1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cardinals Complex-Rodger Dean Stadium).
Late-inning offensive Heroics ascend the Loggerheads to first place in 12-9 Victory over the Wave.
Being late in the season and two team battling for first place, this game had everything you’d want and them some. The Loggerheads got the last laugh, as their offense carried them to a 12-9 victory over the Jupiter Wave on Monday.
The Loggerheads got the party started in the top of the third inning, as an RBI single from P/IF Tim Bouchard and bases loaded walk for 1B Stephan Perez put them up 2-0.
Things carried on in the top of the fourth inning, as the Loggerheads picked up two more runs (walk and error) to make it a 4-0 game. Did the Wave give up? Nope, as the momentum shifted in the Wave’s favor in the bottom of the fifth inning.
A bases-loaded walk from 1B Jonathan Fernandez and three-run single from IF Kirkland Festa made it a 4-4 game. Festa showed off his aggressive base-running and scored on a wild-pitch to make it a 5-4 game.
The Loggerheads crept back gradually, as Bouchard hit a solo HR to make a 5-5 game in the top of the seventh inning. Things faltered for the Wave late, as they ran out of pitchers and put IF Jay Brandt into pitch.
The Loggerheads to full advantage of that, as they had a six-run top of the eighth inning, which saw an RBI double from C Dylan Symonds and back-back-back HR from Britton Elmore, Carter Huffman and Brad Levinson to make it 12-5.
The Wave continued to show persistence and fight throughout the game, as they easily could’ve called it quits after the big inning. Instead, the bottom of the ninth inning saw them scare the Loggerheads by making it a 12-9 game.
It ended up being too little too late, as the Wave fell just short of what could’ve been arguably the best comeback of the CLPB season. Defense hurt the Wave on Monday, as they made four errors as opposed to the Loggerheads two.
Both offenses will be back in action on Wednesday, as the new first-place Loggerheads will take on the (8-8) South Florida Sailfish ( 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cardinals Complex- Rodger Dean Stadium). The Wave will take on the (8-9) Florida Vipers (1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cardinals Complex-Rodger Dean Stadium).
Tim Bouchard lifts Loggerheads to 4-0 win over Sailfish: July 15, By Jordan Wolff
With dethroning the back-to-back CLPB champions Jupiter Wave of first place (first time in two years), the Juno Beach Loggerheads (10-7-1) showed their confidence in a 4-0 victory against the Sailfish (9-9) on Wednesday.
However, the secret weapon that’s given the Loggerheads this advantage is P/IF Tim Bouchard. Bouchard’s shown how important versatility in baseball is, as he leads the CLPB in strikeouts (35) and ERA (1.90).
Bouchard toed the slab once again, and in 5.0 innings struck out nine batters and allowed five hits. Bouchard is also dangerous at the plate, as he leads the CLPB in batting average (.488) and is second in RBI (15).
Bouchard finished the day at the plate, going 1-2 with an RBI. As for the rest of the Loggerheads offense, they didn’t have to provide much.
In the bottom of the second inning, CF Lucas McCain scored on a wild pitch, and 2B Landon Leblanc hit an RBI groundout to make it 2-0. The Loggerheads kept it up in the bottom of the third inning, as a Sailfish error and sacrifice fly from Bouchard made it 4-0.
The Sailfish ended game one with leaving nine runners on base and making two errors. Both of these teams played a second game, with the Sailfish coming out on top 9-2.
Both teams will be back in action on Friday, as the Loggerheads take on the (9-9) Palm Beach Navigators (6 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Sailfish will take on the (7-11-1) Palm Beach Snowbirds (6 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Wave Reclaim First Place in an important 5-2 Victory against the Vipers: July 15, By Jordan Wolff
Going into Wednesday, the Wave (11-7) were in a position they haven’t been used to in nearly two years. That is being in second place, but that seemed to add extra motivation in a 5-2 victory over the Vipers (8-11).
The Wave showed its offensive prowess in game one, as the defeated the Vipers 11-1. In this game, it came down to who converted in scoring opportunities.
The Vipers had a tough task in front of them, as they faced Wave starter Ryan Lashley who’s second in the CLPB in strikeouts (33). The Vipers aggressiveness helped, as scoring on an error made it 1-0.
The Wave responded bottom of the second and third innings, due to a two-run RBI single from 1B Jonathan Fernandez and a sacrifice fly from CF Jack Keiser to make it 3-2.
The Wave arms held the Vipers down, as Lashley finished the game going 5.0 innings, allowing four hits, two runs (one earned), one walk and strruck out eight batters.
In relief, Matthew Kavanaugh went 2.0 innings, allowed two hits and struck out one batter. The Wave weren’t done offensively, as the bottom of the sixth inning became really important.
The Wave scored on an error, and EH Jake Wapinsky hit an RBI single to make it a 5-2 lead. More importantly, it’s become a three-way dog fight between the Wave, Navigators and Loggerheads for first place.
Due to the Navigators losing to the Snowbirds 10-2 and 2-1 (extra inning walk-off) and the Loggerheads losing to the Sailfish 9-2, the Wave now hold the top spot.
Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, as the Wave will take on the (9-9) Palm Beach Navigators (2 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS). The Vipers will do battle against the (9-9) South Florida Sailfish (5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Snowbirds pick up important Late-season victory against the Sailfish: July 19, By Jordan Wolff
While standings may indicate the Snowbirds (8-11-1) are in last place, the way they compete certainly doesn’t as they defeated the Sailfish (9-10) 6-4 on Friday.
The Snowbirds got things started in the bottom of the second inning, as CF Mike Malinchak scored on an error to make it 1-0.
The offense picked up in the bottom of the third inning, as 2B Brett Johnson and Malinchak hit RBI singles to make it 3-0. Pitching also held up, as Snowbirds starter Jon Moll went 3.0 innings, allowed one hit, no runs, two walks and struck out five batters.
In relief, OF/P Chase Romaine went 3.0 innings, allowed one hit, no runs, two walks and struck out six batters. The Snowbirds seemed to inch away for good, as Malinchak and DH David Judge hit home-runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it 6-0.
Malinchak finished the day going 3-3 with two RBI’s and two walks. Seemed is the key word, as the Sailfish showed they don’t go down without a fight.
They had a four-run bottom of the eighth inning, which included a three-run home-run from RF Jacob Farrell and an RBI double from CF Gavin Melians.
It proved to be too little too late, as Snowbirds reliever Sonny Gowran retired the Sailfish in order to secure the victory.
Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, as the Snowbirds will take on the (11-7-1) Juno Beach Loggerheads (5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS). The Sailfish will take on the (8-11) Florida Vipers (5:30 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS).
Navigators snap Losing streak by defeating first place Wave: July 20, By Jordan Wolff
The Navigators (10-10) came into Saturday with a six-game losing streak and had to go up against the first place Jupiter Wave (11-8). That didn’t scare them, as they defeated the Wave 9-4 in a crucial late-season matchup.
It didn’t get to 9-5 that quickly, as the Navigators had Scott Bellina on the mound who leads the CLPB in wins (4). The Wave countered with Noah McBride, who also has four wins.
Both guys brought their A stuff, as Bellina went 4.0 innings, allowing one unearned run, two hits, one walk and struck out five batters. McBride topped him, going 5.0 innings, allowing three hits, no runs, and struck out 12 batters.
The Wave got the first run of the game, as C Nick Green hit a fielder’s choice, which saw Jay Brandt score to make it 1-0. Once McBride exited the ballgame, the offense picked up for the Navigators.
The Navigators had a four-run top of the sixth inning, as RF Harry Vargas hit a two-run RBI double and scored on a passed ball. 1B Chris Vervoordt hit an RBI single to make it 4-1 Navigators.
The Wave kept inching back, as 1B Jordan Zilka hit a solo home-run in the bottom half of the sixth inning to make 4-2. Did the Navigators keep the offense going? Yes.
They had a five-run top of the seventh inning, which Vargas delivered the dagger with a three-run home-run. Vargas finished the day going 3-3, with a walk, two runs scored and four RBI’s.
Due to time constraints, the Wave’s last effort came in the bottom of the eighth inning as they scored two runs to make it 9-4. But, it proved to be too little too late as the Navigators held on for the victory.
Due to the Wave loss, they are now in second place behind the Juno Beach Loggerheads who are 11-8-1. The Navigators are in third place, which is important as the CLPB playoff format sees the top four teams make it.
Sailfish Offense Breaks out for 14-3 win over Vipers: July 20, by Jordan Wolff
With holding the final place for a playoff spot, the Sailfish come into the final stretch of the season with a ton of pressure. On Saturday, they flourished in a 14-3 win over the Vipers.
They got things started in the first inning, but it wasn’t one of your typical offensive breakouts. Instead, the Sailfish offense showed patience by walking a total of seven times and batting around in the first inning.
They got out to a 7-0 lead, as three of their seven runs scored on walks. Three more of their runs scored on Vipers errors and one run scored on a sacrifice fly by EH Tim Kudlinski.
The Vipers did show some offensive life, as they scored a run in three consecutive innings. IF Brandon Williams scored on a passed ball, EH Jose Diaz hit an RBI single and OF Anier Ricardo hit an RBI double to make it 7-3.
The Sailfish pulled away for good with a five-run top of the fourth inning. LF Bailey Crump hit a two-run RBI triple, Kudlinski scored on a wild pitch, hit an RBI double and SS Payne Rodgers hit an RBI single to make it 12-3.
Sailfish pitchers held up as well, as Andrew Riedell went 4.0 innings, allowed seven hits, three runs (one earned) and struck out five batters. Gavin Melians went 2.0 innings, allowing no hits or runs, walked a batter and struck out a batter.
The Sailfish scored two more runs in the top of the sixth inning as CF Jacob Farrell hit a two-run RBI single. The offensive star for the Sailfish was Stoken, who finished the night going 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
The Vipers pitchers ended up walking a total of 13 batters. As for the standings, the Sailfish are tied for third with the Navigators (each are 10-10). The Vipers (8-11-1) are on the outside looking in, as they are in last place headed into the final week of the CLPB regular season.
Wave defeat Loggerheads 5-3 in an important late-season Matchup: July 22, By Jordan Wolff
With kicking off the final week of the CLPB regular season, you’d expect the first and second place teams to bring the intensity and passion to each game. They did, as the Wave (12-8) defeated the Loggerheads (11-9-1) 5-3 on Monday.
The Wave started it off in the top of the first inning, as CLPB RBI leader (19) Jack Keiser continued his impressive situational hitting by getting an RBI single to put his team up 1-0.
In the top of the third inning, the Wave went up 3-0 as 1B Jonathan Fernandez hit into a fielder’s choice and SS Troy Hamilton scored on a passed ball.
The Loggerheads offense were held down until the bottom of the fourth inning, as DH Bruno Ghisellini scored on a bases-loaded HBP and SS Kam Kilchrist hit a sacrifice fly.
That’s all the offense the Loggerheads saw for a while, as Wave reliever Josh Greggs brought his A game. Greggs went 4.1 innings, allowed two hits, no runs, three walks and struck out five batters.
The game’s most critical moment came into the top of the eighth inning. The Loggerheads decided to take no chances, and put CLPB strikeout leader (39) Tim Bouchard into pitch.
The Wave got a couple runners aboard with a walk and HBP, and 3B Charlie Varriano made Bouchard pay by hitting the go-ahead two-run RBI single to put the Wave up 5-2.
The Loggerheads Stephan Perez hit an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning, but it wasn’t enough to capture the victory. Once again, the Wave hold the first place spot in the CLPB standings.
This week will be a little different, as eight players have been selected to take part in the CLPB Pro-Day/All-Star game. Those players will be in action Tuesday night at 5 p.m. at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
As for CLPB regular season action, the last day (before playoffs) will be on Thursday, July 25. The Wave will take on the fifth place (9-12-1) Palm Beach Snowbirds (2 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS). The Loggerheads will take on the fourth place (10-10) South Florida Sailfish (5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS).
Players picked to be in Pro-day/All-Star game (from this game)
Wave:
Matt Ellmyer RHP
Johnny Czelawski RHP
Ryan Lashley RHP
Nick Green C
Troy Hamilton INF
Jack Keiser OF
Drew Kendall OF
Jordan Zilka C
Loggerheads:
Dawson Young RHP
Connor Gleeson RHP
Noah Christopher RHP
Spencer Oliver RHP
Tim Bouchard INF/RHP
Carter Huffman OF
Lucas McCain OF
Kam Kilchrist MIF
Stephan Perez C
Sailfish Clinch Playoff berth in Wild Victory over the Navigators: July 24, By Jordan Wolff
With the stakes being high, both teams brought the offense you could want and then some. It was the Sailfish (11-10), who came out on top 16-11 over the Navigators (10-11). With the win, the Sailfish officially clinch a playoff berth (potential third seed) for the CLPB playoffs.
The Sailfish didn’t get there so easily, as they had to battle throughout the entire contest. The Sailfish got the offense rolling in the top of the second inning, as (EH) Michael Dupont, (LF) Christian Irizary, and (DH) Tim Kudlinski each hit RBI singles. 2B Payne Rodgers hit a sacrifice fly to put the Sailfish up 4-0.
The Navigators started a pattern we’d continue to see throughout the game, as they battled back in the bottom of the second inning. (EH) Casey Asman, (C) Austin Palacios, and (SS) Edgar Perez each contributed RBI singles to take a 7-4 lead.
The Navigators continued the momentum in the bottom of the fifth inning, as IF Ricky Del Rio hit an RBI double and Palacios hit an RBI single to put the their team up 11-4.
Palacios finished the day going 2-2, with two RBIs, a run scored and a walk.
Being this late in the season and their backs against the wall, did the Sailfish give up? Nope, as they scored 12 runs in the top of the seventh inning to go up 16-11. The game ended there, due to a power outage at the field.
Despite being outhit 11-8, the Sailfish took advantage of six Navigators errors as opposed to its one. Navigators pitchers combined to walk 11 batters as well.
The offensive catalysts for the Sailfish were Kudlinski, who finished the day going 3-4 with two runs scored, two RBI’s, a walk and a strikeout. Irizary, who finished the day going 2-3, with two runs scored, an RBI, a walk and a strikeout.
All six teams will be in action for the final day of the CLPB regular season on Thursday, July 25. The Navigators, Vipers and Snowbirds will all be vying for the last playoff bid.
Matchups:
(Jupiter Wave (H) vs. Palm Beach Snowbirds (A)) 2:00 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS
(Juno Beach Loggerheads (H) vs. South Florida Sailfish (A)) 5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman HS
(Florida Vipers (H) vs. Palm Beach Navigators (A)) 5:30 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens HS
Navigators defeat Wave 6-3 in game one of CLPB PLayoff series: July 29, BY JORDAN WOLFF
The CLPB’s first-year Palm Beach Navigators got to experience playoff baseball. They had a tough task ahead of them, as they faced the #1 seed Jupiter Wave.
Even with the game on Sunday being called due to weather, they overcame it on Monday as they defeated the Wave 6-3.
The Wave showed their playoff comfort by getting the offense going, as EH Jordan Zilka hit a two-run RBI single to put his team up 2-0. The Wave made it 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning, on a sac fly by 3B Kirkland Festa.
The Navigators found life in the top of the third inning, as IF Peter Moforis hit a two-run RBI single to make it a 3-2 game. Pitching took over this game for a while, as Wave reliever Matthew Kavanaugh went 3.0 innings, allowed five hits, one earned run and struck out five batters.
The one earned run was very important, as IF Casey Asman hit an RBI single to make it a 3-3 game. In a turn of events you don’t normally expect, thunder and lightning caused this game to resume action on Monday, July 29.
The Navigators turned to its newest acquisition P Tyler Langmore. Langmore stepped up and went 3.0 innings, allowed no hits, no runs, two walks and struck out four batters.
The drama turned up a notch in the top of the ninth inning, as the Navigators loaded the bases with three walks and a hit batter. The Navigators delivered, as they scored three runs on a walk, wild pitch and sac-fly by OF Alek Sierra.
Langmore sealed the deal in the bottom half, with striking out two batters. The Navigators were now one win away from reaching the CLPB Championship, but did things change in game two?
Navigators defeat Wave in wild offensive affair, to reach first ever CLPB CHampionship: July 29, By Jordan Wolff
The Navigators knew people believed they couldn’t beat the one seed twice, but they proved them wrong by defeating the Wave 17-10 on Monday. It’s an incredible story for the first-year CLPB team, as they advance to its first CLPB championship as a #4 seed.
If you prefer offense, this game ended up combining for 27 runs and 29 hits. This time, it was the Navigators who got the scoring going.
RF Miles Watson hit an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning to put his team up 1-0. The Wave started a pattern seen all game long and responded in the top of the third inning to go up 2-1.
The bottom of the third inning saw things really heat up, as the Navigators scored six runs to go up 7-2. This included an RBI single from 3B Chris Vervoordt, an RBI double from C Isiah Mirabel, and a two-run RBI triple from 1B Casey Asman.
The Wave made things interesting in the top of the fourth inning, as they scored three runs to make it a 7-5 game. OF Drew Kendal hit a three-run inside-the-park home run.
The Navigators offense continued to put the foot on the gas, as they retaliated with a four-run bottom half to go up 11-5. This included a two-run RBI single from IF Ricky Del-Rio and a regular two-run home-run from OF Harry Vargas. That turned out to be the first over the wall home-run by a CLPB player this season (at Rodger Dean-Cardinals Complex).
The Wave kept battling, as they scored three runs to make it an 11-8 game. This included a two-run RBI double from IF Charlie Varriano and an RBI single from Kendal.
The Navigators bats proved to be too much and pulled away for good in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings. The big hits included a two-run home-run by IF Tyler Hall and a two-run RBI double by LF Alek Sierra.
Despite having nine-runs, Navigators P Daniel Iglesias Jr. held the Wave offense down as he went 4.0 innings, allowed six hits, two runs, one walk and struck out one batter.
The Wave shouldn’t hang their heads, as they finish the season with a 13-10 record and had OF Jack Keiser finish the season with a league-leading 19 RBI’s.
The Navigators will be eager to play some championship baseball, as the play Wednesday night against the (13-9-1) Juno Beach Loggerheads (5 p.m. Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches).
Navigators defeat Loggerheads to capture CLPB Championship: July 31, Jordan Wolff
The stage was set as both the Loggerheads and Navigators got to play in the Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches for the CLPB championship. Did the game itself deliver? Yes, as the Navigators defeated the Loggerheads 6-5 in a wild contest.
The Navigators had a tough task ahead of them, as they had to face the CLPB’s strikeout leader (45) Tim Bouchard. They got to him early, as an RBI triple from IF Casey Asman and scoring on two passed balls made it a 4-0 lead.
The Loggerheads started a pattern we’d see the entire game, as they bounced back with a three-run bottom of the third inning. CLPB home-run leader (5) and OF Carter Huffman contributed with an RBI double, while the other two runs came on a groundout and error.
The Loggerheads tacked runs in each the fourth and fifth innings to make it a 5-4 game. Both runs came on an error and a sac-fly by RF Brad Levinson.
Both teams pitching were able to take over for a while, as the Loggerheads Connor Gleeson went 5.0 innings, striking out nine batters, and allowing two walks. Asman and Daniel Iglesias Jr. combined to 4.0 innings, allowing no runs, two hits, one walk and striking out three batters.
Gleeson did allow two runs, which turned out to be the most important of the game. Navigators IF Tyler Hall had a 1-2 count on him, and delivered with a home-run in his second consecutive game to make it a 6-5 Navigators lead.
Another turning point was the Loggerheads bottom of the eighth inning. OF Britton Elmore came up to the plate with two runners on, and hit a fly-ball for a possible sac-fly. However, C Dylan Symonds left the base early, and was picked off to end the inning.
The bottom of the ninth saw Navigators P Anthony Iglesias deliver a 1-2-3 inning to seal the championship for his team. Each team finished with three errors and seven hits.
The Navigators end the season with a 13-11 overall record and 3-0 playoff record. As for next season, will the Navigators go back-to-back or will another CLPB team step-up and take it?