News and Announcements
Reports continue to pour in from the Nationals' farm system. Prospects and suspects alike are drawing the attention of upper management as they continue their efforts to fine tune today's squad for a title run.
Atop the list is 8 year old Alex Elliott. Though a bit undersized at 69 pounds, the youngster has displayed the even temperment, patience, and timely stick of a seasoned pro or even a few Nationals. Currently assigned to the 8-10 year old American League at Wilson Park, Milwaukee, Elliott continues to excel.
In the past two games alone Elliott has gone 4-5 with 4 walks, a double, and a grand slam. In addition, he's pitched two innings, striking out 5. Said one scout recently, "Unlike current Nationals ace, Johnny Arnold, who pitches for the strikeouts, this youngster pitches to win."
Scouts are quick to note that the youngster has a ways to go before donning the Nationals navy and maroon. "I don't think they have any pants or a hat that would fit him at this time." said one of the team's national cross-checkers.
The team projects the youngster to be at the Langsdorf level by 2012.
Atop the list is 8 year old Alex Elliott. Though a bit undersized at 69 pounds, the youngster has displayed the even temperment, patience, and timely stick of a seasoned pro or even a few Nationals. Currently assigned to the 8-10 year old American League at Wilson Park, Milwaukee, Elliott continues to excel.
In the past two games alone Elliott has gone 4-5 with 4 walks, a double, and a grand slam. In addition, he's pitched two innings, striking out 5. Said one scout recently, "Unlike current Nationals ace, Johnny Arnold, who pitches for the strikeouts, this youngster pitches to win."
Scouts are quick to note that the youngster has a ways to go before donning the Nationals navy and maroon. "I don't think they have any pants or a hat that would fit him at this time." said one of the team's national cross-checkers.
The team projects the youngster to be at the Langsdorf level by 2012.
Battle of West Allis goes to Nationals
Posted by Steve Elliott at Jun 20, 2005 5:00PM PDT
( 0 Comments
)
A new chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the White Sox and Nationals was written Tuesday night at Zirkel Field in McCarty Park. Fielding a veteran-laden lineup, the Nationals defeated the young and improved White Sox by a score of 6-0.
Gray in attitude, but red in complexion, starting pitcher Johnny Arnold led the way. Arnold, pitching on two days rest in case you hadn't yet heard, dominated the Sox with eight shutout innings. Brandon Kellbach pitched the ninth and struck out the side.
With that kind of mound performance, little offense was needed. Tom Donovan contributed his customary 2 RBI's and a resurgent Alex Franson added a couple of knocks.
Joining the lineup for the first time was veteran West Allis ballplayer, Ken Poniewaz. Poniewaz showed polish at shortstop and a right-handed power stroke unlike many others.
Next up are the Kenosha Kings Friday night at Zirkel Fields. The teams will play 2 7 inning games beginning at 6PM after having had their previous meeting postponed due to rain.
Gray in attitude, but red in complexion, starting pitcher Johnny Arnold led the way. Arnold, pitching on two days rest in case you hadn't yet heard, dominated the Sox with eight shutout innings. Brandon Kellbach pitched the ninth and struck out the side.
With that kind of mound performance, little offense was needed. Tom Donovan contributed his customary 2 RBI's and a resurgent Alex Franson added a couple of knocks.
Joining the lineup for the first time was veteran West Allis ballplayer, Ken Poniewaz. Poniewaz showed polish at shortstop and a right-handed power stroke unlike many others.
Next up are the Kenosha Kings Friday night at Zirkel Fields. The teams will play 2 7 inning games beginning at 6PM after having had their previous meeting postponed due to rain.
Split with Milwaukee Angels Leaves Sour Taste
Posted by Steve Elliott at Jun 17, 2005 5:00PM PDT
( 0 Comments
)
Aaron Field was the setting for a battle of Langsdorf rivals Saturday. The sky was clear, the field was freshly mowed, and the diamond was just that - the hardest organic substance produced by nature. Numerous hops bounded in unpredictable manners, adding an element of surprise to each play. Fortunately, nary a bicuspid or incisor was forfeited, pleasing all parents who'd invested in orthodontic work for their boys.
Early on, it appeared the Nats would be in for a long day. Despite the fact the Angels were fatigued from a victory over Sheboygan the previous night, they mustered enough contact in the first inning of game one to take a 4-0 lead. Starter Jimmy Jungbauer was the victim of several strange hops, bloop hits, and defensive miscues in the inning.
Those four runs, though, would account for most of the Angels offense. Jungbauer pounded the umpire's creative interpretation of the strike zone and held the Angels at bay, allowing the Nationals to chip their way back in the game. This was followed by a strong relief effort by Kellen Haynes (2 innings) paving the way for a sixth inning, game winning tally.
Defensive replacement, Brian Gibson, stepped to the plate for the first time and worked the count full before lining a ball to the gap in left center field. A tough play, Angels CF, Aaron Soto, dove and attempted to backhand the ball. Attempted is the key word here. The ball got by Soto and before it was retrieved the lead run had scored and Gibson was on third. Brandon Kellbach, making his first appearance of the year, pitched the seventh for Nats and earned the save.
Game two was also a tightly contested affair. The Angels took 2-0 and 3-1 leads before the Nats exploded for 4 runs to take a 5-3 lead going to the sixth inning. This game, though, would see the Angels generating a sixth inning, game winning rally. With the help of some well hit balls, an untimely error, a strange hop, and a phantom safe call on a force play at second base, the Angels tallied 4 runs to take a 7-5 lead to the seventh.
The Nats did not go down without a fight. Alex Franson led off the inning with a single through the hole at short. After working the count full, Adam Kaufman then hit a similar ball. Similar hit, but far different result. Angels middle infielders Jason Rutz and Andy Gehrhartz turned a 6-4-3 double play. This play loomed even larger when the Nationals next hitter, Jesse Hart, launched a homer to left field. Alas, this made the score only 7-6 and this proved to be the final score when Tom Donovan's lazy fly to center ended the contest.
Next up for the Nats are the ever-improving West Allis White Sox. The two teams square off on Tuesday night at Zirkel Field at 7PM.
Early on, it appeared the Nats would be in for a long day. Despite the fact the Angels were fatigued from a victory over Sheboygan the previous night, they mustered enough contact in the first inning of game one to take a 4-0 lead. Starter Jimmy Jungbauer was the victim of several strange hops, bloop hits, and defensive miscues in the inning.
Those four runs, though, would account for most of the Angels offense. Jungbauer pounded the umpire's creative interpretation of the strike zone and held the Angels at bay, allowing the Nationals to chip their way back in the game. This was followed by a strong relief effort by Kellen Haynes (2 innings) paving the way for a sixth inning, game winning tally.
Defensive replacement, Brian Gibson, stepped to the plate for the first time and worked the count full before lining a ball to the gap in left center field. A tough play, Angels CF, Aaron Soto, dove and attempted to backhand the ball. Attempted is the key word here. The ball got by Soto and before it was retrieved the lead run had scored and Gibson was on third. Brandon Kellbach, making his first appearance of the year, pitched the seventh for Nats and earned the save.
Game two was also a tightly contested affair. The Angels took 2-0 and 3-1 leads before the Nats exploded for 4 runs to take a 5-3 lead going to the sixth inning. This game, though, would see the Angels generating a sixth inning, game winning rally. With the help of some well hit balls, an untimely error, a strange hop, and a phantom safe call on a force play at second base, the Angels tallied 4 runs to take a 7-5 lead to the seventh.
The Nats did not go down without a fight. Alex Franson led off the inning with a single through the hole at short. After working the count full, Adam Kaufman then hit a similar ball. Similar hit, but far different result. Angels middle infielders Jason Rutz and Andy Gehrhartz turned a 6-4-3 double play. This play loomed even larger when the Nationals next hitter, Jesse Hart, launched a homer to left field. Alas, this made the score only 7-6 and this proved to be the final score when Tom Donovan's lazy fly to center ended the contest.
Next up for the Nats are the ever-improving West Allis White Sox. The two teams square off on Tuesday night at Zirkel Field at 7PM.
Racine Wins with 10th inning Rally
Posted by Steve Elliott at Jun 14, 2005 5:00PM PDT
( 0 Comments
)
Phil Gnacinski's strong effort on the mound was not enough as the Kiwanis improved to 4-0.
