Monday, September 20, 2010

Rally Time at Ford Field...Greenville Oaks Comes Back to Stay Undefeated

A lively crowd of 3 people(including my beagle Paisley) descended upon the Ford field 2 bleachers on Monday night to watch one of the hottest teams going in Church League Softball. Greenville Oaks didn't disappoint. In fact, Greenville Oaks had to come back from an 8 - 0 deficit against Cottonwood Creek in order to obtain the victory and preserve their undefeated record. Greenville posted an 11 run third inning to get back in the game, and they never relinquished the lead after that inning. The 14 - 11 victory pushes Greenville Oaks to 4 - 0 at the season's halfway point. The magic number is now 2 for the Greenville Oaks team to clinch a playoff spot.

The game's MVP was awarded to Dustin Swart who not only had one of his token 3 RBI triples, but he also flashed some leather on defense making one play after another at third base. In the later inning, every time a Cottonwood Creek hit a ball near third base on the ground, the hitters just went ahead and walked back to their dugout with their head down in disgrace.

Greenville wasn't without their obstacles on the night as they had to fight through a number of injuries. Jimmy Campbell was a defensive liability all night at shortstop due to a tough hamstring injury. Ben Patterson had to come out with an injury after legging out a ground ball, which ended up being one of the better plays of the game. Without him hustling down the line, it would have cost the team two important insurance runs. Unfortunately, it also cost Ben a hamstring.

Luckily Bryon Adams was able to pinch run, and he would later score on a bases loaded walk by Jimmy Campbell. Campbell and Bryan Brokaw led the team in walks with each having two on the night.

The story of the night was the Greenville third inning. Greenville batted around and then some in the inning, and they ended up scoring 11 runs. Everyone had a hit or a walk. Even if they got an out I am going to award them with a hit. It proved to be an important inning as the team only scored 3 more runs on the night.

GM Michael Shivers and Assistant GM Clay Platt also will receive kudos for their work in bringing Austin and Colin to the squad. They were able to bring in both free agents just before the midseason trade deadline. Their additions join Jake Wheeley as as players who have joined in the middle of the season in order to help Greenville push for the playoffs.

Greenville's storybook season continues next Monday night as they will take on FBC Allen at 8:30.

Monday, September 13, 2010

FBC Allen No Match for Greenville Oaks Offense

I apologize for the brief nature of this post, but my laptop is temporarily disabled and I am typing on my phone. Basically what happened was we won 23 - 10. It was awesome.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

"Battle of the Oaks" Falls Greenville's Way...Finally

With a rivalry that is quickly becoming as heated as Cowboys vs. Redskins, Greenville Oaks and Chase Oaks squared off on Monday evening, and this time Greenville Oaks put one in the win column beating Chase Oaks with a 13 - 12 final score. It took some grit to get it done, however, as Greenville will undoubtably be looking forward to their off week next Monday night.

Greenville once again fell behind in the early innings, as Chase Oaks took an early 6 to 0 lead, but just like last week, the Greenville bats got hot and helped the team storm all the way to an 11 - 7 lead after 5. Things then got a little tricky for the home team, as Chase Oaks fought back in the top of the sixth to score five runs and take a one run lead. Greenville would have the final say though as Dustin Swart led off the inning with one of the biggest triples in the history of the franchise. Swart ripped one down the left field line that made it all the way to the fence, and he finished it off with a spectacular slide into third base. Swart would be driven in later in the inning as Clay Platt and Matt Wacaster reached to give Greenville runners on second and third and one out. Rookie Jonathan Garner took care of the walk off win as he hit a towering, majestic sac fly into shallow right field to score Platt.

The win marked the first win for Greenville against Chase Oaks in three tries. Chase Oaks leads the overall series 3 to 2.

Some people ask me, "Bryan, how great it must be to be able to watch such a great team week in and week out. I wish I could come out and watch, but I just can't seem to make it." Usually, I say, "Bummer, I sure wish you could come out and see how good we look." Well tonight, I have a better idea. How about I bring the game to you. Below is a look at how Monday night's game looked through the lens of the beautiful and talented Tara Edwards.

Clay Platt warms up with Bryan Brokaw and Jimmy Cambell before the game.
Pitcher Shane Spencer finally wins a pregame toss to determine Greenville as the home team.
Spencer throws the first pitch.
Ben Patterson catches the first pitch.
General Manager Michael Shivers sets up to hit a deep drive to left field.
This is where Shivers sits after his deep drive is caught and he is the second out of the inning.
Shane Spencer also out.
Matt Wacaster sets up for a stolen base.
Brian Edwards takes over for Patterson who was injured legging out single.
Triple Machine playing third base ironically.
Platt waits at third base to see if he will get to score the winning run.
Bryon Adams gets ready to hit. He may have missed this pitch.
All Star.
Swart is out of breath after his game changing triple.
Swart scores and the game is tied. Platt would later score the game winner on the Garner Sac Fly.
This is how we all felt about Spencer until he blew the lead in the sixth.
 It was a great Monday night. Greenville will get back on the field on Monday, September 13th at 9:30 against FBC Carpenter. Until the 13th, so long everybody.