14U Ruffnecks 2010

The 14U Ruffnecks have begun a twelve day road trip that takes them to the 14U Perfect Game World Wood Bat Championships at East Cobb, Georgia, and then on to the Midwest Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This is the second year in a row that the program has sent our  14U team on a major road trip in June.  The team will also attend the CABA World Series in Nashville, Tennessee later in July.  The trip is certain to challenge Coach Novio’s 14U squad as they will run into some of the finest young teams in the country.

14s Split First Two Games

The first two games of the trip have been Pool Play contests at the 14U WWBA Championships in Georgia.  In the opener, the Ruffnecks could not hold onto a 6-4 lead against the East Cobb Longhorns, and dropped an 8-6 decision.  Kevin Cuneo pitched well enough to give the Ruffnecks a chance to win, but a late rally by the Longhorns decided the contest.  In the second game the Ruffnecks faced a strong Team Rawlings squad from Marietta, GA and came a way with a 4-3 decision.  Jack Porter and Mike Courtney combined to pitch the win.  The team faces a busy schedule in Georgia through Sunday, June 27th before they fly to Indianapolis for a non-tournament game on Tuesday and the start of the Midwest Championship Tournament July 1 -4.

13s Play Well at Cape Wood Bat Tourney

Derek Grubis came within one out of a no hitter in the first game 8-0 victory at the Cape Cod Wood Bat Tournament the weekend of June 19-20 and set the tone for a strong showing by an improved 13U Ruffnecks sqaud.  The team won their first two games while giving up only one run.  Noah Levine led the team in hitting all weekend.  Emmit Rojo turned in an outstanding performance on the mound in the team’s second game, a 3-1 victory.  A sloppy Game 3 cost the Ruffnecks a chance at the championship, but the team rebounded with a convincing 6-1 victory behind a gritty 6-inning outing by Matt Wesoloski in their fourth and final game of the tournament.  John Simourian and Connor Green continue to provide solid catching and timely hitting.  The 13U Ruffnecks look ahead to the Connecticut Bombers Invitaitional July Fourth Weekend followed by the ITZ Thunder Tournament and the CABA World Series in Westfield, Indiana at the end of July.

14U Ruffnecks 2010

The 14U Ruffnecks marched to the championship game of the Perfect Game Northeast Classic over Memorial Day Weekend in Bristol, CT.  Their performance was marked by a perfect 4-0 record in pool play behind a combination of strong starting pitching and a powerful and timely offense.  Will O’Sullivan got the Ruffnecks off to a good start pitching a complete game 3-2 victory in the opening game against a strong Scorpions opponent.  That win was followed by a convincing 12-6 win over regional rival the South Troy Dodgers.  Tommy Farrow belted a huge 3-run home run to break open the game.  Kevin Cuneo turned in a strong pitching start and also contributed mightily to the offense.  After a 7-6 win in their third pool play game clinched a playoff spot, the Ruffnecks finished the preliminary round in comeback fashion against a talented Bergen Beach squad from New York City.  Down 5-0, the Ruffnecks opened up their offense behind a grand slam from O’Sullivan and extra base hits from Cuneo, Ben Johnston, and Justin Nicklas on their way to a 12-9 victory.  Will Gregg contributed several outstanding innings on the mound after starter Matt Dresens was forced to leave the game after being struck by a line drive.

The team’s pool play performance earned them a trip to the playoff round where they handily won their semi-final game 7-2 behind a strong pitching performance from Mike Courtney, who has been rock solid all year.  Unfortunately, the squad could not muster enough to close out the tournament with a championship game win, but the 5-1 weekend was a solid performance as the summer tournament schedule is now officially under way!

In 13U action, the Ruffnecks did not enjoy as much success despite playing quite well.  Their 1-3 record in the tournament was marked by tough, competitive contests in which the Ruffnecks held the lead in all of their games, several times with a great opportunity to put away their opponents.  Losses on Saturday to two of the strongest teams in the tournament did not dampen spirits or determination.  On Sunday, the team split their two games and finished third in their pool by virtue of tie-breakers and head-to-head competition.  The 13U team is definitely improving, and looks forward to more tournament play in order to make additional strides.