July 14th, 2013 -

July 14th, 2013

7/14/2013

Scott

9/13/2013 02:29:23 pm

Made it safely to Colorado Springs after a very long day! that Brisbane to LA leg seemed to take forever. Had a quick stop at Dicks sports store tonight for urgent supplies, had dinner in the mall then off to the hotel. It's quite warm down here tonight. All the boys are in bed and looking forward to our practice games tomorrow. Cant wait to play on Security Service Field in the morning.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:30:11 pm

Our first full day is over. We had a few players who couldn't get out of bed this morning or slept through the alarm but everyone managed to get on the bus in time. First stop, Security Service Field for our game against the Indians. Our bats were firing straight away and we jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning thanks to doubles by Kodey and Tyler. Luke was handed the ball as our starting pitcher and went straight to work retiring the Indians without score. The second inning Luke had a little trouble and the Indians hitters came out the blocks and tied the game at 2. The third was much the same with Kodey coming on to pitch and the Indians scored a few more to lead 5-2. They looked pretty solid both in defence and offense but our guys found another gear in the 4th as we plated 6... runs in our half and took a one run lead into the bottom of the 4th, another double each to Kodey and Tyler. Kodey walked a couple in the bottom half before Matt W came in to steady the ship. At the end of 4 we led 8-7. The fifth inning was scoreless and Matt handed the ball to Daniel to close the game down. Dolphins ended up winning 8-7 and a great start to the basebal tourl. We made some fantastic plays in the field and considering this is the first game we have played as a complete team, We looked very sharp. After our photo session on the AAA field, we headed to lunch. With a buffet for under $9 you can't go wrong and the chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries was a big hit!!! After lunch we went to the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings before heading to the field for our game against the Hitmen. Unfortunately, the rain came and we were washed out but they have agreed to play us tomorrow night if its fine. Back to the hotel to freshen up then out to dinner with the Hitmen team for all you can eat pizza. Back to the hotel for some sleep before we head out tomorrow.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:30:59 pm

Day 2 is over. After breakfast we headed down to the Garden of the Gods and what a sight. The rock formations are truly amazing and the photos won't do them justice. Next place was the Olympic Training Centre. The yearly budget for this place is 190 million dollars so it’s no wonder we can't beat the US team at the Olympics. Next was lunch and shopping at the Castle Rock outlet stores before we headed out to the ball park for our game against the Hitmen. Like yesterday, we came out firing with 2 quick runs in the first thanks to a triple by Kodey. Matt R was given the ball, he threw it quite well and at the end of the first, we had a 2-1 lead. The second inning started the same, we put on 3 more runs with a double to Abraham, Kodey and Luke. Matt kept the Hitmen scoreless in the second an...d we headed into the third inning with a 5-1 lead. Tyson took over on the mound in the third and threw the ball very well over the full distance and after 3 we were still leading 6-2. We put another 2 runs on the board in the forth as everyone is heating up now, Tyler threw the fourth and got into a little trouble so Kody relived him and got us out of the jam with only 2 runs scoring. After 4 we were up 8-4. We batted through the line up in the fifth and Kody got into some trouble in the bottom half but we still had a lead 12-7 with one to go. We were unable to plate anymore runs in our half of the sixth and took a 5 run lead into the bottom. Brandon wanted to pitch, so we gave him the ball and he struck out the first hitter and looked very good on the mound (for a catcher) he had no problem getting 2 strikes on the batters but couldn’t seem to get the third strike and after a few walks was replaced by Matt W. Another walk then a bloop single scored 2 more runs and we finally got the last out of the game with the score 12-12. A disappointing result as I feel we were a lot better than them today but at least it wasn’t a loss. A few photos after the game then back to the hotel for a shower and dinner down stairs. A big thanks to miss Em and Pip for doing the laundry. Ready to pack our bags and head to Denver tomorrow morning to check into the tournament and get ready for the opening ceremony tomorrow night.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:31:42 pm

Day 3, After breakfast, we did our final packing and checked out of the hotel and said goodbye to Colorado Springs. Next stop Denver! We stopped on the way to yet another Dicks Sports store for some more shopping before checking into the tournament. The Diamond Club indoor training centre is a fantastic complex. After we checked in, we went for yet another buffet lunch. After the coaches meeting we took some last minute batting practice in the indoor facility and we are ready to start the tournament tomorrow. Then it was off to the opening ceremony where Kodey ended up winning the round the horn skill challenge with a 13.0 second time. Awesome effort mate Off to check into our new hotel in Cherry Creek have dinner and get ready to start the tournament in the morning. Double header to start us off. Lets see what happens. We have also managed to pick up 2 extra games so we will now play 11 in total.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:33:35 pm

Day 4 and off to the ball park. Luke was handed the ball for our first game against the Astros. We played some sloppy defence in this game and gave the Astros 3 unearned runs in the first. We looked very flat all game although Luke was electric through 4 innings on the mound with 12 strikeouts in 80 pitches. An outstanding job. The only offense we could manage was a double to Tyler and a monster solo home run from Matt W. This game ended up a blow out 17-1. Luke, Tyson, Daniel and Kody all pitched well, we just need to make the plays behind them. I don’t think the Astros were better than us. We just need to play baseball.
15 minutes for lunch and we were back on the field for the second game of the double header. Matt W got the ball and this game started the same way the last game did, err...ors cost us and the Drillers jumped out to an early 4 run lead. We managed to get 2 back in the bottom of the first. We had 3 base running mistakes where we got picked off at first base which ended up costing us the game. We looked a little better in the field but still nowhere near our best. Our second home run of the tournament came in the fourth via a moon shot to Kodey and at the end of 4, we trailed 8-4. Tyson was effective in relief of Matt and in the top of the fifth with runners on first and second and nobody out, we turned a triple play to shut down the Drillers offense. Last chance for us with the bats and we came out hard scoring 3 runs and loading the bases with the winning run on second and the tying run on third but came up short with the final score 8-7. This is a game we should of won. Bad base running cost us here. Back to the hotel for a swim and relax before dinner. Tomorrow a tour of Coors field before another double header.

Glen

9/13/2013 02:34:37 pm

We popped into Furr's for a spot of lunch Sunday and 2 people serving on the cafeteria line remembered us from last year!!! So many people at the World Series saying what great memories they have of last year, and how excited they were to hear we were returning in 2013. It seems the 2012 team made quite the impression. I'm sure this time next year there will be even more people awaiting our return. Who's coming with me???

Scott

9/13/2013 02:35:03 pm

Day 5 started with a tour of Coors Field. We started up the top with our tour guide Jack giving us a history lesson on the Rockies and stadium all the way down to the field where we sat in the dugout and phoned the bullpen. A few team photos with the scoreboard in the back drop and we moved to the shop for 20% off all Rockies gear. Back on the bus and off to the field for another double header. Matt R got the ball for game one against the Royales from St Louis. Again, we were very sloppy in the field and a few to many walks put us behind the eight ball again and we were playing catch up...................... again. The Royales plated 5 in the opening inning while we came back with 2 of our own thanks to a triple by Luke. Unfortunately, that is the only good offense we had and this game was... over in 3 innings due to the 12run mercy rule. Final score was 16-2. After a quick Subway lunch we were ready for game 2. Kodey was handed the ball against the Pirates and things started bad for us straight off the bat. The Pirates put on 7 runs in the first inning and we were back in that familiar role of chasing them down. This team was solid and only issued a couple of scattered hits. Final score 8-0. Back to the hotel for a shower and its off to Hooters for dinner. We had a great night with lots of laughs and a few souvenirs then it was back to the hotel for some rest. Tomorrow is a rest day as all teams will now be seeded and ranked based on performance. We head up to Estes Park tomorrow to see the Rocky Mountains before heading to Coors field for the Rockies V Marlins game where we will be on the field for the pre game!

Scott

9/13/2013 02:35:46 pm

Day 6, No baseball!!! After breakfast we boarded the bus for Estes Park. First stop was to the Stanley Hotel. some of you might be thinking why does that sound familiar to me? That was the hotel Stephen King was staying at when he wrote the Shining. We had a look around and tried to open some of the bedroom doors (room 217) but they were all locked. Didn't see any ghosts but it was still a lot of fun. Next we headed up the Rocky Mountains, a few stops along the way for gorgeous photo opportunities and we finally made it to the top. 11780 feet above sea level. At the bottom of the mountain it was a lovely hot day of around 38 degrees but up the top it dropped to around 20. The rain came briefly while we were up the top and there was actually snow falling in the middle of summer! back down the mountain for a quick lunch then off to Coors for the Rockies game. While the parents were inside the stadium watching the teams take BP, the team was waiting outside for our chance to get on the field. We walked around the warning track as the Rockies fans started shouting go Aussie and high fiving the boys as we walked around the field. Then it was up to our seats to watch the Rockies beat the Marlins in another full day of activities. Tomorrow we play our first seeded game at 12.00. Luke will get the ball and hopefully our attitude is a lot better for this round.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:37:02 pm

Day 7, After breakfast we jumped on the bus to head to the field for our game today. Not sure who we would play as it depended on other results. The Colorado Cubs were there so we got ready to go. We hit in the top of the first and jumped out to an early 3 run lead courtesy of back to back home runs by Matt W, a 2 run home run (his second for the tournament) and Tyler a solo shot. Luke was given the ball to contain the Cubs hitters. Only giving up 2 runs in 4 innings of work, Luke was yet again outstanding on the mound. We had a big opportunity in the second with loaded bases and nobody out. Kodey hits a deep fly ball to right centre and the fielder catches it on the warning track then we get thrown out at the plate trying to score on it. I’m not naming the slowest player in the league but... it shut down our momentum and we went scoreless though the second and third inning. After three, we led 3-1. Top of the fourth and our bats exploded (finally). We put on 5 runs with a double to Abraham and a 3 run home run to Luke. (we have now hit 5 home runs in 5 games). With Luke still dominating on the mound, we took a 8-2 lead into the last inning. Daniel got the first 2 outs but after a few walks and a few hits, we couldn’t take any chances so Matt W came in to get the final out. We ended up winning 8-5 to start bracket play. We looked more like a team today and played our game just like we should have been doing all along. After the game, a buffet lunch at Furrs then on to Sportsline for some more shopping. Daniel found the best buy with a buy a bat and get one free deal. Good job champ. Back to the hotel for a swim and some down time before another 2 games tomorrow, Matt W gets the ball for the first game and Kodey will start the second game. One win out of the 2 games tomorrow will put us in a good position for the pool.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:37:51 pm

Day 8 saw us heading to the field for our morning game against the Xplosion. A win here will put us into the semi-final of the Diamond bracket. We were the visitors and we came out of the blocks hard to put up 4 runs in the first inning thanks to a triple to Luke, doubles to Kodey, Matt W and Tyler. They had us playing on the big field today with the fences at 319 ft. Matt’s double would of easily went out of the U14 fields and the one Tyler hit went about 3 16 ft as it hit the fence on the full. Matt W got the ball and was outstanding on the mound. After giving up 1 run in the second, we got one back in the third and after 3 we were in front 5-1. The fourth inning was similar to the first as we just punished the Xplosion pitching tagging on another 4 runs with Tyler again hitting one off ...the left field fence, Doubles to Kodey and Luke saw us lead after 4 innings 9-2. We managed to plate another 2 runs in the last inning before Matt shut the gate with a complete game victory 11-2 in only 56 pitches. A fantastic effort and a semi-final berth this afternoon. After a quick lunch it was back to the field for our semi-final against the Swag and we did not disappoint. We came out hard scoring 3 runs in the top of the first with a double to Kodey and Tyler and a triple to Matt W. Kodey was given the ball and was dominating through the first 2 innings but ran into some trouble in the third. Tyson came in to relieve and at the end of 3 innings it was tied up at 3 all. We weren’t able to score in the fourth and some shaky pitching and a few brain explosions on defence let the Swag team put up 6 runs in the bottom half to lead 9-3. Last chance for us to secure a spot in the championship game and we started the fifth inning strong with 2 runs scoring before an out was made, 9-5 here we come but we ran out of steam with the final score 9-5. Tomorrow we will play for the bronze medal of the Diamond Bracket. After the game we took the boys to Big Time trampolines for some fun. Plenty of back flips and front flips into the foam pit before having dinner and going to bed.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:38:24 pm

Day 9 has us playing the bronze medal game at 8am so the bus left for the field at 6.15. a quick Maccas breakfast as the hotel kitchen wasn’t open yet and off to the field to take on the Storm. We were back on the big field again today and once again we jumped out to an early 4 run lead in the top of the first with back to back doubles from Matt W and Tyler who again hit the ball 318 ½ feet as it hit the padding on top of the fence. Luke had the ball and threw 2 strong innings before handing it over to Matt W who shut the Storm down in the 3rd inning. We put another 3 runs on the board in the fourth and Matt got into some trouble in the bottom half as the Storm plated 2 runs. Kody came in and put the fire out and at the end of 4 we were leading 8-2. The Storm shut us out in the top of the ...fifth and Kody struggled to find the strikes zone early in the bottle half as the storm scored 2 quick runs. A few mistakes in defence gave the Storm a sniff of victory as we couldn’t get anyone out. With the score 8-6 and runners on first and second with nobody out, Kodey was brought in to stop the bleeding and straight away went to work on getting us out of the inning. Final score was 8-6 and we had finished the Diamond bracket in 3rd place after a gutsy effort from everyone. This team has seen the highest of high and the lowest of low and they kept fighting these teams right to the end. You should all be extremely proud of the way they have conducted themselves both on and off the field. Once we received our trophys we said goodbye to our new and our old friends from Arvada and headed back to the hotel to pack before heading back to Colorado Springs for the AAA game. On the bus and it was Kangaroo Court time, but that’s enough about that! We arrived at Security Service Field and the boys were taken onto the field to run out with the Sky Sox for the national anthem. The team signed a baseball each and it was time to play ball. The Sky Sox got beaten 6-4 but still a great game. Back on the bus for a few hours sleep before we head to LA at 6am tomorrow morning.
See you all in Los Angeles.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:38:51 pm

Day 10 started very early with the bus leaving the hotel at 4.30am to head to Denver airport. We arrived safely into LA at 6.30am, collected our luggage and boarded the bus. First stop Alvera Street for the street stalls for a look and taste of Mexico. Back on the bus and off to Anaheim. We stopped of for some quick shopping in Downtown Disney before heading to the hotel to check in. A few hours of downtime then off to Bubba Gump Shrimp for dinner. Desert at the Cheesecake Factory then back to the hotel for some well earned rest.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:39:27 pm

Day 11 was another full day. After breakfast we headed out to Angel Stadium for a quick tour. This was the longest tour I have ever been a part of! The tour guide was very good, after a brief shop in the Angels store it was time to head to Disneyland. With the park hopper ticket, the boys were able to go between Disneyland and California Adventure Park all day. The boys have their instructions, they have their list of rides to go on, they have their groups to stay in and they were gone. Some came home early, and some stayed all night! I hope they have enough energy for Universal Studios tomorrow.

Scott

9/13/2013 02:40:46 pm

Day 12,another early start as we boarded the bus for Universal Studios. What an amazing place this is. We started with the back lot tour then everyone split up and spent the day on the rides and attractions. Late afternoon it was time to go to Dodger Stadium to see the Dodgers V Yankees. We got there early enough to watch the Yankees take batting practice. The game was a fantastic one to watch, (it was also televised on Foxtel back home). Another late night back at the hotel. Up early tomorrow to pack before spending the last day in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Santa Monica. We have had a great tour, the boys have all learned a lot of valuable lessons both on and off the field. Made some new friends along the way and really enjoyed themselves.

July 14th, 2013

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