USA/ASA 12U Class A National Championship
Mon, 8/4 Final Standings
Out of the 70 teams entered in the National Championship, the Baseliners finish officially in 25th Place. Not bad!
Fri, 8/1 Game 6 (Baseliners 0 Lady Cats 4)
The Baseliners 2007-2008 season came to an end this afternoon in the scorching Alabama heat against a tough Texas Lady Cats team. While it was a disappointing loss, the Baseliners finish the National Championship in the top half. Final standings will be available after Sunday. It was a really great tournament experience for the girls and the Baseliners leave Montgomery with their heads held high!
In related news, the Vienna Stars were also eliminated from the tournament having lost to a tough Texas Kaos team in a squeaker. Our cross town rivals played a great game and conclude a very successful 2007-2008 season. Congratulations Stars! See you at home and thanks for your support in Montgomery!
Fri, 8/1 Game 5 (Baseliners 9 Team Worth 2)
The Baseliners jumped to an early lead against a determined Team Worth from Tennessee on big time batting and never looked back! The Baseliners are gathering momentum for a big Friday push through the losers bracket. With the first of potentially four games behind them, the Baseliners are focused on knocking the Texas Lady Cats out at 4pm. Nearly half the teams have been eliminated from the tournament already and by the end of the day only 12 will remain.
After the game, the Baseliners and their cross town rivals, the Vienna Stars, got together for some mutual support and a photo op. The Baseliners and the Stars are the only teams representing Virginia at the National Championships and both teams are battling their way through the losers bracket and cheering for each other every step of the way. It's a fun thing to see! Go Baseliners! Go Stars! Go Virginia!
Thu, 7/31 Game 4 (Baseliners 14 Coastal Elite 6)
Determined not to be eliminated, the Baseliner offensive came alive and kept the Coastal Elite defense very busy today. Excellent Baseliner pitching kept the Coastal Elite bats in check for most of the game but the Elite hitters mounted a late game surge that had to be shutdown by the no-quit Baseliner defense.
The win advances the Baseliners to a Friday morning breakfast meeting with Team Worth from Tennessee. The Baseliners continue to battle their way through the punishing losers bracket in the oppressive Alabama heat. The Baseliners will have to win 4 games Friday to stay alive! Go Baseliners!
Wed, 7/30: Post Game
What the heck! Shake it off, let's go BOWLING! The Baseliners showered up and headed to the lanes for some FUN! Doh! Pretty cool, huh? The Baseliners are always positive :) Go Blue!
Wed, 7/30: Game 3 (Baseliners 7 Hi. Thunder 8)
After giving up several unearned runs and falling behind 7-0, the Baseliners battled back to 7-2 and then to 7-7 in the 5th inning. With the momentum shifting to the Baseliners, the Hillsboro Thunder fought hard for the go-ahead run with an inning and a half to go. Batting last, it was up to the Baseliners to complete the comeback in the bottom of the 7th but the Baseliner hitting machine ran out of hits. A tough loss but the girls played with a lot of heart.
Another lesson learned: Defensive lapses at the National level will put you in a hole really, really fast. This loss drops the Baseliners to the grueling losers bracket. Next game is Thursday at 11am against Coastal Elite from Lake Jackson, Texas. Let's go Baseliners!
Tue, 7/29: Game 2 (Baseliners 2 Sh. Fireballs 1)
The Baseliners jumped to a 2-run lead mid-game in the early evening heat and fought back a late inning surge by the relentless Sherwood Fireballs to take the win! Great pitching, solid defense, and Baseliner hitting erased yesterday's really funky start. The Baseliners begin double elimination tournament play on Wednesday against the Hillsboro Thunder from Oregon. Game time is 1pm and the forecast says it's going to be smokin' hot again!
The Baseliners are nice and relaxed now and know that they can compete at the National level. Looking forward to another solid performance tomorrow! Stay tuned!
Mon, 7/28: Game 1 (Baseliners 0 OK Force 8)
The Oklahoma Force took advantage of some truly uncharacteristic Baseliners defensive errors and jumped to an early lead. The Baseliners steadied themselves defensively but offensively left a few too many runs on base. Regardless, the Force earned the victory and the Baseliners are looking forward! Always Positive!
Next up for the Baseliners are the Sherwood Fireballs from Oregon on Tuesday. Thankfully the game is not until 6pm so it won't be SO HOT!
Sun, 7/27: Opening Ceremonies
The skies cleared and it was smokin' hot! The Opening Ceremonies got underway at about 4pm at Riverwalk Stadium followed by a fun team social.
Team Pictures at 9:00am Monday at Lagoon Park and then it's time to play ball!!
The Baseliners line up for their walk into the stadium!
The stadium scoreboard!
Fans from across the country here to see the best in the nation.
Teams gather on the infield after being introduced.
Tournament umpires along with league and government dignitaries.
Baseliners in the house!
Bubbles anyone?
Sat, 7/26: Arrival
Nearly all the Baseliners have arrived safely in rainy Montgomery, Alabama! Hopefully the rain will hold off this week! Opening Ceremonies are tomorrow at 4pm. Stay tuned ...