CARTERSVILLE BASEBALL
C
STATE
CHAMPIONS
2001
2002
2003
2008
2009
STATE
RUNNER UP
2004
REGION
CHAMPIONS
1963
1971
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1982
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1989
1993
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1998
2000
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2010
Head COACH
STUART
CHESTER
SUPERINTENDANT
Dr. HOWARD HINESLEY
PRINCIPAL
JAY FLOYD
ATHLETIC
DIRECTOR
Dr. Katherine Bradley
Congratulations To
Adam Clark, Laine Frazier, Levi Mauldin and Colton Montgomery
These four seniors have been selected to the Northwest Georgia All Star Team and will be playing at Kennesaw State on Wednesday, June 2nd and Thursday, June 3rd. Games will also be played at the Rome Braves Stadium on Saturday, June 5th and Sunday, 6th. They will be wearing their CANES uniform representing our baseball program and school. (game times are listed below)
Again, CONGRATULATIONS to Adam, Levi, Colton, and Laine. We wish you all the very best in the 2010 Top 96/Senior All Star Tournament.
Pendulum Swings Back...Columbus Wins R3 6-0, 8-5
The 2010 Cartersville return to Columbus High School brought back lots of memories to Canes fans as this R3 state playoff meeting got underway on time at 2:00 PM on 5/18/2010. What a great setting for baseball....a beautified campus and field, two highly ranked teams both with storied baseball tranditions and both with coaches that have been there and done that before. While Canes fans soaked in their surroundings pre-game, they first noticed the outfield wall with the step-up in left field containing the 9 state championship banners. Although the wall had changed a little since 2008, some Canes fans in their mind's eye could still see the Brac Barton Grand Slam over that same wall in 2008 during R3, G1. The Canes put 7 runs on the board in that 5th inning and won 7-3 behind a complete game pitching performance from the Canes starting pitcher. But that was in 2008 and this is 2010.
It was Columbus in 2010 in G1 that got the big inning. With the score 0-0, Columbus scored 5 in the 4th all with 2 out capped off by a 2-RBI HR by J T Phillips. Columbus added an unearned run in the 5th by Walker who reached on a HP then scored on an E9. It was Kyle Carter (LHP) in 2010 with the complete game on the mound for the Blue Devils who gave up just 2 hits (1B, 1B) over the firest 2 Innings then pitched a no-hit game for the final 5. Adam Clark (RHP) took the loss on the mound for the Canes giving up just 2 hits (1B, 1B) through the 3rd and two hits (1B, 1B) in the 5th and 6th but 5 hits in the 4th. As Clark worked in the 4th, he gave up a leadoff single to Weems but then got 2 quick outs with the top of the order coming up for Columbus. Canes fans thought they had a K before the Columbus hitters opened the flood gates but the HP umpire did not see it that way. All-in-all, this was a very well officiated series. Andrews (2B), Hill (2B), Carter (1B), and Phillips (HR) were responsible for the damage inflicted in the 4th. Clark pitched 5-1/3 Innings and was lifted for Kendall Hawkins (RHP) who completed the game. Columbus won G1 6-0.
G2 of this R3 DH got underway at 4:30 PM with Cartersville the home team. Will Solomon (LHP) started on the hill for Columbus and Ben Dittmer (LHP) for the Canes. Columbus took control early putting 7 runs on the board in the 1st Inning. After so many strong outings during the regular season and playoffs to this point by Dittmer, today was just not his day. After facing 11 batters, Dittmer was lifted after 2/3 Inning by Levi Mauldin (RHP). Dittmer's misfortune in 2010 brought back memories of a similar experience in 2009 when Columbus lefty Taylor Wolfe gave up 5 runs in G3 of the State Championship Series in the 1st Inning including a Grand Slam HR to Cole Payne and was lifted after 1/3 Inning. The Canes went on to win that game 10-7 and with it the 2009 AAA State Championship. Wolfe surely understands how quickly things can turn south in the game of baseball and can relate to how Dittmer must've felt in this situation. That's baseball. The Canes scored 2 in the 2nd on a 2-out, 2-RBI hit by Trey Dickson that scored Cory Collum and Conor Justus. With the score 7-2 Columbus and with a leadoff BB by Wilson, a solid hit by Croft was wasted when a Canes pinch runner for Wilson got forced at 2B on a rifle shot from LF for the first out of the inning. With Croft on base, Montgomery reached on an E6 then Cory Collum sent one deep over the extended LF wall for a 3-RBI HR. With the score then 7-5 Columbus, the Canes missed out on what could've been a 7-6 score. Kyle Carter added an insurance run with a solo HR in the 7th (Carter was 1 for 3 with a HP in G2 and 1 for 4 in G1). The Canes season ended with a backward K and an 8-5 loss in G2 to Columbus. But, there's one last flashback that comes to mind. Kyle Carter returned to the mound to close G2 for the Blue Devils after having pitched a complete game just a few hours earlier in the day. In 2008, Cartersville took similar action by returning its G1 complete game starter to the mound in G3 who had thrown 107 pitches the day before. Then, in 2009, the Canes went back to the same well and with the same result. CTV promises to stop living in the past, but strong memories are not easy to forget especially for those that don't want to forget.
And so it goes, the pendulum swings back in 2010 away from Cartersville and toward Columbus. This R3 series loss certainly does not erase another fine season for the Canes. Only the GHSA knows why the playoff brackets were designed in 2010 just like 2008 to eliminate one of the top state teams in R3. Didn't the 2009 Battle of the Titans settle that issue for good? Apparently not. A heartbreaking series loss like this, if nothing else, makes the 2008 and 2009 State Titles that much sweeter and special for the Canes. Congratulations to Columbus on a great series win and best of luck in the next round. Canes fans......remember, February is just 9 months away. CanestoVols
Cartersville vrs Columbus R3 Game Times Set
For the Quarterfinal Round of the GHSA 2010 AAA State Baseball Playoffs, the Columbus High Blue Devils (2AAA #1) will host the Cartersville Canes (6AAA #1).
The G1 starting time is 2:00 PM on May 18 (Tuesday) with G2 starting 30 minutes following G1. G3 (if necessary) is scheduled for May 19 (Wednesday) at 4:30 PM.
Hopefully, these R3 game times are set in concrete.
Cartersville Wins 8-2 vrs Eastside to Advance to R3 at Columbus
There may still be some Cartersville Canes fans that recall the 2000 state playoff series in Covington mentioned in an earlier thread that went to a G3. A Canes fan who made the trip to Covington in 2000 gave me this verision of that series earlier today. If you were there and remembered it differently, please feel free to chim in with a rebuttal. Will Startup pitched G1 and got the win then Scott Hendrix started G2 on the mound for the Canes. Early in G2, a batted ball struck Scott's pitching arm and he had to be lifted for then Freshman Josh Morris who pitched a great game but the Canes lost G2 in extra innings. The next day, Eastside pulled off the upset by winning G3. Canes fans that attended that series may recall that the mother of one of the Canes players was ejected from the ballpark by the Eastside Administator after she removed one of the many Eastside banners from the home team dugout wall. I am told that these Eastside banners were pretty much all over the place and many were placed along the fencing which obstructed the view of the field. Canes fans were forced to "work around" these view blockers for the entire series and listen to clapping/chanting plus noise from bats striking the home dugout ceiling. Several Canes fans later pleaded with the Eastside Administrator to reconsider the ejection but to no avail.
I am happy to report that no such incidents occured at Richard Bell Field this week when these two fine teams faced off again after the 10 year hiatus although some Canes fans wondered after the G1/G2 split if it would be dejavu all over again. I'm not sure if other Canes fans were a little nevous about this G3 meeting today or not but I do know one Canes fan that slept like a baby last night knowing that Adam Clark would be on the mound in the rubber game. The leadoff HR by Ben Venters was huge but when the Canes went down quietly after that through the 3rd Inning, some wearing purple began to get nervous. Eastside led briefly in G3 after scoring 2 in the 4th but the Canes answered with a Justin Croft HR in the bottom of the inning. The flood gates opened in the 5th for the Canes who batted around with Trey Dickson starting things off with a BB followed by a Ben Venters RBI triple. After that, the next 3 Canes hitters (Greene, Frazier, and Wilson) all singled and Croft drew a BB before Colton Montgomery drove in the 4th run of the inning with a single. In the Canes 6th, Conor Justus singled, then Dickson's SAC bunt moved Justus to 2B. Venters then singled before Greene's SAC fly scored Justus. Wilson then reached on an E6 driving in Venters. The Canes had 10 hits in this 7 Inning game. Adam Clark pitched a complete game and contributed greatly to a good night's sleep last night I suspect for more than one Canes fan.
The Canes now travel toward Columbus next Monday for Tuesday's watershed event of the 2010 baseball season so far. Button your chin straps Canes fans and get on your game face. Columbus Coach Bobby Howard was on a scouting trip to Cartersville today and visited with SC briefly after the game. Here we go again. To get in the mood, Canes fans may want to order extra copies of the 2008 Cartersville vrs Columbus series at Columbus which the CBDC still has on DVD (video) and CD (radio). CTV remembers that series like it was yesterday. It wouldn't take much more than a request to get CTV to post some highlights of that pre-Battle of the Titans event in 2008 which set up the 2009 re-match for all the marbles in 2009. For Canes fans that have not yet experienced a trip to Columbus, you are in for the baseball experience of a lifetime. The CBDC has plenty of 2008-2009 Back-to-Back State Championship T-Shirts available to Canes fans that want to show up next week in Columbus wearing a historical reminder garment.
Game #3 today at Richard Bell Field against Eastside 5:00pm to decide who will move on.
Cartersville Spits with Eastside: 2-5 (G1), 10-1 (G2)
In R2 playoff action today at Richard Bell Field, G1 started on time at 4:30 PM with the Cartersville Canes (6AAA #1) playing host to the Eastside Eagles (8AAA #2) from Covington. The bottom line is that this was a close game and was tied after 7 Innings 2-2 then Eastside put 3 runs on the board in the top of the 8th and ended up winning 5-2. Levi Mauldin (RHP) pitched 7 full innings but with Eastside runners on 2B and 3B with 0 outs and the score 2-2, Levi was lifted for Adam Clark (RHP) who gave up a hit to the first Eastside batter he faced scoring both base runners. Adam pitched to just 2 more Eastside batters before being lifted for starter Mauldin with the score 4-2 Eastside and with runners on 1B and 2B still with 0 outs. After 1 more run scored charged to Clark, the scoreboard had Eastside ahead 5-2 which was the final score. Eastside started Cameron Davenport (RHP) who went 5 Innings before being lifted for Sam Johnson (RHP) who got the G1 win pitching the final 3 Innings for the Eagles.
In G1, the Canes by my count stranded 12 baserunners and left the bases loaded in the 3rd, 5th, and 7th. The Canes were hitless through the first 2 Innings then scored 1 run in the 3rd when a FC by Ben Venters drove in Colton Montgomery who had singled to begin the inning. Justus (1B), Greene (BB), and Frazier (BB) were left on base in the 3rd. In the 5th, Justus reached on a BB, moved to 2B on a SAC bunt by Venters, moved to 3B on a WP then scored when Greene reached on an E5. Greene (E5), Frazier (BB), and Wilson (HP) were on base with 1 out before the Canes hit into an inning ending DP. Canes fans will look back on the following key plays in G1 with regret: (1) the Canes pickoff attempt at 3B; (2) the successful Eastside pickoff at 2B and susequent double by the next Canes batter, (3) 12 stranded baserunners.
G2 started about 7:20 PM with Ben Dittmer (LHP) going the distance on the mound for the Canes for a complete game 10-1 win. Eastside used 4 pitchers in G2: Jerome Ivey (RHP) went 4-2/3, Sam Johnson (RHP) when 1-2/3, #23 (RHP) went 1/3, and #10 (RHP) went 1/3. The Canes led the entire game scoring 1 in the 1st, 2 in the 5th, 3 in the 6th, and 4 in the 7th. Eastside scored 1 run in the 6th. The Canes had 13 hits in G2: Greene was 1 for 3 with 2 BBs, Frazier was 4 for 5, Wilson was 3 for 4 with a BB, Montgomery was 3 for 4 with a BB, Dickson was 1 for 4 with a BB, and Justus was 1 for 4.
The $64 question is who will go in G3 for the Eagles? We'll find out on 5/13/2010 (Thursday) at 5:00 PM. Cartersville has Adam Clark waiting in the wings as its G3 starter. Will the Canes be able to answer the G3 bell tomorrow and avenge the 2000 G3 playoff loss to Eastside? Time will tell. Good luck to both teams. CanestoVols
2nd. Round Playoff Game Against Eastside
Will be Wed. May 12th. @ 4:30 while the 2nd. game will follow 30 minutes later and the "If Needed Game" will be Thur. May 13th. at 5:00
Cartersville Canes to Face Eastside in R2 on 5/12/2010
By virtue of the Eastside 8-5 win over Riverwood in R1, G3 action today, Eastside out of Covington, Georgia will travel to Cartersville's Richard Bell Field on 5/12/2010 (Wedesday) for the R2 best of 3 series.
The starting time for the R2 G1/G2 DH is TBA but you can pencil in 4:00 to 4:30 PM on your calendar.
Cartersville Canes Win 3-0, 6-1 vrs White County in Round 1
When G1 of this R1 DH got underway on time at 4:30 PM on Friday, the conditions were perfect for a long night of baseball at Richard Bell Field: two large groups of adoring fans, a perfectly manicured field, excellent weather, a fully stocked concessions stand that included Scott's Walk Up BBQ, and plenty of Double Bubble on hand for the Canes coaches.....it can't get much better than that....right?
In G1, it was Cartersville's Adam Clark (RHP) pitted against White County's Luke Crumley (RHP) on the hill for these two fine teams. Both pitchers performed very well with Clark pitching a complete game (7 Inning) shutout and Crumley giving up just 1 hit on the day to the Canes. Although the Canes did not get their first hit until the 5th, they scored their first run in the 3rd after Connor Justus reached on an E6, moved to 2B on a WP, moved to 3B on a Venters FO8, then scored on a Taylor Greene SAC fly. After a leadoff BB in the 5th by Venters who then stole 2B, Lane Frazier recorded the only hit on the day for the Canes.....a sharp double in the gap between LF and CF scoring Venters. Frazier also scored on a PB then a WP to make it 3-0 Cartersville. If White County could've eliminated Es, WPs, and BBs, it could've been some free baseball in G1.
At about 7:15 PM, G2 got underway with White County serving as the Home team and with a new supply of Scott's BBQ on hand in concessions. It was Cartersville's Ben Dittmer (LHP) matched up in this game against the White County ace Sosebee (#10, RHP). Sosebee would later be lifted after 5 Innings for Luke Leake (#4, RHP) who completed the game. Like his teammate in G1, Dittmer pitched a complete game in this 6-1 Cartersville win in 7 Innings. Due to roster limitations in place for this R1 series, it could not have been a more opportune time for Cartersville's G1 and G2 starters to go the distance. The Canes bats found new life in G2 with 7 hits. With the score 1-0 White County after the 1st inning, the Canes tied it up in the top of the 2nd when Justin Croft doubled then Luke Daniel drove him in with a 1B. In the 3rd, Justus reached on a E5 then back-to-back doubles by Venters and Greene and a 1B by Frazier scored 2 with Montgomery driving in the final run of the inning on another E5. In the Canes 4th, Justus reached yet again on a BB then Greene's 1B scored Justus before Lane Frazier's 4-3 ground out scored Greene. The story of this R1 series was the complete game performance by the Canes starting pitching.
The Canes play next in Round #2 at home on 5/19/2010 vrs the Riverwood/Eastside winner which will be decided in a G3 Saturday afternoon. CanestoVols
Cartersville R6-1 vrs White County R7-4 Game Time Set
The Cartersville Canes (6-AAA #1) will host White County (7-AAA #4) at Richard Bell Field on 5/7/2010 (Friday) in Round 1 of the State AAA Playoffs.
Friday's DH will include G1 at 4:30 PM with G2 following G1 after a short break.
G3 (if necessary) will be played on 5/8/2001 (Saturday) at 5:00 PM.
The 6-AAA Region Champion Canes Win 11-2 vrs Ridgeland
After the Canes consecutive region game winning streak came to an end earlier this season at Carrollton, the 6-AAA Region Title "appeared" to be in serious jeopardy. Appearances can be deceiving. The Cartersville Canes did what had to be done finishing strong to win the 6-AAA Region Title with a 11-2 win over Ridgeland in the final regular season game of the season. As it turned out, Carrollton and Ringgold controlled their own destinies and at one time or another both teams appeared to be in position to win the region title but...... neither could stand prosperity and faltered during the finish. The Canes, on the other hand, stayed with it to the end.....aye, to the very end.
Adam Clark (RHP) followed a superior save performance at Cedartown on 4/27/2010 with strong pitching on the mound for the Canes against Ridgeland. Clark got the win and Levi finished this 7 Inning game. Teams such as Ridgeland who had nothing to lose and everything to gain with a win over the Canes are dangerous. Although Ridgeland scored first and held a 1-0 lead after the 1st Inning, the Canes answered with 3 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 5 in the 5th, and 2 in the 6th. In the 2nd, Montgomery reached on a FC, then Luke Daniel's 2B scored Montgomery. Trey Dickson then singled and Conor Justus reached on an E1 with Daniel and Dickson scoring on the play. In the 3rd, Taylor Greene and Laine Fraizer both singled then Taylor Wilson's Line Drive SAC Fly to CF scored Greene. In the 5th, Venters doubled to start things off then Greene walked, then Frazier reached on another E1 then Wilson and Montgomery both walked. The bottom line is that 5 runs crossed the plate in the 5th with the leadoff double the only Canes hit in the inning. In the 6th, Wilson singled with 1 out then Montgomery doubled. Wilson scored on a PM then Justin Croft drove in Montgomery on an E6 to round out the scoring for the Canes. The Canes had 8 hits on the night and were held scoreless in just two innings (1st and 4th).
Fan support is one of the keys to success for the Canes. An impromtu shot of "Hurricane Alley" during the Ridgeland game illustrates this support. The empty seat belongs to the photographer. Scapegoat Fan #1 and Fan #2 of Ringgold fame were both present and in good spirits at this game. The PLO was wearing his characteric smile as he recalled the ups and downs of the regular season as well as his grandson's recent baseball performance at ASU.
With this being Senior Night, the famlies of the 8 Senior Canes players were introduced on the field prior to the game and the Dads were allowed to throw from the mound to the plate. I heard the mitt pop on one of these throws. After the game, the Senior players, coaches, parents, and CBDC officers were treated to a traditional meal in the room above the concession stand. This was a special night for these Seniors and their parents who all had to be thinking that there's not much time left. Make good use of the time you have left Seniors and congratulations on the Region Title.
Round 1 of the 2010 AAA State Playoff begins 5/7/2010 (next Friday) and the Canes will host the Region 7 #4 seed.
Canes Win at Home vrs Haralson County 13-0 on 4/29/2010
Richard Bell Field was in tip-top shape tonight and the weather was sunny and warm in sharp contract to Tuesday's high wind and cold termperatures at Cedartown. The Canes scored 8 runs in the 2nd inning with 12 Canes batters coming to the plate then scored 3 in the 3rd and 2 in the 4th enroute to a 13-0 win over visiting Haralson County in 5 Innings. Justin Croft sent one way over the RF fence in the 2nd Inning for a 3-RBI HR. Ben Dittmer (LHP) went the distance on the mound for the Canes in a 5 Inning, complete game shut out.
The Canes have one region game left to play on 4/30/2010 on Senior Night at Richard Bell Field vrs Ridgeland. A cookout for Senior parents, coaches, and CBDC officers will follow the game. A win would clinch the 6-AAA Region Title for the Canes and would grease the skids in preparation for Round 1 of the playoffs which begin 5/7/2010 just one week from today......but the opponent still hinges on the outcome of tomorrow night's game. Canestovols
Cartersville vrs Marist at Turner Field 4/28/2010
After 1 full Inning, Marist had a 1-0 lead. Cartersville was the Home team and a relaxed substitution rule is in place for this game.
Pitching for the Canes was by committee with Justin Croft the first out of the chute. The Canes had the bases loaded with 1 out in the bottom of the 1st but failed to score after 2 Ks.
With a Sophomore pitcher on the mound for the Canes and most of their normal defensive starters on the bench to start the 2nd, the Canes loaded the bases (HP,BB,BB) before giving up a 2-RBI single. An unearned run then scored on an E5 double play ball then back-to-back hits ran the score up to 7-0 with just 1 out. An additional unearned run on an E4 pop fly increased the Marist lead to 8-0.
In the bottom of the 2nd with 1 out and 2 runners in scoring position, the Canes could manage only a pop up on the infield and a line drive to the SS.
Cory Collum took the hill for the Canes in the top of the 3rd but allowed only 1 baserunner but no runs.
Fast forward to end of game....Final Marist Wins9-2 Canestovols
Canes Baseball will honor Little League Baseball April 29th.
Canes will honor the Cartersville Little League Baseball Program tomorrow evening (April 29th) @ Richard Bell Field . Pre-game festivities will begin at approx. 5:40 p.m. Come out for a great night of Canes Baseball as we welcome our "Future Canes" to the field.
Cartersville wins at Cedartown 4-1
On a windy and cold afternoon in Cedartown, it was one of those days that was not designed for a baseball game. The Cedartown Field looked good but with the wind blowing in toward home plate, there were no HRs by either team. In year's past, the Canes have feasted on the short Cedartown field but not today. The HP Umpire got good marks tonight from the Canes faithful with very little complaining in stark contrast to what was experienced the Friday before at Ringgold. Canes Fan #1 of Ringgold fame showed up tonight at Cedartown but Fan #2 apparently took the night off.
Cedartown scored a run in the bottom of the 1st to take a brief 1-0 lead and had several other opportunities with runners in scoring position but failed to produce. Cedartown fans came down pretty hard on the HP Umpire during the last few innings to prove that Canes fans don't have a monopoly on arguing balls and strikes. For a minute there, I thought Canes Fan #2 from Ringgold had been reincarnated.
Levi Mauldin (RHP) started on the mound for the Canes and got the win going 4-1/3 Innings before being lifted for Adam Clark (RHP) who completed this 7 Inning game and got the win. The Canes managed just 4 total hits and were held hitless in 4 of the 7 innings played tonight. In the top of the 2nd, the Canes scored 3 runs after Justin Croft walked, then Luke Danield moved him to 2B on a SAC bunt. Trey Dickson then walked before Ben Venters added a 2-RBI double. Taylor Green then traded places with Venters with an RBI double of his own. In the top of the 5th, Colton Montgomery singled and was then driven in on a Justin Croft RBI single. The only other hit in this game was in the 6th with 2 out when Frazier singled.
Cartersville travels to the Ted (Turner Field) on 4/28/2010 for a 2:00 PM game with Marist which is a makeup from the rained out game from this past Saturday. This game will be carried live on WBHF.
Cartersville vrs Marist Game Date and Time Verified
The actual Cartersville vrs Marist Turner Field makeup game date is 4/28/2010 (Wed) at 2:00 PM not Monday. I received this information today from the CBDC Secretary who received a text message from SC (Big Man) today. Canes to Vols
Canes Win 6-5 at Ringgold after Fan Ejections #24
With the Cartersville Canes up 6-0 after 5 Innings at Ringgold in a game with 6-AAA Region Title implications, the Tigers made it interesting scoring 2 in the 6th and 3 in the 7th. Prior to the final out of the game with the score 6-5 Canes and with Ringgold batting with no base runners, the Home Plate Umpire picked an unusual time to eject two Canes fans complaining about his shrinking strike zone. He first told Fan #1 "not another word" then Fan #2 added another word falsely assuming that his right to free speach had not been restricted. Blue proceded to eject both fans. A photo of Fan #2 was captured below immediately after the game as he followed the HP Umpire and his GSP escort out of the ball park. The HP umpire took significant heat from a number of Canes fans throughout the game and it seemed to boil over with 1 out to go. Levi Mauldin (RHP) got the Save in relieve of Ben Dittmer (LHP) who got the Win. Adam Clark (RHP) started the game on the mound for the Canes and went 3 full innings and was lifted by Dittmer with the Canes up 3-0.
The Canes scored 1 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd, and 3 in the 5th. Luke Daniel got the Canes on the board in the 2nd with 2 out with a HR to RC. In the 3rd, after a leadoff 2B by Conor Justus and a BB by Ben Venters, Justus scored on a WP and Venters scored on a SAC Fly by Lane Frazier. In the 5th with 1 out, Justus reached on a HP, then with 2 out, Taylor Greene doubled scoring Justus then Lane Frazer hit a 2-RBI HR to round out the scoring for the Canes.
Ringgold scored 2 in the 6th, after the starting pitcher Cross batting in the 3 spot walked, then Jones singled, then #25 doubled in Cross and Jones. In the 7th after a leadoff hit by #7, Dittmer struck out the next batter. With 1 out, Crownover (the Ringgold leadoff) who was 0-3 on the night with a BB got on base via a FC after the 2nd out of the of the inning. With 1 on and 2 out, the next Ringgold batter doubled then Cross (the Ringgold starting pitcher who went the distance for the Tigers on the mound) hit a 3-RBI HR.
With the bases clean and up 1 run, Levi Mauldin entered the game and got the final out on a K. The Ringgold Field is a hitters park with field distances of 316LF...350CF...316RF.
Cartersville Wins 11-0 at Central of Carrollton 4/20/2010 #23
Cartersville arrived in Carrollton for an appointment at 5:55 PM on Tuesday at Central of Carrollton while the Carrollton Trojans across the road were battling Haralson County at the same time. Carrollton won a close one 8-6 at home over Haralson County on Tuesday to the same team that lost on their home field to the Canes 22-2 just 7 days earlier.
Adam Clark (RHP) took the mound for the Canes and pitched 2 Innings as he prepares for the showdown on Friday at Ringgold. Ben Dittmer (LHP) in similar fashion went 2 then Levi Mauldin (RHP) closed out the game which was shortened by the run rule to 5 innings. This seems to be the pitching rotation pecking order at present but with SC, Canes fans should've figured out by now that anything is possible and nothing is for sure.
The big inning for the Canes offensively was the 1st when 5 runs crossed the plate after 2 HRs. Taylor Greene started things off with a solid single over 2B then Lane Frazier was HP. Colton Montgomery reached on an RBI FC then Taylor Wilson singled before Justin Croft pulled a monster 3-RBI HR blast way over the fence in RF. Central sends out a search crew to attempt to retrieve all HRs but that one was long gone. With the bases clear, Luke Daniel followed with a HR to RF that hit the scoreboard. In the 3rd, Colton Montomery led off with a HR to RF that the Central fielder appeared to catch close to the fence but Blue was forced to give the HR signal when the fielder could not produce the evidence (the ball). Taylor Wilson followed the HR with a double, Croft singled, then Daniel follwed with an RBI single before Conor Justus added a SAC Fly to score the 3rd run of the inning. In the 4th, Frazier reached on an E6 and was eventually driven in on a SAC Fly by Taylor Wilson. In the 5th, Conor Justus reached on an E5 then Taylor Greene doubled, Lane Frazier singled, and Colton Montgomery doubled which cummulatively added 2 more runs for the Canes to round out the scoring.
So the stage is now set for the showdown on 4/23/2010 at Ringgold. If Cartersville wins at Ringgold and all contenders win out, the Canes would be the #2 seed in the Region and would enter the playoffs in the Lower Left playoff bracket with home field advantage guaranteed only for R1. A loss at Ringgold and a resulting region #3 seed finish would put the Canes in the Upper Left playoff bracket and the Canes would have to travel in R1. Travel is expensive because it can involve lodging and meals. In these tough economic times, playoff travel expenses must be kept to a minimum. That's why Canes fans need to show up in large numbers on Friday at Ringgold to support the Canes in their quest for a prime playoff birth. CanestoVols
Cartersville Junior Varsity Finishes A Near Perfect Season 17-1 While Freshman Team Wraps Up A Great Season 16-3 #22
The Junior Varsity team finished the season Saturday with a doubleheader that was played against a tough West Forsyth team and the first game was the teams first defeat of the year loosing 10-5 in 10 innings but bounced back and won the second game 9-7. Overall the Junior Varsity out scored their opponents 172 - 38 for the season while the freshman outscored their opponents 169 - 69. Great job and congratulations to these young men and we all look forward to their bright future for the Canes. Thanks goes out to Coach Cagle and Coach Adams and the rest of the Cartersville coaching staff for their leadership of these young men.
Cartersville Wins at Home vrs SE Whitfield on 4/16/2010 #21
Cartersville took care of business Friday night against Southeast Whitfield High School in a game shortened to 5 Innings by the run rule. Final Score: 14-0 Canesto Vols.
Detailed Game Recap: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
SEW 0 0 0 0 0
Canes 3 2 1 8 X
Blessing in Disguise? Carrollton Wins 5-3 vrs Cartersville #20
The Carrollton Trojans successfully got a 5-Year monkey off their back tonight with a 5-3 win over the Cartersville Canes at Cole Field bringing to an end a Cartersville 60 Game consecutive regular season region game winning streak dating back to May 5, 2005. The streak began interesting enough with a 7-5 win over Carrollton and ended tonight with a 5-3 loss to Carrollton. After 10 consecutive losses to the Canes, the Trojans found a way to win tonight on a beautiful night for baseball on the well manicured Cole Field in Carrollton.
Conner Thomason (LHP) got the win and started the game on the mound for the Trojans then pitched to 1 Canes batter in the 6th before being lifted for Dalton Powell (RHP) who completed the final 6 outs for the save. Carrollton held a 5-1 lead when Powell took the mound. Carrollton mananged just 4 hits on the night (3B and 1B in the 3rd, 1B in the 4th, and 2B in the 5th). The Trojans drew first blood in the bottom of the 3rd after Jason Fuquay's leadoff 3B then Dalton Powell drove him in on a 6-3 ground out. The big inning for Carrollton was the 3-Run 4th assisted by 3 Canes Es. Preston Brooks got it started after reaching on a Canes E then Dallas Dickey reached on a HP then Austin Collins moved both baserunners into scoring position with a SAC bunt. DeeJay Johnson then put the ball in play on what should've been a ground ball out but the throw home was up the line allowing 1 run to score then the throw to 3B which was in front of the runner sailed high into LF allowing another run to score. Jason Fuquay then singled to drive in the 3rd unearned run of the inning for the Trojans. The final Trojan run of the game came in the 5th when a runner who reached on a HP scored on a 2B by Preston Brooks.
Canes fans were surprised to see Ben Dittmer (LHP) take the mound in a role reversal of sorts with usual starting pitcher Adam Clark (RHP). Ben went 4 innings before being lifted for Clark who completed the game. Cartersville had 6 hits on the night all of which were singles. Mysteriously missing tonight for the Canes were: (1) extra base hits, (2) timely hits, and (3) HRs. The Canes left 2 on base in the 1st, 3 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th, 1 in the 6th, and 1 in the 7th (9 LOB). The Canes scored 1 in the 5th after a Ben Venters BB then Lane Frazier drove him in on a long single to CF. The Canes then scored 2 in the top of the 7th in what started as a very promising inning after a leadoff single by Trey Dickson then an RBI single by Ben Venters. Taylor Greene drove in Venters on a FC but the next two Canes hitters struck out looking. That's baseball and that's life.
Once this game had ended and was in the book, at least one baseball strategist suddenly noticed that the 6-AAA #1 Seed is scheduled to meet the 2-AAA #1 Seed which many expect to be Columbus in Round #3 of the 2010 AAA playoffs. The Region 6-AAA #2 Seed is on the opposite side of the bracket and would not face Columbus until the Championship Series.....assuming, of course, that both teams win Rounds 1, 2, 3, and 4....... which is a another one of those big ifs. Canestovols.
Canes Win 12-2 at LFO in 5 #19
Details are sketchy tonight but at least you get the Final Score.
Adam Clark (RHP) and Ben Dittmer (LHP) were on the mound for the Canes and Lane Frazier gets Grand Slam.
Cartersville 5 - Cedartown 3 #18
Benefield went the whole game for Cedartown, pitched well. Mauldin went 3 and Dittmer came in after that. Tough spot for Dittmer and pitched out of it. Mauldin was getting squeezed somewhat, but Cedartown just hit well till Dittmer came in.
Cedartown jumped to 2 - 0 lead in 1st, got another in the 3rd I believe.
Canes runs came on a 2 RBI on 2 singles from Daniel and 3 RBI's from Frazier. I could be wrong, but since CTV was a no show, we will have to wait on the Tribune to tell us.
Cedartown is a much better team, especially with Benefield on the mound.(Goldand blueguy)
Parkview Wins 4-6 at Cartersville in 9 #17
Things were looking pretty good for the Canes who got a solo HR to LF from Taylor Greene batting in the 2 hole in the bottom of the 1st to tie the score 1-1 in this makeup game with the 8-AAAAA Parkview Panthers at Richard Bell Field. This game was originally scheduled to be played at Foley Field in Athens, GA. Parkview went up 2-1 in the 3rd but the Canes answered with a solid RBI hit up the middle by Taylor Wilson batting cleanup and scoring Frazier in the 4th to tie it up again at 2-2.
The Canes pitched by committee tonight with Soph Sam Howard (LHP) getting the start and going 2 followed by Soph Kendall Hawkins (RHP) who went 3, then Drew Flatford (RHP) who pitched the 6th, Justin Croft (RHP) who pitched the 7th and 8th, then Adam Clark (RHP) pitched the 9th. Parkview loaded the bases in the 9th (1B,BB,BB) before going up 6-2 on a Grand Slam HR. But it wasn't over yet. After a BB, BB, and HP, the Canes scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th but flied out with the bases loaded to end the game. The Canes had their chances in the 9th and failed to take advantage of all the free bases.
All-in all, this was a good experience for the Canes who matched up pretty well in the hitting department with Parkview. Canes fans enjoyed the 2 Innings of free baseball on a beautiful night and on a beautiful field. Parkview seemed to struggle at the plate for most of the game against the younger Canes pitchers but came through when it counted in extra innings. Parkview currently sits atop Region 8-AAAAA with a 3-0 Region record. It is these types of games IMHO that pay huge dividends down the road. CTV
Cartersville Canes Win 17-1 at LaFayette-Final #16
Cartersville had 12 hits in this game. Colton Montgomery was 3 for 3 with 3 HRs and 8 RBIs including a Grand Slam. Taylor Wilson was 2 for 3, Trey Dickson was 2 for 2, and Luke Daniel was 1 for 2 with a pinch-hit HR in the top of the 7th. CTV
Canes Come from Behind in 5-4 Win vrs Carrollton in 9 #15
Quote of the Day: "Be on your guard at all times.....Ay, to the very end."
It took every bit of 9 Innings and a huge dose of hang tough for the Canes to finally prevail after two playoff-caliber teams duked it out in another nail biter at Richard Bell Field. Did you expect anything less? It did not look good for the Canes after 4 scoreless innings when Carrollton put 4 runs on the board in the top of the 5th. Up to that point, due primarily to the Trojans starting pitcher Connor Thomason (LHP), the Canes could manage just 1 hit. But when Thomason gave up a 2-RBI HR to Canes leadoff Ben Venters in the bottom of the 5th with Connor Justus on base (BB), Thomason was lifted for Dalton Powell (RHP) who finished the 5th with no further damage. Powell went 4 innings for the Trojans.
The Canes 6th began with 2 quick Ks but then Luke Daniel batting 8th in the order reached on a BB then Cory Collum pinch-hitting for Justus in the 9 spot hit a towering 2-RBI HR to LF to tie the score at 4-4. There was no much going for either team until the bottom of the 9th when Phillip DiPriest took the mound for the Trojans. Lane Frazier lead off the inning with a BB then Montgomery and Croft did likewise loading the bases with 1 out. Next up for the Canes was Trey Dickson who did a fine job of standing in their and wearing the eventual game ending pitch which forced in the winning run. This was a tough loss for the Trojans after a valiant battle. There was even a brief sideshow while Dickson was batting before the HP was thrown. My impression is open to debate but it appeared to me that SC took issue with a comment or two directed at the Canes batter and felt the need to protect his player and exchanged a greeting or two with a Trojan fan or two.
Although in severe jepardy for a time tonight, the Canes ultimately extended their consecutive regular season region game winning streak to 56 games dating back to May 5, 2005. Canes to Vols
Cass Wins 5-4 at Home vrs Cartersville #14
On a perfect night for baseball, all was not well with the Cartersville faithful when the dust cleared and the scoreboard had the Cass Colonels winning 5-4 over the Cartersville Canes (9-3, 2-0) in 7 Innings at Perry Park. Canes fans should appreciate the fact that after being down 4-1 after 5 innings, the Canes were able to tie it up 4-4 in the top of the 7th and for a brief time, it looked very much like Cass would fold up and take another loss. Not so, this time. Give Cass credit for getting the run they needed in the bottom of the inning and finding a way to win.
Yes, some will point immediately to the top of the 5th with 2 outs with the score tied 1-1 when the HP umpire did not see the Cass batter kick the ball outside the batter's box on his way to 1B. But, let's give Blue credit for asking for help and limit our concern to wondering how the field umpire could've also missed what seemed so obvious to many Canes fans right in front of the play. You have to give Cass credit for following that play with a 2-out, 3-RBI HR to take full advantage of the situation. That's baseball.
Levi Mauldin (RHP) started on the mound for the Canes and went 5 innings then was lifted for Ben Dittmer (LHP) who pitched the final 2 innings and took the loss. Cartersville mananged 7 hits in this game but 3 of them came in the 2-Run 7th with just 1 hit each in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. The leadoff hit by Venters in the 3rd was wasted and the Colton Montgomery HR in the 4th was the only hit in that inning. Lane Frazier's 2-out hit in the 5th was the only bright spot in that inning. After the Mongomery HR in the 4th, Colton scored again in the 6th after reaching on a FC then Taylor Greene drove him in on a single up the middle. In the 7th, Venters singled then Frazier singled before Croft reached on an E4 and Wilson reached on a single. With 1 out in the 7th, 2 runs in, and runners on 1B and 3B, the Canes failed to apply the knock out punch and the inning ended in a 4-4 tie. That's baseball.
The sadest words of voice or pen are these three words "what might've been".....but there's no time to dwell on what might've been with the Carrollton Trojans coming to RBF on 3/31/2010 at 5:55 PM for Region Game #3. I expect that there will be some serious soul searching going on amongst Canes players (prodded, of course, by Canes Coaches) as the showdown with the Trojans approaches. Even with the bad economy, CanestoVols hopes to treat 35, 79, and 1963 to an ice cold coke from the concessions stand tomorrow night. With the move away from Region 6-AAA next season, the Canes may not get the chance to avenge this loss to Cass for a while. That too is baseball.
Cartersville Canes Win 4-1 vrs Morristown West (TN) #13
After returning home last night from a region game road win at Heritage High School, the Cartersville Canes (9-2, 2-0) were at it again today at Richard Bell Field playing host at 1:00 PM to Morristown West High School from Morristown, Tennessee located about 35 miles NE of Knoxville. Most of the Tennessee players did not seem to know or care that their local college team (Tennessee Vols) was hosting #4 LSU in a DH today at Lindsey Nelson Stadium which is about 45 minute drive from Morristown. With the Vols currently 0-4 in the SEC that might explain the lack of interest. I'm afraid to check the DH box score.
The Canes pitched by committee and won 4-1 today against a very solid Tennessee team (unlike their Knoxville counterparts). Cory Collum (RHP) started on the mound for the Canes (1.0), followed by Sam Howard (LHP) (2.0), Ben Dittmer (LHP) (2.0), Justin Croft (RHP) (2/3), and Levi Mauldin (RHP) (1-1/3). The Canes had a few changes in the lineup today with Tony Davis starting in LF, Drew Flatford starting at 3B, and Luke Daniel starting in RF. Tony Davis made a diving catch in the top of the 2nd for the final out in the inning with a runner in scoring position that prevented Morristown from taking an early lead.
The Canes managed 7 hits in this game scoring 1 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd, and 1 in the 6th. Taylor Wilson started off the 2nd Inning at the plate for the Canes with a single then Taylor Green singled, Luke Daniel walked, and Drew Flatford drove in Wilson on a FC. With 1 out in the 3rd, Dickson walked then Croft reached after a K on a dropped ball that would've been the final out in the inning before Taylor Wilson made them pay with a 2 out, 2 RBI hit scoring Dickson and Croft. The final Canes run came across in the 6th with 2 outs after Hunter Cochran reached on a BB and was driven in by Trey Dickson's RBI double. Canes to Vols
Cartersville Canes Win 11-3 vrs Heritage Generals #12
The Heritage High School Campus near Ringgold, Georgia in Catoosa County looked like a college campus. It was first class all the way. The baseball complex was superior to many in our area with a 12 Ft artificial turf strip extending continuously around to both dougouts and a warning track the rest of the way around the entire field. The field distances were: 343L, 350LC, 355C, 350RC, 343R. The bleacher seating made visiting Canes fans feel like we were at home.
With a nip in the air, the game got underway on time at 5:55 PM on 3/26/2010 (Friday). There appeared to be more Canes fans in the bleachers than Generals fans which is a tribute to the dedicated Canes fan base. It is nice to see so many Canes fans that regularly travel to away games rain or shine....and folks, it's not just parents of players.
Adam Clark (RHP) started on the mound for the Canes and went 5-2/3 then Ben Dittmer (LHP) closed it out in the 11-3 Canes win. Both pitchers looked very sharp. To follow the speed and precision of Clark with the off speed finess of Dittmer seems to be working well thus far for the Canes. That has to be a tough adjustment for opposing hitters.
The Generals scored 2 in the 4th and 1 in the 6th. The Canes scored 1 in the 1st, 5 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 3 in the 5th, and 1 in the 6th. With 2 outs in the 1st, Frazier doubled then Croft drove him in with an RBI single. In the 2nd with no outs, Wilson doubled, Mongomery singled, Greene singled, Justus singled, Venters got a SAC Fly, Dickson doubled, then Frazier got an RBI on a ground out. With 2 outs in the 3rd, Montgomery doubled then scored on an E6 by Greene. In the Canes 5th, Croft reached on an E6, Collum singled, Wilson moved the runners over with a SAC Bunt, Montgomery reached on a HP, Green walked with the bases loaded before Venters followed with a 2 RBI double. Then in the Canes 6th with 1 out, Justin Croft pulled one over the RF fence for the only HR on the day....and folks it was a shot.
With this win, the Canes extended their consecutive regular season region game winning streak to 55 Games. Carrollton will be the next region opponent for the Canes who play the Trojans at Richard Bell Field on 3/31/2010 (Wednesday) at 5:55 PM. Canes fans will not want to miss that one. Canes to Vols.
Canes Win at Home vrs Central of Carrollton 8-0 #11
Canes fans arrived at Richard Bell Field last night in advance of the scheduled 5:55 PM starting time for the first region game of the season against Central of Carrollton then learned that the starting time would be delayed until 6:45 PM due to a mixup with the umpiring crew. A blue crew from Rome already in town then arrived and the game got underway. This game did not conclude until about 9 PM. Since CTV needed his beauty sleep, this recap had to wait until morning.
Levi Mauldin (RHP), Ben Dittmer (LHP), and Adam Clark (RHP) pitched a combined no hitter for the Canes (Levi pitched 5 then Ben and Adam pitched 1 each) in the win. The Canes scored 1 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th, and 3 in the 6th for a 8-0 shutout win over Central. This win extended the Canes consecutive regular season region game winning streak to 54 games dating back to 5/5/2005.
After a leadoff BB by Venters in the 1st, Frazier reached on a FC then moved to 2B on a BB by Croft then stole 3B before Collum drove him in on an E3. After a leadoff single by Wilson in the 2nd and a SAC Bunt by Montgomery and a few Es and WPs mixed in for good measure, the Canes scored 2 more runs. Central had 4 Es and 2 WPs in the inning. In the 3rd, after a Collum BB, Wilson singled and Mongomery reached on a HP, then Collum scored on a Sac Fly by Greene. In the 4th, with 1 out, Trey Dickson lined a HR over the LF Purple Wall. In the bottom of the 6th, Venters, Dickson, and Frazier all reached on BBs to load the bases before Croft's 2-RBI single. After Daniel reached on a HP, Frazier scored the final run on Wilson's ground out to 1B. The Canes had 4 hits in this game but no multi-hit innings. This could've been a much closer game without the 6 fielding Es committed by Central. Thanks to Canes to Vols for the recap!
Cartersville Wins 11-2 at Woodland #10
Cartersville made the short trip up Old Alabama Road on 11/18/2010 for a 5:55 PM game at Woodland. The Woodland field distances were 320 down both lines and 370 to CF. The bleachers were packed and needed to be expanded for this game.
The Canes scored 4 in the 1st, 1 in the 4th, 3 in the 5th, and 3 in the 6th enroute to a 11-2 win. In the 1st, Venters (1B), Frazier (2B), and Collum (1B) got hits with BBs to Croft, Wilson, and Justus and HPs to Montgomery and Greene. In the 4th, Frazier's SAC fly scored Venters who reached on a BB with Dickson moving him to 3B on a single. In the 5th after another Venters BB, Dickson (2B), Frazier (1B), and Croft (2B) all got RBIs. Then in the 6th after Wilson and Montgomery BBs, Greene reached on an E1 before Justus got a 2-RBI single and Dickson added a SAC fly which scored the final run.
Adam Clark (RHP) pitched very well for the Canes and went 6 comlete innings before Sam Howard (LHP) closed it out in the 7th. Clark looked sharp and allowed just 2 runs (1 unearned on a PB or WP...you call it). Howard also looked great on the mound for the Canes.
Canes Win in 9 over Troup 3-2 on 3/17/2010 #9
It was a 2-2 tie at Richard Bell Field after 7 Innings. The Canes (6-2, 0-0) scored 1 in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd then Troup scored 2 in the 4th. Levi Mauldin (RHP) went 6 Innings then Dittmer (LHP) took the mound in the 7th for the Canes, finished the game, and got the win. The Canes scored the game winner in the bottom of the 9th on 2 hits and a BB to load the bases.......followed by a passed ball which scored the game winner. Canes to Vols!
Brookwood 14-8 over Cartersville 3/15/2010
#8
The Cartersville Canes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st on doubles by Dickson, Frazier, and Croft but Brookwood answered in the bottom of the 3rd with 2 of their own to make it 2-2 after 3 Innings. The Canes then put 3 on the board in top of the 4th on a 3-Run HR by Montgomery.
Brookwood scored 7 in the bottom of the 4th assisted by Canes Es. The Canes answered with 2 in the top of the 5th on a double by Greene followed by Dickson and Frazier singles. Brookwood added 3 more in the bottom of the 5th with a couple of hits and some passed balls by the Canes. Cory Collum started on the mound for the Canes and was lifted for Howard then Croft who pitched the final 2 Innings. Cartersville added their final run in the 6th on a double by Justus and had 14 hits. Brookwood added 2 more in the bottom of the inning on a couple of hits and another Canes E. Cartersville left more than 10 runners on base. The hits were there tonight for the Canes but the stranded base runners and Es were the difference. Canes to Vols!
Cartersville Wins 2-0 at Northside Columbus 3/5/2010 #7
This game started on time at 5:55 PM. Ben Dittmer (LHP) was the starting pitcher for the Canes and went 4 Innings. Cory Collum (RHP) pitched the final 3 innings in relief of Dittmer and was the winning pitcher. Canes pitching on the night gave up a total of 3 hits.
Colton Montgomery hit a 2-Run, Game-Winning HR with Dickson on base in the 6th to ice it for the Canes. This was a huge win for Cartersville. Thanks to Canes to Vols for the recap.
Cartersville - Cass Game 3/4/2010 #6
The Canes drew first blood in the bottom of the 2nd scoring 2 runs on a 2 RBI hit by Collum but the pinch runner for Wilson missed 3B and was ruled out to make the score 1-0 Canes after 2 Innings.
Cass scored 2 in the top of the 3rd on a HR but the Canes answered in the bottom of the inning with doubles by Croft and Wilson to make it 3-2 Canes.
The Canes added 2 more in the 4th to go up 5-2 after doubles by Dickson and Frazier and a single by Montgomery.
Clark was lifted in the 5th for Mauldin. Cass scored an unearned run on a WP to make it 5-3 Canes.
Cass tied the score in the top of the 6th at 5-5 after a BB, Es, and a hit. In the bottom of the inning Frazier doubled then Croft got him in on a SAC to make it 6-5 Canes.
Cass tied the score in the top of 6th to make it 6-6.
After a Taylor Greene single with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th, Trey Dickson takes one deep to CF for a game winning, walk-off triple scoring Greene from 1st for the 7-6 Canes win. Appreciation is in order to Cass for playing so shallow in the outfield all night which proved to be the difference in this game IMHO. The Canes may not be hitting HRs yet in the cold weather but playing that shallow even after getting burnt a time or two did not make sense. Trey made them pay.
The Canes travel to Northside Columbus on 3/5/2010 (Friday) for a 5:55 PM game which may prove to be a watershed event for the Canes. Thanks to Canes to Vols for the recap!
Collins Hill Game #5 2/27/2010. The first pitch was at 1:00 PM.
Here's the starting lineup for the Canes: (1) Trey Dickson (RF), (2) Laine Frazier (1B), (3) Colton Montgomery (CF), (4) Justin Croft (DH), (5) Ben Venters (3B), (6) Taylor Wilson (C), (7) Cory Collum (LF), (8) Taylor Greene (2B), (9) Conor Justus (SS) with Croft batting for Adam Clark (P).
After 2 complete, Collins Hill is up 1-0 on an unearned run due to a BB plus an E.
Adam Clark (RHP) has given up no hits on the mound for the Canes through 2.
Ben Dittmer (LHP) in relief of Clark pitched a scoreless 3rd for the Canes. Collins Hill added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 4th and lead 3-0 after a Texas League single was followed by a HP and another single.
In the top of the 6th the Canes scored 6 runs off of theCollins Hill RHP who relieved the starter (LHP) to narrow the gap to 6-7. Frazier, Croft, Venters, and Wilson all singled in the inning, Collum walked, Greene and Dickson doubled. But, Collins Hill added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 6th to make it 6-9 which was the final score.
Here's the Line Score:
Cartersville 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Collins Hill 1 0 0 2 4 2 X
Thanks to Canes to Vols for this recap!!!
Cartersville Wins 10-3 over Heritage (Conyers) in Home Opener 2/25/10 #4
Well folks, it wasn't pretty but it was at least a home opener win for the defending Back-to-Back State Champion and AAA pre-season #1 ranked Cartersville Canes. The pitching lived up to pre-season expectations as the Canes used 6 pitchers who all did well in this game. Perhaps it was the sub-40 degree weather or opening game jitters which contributed to 4 uncharacteristic errors tonight all committed between the bases by the Canes. Heritage out hit the Canes 6 to 4 in this game but 3 of those hits were in the 7th before Mauldin closed the door. It could've been a ball game had it not been for the 7 Errors committed by Heritage that kept piling on unearned runs for the Canes. The Canes had 4 total hits (1B, 1B, 1B, 3B) in the 2nd (1B), 3rd (1B), 5th (1B), and 6th (3B) innings. The pre-season concerns over fielding and hitting seemed to be justified although a win is a win and the season is still young.
Heritage (Conyers) scored 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th, and 1 in the 5th. Defensively, Heritage committed 6 Errors in this game (E7, E2, E8, E9, E1, E2, E6) including 3 dropped routine fly balls.
Cartersville scored 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 3 in the 4th, 2 in the 5th, and 2 in the 6th in this the first regular season game of the season. In the 2 run 2nd, Croft reached on a BB, moved to 2B on a FC by Wilson before Collum walked. Dickson then stroked an RBI single to LF scoring Croft. Greene then reached on an E7 scoring Collum. In the 1 run 3rd, Frazier reached on a single then Montgomery reached on a FC and later scored on a ground out by Croft. In the 3 run 4th, Greene, Daniel, and Frazier scored after some BBs and Es. In the 2 run 5th, Dickson and Greene crossed the plate on a 2 RBI single by Conor Justus batting for Daniel in the 9 spot. In the 2 run 6th with 2 out, Zach Ross reached on a BB, then Collum reached on a HP before Dickson stroked a 2 RBI triple to LF to finish up the scoring for the Canes. Defensively, the Canes committed 4 Errors in this game.
The following pitchers made an appearance on the mound tonight in this order for the Canes: (1) Adam Clark (1.0), Ben Dittmer (2.0), Hunter Horton (1.0), Justin Croft (1.0), Sam Howard (1.0, and Levi Mauldin (1.0).
The Canes starting batting order looked like this: (1) Ben Venters (3B), Laine Frazier (1B), Colton Montgomery (CF), Justin Croft (DH), Taylor Wilson (C), Cory Collum (LF), Trey Dickson (RF), Taylor Greene (SS), and Kendall Hawkins (2B) with Croft batting for Adam Clark (P). The Canes scored 10 Runs on 4 hits in this 7 Inning Game. Venters was 0 for 3 (BB), Frazier was 1 for 4 (1B), Montgomery was 0 for 4, Croft was 0 for 2 (BB), Wilson was 0 for 2 (HP), Dickson was 2 for 3 (1B,HP,3B), Greene was 0 for 2 (BB), Hawkins was 0 for 1, Tony Davis was 0 for 1, Zach Ross was 0 for 0 (BB), Luke Daniel was 0 for 0 (BB), and Conor Justus was 1 for 1 (1B).
The 2010 Cartersville Canes are now 1-0, 0-0 and have 0 Home Runs in the 1 Game played. The Canes are sporting a 53 consecutive region game win streak which began on May 5, 2005. Will this be the year that the consecutive region game winning streak comes to an end? Time will tell.
The 2010 Members of the Cartersville Canes HR (Gone-Song) Club are: few and far between. Who will be the first name to make this list?
Thanks to "Canes to Vols" for the recap!
Chester Named Class AAA Coach Of The Year!!! #3
Chris Stephens
Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
Cartersville head baseball coach Stuart Chester, left, has been named the 2009 Class AAA Coach of the Year. CHRIS STEPHENS/chris.stephens@daily-tribune.comFive times in the last nine years, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes have finished the baseball season as state champions. Last year was no different, as the Canes won again.
For his teams' play, head coach Stuart Chester was named the 2009 AAA Coach of the Year. However, Chester won't take credit for the state championship.
"To win an award like this means we have a lot of good players in our program," Chester said. "Good players can make any coach look good."
The award, which is Chester's third, is something the coach appreciates, but knows he would never be in the position he's in without the support he's had.
"The community is a big thing for this program," he said. "That's what keeps us running.
"And, another thing. If it weren't for players like Justin McClain, Nathan Graely, Russ Mitchell, Will Startup, Ronnie Brown, Donavan Tate, Kyle Tucker, Drew Startup and many more, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Chester said what makes him look even better is the fact that Tucker and Drew Startup, two of his former players, are now assistant coaches for him.
"They've been through the program and they know what it's like," the 13th year head coach said. "I'm a better coach and a better person because of them."
Although Chester believes coaching is key, in the Canes' program, if no coaches showed up, things would still go on as they should.
"Things continue with the players," he said. "They know the right thing to do. They want to be out here and represent this community. That's what I mean when I say it's the players that make this program and not the coaches."
Now, Chester said his team will focus on going back-to-back-to-back for the second time in a decade.
"That expectation is from our players," Chester said. "They expect to be competing for a state title every year."
Bridges Earns Class AAA Player Of The Year honor #2
Chris Stephens
Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
When it came to big-time situations, former Cartersville baseball player Ben Bridges rose to the occasion. Now, at Northwest Florida State in Niceville playing college ball, Bridges has one more high school accolade to add to his two state championships -- 2009 AAA Player of the Year.
"I honestly was not focusing on getting (the award)," Bridges said. "I just wanted to help my team get a second ring. The award is nice, but that wasn't what I was after."
Cartersville head coach Stuart Chester said that when Bridges was on the field, his team's chances were betting at coming out on top.
"He gave you opportunities to win," Chester said. "He would shut you down on the mound, beat you at the plate and take away hits with his defensive play at shortstop. I slept good with Ben on the team."
Chester said the best thing about Bridges is how humble he is about individual awards.
"He could win an World Series MVP and the next day you wouldn't know it," Chester said. "He's not one to flash around his individual awards. The only thing he ever cared about was winning state titles. He gave everything to this program, but took nothing."
Bridges said what he will remember the most about playing at Cartersville was helping the Canes win back-to-back state titles.
"Nobody can take that away from us," he said.
It's finally baseball time in Cartersville!! 2/11/2010 #1
After a long and cold winter, can baseball be very far behind? For you baseball-starved Canes fans, the 2010 edition of the baseball Canes is finally under way by virtue of the season-opening scrimmage at Lumpkin County. This update is being posted from Niceville, Florida from text messages provided by a dedicated Canes fan. Send me a PM if you find an error in the recap which follows. Look for a more complete recap next week for the home opener.
Lumpkin County jumped out to a 1-0 lead after Adam Clark (RHP) gave up an unearned run on the mound for the Canes. Ben Dittmer (LHP) pitched a scoreless 2nd. Taylor Wilson had the only hit after 2 complete for the Canes. Hunter Horton pitched a scoreless 3rd with the score holding at 1-0 LC. Cory Collum pitched the 4th and after some walks, Lumpkin added 2 more runs to take a 3-1 lead. In the top of the 5th, Ross reached on an E, Venters singled, then Greene drove in Ross on a SAC fly to make it 3-2 Lumpkin. At some point after that, Collum stroked a 2 RBI double to make it 5-3 Canes. Justin Croft (LHP) pitched a scoreless bottom of the 5th. In the 6th, Ross reached on a HP then Greene doubled to make it 6-3. Croft reached on an E then 3 more Canes crossed the plate to make it 9-3 Canes which was the final score. Howard and Justus combined to pitch a scoreless bottom of the 6th then Mauldin closed in the scoreless 7th.
Cartersville's next game and home opener is on 2/25 (Thursday) at 5:55 PM.
Thanks to "CANESTOVOLS" for this recap!!!
Get to Nancy Creek, Say Canes Lefties
By Scott Barkley March 14, 2011
Early last season against Northside-Columbus, Cartersville pitcher Ben Dittmer loaded the bases with no outs, prompting a visit to the mound by head coach Stuart Chester. The words stayed with Dittmer.
“I’m gonna tell you somethin’,” said Chester, whose teams took half of its classes’ state titles last decade, “You can’t hit. You can’t run. You can’t catch. If you can’t throw strikes and pitch, you’re not gonna play Cartersville baseball.”
Message received. Not an overpowering pitcher, Dittmer nevertheless struck out the next batter, forced a grounder and out at home, and then another strikeout.
He can smile about the conversation now. “I went on to have a pretty good year,” he says of a 7-3 record and 1.71 ERA campaign.
Playing “since he could hold a baseball,” Dittmer and fellow senior Sam Howard comprise the lefty pitching for the Canes staff. On Thursday night Howard and reliever Connor Justus no-hit the Dalton Catamounts in Cartersville’s opening game of the region 10-0. Dittmer gave up only one hit and struck out two in a tight March 8 battle with AAAAA Parkview that ultimately handed the Canes a 5-4 loss in extra innings.
Speaking together, their answers run the same gamut when it comes to their favorite sport. Neither is going to steamroll batters, instead opting for changeups and off-speed stuff designed to get batters out even if it doesn’t impress a radar gun. Dittmer’s favorite pitch is a changeup, while Howard prefers a curveball.
“I work to remember the things I’ve always been taught,” says Howard in preparing for a game.
“Know what you have to do before you get there in every situation,” adds Dittmer.
That preparation has been ongoing, with Dittmer over the years wearing out numerous tennis balls thrown repeatedly against a square of duct tape on the wall in the family garage. Ever since he was little, Howard has thrown regular baseballs – sometimes weighted – against a single dot on a blue tarp. “I’d do that over and over and over,” he says.
As with many (okay, most?) baseball players, superstitions reign. Dittmer has to get dressed in the same order for every game. The smallest infraction requires a do-over. Ditto for Howard. “If something feels different I’m wondering what I did wrong,” laughs Dittmer. “It’s bad.”
A warm-up routine that began last year has become integral to pregame preparation. Both partner up together and throw from 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 feet before working their way back in. At 60 feet, they stop and each throws two changeups, one more throw and then in to the dugout.
“Lefties have to stick together,” said Dittmer.
Each a highly-regarded player in his own right, Dittmer points out the team’s ultimate goal, one that doesn’t surprise observers given the Canes’ recent success in reaching it.
“We want to get to Nancy Creek,” he says, alluding to the creek near Richard Bell Field that has served for numerous celebratory team splashdowns.
“The only goal is a state championship,” adds Howard.
***Congratulations go out to the following players for making these post season teams!!!
Team Georgia Kendall Hawkins
North West Georgia All Star Team
Collin Bennett, Luke Daniel, Sam Howard, Ben Venters and Taylor Wilson
Congrats to these Canes for 7AAA All Region Team honors...
First Team - Ben Venters(2b), Connor Justus(SS), Taylor Wilson(C), Luke Daniel(OF), Michael Willard(DH), and Sam Howard(P)
Second Team - Colin Bennett(1b), Harris Battle(3b)
Also Ben Venters was given the 7AAA "Player of the Year" honor and Head Coach Stuart Chester was given the 7AAA "Coach of the Year" honor.
Senior Team Georgia
SAM HOWARD
Selected to play in the Second Annual Heartland Baseball Classic held in Norman, OK.
Cory Collum was drafted recently by the Washington Nationals in the 40th Round and Sam Howard in the 48th Round to the Chicago Cubs.
