2015 CRWS - MD State

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Maryland: Home Sweet Home

Team Maryland, a squad from Charles County in the southern part of the state, has felt strongly about representing the state of Maryland throughout the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

"Representing the state of Maryland has been awesome for us and a true honor. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Tyler Moody.

Many of the players have been amazed by the following and outreach from back home in Charles County.

"I've had buddies of mine text me with a screenshot of my picture in the paper. It's really nice to know that an entire community is in touch with what we've been doing here in Aberdeen," said Moody.

Team Maryland has also been very vocal about their excitement from interacting with and meeting other teams here at the Cal Ripken World Series. Specifically, Team Japan has fascinated the squad the most.

"During our scrimmage, the first thing I noticed was how disciplined Team Japan is. I really enjoyed playing against them and meeting their guys," said Diego Rivera.

Although Team Maryland's journey is over, they quite possibly could have had the best moment of any team's regional tournament play. Trailing in the bottom of the sixth in the championship game with a ticket to the Cal Ripken World Series on the line, Rico Cuevas delivered a bases-loaded grand slam good for a walk-off to lift Team Maryland into Aberdeen.

Team Maryland isn't walking away with a Cal Ripken World Series title, but they're certainly leaving with an experience of a lifetime and knowledge on the universal game of baseball that they won't soon forget.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)   

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Day off? Head to Oriole Park

Having played three games at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, Team Maryland took the opportunity with a day off to head to Oriole Park in Camden Yards Tuesday night.

When asked about what it meant to spend time in Aberdeen and at Orioles Park in Camden Yards this week, Tyler Moody shared, "It was icing on the cake to a great week. It's been frustrating losing so many close games, but we're family and we've bonded throughout this experience together."

The team enjoyed a solid performance from Ubaldo Jimenez who pitched seven solid innings allowing two runs, giving up four hits and issuing three walks in an Orioles 7-3 win against the Atlanta Braves.

The day off spent at Oriole Park did the trick as Team Maryland bounced back the following day defeating Team New England on Cal Sr.'s Yard by a final score of 4-2.

"At the end of the day, these are 12-year-old kids who have quite a bit of pressure on their backs. They each have a lot of baseball left ahead," said Coach Kirby.

Sometimes it's best to take a deep breath and take your mind off the game by enjoying some baseball.

As the Orioles look to make a push at the first-place Yankees, the boys from Team Maryland will be closely following their every move and of course, cheering them on.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Silenced by Late Rally

In search of their second consecutive win at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series and playing in the Iron Bracket on the Nationals Field, Team Maryland matched up against Team Midwest in search of their first win.

 John (J.T.) Gibson started on the mound for Team Maryland. He hurled for three innings allowing five hits, one run and issuing two walks.

Offense came in the second inning when Rico Cuevas snuck a grounder past the shortstop bringing in a run. Shane Kirby followed it up with an infield RBI single. Team Midwest really escaped trouble in this inning as Cuevas and Kirby each came to bat with the bases loaded. This would be a crucial inning for Team Midwest as they limited the damage done.

What has become a theme of Team Maryland's tournament has been their struggle to close out games. They entered the sixth leading Team Midwest by a score of 2-1.

Moody would start the inning, but after a controversial call at first base things would really unravel for Team Maryland as Team Midwest rallied for a five-run inning that went unanswered.

"We fundamentally broke down in the top half of the sixth. There were definitely some close calls, but they put the ball in the right places when they needed it the most. It really wasn't the sixth inning that killed us. We needed a more aggressive approach through five innings despite having a one-run lead," said Coach Moody.

Although Team Maryland's journey has come to an end, the squad will always look back fondly at the memories they created this week.

When asked about what he'll remember the most, Diego Rivera shared, "Just the experience. During our scrimmage with Japan, the first thing I realized was how disciplined they are. I've really had a lot of fun here."

It was a tough way to finish up, but Team Maryland loses to Team Midwest Thursday morning by a final score of 6-2 on the Nationals Field.

Thanks to all for keeping up with CRWS_Maryland via Twitter and YouTube throughout the week. It was a pleasure helping to cover Team Maryland at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.  

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Better Late than Never

Heading into Wednesday's matchup against Team New England, Team Maryland was well-rested coming off of an off day where the team enjoyed Oriole Park in Camden Yards.

We did a little bit of team bonding," said Coach Kirby.

Well, whatever they did to 'bond' worked well as Team Maryland played their best game of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series defeating Team New England 4-2 on Cal Sr.'s Yard.   

Trevon Hayes led the way for Team Maryland throwing five strong innings allowing eight hits, two runs and striking out two.

A key point during this afternoon's game was the way Hayes bounced back after allowing a Josh Morissette long ball in the third. After the solo shot, Hayes wouldn't allow another run and really settled down nicely.

"Trey got ahead in his counts today and did a great job of mixing up his pitches. He pitched a really solid game for us," said Coach Kirby.

Tyler Moody contributed when his team needed him the most stroking two RBI doubles, which scored Shane Kirby both times. Diego Rivera singled bringing in a run and Marquill Barnes worked a bases-loaded walk scoring a run.

With a two-run cushion headed to the sixth, Moody came in for the save and did his job giving Team Maryland their first win by a final score of 4-2.

Although Team Maryland is headed to the Iron Bracket, the boys are remaining confident and enjoying the ride.

"My phone has been blowing up with texts and calls from my buddies back home," said Player of the Game Trevon Hayes.

Iron Bracket play begins Thursday, so be sure to follow (@CRWSAberdeen & @CRWS_Maryland) for live updates throughout the final stretches of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: One-Two Punch Hasn't Worked

Through three games at the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, Team Maryland has gone 0-3 and have lost by a combined 10 runs. They certainly aren't getting blown out of games, but rather are lacking a complete game of focus and percision.

After Monday night's loss to Team Pacific Southwest where Team Maryland was picked off three separate times, Coach Kirby shared, "We just didn't execute. I don't know how to explain that. Once, I can say 'yeah' he got us. Twice in a row, that's a tough spill to swallow. The third time when you're in the sixth inning at the top of the order and trying to make the game respectful, and we run ourselves right out of the inning? Now that's tough."

Let's not forget that Team Maryland had one of the most improbable finishes to a clinching game, which landed the team here in Aberdeen. With the bases juiced in the bottom of the sixth in the championship game of the regional tournament, Rico Cuevas stepped up to the plate and crushed a ball good for a walk-off grand slam advancing his team in dramatic fashion. Prior to this three-game skid, Team Maryland was one of the hottest teams heading into the Cal Ripken World Series.

Along with their lethal offense in the regional tournament, Team Maryland relied on a pitching combo featuring Tyler Moody going as far into the game as he could and Shane Kirby coming into close things out.

When asked about using the Moody and Kirby combo after Monday night's loss, Coach Kirby said, "They're normally a great combo. It's a different change of speeds and a different look, but it just didn't work out tonight."

Team Maryland is enjoying their day off Tuesday as they prepare for their final game against Team New England at 3:00 p.m. on Cal Sr.'s Yard Wednesday.

"We're going to ride down to Baltimore and watch the O's play; maybe even pick up some baserunning cues," said Coach Kirby.

Be sure to follow (@CRWS_Maryland) on Twitter for live updates and stories throughout the entire Cal Ripken World Series powered by Under Armour.

By Bobby Trosset

(@BobTrosset)

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Heads Held High After Tough Loss

Heading into Monday night's matchup with Team Pacific Southwest, Maryland State was itching for a win to get themselves on the board of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

Through five innings of play, we had a defensive clinic occurring on Cal Sr.'s Yard. Team Pacific Southwest led by one and Tyler Moody had just exited the game after five innings of five-hit ball, one run and two strikeouts.

Shane Kirby then came in for the sixth to try and give his team a chance to tie the ball game up in the bottom half. Kirby struggled keeping his breaking ball down early and often. He was the victim to three hits, five earned runs and three walks.

"I thought for five innings, we played the best baseball we have all week. It's tough to survive any game not scoring runs," said coach Kirby.

Obviously the lack of offense was a major issue headlining Team Maryland's loss. Another would be three mental errors that plagued the team on the basepaths. There were three separate instances Monday night where a Team Maryland player was picked off having safely been on first base.

"We just didn't execute what we talked about as to how we wanted to go about handling Teixeira's moves," said coach Kirby.

As for Player of the Game Tyler Moody, the tall right-hander is staying positive and looking ahead to Wednesday's game versus Team New England.

When asked if he knows anything about Team New England, Moody answered firmly, "No, but I know that we're going to play our hearts out. We have nothing to lose."

You can catch Team Maryland next at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday against Team New England on Cal Sr.'s Yard. On their day off Tuesday, the team plans to visit Orioles Park at Camden Yards for some O's baseball.

And as always, be sure to follow CRWS_Maryland on Twitter for live updates all throughout the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

By Bob Trosset

@BobTrosset

[crws-mdstate]

Team Maryland: Loss in Extras

Coming off of a tough opening round loss against Team Southwest, Team Maryland came out of the gate hot tacking on the first three runs of the ball game on the Nationals Field against Team Pacific Northwest.

Trevon Hayes went the distance for Team Maryland pitching six innings, allowing six hits, four runs and striking out four. Hayes flirted with a no-hitter deep into the fourth, but with two outs he allowed a single leading to a productive inning for Team Pacific Northwest.

"Through the first four innings, I couldn't have asked for much more from my team," said Coach Kirby.

Team Maryland's Player of the Game was Marquill Barnes who reached safely all three times he had the opportunity to do so. One of his hits included a solo shot to deep center to extend Team Maryland's lead to three.

When asked about how he plans to make adjustments going forward, Barnes said, "I'm going to do what I did today: hit the ball."  

Shane Kirby came in to relieve Hayes and pitched the seventh and eighth. With a runner on third in the bottom of the eighth, Kirby threw a passed ball allowing the runner to score on a walk-off passed ball lifting Team Pacific Northwest to victory.

It's important that Coach Kirby gets more than four perfect innings from his team going forward as this game took a full eight innings of play to crown a victor. Your final score was Maryland State 4, Pacific Northwest 5.  

Team Maryland is now 0-2 in pool play and will face Team Pacific Southwest on Cal Sr.'s Yard at 8:00 p.m. on Monday.

Be sure to follow @CRWS_Maryland on Twitter for live updates all throughout the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series powered by Under Armour.

[crws-mdstate]

Team Maryland : Press Conference

Coach Kirby and Mason Stine chat about their opening round loss to Team Southwest. The final was 3-6.

[crws-mdstate]

Team Maryland - Opening Round Loss

Team Maryland got things started today on Cal Sr.'s Yard and faced a resilient Southwest team from Mobile, Alabama. Maryland's starting pitcher Tyler Moody hurled for four and a third innings allowing eight hits and six runs, while striking out three. He could never really get himself into a rhythm this afternoon. Maryland's Player of the Game Mason Stine delivered a clutch pinch hit single to provide the foundation for what would be a productive fourth inning. When asked about what his hit meant, Stine said, "I think it motivated everyone to rally and get some runs." Ultimately falling to Team Southwest 3-6, Team Maryland is keeping their heads held high and looking forward to Sunday's matchup against Pacific Northwest on the Nationals Field at 12:30 p.m. Follow @CRWS_Maryland on Twitter for live updates throughout their journey during the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Strive for Second Consecutive Semifinal Birth

By: Bobby Trosset

Throughout the last 10 years, Maryland has become a hotbed for the sport of lacrosse and has consistently produced top athletes collegiately and professionally. Lacrosse may be up and coming, but baseball is still America’s pastime.

One could argue that Team Maryland has an extra dose of added pressure heading into the Cal Ripken World Series each year because of how much attention lacrosse gets in the state of Maryland.

“The buzz is almost at  uncontrollable level now,” said Daniel Crosby, 2014 CRWS Team Maryland head coach.

In last year’s tournament, Team Maryland made a statement as they rode momentum all the way to the semifinals. Primarily led by their workhorse pitcher Jack Bulger and long ball slugger Chase Crosby, Maryland couldn’t quite edge out their in-state rival.  Ultimately falling to Team Hartford County, Team Maryland had a lot to be proud about and build off of.

“I believe it is realistic for this team to return to the CRWS in 2015,” said Crosby.

Although winning is Team Maryland’s first priority, some of the guys have other competitive juices flowing.

“Last year one of our players (Chase Crosby) tied the CRWS record for most home runs in one game. I know some of the players are eager to try to break the record,” said Crosby. There’s nothing like the impact that the long ball has on young kids.

As a new year and opportunity approaches, Team Maryland looks to get over the hump and make a run at winning the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series.

“The experience last year was second to none and the organization and players are eager to return,” said Crosby.

[crws-mdstate]

Maryland: Meet Team Reporter, Bobby

My name is Bobby Trosset and I am a rising junior at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. I’ve spent my first two years studying Spanish and broadcast journalism, hoping to one day break into sports broadcasting.

Throughout the summer, you can find me umpiring baseball, running my lawn care business or behind the scenes at 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio. In my free time I enjoy a round of golf and staying physically fit by swimming, lifting and running.

I’ve been looking forward to the Cal Ripken World Series because of the unique opportunity that it presents many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds with one common theme: competition. The Ripken family owns a rich history and I have no doubt that this year’s competitors will fill the shoes worn by past champions adequately.

Throughout the tournament, I will be splitting up my time evenly between Team Japan and Team Maryland. I will be providing live game coverage as well as feature stories leading up to the tournament.

See you in July! Don’t forget to follow @CRWS_Maryland on Twitter for live updates and game coverage!

[crws-mdstate]

Coach Daniel Crosby and relieving pitcher Donavan Frayer joined us in the @ATT Media Center following their CRWS Semifinal loss against Harford County, 11-9. It was a very up-and-down game for Maryland, getting down early and coming back to tie things up and take the lead, but ultimately falling due to mistakes. Maryland finished the tournament 4-1, but is eliminated from contention.  

[crws-mdstate]

MARYLAND- Errors key in roller coaster semifinal-loss against Harford County, 11-9

It was a beautiful day for an all-Maryland CRWS semifinal on Cal, Sr.’s Yard between Maryland and Harford County. Maryland came into the game undefeated while Harford County was 3-1, but it was expected to be a hard fought game full of runs.

Maryland lines up on the first base line prior to facing Harford County in the CRWS Semifinal.

   Jack Bulger started the game on the bump for Maryland but got down early. After giving up a lead-off single, Maryland’s Anthony Morales made an error on a fly ball in left field putting Harford County up 2-0.

 Maryland looks to regroup head to the bottom of the first trailing Harford County, 2-0.

   Things looked to be getting back on track for Maryland in the bottom of the second when Brandon Baker scored on a wild pitch to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Harford County responded well however in the top of the third, putting their first two batters on base. A steal home and RBI-single increased Harford County’s lead to 4-1 heading to the bottom of the inning.

   Anthony Morales got the comeback started for Maryland with a lead-off double to left field, and a few singles and Harford County error tied the game up at 4-4. Chase Crosby continued adding on the runs with a successful bunt to put Maryland ahead 5-4. 

   Harford County came storming back in the top of the fourth with a lead-off home run by Tyler Schimming to tie the game 5-5, ending Maryland pitcher Jack Bulger's day on the mound. Three hits and two walks later, Harford County tacked on three more runs to put the guys in orange and blue on top by three, 8-5. 

Maryland pitcher Jack Bulger comes off the field after giving up a lead-off home run in the fourth inning. He pitched three innings, giving up six hits and six runs (three earned), with one walk and three strikeouts.

   The bottom of the fourth gave Maryland hope with their lead-off batter. Ramel Washington started Maryland off with a triple and Anthony Morales delivered a successful bunt to score his teammate, reducing the deficit by two. That is as close as Maryland would get, however, with an unkind top of the fifth. Harford County took advantage of dropped third strikes, walks and wild pitches to increase their lead to 11-6.

Maryland's Chris Osorio cut Harford County's lead to 11-8 with a 2-RBI double in the fifth. 

   Maryland tried to respond in the bottom of the fifth with a Chris Osorio 2-RBI double and another run added in the bottom of the sixth, but it would not be enough. Maryland falls 11-9, tarnishing their perfect record and eliminating them from the Cal Ripken World Series. For more info, updates, and all things Cal Ripken World Series, please visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/worldseries and follow Team Maryland on Twitter @CRWS_Maryland #CRWS #RipkenWay

[crws-mdstate]

Coach Daniel Crosby and relief pitcher Ramel Washington joined us in the @ATT Media Center after their 5-2 comeback win against New England. Washington hit an RBI-double to tie the game 2-2 in the fourth inning and pitched three innings, giving up zero hits and zero earned runs with one walk and two strikeouts. Maryland is now 4-0 and goes into the playoffs with the number one seed in their division. They face Harford County Thursday at 12:30 P.M. in the CRWS Semifinal. For more info, updates, and all things Cal Ripken World Series, please visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/worldseries and follow Team Maryland on Twitter @CRWS_Maryland #CRWS #RipkenWay

[crws-mdstate]

MARYLAND- Big fourth and fifth innings complete comeback 5-2

   With three wins under their belt, Maryland wanted to head into the playoffs undefeated and with the top seed. After a shaky start, Maryland turned things around to score five unanswered runs in a 5-2 win against New England.

   Chase Crosby started on the mound for Maryland and began the game walking two. Javon Hernandez then came on for New England and hammered a 2-run shot to take the 2-0 early lead. Crosby settled in and pitched three innings, giving up one hit, three walks and two earned runs. Ramel Washington came in for relief in the fourth and delivered a shutdown inning with a strikeout.

Chase Crosby started the game on the bump for Maryland against New England. He pitched three innings, giving up one hit, three walks, and two earned runs.

   Bad baserunning kept Maryland scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when Noel Aristy’s RBI-single cut New England’s lead in half. Ramel Washington followed up with an RBI-double to tie things up 2-2, and Maryland’s momentum would not stop.

   A couple successful bunts and a New England error put Maryland on top 5-2 in the bottom of the fifth and that’s all she wrote. Maryland capped off the top of the sixth with a double play and pop out to complete the comeback and move to 4-0 in the tournament.

Jason Mackal successful bunt scores man on third base to give Maryland  3-2 lead.

   Maryland plays Harford County at 12:30 P.M. Thursday in the CRWS Semifinal. For more info, updates, and all things Cal Ripken World Series, please visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/worldseries and follow Team Maryland on Twitter @CRWS_Maryland #CRWS #RipkenWay

[crws-mdstate]

Coach Daniel Crosby and starting pitcher Chris Osario joined the media in the @ATT Media Center after Wednesday's 5-1 win versus Pacific NW. Chris Osario pitched five innings, allowing six hits with zero earned runs and two strikeouts. Maryland is now 3-0 in the tournament and plays New England Wednesday at 8 P.M. For more info, updates, and all things Cal Ripken World Series, please visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/worldseries and follow Team Maryland on Twitter @CRWS_Maryland #CRWS #RipkenWay

[crws-mdstate]

MARYLAND- Solid pitching, hot bats key in third win of tournament, 5-1

   With two wins under their belt, Maryland was looking to get that crucial third win to take the top seed out of pool play. Another solid game on the mound and another home run propelled Maryland past Pacific NW, 5-1.

    Maryland got things started off in the top of the first with an RBI-single to give the home state the 1-0 lead. Chris Osario came in on the bump to protect the lead and started out a little shaky, but the Maryland defense came up big to get out of the inning.

Chris Osario mans the mound in their third tournament game facing Pacific NW.

   The top of the third was a big inning for Maryland taking advantage of a couple Pacific NW errors to put them on top 2-0. Tremayne Cobb Jr. delivered an RBI-single for the 3-0 lead, and Noel Aristy’s 2-run shot capped off the inning for the 5-0 lead.

Noel Aristy hits a huge 2-run home run in the third inning to put Maryland up big 5-0.

   Five runs were all Maryland would need to take down Pacific NW. Chris Osario pitched five innings, giving up six hits and zero earned runs with two strikeouts. Joseph Quelch came on in the sixth inning, giving up an earned run to give Pacific NW some life, but Jack Bulger closed things out ending the game with three strikeouts for the 5-1 win. 

   Maryland remains undefeated and heads to the playoffs sitting pretty. For more info, updates, and all things Cal Ripken World Series, please visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/worldseries and follow Team Maryland on Twitter @CRWS_Maryland #CRWS #RipkenWay