crws-pacificnorthwest

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Pacific NW: Game Recap v. Canada

Pacific Northwest was defeated by Canada, 7-3 on Thursday at National’s Field. 

Pacific Northwest played their first international team today in the Iron Bracket. Unfortunately, Canada brought their A game and Pacific Northwest could not keep up. 

Pacific Northwest was not pitching as well as they have in the past. They started the game off with Carson Bohning and then switched to Jacob Hughes, and finished with Mason Kierlty. 

Canada came out in the second inning on fire, scoring five runs in the top of the second. 

The game came to a stop due to a rain delay in the top of the fifth. Canada had a player on first and second. They collected two more runs in the fifth inning. 

Today was Pacific Northwest’s final game here at Cal Ripken Stadium. 

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Pacific NW: Cole Robert’s Road to Aberdeen

Starting second baseman, Cole Roberts, was hit with heartbreaking news a day before his flight to Baltimore, Maryland. Cole’s once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in the Cal Ripken World Series was at risk.

A day before Team Pacific Northwest’s flight was scheduled to leave, Cole was having terrible stomach pains. He told his mom, and they both immediately left home and went to the emergency room. 

It was just a few moments after after the doctor saw him that Cole was told he would need an immediate appendectomy. 

“I was so emotional,” said Cole. “My first thoughts were that I was not going to be able to go to Maryland and play baseball.” 

There was nothing Cole could do. He had to have the surgery. An hour after being in the emergency room, Cole went under anesthesia.

After waking up Cole was, of course, still in some pain but still only worried if he would be able to play baseball or not. A few moments later, Cole and his mom heard amazing news from the doctor: “You are going to be one hundred percent by Monday. You can still fly to Maryland and play in the Cal Ripken World Series.” Cole was ecstatic!

When Pacific Northwest arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, received their Under Armour uniforms and had a chance to see the Cal Ripken facilities, Cole realized how lucky he was. 

“I can’t believe I am here,” he said. “We got the coolest gear. We get to play on awesome fields, and if this surgery happened any later, I would never have been able to experience this.” 

Cole and his team had their first game on Nationals Field on Sunday against Maryland. Cole was up at bat and this was his first time playing baseball since his surgery. He swung the bat and unfortunately felt pain and had to come out and sit down. Thankfully, about twenty minutes later, Cole felt okay, but had sat out for the rest of the game and Tuesday’s game.

Wednesday night, Pacific Northwest played under the lights on Cal, Sr.’s Yard against Pacific Southwest. Pacific Northwest was back to their original starters with Cole at second base. 

The team was happy to have to their starting second baseman back on the field. 

“Having Cole back will make us stronger and better,” said good friend of Cole’s, Mark Steward.

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Pacific NW: Game Recap v. Pacific SW

Pacific Northwest had a tough loss, 12-2 in just four innings on Wednesday night at Cal Sr. Yard. 

Pacific Northwest jumped out with an early lead in the first inning, 2-0. 

Player of the Game, McKay Anderson stepped up and got his team ahead with a double. Tommy Whiles had a single, which moved Anderson from second to third. Anderson then stole home. Jackson Reed also scored on a groundout. 

Mason Kielty allowed seven runs in 2 1/3 innings, walked three and struck out none.

Pacific Southwest had an incredible third inning, scoring 7 runs and Pacific Northwest could just not come back. 

“The third inning was vicious, Coach Scott Whiles said. They��re a good hitting team.”

Pacific Northwest’s pool play record ended 2-2. Despite losing tonight, Coach While’s says their team experience here has been wonderful. 

“The atmosphere and playing facilities and just the feeling of playing the best kids in the world is wonderful and we are so thankful to be here.” 

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Pacific NW: Game Recap v. New England

Pacific Northwest defeated New England Tuesday, 5-4 on Cal Sr’s Yard at 5:30 pm

New England jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning, 1-0. The lead was then taken from Pacific Northwest in a strong third inning changing the score, 4-3.  

Pacific Northwest scored on an RBI single by Jackson Reed off Teddy Mautz, plating McKay Anderson. 

Although New England captured one run in the sixth inning, New England struggled to get back in the lead. 

Player of the Game Award went to pitcher, Carson Bohning. He allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three, walked three, and gave up seven hits. 

Pacific Northwest and New England, both traded lead a few times during the game. “We played gritty today, said Coach Scott Whiles. I give a lot of credit to New England, they played gritty too. But we feel fortunate right now.”

After today’s win, Pacific Northwest will play under the lights tomorrow on Cal Srs Yard at 8:00 pm against team Pacific Southwest. 

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Pacific NW: Game Recap v. Southwest

Pacific Northwest lost their first game today on Cal, Sr.’s Yard against Southwest, losing 9-3. 

Pacific Northwest was struggling with their pitching and Southwest caught an early lead in the first three innings with nine runs. 

Pacific Northwest had a little bit of a comeback in the top of the fourth inning when Player of the Game, Brayden Rundell, racked up three RBI’s on one hit against Southwest’s pitcher. He hit a deep home run.

Pacific Northwest’s pitcher, Mason Kielty lasted 1 1/3 innings on the mound before the call to the bullpen. Jackson Reed replaced him, who was later replaced by Jacob Hughes. 

Although Pacific Northwest suffered a tough loss today, Coach Whiles said" "Tomorrow is new team and new day. There is no magic recipe we just have to play hard. Were going to go to an Orioles' game tonight, forget all about it, and have fun.”

Tomorrow evening Pacific Northwest will play New England on Cal, Sr.’s Yard at 5:30. 

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Pacific NW: A Day In The Town

Traveling all the way from Meridian, Idaho to the East Coast is a big change for Team Pacific Northwest. Idaho has some of the most rugged landscape in the U.S. It is covered with mountains, valleys, and forests. Washington ,D.C., however, is just the opposite. The District is constantly filled with people from all over the world who travel to come visit our nation’s capitol. It is an urban area, unlike most of Idaho. Most of Team Pacific Northwest have never been to the East Coast. Yesterday they spend their day off experiencing a different lifestyle than the one they are used to.

The boys got to see a lot in just one day! They visited the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, World War II Memorial, White House, and took a bus tour around the capitol!

“It was incredible,” coach Scott Whiles said. “I got to look up two names on the Vietnam Wall. One of guys jumped on top a grenade and saved four lives. He had two children and a wife at home. That is a huge sacrifice.”

The boys enjoyed the Arlington Cemetery, which consists of 624 acres of land. They thought it was really cool to see so many grave stones of the brave heroes that sacrificed their lives for our country.

Although Team Pacific Northwest had a fun day exploring what Maryland has to offer, they’re ready to lace up their cleats and strap on their batting gloves and begin their real journey at the Cal Ripken World Series.

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Pacific NW: Game Recap v. Team Maryland

Team Pacific Northwest defeated Team Maryland, 5-4, on Nationals Field in extra innings this afternoon. 

Maryland caught an early lead in the top of the first inning, 2-0. Maryland then hit a home run in the top of the third inning making it 3-0. 

Pacific Northwest started to come back when it got two runs in the fifth and sixth inning. The game was tied 4-4, forcing both teams into over time. 

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Pacific Northwest scored off a two-run single thanks to Brayden Rundell. Player of the Game, Tommy Whiles slid into home plate, getting the winning run. 

“We had some outstanding performances today,” said Coach Scott Whiles. “Two players that come to mind are Carson Bohning and Jackson Reed.” 

Jackson Reed finished with three hits. He singled in the fourth, sixth, and eighth inning. 

Team Maryland struggled against Pacific Northwest’s pitcher, Carson Bohning, who held Maryland hitless for over five innings, had no earned runs, walked one, and struck out eight. 

Tomorrow afternoon, Pacific Northwest will face off Southwest at 3:00 pm on Cal Sr.’s Yard.

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Pacific NW: Day One in the Books

Finally, after a long night of traveling Team Pacific Northwest arrived in Baltimore at 3 a.m.! They got little sleep, but the coaches and players fought through it.

Two players and two coaches from Pacific Northwest sat down in the AT&T Media Center to answer a few questions this morning. The players talked about how excited they were to be at The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armour complex and about how beautiful the fields are. The coaches discussed how it was important to focus on fundamentals and carry their success from their regional tournament into this tournament.

Afterward, the teams participated in the skills competitions. Mason Kierlty received seven points in the home run derby, Team Pacific Northwest received 32.7 seconds in the turn two competition, and 27.8 seconds in the golden spike competition. Around 5 p.m. the ceremonies started and all the teams walked into Cal, Sr.’s Yard where everyone was introduced. Today, Pacific Northwest has the day off and plan to visit Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, Pacific NW will square off against Team Maryland at 12:30 p.m. on Nationals Field. If you want to wish Team Pacific Northwest good luck and follow their journey through the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series, follow the team on Twitter at @CRWS_PacificNW.

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Pacific NW: Meet Team Reporter, Morgan

Hello everybody!

My name is Morgan Arnott, and I am 21 years old. I am from Mantoloking, New Jersey, and a rising senior majoring in digital media and journalism at Loyola University Maryland. I am so excited for this year’s tournament!

I transferred to Loyola my second semester of freshman year from East Carolina University, which was a better fit for me. Loyola is a great university ! I recently studied abroad for four months in Italy and got to travel all of Europe as well. It was truly an amazing and life-changing experience. Another interesting fact about myself is that I am a twin. I have twin brother named Christopher, along with another older brother Michael and older sister Taylor.

I am extremely excited to report for CRWS. I am lucky enough to be assigned to Team Pacific Northwest and cannot wait to finally meet them in person! I am even more excited to be telling their stories along with giving you game summaries. I wish Team Pacific Northwest the best of luck!

Don’t forget to follow @CRWS_PacificNW on Twitter for live updates!

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PACIFIC NW; 5th Inning Rally not enough as They Fall 9-6 to Mid-Atlantic RJ KAMINSKI

It was a chance for Pacific NW to once again continue their offensive brigade.  They did just that scoring six runs off of Mid-Atlantic’s pitcher but it was NW’s pitching that let up just a few too many for them to get back this one. 

Braden Guerrero came into the game hot as ever, coming off a two home run and five RBI performance against Canada.  Unfortunately for him, one pitch put his squad down four runs as he gave up a grand slam in the first inning.  It really wasn’t anything to this Pacific NW team as they’ve come back from similar deficits before.  Their offense knew they had to come out and make up for those runs but in the end it was too much to overcome. 

Highlights from the game included Isaiah Vega stealing home right as their catcher tried to throw out the runner at second.  Mason Leavitt had a big time double in the second inning, bringing around Braxton Mills to score NW’s first run.  Hayden Cantrill later had an RBI double to plate Tristan Ray.  Vega followed that up with a two RBI double to cut the lead even more. 

Then Gabe Hughes came to bat and made the play of the game as he tried to send one back to Meridian, Idaho.  The ball left his bat and moments later was sitting halfway up on the hill over the centerfield wall.  That would end up being the end of their comeback run as they scored six runs to Mid-Atlantic’s nine.

It has been an absolute pleasure reporting for this Idaho squad.  During the first game I thought I was getting a bunch of kids with no personality, but once the nerves about playing on a national stage got out of their heads, they became the fellas I’d hope they would. 

The constant questions about girl advice, my hair, and outfit for that day never got old.  We’d joke about movies, fashion and always something about girls.  These guys talk a big game.  Especially Isaiah Vega.  His mouth and ego are equivalently large but he plays the game with a lot of heart and hustle, which is a real pleasure to watch.

The coaches, Ryan, Juan, and BJ, have been nothing short of a trip.  Their sense of humor mixed with the way they treat their players made our time together something special.  They always had a positive attitude, which in turn made their guys have one as well.  I wish I could’ve made it to The Greene Turtle with them one night this week.  We’ll have to reunite in Meridian and have a team dinner sometime as they’ve made this week nothing short of awesome. 

For scores, highlights and recaps, follow @CRWS_PacificNW or visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series.

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Pacific NW Wins Big, Advances to Play Mid-Atlantic

In an offensively driven 16-2 victory over Team Canada, Pacific NW finally fell into the hitting groove that they’re used to.  Hayden Cantrill cracked things open for the Idahoans as he shot a single to the third baseman and beat out the throw to first.  That’s all NW needed to get it going as an offensive storm began to ensue.  Isaiah Vega scored Cantrill on an RBI double as Braden Guerrero stepped up to the plate.

Guerrero sent one deep to right and nearly hit the scoreboard in left center.  It would only be his first one of the day as he’d go on to hit another two-run homerun in the third.  Some players in the dugout this morning were ragging him on not hitting any balls out this tournament.  He certainly responded to those taunts, going three for three on the day with five RBI. 

Almost every single NW batter reached base today or notched an RBI whether it was from a walk, flyout, or base hit.  Mason Leavitt isn’t happy with just this game though; he’s focused on winning the final one.  “It ain’t over till it’s over,” he said as he walked out of the dugout. 

Pacific NW will play their final game of the tournament against Mid-Atlantic on Cal Sr.’s Yard at approximately 1 p.m.  “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

For scores, highlights and recaps, follow @CRWS_PacificNW or visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series.

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PACIFIC NW; Make a Statement Against Dominican Republic

Pacific NW continues to pound the baseball and rack up runs as they walk over the Dominican Republic routing them 12-5.  Gabriel Hughes had the offensive play of the day for his squad, driving in two runs with a triple in the gap.  Both Hayden Cantrill and Isaiah Vega scored off the hit as Hughes slid into third base.   

The team was having a blast on their last day of tournament play.  Everyone was in a jolly mood as Gabriel Hughes told jokes and signed a poster for the team reporter.  It’s no surprise their team chemistry is noticeable as the group has been playing together for a long time now.  They’re looking forward to watching playoff baseball later today and getting ready to take on the winner of Canada and New England’s game tomorrow at 10 a.m.!

For scores, highlights and recaps, follow @CRWS_PacificNW or visit www.ripkenbaseball.com/world_series.

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PACIFIC NW; Downs Southwest in a Big Way

Pacific NW turned things around in a BIG way after suffering a loss this morning as they pound Southwest 12-1 on Cal Sr.’s Yard.  Babe Ruth Player of the Game, Braden Guerrero led the offensive charge with an early RBI double.  Hayden Cantrill was also a huge contributor as he went two for four. 

The highlight of Pacific NW’s first four games has been their inability to hit with runners in scoring position.  Boy did that change this afternoon.  Collecting 11 hits and scoring 12 runs, Pacific NW managed to leave only three runners on base.  They’re used to leaving between 7-10 runners on per game.

Not only were they coming out swinging, but also their patience paid off in a big way as they collected five walks.  Idaho pitching gave up zero earned runs while collecting four Ks.  The guys were certainly feeling upbeat after the big win, as they hung out in centerfield after the game joshing around.  Braxton Mills joked that he hit a bomb one over the AT&T sign.  He didn’t.  He was just kidding.  But speaking of Braxton, he still has yet to chew a piece of bubble gum in his life.  Stay tuned on Twitter for any updates in case he does choose to try gum for the first time.  

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Pacific NW Fails to Pull Off 6th Inning Comeback

Leaving men on base was the problem today for Pacific NW, as they dropped their second game of the tournament against Maryland.  They outhit their opponents 8 to 6, but couldn’t get the timely hits they needed to with runners in scoring position.

Gabriel Hughes was the Babe Ruth Player of the Game for Pacific NW as he went three for three with an RBI. Getting the hits wasn’t a problem for them, but pushing the runners across the plate certainly gave them trouble. 

Both pitchers for Pacific NW, Isaiah Vega and Briggs Ranstrom, displayed great moves on the mound as they each picked off a runner.  The infield defense was also solid today for Pacific NW minus one blunder at second base.  Ranstrom kept a great pace for his team on the mound, forcing slow ground balls and pop-ups in a quick, efficient manner. 

Pacific NW all had their “shark rally caps” on going into the 6th and it seemed as if their hats were starting to work until the Maryland pitchers starting really hitting their spots.  Pacific NW started off the inning with a couple of hits as Gabriel Hughes then singled in Isaiah Vega.  The comeback started off exactly the way they wanted it but Maryland closed the door to win 5-1 and hand Pacific NW their second loss.  

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Pacific NW; Late Inning Rally Not Enough

Pacific NW couldn’t seem to find their usual rhythm as they dropped their first game of the Cal Ripken World Series to Pacific SW.   Although they outhit their opponent 7 to 5, they failed to bring across multiple runners they had on base.  Pitcher Gabe Hughes, who knocked an impressive double to deep center in the game, said this isn’t the way his team normally hits.  “Usually we can get seven runs in a game.  We just aren’t hitting right now.”  He claimed his team was really struggling against the curveball. 

Catcher Braxton Mills tried his best to get his team back in it with a late game RBI single to score Braden Guerrero.  However, it was too little too late, as Pacific SW’s pitching seemed to have their number today. 

Pitcher Quinn McGuire won the Babe Ruth Player of the Game Award as he put up a 0.50 WHIP in this evening’s game.  Hopefully Pacific NW can get their bats and pitching on point at the same time as they continue tournament play tomorrow against New England at 12:30 on Nationals Field.

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Team Press Conference