A baseball career (take two)

[antidan444]

Writer's note: I tried this gig once before, a couple months ago, with a star pitching prospect (by the same name ... my name ... because it's always been a dream of mine to be a big-leaguer, and the dream isn't dead, even though I'm 34, slower than Billy Butler and would strike out in T-ball these days). That attempt flamed out because, frankly, most stuff I do flames out after a little while. This latest effort will probably flame out, too, or be aborted by a wife who claims it's taking up too much of my time. (She's probably right.) But I have a different idea for the presentation of this one, and I want to give it a shot and maybe entertain a few people in the process.

***

April 10, 2014

Welcome to Lancaster Jethawks baseball, as we begin the 2014 season! Hello everybody, I'm Brett Nieves, and tonight the Jethawks are on the road to face the High Desert Mavericks in the Class-A California League season opener.

As always, a lot of new faces dot the Jethawks' roster. There's a little added excitement tonight as last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Daniel Kauffman, makes his professional debut.

Kauffman signed with the Houston Astros one month after the draft, but a pulled muscle in his side kept him off the diamond until this spring. He hit .553 in his senior season of high school and is viewed as an outstanding leadoff hitter with speed. He's also considered strong defensively and can play multiple positions. He'll begin his pro career at shortstop tonight.

We'll fill you in on a few other faces throughout the night, but the first pitch of 2014 is coming up!

***

We're ready for baseball! Jordan Shipers takes the hill for the Mavericks. The 22-year-old was a 16th-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2010. And into the box steps Daniel Kauffman for his first professional at-bat.

The ump yells, "Play Ball!" and here we go. Shipers into the windup and delivers ... a fastball down and in for a ball. Kauffman steps out, adjusts his batting glove, and is back in. Shipers ready and here's the 1-0 offering ... swing and a miss! Kauffman took a big hack at a slider that stayed on the inner half and came up empty. He shakes his head, he thinks he should have connected. Now we're set for the 1-1 ... swung on and fouled off to the left. Kauffman just a little quick on that fastball on the outer half. He'll take a moment to think things over, and now he steps back in. Shipers looking in for the sign, and now the 1-2 on the way ... look out! Kauffman gets clipped by what looked like another slider that stayed in. He'll take his base and the Jethawks are in business.

(Shipers gets the next three hitters to end the frame.)

***

Two outs here in the top of the second after the popup, and the bases are still loaded for Kauffman. He was hit by a pitch to start the game. Shipers trying to work out of a jam. The Jethawks had runners on second and third with no outs, and loaded the bases with one out. Shipers with the pitch ... swung on and fouled to the left. Kauffman went after a fastball well outside there. Maybe a little anxious given the opportunity. The runners take their leads and here's the 0-1 ... blooped to right and this is going to find a hole! One run is in! Here comes Heineman around third, he will score without a throw! Kauffman with a two-run single and the Jethawks have a 2-0 lead! It was a slider that stayed over the plate and Kauffman stayed back on it and deposited it into short right for his first professional hit and RBIs.

(A strikeout ended the inning.)

***

One out in the top of the fourth and here's Kauffman. He's the hero of the game so far, with a two-run single in the second. The Jethawks have a 3-0 lead. Shipers into the windup, and the pitch ... swing and a high bouncer to short, easy play for Lopes, who throws to first to get Kauffman by two steps. Shipers got away with another fat slider there, as Kauffman rolled over it and is retired.

***

Welcome back, top of the seventh as the Jethawks come to the plate with a 4-1 lead. Kauffman leads things off, he's 1-for-2 with a two-run single in the second, and also has been hit by a pitch. Shipers still on the hill, he's thrown 101 pitches through six innings. Here comes pitch 102 ... fastball swung on and fouled off to the left. Shipers has walked six today in addition to the hit batter, he's had issues with his control. Kauffman back in there and here's the 0-1 ... fastball in and fouled hard to the left again. Wow, the ballgirl just barely got out of the way of that rocket! Kauffman in the hole 0-2 and will have to battle here. Shipers ready and here's the pitch ... look out! Again Kauffman gets hit, this time down around the ankles. Might have been a changeup that got away. Kauffman appears fine and heads to first, and that will be all for Shipers, who probably should have stayed in the dugout to start this inning.

(The next three hitters are retired.)

***

Two up and two down for the Jethawks in the top of the ninth, and Kauffman steps in to face hard-throwing righty Tyler Blandford. Righty-righty matchup here. Blandford to the plate ... Kauffman fouls off a fastball well inside to fall behind. Kauffman's been up there hacking today, he's been aggressive from the first pitch. Here's the 0-1 ... swing and a miss! a changeup up and in and the speed fooled him. Kauffman down 0-2 for the second straight at-bat and Blandford can throw just about anything here. Let's see what he does. Here it is ... Strike three! Blandford challenged Kauffman with a fastball and blew it past him. We're heading to the bottom of the ninth, the Jethawks lead 4-3.

***

Fly ball to right, this should be routine for Aplin, and that does it! The runner is stranded at third, and the Jethawks earn a 4-3 victory to open the season!

[baseballonly]

Hey man, no offense, but I think that your going to get tired of doing long writeups like this on EVERY game very quickly.

[antidan444]

April 11, 2014

We're ready for baseball as the JetHawks face the Mavericks in the second game of the series. The Mavericks send lefty Cameron Hobson to the mound. The 25-year-old was a Midwest League all-star last year. And in steps Daniel Kauffman to lead off. Kauffman was 1-for-3 with a two-run single yesterday in his professional debut. Here's the first pitch, and it's a strike on the outside corner. Pretty good tailing action on that fastball. Here's the 0-1, and it misses down and in. Kauffman was aggressive last night, but has shown a little more patience here. The 1-1 on the way and it's grounded to short, and Lopes boots it! That's an error and Kauffman is aboard.

(He's stranded at third.)

***

One out here in the top of the third, with the Jethawks batting down 1-0. Kauffman steps in, he reached on an error by shortstop Timmy Lopes in the first. The pitch is bunted! Hobson quick off the mound to get it and his throw to first is in time to get Kauffman by a step! Kauffman surprised everybody with that bunt but hit it too close to the mound. Two away.

***

So here's a golden opportunity for Kauffman here in the top of the fifth. Runners on first and third on two singles to start the inning. Kauffman is 0-for-2 but reached on an error his first time up. Hobson to the plate and a changeup finds the outer half for a strike. Pretty good pitch there, going offspeed perhaps concerned that Kauffman would be looking to swing away. Here's the 0-1 and Kauffman can't hold up on that beauty of a fastball on the outside black. He's in an 0-2 hole here as the runners once again take their leads. Here's the pitch and Kauffman grounds it down to third. Calderón has it, checks the runner at third and throws a bullet to get Kauffman at first for the first out. Scalfini into second on the play.

(One run scored on a sac fly.)

***

Welcome back, top of the seventh, it's a 1-1 game and we have a pinch hitter, Jobduan Morales, to lead things off. Morales hitting for Kauffman, who was 0-for-3.

***

The 1-2 pitch to Fleming is swung on and BELTED to deep left and it is a home run! Kurt Fleming with a walkoff homer with two outs in the bottom of the 10th and the Mavericks beat the Jethawks 2-1. The Jethawks will rue this loss, they left 11 runners on base and it's the Mavericks celebrating at home plate. So the four-game series is tied 1-1.

[antidan444]

April 12, 2014

Welcome back to Jethawks baseball. We're ready for Game 3 of the season-opening four-game series at the High Desert Mavericks. On the hill for the Mavericks tonight is righty Carson Smith, who was 5-0 with 21 saves and a 2.75 ERA for the Mavs last year. He's back in a starter's role for now. Daniel Kauffman steps in to lead off for Lancaster. Kauffman was 0-for-3 last night, he's 1-for-6 in the series. And here's the first pitch and Kauffman tries to bunt it and misses a high one up near his eyes. He didn't get the bat back in time and that's strike one. Smith is ready, and here it comes, and Kauffman fouls off a fastball on the inside corner. He's quickly in an 0-2 hole. He'd like to have that first strike back. Smith shakes off a sign, now he has one he likes, and here's the two-strike offering, and Kauffman fouls it straight back. Looked like an off-speed pitch, maybe a changeup. We'll do it again. Smith to the plate, and Kauffman fouls another one back, that was an inside fastball. Kauffman extending the at-bat as Smith tries to finish it. We'll do the 0-2 again, and this time Kauffman takes a slider that stays inside. The count is 1 and 2. Smith has tried a change, a fastball and a slider, let's see what he goes to here. The pitch is a fastball away and the count is even at 2-2. Pretty good eye there by Kauffman, that didn't miss by much. Smith set again, and here's the seventh pitch of the at-bat, and it's swung on and flared out to right. Pimentel ranging in, he's there and Kauffman is finally retired. A good at-bat after falling behind, but Smith went to the changeup and got Kauffman off balance for the out.

***

Two up and two down in the top of the third, the Mavericks have a 3-0 lead and here's Kauffman up for the Jethawks. He's 0-for-1. Smith has allowed just one hit through the first nine batters. The pitch is low for a ball, 1 and 0. Looked like a changeup and Kauffman took it. Smith set again and here's the offering, and he misses low again. Kauffman in a hitter's count up 2-0, he'll be looking for something to rip here. Smith brings it and Kauffman swings and lines a bullet to right, that's a two-out single. He got a fastball up around the letters on the outside corner and took it the other way.

(A groundout ended the inning.)

***

The pitch to Henry is swung on and grounded in the hole at short, Meyer can't get it, Kauffman way in the hole, backhands and fires IN TIME! A gem of a play by Kauffman, he ranged way into the hole to come up with that one! That's two outs here in the bottom of the fourth.

***

Sclafini on with a leadoff walk to start the fifth, and here's Kauffman. He singled his last time up, he's 1-for-2. Jethawks trail the Mavericks 3-0. Smith has walked three of the last eight hitters he's faced, he's at 70 pitches and may be tiring. Here's the offering and Kauffman's bunting. This is a beauty up the third-base line. Calderón has to hurry, he scoops and throws and Kauffman is OUT! Close play, but it will go as a sacrifice for the first out of the inning.

(Sclafini scored on a two-out single.)

***

Two up and two down here in the sixth, the Mavericks lead the Jethawks 6-1 on a pair of 3-run innings. Smith at 101 pitches and still in there to face Kauffman for the fourth time. Kauffman is 1-for-2 with a single. Smith has allowed three hits and three walks. Here's the pitch, and the fastball misses by a whisker. Good pitch but the ump thought it just missed outside or maybe low. Here's the 1-0 and Kauffman with a BIG swing and a BIG miss on a fastball at the knees. He shakes his head, he wanted that one. Smith sets again, and here's the 1-1, swung on and this is a lazy fly to center. Easy play for Henry, who puts it away to end the inning.

***

The Jethawks are down to their last out here in the ninth, trailing 6-3. Runner on first is Sosa. Jethawks have scored two so far this inning. Here's Kauffman, he's 1-for-3. He'll face the hard-throwing Blandford. Here's the pitch and it's a fastball at the knees for a strike. Blandford working quickly, he's ready to go ad here's the 0-1, and it misses down and in to even the count. Radar gun had that one at 97. Here's the 1-1, and look out! Kauffman hit by the pitch, looked like a wayward breaking ball, and the tying run will come to the plate. That's the third time Kauffman's been plunked in three games.

***

Here's the 1-2 to Dunston Jr., swung on and lifted to left, this should end it, Pizzano squeezes it and the Mavericks defeat the Jethawks 6-3. The Jethawks lose their second straight and will try to gain a series split tomorrow in the finale.

[antidan444]

April 13, 2014

Welcome back and we're ready for the final game of the season-opening four-game series between the Lancaster Jethawks and the High Desert Mavericks. The Mavericks have won the last two. On the mound for the Mavericks is righty Jordan Pries, he was 6-7 with a 5.99 ERA for the Mavs last year. Daniel Kauffman steps in, he's 2-for-9 in the series and has been plunked three times. Pries to the plate and it's swung on and hit up the middle past Pries, Lopes ranges over from short, he has it and the throw beats Kauffman by a step. One away.

***

So Joe Sclafani rounds the bases with a tremendous two-run homer to center and the Jethawks have a 2-1 lead with one out in the third. That brings up Kauffman, he grounded out to short in the first. The fans still buzzing over that mammoth blast. Here's the pitch and Kauffman takes way inside and low, a changeup well off the mark. Kauffman still looking for his first extra-base hit this season. The 1-0 and Kauffman gets plunked again! A curveball that got away from Pries, and Kauffman picks himself up and heads to first. That's the fourth time he's been hit by a pitch this series! That's a hard way to earn a good on-base percentage.

(Kauffman is stranded at third.)

***

One out in the fifth, the Jethawks trailing 7-2 after the Mavericks' four-run fourth. Here's Kauffman, he's 0-for-1 and was plunked last time up. Pries in the windup, and the pitch is a fastball at the knees for a strike. Other than the two-run homer by Sclafani in the third, Pries has been solid. The 0-1 is swung on and missed, a beauty of a curve that finished down and away and Kauffman is in the hole 0-2. He steps out and takes a practice hack, and steps back in. Pries is ready and here's the pitch, way inside with a curve in the dirt and Kauffman had to hop out of the way to avoid another beaning. He's got enough bruises already! Here's the 1-2 and that's strike three! Another beauty of a curve that froze Kauffman and he knew he was toast.

***

The pitch to Calderón, smacked back up the middle over the mound, Kauffman ranging to his left, he's got it and the off-balance throw is on the money and in time! A sparkling defensive play for the second out here in the bottom of the fifth.

***

Welcome back, top of the eighth, Jethawks trailing 10-2 to the High Desert Mavericks, it's been a rough one. Kauffman to lead off, he's 0-for-2, struck out his last time up. Pries at 92 pitches, he's allowed just three hits and one walk in seven strong innings. The pitch is swung on and missed as the bat goes flying into the stands! Kauffman went after a fastball belt-high, got nothing and that bat landed in about the seventh row! Kauffman will get his lumber back and is making sure that fan gets his own stick as a souvenir. Pries has eight strikeouts today, looking for more. Here's the 0-1, swung on and pulled foul to the left, a curveball that stayed up at the shoulders, but it's 0-2 and Kauffman will have to battle now. We've seen it all from Pries today, what's he got for this offering. Here it comes, and he misses outside with the heater. Kauffman takes a deep breath. Pries has the sign and here's the 1-2, fastball in the dirt to even the count. He hasn't been close with the last two. Pries stares in, nods and here's the 2-2, way inside and Kauffman nearly gets drilled again! That runs the count full. Pries had him in the hole but has not executed on any of his last three pitches. Here's the payoff pitch, swing and a slow bouncer toward third, but it will roll foul. Looked like trouble for a moment but we'll do it again. The seventh pitch of the at-bat coming, and Kauffman takes a fastball down and in for ball four, a well-earned walk after being down 0-2 and Pries let him off the hook.

(Kauffman is stranded at third.)

***

Fly ball to left-center, Henry on the move, he's there, he's got it, and the High Desert Mavericks have won the final three games of the four-game series against the Jethawks. This one wasn't close, the final is 10-2.

[antidan444]

April 14, 2014

We're about a minute away from the first pitch here in Rancho Cucamonga as the Jethawks face the Quakes. Lancaster has lost three straight after an opening-day win, while the Quakes are 2-2. On the mound for the Quakes is righty Abdiel Velasquez, a 21-year-old who was 1-5 with a 5.70 ERA in 10 starts for the Quakes last year.

Daniel Kauffman will get things started for the Jethawks, he's hitting. 182 after a 2-for-11 opening series, but his on-base percentage is .438 after getting plunked four times in four games. He's hoping to reach base a more traditional way here.

Velasquez ready and here's the first pitch, a curveball and it finds the outside corner for a strike. The Jethawks are still looking to break out with the bats, six starters enter this game below the Mendoza line. The 0-1 is missed by Kauffman, who tried to bunt and whiffed on the cut fastball. Lot of action on that pitch and Kauffman's in an 0-2 hole. Here's the pitch, low and away with the changeup and it's 1-2. Velasquez has shown Kauffman three different looks so far. He's set again, and the pitch is grounded hard to short. Burin's got it, and the throw to first retires Kauffman.

***

Top of the fourth, Quakes lead the Jethawks 3-0. Abdiel Velasquez is perfect through three innings, he's struck out two. Top of the order for the Jethawks as Kauffman steps in. He grounded to short to start the game. The pitch is in there at the knees, a fastball for strike one. Velasquez needed just 30 pitches to go through the order the first time. Here's the 0-1 and a curve misses just a little low to even the count. Everything he's throwing tonight has good life to it. The 1-1 is another curveball and just outside. Kauffman showing good patience so far laying off a couple close breaking balls. He can look for something good to hit here. Velasquez in the windup and the 2-1 is swung on and an easy comebacker back to Velasquez, who makes the easy play to Kauffman. Just when I praise his patience, he swings at a fastball well inside. He'll be kicking himself.

***

That's the first out in the top of the sixth and here's Kauffman, he's 0-for-2. Velasquez at 68 pitches, he's allowed just one hit and has a 3-0 lead. The pitch is a strike down in the zone, looked like he took something off that offering and he's ahead in the count. Velasquez already set, he's in some kind of groove tonight. The 0-1 is a little low, missing with the fastball to even the count. Velasquez has a couple different fastballs, he can cut it or run it in on righties. Throw in a curve and change and he has a lot of options. The 1-1 is swung on and hit past Velasquez up the middle, could be trouble, Holland makes a backhand stab, plants and fires to first IN TIME, he got Kauffman by a step! Nice play by the Quakes second baseman and Kauffman's shaking his head, he thought he had a hit, but he'll head to the dugout.

***

Three runs are in for the Jethawks in the seventh and the go-ahead run is on third. Here's Drew Muren, pinch-hitting for Kauffman, who was 0-for-3.

(The Jethawks added three runs in the ninth for a 6-4 lead, then gave up one in the bottom half but held on for a 6-5 victory.)‎

[antidan444]

April 15, 2014

Welcome to Lancaster for the Jethawks home opener! Tonight the Jethawks play host to the San Jose Giants. The Jethawks went 2-3 on their opening five-game road trip, but ended on a high note by coming from three runs down in the final three innings in yesterday's victory over Rancho Cucamonga. The Giants come to town after a 1-3 start. The Jethawks are still looking to get on track offensively, they rank last in the California League with a .186 team average. The first pitch is coming up!

***

Welcome back to Jethawks baseball, bottom of the first and leading it off is Daniel Kauffman. Last year's No. 1 overall pick has struggled so far, hitting .143. Amazingly, he's third on the Jethawks in on-base percentage. Omer Javier is on the mound for the Giants, making his first start. The 26-year-old was 4-5 with a 7.11 ERA in 13 appearances, 10 of them starts, for San Jose last year. Here's the pitch and it's a fastball well low and inside for a ball. Kauffman is 0-for-5 in the last two games, looking for a better start tonight. The 1-0 is swung on and it's a two-bouncer to short, routine for Tomlinson who makes the throw for the out. Pretty good fastball on the outside corner and down, and Kauffman is retired.

***

Bottom of the third, still scoreless, and Kauffman will lead it off for the Jethawks. He grounded to short his first time up. Javier has worked around two hits and a walk to keep the Jethawks off the board. The pitch is popped up, WAY up, out toward second. Galvez could have a snack and be done before gloving this one, and he does for a quick first out. That was a hittable fastball on the inner half but Kauffman got under it and his struggles at the plate continue.

***

The 1-0 to Houck is grounded hard up the middle, Kauffman on the move, he's got it, quick throw off his back foot across his body is right on the money! That was a smooth play, and Kauffman not letting his slump at the plate affect his glovework. Two outs in the fourth.

***

Two outs here in the bottom of the fourth, The Jethawks have a 3-0 lead thanks to a three-run third. Here's Kauffman, he's 0-for-2 on a groundout and popup. The pitch from Javier is swung on and fouled back, Kauffman with an aggressive swing at a curve on the outside corner. He was not fooled by the offspeed there. Let's see what Javier comes back with. The 0-1 is a fastball down and away, didn't miss by much but Kauffman takes it to even the count. Javier shakes off a sign, now gets one he likes, the windup and the 1-1 is up and in as Kauffman works his way back to a hitter's count. That fastball had a lot of action on it as it ran in near the letters. Here's the 2-1, and it misses low to make it 3-1. Javier went with a changeup and Kauffman didn't bite as it dropped out of the zone. Kauffman should get something to hit here. Javier is ready, the windup and the offering is swung on, he swung at a TERRIBLE pitch and pops up again, he SLAMS the bat down in frustration as Galvez makes the grab to end the inning. That fastball was a foot outside at the shins, should have been ball four, and Kauffman knows it. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets pulled again.

***

The 2-2 to Williamson is swung on and grounded in the hole at short, Kauffman got a great break on it, backhands, plants and fires a rocket IN TIME, he got Williamson comfortably! There's no denying the 19-year-old can play defense! That's one out here in the sixth.

***

Sclafani has an RBI single and the Jethawks take a 4-1 lead here with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. That brings Kauffman up, he's 0-for-3 but has made a couple nice plays at short tonight. Strickland comes set and here's the pitch, it's a fastball down and in for ball one. Righty-righty matchup as Sclafani takes his lead at first, he could look to swipe a base here. Strickland nods, sets and fires, and it's swung on and missed to even the count. A good, sharp curve, started at the belt and finished at the shins, and Kauffman comes up empty. Here's the 1-1, swung on and ripped down the line in left, JUST foul! He missed extra bases by about six inches after smashing that changeup. Now he'll have to protect. Here's the 1-2, swung on and another laser to left but that also will hook foul! That was a pretty good pitch, a curveball down and away, but not far enough away to keep Kauffman from whacking it hard for another near-miss. Just needs to straighten it out a bit. We'll do the 1-2 again, the pitch, and it's a pitchout! Nothing doing as Sclafani going nowhere and it's 2-2. I thought he might get the green light this at-bat but perhaps not. Strickland set, and here's the pitch, WAY outside with a changeup and the count runs full. Now Sclafani will be off with the pitch. Strickland looks in, he's got one he likes, from the stretch, the pitch, struck him out! A fastball at the knees and Kauffman swung through it to end the inning.

***

Sky-high popup, this should do it, Heineman behind the plate, he has it and the Jethawks are back to .500 with a 6-1 victory over the Giants in their home opener.‎

[antidan444]

April 16, 2014

We're ready for baseball as the Jethawks host the San Jose Giants in the second game of a three-game series. The Jethawks won yesterday and are 3-3, the Giants enter 1-4.

***

Bottom of the first, we're scoreless as Bryce Bandilla takes the mound for San Jose. Bandilla is 0-1, he allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in his first start this year. The 24-year-old lefty was 1-11 with a 6.22 ERA at August last year. To the plate steps Daniel Kauffman, he's 2-for-18 to start the season, 0-for-9 in the last three games. The pitch is a called strike, a fastball up and in at the letters but good enough for the man in blue. Kauffman didn't like the call. The 0-1 is a curve, swung on and fouled back. Kauffman went after that one, kind of a lazy breaking ball over the heart, but now he's in an 0-2 hole. Bandilla set, and the pitch is well inside. Kauffman had to get out of the way of that sweeping curve. Here's the 1-2, swung on and missed! Kauffman went after a changeup that ran in on his hands and couldn't connect as his slump continues.

***

The 1-0 to Galvez, swung on and lined up the middle, Kauffman DIVES and HAS IT! Oh what a play, a quick reaction and he snares it at full extension to end the top of the second. The Giants score one to cut the Jethawks' lead to 2-1.

***

Sclafani's aboard with a walk to start the bottom of the third. We are tied at 2. Here's Kauffman, he'll try to snap an 0-for-10 slide here, or perhaps look to move Sclafani up with a bunt. Bandilla eyes Sclafani, now comes to the plate, it's a curve and it misses low, Kauffman not chasing. Sclafani not taking a big lead, playing it safe with the lefty Bandilla on the hill. The 1-0 is swung on and lined to right, there's a hit for Kauffman and the Jethawks have their first two batters of the inning aboard. Bandilla left a fastball a little up on the outside corner and Kauffman with a nice piece of hitting to stroke it the other way.

***

The 2-0 to Nash, swung on AND BELTED! Deep to left! Hollick to the warning track, to the wall but this one is GONE! A GRAND SLAM for Telvin Nash, his fourth homer in seven games, and the Jethawks take a 7-2 lead in the third!

***

Six runs are in for the Jayhawks in the third, they have an 8-2 lead. Runners on first and second with two outs and Kauffman comes to the plate for his second at-bat of the inning. He singled to right his last time up. Stephen Harrold has walked three since entering the game following Nash's grand slam. The righty comes set and the pitch is just a bit low. Pretty good fastball but Kauffman with a good eye to lay off. Meyer and Sosa take their leads, Harrold checks them, now comes set. Here's the pitch, misses low again and Kauffman is ahead 2-0. He can look for something to drive here. The Jethawks' offense has come around in this series, with 14 runs in the last six innings going back to last night. The 2-0 pitch is swung on and driven hard to the gap in left! Hollick racing over from left but he's not going to-OH! HE GOT THERE WITH A SPECTACULAR LEAPING CATCH! Hollick robs Kauffman of a two-run double, at least! Amazing catch to end the inning, and Kauffman just tipped his batting helmet to Hollick for that play. We head to the fourth, Jethawks score six in the third and lead 8-2.

***

Sclafani goes deep to center off Edward Concepcion with one out in the bottom of the sixth, and it's 9-6 Jethawks. That ball was absolutely hammered for Sclafani's second homer of the year. That brings up Kauffman, he's 1-for-3 and was absolutely robbed his last time up by an amazing catch in left by Hollick. The righty Concepcion will try to shake off the long ball. Here's the pitch, fastball, he blew it past Kauffman for strike one. Nothing fancy there, just a little 93 mph heat. Kauffman back in the box, Concepcion's set, and he delivers, a half-swing and that's strike two. Kauffman couldn't hold up on a fastball at the letters and he's in the hole now. Here's the 0-2, strike three called and Kauffman knew it instantly, he was walking back to the dugout before the ump moved. A fastball right at the knees, looked like Kauffman guessed offspeed there.

***

Two on for the Jethawks with one out in the eighth, looking to extend a 9-7 lead. We're going to have a pinch hitter, it's Drew Muren in place of Kauffman, who was 1-for-4.

(Muren hit a two-run double and the Jethawks won 12-7.)

[antidan444]

April 17, 2014

Welcome to Jethawks baseball, as tonight brings to a close a three-game series against the San Jose Giants here in Lancaster. The Jethawks' bats have come to life in winning the first two games of the series, they have won three straight and are 4-3, one game behind High Desert in the South Division of the California League.

***

Bottom of the first, on the hill for the Giants is Shawn Sanford, he was rocked for five runs in 4 2/3 innings in his first start of the season. He spent most of last season at August, where he went 11-4 with a 4.58 ERA. Here's Daniel Kauffman to lead things off for the Jethawks, he's hitting. 136, coming off a 1-for-4 night yesterday. The pitch from Sanford is just a bit low for ball one. Kauffman taking all the way and that was a pretty good pitch, it barely missed. Sanford from the windup, the 1-0 is in there for a strike. Kauffman taking all the way again and the changeup was right down the middle to even the count. Here's the 1-1, misses low with a fastball and Kauffman is ahead 2-1. Sanford is not overpowering, generally around the high-80s with his fastball. The righty delivers, swung on and fouled off to even the count at 2-2. That pitch hit 90 on the gun, about hip-high on the outside corner and Kauffman sent it into the bleachers in right. Sanford ready and here's the 2-2, swung on and a slow roller down to third. Duffy comes in a couple steps, makes the scoop, and throw pulls Houck off the bag at first! That will be an E5 and Kauffman is aboard to lead things off.

(Kauffman scored from second on a two-out single by Telvin Nash.)

***

Bottom of the third, Jethawks lead 1-0 and Kauffman will get things started. He reached on an error in the first and scored the game's only run. Sanford delivers and it's taken for a ball low. Sanford threw a first-pitch slider and Kauffman didn't bite as it dropped out of the zone. Sanford's only given up one hit but the defense has made two errors behind him. The 1-0 is swung on and popped way up out toward third. Duffy is there, waiting, and he makes the catch for out number one. Sanford threw a hittable fastball but it ran in on the hands just enough to tie up Kauffman.

***

Two runs are in for the Jethawks here in the fourth and the sacks are loaded with one out for Kauffman, he's 0-for-2. Sanford trying to work his way out of the jam, as the Jethawks have a 3-1 lead and are looking for more. The pitch is a fastball down and in for ball one. Kauffman is 3-for-24 to start his professional career as the No. 1 overall pick of last year's draft is still waiting to break out at the plate. Great opportunity here. The 1-0, a check-swing, the appeal to first and he did not go! Kauffman ahead 2-0, he just laid off a fastball that just missed low. Sanford has nowhere to put him so Kauffman should get something good here. The pitch is swung on and popped sky high out toward first. Kauffman just shaking his head dejected as the infield fly rule is called and Anders makes the grab for the second out. Sanford threw a 2-0 slider and got it just far enough inside to tie Kauffman up again.

(A groundout ended the inning with no further damage.)

***

Bottom of the seventh, the Jethawks lead the Giants 3-1. Here's Kauffman, he's 0-for-3, he's popped up his last two at-bats. Sanford still on the mound, he's thrown 107 pitched through six innings. Here's pitch 108, a fastball on the outside corner for a called strike. That was clocked at 90 mph, so no apparent arm fatigue for Sanford. From the windup, the 0-1 is swung on and lined foul off to the right. That fastball was over the outside edge about shin-high and Kauffman now in an 0-2 hole. He steps back in, takes a practice hack, and here's the pitch, swung on and missed, he fans on a slider at the knees on the outer half and heads back to the dugout. Another frustrating night for Kauffman, who is ice cold.

***

Geith is ahead of Sim 1-2, trying to close out this one for the Jethawks. They lead 3-1. The Giants have runners on first and second but are down to their last strike. Here's the pitch, swung on and missed, and that's the ballgame! Lancaster finishes a three-game sweep of San Jose with a 3-1 victory. The Jethawks have won four straight to improve to 5-3 this year.

[antidan444]

April 18, 2014

Welcome to Jethawks baseball, as they welcome to town the Stockton Ports for the opener of a three-game series. The Jethawks have won four straight and are 5-3 on the young season. The Ports come to town with a 3-4 record, having lost two straight. The first pitch is minutes away!

***

Welcome back, bottom of the first, and Daniel Kauffman will lead it off for the Jethawks, he's hitting .115 and his early-season slump is getting some attention, but so far he's still at the top of the order. He'll face Ports righty Drew Granier, the 25-year-old is 25-18 with a 3.75 ERA in his minor league career, spanning four years. The first pitch to Kauffman is outside for a ball. Kauffman was 0-for-4 last night, he's 1 for his last 17. The 1-0 misses inside and Kauffman ahead in the count two balls and no strikes. Granier's fastball generally is around the 90-92 range, he compliments it with a slider and change. The 2-0 is right down the pipe for a strike, Kauffman taking all the way. He'll step out and take a couple practice swings, and we're ready for more baseball. Granier from the windup and the 2-1 is swung on and grounded hard but foul about two feet left of the bag at third. That will even the count at 2-2. It was a fastball about chin high but Kauffman went after it, now he has to protect the plate. Here's Granier with the 2-2, swung on and popped up down the right-field line, in foul territory. Pan and Olson both trying to get there, but it drops about five feet from both infielders and Kauffman will get another crack. Granier threw a slider in on Kauffman's hands, which is becoming a popular pitch to last year's top overall pick. Here's the pitch, look out! Kauffman plunked hard in the leg by a 92 mph heater, and that one hurt! That's the fifth time this season he's been hit by a pitch, and the trainer is out to check on him, he's in obvious pain and I believe his night may be done.

(Lancaster won 8-4 to push its winning streak to five games. Kauffman is day-to-day with a bruised thigh.)