Match Report: 27/03/10 – Grand Final       Surfers Dodgers vs. Mudgeeraba Red

In a game befitting a Grand Final which was played in the right spirit and sportsmanship the Dodgers ball club went down to Mudgee Red 3 runs to 2. Both teams should be proud of their performances. We could not have played in this Grand Final without the assistance of our three Little League players Bianca, Brodie and Ben due to two of our regular players Kaito and Josh being overseas. The team would also like to thank Kaito on being voted runner up in the Gold Coast Baseball association Under 14’s MVP.

The game started with each team scoring one run in the first innings after a tense start by both starting pitchers. The opposition took the lead in the top of the third innings with two runs to finish their scoring for the game while the Dodgers only other score came in the bottom of the fifth to complete their run scoring. Tom scored both runs for his team with Brodie on both occasions being the RBI man. Scott was the only batter to get a hit for the team while other players gained base on balls through good pitch selection in the batter’s box.

The two Dodgers pitcher’s used Dan and Dylan were very poised on the mound and both applied themselves for their team. Dan started the game and had 7k2’s, 3 hits and 3BB’s for the 2.2 innings pitched while closer Dylan for his 3.1 innings had 6k2’s no hits and 1BB’s a strong achievement for his first year in this age groups Grand Final, well done.
Catcher Mitch Stanbrook again for the second week put in an outstanding display behind the plate controlling the pitchers and blocking the ball. Matt was also strong in centre-field taking another superb catch. A double play by Tom in the top of the sixth innings assisted the pitchers at a critical time with no outs.
On a few occasions through the game the Dodgers had their opportunities to score runs but unfortunately were denied by their opposition’s defence in doing so.
Our many thanks go out to all the player’s parents for supporting us during the season we appreciate your efforts in getting them all too training and game day.

To all the players we hope you enjoyed your season together and by the end had learnt more about the game of baseball. We really appreciate the hard work and effort put in by Darryl Stanbrook the team manager, Steve Hane our scorer and Kim Briese our umpire. With your support and assistance in these roles the job of coaching was made so much easier for us.

Congratulations to Dan on being voted by the players as the Grand Final MVP.
Other team award winners that were presented with trophies at the Presentation on Sunday 21st March were:
MVP: Daniel Hane
Players Player: Kaito Yoshida
Coaches Award: Mitch Stanbrook
Batting Award: Kaito Yosida (Batting average .647) you can see how we missed him batting in the GF.

We look forward to seeing you all around the ballpark next season.

Brian & Brad

Match Report: 20/03/10 – 1st Preliminary Final  Surfers Dodgers vs. Mudgeeraba White

The Dodgers ball club after an early determined effort by their opposition who had jumped to a 3 nil lead going into the top of third innings demonstrated their eagerness to be in next Saturday’s Grand Final when they rallied to score 10 runs in their last two at bats to win the game 10 runs to 4.
After a fortnight layoff from game play, with their regular catcher unavailable and a scratchy start the team applied themselves as they have done regularly during the normal season to apply the pressure through controlled pitching and some powerful hitting to outplay their opposition.
Starting pitcher Dan and reliever Dylan kept the opposition batters swinging while they were at the plate and between them recorded 11 strikeouts for the five innings pitched. Our defence supported the pitcher’s admirably with two important catches being taken at critical times, one by Scott and the other being Matt’s bases loaded two out catch in centre-field in the top of the fourth innings.
Mitch Stanbrook willingly took on the catching duties for the rest of the season for the team and displayed in this game the composure that is required behind the plate with a very solid performance with his blocking and control of the general play.
After two hits in the first innings a double by Brodie and a single by Mitch Stanbrook the team’s offense stepped up a gear by having discipline at bats in the bottom of the third and fourth innings. Hits were recorded by Scott who had a base clearing single, his second hit for the game, Brodie a single his second hit as well and a further single base hit by Josh. The big hit for the contest though goes to Mitch Pratt’s powerful game busting two run homerun to leftfield to complete the scoring for this final.
With our base running the team when given the opportunity applied themselves to run the base paths with assurance and confidence to put added pressure on their opposition.
For the magnitude of the game this was a very good team performance in all aspects. A great preparation will be required this week for when we play in the grand final. If the team keeps playing with this effort and the desire to win, it’s going to be a first-class game.
Let’s train hard this week and all put in a keenness to leave no stone unturned, the ultimate goal, THE PREMIERSHIP.

Brian & Brad

Match Report: 27/02/10 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Nerang Maroon

With the now completed home and away rounds the Dodgers ball club finished this part of the season with a 13 win 1 loss record, well done to all the players.
In this last round the team had a convincing win over Nerang Maroon 21 runs to 3 which was the ideal preparation required with the upcoming finals beginning this Saturday.
Consistency has played a big part in the results for the last two games with the team applying themselves through the whole game when either in the field or in the batter’s box, so let’s keep this up through the finals.
The Dodger’s offense once again scored runs in each of their five innings batted which has been a reliable aspect of the team for the season. Seven of the nine batters gained hits for the game with multiple hits being recorded by Brodie, Matt, Dylan, Mitch Pratt and Josh. The biggest hit for the game though went to Dan who hit a grand slam in the fifth innings a fantastic feat at any age level, well done Dan.
All the three pitchers used Tom, Dylan and Dan constantly threw the ball around the strike zone making their opposition swing the bat together having eleven strikeouts and this was no more shown than with Dan in his one innings pitched striking out the three batters he faced.
The defense played steadily limiting any errors and supporting the pitchers to complete a good all round team performance.
Congratulations to all the team on a rewarding effort so far this season keep putting in the hard work at training and at the ball park.
Bring ‘flippers’ to training see you there.

Brian

Match Report: 20/02/10 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Mudgeeraba White

With a much improved performance for the entire game the Dodgers had an important win over Mudgee White 10 runs to 6 securing our place at the top of the Gold table.
Apart from some powerful batting in this game we saw several outstanding catches being taken by outfielders Matt in centre-field, Mitch Pratt in right-field and finally a sharp line drive catch by our utility, Brodie, playing at shortstop. The team’s defense improved on last week with fewer errors being made during the game.
Catcher’s Kaito and Mitch Stanbrook shared the duties for the game both performing commendably supporting the three pitchers used Dan, Dylan and Tom. The combinations of these batteries now give us the flexibility to move players to these positions in any game while maintaining a strong focal point.
The team batting was aggressive with all players gaining base and of the nine hits recorded there were seven individual batters having a hit the others reaching base by a walk. Dan had a great day at the plate with 3 from 4 for the game. When on base the base runners ran confidently with enthusiasm which was another satisfying aspect of the team.
Overall the team’s performance for the game was pleasing so keep applying this effort in maintaining our results with our last ‘home and away’ round this weekend.
Have fun at training this week.

Brian

Match Report: 13/02/10 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Runaway Bay Baystars

The Dodgers ball club came away with a not so convincing 12 to 6 victory over the Baystars with the final result not being a true reflection of how close the game was after the first innings was completed. With both teams scoring 6 runs each in the last remaining four innings it shows that the game was an evenly competed contest.
The Dodger’s offense started confidently scoring six runs in the top of the first innings with seven of the eight batters gaining base with walks while one batter registered a single base hit. Their opposition was not able to score a run in either of their first two innings due to strong pitching by starter Dan who struck out five of the first seven batters.
Once again the team were able to score runs in all but the fourth innings showing their ability to reach base then eventually score, otherwise, the Baystar’s pitching was keeping the Dodger’s batters in check. The team had seven hits for the game with Kaito’s 3 from 4 and Dan’s 2 from 2 being the main contributors with the bat.
Mitch Stanbrook and Dylan completed the duties on the mound for the team and both threw with self-confidence. The teams defence wasn’t up to its dependable best with a few errors creeping into our game. This aspect of our game will be addressed at training this week.
The teams base running showed plenty of enthusiasm through the game but overall our play was a little below par on previous weeks during the middle innings, so we need to remain focused heading towards the end of the season.
Have a good training.

Brian

Match Report: 06/02/10 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Nerang Gold

Isn’t it great to be back at baseball after the seven week Christmas holidays. This was shown with the Dodgers playing with confidence and keenness with no effect from the break. They were quickly back on their winning way with a reverted back to equal innings 14 to 1 victory over Nerang Gold.
In a game where there were only three innings played the team took control in the top of their first batting innings scoring five runs while their opposition replied with their only run for the game in the bottom half.
Once again the Dodgers batters maintained their strong offense by scoring in each of their next two innings with 3 and 6 runs respectively. All players contributed while at the plate making solid contact with the bat. Multiple hits were recorded by Dan, Kaito and Matt.
Tom started on the mound for the team and threw two controlled innings performing extremely well considering his limited pitching in the first half of the season due to an arm injury. He was relieved by closer Dylan who threw accurately sitting down the next three Nerang batters in order in the one innings he pitched. Between them they made six of the nine outs a great effort by both.
The defence had a quiet day in the field and when required supported the pitchers in making the additional putouts. Kaito behind the plate once again was effective as ever with his blocking and his general defensive play.
It was also very pleasing to see Mitch Pratt back on the diamond again with the guys after his enforced layoff recovering from his dislocated shoulder.
This was a pleasing start to the second half of the season so keep up the effort team, as we head into the business part of the season.
See you at training.

Brian

Match Report: 12/12/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Runaway Bay Green Machine

The Dodgers ball club finished on a winning note before the Xmas break with a 10 to 3 victory over the Runaway Bay Green Machine.
Once again the team got away with a good start in the first innings by keeping their opposition scoreless, however crossing the plate with 4 runs to put them in a good position which included a home run by Tom. The second innings saw a further 2 runs being added through consecutive hits by Tom a triple, Dan a home run and Kaito a double to give them a lead of 6 runs to 1. Three runs in the fourth innings sealed the win by good pitch selection by the batters who went to the plate and subsequently their aggressive base running.
The three pitchers, Kaito, Dan and Dylan combined well during the game keeping the opposition batters off the bases and need to be recognized for their efforts. Mitch who caught the whole game did a terrific job behind the plate catching to all three pitchers plus his splendid efforts with his blocking.
Multiple hits were recorded by Tom (2-2), Dan (2-2) and Kaito (3-3) with single base hits by Scott and Josh.
In this game our fielding was not to one or our better performances that we have seen during the first half of the season and as a team this area will need to be worked on to maintain the level that we have achieved so far.
Well done to all the team for the high-quality start to the first half of the season with nine wins and one loss. Keep the hard work going in the next half.
To all the players who have made the All Star teams congratulations on your achievement enjoy the game and play well.
Training will recommence on Wednesday the 27th January 2010 .

To all players and families have a Merry Xmas and a safe and Happy New year.

Look forward to catching up with you all in 2010
Brian and Brad

Match Report: 05/12/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Robina Blue

After an all round good quality team performance in this game by the Dodgers ball club they are once again on the winning list with a comfortable win against Robina Blue 13 runs to 6.
Behind a solid pitching performance by starting pitcher Mitch for the first two innings and scoring three runs in the top of their first batting innings, gave the team the start they needed to maintain the pressure on their opponents for the duration of the game.
With no runs being scored by both teams in the second, the third innings saw the Dodgers add a further four runs to their tally while Robina Blue kept in touch with three. The Dodgers offense maintained their run production in their next two innings by crossing the plate with three runs in each. Tom, Kaito, Scott and Brodie all recorded two hits for the game.
The team’s batting performance showed better discipline in the batter’s box this week and was no better shown than by Brodie’s 2 outs, bases loaded, full count, double which scored 2 runs in the 4th.
Both Kaito and Dylan caught and blocked extremely well considering the depth of the back net which was further than normal for their age group.
Our base running on the base paths was aggressive and enthusiastic which added to our positive approach.
We like to thank Ben for helping out in today’s game due to injuries and were much appreciated by the coaches and the team.
Let’s have some good training sessions for the last week before Xmas.

Brian

Match Report: 28/11/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Mudgeeraba Red

The winning streak of seven games came to an end for the Dodgers ball club on Saturday when they were beaten by Mudgeeraba Red 9 runs to 3.
In a game where fielding errors eventually proved to be costly and our discipline in the batter’s box was not to our normal choice of good pitch selection, the team still applied themselves throughout the game making the effort to perform and crawl back into the contest but to no avail.
After a fairly even first innings the opposition took control of the game in the top of the third innings by scoring 5 runs with only one run in reply by the Dodgers.
All three pitchers used collectively threw with control making the opposition batters watchful of their pitching while catcher, Kaito, who put in another rock-solid performance behind the plate with his reliable blocking saving the team of opposition, runs.
Dylan played well at shortstop which included a great catch which resulted in an individual double play being made by him with the third out at second by catching the base runner off the base.
Our hits were recorded by Kaito who had two and one each by Tom, Scott and Brodie.
With losses there are always lessons that can be learnt, improvements with our skills can be made and when applied will help the all round team performance in the end.

Let’s put in another good training again this week.
Brian

Match Report: 21/11/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Mudgeeraba White

The Dodgers ball club kept on their winning way with a comfortable victory over Mudgeeraba White 16 runs to 4.
In a game where their opposition got an early lead with three runs in the top of the 1st innings, due to a couple of defensive lapses, the team were still able to reply with the bat and score six runs in their half of the innings to have a handy lead. During our next two defensive innings we showed improvement with our fielding with some good outs being made and allowing the opposition only one further run for the game.
The team scored eight runs in their last innings with good pitch selection by all the batters who went to the plate. Once again all players were entered in the score book with a run for the team.
Dylan started strongly for the Dodgers on the mound and pitched for two innings and was relieved by closer Dan who pitched the last innings. Between them they had seven strikeouts for the game and allowed only four hits.
Joshua, Scott and Brodie were consistent with the bat recording two hits each for the game.
Our base running once again proved decisive in gaining the added bases when required.
A speedy recovery goes to Mitch Pratt and we all look forward to your early return to playing with the team in the second half of the season. Many thanks go to Brodie for stepping up and looking after Mitch’s position during his recovery.

Have a good training this week.
Brian 

Match Report:  14/11/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Nerang Maroon

In their most discipline team performances of the season the Dodgers ball club continued on their winning way with a 16 to nil win over Nerang Maroon.
To put the team’s performance in perspective defensively they played error free baseball in the field supporting the pitchers who were throwing strongly and with control to the strike zone. The accuracy of both pitchers used Dan and Mitch, was shown in the four innings that they pitched, two by each of them, was that of the twelve possible batters they faced all twelve were put out. Eight of the batters were struck out with no hits and no base on balls being conceded. Catcher, Kaito, needs to be commended for his efforts behind the plate in his blocking to assist the pitchers’ efforts. The field also assisted in making the other four outs for the game, so with this combined with the pitching and catching, no opposition player was able to reach base. Not considering their age group or the time limited that is imposed for the game this is deemed a “Perfect Game” in no shape or form. Well done to all the team for being part of this special moment in their baseball careers.
After their complete defensive effort for the game the team offense was also very productive scoring all their runs in the three innings that they batted. This added with solid base running by all gave the Dodgers the advantage they wanted.  All the batters gained base with either hits or base on balls with nine of the ten players scoring a run for the ball club.
Well guys a great game to be part of so keep up the effort each week.
See you on diamond 2 this week.      
Brian

Match Report:  7/11/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Runaway Bay Baystars

After five completed rounds the Dodgers still remain undefeated for the season when they recorded a comfortable win against Runaway Bay Baystars 12 runs 3.
The Dodgers ball club were immediately on the scoreboard by crossing the plate with four runs in their half of the first innings through good discipline in the batter’s box. Once again the team were able to score runs in each of their remaining offense innings which is a good indication of their ability to produce runs during a game. All players reached base with Scott, Daniel and Matt each having a base hit.
Tom and Dylan both pitched well while on the mound keeping the Baystars off the bases until late in the game. Catchers, Kaito and Mitch, both blocked well behind the plate. All the team played strong in defence ably assisting the pitchers when required to get the outs.
Our thanks to Bianca Lyons for helping us out in today’s game.
Keep continuing with this good effort.     
Darryl and I would like to thank the parents for their assistance in ensuring that the team take the diamond in full club uniform this season. We all have to admit that the team looks professional when they are all dressed to play baseball.
    
Let’s have a great training this week.
Brian

Match Report:  31/10/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Runaway Bay Green Machine

In our most competitive game so far this season the Dodgers ball club overcame a determined Runaway Bay Green Machine to score a win 10 runs to 4.
Once again our opposition were able to score one run in the top of the first innings with our team replying with 3 runs. Both teams scored 3 runs in the second and one each in the third. With no further scoring by the Green Machine in the game the fourth innings saw the Dodgers add a further 3 runs to put the result out of reach of their opponents.
The Dodger’s offense produced runs in each innings which was a combined team batting performance. Dan batted 2 from 2, Mitch 2 from 3, with singles being recorded by Kaito, Scott, Matt and Brodie (thanks to Brodie for helping out in today’s game).
Our pitching with Dylan, Dan and Mitch kept the Runaway Bay batters to only two hits and a handful of walks for the game. The boys were consistently throwing in the strike zone to keep their batters thinking.
The one aspect of our game which was below our normal reliable team effort was our fielding so this will need to be worked on at training this week to maintain our solid defensive.
Well done boys for a good effort.

See you on the diamond.
Brian

Match Report:  24/10/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Alleygators

After another convincing win against the Alleygators 24 runs to 1 the Surfers Dodgers ball club have made a good start to this season.
Both our pitching and defence combined well together to register the outs to reduce the opposition scoring opportunities. This was shown by Joshua who made a great catch at second for a tough out in the second innings.
Pitchers used, starting pitcher Kaito and closer Tom, threw with consistency to the strike zone. In his first stint behind the plate this season for the club Mitch Stanbrook caught very well which included making a great out at first to catch the base runner of the base. Our pitching and catching department has plenty of depth which is a great asset for the team.
The opposition started the scoring with one run in the top of the first. The Dodgers completed all the scoring by taking the opportunity to score the maximum runs in their next four innings, which was a great team effort with the bat.
The scoring opened in the bottom of the first with a second pitch home run by lead-off batter Tom. All the batters were able to gain base either by hits or maintaining their discipline in the batter box by good pitch selection to receive base on balls. Well done to all the players.
Our focus needs to be maintained if we are to keep the solid performances the team has already displayed this season.

Catch you at ballpark
Brian

Match Report:  17/10/09 – Surfers Dodgers vs. Nerang Gold

The Dodgers ball club kept on their winning way after round 2 with a comfortable 19 to 3 win over Nerang Gold.
After an evenly completed first innings our offense once again came alive in the 2nd innings when we scored 9 runs on 8 hits and two walks which was reverted back when the 6 run rule was applied. During the next two innings the team kept applying the pressure with the bat scoring a further 12 runs to complete the scoring for the game. Players who had multiple base hits in the game were Kaito 4 from 4, Tom 3 from 4 and two each by Mitch Pratt, Scott and Daniel.  
All the players reached base either by a safe hit or a base on balls and subsequently scored a run for their team, a great batting display.
Both pitchers used Daniel and Mitch Stanbrook kept the Nerang batters contained by keeping the ball around the strike zone to make the outs.
Our defence assisted our pitching by making the outs especially the double play started by Scott who took a fly ball at third base then making the throw across the diamond to first base to complete the play was a good effort for his second game of baseball.
Both Joshua and Zac’s improved aggressive base running and with Dylan first effort behind the plate at catching for the team are giving us further options for the season.
As players we are applying ourselves with each game that is played which is a requirement for the team during the whole season.  
See you at the ballpark

Brian   

Match Report:  10/10/09 – S.P. Dodgers vs. S.P. Sharks

Welcome to another season of baseball. Today’s season opening game was an intra-club match between the Dodgers and Sharks ball clubs. It was contested in an evenly spirited manner with some great individual outs by the shark’s defence in a never give up approach to their game.
The Dodgers batters came alive during the game with some power hitting with three home runs being hit, two by Mitch Stanbrook in his first two at bats and one by Tom Briese which included both boys hitting a Grand Slam being a great achievement for an individual in the game of baseball.
The Dodgers had ‘rookies’ in Scott and Joshua playing their first game of baseball for the team and showed that they will be an attribute to the club.
Both pitchers Tom and Dylan for Dodgers threw strongly with controlled pitching for the four innings.
The Dodgers defence was solid during the game and made all the plays that were presented to them. A quick thinking play by the catcher, Kaito, to get the final out of the third innings at second was a heads up play.
All the players performed well with the bat getting on base at least once and scoring a run for the team. Well done to all players. 
The Dodgers ball club wish Steve and the Sharks all the best during the 09/10 season and look forward to seeing the team on the winning way soon.
A great game to all players from both teams being the first game of the season.

Catch you all at training.
Brian