After an impressive 3-1 showing in the quarterfinals, my record is up to 8-2 for the PIAA playoffs. We're down to three teams and I have three winners.
PIAA Class AAAA baseball
Canon-McMillan over Central Mountain
If Matt Pierpont keeps runners off base, the Big Macs will cruise. If not, it's going to be a close one.
PIAA Class AAA baseball
Somerset over Trinity
This is, by far, the toughest to pick. Trinity is playing exceptionally well and woke up its bats with the win over Hickory. Really, this seems like a coin flip but there are a couple nagging injuries for the Hillers that may prevent them from advancing.
PIAA Class A baseball
Carmichaels over Serra Catholic
Probably will be closer than the previous 7-3 win but no other team is on a 21-game win streak.
65 comments:
CM vs CM
0-0 after two.
One hit for each team.
Pierpont with 3 K's.
Dittmar just hit a two-run jack to right following a Mike Hull double.
Good CM - 2
Bad CM - 0
Heading into bottom 3
canon leads 2 zip on hr by ditty bottom of 3rd coming up
After three
Good CM - 2
Bad CM - 0
Heading into bottom 4
Murphy singled but left on.
Good CM - 2
Bad CM - 0
Bad CM's third base coach has been complaining all game and even said something to Andre Hayden. He seems like a turd.
After 4
Good CM - 2
Bad CM -0
Heading into bottom 5
Douglas walked, left on 2nd.
Good CM - 2
Bad CM - 0
After 5
Dittmar made a diving catch to save a double.
Good CM - 2
Bad CM - 0
Thanks for the updates guys, our writer doesn't have wireless at Brockway High School.
still in 6th good cm 6 bad 0
I'll be at White Twp. Park covering Trinity without wireless capabilities, so if anyone out there listens to the game on WJPA-AM 1450, feel free to update here on the blog.
other anonymous,
I got this under control.
-anonymous
good cm 7 still in sixth
canon mac now 8 - 0
now 9-0 still in 6th
Heading into bottom 6
Lead off single by Dittmar. Pierpont singles, Dittmar on third. Dittmar thrown out at home on ground ball, Pierpont on second with Murphy on first. Staab walked. Dre's double brings in two, Staab to third. Two-run single by Wiegel. Douglas walked. (New pitcher coming in.) Spartz pops out (infield fly). Shortstop booted ball Hull's ground ball, Wiegel's runner (Almasy) scores, Douglas advances to third. Infield single by Dittmar, Douglas scores, Hull to third. Dittmar steals second. Hull comes home and Dittmar to third on wild pitch. Pierpont walked on next pitch. Murphy flies out
Good CM - 9
Bad CM - 0
end of sixth leading 9 0.
two up: you are great on the details. I couldn't even tell half of what was going on from the announcers - they are doing their best but sometimes very confusing. Bet it's hot as **** up there too and from google maps no trees near field at all.
After 6
Pierpont strikes out leadoff hitter. Groundout to Hayden. Top of the order up now. Strikeout.
Good CM - 9
Bad CM - 0
It's my pleasure anonymous (June 9, 2008 1:46 PM). Sorry I didn't start the details until this late in the game.
GO GOOD CM!
Sorry I have a meeting to head to.
Staab gets to second on error (Third basemen tried coming across field to make play but hit off glove and made it to the outfield). Hayden flies out to center. Wiegel walked on four pitches. Douglas strikes out. Spartz at the plate.
Good CM - 9
Bad CM - 0
Wait a minute - you have a meeting to go to!!! you are one of our detail guys
going into bottom of the 7th good cm 14 bad 0
It's final 14 0 canon goes to states
Sorry I left you in the seventh. But we goin to the ship. We goin to the ship. We goin to the ship.
ONE MORE WIN!
I am really impressed with how the cm guys have played these last two games, both shutouts. They have been on the mark and have seemed to play for the love of the game, no temper tantrums, no sulking, just good fun and comradeship. Congrats. CM baseball, each and every one involved
congrats to good and bad cm.
Seems like CM is playing their best baseball at the best time. Bucci and co, must be doing something right to get these kids focused and playing to their maximum potential.
Who's ready for a trip to the ship!?
CONGRATULATIONS!!! This team will go down in CM history, and well they should. To the parents, coaches, school staff and most of all TO THE MEN OF BIG MAC BASEBALL a determined group and well deserved honor! On to Altoona and the State Title.
Geez Kovak. Such a homer, picking Somerset. Bet they won't roll like my Big Macs did.
Oh, and I'm at Carm-Serra and can give updates.
Serra strikes in the top of the first. 1-0.
NICE TOUCH ANNON, WITH THE RECAPS. As always CM steps to the plate literally covers all the bases. NOW WE ARE OFF TO THE SHIP.
If you want to go 3-0 in the semifinals, you gotta pick Somerset.
It was a good day for the alma maters of the Varsity Letters' main posters.
I wonder how many CM fans will be attending the State Finals on Friday. With school being out, it will be interesting to see if a lot of students, teachers, administrators, and general community members make the trip out.
I must say Blair County Ballpark is a first-class facility and not only will the boys enjoy playing there, but anyone who makes the trip will definitely be feel comfortable in such a great setting.
With gas at 3.99-4.09 a gallon i would say the number probably won't be too high. A trip of this distance would put a hurtin on a high schooler's walet. Not really sure on exact distances but its gotta be close to 120 miles (240 roundtrip). We're talkin about 40+ dollars just to drive to and from. Add an entry fee to that and it really makes it hard for someone in highschool or anyone actually to make the trip unless they carpool with a handfull of others. While a fan bus would be convienant to those unwilling to shell out the cash, it seems unrealistic due to the school year being over and the fact that sitting on a bus that long would be painful. I hope many CM followers capture the moment and make the trip to Toon Town and watch their Macs hopefully capture a State Championship.
Hopefully there will be a fan bus for CM to transport the kids back and forth considering the cost of gas. I don’t expect a huge fan base to follow the team to Altoona because just because of gas cost in addition to 1pm game start time. But I wouldn’t sell the CM community short on their support for this group of players. The “VALOR” in which CM plays there was only one outcome for this group of talented players, we are off to the SHIP. (literally)
Congrats to C-M on a excellent run that no one expected!
Mike Do you know whatever happen to Trinity's Schrader? He was dominate throughout the season and WPIAL Playoffs. We didn't see him once in the State Playoffs? I just thought it was strange that he never got in. Is something wrong?
haha nice pun anonymous. hopefully the second ship doesnt distract them from the first one.
Judging from what I was hearing from various students last night, I believe there is a student bus and it sounds like a decent amount are gonna make the trip.
Mr. Mike Kovak:
Just for fun, I was wondering if you had any thoughts of trying to come up with an All-Playoff team. Obviously some local baseball players have elevated their games during the post-season and many of them are not household names.
Just when it looked like the blog season was nearing completion, here comes Ronnie Hayden with a thought-provoking post! Thank you Ronnie for keeping the blog-spirit alive for a few more days at least. Mike, I also would like to see what you can come up with for an All-Playoff team.
Billy White Shoes
An all-playoff team better have guys named Hayden, Hull, and Wiegel on it. They have been HUGE for CM in this postseason. The guys on top of the hill had quite a few plesant suprises this postseason. Obviously Frey and Schrader have been huge, but i think a guy like Preston Linck deserves a mention for his performance in the postseason.
From what I heard, Trinity's Tyler Schrader experienced elbow tendinitis in his right (throwing) arm.
Judging from the arm sleeve I saw him wearing during the CM-PT state quarterfinal, it appears to be accurate information.
And...
There's not All-Star playoff team. Things are a little hectic at this end right now.
Though I'd like to see someone put some unbiased thought into it.
And please,
Mr. Kovak is my father. I go by Mike.
Geez Ronnie! Did you have to be so formal towards Mike that you upset him? It's a good thing the Hayden's have reached legendary status in the CM district for their parties.
Not offended at all. I just feel weird when someone calls me Mister.
Still big Ron Hayden should know better Mike. I hope this does not reflect poorly on the people representing the CM community.
--Gooooo Dre
Geez 7/28, how could you make such a fundamental mistake...
What is the best way to get from Canonsburg to Altoona?
Any thoughts on your travel plans Mike? Are you going up Thursday night?
79 N to 376 E to 22 E.
I'll be heading up Friday morning. I know the Big Macs plan to leave around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
ugh, i have to work friday so it appears that i will mostly miss this monumental game...
Brian, no worries. Saturday at 430pm you can watch the telecast on PCN. I know it's not the same, but at least you will be able to "watch" what happens. Given that you are an eastern PA guy, any thoughts on the games?
eastern PA guy? since when?
7/28, the “master” & legendary lefty, it is nice to see youthful exuberance at work! Brain, I hear that Mrs K hands out excuses all the time for anyone who needs one to get out of class. I think you may want to contact her to see if she can provide you with an excuse to go to Altoona. I hear you know her pretty well. Legendary Lefty, I think you have the right idea with the 4 ½ day work week, with those types of brilliant ideas, I think you would be an acceptable candidate for PENN STATE admissions. 7/28 again I am blown away by your ability to blow me off when the other gender is present!!
Looks like CM with start with Dittmar on the mound and I am guessing that Douglas will be the back up in case there is any slight chance of trouble. Pitching and defense has been CM’s signature all season and they will have to live up to there reputation for one more game. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up heading home with the state title on Friday afternoon. CM 11 SF 4. Who would have dreamed these seniors would end there HS career with the opportunity to win states. The baseball argument still lingers, whose better, CM’s class of 05 or CM’s class of 08?
I'm hearing that there is a lot of construction in Murrysville - one lane. I was told to go 70 to New Stanton, 66N (toll) to 22 E Delmont. You go a little farther south but miss construction. Just a thought...
How could O-R not consider CM to have the potential to win the state championship? I believe either the Trib or the Gazette had the Big Macs as a darkhourse team to watch in the state play offs. I believe the Big Macs walked away with the section 3 title by 2 games, which is arguable the most difficult section in the state. I would think that at least the Big Mac had a fighter chance to win the States.
Hahaha you make me laugh Ronaldo. With all of the football players getting arrested at STATE PENN, I'd fear for my life over there.
The 05/08 debate is a good one for sure. I'm interested to see what people think.
the '05 CM team was no doubt the more talented team. every single batter in their lineup was a threat to hit a HR at any time. team '08 clearly has the better coaching and pitching but i would give the defensive category to '05 by a small margin also. team '05 also played tougher competition throughout the entire season. head to head i would give the game to class of '05 but obviously '08 is the more successful team.
Interesting question, CM 05 had pure hitters players but CM 08 plays better defensively.
Pitching has a slight edge with 05 because of Pierpont. CM 05 had a better league record but was a disappointing 0-1 in the play-offs. CM 08 is contending for the states and holds a 5-1 play off record. In a one game situation, it would be fun to watch.
The CM 05 team oozed with talent. They had the pitching of Seneca Valley and the hitting of Peters Township. Unfortunately for them though, they had the coaching of Scott Henson.
All you have to do to end the debate of who the better team is 05 or 08 is ask one of the seniors on the 08 team. Dittmar, Douglas, and Weigel have all said that if there was a game 05 vs 08 that 05 would win. Therefore 05 is the better team, even though 08 is about to bring home a state championship and we blew it in the WPIAL quarterfinals against USC
One poster said that 08 had the edge in pitching. Pierpont, Muransky, Ditty, and Herrn is a pretty tough staff to compete with.
05 was an all-around solid team. I believe they averaged around 9 runs a game and had the pitching and defense to go with it. That game against USC was an unfortunate fluke. We had pounded them twice in the regular season. Sure they also pounded us once, but we didn't necessarily have our best on the hill. 08 obviously did much better in the playoffs, but 05may be the best team ever to play at CM.
05. Most talented team in CM history.
good call on the pitching category...thats my mistake in the first post about 05v08...05 really did have the better staff.
The 08 State Championship Banner states otherwise
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