Bucs Run Away From Sheps

BOX SCORE

LA MIRADA, California- Lance Smith

The Shepherds had another game of Sunset League action as they faced the Inland Valley Buccaneers. Andrew White started on the mound for the Shepherds pitching a total of 3 innings in which he gave up 6 earned runs on 6 hits. The Sheps took a 2-0 lead in the top of the 2nd but the Bucs were sure to send a swift reply in the bottom of the 2nd. The game looked to be within reach as the offense was hitting balls hard and White seemed able to attack the Bucs hitters and limit damage from the bump.

 Unfortunately for the Shepherds, the game quickly unraveled in the bottom of the 3rd inning when the Bucs were able to put up a 5-spot including a grand slam that just creeped over the left field wall. After that, relief took over and was unable to stop the bleeding as the Bucs put up 9 more runs the remainder of the game. At the plate, the lineup looked to have turned a corner after putting up a 2 spot in the 2nd but were unable to scratch anything else across tallying a total of 4 hits.

Notes

-       Jackson LoBianco went 2 for 3 with 2 singles

-       Jake Lopez went 1-1 with a double and recorded an RBI on a sac fly

-       Kaiden Zacharias went 1-3 with an RBI single

-       Nathan Weatherly threw out a runner from behind the plate

-       Simms Owens recorded 5 putouts and 1 assist from center field

Quote from pitching coach, Isaac friesen

“There are always positives that can be taken from any outcome. We battled early on, we had some good energy and took some good at bats as well and I think the pitchers kept us in the game. We had some defensive errors that really cost us and cost us momentum as well. But, I think we started off well, showed some good flashes, good at bats, and just needed to continue that energy throughout those later innings.”

What’s next

The Shepherds have a week off of games for camp at El Dorado High School and Rose Drive Friends Church but will return to action on July 4th. Games are live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Sheps can’t find groove, fall 10-1

BOX SCORE

LA MIRADA, California- Lance Smith

The Shepherds had their 3rd league game of the week on Friday evening as they faced the Inland Valley Pirates. Max Montplaisir got the start on the mound as he pitched 4.2 innings, had 3 strikeouts, gave up 6 hits and 4 runs, only 1 of which was earned.

 The team’s effort from the mound was greatly hampered due to the defense who committed a season high 6 errors.  Certainly, this hurt the team’s chances of securing a win but once again it was the bats that were the primary culprit. The bats did improve from the last game as the team tallied 6 hits and got one run across, but in the Best of the West division it is going to take more than that to win.

Notes

-       Simms Owens returned from injury and drove in 1 run

-       Jackson LoBianco went 1-2 with a single and drew a walk

-       Emry Jackson went 1-3 with a single

-       Jamie LaFramboise went 2-3 with 2 singles and scored the Shepherds lone run.

-       Emry Jackson pitched 2.2 innings giving up no earned runs and just 2 hits

-       Jackson LoBianco went 8 for 9 in fielding opportunities

Quote from Chaplain Will

“The key thing is just to stay focused on the big picture. Stay reminded of why we’re here, what we’re doing, and how it’s just such an awesome opportunity to be in this role where we are involved with ministry, but able to play this game that we all love and just stay focused on that. Stay focused on the big picture, keep trusting each other, and growing together as a unit. We’ll continue to pick up big moments in games, I’m sure and I know the wins will start rolling soon and so all in all we’re just really thankful to be here”

What’s next

The Shepherds have another legue game versus the Inland Valley tomorrow at 2 PM. The game will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Sheps Offense unable to get into gear, fall 2-0

BOX SCORE

IRVINE, California- Lance Smith

The Sheps had another day of Sunset League action as they faced the Long Beach Legends on Wednesday evening. Roy Washburn started his 2nd game of the season on the mound and things did not get started how he had hoped as his first pitch thrown ended up over the left field fence. Even still, Washburn was lights out from the second pitch on as he put up 6 straight scoreless innings until giving up another solo shot. After 8.0 innings pitched by Washburn, Sam Murphy took over for the 9th as he struck out 2 batters giving up no hits and no walks.

Unfortunately, the Sheps were unable to match their team’s pitching performance at the plate with only 2 hits and 0 runs scored. The boys hit a few balls hard with 3 being hit to the warning track, but seemingly right into a Legends’ glove every time. The Shepherds inability to string hits together or get on base is getting dangerously close to becoming a trend rather than just a slump. If the lineup is unable to find a groove at the plate, wins are going to be difficult to come by the remainder of the season.

Notes

- Connor Aldrich 2-3 2 base hits

- Roy Washburn- 8.0 IP, 6K’s, 2 R, 5 H

- Sam Murphy-1 IP, 2 K, 0 R, 0 H

Quote from Roy Washburn

“I think it’s up to the team as a whole, we have a lot of different ideas that we’re gonna go with and a lot of things mentally that we’re going to change. But it’s going to have to be a collective decision as 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, we gotta be united in one mind. So if we ain’t like that, no team is going to win.

What’s next

The Shepherds have their opening regular season game on Friday, the 25th at 4:30 PM versus the Inland Valley Pirates. The game will be played Whittier Christian High School and will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Sheps Unable to Capitalize, Drop Game to Pirates 6-2

BOX SCORE

LA HABRA, California- Lance Smith

The Sheps played their 3rd league game and 2nd against the Ventura County Pirates in just 3 days on Monday afternoon at Whittier Christian High School. Andrew Sutherland took the bump for the Sheps and recorded 5.0 IP, 8 strikeouts, and gave up just 2 runs on 4 hits. “Sunny” started the game and was strong as he coasted through the first inning sitting down the Pirates in order. After the first, the Pirates were able to scratch a couple of runs across in the 2nd, but that would be all that they found against Sutherland as he worked out of several jams unscathed and was able to keep the Pirates off balance recording 8 strikeouts.

After Sutherland exited, the bullpen gave up 1 run in the 6th and 2 in the 7th. The Shepherds had plenty of chances to come back but were unable to capitalize as they left 11 runners on base and went 2-11 with runners in scoring position. Emry Jackson, Jamie LaFramboise, Jackson Van Ness and Kaiden Zacharias all had their best games of the season at the plate while the rest of the lineup went a combined 2-21. The boys have made tremendous progress and look like a different team from the first game. The main focus now must be on finding a consistency at the plate and taking advantage of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Eric Crouse earned the win (1-0) and Ben Peters (0-1) was tacked with the loss.

Notes

-       Emry Jackson went 3-3 with 3 singles and a walk

-       Jamie LaFramboise went 2-3 with 2 singles and stole 2 bases

-       Kaiden Zacharias went 2-4 with 2 RBI doubles

-       Jackson Van Ness went 2-4 with 2 singles

-       Connor Aldrich went 1 for 3 with a single

-       Joey Scotvold went 1-4 with a double

-       Teagan Disharoon threw an inning and a third, striking out 2, and giving up 0 runs on 0 hits

 Quote from Kaiden Zacharias

“We just need to keep competing, you know we fought hard today and things just didn’t go our way. We’ll take the rest day, maybe get a couple workouts in, get our feet up off the ground, and just come back ready to play on Wednesday.”

What’s next

The Shepherds have an off day tomorrow and start back up with a game against the Long Beach Legends at Whittier Christian High School on Wednesday, the 23rd. The game will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Shepherds Win First Regular Season Game!

BOX SCORE

Cypress, California - Hugo Urista

The Shepherds played their second game of the season against the Inland Valley Pirates beating them by a score of 3-2. Andrew White was the starting pitcher for the game and kept the Pirates at bay by only allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts through 6.2 innings. The Sheps were in trouble early with bases loaded on a missed pop fly lost in the sun. 2 runs were scored in the first, but that was all that was allowed as White kept his focus through the rest of his 6-inning performance, preventing the Pirates offense from extending their lead.

Offensively, the Sheps attacked early after being down two runs. At the top of the 2nd inning, Dylan Smith was hit by a pitch and was driven in by Gabe Falcone with a single towards centerfield cutting the lead to only one run. The Sheps later added runs in the 6th inning with both Jamie Laframboise and Connor Aldrich both getting hits to bring in 2 more runs.  Laframboise singled to center bringing in Jackson Lobianco from second base. Aldrich doubled to center bringing Laframboise from first base to score the leading run. Defensively, Aldrich was a wall not letting any hits get past him with 9 total chances finishing with 3 putouts and 6 assists. The bullpen also dominated defensively with Gabe Jackson pitching 1.1 innings striking out 1 with 0 hits. Jackson Lobianco closed the game in the last inning securing the first win of the season.  Overall, the team played a great game and both pitching and hitting seem to be improving. With a win under their belt, the team seems to grow more confident as they look forward to future games.

Andrew White gets the win (1-0) Nate Clow tacked with the loss (0-1) Jackson Lobianco with save.

Whats Next

The Shepherds have their 3rd game tomorrow on Monday against the Ventura County Pirates at 4: 30 pm PST. The game will be played at Whittier Christian High School and be live streamed on the Southern California FCA Baseball Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/.). To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Shepherds Fall To Pirates

BOX SCORE

Los Angeles, California – Hugo Urista

The So Cal Shepherds had their very first regular season game in the Sunset League where they faced the Ventura County Pirates. After a very close game, the Pirates came out the victors and gave the Sheps their first loss of the season with a score of 2-4.

Max Montplaisir started the game dominating through 4.2 innings, and striking out 2.  Throughout the first inning, he found himself with bases loaded, but with a great defensive team behind him, they managed to get him 2 outs while he struck out the last batter. By the middle of the fourth he managed to only allow 3 runs on 5 hits, 2 by HBP when bases were loaded. The bullpen shined as Samuel Murphy came in for Max and pitched a total of 3.1 innings striking out 3 batters with 0 earned runs on 2 hits. Sam kept the Pirates from extending their lead as he closed the game.

When it came to offense, the Sheps had a hard time getting their rhythm as they left many runners on base through several innings. The opposing pitcher, Joel Tornero walked several Sheps leading to a bases loaded situation for the first couple of innings. The Sheps were slow to capitalize and only got 4 hits through 9 innings. While the offense was struggling, players like Connor Aldrich led the team going 2 for 4 with a single, a double, and an RBI. If we can take anything from this loss, is that the Sheps have improved tremendously when it comes to pitching. While the bats still have not gotten hot yet, there is no doubt that if pitching got better, so will the offense as there is still a lot of baseball to play.

Max Montplaisir takes the loss (0-1) while Jason Starrels takes the Win (1-0)

What’s next

The Shepherds next game is tomorrow at 1 pm against the Inland Valley Pirates. The game will be played at Cypress College in Cypress and will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Sheps Unable to Withstand Riptide

BOX SCORE

IRVINE, California- Lance Smith

The Sheps played their 5th and final preseason game against the Orange County Riptide out of the California Collegiate League and lost 6-12. Emry Jackson got the start on the mound for the Sheps as he battled for 4.0 innings giving up just 3 runs before the bullpen was asked to take over. Alex Escobar took over for Jackson and battled admirably as he gave up just 1 run over 3 innings of work until giving up 4 after the leadoff batter got on via a flyball that was lost by the infielders. After that, the Tide turned it up a notch and put up an additional 4 runs in the 7th after Escobar exited.

At the plate, the Sheps struggled to get anything going aside from a 4-run outburst in the 6th inning as the Riptide have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talented arms. Even still, the boys were able to scatter a season high 10 hits. The Sheps battled hard throughout the game and put up an exemplary effort against what could be the most talented team they face this season. Despite the loss, the team has rounded into form at the perfect time as they seem to have found a groove just as league play is set to begin.

Matthew Magre earned the win (1-1) and Alex Escobar (0-1) was tacked with the loss.

Notes

-       Dylan Smith threw out his first runner of the season

-       Emry struck out 3 in 4 innings of work

-       Gabe Jackson struck out 2 in 1 inning of relief

-       Joey Scotvold went 6 for 7 in first pitch strikes (85.7%)

-       Jackson LoBianco went 2 for 5 with 2 singles

-       Dylan Smith recorded his first hit driving in 1 run

-       Kaiden Zacharias hit a 2-RBI double

-       Team batting average today was .286

-       Jamie Laframboise recorded 4 putouts and 5 assists

-       0 errors committed by Sheps defense  

Quote from pitching coach, Isaac Friesen

“I think the best thing to emphasize is that we can hang with this team. We showed that for 6 innings and had a couple tough plays in the 7th inning that cost us there with the ball going up in the lights, a couple things didn’t go our way. But this game proves we can compete at this level. I think a lot of guys came into this game onto this field a little star struck and then showed that they can play.

What’s next

The Shepherds have their opening regular season game on Saturday, the 19th at 11 am versus Ventura County Buccaneers). The game will be played at Los Angeles Valley College in Valley Glen and will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Hello Win Column

BOX SCORE

WHITTIER, California- Lance Smith

The Sheps played their 4th of 5 preseason games this afternoon against the Ventura County Bucs, defeating them 5-1. Roy Washburn got the start on the bump and took control of the game early, getting out of the first inning with just 8 pitches. After a quick top of the first, the offense got rolling early when Connor Aldrich hit a sac fly to right field to bring in Jackson LoBianco.

 The Bucs were sure to reply swiftly with a run of their own in the top of the 2nd inning, but Washburn was just as fast to stymie any momentum the Bucs thought they had gained by throwing up 5 consecutive scoreless innings. Washburn’s tempo was key to keeping the Bucs off balance as he delivered his pitches as soon as a Buccaneer stepped in the batter’s box. Perhaps the biggest stat from Washburn’s performance was the efficiency with which he pitched, throwing 19 first pitch strikes in 26 at bats. Washburn threw a total of 7.0 innings with 2 strikeouts, giving up only one run on 6 hits. The bullpen came through after Washburn exited the game, with a 9 pitch 8th inning from Sam Murphy, then 3 strikeouts from Andrew White slammed the door on the Bucs.

 The bats heated up as the Sheps recorded 5 runs on 8 hits, a season high. Unsurprisingly, Jake Lopez led the offense going 2 for 3 with a single, double, and a sac fly. Relief and joy were evident in the players reaction as they gathered to eat Chick-Fil-A after the game. If today told us anything, it’s that the Shepherds will have a say in who sits atop the Best of the West division in the Sunset Baseball League.

 Roy Washburn (1-0) earned the win and Xavier Dubon (1-1) was tacked with the loss.

 Notes

-       Roy Washburn threw a first pitch strike 73.1% of at bats

-       Washburn forced 10 groundouts and 5 flyouts

-       Andrew White got his 9th K of the season in just 4.0 innings pitched

-       The team recorded a season high 4 double plays

-       Dylan Smith started his first game at catcher

-       LoBianco had 3 putouts, 3 assists, and helped turn 3 of the teams 4 double plays.

-       Connor Aldrich recorded 2 putouts and 5 assists at 3rd base.

-       Shepherd’s batters fought off 22 pitches for foul balls.

-       Emry Jackson had a team high 2 RBI’s

-       Jackson LoBianco recorded a double and his 2nd  stolen base on the season.

-       Connor Aldrich hit a sac fly for 1 RBI

-       Jake Lopez went 2 for 3 with a single, double, and a sac fly for 1 RBI

Quote from Roy Washburn

“Feels great to win, we love to win and it’s all for the glory of God. But just as far as how do you do that? It’s just deciding to win, this team wasn’t any better than any other teams we’ve played, it’s having that determination and we’ve got God on our side so there ain’t no reason we can’t.”

What’s next

The Shepherds have their last preseason game tomorrow at 6 pm against the Orange County Rip Tide out of the California Collegiate League (CCL). The game will be played at Great Park in Irvine and will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

Sheps Still Finding Their Way

BOX SCORE

CYPRESS, California - Lance Smith

The Shepherds had another preseason game Tuesday afternoon versus the Orange County Pirates that once again did not go their way. The Pirates came ready to play, scoring 12 runs and paralyzing the Shepherd offense giving up no runs on 3 hits.

One bright spot for the Shepherds was starting pitcher, Andrew Sutherland, who finished with 5.0 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, and just 3 runs given up. From there, the bullpen was not able to keep the Shepherds in the game giving up 5 walks and hit 3 batters leading to a 9 spot in the 6th inning which all but ended any chance of a comeback. At the plate, the offense did not do much to help the pitchers out with only 3 hits, all of which were singles. The defense continues to play well and shows no signs of holding the team back. Certainly, it is more complicated than it seems, but this season’s success will come down to the pitchers throwing strikes and the batters getting hits.

 Joel Martinez (1-0) earned the win and Andrew Sutherland (0-1) was tacked with the loss.

 Notes

-      Kaiden Zacharias started at Center for the first time this season.

-      Andrew Sutherland threw his first innings of the season

-       Sutherland had a first strike percentage of 52.2%

-       Gabe Jackson threw 2.0 perfect innings of relief.

-       Emry Jackson got on base 2 of his 3 plate appearances with a single and a walk.

-        Kaiden Zacharias stole his 1st base of the season.

-       In 6 total chances, shortstop, Jamie LaFramboise, recorded 1 putout and 5 assists.

-       Dylan Smith logged his first inning at catcher this season.

 Quote from Coach Creason

“There are a lot of positives, you know, besides one inning we pitched a lot better than we have been, competed in the zone a lot better, and we were more competitive at the plate. So those two things combined, I think if we can continue those and find some holes we can build on those and continue to learn I think we’ll be alright.”

 What’s Next

The Shepherds have their second home game at Whittier Christian versus the Ventura County Buccaneers tomorrow, June 16th at 4:30 PM PST. The game will be live streamed on the Shepherds Facebook page which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/. To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).

White Shines, Sheps Drop One Late

LA MIRADA, California- Lance Smith

BOX SCORE

The Shepherds took on the Arroyo Seco Sentinels on Sunday afternoon at Whittier Christian High School for their home opener. The boys looked to be headed towards a comfortable victory after scoring 8 runs in the first 2 innings but were unable to hold on to the lead as the Sentinels scored 10 unanswered in the remaining 7 innings. Andrew White, recent graduate from Whittier Christian and Azusa Pacific commit, got the start on the bump and was dominant in 3 innings of work with 6 strikeouts, only giving up 1 hit.

 The game turned when White exited the game after the 3rd inning and the bullpen took over. The Sentinels quickly tied the game after scoring a combined 8 runs in the 4th and 5th innings. From there the Sheps struggled to string hits together as the Sentinels defense played a clean game and consistently made routine plays. The Sentinels threw 10 different pitchers for the game, contributing to the team not being able to get into a rhythm at the plate.  

Jackson LoBianco picked up the loss (0-1) and Rashad Ruff (1-0) earned his 1st win of the season.

 Notes

-       Andrew White threw 3.0 innings, recorded 6 K’s, and only gave up 1 hit.

-       Ben Peters threw 1.0 inning, giving up 1 earned run and 1 hit.

-       Jackson LoBianco threw 2.0 innings, had 4 K’s, gave up 1 hit and 2 earned runs.

-       Joey Scotvold threw 2 no hit innings.

-       Gabe Falcone went 1 for 3 with an RBI double and a walk.

-       Kaiden Zacharias went 1 for 1 with a pinch hit single.

-       Jackson LoBianco went 1 for 2 in 4 at bats, drawing 2 walks.

-       Connor Aldrich went 1 for 2 in 4 at bat’s, drawing 2 walks.

-       Nathan Weatherly threw one runner out from behind the plate.

-       The team drew 10 walks and the defense had no fielding errors.

 Quote from coach Creason

“Today we came out with a lot of good energy in the dugout, everybody was intense and aggressive early, put some runs up, and then just weren’t able to keep building on it as the game went on. They were able to battle back and put together a couple of big innings, including a big 3 run homerun that got them ahead. So, 2 big innings is the only thing that kind of hurt us. When you get into those games you have to find a way to continue to score runs and keep the pressure on teams so that they can’t get those big innings and stay with you.”

 What’s next

The Shepherds have their 3rd of 5 preseason games on Tuesday against the Orange County Pirates at 4 pm PST. The game will be played at Cypress Community College and be live streamed on the Southern California FCA Baseball Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/socalfcabaseball/.). To stay up to date on all things Shepherds baseball follow us on Instagram (@shepherds_baseball), Twitter (@SoCalShpherds), and Facebook (Southern California FCA Baseball).