Cal EGR Recap April 30

Today, the Scots boarded the bus yet again to take on the East Grand Rapids Pioneers in the last of four meetings between the teams. The Scots were starting Mitch Horgan, who was coming off a very impressive win over the Jenison Wildcats a week ago. Horgan was right back on it today, going 4 innings allowing only 2 hits, striking out 3 and earning his 2nd win of the season. The lone reliever today was Drake Ellens, who in 3 innings also only allowed 2 hits so the EGR offense was shut down all game long. After only allowing 4 hits and committing a week low 2 errors, the Scots' offense provided them a real cushiony victory. The Scots struck first in the top of the first when Logan Hudson singled in the first run. Trent Foreman immediately followed this with a two RBI single and the Scots lead early 3-0. In the second, Drake Ellens tripled driving in a run and then scored on a sac fly after that by Joe Stegehuis to take a 5-0 Caledonia lead. After EGR clawed together a run, the Scots responded with an RBI single by Austin Coon. A Chris Clark single and a Caleb Sleeman sac fly in the fourth would expand the Scot lead to 8-2, which would be enough for the victory. The Scots showed a defensive composure and timely hitting and as a result played a very well rounded game today and it showed in the final score. With Lowell's victory over Jenison, the Scots are still one game back in the OK White. At 7-2, the Scots have 6 games left in the league, which will continue Tuesday thru Thursday against the Lowell Red Arrows. The winner of the series will be the front-runner for the conference title. Prior to this however, the Scots have 3 more nonconference tuneups starting tomorrow on the road against the Holland West Ottawa Panthers and concluding on Saturday with a doubleheader against Northpointe Christian. Tomorrow's game in Holland starts at approximately 4:15, if you are willing to make the drive to hangout in the sun and watch Sammy V throw on his birthday, please do come support.

Game Thoughts:

1) I have come to the conclusion that it takes a special brand of person to be a PO. It is an entirely different mind set, and you have to love the game a ton to sit and break it down on your off days. Also, POs have the most interesting and random conversations about things that others would never talk about in their everyday life, let alone at the ballpark. I absolutely love it though, it's so great and the POs have gotten pretty close.
2) I almost feel the same anticipation and importance of this Lowell series and the Lowell football game from this fall. Like that game, which we destroyed them 33-0 by the way, we need a great weekend of tune-ups and a great practice Monday to prepare and put ourselves in front. We currently are in the driver's seat, but let's hope we aren't like Trent in the parking lot and crash into Sleeman's car...
3) Today was the first game I have had in recent memory without sunflower seeds and it was so weird, I felt like something was missing..time to pick some up before tomorrow's game because I think Saturday I am gonna try and set the record for bags of seeds/doubleheader.
4) The East Grand Rapids music guy was very inconsistent, he played some really good stuff for the most part but then he played some sappy feelings songs and those don't belong on the diamond I am sorry.

Cal EGR (DH at Fifth Third) Recap April 29

Today, the Pioneers and the Scots met again for a doubleheader at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps, who lost today by the way 2-0 in a game completed an hour or so before the two teams arrived. Dan Zeman started on the bump for the Scots looking for another win. The Scots scored first in the top of the first with an RBI sac fly by Logan Hudson. East Grand Rapids responded with 2 runs on a triple to deep center to take the 2-1 lead. Neither team had much of an offensive threat until the 5th, when the Scots scored two runs. Tanner Schaafsma was credited with a sacrifice fly that gave Cal the 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the sixth, with the Scots a mere 5 outs from another league win, the wheels fell off and EGR got a huge inning. 5 walks, an error and one single lead to 8 East Grand Rapids runs and they took the 10-3 lead. Logan Hudson sacrifice flew out again to cut the lead to 10-4, but that was it and the Scots 4 game conference winning streak was snapped with a 10-4 loss to the Pioneers.
In the second game, a nonleague contest, the Scots sent out the nonleague ace, Matt Kikkert to try and earn a win. Kikkert threw well, but the defense behind him was not stellar. The Scots had 4 errors and left 5 men on base and lost the game 5-4, even though it was shortened to darkness to just a 5 inning affair. Caleb Sleeman, a PO let me remind you, led the Scots in batting in this game going 3 for 3, with an RBI, two singles and a triple. Also recording RBIs were Joe Stegehuis, Cody Jakiel and Nick Tuori. Tuori, along with Sam Vanderwal and Dan Zeman, all recorded their first at bats of the year going a combined 0-3. Shoutout to Blake Swift for recording his first varsity hit tonight! Also a  shoutout to sophomore Ben Snider, who was called up for todays ballgames and made his varsity debut as a defensive replacement in right field but unfortunately due to darkness did not register an at bat. The Scots fall to 9-6 on the year, and 6-2 in the OK White, which leaves them one game behind Lowell for first place. Caledonia and East Grand Rapids meet tomorrow at East Grand Rapids for the final game of the series, with first pitch at 430.

Game Thoughts:

1) I got an at bat, let's go. I don't want to be one to complain about umpiring but that was definitely ball four, I couldn't even possibly swing and hit it. But hey, I got the run in and first career RBI so that's a strikeout I can live with.
2) Sorry Keegs for my error at first, I honestly could not see the ball at first base, sun was setting and I didn't bring sunglasses because well I haven't played first base since I was on ol' Jerry Keron's freshman squad. First was a lot of fun though, it made me miss it that is for sure.
3) Shoutout to every single fan we had in attendance tonight, it made it one of the most enjoyable experiences of my playing career. I know we lost but it was so much fun and it definitely will be something I will always remember my entire life. Also a shoutout to whoever got this all organized, because it was just so sweet.
4) Shoutout to my brother, Zach Tuori as he turns 14 today. Funny story, yesterday after the game we were walking to the players parking lot and he was batting at practice at the freshman field and he struck out and Paas said "wow you look like your brother" only for Zach to reply, "at least I can foul something off". If that doesn't describe Zach in one story, I don't know what would.
5) On a serious baseball note, we gotta clean up the errors if we are going to make a legitimate run. Having multiple errors in all of these games is going to haunt us big time eventually, more than it already does.
6) Thank god Sleeman could rep the PO's well at the plate tonight. I mean Z's fly ball to left was pretty good too, and obviously he thought so too because he was already in full on home run trot..Sammy and I looked good at the plate though and that's what matters the most.

Cal EGR Recap April 28

Today, the Caledonia Scots were back home (a very rare occasion) in the first game of a series with the dreaded East Grand Rapids Pioneers. To anyone who isn't from West Michigan, it is very similar to Duke. Either you love em or you hate em, there is no in between. Everyone roots against East no matter what the circumstances are or who they play. The Scots sent their workhorse Caleb Sleeman to the hill today and he did what he does best. The Scots offense clicked early and often plating 9 runs across in the first 4 innings to take a 9-0 lead. In this time, Caleb Sleeman also gave up only one hit, a very cheap blooper in the 4th. In the top of the fifth, the Scots committed two errors which lead to the first run for the Pioneers to cut the lead to 9-1. Usually, the difference from a 8 to 9 run game is insufficient, but when the Scots could only muster one run across in the bottom half of the 5th to make it 10-1, they were one run short of a mercy meaning that they would have to play the 6th. And in the 6th, the wheels started to fall off. An unfortunate call by an umpire on his interpretation of the strike zone, an error and walks and hit batsmen galore allowed the Pioneers to slowly chip away at the once insurmountable 10-1 lead. At 10-7, with two runners on and two out, Nick Tuori came in to strand the runners. The Scots in the bottom of the 6th responded offensively with 6 runs of their own to make it 16-7, but once again fell  a run short of mercying the Pioneers. The Pioneers had no serious threat in the 7th and the Scots emerged victorious 16-7. Caleb Sleeman yet again earns the win for the Scots, and Nick Tuori picks up his first save. Offensive leaders for the Scots today were Joe Stegehuis who drove in 4, Austin Coon who drove in 3, and Logan Hudson and Mitch McCallum who drove in 2. Tomorrow these two teams meet at 4:00 at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps for a doubleheader. The first game counts toward the league standing, and the second is a nonleague game. It is $5 for admission I am pretty sure so I suggest you have it just to be safe. It would be awesome to get a huge crowd for the games tomorrow!

Game Thoughts:

1) There was 12 runs combined in the 6th inning, are you flipping kidding me? As a pitcher, I naturally would much rather see dueling shutouts so the 23 combined runs definitely was not my forte, I can imagine being a fan sitting in the cold however, 23 runs is more entertaining but it also prolongs the process of getting home. That game did take 3.5 hours today...
2) I just love coming in as a reliever in crunchtime situations. There is not a bigger rush than getting an out with runners on and your team trying to hold on to the lead. Best baseball role of all, bullpen.
3) Sleeman is good. That kid is just a machine, constantly getting guys out and embarrassing them in the process. Not gonna brag but between him and I, 630 North Wonders got every out but 1. That'll be a story to share at MSU next year. (By the way we will accept food donations next fall)
4) Anyone who can make it tomorrow I strongly encourage it. It will be a once in a lifetime experience not only as a player but as a fan to watch kids you know play in a minor league park.
5) Lowell won again so it's gonna be an interesting spring for OK White Baseball fans. The two of us are tied and meet up next week, but its important that we take care of business against EGR to make sure that the series is still as meaningful next week. The bats need to stay hot, and the gloves need to field at a better clip as a whole and we will be right where we need to be.

Kenowa (DH) Recap

Today, fresh off the sweep of the Jenison Wildcats, the Scots took the bus yet again bound for Kenowa Hills to take on the Knights for a rematch of last years regional semifinals. Last year, the game was a 2-1 defensive battle, and this year the first game started fairly well the same. The Scots struck first in the very first inning with an RBI ground out by Joe Stegehuis. An error lead to the second run and the Scots lead 2-0 early, which would prove more than enough for starter Sam Vanderwal. A ground out in the second lead to the Knights cutting the lead to 2-1, but that would be the only run that they managed off of Vanderwal, who picks up the win and threw 6 innings and allowed only 4 hits while striking out 9. The Scots other runs were driven in by a single by Mitch McCallum and when Logan Hudson was hit by a pitch. Cody Jakiel closed the door with a quick 7th inning and the Scots took game 1, 5-1.
Matt Kikkert started the second game for the Scots today, a week removed from a stellar performance at EK. When Kikkert left the game after 2, the Scots trailed 3-1 with the lone run being driven in on a double by Mitch Horgan. The offense picked it up in the third, when both Joe Stegehuis and Logan Hudson singling in runs to tie the game at 3 a piece. After a couple shutout defensive innings, the Scots took the lead on a sacrifice fly by Mitch McCallum. Drake Ellens sac fly following gave the Scots a 5-3 lead. This lead however did not hold. A couple walks and a hit lead to the Knights cutting the margin to 5-4 after 5, and then 2 walks and 3 errors and one very well timed hit lead to the Knights scoring 5 runs in the 6th inning to take the eventual final score of 9-5. 6 total errors throughout the game for the Scots did them in, as usually the 5 runs would be enough to get them the win. The Scots record now sits at 8-4 and 5-1 in the OK White, tied with Lowell for first place. This week, the Scots play Tuesday at home against EGR, then Wednesday at Fifth Third Field in a doubleheader against EGR, Thursday on the road at EGR, Friday a road trip to Holland West Ottawa and the week ends Saturday with a doubleheader at Northpointe Christian.

5 Game Thoughts:

1) Shoutout to Alex Coon for tracking down all those foul balls today. It saved all of us a lot of running around because they put their field way too close to the football field.
2) Shoutout to all of the parents for all of the food they always bring between doubleheaders, it has always been great ever since we all started playing together. That definately is one thing that I will miss so much about the doubleheaders is all of the food, some real great cooking.
3) This week is gonna be a huge week for the team with 4 games against EGR, a quality program, and then road trips at West Ottawa and Northpointe. Not gonna lie, the 6 road games in 4 days sounds rough, not sure why we can't get more home games scheduled..we out way too much work into the field not to play at home a ton.
4) One thing that makes this team so enjoyable is the laid back style that we all carry. The comfortability that we all have with each other, such as the ability to make fun of anyone on the team for no particular reason just keeps a good loose environment we all succeed in. Even the parents and the players interact so well that we seem like one big giant family.
5) Today, I got back on my pitching rituals of throwing and then jamming to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Those guys are the most underrated music group in all of the world. Their greatest hits album is always on loop in my car.

Cal Jenison April 23 Recap

Today, the Caledonia Fighting Scots and the Jenison Wildcats tangled for the second game in their series with first place in the OK White on the line. Dan Zeman started on the bump today for the Scots, and he was the recipient of some very unfortunate mishaps. Defensive breakdowns and squeezed strike zones lead to Zeman only lasting until the third inning and leaving with a 6-1 deficit. The Scots first run was driven in by Logan Hudson, but the Wildcats 5 run 2nd inning gave them the advantage. The Scots were resilient however as they scored 3 in the bottom of the 3rd to cut the lead to a more manageable 6-4 deficit. Trent Foreman singled in the first two runs, and then Mitch Horgan's sacrifice fly brought the Scots within a closer striking distance. In the bottom of the 4th, the Scots bats kept swinging strong, as two runs scored thanks to Drake Ellens. With Keegan Mulvey already on, Ellens laced one into the right center gap. In the most awkward relay exchange I have ever seen, Ellens ended up scoring on his own hit, however upon statistical review it was only a triple for Drake but it did tie the game at 6. Chris Clark broke the tie in the bottom of the 6th with a 2 RBI single to left and the Scots led 8-6. Mitch Horgan got his second RBI of the day with a single and Cal led by the 9-6 margin they would end the game at. Trent Foreman pitched 5 innings to earn the win, an impressive performance in which he allowed only 3 hits and no runs. The Scots improve to 6-3 on the year, and 4-1 in the OK White which leaves them in a tie with Lowell for first place. The Scots will round out this week by travelling to Jenison for the series finale tomorrow, and then hitting the road for a doubleheader at Kenowa Hills on Saturday.

Game Thoughts:

1) So today I spent all of the 6th and 7th warming up to enter out of the bullpen but Trent slammed the door so no need for me today. It did get me thinking though, Danny Paas and I have thrown so many bullpen sessions and innings on the mound together that I am pretty sure we have a telepathic pitch connection kind of thing going on...
2) Another record broken today, yesterday's all time high 12 jogs was toppled with 16 today. Man am I really out of shape, there wasn't a single jog that I didn't feel short of breath afterward...
3) PO's are a special kind of people. So in a conversation I am pretty sure nobody else would care to even listen to, let alone participate, Sleezeball, Rob, Coach Army and I discussed all the ins and outs of supply and demand like it was an Econ lesson. Carl and Mrs. Jonkman would be so proud..
4) The reason Z even pitched in today's game was because I happened to have an extra pair of pants and a belt in my truck. What starting pitcher doesn't even bring pants? Add it to the list Zeman...
5) It will be scary to see how dominant we will look if we can ever put all 7 innings together. Through 9 games, we still haven't played a completely flawless game. When we do, watch out world.

Cal Jenison Game 1 Recap

Today, in what was probably the coldest game to ever take place on April 22, the Scots returned to the friendly wind tunnel they call a home ballpark to take on the Jenison Wildcats. Caleb Sleeman, the ace of the Scots, took the hill to try and give Caledonia a share of first place in the OK White. The Scots stranded a runner in the first two innings yet they maintained a 0-0 tie thanks to Sleeman's performance on the hill. Joe Stegehuis drove in Keegan Mulvey and Austin Coon to give Cal the 2-0 lead. A few unfortunate breaks in the top of the 4th gave the Wildcats 2 runs so the game was knotted at 2 a piece. In the bottom of the 5th, the Scots found an incredible surge of offense. 14 batters stepped up to the plate for the Scots in the bottom of the 5th, 10 of which got a hit. Logan Hudson's two RBI single gave the Scots a 10 run lead, good enough to enforce the mercy rule. Caleb Sleeman went the entire game today throwing all 5 innings and earning yet another win. The Scots improve to 5-3 on the year, with a 3-1 record in the OK White conference. Cal travels to Jenison tomorrow for the second game of the series.

Game Thoughts

1) Today was cold, I will openly admit that the wind and temperature along with the snow was not a pleasant baseball atmosphere. Shoutout to Emily Mayer, Taylor Price, Kyra Tolan, Sam Jansma and all the other girls who sat in the freezing cold to take in today's ball game. Love the dedication.

2) Sleeman, like Stacy's mom, has got it going on. (I really hope somebody gets this reference) That kid is chucking so good right now, proud to call him my fellow roommate in Wonders next year.

3) I set a new career high with 12 jogs to the foul pole and back in between innings during today's game, all were very necessary

4) Rob Gontjes asked for an at bat today and it reminded me of the fact that I'll sadly never hit again in my career, unless coach changes his mind. Not like Id know what side to bat on anyway...

April 18 Cal EK (DH) Recap

Today, the Scots traveled back to East Kentwood High School to take on the Falcons since the extra inning game winning steal of home by Joe Stegehuis in last year's district semifinals. Similar to last years game, the first game lacked a large amount of offense by either team as the Scots were defeated 4-2. The Scots went 3.2 innings without getting a hit until Logan Hudson singled to the right side. Offense was at a premium and the Falcons created 4 runs on their 7 hits. Cody Jakiel, Mitch McCallum and Drake Ellens all threw well enough for the Scots to win the game, but the offense was not present enough to secure the win.
In game number two, the Scots found the offense they had been missing the two games before this. Austin Coon led the way with a single, double and a home run to left field. The home run was the first of the year for the Scots and the first in Coon's career. The Davenport soccer commit played arguably the best game of his season in the second game today. All of the Scots were hitting the ball and getting on base in the second game as the Scots mercied the Falcons 12-1. Matt Kikkert in his varsity debut went 4 innings, allowing 2 hits and one earned run to earn the first win of his career. Shoutout to Kikkert for the sweet K of ex-Caledonia player Brennen Roelofs, it's a shame Coon's home run overshadowed that cheer because I think we were all pretty pumped. Anyway, great tossing Kikkert, way to go out and shut them down. Also making their varsity debuts today were Rob Gontjes who tossed two innings of relief ball and Blake Swift who debuted as a courtesy runner. The Scots offense was clicking tremendously in the second game, as even most outs recorded were hard hit balls. It was a good way to finish an interesting first full week for the Scots in which they went 4-3 with a 2-1 conference mark, good enough to put them in second place with 7 games this week including 3 conference games against the first place Jenison Wildcats. Also this week the Scots have a Friday doubleheader at the Art Van Complex against the Mattawan Wildcats, and a doubleheader Saturday in a rematch of last year's regional semifinal at the Kenowa Hills Knights. Come out and support Tuesday at 4:30 as the Scots begin the 7 game in 6 day adventure at Jenison.

5 Game Thoughts:

1) Shoutout to Coonboy for that home run, now the home run count is 1 for us and 1 for our opponents.
2) Upon hearing Sleeman's prom-posal idea for his girlfriend today, and my own adventure in that realm last night, I decided that creatively asking girls to prom is pretty much so the girl can take a cute picture and brag to her friends on Instagram. From all guys, you're welcome ladies.
3) Today I set a new mark for the most amount of seeds chewed in a single day of baseball, as I chewed 2.5 bags. I would have chewed at least three but my seed supplier wasn't present at the time. I will break this record one of the doubleheaders, I guarantee it.
4) I learned that people actually read this thing this week, as the FHC players said "here comes the journalist" and I had numerous people asking why there wasn't one last night, and the answer is I was too busy asking my girl to prom, sorry I won't miss another game.
5) 7 games in 6 days is gonna be a crazy ride, but it's gonna be a lot of fun. The one downside will be the two treks to Rockford(Art Van)/Kenowa within 24 hours. If we have to provide our own transportation, I am really hoping I can get some gas money.

April 16 CAL FHC Recap

today, the Scots went to FHC to try and earn the sweep of the FHC Rangers and continue their undefeated ways. Everything looked promising as the offense propelled them to a 7-0 lead and through 3 innings, Caleb Sleeman gave up no hits. From there however, it was all downhill. A lack of hitting, fielding errors and pitchers missing the strike zone spun the Scots out of control and it cost them the W. Miko Rodriguez hit a 3 run home run and the Scots bullpen could not hold the lead. The Scots fell 10-9 and drop to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the OK White. They are back at home with Grandville tomorrow.

Thoughts

1-Sorry Sleeman, you pitched a crazy first three and it's a shame that we couldn't get the W off of that start. Keep dealing homie, you've been lights out all year
2-Rob Gontjes and Matt Kikkert are gonna have a crazy sunflower seed battle throughout the year, they are definately the go to this year for our seeds.
3-One final blog shoutout to Trey Roelofs for being there today. Miss ya big fella.
4-We will get on track and fix the little things and be just fine.

Cal FHC April 15

Today, the Scots went on the road to take on the FHC Rangers in the second game of three in their season series. The Scots bats were alive right from the start, sending ten batters to the plate and scoring 4 runs. After the Rangers answered in the bottom half of the first, the Scots scored 4 more runs in the next two innings. The game stayed at 8-1 until the fourth and fifth innings when sloppy defense lead to 5 FHC runs. Nick Tuori came in with multiple runners on and 1 out in the 5th and closed the door on the potential Ranger rally. he would go one more inning before being done for the day. Perhaps the most highlight reel play of the early season took place in the bottom of the 6th, when with a runner on first and rounding second on the ball hit in the gap, Drake Ellens threw an absolute frozen rope from right field to get the runner out at 3rd ending another threat. The Scots 11 runs offensively tie the season high set back at TK. Driving in multiple runs were Cody Jakiel and Joe Stegehuis. Dan Zeman went 3 innings and allowed only hit to earn his first year of the season. Tomorrow, these two teams will meet again at Forest Hills for the series finale, with the Scots going for the sweep and trying to build on their 2-0 conference record.

5 Game Thoughts:

1) Ellens hose in right probably saved the day,especially saved me so shoutout to him.

2) What will McCallum do next bunting the ball? To top yesterday's bunt and truck, he bunt and dove headfirst into first. Is a cartwheel next?

3) Rob Gontjes is the go to when it comes to seeds, the kid literally has every flavor you'd ever want.

4) Speaking of seeds, the umpire today suggests mixing bacon, ranch and dill pickle seeds to create a "seed salad". Not sure how I feel about that...

5) I think that this years team will end up being closer knit then last years because the younger guys are molding in perfectly right now. 

Cal FHC April 14

The Caledonia Scots hosted the Forest Hills Central Rangers today in the first OK White game for both teams. The Ragers scored first as a result of some defensive miscues by the Scots and lead 1-0 until the bottom of the 3rd. On a passed ball, Danny Paas tied the game at 1. Joe Stegehuis immediately drove in a run to break the tie and give the Scots a 2-1 lead that they would not relinquish. Cody Jakiel drove in a run in rhe fourth to extend the lead to 3-1.  In the 7th inning, Austin Coon drove in a run and later scored on another two RBI hit by Stegehuis, who finished with 3 RBIs. Caleb Sleeman earned his second win of the year (2-0) going three innings for the Scots, and Trent Foreman and Mitch Horgan provided four shutout innings in relief. The Scots improve to 2-0 on the year and 1-0 in the OK White. These two teams will meet again both Wednesday and Thursday, both games starting at 4:15 and both taking place at Forest Hills Central. Also a shoutout to my boy Mitch McCallum for the sweet bunt and truck. Hit em again, hit em again, harder, harder. Go Scots.

Cal TK Recap

Today, the Caledonia Scots set off to start the 2015 campaign with a trip down to Middleville for a good ole fashioned rivalry with the TK Trojans, meeting for the first time since 2013. The Scots bats were in midseason form today cranking out 11 runs on 12 hits to earn an 11-6 win. In the first two innings, the Scots had 8 runners crossing the plate jumping to the 8-0 lead. Mitch Horgan and Cody Jakiel each chipped in 2 RBIs for the Scots. The Trojans battled back with 2 runs in the 3rd, 5th and 6th but the offense of the Scots proved far too much. Also driving in runs for the Scots were Drake Ellens, Joe Stegehuis and Logan Hudson. Caleb Sleeman started today and pitched three innings and brought home the win, his first of the year. The Scots improve to 1-0 on the season and will  play again April 14 when they open OK Conference play against the Forest Hills Central Rangers.