Today history repeated itself as the we lost both pre-tournament exhibition games for the second year in a row. Game one seen us drop a decision to Sierra Vista HS 9-6 and lose to Green Valley HS 8-6.
 
The Jets futility at Sierra Vista HS continued today. The loss ran the Academy’s record at Sierra Vista to 0-4. The game was played at Sierra Vista HS in 29 degree weather at a beautiful ballpark right on campus at Sierra Vista. The Jets performance wasn’t quite as beautiful. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead quickly in the first inning – due to sloppy Sierra Vista defense and a Mike Washburn double – the Jets offense went dead quiet all game until swatting together four runs in the top of the seventh but it proved to be too little, too late. Sierra Vista played a very good game offensively piecing together nine runs on ten hits and scoring in four of their six offensive innings. Taylor Simmonds went 4.1 innings giving up 5 runs on 6 hits and striking out 2. Jamin Heller relieved him and worked the remaining 1.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 4 hits. All in all, the effort this afternoon seemed passive and forced but we managed to bounce back to play a solid second game.
 
Game two was set in Henderson, Nevada at the home of the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes. We played Green Valley HS and dropped the contest 8-6 that went right down to the very last pitch. We hung on to a 6-4 lead going into the bottom of the 7th inning but a never say die Green Valley team pieced together four runs highlighted by a three run walk off home run to end the ball game. To get there though the ballgame took many paths, including exciting lead changes and big hits. We got down 3-0 after one inning and it looked as if the game would take on the same path as the earlier game. But starter Cole Stober settled in and gave our team a chance to hang in the game. He left after 4 innings and allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits with 3 strikeouts. Green Valley tacked on another in the bottom half of the second but the Jets explosive offense erupted in the top of the third scoring five runs led by Shane Zimmer’s two run home run and a Jordan Wong triple. Wong would also score on a squeeze bunt by Josh Stephenson. The Jets held this lead until the final frame in which Green Valley would take over and hand us our third loss of the season. The two losses run our record to 9-3-2. Next games take place starting Wednesday morning with the Bishop Gorman Tournament opener at 8 AM.
 
Tomorrow is an off day for the Jets and one that is much needed with many aches, pains, and bruises that need to be rested. The team plans on visiting the Hoover Dam and potentially visiting a few outlet malls.
 
-AC

Las Vegas, Nevada –

Today was another travel day filled with unneccessary, excess napping by all players (and coaches), a single lunch stop at the only respectable looking stop between Twin Falls and Las Vegas along the I-93, and a welcome respite from single digit temperatures. We got up at 7:30 to leave Twin Falls by 8. Not even a half hour into our trip Terry flew through a small town at around 20-25 mph over the speed limit and was quickly pulled over by your typical American highway patrol officer: middle aged, bald, and very proudly wearing a pair of large aviator sunglasses – very Super Troopers-esque. He tore into Terry for all of five minutes and off we were without a ticket. 
 
The bus trip went relatively quickly from there on and we made great time arriving in Las Vegas at 3:45 PM Las Vegas time (one hour ahead of Alberta time). We were greeted by 29 degree Celcius weather and not a breath of wind. From there we checked into the Travelodge, went for supper at Blondie’s, a popular sports restaraunt and bar located within Planet Hollywood’s buildings. From there Coach Mac cut us loose for a few hours to roam around the Miracle Mile shops located beside the Planet Hollywood complex. Curfew was for 10:00 as we have two tough games scheduled for tomorrow against Sierra Vista HS and Green Valley HS at 2:30 and 7:00 respectively. 
 
-AC

Twin Falls, Idaho –

6:45 AM – Twin Falls, Idaho
 
Woke up for 7:15 breakfast downstairs which proved to be delicious and a good way to start a successful day. Weather outside was chilly around 8 degress Celcius with a cool breeze. The rain stayed off all day which was nice. Headed to the park at around 8:30, Twin Falls High School takes very good care of their ballpark and it showed as it was one of the nicer high school fields most of us have ever played on. 
 
10:03 AM – Twin Falls HS Field
 
Game starts on time. The game ended up in an 8-6 Academy victory but it was a journey to get there as the game was one of our uglier wins thus far this spring and one we hope to leave behind, but also learn from. We came out flat as a group and got down 3-1 after one inning. Jordan Wong battled his way through three innings allowing three runs on only two hits, but struck out four. He walked one and hit two batters. The game maintained a slow, steady pace through the middle stages until Twin Falls added two more runs in their half of the fifth inning off of Tyson Denham who worked 1.1 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out one and walking one.  Down 5-1 at this point, we came in the dugout, collected ourselves and broke out in the top half of the sixth. Aided by a Bilodeau home run (on his 18th birthday) that scored three, a Heller RBI single, and an impressive pinch running performance by pitcher Cole Stober, we were suddenly ahead 6-5. Victor Caruso came on in relief and pitched his way to his second consecutive win. He allowed the tying run in the bottom of the sixth but was picked up by Mike Washburn’s bases loaded 2-run single in the top of the seventh inning paving the way for an 8-6 Jets win.

12:35 AM – Twin Falls HS Field
 
Game two proved to be a breakout offensive game for the Jets. A combination of plenty of good at bats strung together, along with a depleted Twin Falls pitching staff – it was their fourth game in the past two days – proved to be the recipe for success for us this game. The game was only five innings long due to the ten run mercy rule. We managed 18 runs on 18 hits. Highlights of the offensive fireworks were home runs by Tyler Hayes, Jean-Guy Bilodeau’s second of the day, and a deep grand slam by Matt Clark. We put the game well out of reach with a 13-run fourth inning in which we plated the first ten batters we sent to the plate. Our pitchers all threw the ball very well with Steven Inch starting and throwing 2 solid innings, followed by Tyler Vavra who pitched very effectively even if the numbers don’t suggest that, and Brandon Petite settled in to strike out the side in the fifth inning after walking the lead off batter on four pitches. 

This pushes our record to 9-1-2 overall.  The double header sweep breaks the Twin Falls Bruins 14 game winning streak.
 
Following our games, we got a chance to catch the second half of a doubleheader between the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and Salt Lake City CC. Ties to CSI run deep in our program: Coach Jim Kotkas attended the college for two years, three Academy alumni currently attend CSI (Dale Anderson, Tanner Craswell, and Lionel Morrill), and two current players (Tyler Vavra and Jean-Guy Bilodeau) have committed to join the Golden Eagles for the 2009-2010 year. It’s always fun to see former players competiting at the next level. CSI took won three of four games this weekend against Salt Lake City CC this weekend.
 
Next up for the Jets is a team meal tonight followed by an early curfew so we can get up to leave for Las Vegas tomorrow morning at 8 AM. The trip from Twin Falls to Las Vegas is 8 or 9 hours.
 
-AC

Kamloops, BC –

The Vauxall Academy started Sunday morning with a 5-2 victory over the Langley Blaze.  This was the 2nd victory over the Blaze in 3 days.  Although, stats were not available at the time of the posting Taylor Simmonds threw 4 solids innings for the no decision.  Tyler Vavra earned the victory going the final 3 inning scoreless.  Offensively, Mike Washburn had the big hit with a bases clearing double in the bottom of the 5th inning to push the score to 5-2.

After the Jets advanced – they meet up with the only other undefeated team – North Shore Twins  – coached by Hall of Famer – John Haar.  Jamin Heller earned the no decision with 4 plus solid innings.  Victory Caruso earned the victory in relief including a big bases loaded strikeout in the top of the 7th with the score tied at 3 a piece.   Jean Guy Bilodeau had the first RBI.  Mike Washburn was again a hero with a big game tying double in the bottom of the 5th and the game winning RBI in the bottom of the 7th.  Daniel Worb had a huge lead off double to start the rally in the bottom of the 7th inning. 

This pushes the Jets record to 7-1-2 overall and 5-0 in the tournament.  Next action is Saturday April 11th in Twin Falls, Idaho vs Twin Falls HS.  The Jets will continue on for 8 days to Las Vegas.

Kamloops, BC –

The Vauxhall Academy beat the Kelowna Cubs 7-0 behind a great start from Jordan Wong who earned the victory going 5 innings allowing 0 hits, 8 K’s, 2 BB’s.  Victor Caruso threw solid inning allowing 1 hit, 1 BB with 1 K.  Tyler Vavra struck out the side to close out the game.

Offensively the Jets were led by Shane Zimmer who was 1-3 with 2 RBI’s and a double.  Tyson Denham was 1 for 1 with an RBI.  The Jets capalized on several walks and wild pitches from the Cubs. 

This pushes the Jets record to 5-1-2 overall and 3-0 in the tournament. 

The Jets got a by to the semi-final and play at 9:30 am Sunday with the opponent yet to be determined.

Kamloops, BC –

The Vauxhall Academy opened up a cool and windy day in Kamloops with a 12-1 victory over St. FX Academy in the opening game.  On the mound Cole Stober started and went the distance on the mound going 5 innings allowing 1 unearned run, 3 hits, 6 K’s, 3 hits, with 3 BB’s to earn the victory.  Offensively the Jets were led by Tyson Denham who was 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Josh Stephenson had a double, Adam Nelubowich, Jean Guy Bilodeau, Mike Washburn, Jamin Heller all had 1 hit each. 

Game 2 saw the Jets beat the Langley Blaze by a score of 2-0.  Steven Inch started on the mound to earn the win going 5 innings allowing 2 hits, 3 K’s, with 0 BB.  Brandon Petite earned the save going 2 innings allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 K’s, with 2 BB’s.  Offensively the Jets were led by Mike Washburn, Matt Clark, and Kym Barthel who all had 1 hit each. 

This pushes the Jets record to 2-0 in the tournament and they match up tomorrow at 2 pm PST against the Kelowna Cubs. 

The Jets overall record is now 4-1-2.