Newbury Park, CA 10 vs. Vauxhall Academy 3
 
Today’s semifinal matchup ended in disappointment for the Jets. All in all a lacking effort cost us our shot at a championship showdown with sought after hosts Bishop Gorman. From the first inning on it seemed as if very little could go right for us whether on the mound, in the field or at the plate. Newbury went up quickly in the first inning scoring two runs but a towering home run by Jean-Guy Bilodeau in the bottom of the first tied the game at two. Newbury tacked on another in the top of the second to make it 3-2 and from their they never surrendered the lead. The final was 10-3. Starter Taylor Simmonds scrapped his way through over three innings and was relieved by Cole Stober who didn’t experience anymore success then Simmonds. Our offense missed key opportunities to cash in runs with runners in scoring positions whereas Newbury did. The lone bright spots for us on this disappointing night were Shane Zimmer’s efforts at the plate as he scorched three hits, Bilodeau’s gigantic home run, and Josh Stephenson’s 2-3 effort at the plate with his only out coming on a diving play on a lineout to leftfield. Stephenson also played well defensively blocking everything that came his way and battling through injury. Tomorrow we play at 11:00 AM in the third place game against Douglas from Reno, Nevada. From there we will board the bus and drive all afternoon and into the night to Pocatello, Idaho where we’ll spend the night before finishing our return to Vauxhall on Sunday.
 
-AC

Vauxhall Academy 21 vs. South Tahoe, CA 0
 
Today’s game was the second largest victory in Academy history. We took care of South Tahoe, California in dominant fashion scoring early and often en route to a 21-0 victory. Game time was 8:00 AM and much like yesterday the weather was cool at about 5 degrees with a cool breeze blowing in from left field all game. We scored two in the first and another in the second but really broke it open in the third with twelve runs on seven hits and five walks and a couple Tahoe errors. We scored the remainder of our runs in the fourth inning and that was the ballgame. The game ended after 5 innings due to a mercy rule. Starter Jordan Wong pitched three innings and was followed by two perfect innings from Daniel Worb. They combined on a no-hitter for the ballgame. For more information on the ballgame refer to the statistics below.
 
The win puts us at 2-0 for the tournament and sets us up for a winner takes first place game tonight against Damonte Ranch out of Reno, Nevada at 6:00 PM at College of Southern Nevada’s field. Damonte Ranch is also 2-0 so far in pool play. With a win, we’ll advance to the semi-finals. Check back tonight for an update on how we fared in our game against Damonte Ranch.
 
HITTERS: Kym Barthel 2-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI; Tyler Hayes 2-5, 3 RBI; Adam Nelubowich 3-5, 2 RBI; Jean-Guy Bilodeau 2-5, 2B, 3 RBI; Mike Washburn 2-4, HBP; Josh Stephenson 1-3, 2 RBI; Taylor Simmonds 1-2, RBI; Tyson Denham 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, RBI; Brant Hittel 0-1, 4 BB, 2 RBI; Matt Clark 1-4, 3 RBI. PITCHERS: Jordan Wong 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 7 BB, 5 K; Daniel Worb 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K.

auxhall Academy 8 vs. Damonte Ranch 4
 
Today’s game ranks as one of the most exciting in the Academy’s three year history. The game was filled with important at bats, clutch pitching in tight spots, and an Academy team eager to get its shot at the tournament hosts. The game was played at the beautiful College of Southern Nevada with the sun glimmering on the horizon over the third base line to start the game. Conditions were ideal with gametime temperature at 19 degrees and a light wind blowing in from centerfield. We jumped all over Damonte Ranch in the first inning scoring four runs with the kicker being a Shane Zimmer three-run home run deep to the left center field gap. With the game at 5-1 in the bottom of the third, the Damonte Ranch team (from Reno, Nevada) fought back with three runs of their own to bring the game to a 5-4 duel. These runs only motivated our Jets offense to punch back just as hard scoring three of our own courtesy of Shane Zimmer again, hitting a two run double. From there our pitching took over. Starter Tyler Vavra settled in nicely and clutched up exactly when we needed to throwing a big scoreless inning in the fourth when we needed to and then handing the game over to Victor Caruso who got all his outs via the strikeout in his 1 2/3 inning of work. For further statistics scroll down.
 
This win places us first place in our pool and sets us up for a semifinal match up tomorrow against Newbury Park from California. The game will take place at 8:00 PM at Hadland Park. The other semifinal features host team Bishop Gorman against Douglas, Nevada taking place at 5:00 PM also at Hadland Park. 
 
Also, we lost three players today to Team Canada Spring Training in Florida. 3B/OF Adam Nelubowich, 3B/1B Mike Washburn, and RHP Steven Inch all are trying out for a chance to be named to the Canadian Junior National Team. Good luck guys!
 
HITTERS: Daniel Worb 2-4, BB; Tyler Hayes 2-4, BB; Shane Zimmer 2-4, 2B, HR, 6 RBI; Jean-Guy Bilodeau 1-4; Austin Cooper 1-4; Josh Stephenson 0-1, 3 BB; 2-4, RBI; Tyson Denham 1-4; Kym Barthel 1-3, HBP. PITCHERS: Tyler Vavra 5 1/3 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K; Victor Caruso 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K.

Vauxhall Academy 14 vs. Irvine, California 6
 
We opened the Bishop Gorman Tournament today with a 14-6 victory over opposing Irvine out of California. The game wasn’t pretty and we had to fight through many obstacles, mainly ourselves. We came out of the gate passive and defensive and nothing could spark us. The weather wasn’t great either as gametime temperature was 6 degrees Celcius with cool, breezy winds. However the weather probably played into our favor better then that of the boys from the Sunshine State.
 
In the top of the first, Irvine jumped ahead with a two run home run. However, we answered in the bottom half with two runs of our own sparked by doubles courtesy of roommates Adam Nelubowich and Shane Zimmer. The game carried on at a dull pace with Irvine going ahead 3-2 in the top of the fourth inning. We scored three of our own in bottom of the fifth again at the lead of Nelubowich and Zimmer, with Josh Stephenson adding an RBI double. We finally came to life in the bottom of the sixth and broke the game wide open with 9 runs on 5 hits but also 4 walks and an Irvine error. The game ended with one out in the bottom of the sixth due to a tournament time limit rule. Our pitchers battled throughout the game with their command but the offense picked them up and allowed us to win the game. It was ugly and not one our best games but we have a chance to rebound tomorrow against South Tahoe, California tomorrow at 8:00 AM at Hadland Park in Las Vegas. We also have a second game tomorrow night at 6:00 PM against Damonte Ranch, Nevada.
 
I’ve heard numerous requests for more statistics to be included in my entries so here is my best shot at giving you what you’re looking for. HITTERS: Daniel Worb 1-5, 2 RBI; Tyler Hayes 2-4, BB, 2B, RBI; Adam Nelubowich 3-5, 2 2B, 3B; Jean-Guy Bilodeau 0-2, 2 BB; Shane Zimmer 2-3, BB, 2B, 3 RBI; Josh Stephenson 2-2, 2 BB, 2B, RBI; Matt Clark 1-3, RBI; Mike Washburn 0-1, RBI; Brant Hittel 2-2, 2 BB, RBI; Kym Barthel 2-3, RBI. PITCHERS: Steven Inch 4 2/3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K; Brandon Petite 1 2/3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.

First of all one note I forgot to add in my last entry:
I’d like to thank all the fans – parents, billets, friends, staff, etc. – that have came out already to support the Jets. We’ve seen great turnouts at our first two games and look forward to much of the same throughout the tournament. All the guys appreciate it big time. Special thanks to Dean Portz for providing the fans and players an interesting (and sometimes colorful) commentary on how well the umpires were calling the game, as well as the infinite supportive comments he spewed throughout the night. Thanks Dean!
 
Today was an off day for the Jets and one that brought upon an interesting visit to one of the World’s Wonders, a lot of spending, and a lot of wind. The weather today in Vegas wasn’t too sparkling as 20 degree temperatures with cloud cover were unsatisfactory and wind gusts throughout the afternoon along with scattered showers kept the sun and heat at bay for today. We got up for a 9 AM trip to the Hoover Dam 45 minutes south of Las Vegas on the Nevada-Arizona border and it was a good experience. Many players were amazed at the size of the Dam and so it was more of an experience then many players expected. From there we headed to a Las Vegas Outlet mall where we shopped until 2 PM; it was only supposed to be until 1:45 but Mrs. Mossey managed to get lost so Coach Mac and Coach K had to go hunt her down. After that many guys left with their parents to do further shopping or enjoy supper with them. All in all it was a day off that was needed for the Jets as we have a very tough schedule planned for the tournament. Curfew was at 9:30 PM tonight because of our early wake up call which will be required to make our first game of the tournament: a 9 AM contest against Irvine out of California which will be played at the College of Southern Nevada Field. Check back tomorrow afternoon for details on the game.
 
-AC

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.