Kane County Bronco League Tournament

"Go Geneva!" - "Geneva White! Woo-Whooo!" - "C'mon, let's go! Get it done!"

That's just a little taste of what was heard from down the 3rd base line. Parents were loud. The kids were loud. Everyone was jumping, screaming, and cheering. Everyone got excited. I for one thought we were going to have a good tournament when the game started and I noticed all the players up on the fence and cheering each other on. I have yet, throughout the entire season seen the kids so energized and loud. It was a good representation of how the kids felt. And how much they were into the game. They came ready to play. Every single one of them was ready and it showed.

In the first game vs. DC Lightning our kids started out hot. The bats were alive. It seemed like almost everyone got a hit through the first two innings. Our defense, for the most part, shut down the Lightning. While at the same time our offense was getting around the bases and racking up the runs. Heading into the 4th inning it started to look like we would have an early exit by way of the slaughter rule. But it was not meant to be. Our bats slowed a bit and the defense let the Lightning score a few runs to somewhat get back into the contest. Even though we gave the Lightning some hope that they would turn the game in their favor, the Vikings held onto their lead through to the end. Taking an 11-5 victory into the next game later that evening.

This brings us to game 2 vs. the Oswego Cobras. The Vikings started the game off a bit slow giving the Cobras a quick 1-0 lead. Heading into the 3rd and 4th inning the Vikings started showing some life. Going into the 5th inning we snuck up on the Cobras as the bottom of our order had some quality at bats that gave us some base runners. With runners in scoring position G. Bragg cleared the bases with a huge timely triple followed by another base clearing double by Z. Pronenko. We then finished strong as our defense held the Cobras to that single run they had gotten early in the game. Everybody contributed. From runners getting thrown out stealing and trying to score on "The Wall" behind the plate. To very solid closing pitching by "G-Dog" and great footwork and awareness by "Nowinski", we got the job done and finished with a final of 4-1.

This takes us into the championship game today (Sunday). If the same team shows up today, I feel sorry for our opponent. Because our kids have shown us that when their on their game, there has not been a team that has been able to beat us. However, as we have seen time and again, our kids like many kids are temperamental. We have our good games and bad. But then again - we have some of the best coaches in the league. Their work with our kids cannot go unacknowledged. They have always been a driving force in keeping our kids in the game, keeping their heads up and showing them what good sportsmanship is all about. We are the only team that I have seen anyway, that is reminded every game to shake the umpires hand after the game. This attitude and coaching of baseball knowledge translates directly into each and every kid on our team becoming solid ballplayers and taking this foundation into their future years. Whether that includes baseball or not, this team of kids will always remember this season as a season they grew as ballplayers. And no matter what happens later this afternoon, the Geneva Vikings will always be winners!

Game Summary-Yorkville

The team dropped to 3-3-1 in league play with a 15-8 loss on Tuesday evening. After falling behind 3-0, the Vikings staged a strong comeback with 8 runs in the 3rd inning with some aggressive base running and a timely base clearing triple by Will C. The Foxes cam back in the next inning to take the lead for good. Nikki B pitched a 3 pitch top of the 3rd keyed by a great defensive play by Zach P playing shortstop. With some improved defense, we should give this team some trouble if we meet them again in the KCBL tourney

Game Summary-Plano

The Vikings got back into the win column with a 12-5 victory over the Reds on Saturday. Keys to the win was the solid defense as the team did not commit an error throughout the game which is outstanding. Trailing 5-3 going into the bottom of the 5th, the bats woke up as the team batted around to score 9 runs, a key hit by Cole tied the game up and he came around to score the go ahead run. Kudos are well deserved by the Plano center fielder who robbed Gavin S of extra bases in the 2nd inning. The catch was a true web-gem.

Tournament Summary-Vernon Hills

Although the team did not win a game in this tourney, it was a good learning experience for future games and tournaments. The team was exposed to playing "real baseball" with leadoffs, stealing and balks and really improved with those aspects of the game with each inning and pitch. We faced some tough competition in Palatine and Lockport and hung with them for a few innings which is a great sign for the boys going forward.

Game Summary--Wasco

The Vikings dropped to 3-2 in league play with a 13-1 loss to Wasco on Monday evening. Props go out to Gavin for driving in our lone run of the game and solid base running by Will C to beat the throw home. We can hang with this team next time with an improved defensive effort

Game Summary--St. Charles

The Vikings took a quick 7-1 1st inning lead in this non-league game and never looked back in a 16-7 victory. Defense, pitching and aggressive base running where keys to the victory. Zach P made an outstanding catch to prevent at least two runs and end the inning. The first double play of the year was turned by a great catch by Noah with a quick throw to 3rd base to finish off the play. Quinton and Garrett pitched scoreless innings and better overall defense with only two errors held St. Charles in place. The team also executed on their bunting attempts.

Game Summary--North Aurora

The Vikings improved to 3-1 in KCBL play with a rousing come from behind 20-19 victory on a warm and windy night in North Aurora. The team came back three time from large deficits to record the win, including a 7-1 1st inning deficit and 13-8 second inning deficit. Each player members to the victory in all areas of the game including hitting, fielding and pitching. Thanks to the coaches who kept the kids heads in the game and encouraged them to fight back.

Game Summary: DC Lightning

The Vikings improved to 2-1 in league play with a 5-1 victory on Monday evening in the cornfields of DeKalb county. Four pitchers, Will C, Nicki, Garrett and Gavin combined for 16 strikeouts and only allowed one hit in six innings. Zack P provided a key hit to drive in two runs which gave the Vikings the lead for good.

Rally Falls Short

Down at one point by 6 runs, Geneva White rallied only to fall 10-6 to Batavia. The game featured lots of base runners for both teams. Will W. and Zach Pr. showed of their gloves with some fine defensive plays to keep the Vikings in the game. On offense the team had a season low 6 strikeouts, while drawing 9 walks.

GW Records First Win

Geneva White rebounded from its opening day loss with a 19-6 vistory against Kaneland. The Vikings scored 15 runs in the first two innings, While Will C. and Nicky limited a tough Kaneland team to 6 runs over 4 innings. Gavin and Will C. each hit a homerun while Cole drove in 4 runs.