No.1 Rated Travel Team Program
The Bullpen is rated #1 in British Columbia by the USSSA.
Travel Team Results
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Arizona – San Diego – Las Vegas – Portland
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If you are interested in being a part of the #1 rated Travel Team Program, please do send us an email through the website. No other travel team can even come close to our success in tournaments down south, this is a fact. No other program practices as much as we do, which is the main reason for our success. Developing young players both physically and emotionally is our #1 goal, from there success follows. If you are looking for the best all-around training available and to develop your son/daughter to their full potential the Bullpen Academy is exactly what you are after. To find out what others have to say regarding their experience with the program please visit the Bullpen facebook page or our testimonial section.
ARIZONA 2019
U12AA TEAM: Champions in the gold division of the Arizona USSSA Select 30 (March 15-17).
U12AA TEAM: Champions in the gold division of the Arizona USSSA Select 30 (March 15-17).
U12AAA TEAM: Second place in the gold division of the Arizona USSSA Select 30 (March 15-17).
U11AAA TEAM: Third Place in the gold division of the Arizona USSSA Spring Championships Supernit (March 22-24).
U10AA TEAM: Champions in the gold division of the Arizona USSSA Spring Training IV Class (Mar.30-31).
ARIZONA 2018
U11AAA Team
Game #1: First game was against a team from Colorado. Bullpen came out on top 11-0 in 4 innings. Luke Hans and Keaton O’Kennedy had two hits each, with Sam Tusa and Keaton hitting long homeruns. Stefano Siniscalchi threw well for the Bullpen side.
Game #2: Second game was against an Arizona team, who were missing their 3 top players. Bullpen came was with a 15-4 win. Tusa, McDonald, Dorwart and Lima with two hits each. Keaton O’Kennedy had another long homerun. Sam Tusa and Rex Yuen threw well for the Bullpen.
Game #3: had us matched up against a very good Southern California team. Final score was 9-1 for them
After our 3 pool play games the Bullpen was the #2 seed in our pool which matched us up against a #1 seed in another pool.
Game #4: An elimination game had us matched up against a team from Vegas, that we had played in Las Vegas this past November. The boys made some crucial errors which gave the other team a 7-2 lead going into the last inning. However, there was no quit though as they battled back to tie this game and send it into extra innings. Unfortunately, the Road Dawgs prevailed in extra innings, 8-7. Macin McDonald and Ben McKinnon were dealing on the mound. Brady Dorwart led the way with 2 hits.
MVP : Brady Dorwart
Top Pitcher : Ben McKinnon / Macin McDonald
Top Hitter : Raymond Lima .800
Top Defensive Player : Brady Dorwart
ARIZONA 2018
U11AA TEAM
The Bullpen U11 (second) Team was entered in the AA Division and had a very good showing winning first place in the Gold Division.
Game #1: First game found the Bullpen side come out on top 17-1. An impressive 9 spot in the first inning set the tone for the game. 7 players had a multi hit game with Evan Dugdale and Jeffrey Kladko each banging out 3 hits. Matt Shanley threw well for the Bullpen.
Game #2: was a total reversal with the Bullpen squad losing 11-1 to a team from California. However, this was their only lose in the tournament.
Game #3: was a very close 10-9 come from behind victory for the Bullpen. The score was 9-5 for the Legends going into the last inning. The boys battled back to put 5 on the board to win an exciting game 10-9. Will Paterson led the way with 2 hits, and threw well on the mound too. Liam Sampson finished the game off on the hill to get the win.
Game #4: was an elimination game against another California team. Final score 7-6 Bullpen. Patterson and Drinkle led the way with two hits each. Evan Dugdale was dealing on the mound.
Game #5: was a semi-final game against a California team that was 22-0 so far this year in Division. By far the best played game of the tournament by the Bullpen team. Final score was 4-1 Bullpen. Matt Shanley, Evan Dugdale and Will Paterson threw very well for the Bullpen side. Evan Dugdale led the way with two hits.
Game #6: matched the Bullpen up against a team they had defeated (11-10) in the Las Vegas Tournament in November. Final score Bullpen 16-9. However, this game had more twists and turns than the final scored indicated. Mc baseball jumped out to a 5-1 first inning lead. Bullpen battled back to make it 5-3 after 3 complete. After 4 complete the score was 7-6 for the other side. However, the 5th inning turned out to be the inning that changed the game. The Bullpen plated 9 runs to pull ahead and coast to the victory. Darren Gou was tremendous on the hill gaining the victory pitching the final 4 innings giving up only 4 runs to a very strong California team. Drinkle, Muller and Aidan Belchamber led the way with two hits each.
MVP : Keegan Drinkle
Top Pitcher : Evan Dugdale
Top Hitter : Lincoln Muller .600
Top Defensive Player : Ty Grewal
Honourable Mention : Will Paterson
ARIZONA 2018
U12AA TEAM
Game #1: Bullpen looked dominant with an eight-run first inning for Bullpen leading to a 15-4 victory. Bullpen’s big bats were led by Kai Sheck, Zaeden Pleasants, Owen Fernandes, Tommy Davidson, and Destin Swift, all driving in runs in the first inning. Michelle Roche toed the rubber for Bullpen. She lasted two innings, allowing three hits and two runs while walking one. Marcus Janovsky came in to relieve and pitched well, getting the save. Bullpen collected 13 hits on the day. Owen Fernandes, Tommy Davidson, Lleyton Anselmo, and Destin Swift each collected two hits to lead Bullpen. The team was sure-handed and committed few errors. Roman Bagon made the most plays in the field with three. SoCal Assassins tallied eight hits in the game.
Game #2: Bullpen asserted their will over the AZ Panthers on their way to an 8-1 victory. Owen Fernandes led things off on the hill for Bullpen with a dominating performance. He went three and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out four. Bullpen racked up ten hits in the game with Javee Tagudar and Deston Swift each recording two hits to lead Bullpen. The team had few errors on the day with Lleyton Anselmo having the most plays in the field with eight. Deston Swift led Bullpen with four stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with nine stolen bases. Harry Gutman was super steady behind the plate catching both complete games on the day and calling the majority of the pitches and managing the defense.
Game #3: the Shockers took an early lead in the first inning with one run scoring off a deep triple. In the top of the second inning, Bullpen gathered themselves and tied things up at two. SoCal Shockers took the lead for good with three runs in the third inning. Roman Bagon got the start for Bullpen with Marcus Janovsky backstopping the team at catcher and solid play from Ashton Compton. Roman Bagon went three innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and walking one. Michelle Roche threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Deston Swift led Bullpen with three hits in three at bats. Kai Sheck led Bullpen with two stolen bases; a team total of six steals for the game. There were some firsts in the game including Harry Gutman’s first stolen base and a foray playing first base for his first time ever recording an out in a well-executed pick off and run down with Javee Tagudar. SoCal Shockers totaled ten hits and four stolen bases.
Game #4: Bullpen watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 16-5 loss to United. Bullpen lost despite out-hitting the opponent seven to six. United scored on a single, an error, and stolen base putting up 6 runs in a sloppy first inning. In total, Bullpen committed 8 errors and 4 balks in the game. Bullpen did not give up and battled back scoring four runs in the third inning to make it close. Bullpen’s big inning was sparked by singles from Harry Gutman and Owen Fernandes. Unfortunately, United came out and scored eight more runs in the fifth inning. Zaeden Pleasants got the start for Bullpen. He lasted four innings, allowing one hit and eight runs while striking out six. Javee Tagudar threw one inning in relief. United were aggressive on the base paths with seven stolen bases. Bullpen tallied seven hits in the game. Lleyton Anselmo, Deston Swift, and Harry Gutman each managed multiple hits for Bullpen.
MVP : Deston Swift
Top Defensive Player : Harry Gutman
Top Offensive Player : Javee Tagudar
Top Pitcher : Owen Fernandes
BULLPEN 2017 – SAN DIEGO U11 & U12
What an epic weekend for the Bullpen U11 & U12 Travel Teams playing in open tournament events over the Labour Day weekend in San Diego, September 2-4, 2017.
Both teams finished the weekend 6-0, so a combined 12-0 record for the Bullpen. What a great accomplishment, I could not be more proud of two groups of boys!!
2017 SAN DIEGO U11 TRAVEL TEAM
I can’t say enough good things about the U11 performance this past weekend. The boys played incredibly well, and in all areas of the game. Our pitching, hitting and team defence were the class of the event.
Game #1: our first game was a lopsided victory, which ended in a run spread, Brendan Chen struck out 6 batters in two innings. Asher Herbert, Kai Fyke and Luch Ruggiero each had homeruns.
Game #2: was against a much better Southern California team. The United Team jumped out in front 3-1 after two innings. However, the boy’s battled back to tie the game at 3-3 after two innings. After 3 complete the score was 8-4 for the Bullpen. Unfortunately for the United Team their defense fell apart in the 4th inning and we piled on a 10 spot to win going away. Nick Frers threw 4 solid innings for the victory. Armaan Drar joined the Bullpen Homerun Club with a 3 run shot. Trey Gairdner, Asher Herbert and Kai Fyke led the way with 2 hits each.
Game #3: found the Bullpen up 7-0 after one inning. However, from there the score basically did not change. After 4 complete it was 8-0 for the Bullpen. In the top of the 5th the bats woke up and posted a 9 spot to win going away. Trey Gairdner pitched a very solid game, with Ken Nakane coming in to finish the game off. Asher Herbert led the way with a 3-3 game at the plate.
Game #4: our 4th and final pool play game was an 8-4 victory against a scrappy BPA Team. The score was tied 3-3 after 2 1/2 innings, but in the bottom of the 3rd the boys pushed 3 across, and then 2 more in the fourth to pull away. Cam Macleod threw well, with Asher Herbert throwing the last inning to close the deal. Kia Fyke was a beast going 3-3 at the Dish with 2 homeruns and 6 rbi’s.
Game #5: was a semi-final game against the very same BPA Team we beat in game 4! Brendan Chen threw 4 solid innings giving up no runs or hits while striking out 4. The Bullpen plated 2 runs in each of the first 3 innings to jump out 6-0. In the bottom of the 4th we piled on 4 more to win 10-0 in 4 innings. Asher Herbert was 3-3 with a walk-off 2 run homer in the bottom of the 4th.
Game #6: the final game of the tournament was against the So. Cal. Phenom, who we had played previously in a Las Vegas Tournament this past fall. The final score was not a true indication of how the game unfolded. First batter of the game lined a missile to Armaan Drar at short, who made a full out diving catch! Next batter hit a deep fly ball to left, followed by a strike out. In our half of the 1st the boys came out ready to play and plated a 5 spot. We then added another 2 in the second to jump out 7-0. In the top of the 3rd the Phenom had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 out, the batter hit a missile one hopper to second where Joey Marino got his body in front and knocked it down and threw the guy out. For sure a game-changing play. In the bottom of the 4th the boys pushed across 3 more to end the game in 4 by a score of 10-0. Kai Fyke threw 4 very solid innings yielding 2 hits while striking out 3. If not for many defensive gems from our side the final game would have had a different score, this is for sure. The team we played was a very good squad but caught zero breaks. For sure all of the luck fell our way in the final. Davy Krahn led the hitting attack going 3-3.
MVP : Kai Fyke
Top Defensive Player : Armaan Drar / Joey Marino
Top Hitter : Asher Herbert .765
Top Pitcher : Brendan Chen – 6 innings…no hits, 10 K’s
BULLPEN 2017 – OREGON U12
Bullpen U12 Travel Team takes 1st place in the Norwest Nations Classic event Memorial Day weekend in Hillsboro, Oregon.
This particular Bullpen travel team was made up of four players from three different Bullpen Travel Teams (U11/ U12A / U12B).
Game #1: our first game of the tournament found us matched up against the #6 seed team from the Northwest Nation tournament circuit (Washington / Oregon / Idaho). Jaron Palaschuk pitched four quality innings giving up 4 hits over 4 innings while striking out 4. Jaron left the game down 2-1 surrendering 2 unearned runs. Jaron also led the way with 2 hits. The boys came out flat which was displayed by the final score.
Game #2: had us find our legs registering a 13-2 win over a team from Oregon. Armaan Drar led the way with a three hit game. Willem Heilker was dominant on the mound striking out 9 over 4 innings while surrendering 1 hit.
Game #3: the second day of the tournament placed us in a semi-final game against the #1 seed from the other pool. The Bullpen squad came out fast scoring 3 in the first inning, followed by 3 more in the 3rd. The fourth inning had the boys put a 7 spot on the board. Final score Bullpen 13-2. Ryan Derbawka led the way with 3 hits, as well as dominating on the mound. Ryan gave up 3 hits over 4 innings while striking out 11!! Ryan struck out the side in 3 of the four innings pitched.
Game #4: the final game of the tournament had us matched up against a very good Camas, Washington team. The score after 3 innings found the Bullpen squad leading 2-0. The boys added on 3 more in the 4th and 3 in the (bottom) 5th to pull away. However, the game was in question in the top of the 5th when the Camas team had the bases loaded with one out and their # 3 & 4 hitters up; the score at the time was 5-0. Jaron Palaschuk entered on the mound and struck out their #3 batter then induced a line drive out to Declan Barry in leftfield from the #4 hitter to end the threat. Ryan Derbawka and Declan Barry led the way with 3 hits each. On the mound Ethan Kwong was dealing!! Ethan gave up 2 hits through 4 1/3 innings striking out 7 against a very solid Camas team!
MVP : Jaron Palaschuk
Top Defensive Player : Armaan Drar
Top Hitter : Ryan Derbawka
Top Pitcher : Ethan Kwong
BULLPEN 2017 – ARIZONA U11
What an amazing ride for the Bullpen U11 Travel Team during our most recent tournament in Arizona, March 24-26, 2017.
I could not be more proud of the whole team as they battled hard and left it all on the field (literally), just coming up short as we lost in final game of the tournament; after playing 3 games on the final day.
Game #1: The first game of the tournament had us matched up against a team from Seattle. The Bullpen came out on top 11-3. Kai Fyke led the way with two hits.
Game #2: found us playing a team from So. Cal. Both teams came out swinging as the score was 5-5 after the first inning. The game was a hard-fought battle with the Bullpen coming out on top 13-11. Armaan Drar led the way with 3 hits.
Game #3: and final pool play game was against the Southern California Widows. Unfortunately, the Bullpen team came up short in a 9-4 loss. This was the first loss incurred by this U11 team since being formed in September of 2016, which is a major accomplishment considering this is our second tournament together. David Krahn led the way with 2 hits.
Game #4: was our elimination game; and found us starting the Sunday at 8:00 a.m. The Bullpen team surrendered 3 runs in the first inning to the So. Cal. Sharks. However, the boys battled back to make the score 4-3 (Sharks) after 3 complete innings. Our side pushed 2 across in 4th and 4 in the 5th inning to win 9-4. Cam Macleod and Brendan Chen lead the way with two hits each.
Game #5: was a semi-final elimination game against the So. Cal. Thunder. After the first inning the score was tied at 2. We pushed across a solo run in the second and added on 5 more in the third to win 8-2. Kai Fyke and Cam Macleod led the attack with 2 hits each. Brendan Chen chipped in with a long 2-run home run.
Game #6: and the final game of the tournament matched the Bullpen against a tough team from Colorado. The boys came out strong and found us up 10-4 after 2 complete innings. Unfortunately, the heat and the length of the day at the park started to take its toll as players started to shut down due to the heat; we had 2 players not able to continue playing, which made our task to close out the game even more daunting. Also, after so many games we had depleted all of our arms so truly the tank was empty. Ultimately, the Bullpen Team came out on the short end of a 21-14 slug-fest. Asher Herbert, Cam Macleod and Kai Fyke all had 3 hits in the final game.
All players on the Bullpen squad can proudly hold their heads high after an incredible journey. Considering all teams we had played in this event had played 40+ games this year it makes the accomplishment that much more impressive.
This U11 Team only had 2/3 on-field practices prior to the event between Jan-March.
The current record for this group of U11 players is an amazing 10-2 in the two tournaments we have entered (Vegas & Arizona).
The team batting average for this tournament was an astounding .411!!
MVP : Kai Fyke
Top Defensive Player : Asher Herbert
Top Hitter : Cam Macleod .600 average
Top Pitcher : David Krahn
BULLPEN 2017 – ARIZONA U12 A TEAM
Another tremendous performance turned in by the Bullpen travel team program while away for our 2017 Arizona spring break trip.
The Bullpen U12 B Team finished with a 2-2 record playing in the AA division while the U12 A Team placed 3rd in the AAA division.
I could not be more proud of a group of young men as they all played their hearts out over the course of the 3-day event. From the feedback I received all parents and players had a tremendous experience while away and were very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Bullpen program.
There were more than a few tears at the end as this group of boys has been together since the fall of 2016 practicing twice a week until this past weekend tournament.
As the weather was so bad this year between Jan-March practicing on-field was virtually impossible! I believe we were on-field 3/4 times maximum during this time period. All teams we played during this Arizona tournament had already played 40+ games this year while we had played none.
Game #1: found us matched up against the #1 seed in the tournament, the El Monte Dukes. The boys were in tough against a very good/polished team. As our team was rusty it showed loud and clear. The squad made 8 errors. Final score was 10-1 for the Dukes.
Game #2: was against another So. Cal team named Clovis United. What an effort by the boys! The Bullpen squad pulled out a very exciting 3-1 victory! Willie Wilson pitched three tremendous innings scattering 4 hits and 1 earned run. Ryan Derbawka came in to close the deal with 3 incredible innings of work yielding 2 hits and striking out 3. James Brock and Ben Hewitt lead the way with 2 hits each. Jayson Tamayo chipped in with a game-saving catch in left field.
Game #3: With only 15 minutes rest we had to start our third game, which can be very challenging given the intensity level and emotion exuded in the previous game. From the first pitch the boys showed they were ready to go!! The Bullpen Team scored 3 in the top of the first to make a statement early, which carried through for the whole game. Final score Bullpen 13-5 over another So. Cal team.
Gabe Nelson turned in a solid performance on the mound with Jayson Tamayo closing out the game. Brayden Labossiere led the way with a 3 hit game. James Brock chipped in 2 hits as well as Ben Hewitt, Ethan Kwong, Sammy Aslanowicz and Jayson Tamayo.
Game #4: found us in a quarter-final elimination game against LA Extreme. The boys played a very good game for the first 4 innings, but the wheels fell off in the last inning. However, the Bullpen did come out on top in 7-6 win. Ben Hewitt threw 4 exceptional innings surrounding 2 earned runs on 4 hits while striking out 6. Ryan Derbawka hit a long solo shot while Noah Brooks and Sammy Aslanowicz contributed with key doubles! Jason Tamayo entered the game in relief for the bottom of the last inning with the bases loaded and two out holding a 7-6 lead. Jayson took the count full before striking out the final batter, looking, to end an exciting game!!
Game #5:
Our fifth and final game of the tournament, which was a semi-final, matched us up against the El Monte Dukes, who beat up on us the first game of the tournament. The boys fought hard, but we just had no luck!! The Bullpen Team out hit our opponent 7 hits to 6, but were not able to string hits together. Noah Brooks hit one hit right to the left field fence with the outfield making a very nice grab to steal a homerun away. Jayson Tamayo started and threw 2 very solid innings surrendering 4 runs, with 3 being unearned. Ethan Kwong followed up Tamayo on the mound with a truly incredible performance on the hill to keep the game within reach. Ethan threw 3 innings without allowing a hit!! Both Willie Wilson and Sammy Aslanowicz lead the way at the plate with 2 hits each.
After all is said and done a third place finish in the gold division is something the boys can be very proud of.
One final note to all; the team that won the U12 AAA division tournament was the Clovis United Team who beat the El Monte Dukes 15-5. The Bullpen Team was the only game Clovis lost in the tournament.
MVP : Ben Hewitt
Top Defensive Player : Ethan Florendo
Top Hitter : James Brock / Ben Hewitt; both hit .500
Top Pitcher : No way to choose one as all pitched so very well; So whole staff
* Team batting average was .310 for the tournament
BULLPEN 2016 – LAS VEGAS U11
Another incredible travel team tournament result, this time turned in by the new Bullpen U11 Team. At the Veteran’s Day Challenge in Las Vegas, November 11-13.
Tryouts for this team started the end of September so the final roster of 12 was not chosen until the first week of October.
The team practiced once or twice a week over a four-week period, with 3 exhibition games along the way so not much time together.
Our practices leading up to the tournament were very intense as the boys (and girl) needed to be game-ready quickly.
As this team had so little game experience I had no idea what to expect. However, given the work ethic, heart and desire of this group I had a feeling we would show well.
Game #1: matched us up against a team from San Diego, who we handled easily with a 16-0 score. The boys came out of the gate all fired up and scored 13 in the first inning.
- Brendan Chen threw very well throwing a no-hitter through 3 innings.
- Javee Tagudar led the way with 2 hits.
Game #2: was an 18-3 win over a team from Las Vegas.
- Asher Hebert came in relief for Ken Nakane in the third and struck out the side.
- Armaan Drar, Cam McLeod, Brendan Chen, Luch Ruggiero, and Ben Murphy each had 2 hits.
Game #3: was against a tough Las Vegas Knights Team, who we beat 11-2.
- David Krahn threw two very solid innings. Armaan Drar closed the deal with solid relief work.
- Cam McLeod led the way with two hits. Brendan Chen hit a massive two-run homerun to break the game open when the result was still in question.
Game #4: the toughest game of the tournament was against California Baseball Academy (CBA). This team came out ready to play and proved to be our biggest challenge of the event.
The CBA Team jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. However, the boys hung tough and clawed back to make the score 3-3 after complete. The boys kept pouring it on once we found our legs and pulled away for an 8-5 victory.
- Armaan Drar lead the way with two key doubles. David Krahn and Ken Nakane each pitched in with huge base clearing triples.
- Nick Frers pitched a complete game for the victory. Nick surrended 2 hits while striking out 4.
After pool play the Bullpen U11 Team was 4-0 and the #1 seed in the B pool.
Game #5: Our first game on Sunday was a single elimination semi-final, which found us matched up against the Las Vegas Knights, a team we had defeated in pool play.
The Knights showed up ready to exact revenge for the earlier defeat. The score was 3-1 for the Bullpen after 4 complete innings. However, in the fifth we put a 4 spot on the board to win 7-1.
- Brendan Chen pitched 3 very solid innings again surrendering 1 hit through 4 innings. Asher Hebert closed the last two innings by striking out 3 of the 6 batters faced.
- Armaan Drar and Luch Ruggiero led the hitting attack with two hits each.
Game #6: the tournament final game matched us up against a team from Utah who had won the “A” pool side of the tournament. Unfortunately for them, but good for us, was that their semi-final game was a total dog fight with a very tough CBA team, who we beat the previous day. The Utah team prevailed over CBA 9-8 in a 9 inning marathon!! After this game the Utah team was basically drained both physically and pitching-wise.
We ended up winning 8-0. The difference in this final game was our defensive play it truly was the difference-maker. There were so many outstanding plays it is hard to list them all. However, one of note was when Utah had runners on 1 & 2 with one out the batter scorched a ball down the third base line that Brendan Chen backhanded to which he tagged his bag and threw to first for an inning ending double play turning in a game-changing gem!
- David Krahn with two solid innings on the hill as well as Armaan Drar with two innings to close out the game
- Brendan Chen hit a mammoth shot to centre, which would have cleared a fence easy if there were one. Luch Ruggerio ripped a shot to centre was well that would have cleared a fence also. Asher Herbert chipped in with two hits.
MVP : Whole Team – as it took a total team effort to win this tournament
Top Hitters : Armaan Drar .615 / Luch Ruggiero .600
Top Pitcher : Brendan Chen
Top Defensive Player : Javee Tagudar / Brendan Chen / Armaan Drar
BULLPEN 2016 – LAS VEGAS U12 A
Game #1: The U12 A Team defeated the Las Vegas Scorpions in their first game 7-0. Ryan Derbawka threw 5 innings striking out 7 while giving up no hits. James Brock and Jayson Tamayo led the way with 2 hits a piece.
Game #2: was a 15-0 win over the Irvine Calts. Ben Hewitt threw 5 innings giving up 2 hits while striking out 8. Jayson Tamayo, James Brock, and Ethan Kwong had 2 hits a piece.
Game #3: was a 12-1 win over ODBA. Gabe Nelson threw 3 very solid innings striking out 4 while giving up no hits. Ethan Kwong, Ryan Derbawka, and James Brock had 2 hits each while Brayden Labossiere had a 3 hit game.
Game #4: matched us up against a team from Hawaii. Bullpen won in 5 innings 11-3. Ben Black threw a nice game for us scattering 3 hits over 5 innings. Sammy Aslanowicz, Jayson Tamayo and Brayden Labossiere had 2 hits each in the game.
Game #5: our first game on Championship Sunday had us in a semi-final game against the Las Vegas Badgers. It was easily the best team we had played by far in the tournament. The boys played their hearts out and left it all on the field!! Unfortunately, we came out on the losing end of a 3-1 score. It was by far the most competitive game of the tournament played by any teams present. We had absolutely no luck at all!! We had 10 barrel contact balls hit in the game, but only 2 hits to show. Our opposition had 4 hits total in the game. Every time we barreled up a ball it was hit at a player on their team!! The bottom of the 5th inning found us behind 3-1 with the bases loaded and two out; Antony Setticasi crushed a ball into the right centre gap which was run down by the centre fielder. It was truly a game saving catch!!
It was a tough lose to take as the boys played so well. I am very proud of their effort as they played like true champions this weekend.
On a side note…Sammy Aslanowicz was easily the best shortstop in the tournament as he turned in 3 major league caliber plays. Actually, the whole team played fantastic defence the whole tournament. There were many diamond gems along the way; Ben Black’s full layout up the middle to Brayden Labossiere driving head first catch in the final game!
Top Defensive Player : Sammy Aslanowicz
Top Hitter : Ethan Kwong .636
Top Pitcher : Ryan Derbawka
MVP : Whole Team
BULLPEN 2016 – LAS VEGAS U13
The Bullpen #BULLS 13U travel team program starts in early August with tryouts. This includes regular practices and exhibition games. Once the team has been chosen they practice weekly throughout September-November and play games against Bantam teams primarily from, but not limited to, the lower mainland. They have 1 practice in Las Vegas before starting the tournament at Las Vegas High School, home of the Wildcats; notable alumni: Bryce Harper.
Bullpen #BULLS 13U Las Vegas November 2016
Game #1: The #BULLS got off to a quick start thanks to back to back two out hits from Logan Knight (1B) & Jake Vrlak (2B) producing the game’s first run in the top of the 1st. In the second Cole Bruhaug drove in Colton Frick with a sac fly after Frick tripled to lead off the inning. They didn’t stop there and continued to chip away adding 2 more in the 3rd, 3 in the 4th & 2 more in the top of 6. Bullpen got contributions at the plate from the entire lineup, played solid defence and got exceptional pitching from Frick & Baron Gibbons who shut down the Southern Nevada Bulls from Las Vegas en route to a 9-0 win to kick off the tournament.
WP: Colton Frick 4IP 0R 6K’s
Vrlak 2-3 2B 3RBI,Cole Columbus 1-2 2B RBI 2R,Colton Hopkins 1-3 3B RBI R, Lachlan Elliot 1-3 2B RBI R
Game #2: Bullpen stayed hot at the plate and struck for 4 quick runs in the top of 1st capped off by a bases loaded double by Carter Spencer. Team Adidas, based out of Las Vegas, came out with a rally of their own in the bottom half and tacked on a reciprocated 4 spot. The game stayed that way until the top of the 4th when Gibbons, Lachlan Elliot & Taiki Suzuki all reached base to start the inning. Frick, Colton Hopkins & Logan Knight rallied for a hit each after that and the #BULLS went ahead by 3. Again Team Adidas responded immediately and put up 3 of their own. Spencer opened the 5th with a double which sparked a 2 run inning for Bullpen and they were determined to hang onto the lead this time heading into the bottom of the 5th. The #BULLS Jayden Lamothe recorded three quick outs, 2 via the punch out and the other by fielding a comebacker and getting the assist himself. It was a huge hold after giving up their last two leads. The offence was energized by it and exploded for a 13 run rally in the 6th to break, what was a great game upto that point, wide open.
WP: Taiki Suzuki 3IP 4R 2K’s
Spencer 4-4 3XBH 5RBI 2R, Vrlak 3-5 3XBH 5RBI 2R, Knight 2-3 3RBI 3R, Gibbons 2-4 3B 2RBI 2R
Game #3: Saturday marked the second straight day with an 8am game, and another day at mini Yankee Stadium inside the Big League Dreams baseball complex. Bullpen found themselves behind early to the Las Vegas Toros 3-0 after the 1st. In the bottom of the 2nd the #BULLS bats came alive for 6 hits and 6 runs. That would be all that Jack Cameron needed as he carved his way through 4 innings of shutout relief and the Bullpen #BULLS were 3-0 in pool play and guaranteed a spot in the quater final on Championship Sunday.
WP: Jack Cameron 4IP 0R 3K’s
Suzuki 3-3 3B 3RBI 2R, Frick 2-3 RBI R, Lamothe 2-2 3B 2R, Cameron 2-2 2B 2R
Game #4: With first place in pool play on the line Bullpen looked to Logan Knight for a quality start against the Beaumont Bombers from California. The #BULLS drew blood in the top of 1 after a Vrlak 2 out hit drove in Gibbons. Beaumont answereed with 1 in the bottom of the 2nd after manufacturing a run sparked by a leadoff 2B. The game stayed tied at 1 into the bottom of the 4th when the Bombers loaded the bases with 0 out. Bruhaug, Suzuki & Elliot each clutched up with key defensive plays to lead the #BULLS out of the jam without giving up a run. The way it often goes in this great game, Bullpen rode momentum from that great defensive work and got 2 runs lead by back to back RBI hits from Elliot & Hopkins. That proved to be the turning point in the game and Bullpen clinched 1st place in pool play.
WP: Knight 6IP 1R 3K’s
Suzuki 2-2 RBI 2R, Frick 2-2 RBI 2R, Elliot 2-3 2RBI,
Quarter Final: Bullpen played the Nevada Road Dawgs to a tight game through the first 3 innings. Suzuki started the game on the mound and made pitches when he needed to. The Road Dawgs were held off the board for 4 innings including and a big strikeout to get out of a jam in the top of 4. Thats when Bullpen’s bats found their groove again. They went off for 9 hits and walk off mercied their way into the semi final.
WP: Suzuki 4IP 0R 8K’s Knight 2-3 2B 3RBI 2R, Spencer 1-2 2R, Cameron 1-2 2B 2RBI R, Frick 2-2 2RBI R
Semi Final: Bullpen vs. Beaumont round 2. Bottom of the 1st and the #BULLS manufacture a run after a lead off walk. Bottom 3, 2 out RBI base hit exactly where he planned to hit it by Gibbons and the lead was 2-0. Knight homered to left in the 4th and Gibbons drove in Frick in the 5th. That was enough for Frick as he scattered 3 hits through 6 innings of scoreless work picking up 5 K’s along the way.
WP: Frick 6IP 0R 5K’s Gibbons 3-3 2B 3RBI, Knight 1-3 HR RBI R
Final: The Hawks from San Diego struck for 3 quick runs in the top of the 1st. Bullpen chipped away scoring runs in the 2nd, 4th & 5th innings. Bottom 5, Columbus stretched a single into a double with a great slide into two, which drove in Bruhaug after his lead off bunt single got the inning going. The #BULLS couldn’t hold the Hawks off in the meantime and found themselves down 6-3 after 5 complete. Bullpen’s crafty Left-hander Gibbons helped them put up back to back zero’s in the sixth and seventh giving the team a chance to come back. The offence rallied and took control of momentum for 2 innings hitting everything hard including an RBI triple from Lamothe and RBI double from Hopkins. The bottom of the 7th showed promise after Frick was hit by a pitch to start the inning putting the potential walk off winning run on base. With two runners on Vrlak smashed a ball to the oppo warning track only to see the right fielder positioned perfectly. San Diego pushed two across in the top of the 8th and again the #BULLS threatened but eventually came up short 8-6 in 8 innings.
LP: Lamothe 4.1 IP 6R 5K’s
Lamothe 2-4 3B RBI 2R, Spencer 1-1 2BB HBP 2R, Hopkins 1-2 2B RBI, Columbus 1-3 RBI, Vrlak 2-4 2B R
MVP: Jake Vrlak .455BA 5XBH, 9RBI, 5R
Top Pitcher: Colton Frick 10IP 0R 11K’s
Top Hitter: Carter Spencer .706 BA 3XBH 9RBI 9R
Top Defensive Player: Jayden Lamothe 3B/SS/P
BULLPEN 2015 – ARIZONA U11
The Bullpen U11 Travel Team had a great run this year at the Arizona Triple Crown Tournament during Spring break. It was the best showing by a Bullpen travel team in the Arizona tournament, at any age. I could not be more proud of all the boys as they gave me everything they had. Unfortunately, we came up a little short in the end.
We won our first 5 games, which put us in a semi-final contest on the final day of the tournament. Unfortunately, our bats went cold against a team from California, who jumped on a couple of costly errors, which produced 2 unearned runs, and was the difference in the game (2-0).
To Recap:
Game #1; found us up against a team from Modesto, California. The boys came out ready to play and recorded a 10-0 victory, in a run spread contest. *Carson Merriman 3-3.
Game #2; was against a team from Colorado. Final score was Bullpen 11 and North Colorado 5. *Cole Columbus 2 – 3 / *Carson Merriman 3 – 3.
Game #3; was our pool play game, which had us matched up against another California team. Final score was Bullpen 7-0. Due to a monsoon our second pool play game was cancelled, which left us ranked as the number 10 seed in the 28 team tournament.
Game #4; Saturday found us matched up against the Green sox, from Chula Vista, California. Their tournament ranking was #6. The Bullpen squad came out on top 5-4, in a nail-biter, with the outcome in question until the final out of the game. The boys did not play their best game, but found a way to prevail in the end. Gabe Nelson used his whole body to field the last grounder, and secure the victory. * Carson Merriman 2-3
Game #5; second game on Saturday was against the #2 seed in the whole tournament. Our opponent was the Southern Cal, Assasins. The boys came out fired up and ready to play. Final score was 11-2 for the Bullpen. A special note to mention what an incredible pitching performance turned in by Colton Frick. He held the #2 seed to 2 hits over 5 innings. If not for the incredible effort put in by Colton Frick on the mound, and at the plate, our chances of winning were greatly diminished. It truly was one of the greatest performances I have witnessed by a pitcher in all my years. This team had basically run spread every team along the way. Notes: Colton Frick 4-4 / Carson Merriman 3-3
Game #6; our final game found us up against the #3 seed in the tourney-another California team. Unfortunately, the boys were only able to muster 2 hits for the whole game. It was just one of those things where the boy’s bats went cold at the worst possible time. The pitching we faced in this particular game was sub-par at best, which stings the most. We had beaten far better teams along our journey to the semi-final. However, such is the nature of this game!!!
As a team we went from the highest high to the lowest low in a matter of 16 hours.
What a great experience for all involved, not only on the ball diamond, but at many MLB Spring training games as well.
Team MVP : Carson Merriman / Colton Frick
Top Hitter : Carson Merriman .687
Top Defensive Player : Cole Columbus
BULLPEN 2015 – ARIZONA U12
The Bullpen (Arizona trip) U12 travel team turned out to be one for the ages. It was an incredible showing by a bunch of boys who gave their all right to the bitter end, without giving in. I am so proud of all the boys.
The Bullpen finished in 5th place out of a 32 team tournament. Our final record was 4 wins and 2 losses. The two losses occurred against the two teams in the tournament championship game, which makes a huge statement regarding how well the boys played. Plus, the vast majority of the teams we played against had already played 30+ games so far this year. This tournament found us with 2 games under our belt going in.
To recap the games:
Game #1; was a 12-0 win over a team from Utah. *Homerun by Lucas Yang.
Game #2; was a 14-2 win over another Utah team. *Another homerun for Lucas Yang.
Game #3; this game had an epic finish, which will be talked about for years to come! We were in a battle against a tough Cal-Irvine team who had a 4-2 lead going into the last inning of the game. The boys had no quit in them though. Ali Cazorla started the inning with a single to start the charge. With one out Gareth Wintjes lined a double, to score Ali, which made it 4-3. Russell Young then stepped up and ripped a triple down the third base line – two inches fair!!, which tied the score at 4. Justin Adamoski followed with a single to put us up by one. After a walk and an infield single Max Mitzel drilled a triple to clear the bases – at which point the air left the Irvine team. We ended up scoring 8 runs in the inning for a 10-4 victory. *Matty Wilkinson 5K’s in 2 innings.
Game #4; after the emotional high of our previous game-victory we had 10 minutes rest before the start of our next game, which was a tall task given the emotional roller coaster of the game that had just wrapped up. Our opponent for Game #4 was called “Rip”, who were from San Marcos, California. This team would go on to be the eventual tournament champ. The boys came out flat and made a few early (costly) errors. The final score was Rip 6 – 3 Bullpen.
Game #5; found us in an elimination game against another team from San Marcos, which had the boys focused and ready. We came out firing with 5 runs in the first inning, and ended up rolling to a 14-0 victory. *Ali Cazorla with a homerun / *Gareth Wintjes homerun.
Game #6 was against a very tough team from Texas. We jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first. However, they answered back with 4 in the bottom of the inning. The second inning found us with the bases loaded and one out, and ready to answer back. At this point the Texas team had to bring in their ace, who was throwing 77/78 mph (according to their coach), he struck out the next 2 batters to end the inning. Actually, he k’d 5 consecutive batters. The final score was 8-3.
Overall it was a tremendous performance by the boys, and the best showing by a Bullpen (U12) Travel Team in the Arizona (March) Tournament. This core group of players also won the Las Vegas Tournament back in November, so this group of players was certainly a pleasure to work with. I pushed this group of boys harder than any group I have worked with, which paid off in the end as these boys took the challenge and developed tremendously, not only as players, but as young men.
Top Hitter : Alejandro Cazorla .615
Top Pitcher : Matt Wilkinson – 12 K out of 16 possible outs
Team MVP : Lucas Yang
Bullpen 2014 - Las Vegas
The 2014 (U12) Bullpen Travel Team just returned from the Cranberry Classic (Nov.28-30 / Las Vegas) the last weekend of November. Bullpen brought home first place (Gold) for the U12 AA Division, which was a great accomplishment considering we only had 9 players for the final day!
The Bullpen Travel Team went 3-0-1 in pool play, which put us as the #2 seed in our pool heading into the final day of the event. Basically, we had to win three (consecutive) games on the Sunday to bring home top prize. Our quarter final game (at 8:00 a.m.) was a 9-1 victory, with Matty Wilkinson throwing a gem for us. The semi-final game was an 8-3 victory, and saw Lucas Yang pitch a complete game victory over a scrappy/mouthy California team.
The final game of the tournament paired us against a team (Orange County Patriots) we had defeated (11-7) in the first game of pool play. The Bullpen squad jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one inning of play. Matty Wilkinson threw two very solid innings for us before having to be lifted due to inning restrictions. The Orange County squad battled back to make the score 8-5 in the top of the fourth. We battled right back in the bottom of the fourth to make it 12-5; all runs scored in the bottom of the fourth were with two out as well. Our opponent did not roll over though as they came back to make the score 12-10 in the top of the 5th. As we headed into the top of the 6th, and final inning, I placed our only U11 player (Hayden Letzing) on the hill to seal the deal. Hayden shut down the potent patriots attack 1/2/3 in the final inning for the victory!
I am so proud of all the boys; the way they battled through such adversity to win the tournament was truly one for the ages!! All of the boys pitched in along the way as all players came up big at one time or another.
Notable mentions were Max Yuen, who played a stellar defence for us, with no errors. Both Matty Wilkinson and Lucas Yang delivered the mail when asked to on the mound. Our best and most consistent hitter was Russell Young, who hit a ridiculous .706 for the tournament. A final note to recognize Hayden Letzing, who was truly amazing given the fact that he had only turned 11 a few months prior to the event. Hayden closed out our first game (in pool play) for a victory, and did the same in the championship game as well, both saves against the same team, with zero warm-up pitches too!! Hayden hit .563 for the weekend as well.
Top Defensive Player : Max Yuen
Top Pitcher : Matty Wilkinson / 9 innings – 19 K’S
Top Batter : Russell Young .706 ave.
SCORES
Pool Play:
Game #1 Bullpen 11 vs Patriots (Orange County) 7
Game #2 Bullpen 14 vs California Surf 3
Game #3 Bullpen 3 vs Las Vegas Elite 3
Game #4 Bullpen 20 vs Las Vegas Blazers 3
Quarter Final: Bullpen 9 vs So. Cal Spikes 1
Semi-Final: Bullpen 8 vs California Bears 3
Final: Bullpen 12 vs Patriots 10
Bullpen 2014 Arizona
To all parents/players that were a part of the Bullpen 2014 Team, I would like to thank you all for making it a journey that will not soon be forgotten. We started the second week of September (with tryouts) and culminated with the tournament March 13-16. We battled the elements every Saturday to practice outside as much as possible. Not once did anybody complain, which speaks volumes of the character of the players who participated. I have never been more proud of a group of boys than this team. Everybody battled hard and left it all on the field, which is all anybody can ask. As for the tournament itself… we went from the highest highs to the lowest lows!! After we started off 3-0 it seemed we would be right in the middle of it all on the final day. Sadly, we lost our next two games by a combined total of 4 runs. Both teams we lost to were not better than us, this is for sure. The team from Cali and AZ had both already played 40+ games this year. These were our first games of the year. Moments from the tournament that are etched in my mind forever… when Sean Browne hit the triple in our fourth game to drive in a huge run and make it a three run game in the bottom of the last inning. Sean scored to make it a two run game, then we proceeded to load the bases with one out. Unfortunately, this was as close as we would come. Up until this point I had never heard Sean Browne say more than one word at a time. After his triple the joy/emotion coming from him was overwhelming! I was so happy for the young man. In our final game Joseph Sinclair pitched a game for the ages. Most impressive pitching performance I have ever seen at any age. Joseph K’d 13, with no walks, one hit, in a 5 ½ inning game. After our heartbreaking lose there was not a dry eye in the dugout. Nobody wanted it to end so soon as we were just finding our stride.
Tournament Notes
MVP :
Top Defensive Player :
Top Hitter :