2005 WPIAL Champions Falconi Field

 

Carmichaels Mighty Mikes 2005 Regular Season

2005 Carmichaels Baseball Playoff Games Here

2005 Carmichaels baseball schedule

3/17 @ Beth-Center (Scrimmage) 4 p.m.
3/21 @ Charleroi (Scrimmage) 4 p.m.
3/24 LAUREL HIGHLANDS 4 p.m.
3/29 ALBERT GALLATIN 4 p.m.
3/30 BETH-CENTER 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
4/1 WAYNESBURG CENTRAL 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
4/6 @ Geibel Catholic 4 p.m.
4/8 WEST GREENE 4 p.m.
4/11 @ California 4 p.m.
4/13 BENTWORTH 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
4/15 @ Frazier 4 p.m.
4/18 JEFFERSON-MORGAN 4 p.m.
4/20 Mapletown 4 p.m.
4/22 UNIONTOWN 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
4/25 GEIBEL 4 p.m.
4/27 @ West Greene 4:30 p.m.
4/29 CALIFORNIA 4 p.m.
5/2 @ Bentworth 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
5/4 FRAZIER 4 p.m.
5/6 @ Waynesburg Central 4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
5/9 @ Jefferson-Morgan 4 p.m.
5/11 MAPLETOWN 4 p.m.

JV ONLY
4/7 ALBERT GALLATIN 4 p.m.
4/14 LAUREL HIGHLANDS 4 p.m.
4/21 @ Albert Gallatin 4 p.m.
4/26 CHARTIERS-HOUSTON 4 p.m.
4/28 @ Laurel Highlands 4:30 p.m.

 

3/30 4:00PM Beth-Center W 7-2
3/31 4:00PM Albert Gallatin W 8-5
4/1 4:00PM Waynesburg W 9-6
4/5 4:00PM Laurel Highlands W 10-0
4/6 4:00PM at Geibel x W 4-0
4/8 4:00PM West Greenex W 11-1
4/11 4:15PM at California x L 6-10
4/13 4:00PM Bentworth x W 10-6
4/15 4:00PM at Frazier x W 9-3
4/18 4:00PM Jefferson-Morgan x W 13-2
4/20 4:00PM at Mapletown x W 17-0
4/22 4:00PM Uniontown ppd
4/26 4:00PM Geibel x W 10-0
4/27 4:30PM at West Greene x W 17-3
4/29 4:00PM California x W 1-0 MSA
5/2 4:00PM at Bentworth x W 11-0
5/4 4:00PM Frazier x W 3-1
5/5 4:00PM at Waynesburg W 12-6
5/9 4:00PM at Jefferson-Morgan x W 17-2
5/11 4:00PM Mapletown x W 5-2

 

03/30/2005

Lapkowicz brothers spark Mikes' win over Bulldogs


Jared Lapkowicz scattered six hits, and twin brother Jeff had two
hits to lead Carmichaels past Beth-Center, 7-2, in non-section
action Wednesday. Jared Lapkowicz worked seven innings, struck
out two and didn't walk a batter. Among his two hits, Jeff
Lapkowicz doubled, and Niko Buday added a pair of runs scored.
Matt Stay suffered the loss, allowing eight hits. He struck out
one and walked two. Beth-Center and Carmichaels each scored a run
in their first at bat before the Mikes took control of the game
with a five-run second inning. Carmichaels host Albert Gallatin
today at 4 p.m.

===========================================

3/31/05

Carmichaels, Albert Gallatin pick up baseball wins

It wasn't pretty, but Carmichaels coach Dave Bates will take it
just the same.

The Mikes took advantage of seven Albert Gallatin errors and
survived six fielding miscues of their own in defeating the
visiting Colonials, 8-5, in non-section baseball action on
Thursday.


Jeff Lapkowicz went 3 for 3 with a double, two RBIs and three
runs scored to spark Carmichaels. Logan Phillips allowed two
unearned runs in four innings of relief to earn the victory as
the Mikes improved to 2-0.

Albert Gallatin starter Scott Plaski worked five-plus innings in
taking the loss as the Colonials fell to 1-1.

AG picked up an unearned run on one hit in the first off Mikes
starter Jared Lapkowicz, who tossed just one frame, but
Carmichaels quickly responded with three runs in the bottom of
the inning.

Albert Gallatin pulled even with a pair of runs in the fifth, but
Carmichaels came right back with two in the bottom of the frame.

B.K. Bird relieved Phillips and pitched a scoreless sixth to keep
the Mikes' lead at 5-3, then the hosts tacked on three more runs
to go up 8-3.

Bird, who allowed two unearned runs while finishing up in the
seventh, earned his first save. He allowed one hit and no walks
with one strikeout.

Phillips gave up one hit and three walks with two strikeouts. The
three Carmichaels hurlers combined to allow only three hits.

Jamie Bandish was 2 for 4 with two RBIs for the Mikes, and Tim
Voithofer and Bob Virgili each scored twice.

Gene Franks reached base four times for the Colonials with a
double and three walks. Vince Bartczak and Jarod Lint scored two
runs apiece.

Carmichaels hosts nearby rival Waynesburg Central today in
another non-section contest before beginning Section 1-A play at
Geibel Catholic on Wednesday. Both games begin at 4 p.m.


==============================================

4/01/2005

Carmichaels 9, Waynesburg 6 - Karl Cole capped a six-run inning
with a grand slam to propel Carmichaels past host Waynesburg
Central in a rain-shortened, five-inning non-section game.

Coach Dave Bates' Mikes remain unbeaten at 3-0, while the Raiders
fall to 0-2.

Carmichaels jumped on top with a three-run first. Jeff Lapkowicz
singled and Jared Lapkowicz homered to make it 2-0. Jamie Bandish
singled and later scored to make it 3-0.

Waynesburg pulled within one on Mitch Monas' two-run homer in the
second, then scored two more in the third to go up 4-3.

The Mikes erupted in the sixth, parlaying singles by Logan
Phillips, Bob Virgili and Bandish, an intentional walk to Jared
Lapkowicz, an RBI double by Jeff Lapkowicz and Cole's grand slam
into six runs.

Marcus Robinson picked up the win by hurling two innings in
relief of starter Virgili, who gave up four runs with two walks
and five strikeouts in three innings. Robinson, who allowed two
unearned runs in the fifth, gave up three hits and no walks with
one strikeout.

Jeff Lapkowicz and Jared Lapkowicz each scored two runs.

Zach Patton tripled, doubled twice and scored three runs for
Waynesburg. Troy Cree pitched three-plus innings in taking the
loss.

Carmichaels hosts Laurel Highlands on Monday before opening
Section 1-A play at Geibel Catholic on Wednesday. Both games
begin at 4 p.m.

==========



CARMICHAELS – With several freshman impacting the varsity and a
few more underclassmen displaying the potential to crack the
lineup, the future of Carmichaels baseball looks bright.

It's the present – namely the defense – that has Mikes coach Dave
Bates, and the six seniors on the roster, a bit concerned.

A day after committing six errors in a win against Albert
Gallatin, Carmichaels made three more Friday in a rain-shortened,
five-inning 9-6 non-section victory against Waynesburg.

"We're getting guilty and leaving the door open," Bates said.
"We're young at some spots and we lost our middle defense. We've
moved some guys around."

It's likely the Mikes (3-0), a team many believe can play for the
WPIAL Class A championhip for the third straight year, will
correct these early season difficulties. Their recent success has
been built around solid defense and fundamental play.

Seniors like Karl Cole, the starting right fielder against the
Raiders (0-2), will be counted on for their bats, and to show the
youngsters how to play defense the way Carmichaels has grown
accustomed.

"I'm just trying to help anybody out in the field and tell the
outfielders how to creep up on balls hit their way," said Cole.
"If (a freshman) comes and takes my position, I'll help him
because I know that's what would be best for the team."

That's unlikely to happen to Cole, especially after he belted a
line-drive grand slam in the bottom of the fourth to provide the
winning runs.

"I didn't feel like it was going to be a home run," Cole said.

Fortunately for Carmichaels, the Mikes have plenty of offensive
pop to make up for the early deficient defense.

Jared Lapkowicz belted a two-run homer with two outs in the
bottom of the first to put the Mikes ahead 2-0, and Carmichaels
displayed its bunting prowess on several occasions.

Like when shortstop Tim Voithofer triggered the Mikes'
fourth-inning rally with a perfectly placed squeeze bunt on a 3-2
count to score Logan Phillips. That's the type of play many
coaches shy away from.

"They don't have the confidence in the kids," Bates said. "I have
the utmost confidence that everybody in my lineup can bunt and
everybody can hustle."

Waynesburg coach Brad Monas is attempting to build that type of
confidence in the youthful Raiders.

With only two senior starters, Waynesburg may struggle at times,
but the Raiders showed against Carmichaels that there is some
serious offensive talent.

Catcher Zach Patton, one of the two senior starters, crushed the
ball in each of his three plate appearances. He smacked two
doubles and reached on a three-base error on a deep blast to
centerfield.

Mitch Monas drove a two-run home run deep into the woods during
the second, while Kenny Blackwell, J.D. Higgins and Nick Stewart
sharply hit some pitches as well.

Like Carmichaels, Waynesburg wants to work on defense. The
Raiders committed three costly errors.

"We're trying to see who fits where in the field and the pitching
staff," Monas said. "Our bats started to come back and we were
able to generate things on offense.

"We're working on the fundamentals. I'm seeing improvement there
day by day and pitch by pitch. We have to keep working on it."

Bits and pieces

Carmichaels freshman Marcus Robinson laced a RBI single to right
in the first. It was his first varsity hit. Robinson also
relieved starter Bob Virgili in the fourth and picked up the win.
... Troy Cree took the loss for Waynesburg. ... Blackwell and
Patton had two hits apiece for the Raiders.


=============================================


Carmichaels' Jared Lapkowicz tosses no-hitter against Laurel Highlands

Carmichaels left-hander Jared Lapkowicz has become a household
name throughout the WPIAL.

A few more performances like Tuesday's and sophomore Logan
Phillips might soon join hm.

Phillips shut down Laurel Highlands, tossing a five-inning
no-hitter, as the Mikes cruised to a non-section victory in a
game stopped because of the 10-run rule.

Phillips (2-0) struck out six and walked just one as Carmichaels
improved to 4-0.

"We expect him to throw strikes, which he's been doing," said
Carmichaels coach Dave Bates. "We expect him to keep his pitches
down, which he's been doing. But you never expect anyone to throw
a no-hitter.

"Laurel Highlands really hit the ball well, especially early on,
but we played good defense today. Jamie Bandish and Tim Voithofer
really did a good job up the middle.

The Mikes took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when
Phillips' suicide squeeze bunt scored Bandish.

An inning later, Carmichaels' Voithofer started a three-run
outburst with a solo home run. Jeff Lapkowicz later scored Niko
Buday with an RBI-double, and Jared Lapkowicz brought home his
brother with a single.

Carmichaels made it 6-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning with
an unearned run and Jeff Lapkowicz's run-scoring single.

The Mikes then ended the game with four runs in their half of the
fifth. Marcus Robinson followed a Bandish single and a walk to
Bob Virgili with a run-scoring single. Phillips then singled in
Virgili and Karl Cole walked to load the bases.

After Voithofer struck out, Buday walked to force in a run and
Jeff Lapkowicz ended the game with a sacrifice fly.

Gary Nansbery suffered the loss, starting and working into the
third inning.

Carmichaels opens Section 1-A play today at Geibel Catholic. The
Mikes are perfect so far, but Bates sees room for improvement.

"I think we need to play a lot better on defense," Bates said.
"The first three games we made a lot of errors. Today we came out
and played baseball the way we're capable of playing. We have a
lot of young kids in the lineup and we expect to make some
mistakes. We're hoping to overcome that through hustle and good
defense."


------------------------

Logan Phillips notched his first career no-hitter, a five-inning
masterpiece that helped Carmichaels to a 10-0 non-section win
against Laurel Highlands.

Phillips also went 3-for-3 for the Mikes (4-0), which got a home
run from sophomore Tim Voithofer. Jeff Lapkowicz went 2-for-3
with a double and Nico Buday also doubled.


=====================================================


Jarred Lapkowicz hurls Mikes to Section 1 win over Geibel
Catholic
04/08/2005


CONNELLSVILLE TWP. - Jarred Lapkowicz continued to repeat his
routine for the Carmichaels baseball team - play a little pitch
and catch with Mikes' catcher and twin brother Jeff, throwing a
complete game while striking out 14 and drive in three runs to
carry the Mikes to a 4-0 win over Gators in the Section 1-A
opener for both teams.


"You see this type of game from Jarred every time he is on the
mound. Even his bad days are good days," Mikes coach Dave Bates
said. "He has great composure. He's a solid ballplayer, and the
other kids get on his back and ride him."


The Mikes (1-0, 5-0) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first
inning. Niko Buday singled with one out. He then stole second. Jeff
Lapkowicz hit a ground ball to first, which was misplayed,
allowing Buday to score. Jarred Lapkowicz followed with a double
to drive in his brother.Jarred then went to work on the mound, holding the Gators hitless
until the fourth inning. With two out, the Gators (0-1, 2-1) made
a run at Lapkowicz. A. J. Ardabell singled to center. Jeff
Baluch, who pitched well in a losing effort, followed with
another base hit, before Lapkowicz ended the threat, striking out
Jordan Whetzel.


"I felt we played a little better towards the end of the game,
but you can't win if you don't score runs," Geibel coach Mark
Riggin said.
"Lapkowicz is the best pitcher in the section, and possibly the
best in single-A. We didn't execute and get the key hit with
runners on today."


The Mikes added two more runs in the sixth. Buday once again lead
off with a base hit to center.
Jeff Lapkowicz followed with a triple to deep right, scoring
Buday, making the score 3-0. Brother Jared then hit a sacrifice
fly to center, allowing Jeff to score.
"Jeff pitched a great game today. You can't ask for anything more
against the best team in the league," Riggin said. "We're still a
young team with mostly juniors. We've got to learn from this loss
and work to get better."
The Gators made another late run in the sixth inning. Tyler
Charles got aboard on an error to start the inning for the
Gators. Mario Fragello followed with a base hit to left, putting
two on with no outs.
Lapkowicz pulled himself together, to strike out the next three
batters to end the threat and shut down the Gators in order in
the seventh to take the win.
"We started out like a house on fire in the first inning, but
once we got the lead I think we relaxed a little bit with Jarred
on the mound," Bates said. "We still have some things we have to
work on. We need to work out some bugs in our base running and
get some of our younger kids more familiar with our system and
we'll be all right."
The Mikes are in action again on Friday, when they visit West
Greene, while the Gators play again today at Jefferson-Morgan.

==============================================


Carmichaels 11, West Greene 1 - The Mikes briefly trailed, but
then made quick work of the visiting Pioneers in Section 1-A
action. BK Byrd (1-0) scattered five hits over five innings in a
game that was called after five because of the 10-run rule.
Carmichaels' Jared Lapkowicz doubled twice, and Phil Judey, Bob
Virgili and Logan Phillips added two hits each. The Mikes
committed just one error, coming on the heels of an errorless
game in a 4-0 win over Geibel Catholic Wednesday. "That's the
kind of games we want to play, and the kind we know we need to
play if we are going to beat good teams," said Mikes coach Dave
Bates. "We play California Monday and we can't make a lot of
mistakes if we expect to do well." Carmichaels travels to
California Monday in a key Section 1-A matchup that has been
moved up to a 2 p.m. start. The Mikes are perfect so far (6-0),
while the Trojans have won five of their first six games. Last
season, Carmichaels advanced to the WPIAL's Class A title game,
while California made it to the semifinals. "It doesn't get any
bigger than this," Bates said. "(It should be a good game) any
time two teams are so evenly matched. California is so
well-coached and they do a lot of little things like moving
runners around and always executing their plays. "We both have
pitching depth and we both have been hitting the ball well. I
think we match up well against each other." After West Greene
jumped out to a 1-0 first-inning lead, Carmichaels scored three
runs of its own in its half of the first. Tim Voithofer reached
on an error, and Niko Buday doubled him in to tie the game. Jeff
Lapkowicz followed with a single to score Buday, and Jared
Lapkowicz doubled in his brother to give the Mikes a 3-1 lead. In
the bottom of the third inning, Jared Lapkowicz doubled off
losing pitcher Beau Nakutis and moved to third on Jamie Bandish's
comebacker. Virgili then singled to give Carmichaels a 4-1 lead
and promptly stole second and third base. Phillips followed with
an RBI-single for a 5-1 lead before Byrd walked. Phillips came
around to score when Karl Cole's grounded was mishandled, and
Pete Putila, pinch-running for Byrd, scored on a ground ball.
Virgili added a fifth-inning RBI-single, and Carmichels ended the
game with three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Voithofer had an
RBI-single and Judey doubled in the game's final two runs.
Nakutis went the distance, allowing 11 runs on 11 hits and four
walks. "I was proud of my pitcher," said West Greene coach Bill
Simms. "This was only the fourth time, practices included, that
we've been on a baseball diamond this spring. I thought Beau did
a wonderful job. He changed speeds well, and I didn't want to
take him out because our defense wasn't getting it done so what
was the use. "Dave (Bates) always runs a class program and has
his kids ready to play. They're solid from top to bottom and will
be tough to beat." West Greene (1-1, 0-1) travels to Bentworth
Monday.

=========================================

Monday April 11

Big fifth inning carries Trojans to 10-6 win over Carmichaels


COAL CENTER - Two WPIAL title contenders - Carmichaels and
California - met for the first time this season Monday at Malden Yards.

Early on, the Trojans appeared to pack little punch, but a few
quick jabs eventually set up Chris Cox's knockout blow as
California took Round One, 10-6, in a Section 1-A game living up
to its billing for the most part.

Sophomore Zack Jeney scattered seven hits, struck out eight and
stranded 11 Carmichaels runners, as California (6-1, 3-0) grabbed
sole possession of first place in the section.

Carmichaels' ace Jared Lapkowicz was on cruise control through
the first four innings, striking out nine and allowing only Andy
Galis' infield single. But a blown coverage and dropped throw on
successive plays turned a 3-0 lead into a 7-3 deficit.


Cox's three-run home run - a 400-foot blast into right-center
field, capped the decisive fifth inning.

"Early on, he (Lapkowicz) was really mowing us down," said
California coach Don Hartman. "We both made mistakes. But we did
enough to let our offense be able to do some of the things we
do."

Lapkowicz allowed all 10 runs, but just one was earned after a
dropped fly ball led to three more Trojan runs in the bottom of
the sixth inning.

"(Bad) defense can take the wind out of your sails," said
Carmichaels coach Dave Bates. "The way we played today, we didn't
deserve to win."

California won the WPIAL Class A title in 2001, and perennially
fields a playoff-caliber team. Carmichaels captured the Class A
crown two years ago, and like California, is no stranger to the
postseason.

Last year, the Mikes finished as WPIAL runners-up to Neshannock,
then advanced to the PIAA Western final before again losing to
the Lancers. California advanced to the WPIAL semifinals a year
ago before bowing out against Neshannock.

On Monday, Carmichaels took a 1-0 first-inning lead when, after
two were out, Jeff Lapkowicz tripled, Jared Lapkowicz walked and
Jamie Bandish fought off an 0-2 pitch from Jeney and singled up
the middle.

Carmichaels (6-1, 2-1) added to its lead in the top of the fourth
inning with two unearned runs. Logan Phillips tried to bunt for a
base hit and wound up at second base when Jeney overthrew first
base. Marcus Robinson then laid down a sacrifice bunt and was
safe as well when Jeney's throw to first pulled second baseman
Mike Galis off the bag.

With Karl Cole at bat, Robinson took off for second and drew a
delayed-throw from Trojans catcher Dustin Taylor. Taylor's throw
glanced off Mike Galis' glove and went into right-center field,
with Phillips scoring on the play.

After a fielder's choice, Tim Voithofer laid down a suicide
squeeze bunt to bring home Robinson and give the Mikes a 3-0 lead.

Jared Lapkowicz, meanwhile, looked sharp as ever. After retiring
Taylor on a pop out to short to start the second inning, he
struck five straight California hitters and seven of the next
eight. But just as a pair of bunts led to California's undoing in
the top of the fourth, a bunt and a dribbler in front of home
plate led to Carmichaels' in the fifth.

Taylor led off with a double to right-center field, the first
clean hit off Jared Lapkowicz. Jeney followed with an RBI-single
to right field to cut California's deficit to 3-1. After Jared
Lapkowicz struck out Matt Hartman, the Trojans' Brad Wright
attempted to sacrifice Jeney ahead and was safe at first when
Bandish, Carmichaels second baseman, failed to cover first.

California's Terry Luko then hit a weak dribbler in front of the
plate, which Jared Lapkowicz fielded and threw to Bandish, who
was covering first. The ball, however, got past Bandish and Jeney
came around to score on the play and make it 3-2.

Jared Lapkowicz then struck out Brandon Rossi for the inning's
second out before Andy Galis lined a 1-2 pitch into right field
to score Wright and Luko all the way from first base. Jamie
Britton followed with a single to left field and Cox rocketed
Jared Lapkowicz's first pitch over the 391-foot sign in
right-center field.

"When Carmichaels had a chance, it capitalized," Hartman said.
"When we had a chance, we capitalized. Good teams can feel it.
When they get a chance, they stick the knife in."

Three more unearned runs pushed California's lead to 10-3, before
Cole cleared the bases with a three-run double in the top of the
seventh inning.

Jeney hit Voithofer to put two runners on with two outs in the
seventh, but Niko Buday popped out to end the game.

"This is the playoffs for us," Bates said. "We're fighting for a
conference championship. Adversity tells you a lot about the
people you're involved with. This (loss) really doesn't change
anything. We knew California was a good team. We're still a good
team is we play fundamental baseball.

"Silly little things killed us."

The two teams meet again, this time in Carmichaels, Friday, April
29.

====================================================
California a hit against mistake-prone Mikes

COAL CENTER – Before section realignment, any time the California
and Carmichaels baseball teams met, the WPIAL playoffs were
usually the setting.

For the next two years, the perennial Class A powers compete in
Section 1, ensuring the Mikes and Trojans will play twice each
season. Monday's mid-afternoon meeting at Malden Yards was the
first game of the highly anticipated series.

And if the game served as a playoff forecaster, then California
certainly gave notice its potent lineup can hit even the best
pitching. California scored seven runs in the fifth inning en
route to a 10-6 victory to move into sole possession of first
place.

"I can't quite figure this team out," California coach Don
Hartman said. "We're a small team but the guys are all
close-knit. They hang out together, play cards together. After
the game, I asked them in the dugout what type of team they are.
One of the guys looked at me and said, 'Easy.'"

Advantageous, strong, relentless and good are also appropriate
descriptions.

Usually known for playing fundamental baseball, California (3-0,
6-1) and Carmichaels (2-1, 6-1) were uncharacteristically error
prone. With Trojans sophomore Zack Jeney and Mikes senior Jared
Lapkowicz pitching well, the multitude of runs came courtesy of
defensive letdowns.

In the bottom of the fifth, Carmichaels made a few too many.

After California miscues led to one Mikes run in the first and
two in the third, the Trojans climbed out of a 3-0 hole thanks to
some shoddy defense.

Dustin Taylor led off the bottom of the fifth with a double and
he scored on Jeney's single. After one of 14 strikeouts for
Lapkowicz, Brad Wright reached on a bunt single – no one covered
first base on the play. Terry Luko then put down a bunt and,
again, first base was left open a little too long. Lapkowicz's
on-target throw ended up going to the fence and two runs scored.

Carmichaels felt it should have been out of the inning by that
point.

"Defense wins championships, and when you're not defending the
bunt and going 0-2 on every hitter, it gets frustrating," Mikes
coach Dave Bates said.

"For four innings, (Lapkowicz) blew them away. Then, in the
fifth, it's a blown bunt coverage, error, blown bunt coverage,
error. You don't let the door open against good teams. We had
chances to put this away and we didn't because of poor defense."

California basically put it away in the fifth when Andy Galis hit
a two-run single and Chris Cox blasted a three-run home run.

"When you're facing a kid like that you never expect to hit like
that," Hartman said. "We trained by throwing two lefties during
batting practice and it helped prepare us."

And Carmichaels knew what to expect from the Trojans'
hard-hitting lineup, which pounded out 11 hits and handed
Lapkowicz only the fourth loss of his scholastic career.

"We knew they would hit. We knew that from the start," Bates
said. "We went to scout them earlier and they looked like the
Gashouse Gang. They hit BB's everywhere."

And both teams know that after they play at Carmichaels on April
29, a postseason meeting is very possible.

"All in all, this was a great game between two good,
evenly-matched teams," Hartman said.

Bits and pieces

Lapkowicz struck out nine through the first four innings. ...
Karl Cole hit a bases-loaded double in the sixth for the Mikes.
... Taylor hit two doubles for the Trojans. ... Galis had hits in
his final three at-bats and drove in three. Jeney and Cox also
finished with three RBI.

===================================================

Wednesday April 14


Carmichaels 10, Bentworth 6 - Jeff Lapkowicz and Jamie Bandish
went 3-for-4 at the plate as the Carmichaels (7-1, 3-1) downed
visiting Bentworth in Section 1-A action.

Karl Cole also doubled for Carmichaels and Logan Phillips added
two singles.

Bobby Virgilli picked up his first varsity win for the Mikes. He
worked five innings, scattered six hits, allowed three earned
runs and struck out six.

George Lucy recorded the loss. He pitched three and one-third
inning, allowed 10 hits, eight runs (five of which were earned)
and struck out one.

==========================================

Friday April 15

Carmichaels 9, Frazier 3 - Carmichael's baseball team extended
its record to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the section as they cruised
to an easy win over host Frazier. Karl Cole, Jeff Lapkowicz and
Jamie Bandish led the batting attack as Carmichaels scored runs
in all but two innings. Cole went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
Lapkowicz was 2-for-4 with one run scored, and Bandish went
2-for-4 and an RBI and a run scored. Wayne Lonce was the bright
point in the Frazier lineup as he went 2-for-3, drove in two runs
and scored a run. "If we would have minimized the errors, we
would have had an opportunity to win the ball game," said Frazier
coach Ray Smitley. "It puts an awful lot of pressure on the
defense against a tough team as Carmichaels." Winning pitcher
Logan Phillips went the distance, giving up three earned runs and
six strikeouts. Tony Battaglini (1-1) recorded the loss, struck
out five and gave up four walks

====================================

Monday April 18

Mikes, Trojans win to keep pace atop Section 1-A


Things are heating up in Section 1-A baseball near mid-point of
the season with Carmichaels and California sitting atop the
section with only one loss.

Carmichaels put one more in the win column Monday with a 13-0
victory over Jefferson-Morgan.

Jeff and Jared Lapkowicz knocked back-to-back home runs in the
third inning. Jared also tagged an inside-the-park solo home run
in the first inning.

The Lapkowiczes each scored three runs, and Logan Phillips was
2-for-3 with one run scored.

Teammate Karl Cole also homered while Jamie Bandish kept the
Mikes' bats going with a double.

Marcus Robinson (2-0) worked five innings, scattering six hits,
striking out three and allowed no walks for the win.

Josh Lawrence went home with the loss. He only pitched 3-1/3
innings, allowing 11 runs on eight hits. He struck out three and
walked four. Eric Cox had J-M's only extra base hit with a
double.

Carmichaels travels to Mapletown Wednesday in a crucial Section
1-A matchup.

--------------------------

Carmichaels cracked four home runs, including two inside the
park, to power its way past Jeff-Morgan 13-2 in a Section 1-A
game.

Jared Lapkowicz hit a two-run, inside-the-park home run in the
first inning and a solo shot in the fourth. Jeff Lapkowicz had a
three-run, inside-the-park homer in a nine-run second and Karl
Cole smacked a three-run shot in the second for the Mikes (5-1,
9-1). Jamie Bandish added a double. Eric Cox doubled for
Jeff-Morgan.

------------------------------------

April 20

Carmichaels 17, Mapletown 0 - The Mikes finished the first half
of the Section 1-A on an upbeat note, routing the Maples in three
innings for a road victory.

Carmichaels (10-1) finishes the first half tied with California
atop the standings with 6-1 records. Mapletown (6-3) slips into a
three-way tie for third with Geibel Catholic and Frazier at 4-3.

Jared Lapkowicz (3-1) badgered the Maples with his arm, striking
out four, as well as with his bat with a three-run home run in
the 11-run second inning. He added a double and single to finish
with six RBIs.

Niko Buday also belted a three-run home run in the second inning
as the Mikes sent 14 batters to the plate. Jamie Bandish got the
ball rolling with a three-run home run in the 6-run first inning.

Karl Cole went 3-for-3 with three runs scored while Jeff
Lapkowicz crossed the plate three times. Phil Judy and Marcus
Robinson added doubles.

Losing pitcher Zach Cumberland had Mapletown's lone hit of the
game when he doubled with one out in the first inning.

====================================

4/26


Carmichaels' 10-0 Section 1-A victory over visiting Geibel
Catholic was win No. 32 of Jared Lapkowicz's career, and moved
him past former Ellwood City star Kevin Ricciuti atop the
all-time WPIAL wins list under the league's current guidelines.

"I'm happy to get it over with," Jared Lapkowicz said. "The most
important thing is it's a win for the team."


The victory moves Carmichaels to 11-1 overall and 7-1 in Section
1-A, and allows the Mikes to keep pace with California, which has
just one section loss as well.

The two teams meet Friday in Carmichaels, with the Mikes hoping
to exact revenge for an earlier 10-6 loss at California.

Carmichaels scored three runs in each of the first two innings,
and, after adding a single run in the third, put the game out of
reach with three more in the fourth. The game was called a
half-inning later because of the 10-run rule, and ended when
Geibel's Tyler Charles was thrown out at the plate while trying
to score on Tim Paterra's double to right-centerfield.

Jared Lapkowicz (4-1) started and worked four innings to pick up
the historic victory, allowing just two hits while striking six.
He retired nine straight Gators at one point, left Geibel runners
stranded at third base in both the first and fourth innings, and
didn't walk a batter.

The game was Jared Lapkowicz's 14th shutout of his career, which
ironically began with a 3-1 setback to Bentworth.

"When I started out as a freshman, I just tried to strike
everybody out," Jared Lapkowicz said. "The more games I pitched,
I realized I had seven players behind me and that they could make
plays and help me out."

Ricciuti won 31 of 34 games from 2000-03, and perhaps would have
even more victories had it not been for an injury-plagued junior
season. Although the WPIAL keeps no individual baseball records,
Ricciuti's win total was believed to be the highest since the
league changed its rules in the mid-1980s regarding how much and
how often pitchers could throw in any given calendar week.

Jared Lapkowicz began his assault on Ricciuti's mark with seven
victories his freshman season, including a masterful 1-0
no-hitter over Cambridge Springs in PIAA first-round action.

As a sophomore, Jared Lapkowicz rattled off nine straight wins,
the ninth coming at PNC Park against Bishop Canevin in the Class
A WPIAL championship. He added 12 more victories his junior
season, including three in the WPIAL playoffs and two more in the
PIAA round.

"It didn't hit me until I was working on some numbers," said
Carmichaels coach Dave Bates. "I was sitting down and going
through all his wins and I know he's 32-4, but it didn't hit me
until after I looked at it on the page.

"It amazed me how many of the wins were 1-0 or low-scoring games
against good teams. I couldn't think of words to express myself.
And he still has several more wins in him."

Along with being one of the WPIAL's most talented players, Jared
Lapkowicz has had the advantage of having his twin brother behind
the plate for every one of his games, who just happens to lead
the WPIAL in batting with an average of .706 and who just
happened to crank a two-run homer Wednesday off Geibel starter
and loser Jeff Baluch.

"It helps out a lot," Jeff Lapkowicz said. "We've been playing
together since T-Ball. I put a number for a pitch down and he
just shakes his head 'yes'. We've never had a disagreement."

Also playing a significant role in Jared Lapkowicz's march to the
top of the WPIAL win list is the team Carmichaels has put behind
him the past three-plus seasons. The Mikes have won a WPIAL
title, finished as runners-up and semifinalists and advanced to
the state playoffs three straight years.

Counting its 11-1 mark so far this season, Carmichaels is 64-11
over the past four years.

"All four years I've been very lucky," Jared Lapkowicz said.
"I've had great players behind me. We've had great hitters and
had played great defense."

======================================

April 27

Carmichaels 17, West Greene 3 - Jeff Lapkowicz and Jamie Bandish
each belted two-run home runs as the Mikes picked up an easy
Section 1-A victory over the host Pioneers.

Jared Lapkowicz went 3 for 4 and drove in three runs, while
Bandish and Lapkowicz both had two hits and three RBIs.

Niko Buday added two hits, including a double, and Robinson laced
a pair of singles.

"They're going to bang some runs out," said West Greene coach
Bill Simms.

Freshman hurler Marcus Robinson (3-0) came away with the victory.
He struck out three and walked one in four innings of action.

"Robinson threw the ball well for them," said Simms. "He kept us
off balance in the first inning and did a good job."

Justin Whyte (1-3) suffered the loss. He struck out one and
didn't walk a batter. Whyte doubled along with teammate Tyler
Smith for the Pioneers' only extra base hits.

Carmichaels (12-1, 8-1) host California Friday at 4 p.m., while
West Greene hosts Bentworth Friday at 4:30.

============================================

4/29

Carmichaels hang on for 1-0 section win over California


CARMICHAELS - Both Carmichaels and California have potent
offenses, averaging 9.4 and 9.1 runs per game, respectively.


The Mikes boast catcher Jeff Lapkowicz, who leads the WPIAL in
batting, while the Trojans have one of the WPIAL's best Class A
lineups, top to bottom.

But as was the case earlier this month when the teams met for the
first time, a couple of balls that didn't leave the infield
factored large in the game's outcome.

Carmichaels took advantage of two infield hits and two wild
pitches to score the only run it would need in the fourth inning,
and Jared Lapkowicz - the WPIAL's all-time leader in career
victories - made it stand up in a 1-0 Section 1-A victory over
California on a dreary Friday afternoon.

Jared Lapkowicz allowed just three hits, struck out 10 and walked
three batters in winning for the fifth time in six decisions. On
Tuesday, he picked up career win No. 32 to move past former
Ellwood City star Kevin Ricciuti atop the WPIAL's all-time
victories list when he blanked Geibel Catholic for six innings in
a 10-0 victory.

On Friday, Jared Lapkowicz struck out seven of the first eight
hitters he faced, and twice worked out of bases-loaded jams,
first retiring Trojans' cleanup hitter Dustin Taylor on a
comebacker in the top of the third inning, then ending the game
and preserving the Mikes' win when he got leadoff hitter Andy
Galis to ground out to second baseman Jamie Bandish.

"Jared pitched a phenomenal baseball game," said California coach
Don Hartman. "(When Carmichaels took the lead) he started feeling
the win and he took it to a new level. He showed the poise of a
veteran pitcher."

California starter Zach Jeney was equally impressive, allowing
just four hits, of which just one left the infield. The sophomore
left-hander struck out eight and walked four.

With the victory, first-place Carmichaels (13-1, 9-1) opened up a
two-game lead over California (9-4, 6-3) with four Section 1-A
games remaining. The win also avenges an earlier 10-6 loss to the
Trojans, which saw California rally from a 3-0 deficit with seven
fifth-inning runs.

In that game, Carmichaels and Jared Lapkowicz were cruising along
until California's offense woke up, thanks in part to a pair of
misplayed sacrifice attempts by the Carmichaels' defense.

"Guess what we worked on a lot in practice this week?" said Mikes
coach Dave Bates, referring to drills geared towards defending
the bunt. "Don is going to try to put plays together to score
runs, and we know he's going to try to do some things. To stay
competitive, we have to be ready.

"When you have two great pitchers at this level of play, the runs
are usually manufactured."

Carmichaels did just that in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Karl Cole reached base when he lined a single off Jeney's glove,
and moved to second on a wild pitch.

After Jeff Lapkowicz flew out to centerfield, Jared Lapkowicz hit
a grounder in the hole between first and second, and was safe at
first when he beat Jeney to the bag.

Jeney then struck out Bandish on four pitches, before Jared
Lapkowicz was allowed to steal second base uncontested, as
California was content to concentrate on Cole at third.

With Tim Voithofer hitting, Jeney uncorked a wild pitch, which
bounced off Taylor behind home plate and deflected to his left.

Taylor quickly retrieved the ball and flipped it to Jeney, who
was covering home, but when Cole slid into the plate, the ball
came loose allowing Cole to score the game's only run.

--------------------------------------------


Carmichaels blanks Cal in old-fashioned pitchers' duel

CARMICHAELS – Pundits claim the quality of baseball played in the
WPIAL has been down for decades. Maybe so, but Carmichaels High
School coach Dave Bates would like to extend an invitation to the
naysayers.

"People were saying that the WPIAL was down back when I was
playing," Bates said. "There's still some very good teams around
here, and some bad teams. I'd like them to come down and see
Chartiers-Houston, Carmichaels or California when it's not 38
degrees, have a hot dog and watch some baseball."

The overflow crowd at Carmichaels Friday was at times antagonist,
constantly cheering and created an exciting, postseason-type
atmosphere. The players awarded them with some good,
old-fashioned, well-played baseball with a unique Section 1-A
flavor.

California, which defeated the Mikes earlier this season, were in
town and looking to sweep the season series. And sophomore Zack
Jeney, the Trojans' fine pitcher, did everything he could to give
California the inside track toward the section title. But the
Mikes have Jared Lapkowicz and, only three days after setting the
WPIAL career wins record, he again proved why he's one of the
best big-game pitchers around.

Lapkowicz tossed a three-hitter and got out of two jams,
including one in the seventh inning, as Carmichaels held off
California, 1-0, to secure a spot in the WPIAL playoffs.

"This was a great game between two teams with great respect for
each other, that know each other and that are basically mirror
images of each other," California coach Don Hartman said. "We
just happened to come away on the losing end."

The win gives Carmichaels (9-1, 13-1) a distinct advantage in the
section race, though Jeney made things extremely tough for the
Mikes.

"He's real good," Lapkowicz said. "He's got good stuff."

With a swooping curveball, Jeney pitched three innings of no-hit
ball before Carmichaels put together a couple infield singles
together in the fourth. Given, the way Jeney and Lapkowicz were
pitching, any chance to get on base forced the coaches to try and
make something happen.

Karl Cole led off the Mikes' half of the fourth with an infield
single and moved to second on a wild pitch. After an flyout by
Jeff Lapkowicz, the WPIAL's leading batter with a .685 average
who went 0-for-3, Jared Lapkowicz reached on a dribbler down the
first base line. Jeney almost picked Lapkowicz off twice but
eventually allowed him to steal second to keep Cole at third.

Then, on another wild pitch, Cole broke for home. California
catcher Dustin Taylor threw to Jeney at the plate in time but
Cole's slide helped break up the play.

"Jeney gave a fantastic effort but it came down to what I call
PFP (Pitcher Fielding Priority)," Hartman said. "We do it so
often at practice the guys get frustrated. We had a botched play
at first base and at the plate. It's not his fault. It was just
two very odd plays."

The only two plays Carmichaels needed to distance themselves from
California (6-3, 9-4) in the standings.

While Jeney yielded just four hits – three of which were infield
singles, Lapkowicz picked up his second big win of the week. He
struck out 10, allowed four hits and got out of a bases-loaded
jam in the fourth, where the Mikes elected to intentionally walk
Chris Cox to get to Taylor, the cleanup hitter, with two outs.

Taylor grounded out to Lapkowicz.

"Actually, I'm more afraid of Taylor than Cox," Bates said. "Just
a gut feeling."

The Mikes defense, shaky at best last time out against the
Trojans, shined yesterday. California bunted often but
Carmichaels was prepared.

"We knew they were going to bunt," Lapkowicz said. "Anybody was
going to bunt after that last time. Our bunt defense was much
better."

==============================================

May 02

Carmichaels 11, Bentworth 0 - The Carmichaels boys' baseball team
clinched a playoff spot Monday with a shutout victory over
Bentworth in a Section 1-A showdown.

With three section games remaining, the Mikes (14-1, 10-1) can
finish no worse than third as three teams will represent the
section in the playoffs.

Jared Lapkowicz doubled twice for the only extra base hits in the
game and teammate Jamie Bandish went a perfect 3-of-3 and drove
in four runs.

Winning pitcher Karl Cole struck out five and allowed no walks
and Zack Anderson went on record as the losing pitcher. He struck
out three and walked three.

The win is Carmichaels fourth straight and they host Frazier
Wednesday at 4 p.m.

------------------------------------------------

Carmichaels improved to 10-1 in Section 1-A and 14-1 overall as
the Mikes shut out Bentworth 11-0 in five innings.

Jamie Bandish had three hits and three RBI for Carmichaels while
Jared Lapkowicz had two hits and two RBI. Karl Cole struck out
five and walked one in a complete-game four-hitter.


============================================
 

5/04
Three-run fourth carries Carmichaels to section-clinching victory


Phil Judy's two-run double highlighted a three-run fourth inning,
as Carmichaels clinched the Section 1-A title with a 3-1 win over
visiting Frazier Wednesday afternoon.

The Mikes' victory, coupled with California's loss to Mapletown,
clinched the Section 1-A title. Carmichaels closes out its
section schedule with an away game at Jefferson-Morgan and a home
contest against Mapletown.

Frazier (6-7, 6-5) falls into a tie for third place with
Mapletown. The Commodores have games remaining at
Jefferson-Morgan and Mapletown, and are slated to close out their
section schedule at home against Geibel Catholic, currently just
a half-game out of third place along with Bentworth.

The top three teams in each section earn WPIAL playoff berths,
unless there is a tie for the third spot. In that case,
head-to-head records are compared to determine which teams grab a
postseason berth, meaning more than three teams can possibly make
the playoffs.

Logan Phillips (4-0) earned the victory, scattering four hits
over six and 2/3 innings. With two outs in the top of the
seventh, Phillips walked Frazier's Justin Berklovich. Jared
Lapkowicz then struck out the Commodores' Tony Battaglini to end
the game.

Trailing 1-0, Jeff Lapkowicz led off the bottom of the fourth
inning with an infield single and moved to second on a passed
ball. Jared Lapkowicz doubled to tie the game, and after an out,
Tim Voithofer reached base on an error with Jared Lapkowicz
moving to third. Voithofer then moved to second base on a passed
ball before Judy delivered the game-winning hit.


Frazier took a 1-0 lead when Battaglini doubled with one out in
the top of the third. He then scored when a fly ball out was
misplayed into a two-base error.

Carmichaels' Jamie Bandish had two singles, as did Jeff
Lapkowicz.

Gatalica suffered the loss, working six innings and allowing
seven hits.

The Mikes return to action today, traveling to Waynesburg Central
for a game at Meadowlark Park beginning at 4 p.m.

===============================================

Jamie Bandish had four hits and Niko Buday hit a solo home run
for Carmichaels in a 12-6 non-section win over Waynesburg.

Karl Cole went 3 for 4 with two doubles and a single for
the Mikes (13-1) while Jared Lapkowicz and Logan Phillips
doubled in the win. Marcus Robinson was the winning pitcher
while Anthony Calvario took the loss for Waynesburg (3-11),
Scott Throckmorton tripled for the Raiders.

==================================================

May 09
Carmichaels 17, Jefferson-Morgan 2 - Jamie Bandish went 4-for-4,
including a grand slam and seven RBIs, as the Mikes made quick
work of host Jefferson-Morgan in Section 1-A action.

Bandish has driven in 13 runs for Carmichaels (12-1, 17-1) in the
last two games.

In the 15-run second inning, Logan Phillips also cracked a grand
slam. Jeff Lapkowicz added a solo shot in the fourth.

Winning pitcher Karl Cole scored three runs and Lapkowicz scored
three runs. Cole (2-0) struck out three and walked two and Eric
Cox went home as the losing pitcher. Niko Buday and Bobby Virgili
each added doubles for the Mikes.

====================================================

Maples face must-win situation today
05/12/2005

CARMICHAELS - Needing one win in two games to qualify for the
playoffs, Mapletown's baseball team had its first shot Wednesday
at Carmichaels.


Despite losing 5-2 in a five-inning game abbreviated by rain, the
Maples played like a playoff team and nothing like the team that
lost 17-0 to the Mikes earlier in the season.

"Exactly," raved Carmichaels coach Dave Bates. "They came in
playing like a team that wants a piece of the pie. They were
hitting the ball. They weren't dink shots either; they were
hitting the ball with authority."

Mapletown (7-6, 10-7) hosts Jefferson-Morgan at 3:30 p.m. today
to determine its playoff fate.

"It's a one-game season now," said Mapletown coach Jay Donley.
"That's all you can ask for the last game of the year. It's up to
us; if we don't win then we don't deserve to go to the playoffs."

The Maples jumped to a 1-0 lead on Carmichaels (13-1, 18-1) when
Ashley Menear singled up the middle to score Zach Cumberland from
third. The lead marked the Maples' first in seven games over the
last four years versus Carmichaels ace pitcher Jared Lapkowicz,
the WPIAL's all-time wins leader.

"We didn't come over here to lose," Donley said. "We wanted to
send him out with a loss.

"The thing with hitting against Jared, you can't let him get on
top. You let him get ahead he'll just nibble at you."

Lapkowicz walked two and struck out eight, while the Maples
managed four hits and two runs off the left-hander.

"Jared didn't have his best game," Bates said, "but he was in
control of what was going on. It wasn't a panic situation."

Mapletown's second run was a third-inning RBI-double by Jesse
Boord, plating Don Hilenbrant from second after he doubled to
lead off the inning.

Hilenbrant pitched three innings for Mapletown before Menear came
on in relief for the final two innings. Though Hilenbrant
surrendered all nine Carmichaels' hits, a few defensive blunders,
according to Donley, prevented Mapletown from winning the game.

Mapletown could have easily turned a rare triple play in the
second inning, preventing two Carmichaels' runs when Hilenbrant
caught a pop-up bunt on a squeeze play with no outs and runners
on second and third. He only managed to turn a double play
getting the sure out at third.

Mikes' leadoff hitter Niko Buday then singled home Bob Virgili -
the runner at second - and Buday later scored on a Karl Cole
single up the middle.

"If we play perfect defense," Donley said. "This is a close
game."

Carmichaels other runs came in the first inning on a two-out,
two-run triple from Jamie Bandish, scoring Jeff and Jared
Lapkowicz who both reached on singles. The Mikes final run was a
Phil Judy RBI-single, plating Jared Lapkowicz who led off the
third inning with a triple.

Jared Lapkowicz was the game's only player with two hits going 2
for 3 with a single and a triple.



2005 Carmichaels Baseball Playoff Games Here

Back to Carmichaels Baseball Site Map

 

          Baseball Info & Articles

          Baseball Drills, Strategy, & How to Play the Positions

Baseball Home