In what could only be described and as campaign of shock and awe, the Avalon Park Wolves played an unbelievable series.  Over 6 games, no only were the fans treated to the constant pop of the Combat bats hitting the ball, but on multiple occasions, a few seconds later we would also hear “clang” as the ball smashed against the fence.

Game #1 Pool Play: 

Avalon Park Wolves 9:

Bad Boys: 4

14 hits

0 errors

This game set the tone for the entire team.   Not only did we pound the Bad Boys for 12 hits, the  vast majority of them were with deep smashes to the fence laser line drives.  I looked over at the other coaches, and on multiple occasions, their jaws dropped as one after another our boys launched the ball into the outfield. 

On the defensive end, we played extremely well by catching fly balls in the outfield, stopping ground balls, and picking off multiple base runners.

We got solid pitching from 4 different pitchers and finished the game with a great start.

Game #2 Friday Night

Avalon Park Wolves: 7

Tampa Gamers: 2

4 Hits

1 error

This game demonstrated how our boys maintained their composure even as there was a circus around them.  In a tight game, with a 2-0 lead,  going into the 4th inning, our boys started hitting the ball very hard. The Tampa Gamers kids began to make a couple of errors and the wheels started falling off.  On a dropped third strike, Andrew raced to first base and there was some confusion about the call on the field.  In a play reminiscent of the 2005 Chicago White Sox/L.A. Angles Series, when the umpire called Andrew safe, a few of the Tampa fans and managers blew a gasket.  One would have to question their mental stability, because they began to yell immediately.  We aren’t just talking about a disagreement - they were all over the umpire. 

Manager Ray Elwell, immediately called the team together to tell keep the focus on the game and explain the situation.  Our boys remained calm while our fans looked on in amusement.    The Tampa Gamers players, however, watched the whole thing.  Our boys made them pay by smashing the ball all over the field and they made a few more errors.

(Note, more comments will be made by the author very shortly)

Game #3 - Tournament Round #1 - Saturday Night

Avalon Park Wolves: 12

Elite Performance Cobras: 3

14 Hits

2 errors

We have played the Elite Performance Cobras before and they have always been a tough opponent, but this time they were more than ready. The Elite Performance Cobras came out strong by putting 4 runs in the first inning.  While there was some concern,our boys immediately retaliated with three runs.  Right then and there, the EP Cobras had the wind taken out of their sails.  We continued to field, pitch, and pound the ball all over the field. We won by the slaughter rule !

Game #4 - Second Round Tournament

Avalon Park Wolves: 12

Bad Boys: 3

14 Hits

0 Errors

Game #5 - Semi Final

Avalon Park Wolves:  6

Winter Springs Matrix: 2

11 Hits

0 Errors

Game #6 - Final

Avalon Park Wolves 5

Orlando Warriors: 6

8 Hits

5 Errors