The Midland Redskins defeated the defending champion East Cobb Baseball 10-9 to win the 2006 18U BCS Finals and earn a berth into the 2007 Finals. John Christian and Justin Jackson were named Co-MVP’s from the Midland Redskins and Josh Smoker from East Cobb Baseball was named the MVPitcher.
Midland had an early 8-2 lead after 3 innings, but East Cobb continued to battle until the end, having the bases loaded with the score 10-9 when the final out was made.
John Christian and Justin Jackson were the tournament’s Co-Most Valuable Player’s. Jackson was 9-17 with 7 runs scored, 2 home runs, and 8 runs batted in. Christian was 10-17 with 5 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 7 runs batted in. The two were also in the middle of the Midland defense at shortstop and second base and were arguably the top double play combination in the tournament.
Josh Smoker was named the Most Valuable Pitcher. Smoker had a dominating performance against the Savannah Chain in the semifinals. In 6 innings of work, Smoker allowed only 2 hits and struck out 10. His fastball was in the 88-91 range and he used an excellent mix with his curveball and changeup to keep the Chain hitters at bay.
Other strong perfomances for Midland include Michael Burgess (7-16, 4 R, 3 HR, 8 RBI) and Justin Marks (5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, BB, 5 K in semifinal win). East Cobb got another great pitching performance from Jimmy Gillheeney in pool play as he tossed a no-hit gem against Southwest Florida Baseball. The top offensive performers for East Cobb include Clint Rocques (8-13, 6 R, 2 HR, 9 RBI) and Chris Epps (6-16, 6 runs, 3 RBI).
Semifinal #2 - East Cobb Baseball 7 - Savannah Chain 6
East Cobb Baseball advanced to the 2006 18U BCS Finals Championship game in one of the most dramatic tie-breaker games ever. With the teams tied at 1-1 after seven complete innings, the game went into the tiebreaker, loading the bases with one out and playing complete innings until one team wins the game.
The Savannah Chain scored 5 runs in the top of the eighth on a walk, three consecutive singles, and a sacrifice fly. East Cobb's first hitter would fly out, giving them the bases loaded with 2 outs. East Cobb mounted a comeback when an error scored the first run, then a double scored three more runs, and a single tied the game at 6 runs apiece. The game finally ended when East Cobb scored a run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the 9th and did not allow a run in the bottom of the 9th.
Josh Smoker dominated on the mound the six innings he pitched for East Cobb. He threw six innings, allowing only one unearned run, 2 hits, 2 walks, with 10 strikeouts. East Cobb got several strong offensive performances. Kelvin Clark was 1-4 with a double, runs scored, and RBI; Hunter Morris was 1-4, with a double, run, 3 RBI's; Chris Epps was 2-3 with an RBI; Jordan Lucas was 2-4, with a home run, run scored, and RBI; Parker Brunelle was 1-1 with a run scored.
East Cobb faces the Midland Redskins in the title game.
Semifinal #1 - Midland Redskins 9 - Boomtown Prospects 1
The Midland Redskins advanced to the 2006 18U BCS Finals Championship game with a convincing 9-1 victory over Boomtown Prospects. Midland got a complete game from starting pitcher Justin Marks. Marks allowed only 1 run in 5 innings. He gave up 3 hits, walked 2 and struck out 5.
Midland got strong offensive performances from several players, led by Justin Jackson. Jackson was 2-3 with a grand slam home run, 5 runs batted in, and 2 runs scored. Jon Edgington was 1-3 with 2 runs scored; Ryan Dent was 1-2 with a double and RBI; Michael Burgess was 1-2 with an RBI; Reece Cheatham was 1-2 with a run scored; Alan Oaks was 1-2 with a run scored, Todd Brazeal was 1-2, with a double and a run scored.
Midland faces the winner of East Cobb Baseball and the Savannah Chain for the title.
Game #11 - Richmond County Baseball 10 - ABD Bulldogs 3
Richmond County improved to 2-2 in pool play to keep their playoff hopes alive. They defeated ABD Bulldogs by a final score of 10-3. With the loss, ABD drops to 1-3 and is eliminated from the playoffs.
ABD stuck first with three runs in the bottom of the first. Luis Tovar (ABD) singled with one out. Two batters later, Anthony Rizzo (ABD) doubled to score Tovar. Rizzo advanced to third on a wild pitch and Ryan Pineda (ABD) was hit by a pitch and stole second to put runners at second and third. Jarad Jordan (ABD) then stepped to the plate and singled up the middle to score Rizzo and Pineda and give ABD a 3-0 advantage.
Richmond cam back strong in the top of the second. Seth Boyd (RC) was hit by a pitch leading off the inning. James Rodriguez (RC) singled and Sean Carberry (RC) walked to load t