Congratulations to the 2020 IBL MSBL Champions - H.C. Phillies

 

2020 IBL MSBL Championship Series - Game 2:  HC Phillies go for sweep while Indianapolis Pirates look to even series and force a winner take all game 3 in the IBL Championship Series!

   

Scott Kessler makes the start for the Phillies with the 2020 IBL Championship on the line.  Kessler gets the leadoff hitter to fly out to 2B Ben Stenger on the first pitch of the game.  Two pitches later a ground ball to SS Matthew Alspaugh fielded for the second out.  Another pitch and a fly ball to 2B again.  A perfect 4 pitch 1st inning for Kessler.  Jay Broughton, one of the most feared pitchers in the IBL makes the start for the Pirates.  Matthew Alspaugh hits a ground ball to third and racing down the line beats out the throw for a leadoff infield single.  Alspaugh advances to second and third on wild pitches before Matt Pulley hits a ground ball to second to being in Alspaugh as the Phillies take an early 1-0 lead.  2nd inning.  Pirates get their leadoff hitter on before Kessler picks up a big K for the first out.  Kessler then catches the base runner leaning and picks him off attempting to get a jump to steal second.  Then with two on Kessler gets a ground ball to 3B Devin Shaffer to keep the Pirates scoreless after 2.  Broughton settles in for back to back K’s but he couldn’t get Devin Shaffer.  Shaffer drilled the ball deep to the wall and uses his speed to race all the way around to third for a two out triple.  Broughton would get the next batter swinging though to strand Shaffer.  Pirates get their leadoff hitter aboard to start the 3rd but Kessler sits down the next 3 batters in order to keep the Pirates scoreless through 3.  Bottom of the 3rd, Jeremy Martin draws a leadoff BB but Broughton gets the next 3 to keep the game close at 1-0 Phillies after 3.  

   

    In the 4th, the Pirates come to life getting the bases loaded with two outs.  Kessler gets the next batter to hit a ground ball but an error in the field allows not one but two runs to score as the Pirates tie and take the lead 2-1 all in one play.  Kessler keeps his composure and gets the very next batter to ground out.  Phillies look to get that run right back trailing for the first time in game two.  Matt Pulley leads off the 4th with a 1B and advances on a wild pitch.  Adam Wheeler rips a line drive base hit as Pulley comes around to score as the Phillies tie the game right back up at 2.  Chris Cole joins the fun next coming through with a 1B.  Two on for Clayton Jones.  Jones takes a ball in the dirt that gets by the catcher and Wheeler on his horse comes in to score to put the Phillies back on top.  Clayton Jones adds to the damage with a line drive to CF as Chris Cole comes around to score making it 4-2 Phillies.  Big chance to pull away for the Phillies.  Devin Shaffer flys out to CF but Clayton Jones tags you third base.  Chandler Farrow up next joins the fun ripping a base hit through the right side, Jones comes in to score and it’s 5-2 Phillies.  Still not done, Ben Stenger hits a fly ball to Raf as Farrow rags and scores and it’s now 6-2 Phillies on top.  A 5 run 4th inning for the Phillies blows the game wide open.  Pitching with the lead, Kessler really settles in and sits the Pirates down in order in just 6 pitches in the 5th.  Big defensive inning.  Bottom of the 5th, 1 out and Matt Pulley stands in.  Pulley drills the 1-0 pitch deep to RF, way back, way back, and GONE!  A solo shot for Pulley makes it 7-2 Phillies after 5.  6th inning, a line drive to CF looks like it will get down but CF Clayton Jones flys up and makes an amazing diving catch for the first out of the inning.  Pirates get one on with one out but Kessler gets a ground ball up the middle to get the lead runner but the runner at first is safe.  A base hit puts two on but Kessler gets a big ground ball to third to end the brief threat from the Pirates.  Bottom of the 6th, one out for Devin Shaffer.  Shaffer works a full count before absolutely crushing a line drive to deep LF, back back back in a hurry and no doubt about it, GONE.  A solo shot for Devin Shaffer puts the Phillies up 8-2 after 6.  

   
    On time the 7th, Phillies 3 outs away from back to back championships.  Scott Kessler going for the complete game pitching the game of his career.  First pitch of the inning, hard hit ground ball down the third base line, Devin Shaffer back hands it and makes an amazing laser beam throw across the diamond to pickup the first out.  2 outs away.  A 2-1 count and Kessler fires and gets a line drive caught by 2B Ben Stenger for the second out.  1 out away!  On the very next pitch, a fly ball to left, Jeremy Martin camps under, makes the catch and the Phillies have done it!  Back to back championship titles for the HC Phillies celebrating yet again on the Brunette Field grass.  

   
    What a day for the HC Phillies.  An amazing come back in the final inning to stun the Pirates for the 2nd year in a row in game 1.  A dominant performance on both sides of the ball led by a dominant outing by Scott Kessler on the mound to win game 2.  HC Phillies sweep the first ever IBL MSBL Championship Series over the Indianapolis Pirates 2-0.  Back to back championships and the third championship title in 4 seasons for the Phillies!  Amazing!

 

Game 2 Leaders

 

SCOTT KESSLER:  Complete Game performance in the mound!  

DEVIN SHAFFER:  2-2 w/ R, 2-H, RBI, 3B, Home Run, & Sac-Fly!  

MATT PULLEY:  2-3 w/ 2-R, 2-H, 2-RBI, & Home Run!

ADAM WHEELER:  1-3 w/ R, H, & RBI.

CLAYTON JONES:  1-3 w/ R, H, & RBI.  

CHANDLER FARROW & BEN STENGER w/ an RBI each.  MATTHEW ALSPAUGH & CHRIS COLE w/ a Hit each!  

**CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NOW 3 TIME OVERALL & TWO TIME DEFENDING BACK TO BACK 2019 & 2020 INDIANA BASEBALL LEAGUE MSBL CHAMPIONS - HC PHILLIES**

2020 Indiana Baseball League Season Under Way!

 

7/19/20:  INDY PIRATES 2 - HCP 1

Bishop Chatard HS - Indianapolis

 

      Ben Stenger has another great outing but the Phillies bats were held down by Pirates pitching in game 1 of the first doubleheader of the 2020 IBL season.  After 3 scoreless innings in the game, Chandler Farrow gets something going in the bottom of the 4th by reaching base yet again and then advancing on Andrew Comps infield 1B.  Farrow comes across to score on a WP by the Pirates pitcher.  Ben Stenger allows the leadoff hitter aboard who is then advanced to 2B on a Sac-Bunt.  Stenger battles in an 8 pitch at-bat that ends with a big K for the 2nd out.  An error at 2B should have ended the inning but instead the inning continues and the Pirates not only tie the game but take the lead with a two run 1B.  Ben Kennedy comes on in relief to get the final out in the 5th and to keep the Phillies within 1.  Pirates pitching and defense remained solid holding the Phillies scoreless in the final 3 innings while holding the Phillies to just 5 hits in the game.  Ben Kennedy comes through with another solid relief effort going 2.2 scoreless innings.  Pirates defeat the Phillies 2-1 in game 1.

 

      In game 2, Adam Wheeler reaches base and comes around to score before the weather would take a turn for the worse.  With a heavy downpour game 2 would go down as a rain out with the Phillies up 1-0 in the top of the 1st.  

 

JULY 12, 2020 - INDIANA BASEBALL LEAGUE OPENING DAY!

INDY BANDITS 4 - HC PHILLIES 4 (10)

Scecina Memorial HS - Indianapolis 

 

      Opening Day 2020 has finally arrived.  Ben Stenger makes the start for the Phillies and comes through with a solid 1st inning.  Matthew Alspaugh leads off the 1st inning and the season with a 1B.  Adam Wheeler comes through with a big RBI 2B in his first at-bat of the season as Alspaugh scores the first R.  Stenger pitches another perfect inning in the 2nd retiring the first 6 Bandits batters he faced.  Devin Shaffer in HBP and then steals 2nd in the 2nd before scoring on Chandler Farrow's RBI 1B.  Phillies lead 2-0 after 2.  Stenger allows two base runners but comes through with back to back K's to get out of the 3rd.  Matt Pulley would BB and Chris Cole makes it a 2-2 day but both were stranded in the 3rd.  Stenger overcomes an error and pitches a scoreless 4th and a perfect 5th to keep the score 2-0.  Chandler Farrow stays hot with another base hit to lead off the 5th.  Farrow steals 2B and then comes around to score on Stefan Welsh's stolen base attempt to put the Phillies up 3-0 after 5.  In the 6th a couple of miscues on defense allow the Bandits to get a couple of base runners aboard before the one and only bad pitch Stenger would throw in the game turned into a 3 R HR over the LF wall.  Bandits tie the game 3-3.  A ground ball after that should have been the 2nd out but another miscue keeps the Bandits rally going.  Ben Kennedy comes on in relief and gets a ground ball but the runner at 3B is able to score to put the Bandits up 4-3.  Kennedy gets a big K to end the inning.  Kennedy pitches two more dominant innings with 5 K's in his first relief outing of the season and to keep the game close.  In the 8th, Adam Wheeler rips a 2 out 1B before Matt Pulley drills the ball to deep CF.  Wheeler comes around to score as Pulley trots into 2B with the game tying RBI 2B, just missing being the go ahead 2 R HR.  Chandler Farrow comes on in relief with a perfect 9th and then picks up back to back K's in the 10th to keep the game tied.  In the bottom of the 10th, the Phillies had to winning run on 3B but could not bring him in to take the lead.  After the 10th the umpires called the game do to time limit but the game should have continued another hour.  FINAL SCORE:  BANDITS 4 - HC PHILLIES 4.  2020 season begins with a rare tie.  

 

Matthew Alspaugh, Adam Wheeler, Chris Cole, & Chandler Farrow each with multi-hit games. 

 

Adam Wheeler, Matt Pulley, & Chandler Farrow w/ an RBI each.  

 

Ben Stenger pitches 5 dominant shutout innings.  Ben Kennedy 2.1 shutout IP w/ 5 K's.  Chandler Farrow 2 IP w/ 3 K's.  

2019 Indiana Baseball League MSBL Championship!!

 

9/22/2019: Indianapolis Pirates vs Hamilton County Phillies

 

Two veteran teams face off in the 2019 IBL Championship Game at Brunette Field! Reigning Cy Young Award winner Matt Pulley takes the mound leading the HC Phillies out on to the field. Pulley starts the game off with a strike to Jay Gober and we are under way! Pulley would allow a hit but would keep the Pirates off the board in the top of the 1st inning! Jay Broughton pitches 7 strong in the quarterfinals and then a CG w/ 19 K’s in the semifinals to the lead the Pirates to this championship game. Broughton takes the mound for the Pirates and also would allow a hit but also keeps the Phillies off the board in the bottom of the 1st.  
On to the 2nd as the Pirates get a runner aboard after a passed ball K and Pulley answers by getting a ground ball to get the lead runner but and errant throw allows the Pirates to keep a runner aboard instead of having two outs and the bases empty. In the inning the Pirates bring an unearned run across to strike first leading 1-0. Chris Cole leads off the bottom with a 1B and then steals 2B to put a runner in scoring position. Cole advances to 3B on Devin Shaffer’s ground out before scoring on Ben Stenger’s RBI groundout to tie the game up. Andrew Comp comes through with a 2 out 1B and Chandler Farrow is hit by a pitch to put two on. Corey Schwartz walks to load the bases. Keeping the two out rally alive Matthew Alspaugh draws an RBI BB to give the Phils their first lead of the game. Scott Kessler clutch this season does it again with an RBI 1B scoring Farrow as the Phillies go up 3-1 after 2. The Pirates get 1 but the Phillies answer with 3 in the 2nd inning. 

In the 3rd Pulley gets the lead batter to ground out and puts a pitch right on the corner that should’ve been called strike 3 instead it was ball 4. Pulley answers back with a ground ball that gets the lead runner but on the double play turn the ball is thrown wide and the runner is safe and advances to 2B. Instead of the inning being over Pulley must pitch on. Once again a pitch that should’ve been strike 3 is called ball 4 as the Pirates bring a R across and load the bases. Pulley attempting to pitch through the paining a nagging injury for his team gives up the ball to save his arm. Pulley with a great outing but was asked to do to much in a single inning. Corey Schwartz comes in and the Pirates tie the game back up before Schwartz gets a big out to leave the bases loaded. Broughton answers with a big inning striking out the side for the Pirates in the bottom of the 3rd. All tied up at 3 after 3.

 

Schwartz settles in after having a chance to get warm and answers with a scoreless 4th. It became a pitching battle after early game excitement as Broughton answers right back keeping the Phillies off the board in the bottom of the 4th. 

Schwartz really puts it in cruise control with a perfect 5th against the heart of the Pirates order. With one out in the bottom, Scott Kessler stands in again and drives a line drive down the 3B line rounding first for a 1 out 2B. With Matt Pulley at the plate Kessler advances to 3B and then comes home on a wild pitch as the Phillies break the tie. Phillies on top 4-3 after 5. 

Talk about clutch pitching, Corey Schwartz pitches another perfect inning and has now retired 8 batters in a row. Broughton gets back on track with a perfect bottom half as the score remains 4-3 after 6. 

In the 7th with Schwartz cruising one of the most horrific injuries would take place with 1 out and a runner on 2B Corey Schwartz attempts to throw a pitch and a loud crack sounds out of Schwartz arm and both teams forgot about the game of baseball in a split second rushing to the mound to Corey’s aid. Corey was carted off and taken away on an ambulance as his Phillies fans and teammates hearts broke just hoping that Corey would be ok. A special thanks to the Pirates for their support especially Doc Kowalow and Ron Eich both doctors that really stepped up to ensure Corey was cared for until the medics arrived on scene. We are happy to report Corey has made it through his operation and is recovering right now successfully. A true Ironman sacrificing his body to attempt and help his team win a baseball game! 

Ben Stenger would come on in relief and the Pirates would tie the game on a Sac Fly before Stenger picks up a big K to end the inning. In the bottom, Broughton would strike out the side but did walk Matthew Alspaugh as the score remains tied 4-4 after 7. 

In the 8th the heart of the Pirates order would put two on with two out. A big situation in the game and Stenger comes through with a huge K to keep the game tied yet again. In the bottom Matt Pulley smashes a line drive 1B but the Phillies could not bring him in to take the lead. 

We head to the 9th all tied up with a championship on the line. Which team would fold first? Ben Stenger gets back to back ground outs before hooking one in on the third batter for a huge called strike 3 as Stenger comes through with a scoreless 9th. Devin Shaffer and Matthew Alspaugh make great plays on D. Can the Phils walk it off in the 9th? Jay Broughton is as tough as they come when locked in and picks up back to back K’s. Chandler Farrow stands in with a chance to start a two out rally and hits a ground ball to SS. Although Farrow appeared to have beat it out the umpire calls an out and we head to extra innings in the 2019 IBL Championship. 

 

In the 10th Stenger gets the first batter to fly out to Jeremy Martin in CF. After that a throwing error, a BB, and a fielding error load the bases for the Pirates with just one out. Joe Kowalow steps up and drives the first pitch he sees to LF and brings in not one but two runs as the Pirates break the tie going on top 6-4. Stenger would pick up back to back outs from there to keep the game close. This is it, the Phillies down to one final chance and a daunting task in needing to score two runs to tie and three to win against one of the best pitchers in the IBL. Jeremy Martin leads it off and works a full count before taking ball 4 to put the leadoff man aboard. Matthew Alspaugh then drives a ground ball and speeds down the line to beat out the throw which is off target anyway as Alspaugh is safe putting the tying run aboard. Scott Kessler steps up and had come through twice in the game already, no way he can do it a third time right? Martin and Alspaugh both advance on a double steal and are in place to tie the game. Kessler waits for the 1-0 pitch and crushes a line drive to left center, the crowd goes wild as Martin scores, and Alspaugh comes around third and will beat the throw to score and tie the game. Scott Kesslers 2-RBI 1B ties the game in the 10th, Wow! Adam Wheeler would fly out and Matt Pulley grounds out but advances Kessler to 2B. Chris Cole comes up with a chance to win a championship. Kessler would advance to 3B during the at bat as Cole works a full count. After fouling one pitch off Cole takes ball 4 to win the battle. Devin Shaffer, the rookie, stands in. Shaffer has had an amazing season but was looking for his first hit of the game. Cole steals 2B on the first pitch. With a 1-2 count Shaffer battles to a full count before fouling off 3 straight full count pitches. Who’s day would it be, Broughton or Shaffer? On the 9th pitch of the at bat Shaffer drives a line drive to RF, will it get down? Yeeeess! Kessler comes in to score and the Phillies Win it, the Phillies Win it, OMG, the Phillies Win it! Devin Shaffer walks it off in the tenth after Scott Kessler ties the game! One of the wildest games in IBL history in the books as the Hamilton County Phillies celebrate their 2nd Championship in team history!!

 

!!2019 INDIANA BASEBALL LEAGUE MSBL CHAMPIONS!!

 

TOP PERFORMERS 

 

COREY SCHWARTZ: 3.2 IP, 8 batters retired in a row. Also had a BB at the plate.
SCOTT KESSLER: 3-5 w/ 2R, 3-RBI, 2B, SB. *Game tying 2-RBI 1B in the 10th*
DEVIN SHAFFER: Championship & Game winning walk off RBI 1B. Great defense!

BEN STENGER:  3.2 IP keeping the Phillies in the game - clutch performance!
MATTHEW ALSPAUGH: 2-3 w/ R, RBI, 2-BB, & 2-SB.
MATT PULLEY, CHRIS COLE, & ANDREW COMP each add a Hit.

 

What a fantastic season! We have to say a very special thank you to all of our HC Phillies fans and family members. You’re undying support throughout the entire season pushed us to greatness and made us come out on top! WE DID IT! 2019 IBL CHAMPS!!

Playoff Time as the Regular Season Champion HC Phillies square off against the Indy Howl in the 2019 Indiana Baseball League MSBL Playoffs - Semifinals!

September 15, 2019 @ Brunette Field (Cathedral HS) in Indianapolis!

HC Phillies begin their 6th playoff run searching for their 2nd IBL MSBL title in team history. In the quarterfinals the Indy Howl defeated the Indy Cardinals 9-3 to advance to this matchup while the Phillies received a bye after winning the regular season title. A spot in the Championship game on the line!!

IBL veteran Eric Teall makes the start for the Phillies and with two strikes on the leadoff hitter Teall places the ball right on the corner but instead of being called strike 3 the batter was issued first base with a leadoff walk. Teall responds getting a ground ball to SS as Matthew Alspaugh fields it, steps on 2B, and fires to 1B to complete the double play. The next batter lines out to 3B as the Howl are turned away in the first. Mike McGinity makes the start for the Howl as Scott Kessler gives the Phillies their first base runner with a 1 out 1B to left center. Next up, Adam Wheeler drives the ball deep to CF one hopping the wall bringing Kessler all the way around from 1B to score. Phillies strike first on Wheelers RBI 2B. Matt Pulley stands in and works the count to 1-2 before crushing a line drive to deep RF, in a hurry the ball clears the wall for a 2 out solo Home Run. Phillies win the first inning take an early 2-0 lead after 1. Eric Teall puts it on cruise control sitting the Monarchs down in order in the top but Mike McGinity matches with a 1-2-3 inning against the Phillies in the bottom of the 2nd. In the top of the 3rd Teall forces a ground out before picking up back to back K’s retiring the last 8 consecutive batters in a row. Ben Stenger and Matthew Alspaugh each would single in the 3rd but the Phillies were kept off the board to keep the game close after 3.

On to the 4th, the Howl get runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and their best hitters coming up. Eric Teall responds with a huge strike out of JD Hill for the 2nd out. Chad Bruce battles with 3 straight 2 strike foul balls but Teall anchors down and catches Bruce looking for the 3rd and final out. A major turning point in the game as Teall comes through in the clutch yet again. In the bottom half, Scott Kessler draws a leadoff BB and then with Matt Pulley at the plate Kessler and 3B Coach Frank Cole time the Howl pitcher finding the perfect pitch to make the stolen base attempt as Kessler slides into 2B safely. Matt Pulley comes through again at the plate crushing the ball to deep CF and off the wall. Kessler comes in to score as Pulley trots into 2B with an RBI 2B. Phil’s get 1 in the 4th making it 3-0. Teall back on cruise control sits the Howl down in order in the 5th. Devin Shaffer leads off the 5th with a BB and Eric Teall rips a 2B down the 3B line to put two on and no outs. Ben Stenger comes through with an RBI 1B scoring Shaffer as Teall holds at 3B. Andrew Comp walks to load the bases before Matthew Alspaugh draws an RBI BB to put the Phils up 5-0. Scott Kessler, clutch, rips the ball deep bringing in Stenger and Comp as the Phillies blow the game wide open on Kesslers 2-RBI 2B. 7-0 Phillies after 5. Teall pitches a perfect 6th retiring 8 consecutive batters for the 2nd time in the game. Teall and Ben Stenger would both single in the 6th but the Phils come up empty. Still 7-0 after 6.

In the 7th, Teall makes it 11 straight batters with another perfect inning. Bottom of the 7th and Matthew Alspaugh does it again with an RBI 1B scoring Chandler Farrow as the Phillies go up 8-0. Continuing to cruise Eric Teall retires his 12th, 13th, and 14th consecutive batters while pitching his 7th 1-2-3 inning of the game. The Phillies would go down in order in the bottom of the 8th but still lead 8-0 heading to the 9th. On to the 9th, the Phillies 3 outs away from securing their 3rd championship game appearance in team history. Eric Teall pitching an amazing game takes practically a no hitter into the 9th as the one and only hit for the Howl was a fly ball to RF that was lost in the sun and fell to the turf. Teall strikes out the first batter on 3 straight pitches and does it again against the 2nd batter. 1 out away as Teall fires back to back strikes to set the batter up 0-2. Teall fires and the ball is swung on and missed for strike 3 as Teall strikes out the side in the 9th on 9 straight pitches. 17 batters retired in a row to finish the game. PHILLIES WIN!!

TOP PERFORMERS

ERIC TEALL: Complete Game 1 H Shutout (only H allowed was a pop fly lost in the sun, so technically a NO HITTER) w/ 12 K’s & 1B + 2B at the plate.

MATT PULLEY: 2-3 w/ R, 2B, Home Run, & 2-RBI + great game called from the dish!

MATTHEW ALSPAUGH: 2 H & 2-RBI

SCOTT KESSLER: 2 H, 2B, & 2-RBI.

BEN STENGER: 3-3 w/ RBI

ADAM WHEELER: RBI 2B

UP NEXT: HC Phillies advance to the 2019 Indiana Baseball League MSBL Championship Game for the 3rd time in team history. Searching for title #2! Standing in our way, Jay Broughton and the Pirates! Championship showdown this Sunday at 2:00pm at Brunette Field (Cathedral HS Baseball)!!

HC Phillies collide with the Indy Pirates with the 2019 IBL MSBL Regular Season Title on the line. 

 

Brunette Field (Cathedral Baseball) - 8/25/2019: HC Phillies face one of their more difficult challenges of the season with Taylor Gibson taking the mound for the Pirates. Gibson came out and showed he was ready to compete as the Phillies go down in order in the 1st. Corey Schwartz gets the ball in the biggest game of the season and after allowing a leadoff 2B settles in to keep the Pirates to just A single run. In the 2nd the Phillies go down in order again. Schwartz allows another Run to come across but finishes with a big K to get out of the 2nd without further damage. Once again the Phillies go down in order and still seek their first base runner after 3. Schwartz settles in getting a big double play ball to turn the Pirates away in the 3rd. Phillies trail 0-2 after 3. 

 

In the 4th, Chandler Farrow stands in and drives the ball to deep CF all the way to the wall. Farrow gives the Phillies their first base runner with a leadoff double. Farrow would be stranded on third though as Gibson keeps the Phils off the board through 4. Schwartz and the defense knew they had a battle on their hands. Despite allowing two base runners Schwartz gets out of it with no damage keeping the score 0-2. In the 5th the Phillies get three consecutive ground outs to third and remain scoreless. In the bottom of the 5th the Pirates get their leadoff man aboard on an error but Matt Pulley guns the base runner down at 2B attempting to steal and Schwartz would do the rest to turn the Pirates away in the 5th. In the 6th Chandler Farrow comes through again driving the ball to the gap and the wall advancing all the way to third with a 2 out triple. Farrow would be stranded again though as the Phils still search for their first Run. Schwartz continues to cruise with a perfect bottom half keeping the score 0-2 after 6. 

 

On to the 7th, can the Phillies get their offense going? Matthew Alspaugh making his return sets the tone with a leadoff single. Scott Kessler finally breaks up the scoring drought ripping the ball to CF allowing Alspaugh to score from second. Back to back outs after keep the score 1-2. Schwartz finishes his outing strong with a perfect 7th retiring the last 7 batters he faced. Running out of time the Phillies knew they must strike fast. Ben Stenger comes through with a leadoff single attempting to spark a Phillies rally. Andrew Comp hits a single to RF giving the Phillies runners on first and second. With 2 outs, Chandler Farrow comes up with a chance to tie the game. Could he come through for a third time in the game? Yes! Farrow tips the first pitch to RF and both Stenger and Comp come around to score as the Phillies not only tie but take a 3-2 lead. Farrow does it again! Farrow advances to third and Cheyne Reiter draws a BB causing the Pirates to make a pitching change to Jay Broughton. Reiter steals second on the first pitch to create a double RBI opportunity for the wizard Matthew Alspaugh. With a 1-1 count Alspaugh drives the ball the other way to RF and both Farrow and Reiter come into score to break the game wide open. Phillies go on top 5-2. Ben Stenger comes on in relief and on his game pitches a scoreless 8th. On to the 9th we go. Matt Pulley leads off the 9th with a single to CF. With the bases loaded Stefan Welsh hits a ground ball to short that was misplaced allowing Stenger to score from third. An insurance run puts the Phillies up 6-2. Stenger stays on to close the game down and issues back to back walks to put two aboard for the Pirates with no outs in the 9th. Stenger gets the next batter to fly out to LF as Cheyne Reiter makes a great catch at the warning track. Facing a tough hitter in Gibson, Stenger wins the battle getting a ground ball to short fielded by Alspaugh who flips to Kessler at 2B and Kessler makes the turn to 1B in time for a huge game ending 6-4-3 double play. Phillies Win 6-2!!!! 

 

With the victory we extend our official congratulations to the 2019 INDIANA BASEBALL LEAGUE MSBL REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONS - Hamilton County Phillies!!

 

TOP PERFORMERS:

 

COREY SCHWARTZ: 7.0 innings pitched, Win, & 5 K’s.
CHANDLER FARROW: 3-4 w/ R, 2-RBI, 2B, & 3B.
BEN STENGER: 2 inning Save on the mound & 1-3 w/ 2R & SB at the plate.
MATTHEW ALSPAUGH: 2-4 w/ R & 2-RBI
SCOTT KESSLER: RBI

 

UP NEXT:  HC Phillies receive a bye through the 1st round/Quarterfinals of the 2019 IBL MSBL Playoffs and will return to action on 9/15 in the 2019 IBL MSBL Semifinals versus the winner of the Cardinals vs Howl matchup!!

HC Phillies pull out huge win over Indianapolis Monarchs in DH GM 2 10-6 to officially take over 1st place in the IBL MSBL Standings. Adam Wheeler goes the distance on the mound and Scott Kessler leads the way on offense as the Phillies sweep the Monarchs!!

Greenfield Central HS — 8/18/19: Adam Wheeler makes his 3rd start of the season on the mound facing his former team with 1st place and quite possibly a regular season title on the line. Wheeler sits the Monarchs down in order in the 1st ending with a big strikeout. After playing 21 Runs in GM 1 the Phillies remain red hot at the plate jumping out early. Eric Teall leads the game off with a 1B and advances on a wild pitch. Scott Kessler singles before Adam Wheeler draws a BB to load the bases. Matt Pulley rips an RBI 1B scoring Teall to put the Phillies up 1-0. Chris Cole stands in after a 9-RBI performance in game 1 and drives a 2B into the gap scoring Kessler and Wheeler to make it 3-0 Phil’s. Chris Cole 5-5 w/ 11 RBI at that point. Simply amazing. Still not done Ben Stenger walks to load the bases again. Devin Shaffer and Chandler Farrow draw a very rare pair of back to back RBI hit batsmens as the Phils go up 5-0. Stefan Welsh joins the fun with an RBI 1B scoring Stenger before a double play finally turns ends the Phillies rally. 6-0 Phillies after 1. Wheeler picks up back to back outs before allowing a base runner via walk but turns the Monarchs away with a big K against the next batter. Clayton Jones leads off the 2nd and drives the ball into the left center gap and uses his speed to trot into third with a leadoff 3B. Scott Kessler then suffers a HBP to put the first two batters aboard. Matt Pulley comes through driving the ball to deep CF allowing Jones to tag and score. Phillies lead 7-0 after 2. On to the 3rd the Monarchs find a way to bring a runner in on a ground ball out to get on the board but Wheeler ends the inning with a K for the 3rd straight inning. In the bottom of the 3rd Devin Shaffer and Chandler Farrow Hit back to back singles to put two aboard before Andrew Comp drives the ball to RF allowing Shaffer to tag and score. Farrow scores on a passed ball as the Phillies go up 9-1 after 3.

Wheeler continues to cruise sitting the Monarchs down in order in the 4th. In the bottom of the 4th Scott Kessler hits a single and steals second but would be stranded as the Phillies were held scoreless for the first time in the game. Wheeler pitches another perfect inning in the 5th retiring the last 8 consecutive batters in a row. In the bottom of the fifth Ben Stenger and Devin Shaffer Hit back to back 2 out singles. Chandler Farrow stays hot driving the ball to right field bringing in Stenger to make it 10-1 Phillies after 5. Wheeler continues his amazing stretch by retiring his 9th, 10th, and 11th consecutive batters in row. Wheeler on cruise control with strong defense behind him through 6. In the top of the 7th the Monarchs rallied mainly due to some defensive miscues but Matt Pulley makes an amazing play at third firing across the diamond to pickup the final out of the game! Phillies Win!! 

TOP PERFORMERS 

SCOTT KESSLER: 3-3 w/ R & RBI
STEFAN WELSH: 3-3 w/ RBI
CHANDLER FARROW: 2-2 w/ R & 
2-RBI
DEVIN SHAFFER: 2-2 w/ R, RBI, & HBP.
CHRIS COLE & MATT PULLEY w/ 2-RBI each.
CLAYTON JONES w/ R & 3B.
ADAM WHEELER: CG Win w/ 5 K’s.

UP NEXT: HC Phillies (12-3) officially move into 1st place and will need a victory or Monarchs loss in the season finales to officially win the regular season title. Phillies end the regular season vs the Indy Pirates at Brunette Field!

HC Phillies and Indianapolis Monarchs square off in a battle for 1st place doubleheader.

Greenfield (IN): HC Phillies enter the weekend 1.5 games back of the 1st place Monarchs in the Indiana Baseball League MSBL Standings and needing a sweep to keep their hopes alive for the 2019 regular season title! 

GAME 1: It did not take long for the Phillies to strike as Clayton Jones leads the game off with a 1B and steals 2B immediately. Reigning MVP Scott Kessler at it again in 2019 rips the ball to the RF wall bringing Jones in from 2B as Kessler slides into 3B with an RBI triple putting the Phils on the board first. From there the hit parade would continue as Adam Wheeler singles scoring Kessler, Matt Pulley singles, and then Chris Cole clears the bases with a 2-RBI double. Ben Stenger follows with a 1B and then steals 2B to put runners on second and third. Red hot rookie Devin Shaffer drives the ball to CF as Chris Cole tags and scores to make it 5-0. Still not done in the first, scolding hot sophomore 1B Andrew Comp Rios an RBI single scoring Stenger as the Phillies plate 6 R’s in the 1st inning. Veteran Eric Teall takes the mound for the Phillies and despite a month out from his last outing picks right up where he left off with a perfect 1st inning with 2 big K’s. Not getting enough in the 1st the Phillies offense erupts even more in the 2nd. Adam Wheeler singles and Matt Pulley doubles setting the stage for Chris Cole to have a day. Cole comes through with a 2-RBI 1B plating Wheeler and Pulley. Ben Stenger continues to roll at the plate with a big double advancing Cole to 3B. After coming through in the first Devin Shaffer stands in with another big opportunity. Shaffer drives the ball to deep LF and got all of it as the ball sails over the green monster for a huge 3-RBI blast! Shaffer’s first career IBL HR puts the Phillies up 11-0 in just the 2nd inning. In the bottom of the second with two runners on Teall gets a double play ball turned by SS Shaffer and 2B Stenger and Teall catches the next batter looking to turn the Monarchs away.

In the 3rd Adam Wheeler draws a BB and Matt Pulley singles to set the stage for who else, Chris Cole. Cole comes through again with an RBI 1B scoring Wheeler for the Phillies only run if the 3rd. Eric Teall adds 2 more K’s with another scoreless inning in the 3rd. Phillies 12-0 after 3. In the 4th the Phillies actually go down in order being held scoreless for the first time in the game. The Monarchs bring in 2 R’s in the bottom of the 4th to cut the Phillies lead to 12-2 after 4.

In the 5th Jeremy Martin, Stefan Welsh, and Chandler Farrow each draw BB’s to load the bases. Clayton Jones rips an RBI 1B, Adam Wheeler gets an RBI hit batsmen, and Matt Pulley and RBI BB to keep the bases loaded. Just when you thought there is no way Chris Cole can contribute any more already having 5 RBI, Cole stands in with the bases loaded. Cole absolutely obliterates the ball down the 3B line and over the green monster for a grand slam HR. 9, count them, 9 RBI in a single game for Chris Cole! Not giving in, Ben Stenger rips his second double of the game and Devon Shaffer singles. Feeling the Phillies needed at least one more R, Andrew Comp rips another RBI 1B scoring Stenger as the Phillies steamroll to 21 R’s scored. Amazing. In the bottom of the 5th the Monarchs would need to score 5 R’s to keep the game going but a tall task against Teall. With 2 on and 2 out Teall gets a fly ball to 3B fielded by Chris Cole to clinch the victory in 5 innings by mercy. Phillies Win 21-2!!!!

With the Win the Phillies move to within a half of a game of the Monarchs for 1st place making game 2 a big time matchup! 

TOP PERFORMERS

CHRIS COLE: 4-4 w/ 3-R, 4-H, 9-RBI, 2B, & Grand Slam HR
DEVIN SHAFFER: 2-3 w/ R, 4-RBI, & HR
MATT PULLEY: 3-3 w/ 3R, RBI, 2B, & BB
BEN STENGER: 3-4 w/ 3R & 2-2B
ADAM WHEELER: 2-2 w/ 4R, 2-RBI, BB, & HBP
SCOTT KESSLER & ANDREW COMP w/ 2-RBI each.
ERIC TEALL: CG Win w/ 7-K’s!

HC Phillies defeat the Indy Howl 10-5 on Sunday 8/11 at New Pal HS! Corey Schwartz with 9 K’s in 6 innings on the mound while Ben Kennedy and Scott Kessler lead the way at the plate. 

A big match up between the Indy Howl and the HC Phillies from New Pal HS. Batting first, the Phillies waste no time getting going as Scott Kessler and Adam Wheeler pick up back to back hits to set the stage for Matt Pulley and Ben Stenger to both rip RBI 1B’s as the Phillies go on top 2-1 in the 1st. Corey Schwartz makes the start on the mound for the Phillies and after allowing a R to score Corey picks up back to back K’s to end the Howl threat early. Each pitcher answered with a scoreless 2nd. In the top of the 3rd Ben Kennedy filling in for Adam Wheeler comes up huge with a big RBI 2B scoring Scott Kessler to increase the Phillies lead to 3-1. Schwartz pitches a scoreless 3rd inning keeping the Phils on top after 3. 

Andrew Comp at it again coming through with a 2-RBI 2B as the Phillies break the game wide open at 5-1. Not done, Stefan Welsh joins the party with an RBI 1B making it 6-1. Corey Schwartz strikes out the side in the bottom of the 4th. In the top of the 5th the Phillies would come up empty as the score remains 6-1. Schwartz continues to roll adding back to back K’s to start the 5th making it 5 consecutive K’s total. In the top of the 6th the Phils go down in order. Schwartz finishes strong getting a big double play ground ball before picking up his 9th K of the game. 6.0 strong innings for Schwartz in line for the W as the Phillies lead 6-2 after 6. 

Once again the Phillies go down in order in the 7th. Ben Stenger comes on in relief and picks up back to back outs before the Howl add a R to cut the lead to 6-3. Stenger gets a big ground ball to end the Howl threat with no further damage. After a double play was turns by the Howl Chris Cole drives a 2B into the gap and is brought in by none other than Ben Stenger helping his own cause with a big RBI 1B. On the mound Stenger pitches a scoreless bottom of the 8th to keep the Phils on top 7-2. Cheyne Reiter leads off the 9th with a 1B and scored on Scott Kesslers RBI 3B to the CF wall. Kessler scores as Ben Kennedy tips his second RBI 2B of the game making it 9-2. Matt Pulley gets in on the action driving the ball to the gap scoring Kennedy as Pulleys RBI 2B makes it 10-2. Some defensive miscues allow a R to score for the Howl in the 9th but Stenger gets a big double play ball as the Howl add a 5th R making it 10-5. Stenger works a 2-1 count being one out away from securing the W. Stenger gets a ground ball to 2B fielded by Reiter flipping to 1B to clinch the game! Phillies Win 10-5!!!

TOP PERFORMERS

Corey Schwartz: 6.0 IP & W on the mound!
Ben Stenger: 3.0 IP SV & 2-4 2/ R & 2-RBI at the plate.
Ben Kennedy: 3-4 w/ 2-2B & 2-RBI
Scott Kessler: 3-5 w/ 2-R, 3B, & RBI
Matt Pulley: 2-4 w/ 2B & 2-RBI
Andrew Comp: 2B & 2-RBI
Chris Cole: 2-R & 2B

HC Phillies pull out a huge win over the 18+ Indiana Arrows 11-8 on Sunday.

 

It was a back and forth roller coaster battle but the Phillies fought back multiple times until remaining on top for good! 

Matt Pulley starts out with a scoreless 1st and the Arrows match with a scoreless bottom half. Down 2-0 in the 2nd Cheyne Trey Reiter drives the ball to deep RF scoring 2 Runs to tie the game up at 2. After going right back down 4-2 in the 4th Stefan Welsh rips an RBI 2B to put the Phillies within 1. 

 

Pulley strikes out the side in the 5th before Chris Cole draws the game tying bases loaded BB to tie the game at 4. The Phillies weren’t done in the 5th. Devin Shaffer rips a 2-RBI 2B to break the game open giving the Phillies our first lead of the game. Still not done, Jeremy Martin rips an RBI 1B to extend the lead to 7-4. The Arrows would rally right back to tie the game up at 7.  Scott Kessler and Adam Wheeler answered right back with back to back hits to put the Phillies back up 8-7. Answering right back yet again the Arrows tie the game at 8 in the very next inning. 

 

3 hours of fighting back and forth and the Phillies still would not give in!  Andrew Compcomes through with the hit of the game driving the ball to deep RF and over the wall for his 1st career IBL HR! Jeremy Martin brings in an insurance R w/ his 2nd RBI of the game. Already setup for the victory, Ben Kennedy closes the door on the Arrows for good with a scoreless final inning! Phillies Win 11-8!!!!

 

TOP PERFORMERS: Adam Wheeler 4-5 w/ 3-1B, 2B, R, & RBI. Andrew Comp 3-5 w/ 2-1B, HR, 2-R, & RBI. Scott Kessler 3-5 w/ 3-1B & 2-R. Chris Cole & Jeremy Martin 2-1B & 2-RBI. Devin Shaffer & Cheyne Reiter each w/ 2-RBI! Matt Pulley 6 strong innings & Ben Kennedy shuts the door earning the W on the mound!

 

UP NEXT: HC Phillies (9-2) take on the Indy Cardinals this Sunday at New Palestine HS!

HC Phillies defeat the Indy Howl 7-1 behind Eric Teall's masterpiece CG on the mound w/ 17 K's.

 

HC Phillies defeat the Indy Howl 7-1 on Sunday in game 1 behind Eric Teall’s masterpiece on the mound. Eric struck out the first 11 consecutive batters in a row and ended with 17 K’s in 7 innings of work! On top of dominating on the mound Wric went 3 for 3 at the plate as well!  Andrew Comp keeps his bat hot going 2 for 2 w/ 3 big RBI.  Devin Shaffer brought in 2 RBI with a big 2B to the RF wall.  Matthew Alspaugh, Scott Kessler, Chris Cole, Clayton Jones, and Ben Stenger each added 2 hits as well!

 

In game 2 of the DH the Phillies lose 4-2 in a great game. Our offense hit the ball well but the Howl made great plays to stay in the game and to stop and rallies we attempted to put together. Ben Stenger has the lone RBI and Clayton Jones, Tyler Dean Hodson, Eric Teall, Devin Shaffer, and Scott Kessler had 1 hit each. Adam Wheeler threw 3 solid innings in his 2nd Phillies start.  Ben Kennedy and Ben Stenger provided solid relief.