Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees completed a first round Centennial sweep over Nationals teams (for the second year in a row) by defeating the Mets 5-3 in front of a capacity crowd Tuesday night.

 

The Mets went ahead early, 3-0 before the Yankees’ bats came alive in the third inning, with five runs, capped off by a bases-loaded 3 RBI double by Web Charles (starting pitcher).  Brendan Parisotto pitched 2/3 on an inning in relief, before closer Austin Beard came in and closed the door on the Mets sixth inning rally attempt.

 

The Yankees will face the Red Sox on Wednesday…a game that Red Sox nation has been looking forward to since last year’s championship game.  We will be without Web Charles…so, we MUST come ready to play defense and pick up our offense.

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees completed a successful regular season by defeating the Indians 6-0 on a complete game shut-out by Austin Beard and then dropping the final game, 7-0 to the Rangers…perhaps the leagues’ hottest team going into the post-season.

 

“This has been a very good season…to have this kind of success with only five players returning from our championship team last year,” said coach Blaine Beard.  “The players we added completed a very complimentary roster…each player knew his role this season and played very, very well in those roles.”

 

To our 12 year-olds: Web Charles, Cameron Espinosa, Grayson Young, Owen Bartlett, Zach Hix, Brendan Cancino, and Riley Coyne…make these play-offs special…this will complete what has hopefully been a great career in Little League!  Make each play and each at-bat like it is your last…and have fun with it!

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees got back on the winning track, by defeating the Indians 6-0, securing a playoff seed in this year’s city championship tournament.

 

Starting pitcher Austin Beard, coming off of a tough 1-0 loss to Joey Dice and the Red Sox last week, continued his hot pitching; needing only 69 pitches to dispatch of a tough Indians team in a complete game effort.

 

The Yankees got the scoring started in the bottom of the second, with Owen Bartlett laying down a beautiful bunt that was air-mailed down the right field line, landing Bartlett at third base.  Bartlett later scored on a wild pitch to make the score 1-0.  Later, Austin Beard cracked a double to the left-center field wall to plate Cameron Beard and Brendan Parisotto to make the score 3-0.  Not to be out done, Web Charles then lined a triple to the wall, scoring Beard and making the score 4-0.

 

In the bottom of the fifth inning, in need of insurance runs, the Yankees sent Jon Pinto to the plate, who lined a clutch two-out, two run double down the right field line to end the scoring.

 

The Yankees play the White Sox in a make-up game tonight at Shadow Mountain (be there at 7:00 p.m.) and finish the regular season against the Rangers at 7:45 p.m. on Friday. 

 

The play-offs start next Monday…start getting prepared…this is what we play the game for!!!

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---After winning six games in a row, the Yankees have now dropped four in a row, including 4-2 to the Mariners; 1-0 to the Red Sox; and 4-3 to the Indians.

All of the games were winnable, as each game featured the Yankees leaving several runners on base (including 12 in the Indians loss).

 

The Yankees have dealt with injuries and absences all year, as Web Charles has missed three games (due to vacations), Owen Bartlett missed 3-4 games with an elbow injury, Riley Coyne has missed two games due to a hand injury, Cameron Espinosa has missed one game, Grayson Young has missed 3-4 games due to a foot injury, and Jason Johnson has missed 2 games due to a facial injury.  The last three games, the Yankees have had only nine players suited up in uniform to play.  The lack of depth and a consistent starting line-up has hurt the once 11-2-1 team, which now stands at 11-6-1 and in need of one win (or an Indian or Mariner loss) to secure a play-off spot.  The Yankees have three games left to get healthy and hopefully right the ship.  The Yankees play the Indians on Tuesday at 7:45, the White Sox on Wednesday at 7:45 (Shadow Mountain), and the Rangers on Friday at 7:45.

 

“We have one of the best, if not THE best pitching staffs in our league…as evidenced by our runs allowed,” said coach Blaine Beard.  “But, it doesn’t mean anything without a healthy team that can score some runs backing them up.  Right now, we are getting base runners, but just not the big hit that scores them…that will change.  Every team goes through rough spots and times of adversity…we need to hit 1-9 for our pitchers…our position players owe it to them.”

 

The play-off race is heating up…as the Red Sox and Rangers have secured play-off spots, leaving three teams (the 11-6-1 Yankees / the 10-8-2 Mariners / and the 9-9 Indians) fighting for two spots.

 

It should be an exciting week of baseball!!!

 

 

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---Despite yielding only one hit (a BIG two run shot by Calvin Cox), the Yankees lost to the A's 2-1, Thursday night at Golden Eagle.

 

Starting pitcher Austin Beard, pitched another complete game, this time, however; the Yankees bats could not stay hot and secure the win.  The Yankees got runners on base in every inning, including the sixth, when Austin Beard led off with a single, followed by a double from Web Charles (which plated Beard).  Pitcher Matt Denn was able to pitch out of the jam after walking Cameron Espinosa, by getting Cameron Beard and Brendan Cancino to ground out sharply, then striking out Jason Johnson with the tying and winning runs on second and third.

 

The loss stops a very impressive winning streak by the Yankees and drops our record to 11-3-1...a very nice winning percentage.

 

The Yankees look to turn the loss around and wake up the bats against the Mariners on Tuesday.  The game is a very important one for the Mariners, as they are fighting for a play-off seed, at 7-7-2.  The Yankees look to make up for the last game against the Mariners...a 1-1 tie in 7 innings (without Web Charles).  Tonight's game should be a good one...be there!!!

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees continued their winning streak by defeating a hot team in the Rangers, 8-0 Monday night.

 

Justin Mannens and Web Charles faced off in a battle of #1 pitchers; Charles came out and threw a gem of game, going 5 2/3 scoreless innings before closer Brendan Parisotto came in and preserved the Yankees sixth shut-out of the season!

 

A great manufactured run in the first inning, featured Parisotto singling and being worked around into scoring position, before being singled in by Charles.  A big third inning started with what was supposed to be a sacrifice bunt by Cameron Beard, which turned into a hit and throwing error.  Before you knew it, the Yankees plated seven runs which included BIG two RBI singles by Grayson Young and Cameron Espinosa.

 

Again, the pitching and defense shined…while the offense stepped up, as well.

 

Great game Yankees…the Rangers are a very good team…you fought hard.

 

Next up…Tony Denn’s fighting A’s…Wednesday…be there!

 

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees kept their hot streak going by blanking the White Sox in a four-inning contest on Saturday.

 

Starting pitcher Cameron Espinosa pitched three innings of shut-out ball, then gave way to Cameron Beard and Brendan Cancino, who preserved the shut-out.

 

The Yankees bats stayed hot, with hits coming throughout the batting order, including two hits from Zach Hix and a one-armed swinging base hit from an injured Owen Bartlett.  Great job, guys!

 

It will tough to keep the bats hot as the Yankees play Monday night against a VERY good Rangers team, who look to avenge an early season defeat.  Yankees, bring your bats and your gloves…we’re going to need them!

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees won a very intense and emotionally charged game against the Indians, 7-2 Friday night, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

 

Starting pitcher Austin Beard threw a complete game, 79-pitch effort.  Austin surrendered one run in the first inning; however, the Yankees’ bats answered the call, in scoring four runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning.  That is all that Austin would need, as he protected the lead and held off the swinging Indians.

 

The Yankees were up 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth, when Web Charles, Austin Beard, and Cameron Espinosa all drew walks, setting the stage for Cameron Beard.  Nugget greeted the Indians relief pitcher with a 2 RBI single to left center, followed by an RBI groundout by Brendan Cancino.  Having added the three insurance runs, Austin closed out the Indians in the sixth to preserve the victory.

 

This was great team effort; in a game that included some adversity with team head coach Blaine Beard being ejected after an altercation with the umpires.

 

“I will always stand up for our players,” said Beard.

 

The Yankees play the White Sox next.  Be there…be ready!

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees stayed hot on Tuesday night by getting past the A’s, 2-0 in a classic pitching duel between two of the league’s top pitchers, Web Charles and Dillon Schlect (hope I spelled it right).

 

Charles pitched a superb 5 2/3 innings before giving way to Brendan Parisotto, who came in to retire the final batter and record the save.

 

Charles was also a hero at the plate, scoring both Yankees’ runs; one of which by stealing home on a very heads up play in reading the pitcher and catcher exchange.

 

“Sometimes, when you have a great pitcher like Dillon on the mound…you have to take runs any way you can get them,” said coach Blaine Beard.  “Tonight, we manufactured a couple of runs and our pitching and defense did the rest.”

 

The Yankees hope to keep the great game play going, when they meet a feisty Indians team that is fighting for post-season play.  Yankees…be ready to “do work.”

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---On a cold and windy Sparks night, the Yankees dealt the Aces a 10-0 loss before a capacity crowd at Golden Eagle.

 

Starting pitcher Austin Beard pitched a 70 pitch complete game shut-out, sending the Yankees to a second straight win.  The Yankees had a full bullpen of arms, but Beard gave them all the night off, showing command of the strike zone and silencing the feisty Aces’ bats.

 

For the second straight game, the Yankees bats came alive and scored double-digit totals.  Grayson Young and Brendan Cancino continued the hot hitting, as Brendan Parisotto, Austin Beard, Web Charles, Cameron Espinosa, and Cameron Beard kept the middle of the order hot.  The Yankees welcomed back Jason Johnson from an eye injury.  Johnson showed great heart in coming back and contributing after missing only one game!!!  Next…we gotta pay that doctor off and get Owen Bartlett back on the field!

 

Yankees…the Thursday game will most likely be rescheduled for Saturday.  We are awaiting word from the White Sox coaching staff.  Either way…be ready to play and be prepared to “do work, son.”

 

Yankees (7-2-1)…not bad, fellas.  We are almost at the halfway point in the season...now, the real work begins.

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees got back on the winning track with a 12-2 victory over the Aces, in a five inning game on Saturday.

 

Starting pitcher Web Charles went 4 2/3 innings, before giving way to Cameron Beard in the bullpen.

 

The Aces got on the board early, posting two runs in the top of the first inning; however, Charles settled down and pitched an outstanding game.  The story of the day was the Yankees offense; answering back immediately in the bottom of the first with four runs of their own.  Cameron Beard drew a walk, Austin Beard singled, and then Web Charles doubled the Beard brothers in.  Brendan Cancino then smacked a double into the gap, which was mishandled by the Aces outfield allowing the speedy Cancino to aggressively turn the hit into a four base-knock, bringing the score to 4-2 after one inning.  That is all Charles needed, as he shut out the Aces the rest of the way.

 

Cameron Espinosa had a big two RBI double, and Grayson Young had a great game at the plate smacking a few hits of his own.  All Yankees players did a great job at the plate, including Zach Hix, who prolonged a nine pitch at-bat by fouling off several pitches and working the pitch count.  It’s all about making the opposing pitcher work…at that is what the Yankees did on Saturday.

 

The Yankees play the Aces again on Monday night (7:45 p.m. on Field #1).  This is the Aces last chance of the season to upset the Yankees.

 

Yankees…the Aces are hungry…be ready to play!

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Red Sox, evened up the season series against the Yankees on Friday night, riding the long ball to a 13-3 victory.

 

More importantly than the game, the Yankees have suffered a tough couple of days with the loss of Owen Bartlett for the unforeseeable future.  Owen had an accident and could possibly have a fracture that would ultimately end his season…x-rays are next week, so keep your fingers crossed for Owen.  Also, on the same play, left fielder Jason Johnson was struck in the eye by a fly ball and Austin Beard was hit in the thigh behind home plate with an errant bat.  Jason left the game and we are waiting to hear the extent of his injuries…and, Austin walked it off and should he fine.  Please, cross your fingers for Jason as well; hopefully, he will be rejoining our team soon.

 

Yankees players need to come together for our injured teammates and show support for one another.  Owen Bartlett, although on the DL, showed up at the game and helped coach and motivate other players.  That is exactly what makes our team special…the way our boys rally around one another and show heart.

 

Last night was a tough loss, but it is only one game.  Despite the score on the scoreboard and the injury of a few teammates, our dugout stayed energetic and enthusiastic. 

Yankees, let’s turn this loss around on Saturday!!!  Be ready, boys.

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---On a cold Sparks night, Mariners starter Austin May and Yankees starter Austin Beard went pitch-for-pitch in a great pitcher’s duel, in a game that finished in a 1-1 tie. 

 

For the second time this season, the Yankees and Mariners went extra innings; however, this time, there was not a winner or loser.  Austin Beard threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing 5 hits, no walks, while striking out 13, collecting a no-decision.  Relief pitcher Brendan Parisotto pitched the final 2/3 innings, keeping the winning run 60 feet away from home.

 

Yankees bats were silenced, which has been the biggest concern for the team, who boasts a magnificent pitching staff.  This was another classic battle between two great teams…and it was one that could have gone either way, as NEITHER team deserved to lose this one!

 

Yankees, next up…the first place Red Sox.  Be there, it will be another great game!!!

Sparks, NV (AP)---Yankees players stepped up in a big way on Friday night, missing two of their players, and still prevailing 7-2 over the Rangers.

 

“This win showed a lot of heart,” said coach Blaine Beard.  “Every kid on this team stepped up their game play and picked up for the players that were gone.”

 

Starting pitcher Brendan Parisotto pitched 1 2/3 innings, before yielding to Cameron Espinosa, who kept the Rangers’ bats in check until Austin Beard took over and pitched the last two innings to pick up the victory.  This was yet another great pitching performance for the Yankees’ staff, limiting base runners and more importantly, throwing strikes.

 

The Yankees’ game plan worked out perfectly with fire-baller Patrick Burrows on the mound for the Rangers.  Yankees hitters were patient and drew long counts, forcing Burrows out of the game after three innings (pitch count).  The game started out with Nugget drawing a walk and eventually scoring to give the Yankees a one to nothing lead.  The Rangers tied the game the next inning; the score remained locked at 1-1 until the top of the fifth, when the Rangers blooped a two out base hit to take the lead 2-1.  The Yankees had left eight runners on base until this point.

 

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Yankees answered right back and got the big hits when it counted.  Grayson Young led off the inning with a single, followed by an infield single by Owen Bartlett.  Brendan Cancino successfully turned a sacrifice bunt into an infield single, and then Jon Pinto and Riley Coyne had great at-bats in drawing walks to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.  Nugget then rifled the eight pitch of his at-bat into center field for an RBI single.  After a line-drive double play was turned on a hard hit ball from Brendan Parisotto, Austin Beard smacked a base hit to score a run.  Cameron Espinosa then skied a ball to center field that was misplayed by the center fielder, resulting in a two RBI hit for Cam.

 

Great job guys!!!!  Keep up the hard work…it pays off.

 

Good game Rangers…they have a tough team.  Next up, another tough team…the Mariners.

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees continued their hot start by defeating the Aces 11-1 in front of a capacity crowd at Golden Eagle, Tuesday night.

Starting pitcher Web Charles threw 3 2/3 innings of shut-out ball, before yeilding to Grayson Young, who pitched the last 1 1/3 innings in the five-inning contest.  Once again, the Yankees proved tough in the pitching and defensive department, allowing only one run to the Aces.  Yankees' pitchers have allowed only six runs in 32 innings of work this season, which is impressive considering the high-quality of Centennial baseball.  The Yankees' bats did a lot of talking last night, posting eleven runs, which is a good sign after slowing the previous three games.

The hitting got started in the third inning, as Web Charles knocked in two runs on a bases-loaded single.  Cameron Beard contributed with a 2-3 performance, with a double, a walk, and three RBI.  Every Yankee player reached base, either by walk, error, or basehit.  Brendan Parisotto stayed on base and used his speed to swipe a few bases and lay down a beautiful bunt for a basehit.  Austin Beard had a 2 RBI bases-loaded single that helped put the game out of reach.  Jason Johnson and Zach Hix each scored and were aggressive on the bases, showing the depth of the Yankees squad.

The Yankees hope to continue their winning ways on Friday against the Rangers.  However, It won't be easy, as the Rangers have a great nucleus of players and a quality coaching staff that plans on giving our team all it can handle.  It will be even tougher the next two games for the Yankees, as stand-out pitcher / catcher Web Charles will be out of state and will miss the games.  Each Yankee player needs to step up and pick up the slack, as the next few opponents are very talented teams that are hungry for "W's."

Yankees…I will see YOU at the ballpark!

Sparks, NV (AP) ---The “cardiac kids” were at it again this last Thursday; for the second game in a row, playing an eight-inning game.  This time, the Yankees were on the winning side of the scoreboard, defeating the feisty A’s 2-1.

 

Again, pitching and defense were the Yankees’ strength.  Starter Web Charles pitched 5 2/3 innings of one run baseball; while relief pitcher Brendan Parisotto came in and pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball to help collect the win.  Thus far, in four games (27 innings of baseball) Yankees’ pitchers have only given up 5 runs (two of those have been unearned).

 

“Our pitching and defense have been great,” said Head Coach Blaine Beard.  “Our bats have got to come alive…we can’t expect our pitchers to continue to carry our team.  Once we start hitting, we’ll be a tough team to beat…we need to be more aggressive at the plate.”

 

The hitting woes featured the Yankees’ stranding several runners on third base, including the failure to get a runner home that opened an inning with a triple.  Basic fundamental hitting should have plated the base runner.

 

The game reached its exciting conclusion when Yankees’ left fielder Riley Coyne reached first on a well-struck ball that was misplayed by the A’s second baseman.  Coyne was lifted for pinch-runner Jason Johnson, who scampered to second on a wild pitch shortly thereafter.  That set the table for Brendan Parisotto, who hit a hard ground ball to second, which went right through the legs of the A’s second baseman, rolling into shallow right field.  Johnson plated the winning run and was met with a celebration of Yankee teammates.

 

The Yankees play their next game on Tuesday, April 21 against the young and hungry Aces…who will have their sights set on an upset.  The Yankees will have a few practices between now and that time, in order to get those bats going!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Sparks, NV (AP)---The Yankees dropped a tough, hard fought eight inning game to the Mariners 4-2 on Monday night, in front of a loud and enthusiastic crowd at Golden Eagle.

 

The Yankees fought back after going down 2-0 after three innings.  Starting pitcher Cameron Espinosa fought through three innings of 2-run ball before Austin Beard came in from the bullpen and silenced the Mariners’ bats with several strikeouts.

 

The Yankees offense had several opportunities to win the game; however, they lacked the big hit to propel them to victory.  A lot is to be learned from a game like this, as several fundamental base running errors and a few fielding errors did the Yankees in.  Only one run was earned, which shows the importance of good, solid defense to back our pitching.

 

A great deal is learned from a win; however, more is learned from a loss such as this.  Our team showed heart and determination throughout the eight-inning match up and never held their heads down.  But, we must always finish and maintain composure.

 

It is a long season and this is only one game.

 

Compliment the Mariners for winning the game…it was a classic.

 

 

Reno, NV (AP)---On a cool Saturday afternoon, the Yankees took on a very tough Red Sox team, in a rematch of last year’s Sparks City Championship game.

 

The Yankees prevailed 2-0 in a great pitcher’s duel between starters Web Charles and Thomas (Red Sox).  Charles showed great poise and discipline in throwing the one-hitter, walking only one and striking out several Red Sox hitters.

 

The Yankees showed timely hitting in knocking in two runs on a clutch hit double by Cameron Espinosa and a single by Charles.  The Yankees left several on base and lacked the big hit that could have given them breathing room and put the game away.  However, the pitching and defense bailed the offense out.  Charles ended the game by getting Red Sox star Joey Dice to ground out to second baseman Cameron Beard.

 

Monday, the Yankees take on an up-and-coming Mariners team, who has their sights set on revenge from last year’s season sweep.  It is going to be a good one, as the Mariners have plenty of pitching and hitting!

 

Be there!!!  And, bring your sticks!

March 30, 2009 (Reno, AP)---The Sparks Centennial Little League season kicked off Monday night at Golden Eagle, with the defending City Champion Yankees defeating the White Sox 12-0.

 

Starting pitcher Web Charles and relief pitchers Austin Beard and Cameron Beard combined for the one-hit shutout.  Yankees’ pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and only one walk during the contest.

 

Grayson Young, Owen Bartlett, Austin Beard, and Web Charles had big RBI hits in the middle innings to build the Yankees a nice lead.  All Yankees contributed in the victory, including every batter making contact with the ball.

 

The defensive play of the game was on a wild pitch in the bottom of the second inning, when catcher Austin Beard retrieved the ball and fed a perfect strike to pitcher Web Charles, who applied the tag to the White Sox player attempting to score.

 

“This is a great way to start the season,” said coach Blaine Beard.  “Getting that first win out of the way and playing relaxed baseball heading into Saturday’s Red Sox game is a boost for our team.”

 

The Yankees will face the Red Sox Saturday (after the Opening Day ceremonies) at Shadow Mountain.  This game is a rematch of the 2008 Championship Game, which the Yankees won 5-4.  It should be a GOOD ONE!!!  

 

 

This year's 2009 Yankees team is packed FULL of potential...with six 12 year-olds, two 11 year-olds, and four 10 year-olds attempting to keep the Sparks Little League City Championship trophy where it belongs...RIGHT HERE!

 

Here is a quick look at our roster:

Owen Bartlett---2008 Sparks City Champion Majors (Yankees) / former Wingfield Red Sox traveling team member

Austin Beard---2008 Sparks City Champion Majors (Yankess) / 2007 Sparks City Champion Minors (A's) / current Velocity traveling team member / Centennial All-Star

Cameron Beard---2007 Sparks City Champion Minors (A's) / current Dust Devils traveling team member / Centennial All-Star

Brendan Cancino---SYFL Reed football stand-out and SYFL All-Star / Centennial All-Star (Renegade)

Web Charles---2008 Sparks City Champion Majors (Yankees) / current Outlaws traveling team member / Centennial All-Star

Riley Coyne---2008 Sparks City Champion Minors (Twins)

Cameron Espinosa---2008 Sparks City Champion Majors (Yankees) / 2007 Sparks City Champion Minors (A's) / current Velocity traveling team member / Centennial All-Star

Zachary Hix---SYFL Reed football stand-out  and SYFL All-Star

Jason Johnson---2008 Sparks City Champion Minors (Twins)

Brendan Parisotto---current Velocity traveling team member / Centennial All-Star

Jonathan Pinto---Future Dust Devils traveling team member (hopefully) / Centennial All-Star

Grayson Young---2008 Sparks City Champion Majors (Yankees) / Centennial All-Star (Hooligans) / SYFL All-Star

 

As you can see...our team is a very experienced collection of players.  Several of our players have also been to City Championship games and wound up on the short end of the scoreboard.  All-in-all, these experiences have prepared our players for a very competetive and action-packed season.