Armada regain lead

The Armada regain the lead after scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Josh Womack came home and scored off the RBI single from Matt Edgecombe, then Kaplan was able to walk home from third and score after first baseman Daryl Jones was hit by the pitch to put the Fleet up 4-3. The Armada has four runs, eight hits, and no runs. The Seals have three runs, six hits, and no errors.

Ramirez scores for Fleet

We go into the sixth and the Fleet scored one run in the bottom of the fifth to trail the Seals by a run. Catcher David Ramirez came home and scored off the RBI single form Matt Edgecombe. Edgecombe picked up his 39th RBI of the season. David Ramirez told us this is his final season with the Armada, so look for Ramirez to end his career with the Armada strong.

Seals take a 3-1 lead

Bottom of the fifth and the Armada find themselves trailing the Victoria Seals 3-1. Matt Kavanaugh came home and scored off the sacrifice fly from Brett Flowers. Let me say that for the end of the season for the Seals and the Armada they are giving us fans a good show tonight. Brandon Howard is now up to bat for the Armada. Manager Gary Templeton gave Omar Bramasco the night off, so Howard is replacing Bramasco at short stop. The Armada has one run, six hits, and no errors. The Seals have three runs, five hits, and no errors.

Seals score two runs

The Victoria Seals have taken their first lead of the night after scoring back to back doubles to take a 2-1 lead. Petie Montero was brought in off the RBI double from Brett Flowers to tie the game at one. Gabriel Riley responded with an RBI double of his own as he brought in Brett Flowers from second to give the Seals a 2-1 lead over the Armada. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The Seals have two runs, five hits, and no errors.

Armada take first lead

The Armada were able to take the first lead in the bottom of the first 1-0. It started with Matt Edgecombe's base hit advancing to first base. J.J. Sherrill then came up to bat and with a deep base hit allowed him to advance to second but brought in the speedy Matt Edgecombe from first. Matt was going to put on the breaks at third but Skipper Gary Templeton signaled him to run for home. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The Seals have no runs, two hits, and no errors

Armada vs Seals Season Finale

Good evening Armada fans and welcome to the final game of the 2009 Armada season. We would like to thank all of the fans for supporting the Armada this season. We hope all of you were able to catch a game at Blair Field and experience Lima Time and IRABUMANIA. The Armada look to end this season with a bang as they host the visiting Victoria Seals in the final game of this four game series. Zach Beal will get the ball tonight as he looks to end the season with win number two.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Brandon Howard #3 SS
2. Jonny Kaplan #5 3B
3. Matt Edgecombe #34 LF
4. J.J. Sherrill #19 DH
5. Daryl Jones #31 1B
6. Asif Shah #25 RF
7. Dan Luyben #10 2B
8. David Ramirez #21 C
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: #27 Zach Beal
1-1, 2nd Start, 8.03 ERA

Armada putting away Seals

We go into the eighth and it's all Armada as they pick up three runs to extend the lead to 11-4. Asif Shah with his first home run as an Armada pushed the lead to 4-9. J.J. Sherrill was hit by the pitch and advanced to first while Brandon Howard came home and scored putting the Fleet up 10-4. The Armada wasn't done as Josh Womack ran home and scored off the RBI form Andy Bouchie. The Armada looks like they have picked up their third win of this series which means they have done their part to keep their playoff hopes alive. The score is tied in Tucson at two in the top of the third.

HOME RUN!!!

With the Armada fans going crazy right fielder Asif Shah picks up his first home run as an Armada, hitting it deep into left field to put the Fleet up 9-4. This is turning out to be a good game tonight fans, Blair Field is the place to be. The Armada has nine runs, nine hits, and no errors. The Seals have four runs, eleven hits, and no errors.

Gabriel Riley comes through for Seals

Bottom of the seventh and Victoria not going away easy as they were able to score two runs in the top of the seventh. Gabriel Riley was the factor for the Seals as he scored his third home run of the season to bring the lead to 3-7. Riley scored again as he scored off the RBI single from Billy Krause.

Armada closing away

We go into the seventh and the Armada increase their lead to eight. Matt Edgecombe came up to bat and picked up a double, advancing to second base. Jonny Kaplan with a hit into center field brought in Matt Edgecombe to score. So the Armada playing good baseball tonight as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Seals show life

The Victoria Seals have responded by scoring two runs in the top of the fifth. Matt Kavanagh scored off an RBI from Gabriel Riley which put Riley at first, Flowers at second, and Rios at third cutting into the Armada lead 2-7. The Seals would score once more as Brian Rios came home and scored off the RBI walk from Billy Krause which brought the Seals within four runs of the Fleet. The Armada has seven runs, six hits, and no errors. The Seals have three runs, eight hits, and no errors.

Fleet score five runs

The Fleet was able to score five runs in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 7-1. It started with Asif Shah coming up to bat and was walked to first and Sherrill was able to walk home and score to bring the lead up to 3-1. Then Brandon Howard brought in Jonny Kaplan to extend the lead to 4-1. A wild pitch from James Garcia to Omar Bramasco allowed Brandon Howard to advance to second, Josh Womack to third, and Asif Shah to come home and score to give the Armada a 5-1 lead. The Fleet would make one last run as Omar Bramasco picked up a two run single bringing in Josh Womack from third, and Brandon Howard from second to give the Armada a commanding 7-1 lead over Victoria. The Armada are playing a Seals team that really has struggled most of this season, as they currently hold a 15-24 record in the second half, 32-48 overall.

Armada regain lead

We go into the third and the Armada have regained the lead, scoring one run in the bottom of the second. Omar Bramasco with a broken bat and base hit that barley missed the glove of first baseman Brett Flowers brought in Asif Shah from second to give the Armada a 2-1 lead over the seals. Bramasco picked up his 50th RBI of the season. Bramasco is also the leader in RBIs for the Armada this season. The Armada has two runs, four hits, and no errors. The Seals have one run, two hits, and no errors.

Seals tie ball game

Bottom of the second and the Seals not letting the Armada slip away as they tie the game at one. Billy Krause with a hit deep into right field picked up the double bringing in Gabriel Riley from third for the score. That put Krause at second, and Mermer at third. Takashi Miyoshi came up to bat and hit a fly ball that ended the inning. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The Seals also has one run, two hits, and no errors.

Armada score one run

We go into the second and the Armada were able to score one run to give themselves a 1-0 lead over the seals. Brandon Howard came up to bat and picked up the double advancing to second base. Omar Bramasco with a base hit brought in Brandon Howard, running all the way home from second to score for the Fleet. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The Seals have no runs, no hits, and no errors.

Armada vs Seals 8/30

Good evening Armada fans and welcome to game three of this four game series between the Armada and the Victoria Seals. For the Armada to advance to the playoffs they have to do it two different ways:

1. The Armada need to win either tonights game or tomorrows game.
2. The St. George RoadRunners need to win the next two games against the Tucson Toros at Hi Corbett Field.

We will keep you posted throughout the game of the score between the RoadRunners and the Toros. In my mind I think we will see the Armada playing in the Playoffs in September. Buckle up your seat belts fans, were going down to the wire. Kris Honel will get the ball tonight. Honel was acquired by the Armada in exchange for fan favorite Jose Lima. Honel will look for his third win of the season.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Brandon Howard #3 2B
2. Omar Bramasco #6 SS
3. Steve Moss #32 LF
4. J.J. Sherrill #19 DH
5. Andy Bouchie #15 C
6. Matt Edgecombe #30 1B
7. Jonny Kaplan #5 3B
8. Asif Shah #25 RF
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: #34 Kris Honel
2-1, 6th Start, 1.80 ERA

Seals earn one run

The Armada need some insurance runs as the Victoria Seals are within one run of the Armada 6-5. Billy Krause came home from third and scored off the RBI single from Jamar Hill. Hill picked his 64th RBI of the season. It's still anyones ball game fans as Omar Bramasco is now up to bat. Also fans just wanted let everyone know we have some scouts at Blair Field tonight.

Armada on top

We go into the eighth and what an inning that was as the Armada were able to capture the lead from the Seals late in this ball game 6-4. It started with Brandon Howard coming home and scoring from third to trim the Victoria lead to 2-4. Then Josh Womack came home and scored to bring the lead down to 3-4. The Armada were able to keep it going as Andy Bouchie was walked to first base, plus Bramasco was able to walk home from third and score to tie the game at four. The Armada made on last run in the seventh as Matt Edgecombe brought home Moss from third and Sherrill from second. The Armada are starting to play good baseball late in this game, plus are doing their part to keep their playoff hopes alive. Good news fans the RoadRunners beat the Toros 6-2.

Armada desperately need runs

Bottom of the seventh and the Armada now playing catch up as they trail the Victoria Seals 4-1. Jamar Hill came home and scored from third off the RBI single from Brett Flowers. Flowers picked up his 47th RBI of the season. Brandon Howard is now up to bat for the Armada. The Armada has one run, seven hits, and one error. The Seals have four runs, nine hits, and no errors.

St. George and Tucson update

Fans just wanted to give you the current score between the St. George RoadRunners and the Tucson Toros taking place at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson. Bottom of the sixth and the RoadRunners has a 5-2 lead over the Toros. That is some good news for us Armada fans, we need help from the RoadRunners to keep our playoff hopes alive.

Armada in trouble down 3-1

The Fleet find themselves in trouble as the Victoria Seals were able to pick up two runs in the top of the third to lead the Armada 3-1. Matt Kavanaugh came home and scored from third off the RBI from Josh Arhart to give the Seals the lead 2-1. Victoria wasn''t done as Jamar Hill came home from third and scored off the RBI from Gabriel Riley to put his team up 3-1. The Armada has one run, five hits, and one error. The Seals have three runs, seven hits, and no errors.

Sherrill ties ball game

We go into the third and we have a tie ball game as the Armada and the seals are tied at one. J.J. Sherrill came away with a double and advanced to second base. The Armada would capitalize as Andy Bouchie came up to the plate and was able to bring in the speedy J.J. Sherrill from second to tie the ball game. J.J. Sherrill came threw once again for the fans at Blair Field as he sent some lucky fans home with some In and Out Burgers. The Armada has one run, four hits, and no errors. The Seals have one run, six hits, and no errors.

Seals take a 1-0 lead

The Seals were able to earn one run in the top of the second and now take a 1-0 lead over the Armada. It started with Bret Leveir coming up with a base hit advancing to first,and Brett Flowers was put into scoring position at third. Billy Krause stepped up to the plate and came away with a base hit and advancing to first first while Brett Flowers came home and scored giving the Seals a 1-0 lead over the Armada.

Armada vs Seals 8/29

Good evening Armada fans and welcome to game two of this four game series between the Long Beach Armada and the visiting Victoria Seals. The Armada game away with a much needed win last night as the Fleet went onto beat the Seals by a score of 2-1. Jonny Kaplan closed out the game with a walk of base hit to give the Armada the victory. The left hander Ben Fox will get the ball tonight, as he looks for his sixth victory of the season.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Brandon Howard #2 3B
2. Omar Bramasco #6 SS
3. Steve Moss #32 LF
4. J.J. Sherrill #19 DH
5. Andy Bouchie #15 C
6. Matt Edgecombe #30 1B
7. Jonny Kaplan #5 RF
8. Dan Luyben #10 2B
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: #16 Ben Fox
5-7, 16th Start, 3.67 ERA

Toros lead RoadRunners

An update from Hi Corbett Field the Toros now have a 6-5 lead over the RoadRunners in the bottom of the fifth. The Armada really need the help from the St. George RoadRunners.

Seals tie ball game

Bottom of the sixth and we have a tie ball game as the Seals were able to pick up a run in the top of the sixth. Josh Arhart getting the job done done for the seals as he came through with a base hit to bring in Pedro Montero from second base. Matt Edgecombe is now up to bat. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no runs. The Seals have one run, four hits, and one error.

RoadRunners vs Toros update

Fans just wanted to update everyone on the score from Hi Corbett Field between the St. George RoadRunners and the Tucson Toros. Bottom of the forth and the RoadRunners has a commanding 5-0 lead over the Toros. David Seccombe is the pitcher for the RoadRunnners and Pete Hartmann is the pitcher for the Toros.

Armada on the board

We go into the fifth and the Armada was able to come away with one run to put themselves up 1-0 over the Seals. Steve Moss came home and scored from third base off the Triple from Jonny Kaplan. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The Seals has no runs, two hits, and one error.

Armada vs Seals

Good evening Armada fans and welcome back to Blair field as the Armada trying to keep their playoff hopes alive as they meet the visiting Victoria Seals for the first time at Blair Field this season. The Armada need to take 3 of 4 games this weekend plus they look for help from the St. George RoadRunners to keep their playoff hopes alive. We will keep you posted on the game versus the RoadRunners and the Toros, which is taking place in Tucson tonight. Dusty Gober will get the ball tonight as he looks for his fifth win of the season.

Armada Starting Lineup
1. Brandon Howard #2 3B
2. Omar Bramasco #6 SS
3. Steve Moss #32 LF
4. Matt Edgecombe #30 DH
5. Andy Bouchie #15 C
6. Jonny Kaplan #5 RF
7. Dan Luyben #10 2B
8. Daryl Jones #31 1B
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: Dusty Gober
4-0, 9th Start, 3.74 ERA

Playoff picture

With only five games left in the 2009 season, the GBL playoff picture is coming into focus.  Three of the four post-season spots have been locked up.  The Calgary Vipers, the overall best team in the North Division, will face the Edmonton Capitals (who compiled the second-best overall record) in the playoffs, while the South Division first-half winning St. George RoadRunners still wait to see who they will play in the first round.

The Armada can still make the playoffs if BOTH of the following scenarios play out:
1. The Long Beach Armada must win at least 3 of its final 5 games; AND
2. The Tucson Toros must lose at least 4 of their final 5 games to the St. George RoadRunners.

This would mean the RoadRunners would win the first- and second-halves, and the Armada would have the second-best overall record to earn the final playoff berth.

For a more detailed breakdown, here's a current look at the South Division's second half standings:

South Division 2nd Half	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Last 10
Tucson Toros	19	11	0.633	-	1L	7-3
St. George RoadRunners	20	17	0.541	2.5	1W	5-5
Yuma Scorpions	19	19	0.500	4	1W	6-4
Long Beach Armada	16	17	0.485	4.5	2W	6-4
Orange County Flyers	16	18	0.471	5	2L	2-8

The Armada is the only team still alive to make the playoffs other than the first-place Toros. Long Beach has five games left in the regular season as do the RoadRunners and Toros who finish the season with all their games against each other. For the Armada to reach the playoffs for a GBL-record fourth time, the RoadRunners must win the second half to clinch an overall title like the Calgary Vipers did in the north division. For St. George to win the second half, the RoadRunners must win four of their final five games against the Toros.

If the RoadRunners win both halves, the second South Division playoff spot will be awarded to the team with the second-best overall record.

Currently, here are the South Division overall standings:

South Division Overall	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Last 10
St. George RoadRunners	45	32	0.584	-	1W	5-5
Tucson Toros	36	32	0.529	4.5	1L	7-3
Long Beach Armada	36	35	0.507	6	2W	6-4
Orange County Flyers	33	383	0.465	9	2L	2-8
Yuma Scorpions	29	46	0.387	15	1W	6-4

If the RoadRunners do win four of their final five games to clinch the second half, that would leave the Tucson Toros with an overall record of 37-36 for a winning percentage of 0.507 on the season. Long Beach would have to win at least three of its final five games to finish at 39-37 on the year (a 0.513 winning percentage) for the second-best overall record and the final playoff berth. If the Armada only wins two of the final five games, the team would finish 38-38, and the Toros would earn the final playoff spot with a better overall record.

So the simplified version of how the Armada can make the playoffs:
Armada must win at least 3 of final 5 games, AND Tucson must lose at least 4 of final 5 games.

Here are the remaining schedules for Long Beach, St. George and Tucson:

Remaining Games	Long Beach Armada	St. George RoadRunners	Tucson Toros
Thursday, August 27	@ Orange County	Tucson	@ St. George
Friday, August 28	Victoria	@ Tucson	St. George
Saturday, August 29	Victoria	@ Tucson	St. George
Sunday, August 30	Victoria	@ Tucson	St. George
Monday, August 31	Victoria	@ Tucson	St. George

Armada beat RoadRunners

The Armada pick up a much needed victory last night as they went onto beat the St. George RoadRunners 6-1. Kris Honel picked up his first win at Blair Field, pitching seven innings. He is now (2-1) with the Armada.

The Fleet exploded in the bottom of the fifth as Omar Bramasco came home and scored off the RBI double from J.J. Sherril. Sherrill moved up to second, and Moss was in position to score at third. Andy Bouchie stepped up to the plate and came through with a base hit into center field bringing in Moss and Sherrill, extending the Armada lead to 5-1.

Bottom of the sixth the Fleet wasn't done as Brandon Howard brought in Jonny Kaplan from third to extend the lead to 6-1 over St. George.

Rusty Jones replaced Honel and pitched two innings to close out the RoadRunners, and picked up the win for the Armada.

The Armada are now 13-15 in the second half, 33-33 overall. The Fleet will face the RoadRunners in St. George for a three game series.

Fleet up 5-1

We go into the sixth and what an inning that was as the Armada were able to score three runs to end the fifth. It started with Omar Bramasco scoring off the RBI double from J.J. Sherril. Sherrill moved up to second, and moss was in position to score at third. Andy Bouchie stepped up to the plate and came through with a base hit and picked up an RBI double bringing in Moss from third and Sherrill from second. The Armada has five runs, nine hits, and no errors. The RoadRunners has one run, four hits, and one error. Thanks to J.J. Sherrill some lucky Armada fans are going home with some In and Out Burgers.

Scorpions and Toros update

Fans just wanted to update everyone on the Game between the Yuma Scorpions and the Tucson Toros taking place at Desert Sun Stadium in Yuma. Top of the sixth the Toros and Scorpions are tied at two. The Scorpions have been playing good baseball in the second half, better than they did in the first. If you read the post by Josh earlier today their was a bit of a brawl going on between the Toros and the Scorpions, resulting in injuries, and six ejections. I totally agree with Josh the GBL front office will defiantly review this game and their could be some suspensions.

Armada on top 2-1

We go into the fourth and the Armada are on top of the RoadRunners 2-1. Brandon Howard was able to advance to first, but then was able to advance to second off the E-5 from Angel Sanchez. Moss then stepped up to the plate and came through with a base hit into right field which allowed Howard to come home and score. Moss picked up his second RBI of the night, eleventh of the season. The Armada has two runs, five hits, and no errors. The RoadRunners has one run, two hits, and one error.

Howard ties ball game

We go into the second and we have a tie ball game. It started off with Brandon Howard advancing to second base off the wild pitch from Raymar Diaz to Omar Bramasco. Bramasco struck out, but Steve Moss with a base hit to deep center field allowed the speedy Brandon Howard to make a run for home from second and scored. Steve Moss with his ninth RBI of the season. The Armada has one run, two hits, and no errors. The RoadRunners also has one run, two hits, and no errors.

St. George leads early 1-0

Bottom of the first and the Armada trail early to the RoadRunners by a run. Yosvany Almario scores off the RBI Single from A.J. Valentine. Valentine picked his 74th RBI of the season. The Armada has no runs, one hit, and no errors. The RoadRunners has one run, two hits, and no errors. Omar Bramasco is now up to bat.

Armada vs. RoadRunners 8/20

Game three of this three game series the Armada look to get back to their winning ways as they host the visiting St. George RoadRunners. The Armada look to wrap up this series with a win after a heartbreaking eleven inning 5-3 loss last night. The Armada are currently in fifth place, with a 12-15 record in the second half of the GBL season. After this game the Armada will board the bus and head off to St. George for a three game series, and then come back to California to host their freeway rival the Orange County Flyers. Right handed pitcher Kris Honel will get the ball tonight as he looks for his first win at Blair Field.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Brandon Howard #2 2B
2. Omar Bramasco #6 SS
3. Steve Moss #32 LF
4. J.J. Sherrill #19 DH
5. Andy Bouchie #15 C
6. Asif Shah #25 RF
7. Jonny Kaplan #6 3B
8. Daryl Jones #31 1B
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: Kris Honel
1-1, 15th Start, 3.90 ERA

Toros & Scorpions throw down

This reported from the Yuma Sun newspaper.  Last night in Yuma, the Tucson Toros and the Scorpions exploded into a brawl that resulted in injuries, six ejections, and what's sure to be suspensions to come.  

Reading the article, the Toros appeared to have a relief pitcher make the start just to throw at Yuma leadoff man Deivis Rivadeniera before the actual starter came in once the reliever was ejected for throwing at a guy.  

And please don't say that it's because these are two teams from Arizona that play each other "all the time" so they have some bad blood.  Counting tonight's game scheduled between the Toros and Scorpions, the two teams play nine times this season.  Long Beach has played Yuma 16 times this year without incident.

Here's the Yuma Sun article:

After a near-brawl Tuesday night, the Toros and Scorpions got into a full-fledged brawl including plenty of fist fights and kicking Wednesday night, but Yuma couldn't muster much offense in a 6-3 loss at Desert Sun Stadium.

The loss pushes the Scorpions (15-17 second half, 25-44 overall) four games back of the South Division leading Toros (15-9, 32-30) with just seven games left for Yuma.

Despite the scuffle that resulted in six player ejections - four Scorpions - and the poor offensive showing, there was one bright spot for Yuma. Tucson started the sixth with three singles when Ryan Priddy, with runners at first and second, lined the ball to Carlos Villalobos at third on a hit and run. Villalobos ended up starting a triple play, doubling off the two runners by a mile as Yuma escaped the inning down 6-1.

Tucson managed just three hits through the first four innings, but started the fifth with five straight singles that lead to three runs, giving the Toros a 5-1 lead off Yuma starter Julio Santiago (1-6).

The top of the first was uneventful, with Santiago retiring the side on nine pitches. There would be no such calmness in the bottom of the first.

Brian Daly got the start for Tucson, his first since 2007 with Laredo of the United League. In 102 professional games, it was his 27th start. The first pitch to Deivis Rivadeneira was inside. Even though both teams were warned before the game - extra security was on-hand as well - Daly wasn't tossed. The second pitch went behind Rivadeneira, who then charged the mound.

There was little action as both teams stood around for the first 90 seconds, but eventually punches were thrown and the melee was on.

Both managers were tossed, although for the second straight game Tucson was under an acting manager in the absence of Tim Johnson. Pete LaCock was the interim manager Tuesday, but Ed Vosberg was listed as interim manager Wednesday and was the one ejected. Johnson arrived in the second inning and took over managing.

Jackie Gutierrez, who took over for manager Boris Villa after his ejection, left immediately after the game and was not available for comment.

Johnson got to stay and watch reliever - but usual starter - Vince Davis (3-2) stymie the Scorpions' bats. Rivadeneira and pitchers Wilton Noel, Cristian Mendoza and Javier Ortiz were tossed, along with Villa. Former Major League all-star Junior Spivey was the only Toro player ejected other than Daly.

The win puts the Toros at 3-5 against the Scorps this year, with two wins coming with Davis pitching.

"These guys are playing good against us all the time, and we needed this win," Johnson said, "Vince pitched well and threw a great game, and pitching is the key."

Yuma made things close in the eighth with a two-run double by Villalobos, who drove in all three Yuma runs and had two of the four Scorpion hits. Before the eighth, Davis had given up just one hit but gave up three in the two-run eighth.

Dorian Castro came on to pitch in the sixth for the Scorps and gave up an RBI single to the first batter, but induced the double play and retired 12 straight, lasting the final four innings.

Reid Price pitched the ninth for Tucson to pick up his eighth save.

The teams wrap up the three-game series at 7:05 tonight.

Playoff Projections: How the Armada can make the playoffs

With only 12 games left in the 2009 Golden Baseball League regular season, here is a breakdown of the South Division playoff picture. The St. George RoadRunners had the best record in the first half of the season, clinching one of the two South Division playoff berths. If the RoadRunners win the second half as well, the team with the second-best overall record will face them in the playoffs.

Here are the current South Division SECOND HALF standings as of today:

South Division	Wins	Loses	Win %	Games Back	Games Left
Tucson Toros	14	9	0.609	-	12
Orange County Flyers	15	12	0.556	1	12
St. George RoadRunners*	16	14	0.533	1.5	12
Yuma Scorpions	15	16	0.484	3	8
Long Beach Armada	12	14	0.462	3.5	12

*First Half Winner


The winner of the second half will be determined by winning percentage because of the unbalanced scheduled created when the Tijuana Potros were put on hold. Basically because each team does not play the same number of games, the winner is based on winning percentage, not necessary the number of wins a team has.

Therefore, in looking at the remaining 12 games (or 8 for Yuma), in order for the Armada to make the playoffs, it's not just about narrowing the gap of being 3.5 games back, the winning percentage for each team ahead of Long Beach is the key factor.

If the Long Beach Armada were to win 9 of its final 12 games to make the playoffs, the team would have a final record of 21-17 for a winning percentage of 0.553 in the second half. That would mean each other team in the South Division would need to see its winner percentage slip below that mark. Here is the breakdown...

Where Teams Can Finish

South Division	Games Left	If they Win	If they Lose	2nd Half Wins	2nd Half Loses	Win %
Tucson Toros	12	6	6	20	15	0.571
St. George RoadRunners*	12	8	4	24	18	0.571
Orange County Flyers	12	7	5	22	17	0.564
Yuma Scorpions	8	7	1	22	17	0.564
Long Beach Armada	12	9	3	21	17	0.553
St. George RoadRunners*	12	7	5	23	19	0.548
Tucson Toros	12	5	7	19	16	0.543
Orange County Flyers	12	6	6	21	18	0.538
Yuma Scorpions	8	6	2	21	18	0.538

So what does it all mean?

It means if the Armada does go on to win nine of its final 12 games, then it would need each of the other teams in the South Division to finish with the records and winner percentages listed below the Armada's 21-17 (0.553) mark. Basically the team needs to win four more games than Tucson the rest of the way (thus being 3.5 games back of the Toros right now).

Now those teams could win more or less games than the numbers I put up there. Those are just to show - relative to the Armada getting very hot - the limits of where other teams in the South Division can finish to either barely make or barely miss the playoffs ahead of or behind the Long Beach Armada.

Armada beats St. George in slugfest

ARMADA BOUNCES BACK TWICE TO GET THE WIN

LONG BEACH (August 18, 2009) -- The Long Beach Armada overcame a three-run deficit twice against the offensively explosive St. George RoadRunners en route to a 13-11 victory at Blair Field on Tuesday.  The win puts the Armada, now 12-14 in the second half, 3.5 games behind first-place Tucson in the GBL South Division standings with 12 games left in the regular season.  

St. George used two big innings - a six-run second and a five-run sixth - to take three-run leads over the Fleet, but each time the Armada offense responded in kind. 

The RoadRunners batted around in the sixth inning to turn an 8-6 Armada lead into a 11-8 hole.  The Armada responded in the home half of the inning with an RBI-single from Dan Luyben and a two-RBI single from Brandon Howard to tie the game, 11-11.  Howard finished the night 2-for-5 with one run scored and two RBI on a night where he got the start at third base after Napoleon Calzado was inactivated for the remainder of the season.

Omar Bramasco doubled in the bottom of the seventh to score Jonny Kaplan from first base as Long Beach took a 12-11 lead.  One inning later, Andy Bouchie hit his team-leading seventh homerun of the season over the centerfield wall to push the Armada ahead for good, 13-11.

Long Beach relievers Scott Watson, Justin Segal and Rusty Jones combined to shut out the RoadRunners over the final four innings to preserve the victory.  Watson (1-0) earned the win, giving up three hit over two innings of relief.  Jones earned his third save of the season.

Long Beach struck with three runs in the first inning to take the early lead, highlighted by back-to-back RBI doubles from Steve Moss and Matt Edgecombe.  

St. George retaliated with a monster second inning.  The RoadRunners roughed up Armada starter Dusty Gober for two runs off of three hits and two Armada errors before the GBL's RBI-leader AJ Valentine blasted a grand slam homerun for a 6-3 St. George lead.

All nine Armada batters collected a hit, and six notched multi-hit games.  Eight different Armada batters drove in at least one run, with Josh Womack leading the charge with a 3-RBI night.

If the Armada wins the second half division title, the team will advance to the playoffs for a GBL-record fourth time.

Armada having a good night

Bottom of the eighth and the Armada trying to close out the Yuma Scorpions as they were able to pick up one run in the bottom of the seventh, extending their lead to 7-3. Brandon Howard made a run for home and scored off the RBI single from Josh Womack. Womack picked up his 19th RBI of the season. Yuma Manager Boris Villa ended Sheridan's night and replaced him with Right handed pitcher Christian Mendoza. Mendoza is making his 28th game appearance. The Armada has seven runs, 13 hits, and one error. The Scorpions have three runs, eight hits, and one error.

Fleet extend lead up 6-3

We go into the seventh and every thing is going the Armadas way as they were able to score one run in the last inning, to put themselves up 7-3. Josh Womack came home and scored off the RBI single from Steve Moss. The Armada has really turned their game around, after a terrible start to this game. The Armada has six runs, nine hits, and one error. The Scorpions have three runs, eight hits, and one error.

Armada respond up 5-3

Bottom of the fifth and the Fleet have responded offensivly scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth to put themselves on top 5-3. It started off with Matt Edgecombe scoring off the RBI double from David Ramirez, the score was 2-3. Ramirez advanced to second and Howard was put into scoring position at third. Yuma Manager Boris Villa saw enough and replaced Reynaldo Correal with former Houston Astros selection Eric Sheridan. Brandon Howard was then able to score off the E-8 from Diover Avila to tie the game at three, that put David Ramirez at third ready to come home. Ramirez then made a run for home and scored off the RBI from Jonny Kaplan. Kaplan picked up his 22nd RBI of the second, the score was 4-3. Then Josh Womack came home and scored off the RBI single from Omar Bramasco to put the Fleet up 5-3. So the Armada need to try to hold onto this lead to earn a much needed victory.

Armada score one run

We go into the third and the Armada were able to score one run to cut the Yuma lead to 3-1. It started off with David Ramirez advancing to first off the fielders choice which also allowed Napolean Calzado to score from third base to cut into lead. So the Armada are not playing good baseball so far in this game. The Armada has one run, no hits, and one error. The Scorpions have three runs, six hits, and no errors.

Fleet in trouble down 3-0

Bottom of the second and the Fleet need to find some runs as they trail Yuma 3-0. Deivis Rivadeneira came home and scored off the RBI single from Adolfo Gomez. Gomez picked up his 21st RBI of the season. Brandon Howard is now up to bat. This is a very crucial game for the Armada so they need to start finding some runs. The Armada has no runs, no hits, and one error. The Scorpions have three runs, six hits, and no errors.

Armada down early 2-0

We go into the bottom of the first inning and what a sloppy inning that was as the fleet trail the Scorpions early 2-0. It all started off with Deivis Rivadeneira scoring off the E-4 the score was 1-0. Then Carlos Arroyo came home and scored off the RBI from Reynaldo Rodriguez. The Armada has no runs, no hits, and one error. The Scorpions have two runs, four hits, and no errors.

Armada vs Scorpions 8/16

Good Afternoon Armada fans and welcome to the final game between the Long Beach Armada and the visiting Yuma Scorpions. Last night was the debut of Pitcher Kris Honel. Honel was acquired from the Edmonton Capitals in exchange for pitcher Jose Lima. Honel received a no decision in his first start last night at Blair Field, as the Armada fell to the Scorpions 2-3. The Armada's record in the second half now stands at 10-14, 30-32 overall. Scott Lonergan will get the ball today as he looks for his fifth win of the season. Stay tuned game three is coming your way.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Jonny Kaplan #5 RF
2. Omar Bramasco #6 SS
3. Steve Moss #22 LF
4. Napolean Calzado #18 3B
5. Asif Shah #25 DH
6. Matt Edgecombe #30 1B
7. Brandon Howard #2 2B
8. David Ramirez #21 C
9. Josh Womack #20 CF

SP: Scott Lonergan #34,
4-5, 5.60 ERA, 13th Start

Fox leads Armada to victory

Ben Fox pitched another great game as he helped lead the Fleet to a 3-2 win over the visiting Yuma Scorpions. Fox picked up his fifth win of the season. The Armada are now 10-13 in the second half, 30-31 overall.

The Fleet came out early in the bottom of the second inning, taking a 1-0 lead over the Scorpions. Matt Edgecombe with a soft hit was able to reach third off a three base throwing error from Jose Mosquera. Andy Bouchie brought in Edgecombe to give the Armada a 1-0 lead.

The Scorpions then responded with back to back singles from Jose Mosquera and Jonathan Lozada out runners on base. A sac bunt from Rivadeneira put runners on second and third base. Adolfo Gomez brought in both runners to give Yuma a 2-1 lead over the Fleet.

The Armada was able to regain the lead when Omar Bramasco and Steve Moss led the inning with back to back walks. Matt Edgecombe came through with a base hit deep into left field which brought in Omar to tie the ball game at two. A wild pitch from reliever pitcher Dorian Castro got away from Mosquera and brought in Steve Moss to give the Armada a 3-2 lead. The Scorpions tried to respond but the Armada handed them the loss.

Fans make your plans to join us again tomorrow at Blair Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Armada regain lead

We go into the seventh and the Armada has reclaimed the lead. Omar Bramasco came home and scored off the RBI single from Matt Edgecombe to tie the ball game at two. Thanks to the wild pitch from Dorian Castro Steve Moss came home and scored to give the Fleet a 3-2 lead. The Armada has three runs, four hits, and no errors. The Scorpions has two runs, five hits, and one error.

Yuma leads 2-1

Bottom of the third inning and the Armada need to score some runs as they trail the Scorpions 2-1. Jose Mosquera and Jonathan Lozada came home and scored off the RBI double from Adolfo Gomez. The Armada desperately need this win tonight if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Armada has one run, no hits, and no errors. The Scorpions has two runs, four hits, and one error.

Armada score one run

We go into the third and the Armada find themselves up 1-0. Matt Edgecombe came home and scored off the RBI from Andy Bouchie. Bouchie picked up his 34th RBI of the season. The Armada has one run, no hits, and no errors. The Scorpions has no runs, one hit, and one error.

Armada vs Scorpions

Welcome back Armada fans and it seems like forever since we last met here at Blair Field. The Armada looking to make their run for the playoffs as they host the visiting Yuma Scorpions. The Armada currently have a 9-13 record in the second half of the GBL season, 29-31 overall. Ben Fox will get the ball tonight, as he looks for his fifth win of the season.

Armada Starting Lineup:
1. Jonny Kaplan #5 9
2. Omar Bramasco #6 6
3. Steve Moss #22 7
4. Napolean Calzado #18 5
5. Matt Edgecombe #30 DH
6. Andy Bouchie #15 2
7. Dan Luyben #10 4
8. Daryl Jones #31 3
9. Josh Womack #20 8

SP: Ben Fox #16 LHP, 3.59 ERA, 13th start

Templeton goes off the wall in St. George

Long Beach Armada manager Garry Templeton taking a handful of swings at the conclusion of batting practice before a game in St. George. Templeton - a three time National League All-Star - declared if given a five or six swings, he could hit a ball out of Bruce Hurst Field. With David Ramirez throwing BP, Templeton picked up a bat and stepped to the plate...

"Time" expires: Lima traded to Edmonton

It looks like the run has ended as Jose Lima has been traded to the Edmonton Capitals for the remainder of the 2009 season. *Make me an offer I can't refuse* For those of you who have been clamoring on this blog for the team to get rid of its major league talent, I guess you're getting your wish. While Hideki Irabu is still on the Armada roster, replacing everything that Jose Lima brought to the table will be a difficult if not impossible task. Long Beach is getting a very capable starting pitcher from the Capitals in Kris Honel - who is scheduled to start Saturday - but the role of team leader that Lima played is one that will leave the biggest void.

Kris Honel, a former first round draft pick of the White Sox, will give the Armada quality starting pitching, but something tells me we won't be hearing any more "Sweet Home Dominicana" in the clubhouse. While the move does "spread the wealth" of having a major talent and even bigger personality like Lima in the league by getting him more exposure to the Canadian teams, we can only hope that he does get the exposure and hopefully the opportunity to get a nod from an affiliated club. That is, after all, what he has been working so hard for.

Lima earned Golden Baseball League All-Star honors this season and was one of four members of the Fleet selected to the GBL's mid-summer classic. So far this season the former Major League All-Star (1999, Houston Astros) has compiled a 5-5 record with a 2.93 ERA. In 11 starts, he has pitched a total of 83 innings, recording 51 strike outs compared to only nine walks. He is averaging between 7 1/3 and 7 2/3 innings per start with Long Beach.

Kris Honel's numbers so far this season. He's 4-4 with a 4.30 ERA. In 10 starts, he has pitched 46 innings, striking out 46 and walking 43.

Here is the official release from the Armada website:

Armada deals Jose Lima to Edmonton for starting pitcher Kris Honel
White Sox former 1st rounder to join Fleet this weekend in Chico

Long Beach, Calif. (July 31, 2009) -– The Long Beach Armada announced tonight that they have traded RHP Jose Lima to the Edmonton Capitals in exchange for RHP Kris Honel, a former first round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox. The two pitchers have similar records in the GBL this season.

Lima has been one of the top pitchers on the Armada staff this season, but will be a free agent at the end of this season. Honel, one of the best young arms in the GBL will be with the Armada next season as well, if he doesn't get picked up by a major league organization, since his contract has an option year left on it that Long Beach can exercise.

Honel, 26, 6-5, 195 was the 16th overall pick in the 2001 amateur draft as the Chicago White Sox made him their first selection that year out of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Illinois. On a fast track, he rocketed up through the White Sox organization reaching AA in two years as he had strikeout totals of 152 and 122 in two short minor league seasons. Injuries sidetracked him in 2004 and 2006 and he moved to the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2008. Released just this year, he joined the Edmonton Capitals and quickly became one of the leaders of their pitching staff. His four wins this year are third best amongst Capitals' pitchers and he has the second best E.R.A. of the starters on the Edmonton staff and is second in strikeouts. He beat the Armada and Jose Lima in a pitcher's duel on June 17th earlier this season, as he struck out 9 and gave up only two hits and allowed no runs.

Edmonton initiated the trade as they try to solidify their hold on the second playoff spot in the North Division. Lima has pitched very effectively against the Capitals this year and was a huge fan favorite on the Armada's visit to Edmonton in the first half of this season.

Also here are interviews with Jose Lima as well as Garry Templeton on the trade.