FAREWELL MIGHTY BRAVES!

  

 Chase Cochran                               Doug English 

 

Cobi Guilbeau                                   Matt McKinney

 

 

April 19

Jefferson, WV 20

Socastee 9

 

Jefferson scored early and often.  The pummeling assult was brutal, as Jefferson scored 10 runs in the first inning and a third, on 5 singles, 2 doubles, and three home runs,  before we made a pitching change!  Our second pitcher faired comparitively "better" giving up 8 runs in  1 and 2/3 and our last pitcher, Doug English, gave up two runs in two innings, while striking out 4. On the bright side, Dalton Smith was 2-3, hitting a double and a monster 3 run homer while also scoring twice.  Cobi Guilbeau was 2-3, with a double, 3 rbi's and a run.  Dylan Thompson was also 2-3 with a double, one Rbi and a run. Hunter Renfrow contributed two hits and scored twice.  Charlie Nicholson was 1-2, with a double, a walk, rbi and run scored. While Kenny Taylor was 1-3 with an Rbi and a run and Walker Darnell was 1-2 with a stolen base.

 

April 18

Cherry Hill 6

Socastee 2

The Braves jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, on a first inning Kenny Taylor line drive home run, but could only generate one more run while giving up 6 to lose by the final score of 6-2. 

Socastee held the 1-0 lead until the top of the third when Cherry Hill scored two runs on an infield hit, two walks and another hit.  Cherry Hill would add three more in the fourth and another in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead.   Socastee would threaten in the sixth inning as they recieved 5 walks but could only manage to score one run after hitting into a double play and leaving the bases loaded.  For the Braves, Kenny Taylor was 1-2 with a home run and Matt McKinney and Dillon Thompson each contributed a hit.  Kyle Smith was the starting pitcher and he went five innings before yeilding to Doug English who pitched two scoreless innings. 

April 14
St. James 7
Socastee 1

For five innings the Socastee Braves played even baseball on the scoreboard 1-1, but actually outplayed the Sharks on the field.   The coaches, had the players perfectly aligned defensively and the players made the plays allowing just a lead off wind assisted home run and shutting up the obnoxious chants coming from the Sharks dugout. (These "bop, bop, bop" chants right as the pitcher was going into his delivery are reminiscent of 10 year old rec ball or girls softball - and really have no place on any team much less on a team that touts  "best in state," "nationally ranked," and "7 college bound players" - well don't try that in College because there is sure to be repercussions.). Chase Cochran did a magnificent job, pitching five complete innings on just 59 pitches and allowing just two runs.  Down one nothing in the fourth, Manny Berdayes hit a ball over the right field fence to tie the game at 1.  However, in the sixth inning as Austin Schmitz came in to relieve,  the Braves defense faltered and a bloop base hit to right allowed the sharks to extend the inning and score four runs instead of just one.  The Sharks then added two insurance runs in the seventh to win 7-1.  For the Braves, Charlie Nicholson had two hits and Manny Berdayes had one.

April 13

Socastee 6

North Myrtle Beach 0

Junior Chase Keevert pitched a complete game four hit shut out (on only 70 pitches) with 6 strike outs to lead the Braves to victory.  Keevert defended a 1-0 lead from the first inning to the seventh when the Braves scored 5 to break the game open.  In the first Cobi Guilbeau led off with a walk, stole second and came in to score on a rbi single by Manny Berdayes.  In the seventh, Cobi Guilbeau led off with a hit and Kenny Taylor followed with a two run home run blast.  After walks to Dalton Smith and Matt McKinney, Walker Darnell singled to knock in a run and  would score along with Matt on an error by the shortstop.

April 11

Socastee 8

Myrlte Beach 7

The Braves led 7-1 and 8-2 and held on to win 8-7.  Kyle "Young Gun" Smith picked up the victory pitching a complete game (108 pitches) and stranded the potential  tying and winning runs on base in the last inning to preserve the victory.   Offensively for the Braves:  Kenny Taylor (2-4, 2 rbi's, 2 R), Charlie Nicholson (2-3, HR (7), 2 Rbi's, BB), Hayden Miller (1-3, 2 Rbi's), Dylan Thompson (1-3, BB), Walker Darnell (1-4, Rbi, SB) 

April 7

Mingo Bay Tournament Game 4 

Socastee 16

Corning Hawks 6

The Braves seemed to score at will scoring in 4 of 5 innings to win handily.  Trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the third, the Braves erupted for 12 runs to take a commanding lead 14-3 and put it away two innings later via the 10 run mercy rule as Manny Berdayes led off the bottom of the 5th with a walk off home run, his fourth hit of the day.  Matt McKinney had two doubles and three rbi's, and a run while Dalton Smith also added a three rbi double.  Charlie Nicholson started the scoring for the Braves by blasting a two run homer in the first, he also added a hit and a walk to go along with three runs scored. Walker Darnell also doubled and knocked in two while scoring one and Hunter Renfrow doubled and scored.  Cobi Guilbeau had a hit.  Chase Keevert was the winning pitcher going 4 innings and Doug English pitched a scoreless fifth.    

April 6

Mingo Bay Tournament Game 3

Pendelton 4

Socastee 2

The Braves seemed to be in control of the game as they scored one in the first and added another in the third to take a 2-0 lead.  Another of the "Young Guns", Dylan Thompson started and pitched 6 strong innings cruising through the first five giving up just two hits and no runs while protecting the 2-0 lead.  In the sixth, a hit and a windblown home run tied the game.  Dylan started the seventh (w 87 pitches)  and surrendered to reliever Kyle Smith, another "Young Gun" (who had thrown 96 pitches just two days prior)  but Southside would plate two runs and go on to win the game 4-2.  Offensively, Dalton Smith led the Braves hitting the ball hard all three times and delivering two doubles.   In the first, Kenny Taylor doubled down the left field line and Charlie Nicholson knocked him in with an rbi single.  In the third inning Hunter Renfrow and Cobi Guilbeau led off the inning with consecutive bunt singles and Kenny Taylor drove in Hunter with a sacrifice.  Hayden Miller also collected a hit.    

April 5

Mingo Bay Tournament Game 2

Socastee 7

Southside 2

Charlie Nicholson had his second multi homer game of the season hitting two home runs and adding another hit while scoring three times to lead the Braves offensively.

Great pitching by two of the "young guns" led Socastee defensively.  Trevor Bingham started and pitched the first three innings giving up two runs (just one earned) and Austin Schmitz pitched four shutout innings while giving up just  two hits and striking out 5.  Other offensive stars for the Braves were:  Hunter Renfrow (2-2, 2 rbi, sb, sac); Walker Darnell (2-2, rbi, sac); Dylan Thompson (1-1, BB, sac),  Hayden Miller (1-3, Rbi) and Kenny Taylor (1-3, SB)

April 4

Mingo Bay Tournament Game 1

Pleasure Ridge, Louisville KY 8

Socastee Braves 4

Pleasure Ridge jumped out to an early lead scoring 5 runs in the first inning and adding 3 more in the fourth to take an 8-0 lead.   The Braves battled back with one run in the fifth and rallied for 3 more runs in the seventh but could not manage anymore and lost 8-4.  Offensively for the Braves Hayden Miller led the charge with two hits, including a triple, scored a run and drove in 3 of the 4 Socastee runs. Dalton Smith also had two hits and scored a run.  Cobi Guilbeau hit a double, drove in a run, and walked twice.  Also contributing hits were,  Kenny Taylor (double), Charlie Nicholson, Dillon Thompson (with a run scored) and Tyler Dillon (1 for 1).    Pitching for the Braves was Kyle Smith as the starter, who went four  innings (on 96 pitches) with Chase Cochran pitching two innings in relief and Doug English pitching one inning.  

April 1

Georgetown 12 Socastee 8

The Braves battled valiantly but could just not overcome a ten run deficit.  Down 11-1 in the top of the 4th , (go figure April Fools day 4-1-11) Dalton Smith led off with a sharp single to right and scored two pitches later when Walker Darnell smacked a two run homer to center.  The Braves would score once more in the fourth as Dylan Thompson followed with a drive to right center for a stand up double and scored on a hit by Cobi Guilbeau. 

The Braves would rally for 4 more runs in the sixth inning to cut the lead in half, but could not muster anything in the seventh to lose by the final of 12 -8.  The inning started on back to back walks to 'the official rally starters for the night' Walker Darnell and Dylan Thompson.  This was followed by a Georgetown error that allowed 1 run and put runners on second and third with no outs.  Cobi Guilbeau then roped a line drive that the G-town second baseman, playing un-explicably in and towards second,  leaped high into the air to snag and beat the runner back to second to complete a double play.  The excellent defensive play would turn out to be a game changer that prevented the Braves from doing more damage and possibly tying the game or taking the lead as the Braves followed with three more hits and two walks to plate three more runs and leave the bases loaded.  Kenny Taylor got it restarted, with an rbi single to left  and Charlie Nicholson worked out a walk.  Matt McKinney and Manny Berdayes then followed with rbi singles.  

Recapping, Walker Darnell led the charge with a homer, double and a walk with three runs scored and two rbi's (and made a couple of good defensive plays).  Manny Berdayes had a double, hit and an rbi and Cobi Guilbeau and Kenny Taylor had two hits and an rbi. Kenny also had a walk and saved at least one run on diving head first catch of a blistered line drive with the infield in and the bases loaded.  Dylan Thompson hit a double, walked,  scored 2 runs and had an rbi.  He also came in to pitch in relief in the second inning and after a shaky third inning settled in to allow just 1 run over the last three innings.  Charlie Nicholson had a double, walk and run scored while Matt McKinney had a single and an rbi and Dalton Smith had a single, walk and run scored.  Chase Keevert was the Braves starting pitcher. 

March 29

Braves Win,  Smith pitches no-hitter!

 

Kyle Smith pitched a brilliant ball game to earn a no hitter.  He pitched all five innings throwing just 61 pitches and  facing just one batter over the minimum while striking out 5 and walking one.   The pitching gem was accompanied by a Braves offensive outburst that produced 11 runs (in just 4 innings) to give the Braves an 11-0 win.  Offensively, Cobi Guilbeau collected three hits, scored a run and was robbed of a 4th hit by a great diving defensive effort by the third baseman.  Manny Berdayes collected a double and a single to knock in 4 rbi's.  Contributing two rbi's each were, Kenny Taylor (1-2, 2 R, sac, and a stolen base), Walker Darnell (1-3, Double, R) and Hunter Renfrow (1-3, R, SB).  Also getting hits were, Matt McKinney (RBI, 2 R, BB, SB), Dalton Smith (R, BB), Dylan Thompson (BB).  And Charlie Nicholson reached base all three at bats and scored three runs on two walks and a fielders choice.  Congratulations to Kyle and the entire team!

 

 

March 25

Braves lose to St. James 14-0.

 

A seven run fourth inning blew the game wide open as the Sharks doubled their lead to 14-0.    Once again the Braves could not generate any offense and struggled defensively.   After leaving two runners on base in the top of the first, and getting the first two outs in the Sharks half of the inning the Braves misplayed a fly ball and dropped a pop up to allow 4 runs.  They gave up another three runs, two unearned in the second.  Offesnsively, for the Braves Kenny Taylor had two hits and Manny Berdayes had one.  Dillon Thompson started for the Braves and was relieved by Chase Keevert to start the third inning. 

 

 

March 22

Braves lose in extra innings to Wilson, 8-7

 

A wild pitch and an errant throw allowed the winning run to score from second in the bottom of the eighth inning to hand Wilson an 8- 7 victory.  The Braves struck first in the top half of the first inning on a Charlie Nicholson homerun to take a 1-0 lead.  The Tigers momentarily tied the game in the second before Socastee scored 4 runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead.  However, the lead was short lived as Wilson scored 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 6.  The Braves responded right back in the sixth with one run to take a 7-6 lead which they held until the bottom of the seventh when the Tigers forced extra innings by scoring an unearned run of their own.  The Braves failed to score in the eighth and then proceeded to give up their fourth unearned run of the night to allow the Tiger victory.  For the Braves Kyle Smith started and pitched 6 strong innings allowing only 4 earned runs.  Chase Keevert pitched the final two innings and did not allow an earned run.  Offensively, Charlie Nicholson had two hits ( HR, H, RBI, R), Dillon Thompson two hits,(2 RBI’s, R) Hayden Miller (H, RBI, R,  Sac), Cobi Guilbeau (H, Run), Manny Berdayes (H, RBI, R) and Hunter Renfrow (H). 

 

 

March 18

Myrtle Beach 4 Braves 3

 

This was a heartbreaking loss as the Braves gave up 3 unearned runs and lost 4-3.  With the scored tied,  the Seahawks pushed accross an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning for the victory and left Socastee on the field.  Chase Keevert started the game and pitched 6 1/3 strong innings giving up just one earned run.  Offensively,  Walker Darnell collected two hits an RBI, a walk and a run scored to lead the Braves.  Also contributing. Cobi Guilbeau 2 hits, walk, stolen base; Charlie Nicholson hit and a walk and a run scored; and Matt Mckinney (R), Kenny Taylor, Manny Berdayes, Hayden Miller and Chase Keevert all had a hit apiece. 

 

March 17

Gillman 22 Socastee 5

 

The Braves were never in the game as they surrendered 8 runs in the top of the first and trailed 20 to 2 after three innings.  It is very hard to find any positives from this performance but it is games like these that make winning so satisfying.  This absolute feeling of futility should hurt so bad that it should be the spark that feeds the flame and creates a burning desire to persevere and play winning baseball.  Anyone can play when the team is winning and things are going good, but the true measure of character is to play when everything is going against you.  This should only inspire you to work harder and when the day comes that you savor the victories, they will only be sweeter because you will know how hard you worked to make it so.  Go Braves!

 

Offensively, Walker Darnell was 3-3, (rbi) Kenny Taylor 2-3 (double, 2 rbi's) and Cobi Guilbeau, Manny Berdayes, Chase Cochran and Kyle Smith all had a hit a piece.

 

March 15

 

Georgetown 8 Braves 3 8 Braves 3

 

Once again the Braves failure to execute defensively gave Georgetown six runs, four of which game in the fifth inning and allowed the Bulldogs to take a commanding 6 to1 lead, breaking open what had been a tight contest up to that point. Georgetown held a 2-1 lead after scoring two unearned runs in the first inning and Socastee battling back with one of their own when Cobi Guilbeau reached on an error, moved to second on a Matt Mckinney single and scored an RBI single by Manny Berdayes.

 

In the disastrous fifth inning the Bulldogs scored four runs on just two hits, with one of those being a disputed ground ball that was called fair for a three run double down the right field line.  Georgetown loaded the bases on a single to center and two sacrifice bunts that the Braves failed to execute outs on.   A force out at home momentarily halted the Bulldogs, but that was followed by a walk and the back breaking double.  Georgetown scored two insurance runs with a hit and home run in the seventh inning to take a 8-1.  Socastee battled back in the bottom of the seventh, but there would not be any last inning heroics on this night, as they could only manage two runs, leaving two on base as the final was recorded 8-3.

 

Kyle Smith was the starting pitcher and pitched an excellent game.  He pitched 6 complete innings, striking out all three outs in the second and sixth innings while recording 7 strikeouts overall.  With a little defensive help he would not have given up any earned runs.  Chase Keevert relieved Kyle and pitched the seventh inning.   Offensively for the Braves:  Matt Mckinney 3 Hits (2b, R, Rbi), Manny Berdayes 2 hits (walk, rbi), Charlie Nicholson 1 hit (double, hit by pitch, rbi), Cobi Guilbeau 1 hit (walk, 2 runs) and Walker Darnell 1 hit (and a walk),

 

 

 

March 12

 

The Braves rallied to erase an eight run deficit by scoring score 10 runs in the last two innings of the second game to earn the victory 14-12 and a split of the double header after losing game one 13 - 4.  The dramatic highlight was a two out three run walk off home run by Charlie Nicholson.  This was Charlie’s second home run of the game to go along with a double and 6 runs batted in.   

 

In the first game, the Braves fell behind in the first inning 1-0 and could never recover as Camden added 5 in the second, one in the third and 3 in the fourth to take a 10-1 lead.  The Braves fought back with three in their half of the fourth to cut the lead to 10-4, but this was as close as they would make it and eventually lost 14-4.  The starting pitcher for the Braves was Kenny Taylor whom was relieved by Chase Keevert in the third and pitched the remainder of the game.  Offensively, Cobi Gulbeau collected three hits and 2 rbi’s, while Chase Keevert contributed two hits, an rbi and a runs scored.  Matt McKinney also had two hits and reached base on a hit by pitch.  Walker Darnell and Kenny Taylor both had a hit a piece and a run scored. 

 

In game two, the Braves struck first with three runs in the first inning.  Matt McKinney got a base hit to right and scored on Charlie Nicholson’s home run blast to left center.  The Braves were not done yet and mustered another run on consecutive doubles by Dalton Smith and an RBI double by Kenny Taylor.  Camden battled back with an unearned run in the second and two in the third to tie the score at 3 – 3 after 3.  Camden exploded in the fourth to score 6 runs while the Braves countered with only 1 run to take a 9 - 4 lead after 4.  Camden added 3 more in the fifth to run the score to 12 – 4 and create the 8 run deficit with two innings remaining.  In the bottom of the sixth, the Braves cut the lead in half scoring four times.  Kenny Taylor started the rally with his third double of the day and scored on an rbi single to right by Tyler Dillon.  Dylan Thompson followed with a single to right.  Cobi Guilbeau then hustled out a ball hit back to the pitcher causing an errant throw and Matt McKinney followed with an rbi single to left.  Charlie Nicholson capped the scoring with an rbi double to left center.  In the dramatic seventh inning, Dalton Smith led off with a walk and was followed by Kenny Taylor’s fourth double of the game.  Tyler Dillon then stroked a gapper into left center for a two run double cutting the lead to two runs.  After consecutive outs, the Braves were down to their last out when Cobi Guilbeau took an outside pitch to right field for an rbi single scoring Tyler Dillon and making it a one run game.  Matt McKinney then collected his third hit of the game with a single to left to bring up Charlie Nicholson who wasted no time and launched the first pitch over the left center field fence to give the Braves the 14-12 walk off win!   

 

Doug English started the game and pitched three innings giving up only three earned runs.   Matt McKinney and Trevor Bingham pitched in relief.  At the time it looked like they were insignificant, but they turned out to be key innings as they kept the deficit from growing when Kyle Smith pitched a perfect 6^th inning and Chase Cochran pitched a perfect seventh to earn the victory. Recapping the offensive fireworks:  Charlie Nicholson 2 home runs a double, two runs scored and six rbi’s.   Kenny Taylor 4 doubles, three runs scored and an rbi.  Matt McKinney three hits, two runs scored and an Rbi.  Cobi Guilbeau two hits, two runs scored and an rbi.  Tyler Dillon was big going two for two with a double, two runs scored and 3 rbi’s.   Dillon Thompson also had two hits including a double and an rbi and a run scored.  And Dalton Smith had a double a walk and two runs scored. 

 

 

March 8

 

Varsity Braves lose season opener to Wilson.

 

The Braves lost the season’s first game 7-3 to district opponent Wilson Tigers.  Failure to execute was the cause of the loss and it was evident both offensively and defensively.  On the defensive side these failures accounted for at least three runs and possibly up to 6 of the Tigers seven runs.  A dropped ball on a botched squeeze play run down accounted for one run, a dropped third strike accounted for another and the failure to convert two throws on a bunt with a man on third accounted for a third run.  A misplayed line drive that could have possibly been caught but was played into a bases clearing three run triple was a back breaker that accounted for three Tiger runs.

 

Offensively, we tallied seven hits, three walks and a hit batsman,  but four of those were nullified with base running blunders.    We had a runner thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double leading off the inning and down by three runs with the 3,4 and 5 hitters coming up;  we had another leadoff hit wasted by getting picked off first (the second of the game and the fifth  runner picked off in three games) and we had another runner get doubled off first on a (disputed dropped) fly ball.  On a positive note, Dalton Smith had a hit and an RBI.  Also contributing offensively were Cobi Guilbeau (hit and walk), Matt Mckinney (hit and HBP), Manny Berdayes (hit and walk), Kenny Taylor (hit and walk), Charlie Nicholson (double) and Hunter Renfrow (hit). 

 

The Braves look to get on track as they host Camden for  a double header on Saturday.  Come out and support the team!

 

Its time for the 2011 Baseball season! 

 

 

This year the Braves will field a young team as they return only 2 seniors and 6 total players from last years team.  Overall the roster is composed of 4 seniors, 8 juniors, 5 freshmen and 1 eighth grader. However, don’t let their ages fool you; this team is loaded with talent.

 

 

Starting with the pitchers, the Braves have 11 capable arms.  The senior member of the staff is lefty Matt Mckinney who is joined by two other lefties Chase Keevert (Jr) and Chase Cochran (Sr.).  Returning this year, is Senior Doug English who will see time on the mound as will three position players, Kenny Taylor, Hayden Miller  and Walker Darnell.    Rounding out the pitching corps are the young guns which will play a pivotal role in the success of this years team.  They are Trevor Bigham (Fr), Tyler Dillon (Fr), Kyle Smith (Fr) and eighth grader Dylan Thompson.

 

 

Junior, Manny Berdayes will be the starting catcher and will be backed up by Cobi Guilbeau (Sr.) and Dalton Smith (Fr.).  If Charlie Nicholson (Jr.) is healthy he should get the nod at first base or we may see Hayden Miller (Jr) there.  At second base, Walker Darnell (Jr) will start and will be backed up by Trevor Bigham (Fr.) and Tyler Dillon (fr).   Kenny Taylor (Jr) will be the shortstop and eighth grader Dylan Thompson is projected to start at third.  When back healthy, (projected in two weeks) Jordan Renfrow will be a utility infielder.

 

 

In the outfield we will see lots of speed with Hunter Renfrow (or Matt Mckinney when not pitching) in center,  Kyle Smith or Tyler Dillon in left and Cobi Guilbeau in right.  Also seeing time in the outfield will be Jerad Landrey and Hayden Miller.

 

 

Regardless of who plays where, the strength of this year’s team should be their collective hitting.  Every player is capable of handling the bat in any given situation.  This team has practiced hard and will continue to improve as the season progresses.  As with most teams at this level, their success will not be defined by how much talent they have but how they use that talent to play as a team.   Remember, its not the team that has the best talent that wins, but the team that plays the best .

 

 

 

GO BRAVES!

 

 

Here is the varsity schedule for this season:

2/16 Waccamaw 5:30 PM Scrimmage

2/19  Marion 1:00 PM Scrimmage

3/8    Wilson 6:30 PM

3/12  Camden  11:00 AM (Double header)

3/15  Georgetown 6:00 PM

3/17   Gillman, Md.  @ Ripken 5:00 PM

3/18   @ Myrtle Beach 6:00 PM

3/22   @ Wilson 6:00 PM

3/25   @ St. James 6:00 PM

3/29   North Myrtle Beach 6:00 PM

3/31   @ Carolina Forest 6:30 PM

4/1     @ Georgetown 6:00 PM

4/4     TBA  Mingo Bay

4/5     TBA Mingo Bay

4/6     TBA  Mingo Bay

4/7     TBD Mingo Bay

4/8     TBD  Mingo Bay

4/11   Myrtle Beach

4/12   @ North Myrtle Beach

4/14     St.  James

4/18   TBD Mingo Bay

4/19   TBD Mingo Bay

4/20   TBD Mingo Bay

4/21   TBD Mingo Bay

Check out the "News" channel for pre-season rankings.