James Madison HS

Vienna, Virginia

 Madison Warhawks

 Baseball

2003 Game

Summaries

Madison 2003 Varsity Game Summaries:

State Semifinals /State Quarterfinals / State Tournament Pairings  /Robinson Regional Championship Game / Yorktown Regional Semifinals / Centreville Regional Quarterfinals / West Springfield Regionals / Langley District Championship/ Woodson Semifinals/ Marshall away/  Lee home/ Fairfax away/ McLean home/ Langley away/ Lee away/ Woodson home/ Hayfield/ St.Johns Prospect Hall/ Wakefield/ Stone Bridge/ Marshall home/ Park View home/ Fairfax home/ McLean away/ Langley home/ Woodson away/ Oakton home/ Centreville home/ 2003 Statistics

See Schedule Scores and Pitchers on 2003 Season Page

Madison Loses Opener to Centreville 7-2

The Madison Warhawks opened their 2003 in a non-district game that pitted the two teams that played for the 2002 Northern Region Championship.  The Warhawks played the Wildcats, who returned all of their players from last year, tough for 5 innings in a scoreless game that featured outstanding pitching by Warhawk Senior Josh Canova and the Wildcats Wake Forest bound Chuck Mellies.  The Warhawks threatened in the first when Nick Tomasetti led off and was hit by a pitch.  Matt Riffee singled to right field.  Matt Foley drove a ball to deep left field just getting under it slightly and  missing a possible three run home run with Tomasetti tagging and advancing to third.  The inning ended on a double play.  The Warhawks turned three double plays and Matt Foley threw out two runners through five innings.  With bases loaded and two outs in the sixth, the Warhawks misplayed a ball and allowed three runs to score.

  The Warhawks began a rally in the bottom of the sixth when Matt Riffee lined a single to centerfield and advanced to third on another hard line drive single by Matt Foley.  Andrew Baird drove a deep sacrifice fly to right field to score Riffee.  Adam Bechtold reached first base on catcher's interference but the Warhawks stranded two runners. After six innings the Warhawks trailed 3 to 1.  Closer, Chris Wimmer, took the hill and was pitching with a lot of velocity in his debut.  The Wildcats managed to score four more in the seventh inning.  In the bottom of the seventh, Chris Wimmer doubled to right and with two outs, Nick Tomasetti singled to score Wimmer.  Matt Riffee walked to keep the inning alive but the Warhawks stranded two more runners to end the game. The Warhawks had their opportunities to win the game but needed to make a few more plays and pick-up stranded base runners in several innings.

Preseason Connection Article

Madison Defeats Oakton 10 to 4

The Madison Warhawks, who are ranked fifth as of this game in the Washington Post, played yet another of Northern Virginia's top teams as they hosted the Oakton Cougars.  Matt Riffee of the Warhawks and Oakton's Evan Frederick battled on the mound.  Oakton jumped to a 2 to 0 lead in the second thanks to a solo homer by Jablonski and hits by Kidwell and Cogswell. In the bottom of the second, Madison pulled within one run (2 to 1) thanks to consecutive hits by Adam Bechtold,  Josh Canova and Chris Wimmer. After Riffee shut down the Cougars in the third, Oakton scored an unearned run in the fourth on a two-out error to increase their lead to 3 to 1. The Warhawks rallied to take a 4 to 3 lead in the fourth when Adam Bechtold and Josh Canova started the inning with consecutive doubles. Chris Wimmer singled to score Canova and Ryan Costello sacrificed Wimmer to second. Wimmer stole third base and scored on Nick Tomasetti's ground out. Riffee, who pitched well, left the hill in the middle of the fifth after retiring Oakton's clean-up hitter Jared Kubin with  a runner on base and a one run lead. Chris Wimmer relieved and recorded the third out but not before the tying run scored.  In the bottom of the fifth,  the Warhawks erupted to take an 8 to 4 lead. Matt Riffee led off the inning with a single and was forced at second as Foley reached on a fielder's choice. Andrew Baird singled Foley to third and then Adam Bechtold drove in Foley with a single that also moved Baird to third base. Josh Canova hit a sacrifice fly to score Baird with the Warhawks seventh run. Chris Wimmer singled again and Nick Tomasetti picked up an RBI single to score Bechtold and Madison led 8 to 4 After 5 innings. Madison added two more runs in the sixth inning when Johnny Ayers singled and Matt Foley walked to set the bases for Andrew Baird and Adam Bechtold  hit consecutive RBI doubles. Madison is now even for the season as they enter Liberty District play.  Chris Wimmer pitched well and picked-up the win in relief. The Warhawks once again won the game between cross-town Vienna rivals.

Madison defeats Woodson in Extra Innings 8-7

 Liberty District Opener

The Warhawks rallied on several occasions during the game as Madison defeated Woodson in extra innings. Josh Canova started the game for Madison. The Cavaliers scored first as Salinas walked, Reynes singled and Bianucci walked to load the bases.  Cutts scored Salinas with a sacrifice fly and Ragen singled in Reynes. After one inning the Warhawks trailed 2 to 0. In the second Josh Canova doubled and scored on a single by Chris Wimmer.  Canova struck out two Cavaliers in the second and Andrew Baird made a spectacular diving catch in centerfield. The Warhawks tied the score in the top of third when Matt Riffee and Matt Foley walked and then Riffee scored on a single by Andrew Baird. The Cavaliers took the lead in the third. Chris Wimmer came in with bases loaded and one out. Wimmer recorded the second out when third baseman Matt Riffee ranged to his left and gunned the lead runner out at the plate. Bogdanoff singled in one run and then Andrew Baird made another terrific catch to end the threat with bases loaded.  After 3 innings Woodson led 3 to 2. Woodson added a run in the fourth on a single and an error and then Madison came back again in the fifth.  Johnny Ayers and Matt Foley singled in the fifth and Andrew Baird scored Ayers with a sacrifice fly.  Adam Bechtold then doubled in Eric Garner who ran for the catcher Foley to tie the score at 4 to 4.  Madison then took the lead in sixth when Nick Tomasetti singled and Matt Riffee was hit by a pitch. Matt Foley blasted a two strike pitch over the centerfield fence for a three-run homer and the Warhawks led 7 to 4.  The lead did not last long as Salinas walked and Bianucci singled. Cutts ripped a full count pitch over centerfield for a tying three run homer. In the seventh Madison stranded Tomasetti and Foley on base after they walked and neither team scored.  Matt Riffee took the hill for Madison in the eighth  and shut the Cavaliers out.  Mark Riffee and Baird made nice plays in the inning. Madison took the lead in the top of the ninth Adam Bechtold and Josh Canova led off the inning with consecutive singles. Chris Wimmer singled in Bechtold with what later proved to be the game winning hit.  Riffee took the hill in the bottom of the ninth and sent the Cavaliers down 1-2-3 recording two strikeouts for the win.

Madison Defeats Langley in Key Liberty District

 Game 5-1

The Reigning State Champion Warhawks defeated rival Langley and their outstanding pitcher, Jay Sborz, in front of lots of radar gun-toting-pro scouts, who were watching the heralded pitcher. Madison did not back down and Matt Riffee pitched an excellent game for the Warhawks. Riffee only allowed two hits shutting out the Saxons in the five innings he pitched to pick up his second win.  Meanwhile, the Warhawks showed from the beginning that they came to win. In the first inning Johnny Ayers led off with a line drive single, stole second base and tagged and went to third on a deep shot to center field by Riffee.  Matt Foley walked and then Sborz balked Ayers home and Foley to second giving the Warhawks a 1 to 0 lead.

In the Langley second, a runner reached on an error and another on a single but Riffee recorded three strikeouts to get out of the inning. Madison continued to play good defense in the third as Adam Bechtold made a nice play on a good bunt attempt and Matt Foley threw out a runner while Riffee had five strikeouts after 3 innings.  In the Madison third, Chris Wimmer walked and stole second base and moved to third on a wild pitch. Ryan Costello drew a walk to put two men on. Wimmer scored  on a ball thrown into centerfield when Costello stole second base. Nick Tomasetti reached first base on a fielder's choice and error as Costello slid home with the third run. After two innings the Warhawks led 3 to 0. In the Langley fourth and fifth innings, Riffee continued to pitch well and plays by shortstop Johnny Ayers, right fielder Mark Riffee and catcher Matt Foley, who threw out his second and third runners of the game, helped him keep Langley scoreless.

In the bottom of the fifth, Matt Foley led off with a walk and stole second base.  Andrew Baird singled Foley to third and then stole second base.  Adam Bechtold grounded out for an RBI to score Foley with the fourth run  and then Baird slid home safely with the fifth run on a wild pitch. After five innings Madison led 5 to 0.  Josh Canova took the hill in the sixth and settled in after allowing two walks and a single and surrendering one run. Canova recorded two strikeouts and picked off a runner at first base to end the threat.  Chris Wimmer, who took the hill in the seventh, closed the game out with a strikeout and two ground outs.  The Warhawks are undefeated in Liberty District play.

Washington Post Article Langley Game

Sun Gazette Article Langley Game

Sun Gazette Column after Langley

Connection Article

Warhawks defeat McLean 5 to 1

The Madison Warhawks traveled to McLean to take on the Highlanders.  Senior left-hander Josh Canova took the mound and was sharp.  The Warhawks hit the ball hard all night ,however, in the first three innings all the balls were hit directly to the Highlanders who made a lot of nice defensive plays.  Canova was good from the start and grew stronger as the game moved along.  The Warhawks had Matt Foley walk with two outs in the first, Chris Wimmer hit by a pitch with two outs in the second and Matt Riffee reach on an error in the third but each time the Highlanders made plays to strand the Madison runners.  McLean's leadoff hitter Josh Huson singled to start the game but was stranded by two Canova strikeouts and a nice play by Riffee on a line drive up the middle. In the second inning, McLean's John Oldenberg reached on an infield single when the Madison player slipped and he scored on a double down the left field line by  William Corey.  Corey was thrown out by Canova to Johnny Ayers while trying to get to third on the play at the plate.  The pitcher  Andrew Burton reached on an error but he was picked off by Canova and tagged out in a run-down to end the inning.  After two innings McLean led 1 to 0.  As mentioned above Madison stranded Riffee in the third when Matt Foley's hard hit line drive  was caught by the shortstop on the run to stop the best threat at that point of the game.  Josh Canova picked up more momentum on the mound and struck out the side, 1-2-3, in the bottom of the third.

In the top of the fourth, Andrew Baird singled to start the inning and then stole second.  Adam Bechtold stroked an RBI single to score Baird and tie the game. Bechtold was forced out on a fielders choice and then the Warhawks stranded a runner to leave the score tied at 1. McLean tried to rally in the fourth when Oldenberg singled but Matt Foley threw out the lead runner on a bunt attempt and Josh Canova struck out the final two batters to end the inning. With two out in the fifth, Matt Riffee walked and stole second base and then Matt Foley blasted a two run home run to put the Warhawks ahead 3 to 1. Canova was still getting stronger in the fifth and struck out Burton to start the inning.  After TK Marks singled for McLean, second baseman Matt Riffee snared a line drive in the hole and fired to Adam Bechtold for the double play to end the threat.

McLean pulled Burton and sent Stephen Baughman to the hill in the sixth inning. Madison threatened to pull further ahead in the sixth when Chris Wimmer was hit by a pitch again and then stole second base.  Right fielder Mark Riffee executed a perfect bunt for a hit and also moved Wimmer to third with only one out.  Mark Riffee stole second base and then Nick Tomasetti walked to load the bases.  Johnny Ayers hit a flare that turned into a fielders choice that forced the lead runner out at the plate for the second out. McLean's second baseman made an outstanding diving stop and play to rob Matt Riffee of a bases loaded hit to end the inning. After that play, Josh Canova recorded two more strikeouts and a fly out in the sixth.  The Warhawks led 3 to 1at the end of the sixth inning.  Madison added two more runs in the seventh inning when Matt Foley singled and Andrew Baird blasted a home run to left field to put Madison ahead by the winning margin.  Chris Wimmer doubled later in the inning but was stranded on second.  Josh Canova closed out McLean by striking out the side in the seventh.  For the game, Josh Canova had a terrific night as he struck out 13 batters and walked no one while pitching seven strong innings to pick up the win.

Sun Gazette Weekly summary McLean and Fairfax Games read down

Warhawks defeat Fairfax Rebels 7 to 1 on Cold

 Friday Night

The Madison Warhawks remained undefeated in Liberty District play with a 7 to 1 win over Fairfax on a cold drizzling Friday night in Vienna. Junior right-hander Matt Riffee was on the mound for Madison opposing senior lefty Nick Stephens for the Rebels.  Fairfax had one hit in the first  inning but Matt Riffee kept the Rebels from scoring with the help of his defense including plays by centerfielder Andrew Baird, shortstop Johnny Ayers and first baseman Adam Bechtold. In the bottom of the first, Matt Riffee walked to get Madison started and Brian Eck was the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Matt Foley drew a walk on four pitches moving Eck to second base with one out.  Andrew Baird forced Foley at second on a fielders choice but the throw on the attempted double play was wide allowing Eck to score and the Warhawks led 1 to 0 after one inning. In the second Fairfax went down 1-2-3 after Johnny Ayers and Matt Riffee fielded ground balls for two outs and Riffee struck out William Ebhart to retire the side. Madison stranded Josh Canova in the second after he legged out an infield single and the score was still 1 to 0 after two innings.  The Warhawks played sloppy in the third as three consecutive errors allowed an unearned run to score.  Matt Riffee cleaned up the mess with two strikeouts to get out of the inning and after three the score was tied at 1 to1.  In the fourth, Fairfax went down 1-2-3 as freshman right fielder Mark Riffee made a catch and third baseman Chris Wimmer made two consecutive plays on ground balls. Madison took the lead in the fourth when Andrew Baird reached on an infield single and moved to second on a wild pitch.  Then Adam Bechtold reached on a throwing error and Andrew Baird moved to third base.  Baird slid home safely on a wild pitch and the Warhawks were ahead 2 to 1. Adam Bechtold moved to second on the play and moved to third on another wild pitch.  Josh Canova walked to put men on first and third.  Chris Wimmer hit a sacrifice fly to shallow left and Bechtold tagged and slid home safely for a 3 to 1 lead.  Nick Tomasetti walked and the Warhawks looked like they would blow it open when Johnny Ayers hit a deep fly ball but the Fairfax centerfielder made a nice running catch to end the inning. Riffee appeared to grow stronger as the game moved along despite the cold damp conditions. After four innings, Madison lead 3 to 1.

 The Rebels went down 1-2-3 in the fifth with plays by Andrew Baird and another strike out by Riffee. In the bottom of the fifth, Matt Riffee led off the inning with a single down the line and Brian Eck again was the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Matt Foley ripped a double to advance Eck to third.  Andrew Baird reached on a fielder's choice as Eck was gunned down at the plate for the first out.  Eric Garner, the courtesy runner for Foley moved to third on the play.  Andrew Baird stole second base and then Adam Bechtold drove in Garner with a sacrifice fly to put the Warhawks ahead 4 to 1. Andrew Baird moved to third on the play.  Josh Canova drew a walk and then Chris Wimmer ripped a two out double down the line to score Baird and Canova for a 6 to 1 lead after five innings. Schmidt singled for Fairfax  in the sixth but that was all the Rebels could muster as second baseman Nick Tomasetti caught a flair toward the bag, shortstop Johnny Ayers caught a pop-up and Tomasetti fielded a ground ball for the third out. Madison added a run in the sixth when Johnny Ayers was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a balk.  Matt Foley walked and Scott Maynard was the courtesy runner for the catcher.  Andrew Baird ripped a ground rule double that scored Ayers and would have scored Maynard who was sent back to third when the ball bounced over the fence. After six, Madison led 7 to 1.  Matt Riffee was strong at the end as he  recorded all three outs in the seventh, the last two by strikeout.  For the game Riffee (3-0) had six strikeouts, no walks and one hit batsman.  He surrendered only two hits and one unearned run to pick up the win. Madison hosts Park View tomorrow after the S.A.T. tests.

Sun Gazette Weekly summary McLean and Fairfax Games read down

Vienna Times Very Limited Summary

Warhawks Defeat Park View 11-1

The Warhawks returned to action Saturday afternoon after the S.A.T. tests.  Chris Wimmer took the mound in a non-Liberty District game against the Park View Patriots from Sterling Park. The Warhawks retired Park View in order in the top of the first and stranded Matt Foley and Andrew Baird on base in the bottom of the first after they each reached on two out singles. In the second Park View's clean-up hitter walked but Wimmer stopped the threat by getting the next batter to pop-up to third baseman Brian Eck and then the Warhawks turned a Nick Tomasetti to Johnny Ayers to Adam Bechtold double play.  In the bottom of the second Josh Canova led off with a single to left and Nick Tomasetti singled to right to move Canova to third.  Mark Riffee singled to right to score Canova and the Warhawks led 1 to 0.  The inning ended as the next two Warhawks struck out and then the Patriots fielded a ground ball for the third out. Park View rallied in the third after Andrew Baird caught a flair to centerfield with a single to left.  The runner moved to third on a bad pick-off throw and then two Patriots walked to load the bases.  A single to left tied the game but Wimmer put out the fire by ending the inning with a strikeout. After the top of the third, the game was tied 1 to 1. The Warhawks came back in the third and loaded the bases when Matt Foley singled, Andrew Baird was hit by a pitch and Adam Bechtold walked. Josh Canova singled to score Foley and Madison led 2 to 1. Nick Tomasetti was hit by a pitch to force in a run and then Mark Riffee picked up his second and third RBI's of the game with a single to left that scored Baird and Bechtold and the Warhawks led 5 to 1. After Eck and Ayers were out on fly balls, Chris Wimmer singled to left to score Tomasetti. Mark Riffee and Wimmer slid into third and second on the throw to the plate.  Matt Foley walked to load the bases but the inning ended on an un-assisted ground out.  The Warhawks led 6 to 1 after three innings. In the fourth, Parkview singled after left fielder Mark Riffee retired the first batter on a fly ball. Wimmer quickly struck out the Patriots to end their half of the fourth. Madison had one batter, Nick Tomasetti,  reach on an error in the bottom of the fourth but could not score him. The lead was still 6 to 1.

Sophomore right-hander Chris Sterbenz made his Varsity debut on the hill in the fifth and struck out his first batter.  First baseman Ray Sparrow made an unassisted putout for the second out and Sterbenz got the Patriots to groundout for the last out.  In the bottom of the fifth, Dan Cohen walked and scored from first on an error by the right fielder as he misplayed a single by Johnny Ayers. Ayers ended up at third on the play. Matt Foley hit a two run home run to put the Warhawks up 9 to 1. With two outs, Ray Sparrow and Chris Sterbenz singled to right and John Asman walked to load the bases.  Charles Grubbs drew an RBI walk to score Sparrow and Dan Cohen lined out hard to the third baseman to end the inning.  Madison sent Chris Sterbenz back out to the hill in the sixth and first baseman Ray Sparrow recorded the first out. After hitting a batter and walking a batter the Warhawks ended the inning when Johnny Ayers fielded a groundball, stepped on second and threw to Sparrow for the double play.  In the bottom of the sixth, Johnny Ayers singled and Chris Wimmer reached on a fielders choice as Ayers was thrown out.  Ryan Costello hit a run scoring triple to end the game by the slaughter rule 11 to 1.  Chris Wimmer (2-0) pitched four innings to pick up the win and the Warhawks improved their record to 6-1. Chris Sterbenz threw well in relief. Weather permitting, the Warhawks will play six games in six days beginning with big Liberty District battles at Lee and at home against Marshall.  Following the District games are four games in four days in the Stone Bridge Invitational Spring Break tournament.

Madison Defeats Marshall 10 to 0

The Madison Warhawks and Marshall Statesman renewed this Vienna series at Madison on a cold blustery Thursday night at Madison.  Josh Canova was on the mound for the Warhawks and Adam Engman started for Marshall. Marshall went down 1-2-3 in the top of the first as Emmett Saures grounded out to shortstop Johnny Ayers, Josh Canova struck out Jason Cornwell and Michael Rafeedie grounded out to second baseman Matt Riffee.  Madison stranded Matt Riffee who walked and Matt Foley who singled in the bottom of the first and the game was scoreless after one inning. In Marshall's second inning, former Warhawk, Ted Wilson, grounded out to Adam Bechtold and Josh Bell lined out to Matt Riffee to start the inning. Marshall started a threat when Brian Williamson and Sean McVey hit consecutive singles but Josh Canova ended the threat by striking out Colton Turner for the third out. In the bottom of the second Mark Riffee walked for Madison but was forced out on a fielder's choice hit by Nick Tomasetti for the second out.  Tomasetti stole second base but the Warhawks stranded him and the game was still scoreless after two innings. Canova set the Statesmen down 1-2-3 again in the third by striking out Brad Workman and Emmett Saures and then Chris Wimmer threw out Cornwell on a ground ball.

Matt Riffee started the Madison rally in the third with a leadoff single.  Matt Foley singled to left and Riffee drew a throw to third as he slid in safely.  The throw skipped into the dugout allowing Matt Riffee to score and Matt Foley to move to third.  The Warhawks led 1 to 0. With one out, Adam Bechtold was hit by a pitch.  Bechtold stole second and Marshall tried a cut-off play but Matt Foley slid home safely for the second run on a Warhawk double-steal.  Josh Canova stroked a single to right to score Adam Bechtold with the third run and Canova hustled to second on the throw to the plate and slid under the return throw.  Scott Maynard then was the courtesy runner for Canova.  Chris Wimmer's bunt single advanced Maynard to third and then Mark Riffee's bunt single scored Maynard and moved Wimmer to second.  The Warhawks led 4 to 0. On a wild pitch, Wimmer moved to third and Mark Riffee advanced to second. With two outs, Johnny Ayers singled to right field to drive in Chris Wimmer and Mark Riffee and the Warhawks led 6 to 0. The Warhawks batted around and with two outs and Matt Strong relieved Engman for the Statesmen. Matt Riffee blasted a double to the gap to score Johnny Ayers and Madison led 7 to 0 after three innings. Marshall tried to rally in the fourth when Michael Rafeedie doubled to left and Ted Wilson singled but the Warhawks leftfielder Nick Tomasetti held Rafeedie at third.  With men on first and third, Josh Canova made a great play on a soft roller holding Rafeedie at third and throwing out Josh Bell for the first out. After Brian Williamson walked to load the bases, Canova pitched out of the jam by getting a pop-out to Chris Wimmer and by striking out Turner for the third out.  After three and a half Madison still led 7 to 0.

Andrew Baird was hit by Strong to leadoff the fourth.  Adam Bechtold reached on a fielder's choice when Marshall tried to throw out Baird who was safe at second on an errant throw. Josh Canova's fielders choice moved Baird to third but Bechtold was forced at second for the first out. Scott Maynard ran for the pitcher Canova. Chris Wimmer singled to right to score Andrew Baird and Scott Maynard hustled to third. Madison led 8 to 0. Mark Riffee flied out to left field and Scott Maynard tagged and tried to make it a sacrifice fly but Marshall threw him out at the plate for the double play to end the inning.  After 4 innings Madison led 8 to 0.

Chris Sterbenz pitched the fifth inning and retired the Brad Workman on a hooking fly ball to right that Mark Riffee ran down. Sterbenz struck out Saures on a breaking pitch for the second out and he got Cornwell to pop-out to Johnny Ayers for the third out.  Eric Garner led off for Madison with a single up the middle.  Johnny Ayers walked to advance Garner.  Marshall brought in Josh Bell to face Matt Riffee and Riffee singled for his third hit to score Eric Garner.  Johnny Ayers moved to third and Matt Riffee to second on the Marshall throws. Matt Foley stepped up to the plate but Bell threw a wild pitch and Johnny Ayers slid in safely at home for the 10th run and Madison won by the slaughter rule 10 to 0.  For the game Josh Canova and Chris Sterbenz combined for the shut out.  Canova, who picked up the win, scattered four hits, had six strikeouts and allowed only one walk.  Sterbenz added a strikeout and walked no one and  gave up no hits.  Matt Riffee was 3 for 3, with a walk, three runs scored and 2 RBI's to lead the Madison attack.  Chris Wimmer had 2 hits and Johnny Ayers had 2 RBI's for Madison.

Warhawks Rally to Defeat Stone Bridge in Nine

 Innings

Madison had to come from behind to defeat the Stone Bridge Bulldogs in a rescheduled late night tournament game.  Junior Matt Riffee pitched for Madison and Stone Bridge's senior  lefty Carlos Rivera pitched for the Bulldogs. After Landon Gouveia doubled to start the game, Riffee struck out Sean Ryan and then walked Rivera.  With two on  Riffee struck out Adam Ventre and then retired Winslow on a grounder to Nick Tomasetti. Madison's Matt Foley walked in the first but Madison stranded their only runner that inning. In the second Jeff Lee reached on a Madison error but Riffee mowed down James Timbers, Ryan Ball and Brooks Abbey on three straight strikeouts (five after two innings) to keep the game scoreless.  Only Josh Canova reached base for Madison in the second on a walk and the game was scoreless after two innings.  Gouveia walked to start the third and moved to second when Riffee threw out Ryan on a sacrifice bunt. Ventre belted a two strike pitch out of the park for a home run  to give Stone Bridge a 2 to 0 lead. Madison stranded two more runners when Nick Tomasetti and Matt Foley singled but Stone Bridge made some nice plays on balls hit hard by the Warhawks in the inning.  After Lee grounded out to Tomasetti, Timbers reached on an error that would come back to haunt the Warhawks. Ball poked a two strike breaking pitch into right field for a single and then Abbey singled to left to load the bases.  Gouveia hit a foul ball that Eric Garner made a nice catch on  for what should have been the third out (but it was only the second) and the Bulldogs took advantage of their extra chance.  Sean Ryan hit a single to score two unearned runs and Madison trailed  4 to 0.  Madison went down 1-2-3 in the fourth inning and Riffee sent Stone Bridge down 1-2-3 in the fifth. Johnny Ayers reached on an infield single in the fifth but was stranded. Timbers walked to lead off Stone Bridges' sixth inning and then Matt Foley gunned him down trying to steal second, Johnny Ayers made the tag.  Riffee struck out Ball and got Gouveia to fly out to Eric Garner for the third out to keep the Warhawks in the game.

The Warhawks believed they could win and had had enough of this misfortune and began to rally. With two outs in the sixth, Andrew Baird walked and stole second base. Adam Bechtold walked and then Chris Wimmer singled to score Andrew Baird and move Adam Bechtold to third. Pinch-hitter Ryan Costello lined what appeared to be a single to right field to score Bechtold but it turned into a triple when the right fielder dove for the ball and Wimmer to score from first.  The Warhawks had cut the lead to 4-3 with one inning to go. Chris Sterbenz came on in relief in the seventh and struck out Ryan and Rivera for the first two outs. He knocked down a line drive by Ventre and threw him out for the third out. Madison was down to it's last inning and Johnny Ayers  hit another infield single. Ayers stole second and then tagged and moved to third on a deep shot to centerfield by Matt Riffee.  Matt Foley singled to score Ayers to tie the game. After Foley stole second base, Andrew Baird was intentionally walked.  With two outs Rivera escaped to extra innings when his shortstop, Timbers, make a diving catch on a flair by Josh Canova that would have won the game. Chris Sterbenz pitched well in the eighth  recording a strikeout and getting Lee to fly out to Andrew Baird.  After Timbles lined a single, first baseman Adam Bechtold made a great running catch up against the fence on a foul ball to end the inning.  Jeff Lee came on to pitch for Stone Bridge and Madison went down 1-2-3 in the eighth. Stone Bridge stranded Ryan who walked in the ninth.

In Madison's ninth inning, Johnny Ayers beat out a slow roller for a single and then stole second base.  Ayers broke for third when the pitcher snared a shot up the middle by Matt Riffee and was thrown out at third.  Riffee moved to second base on a balk and Matt Foley was intentionally walked.  Lee then hit Andrew Baird to load the bases.  Adam Bechtold stepped up to the plate and Lee drilled him with a pitch and an RBI to force in Matt Riffee with the winning run.  Madison won the game 5 to 4 in nine innings. For the Warhawks, Matt Riffee pitched well recording 8 strikeouts while surrendering two earned runs and five hits over six innings.  Chris Sterbenz was the winning pitcher as he pitched three very strong shutout innings in relief recording four strikeouts while surrendering only one hit and one walk. Johnny Ayers had three hits and Matt Foley had two hits.  Chris Wimmer and Ryan Costello had big hits in the rally. Lee took the loss for the Bulldogs and the Warhawks out hit Stone Bridge 8 to 6 in the extra inning game.

Madison defeats Wakefield 10 to 0 in Six Innings

 in Stone Bridge Tourney

Madison played the Wakefield Warriors in the early game on Monday. Chris Wimmer pitched for the Warhawks and Wakefield's ace Brad Beck pitched for the Warriors. Chris Wimmer struck out Mike China and Kyle Scott to start the game and then Beck grounded out to second baseman Nick Tomasetti to end the first.  Madison went down 1-2-3 in the top of the first and the game was scoreless after one. In Wakefield's second,  Alex Rossi grounded out to third baseman Matt Riffee to start the inning.  Michael Chambers grounded out unassisted to first baseman Adam Bechtold for the second out and Matt Riffee retired Nabajan Maitra on another ground ball to send the Warriors down 1-2-3 again. With one out, Adam Bechtold singled in the bottom of the second and then Josh Canova moved Bechtold to second when he grounded out.  With two outs, Chris Wimmer stroked a double down the line and Madison led 1 to 0 after two innings.

In the top of the third Chris Wimmer struck out Mike Cangialosi for the first out and then hit David Perez to put a runner on first. Matt Riffee threw out Chris Guest on a sacrifice bunt for the second out and Perez moved to second. Wimmer struck out Chin for the third out. Johnny Ayers beat out an infield single and then Matt Riffee stroked another single to advance Ayers to third.  Riffee stole second base and Matt Foley drove in Johnny Ayers with a deep sacrifice fly for the second run. Andrew Baird legged out another infield hit and Riffee moved to third but both runners were stranded and Madison led 2 to 0 after three innings.

Chris Wimmer continued to pitch well and retired Kyle Scott on a pop-up to Nick Tomasetti. Brad Beck singled up the middle for Wakefield but he was stranded when Matt Foley retired Perez and Chambers on consecutive pop-ups to the catcher.  Madison only had Ryan Costello reach base on a single in the fourth and the lead was still 2 to 0 after four innings. In the top of the fifth Wakefield had two runners on a walk to Cangialosi and an infield single by Guest but Wimmer retired three Warriors on strikeouts- Rossi, Maitra and Chambers over the inning to keep Wakefield off of the scoreboard. After Johnny Ayers walked Matt Foley triple to put Madison up 3 to 0 in the fifth. Scott Maynard then was the courtesy runner for the catcher. Andrew Baird hit a two-run home run to score Maynard and increase the lead to 5 to 0. Adam Bechtold singled and then scored when Josh Canova tripled.  Josh Canova scored to make it 7 to 0 on Chris Wimmer's RBI ground out to shortstop. After five innings the Warhawks led 7 to 0.

In the sixth, Scott grounded out to the pitcher, Wimmer.  After Beck walked Rossi grounded out to Johnny Ayers on a slow roller for the second out with Beck moving to second. The last batter flied out to Joe Canova in left field to end Wakefield's sixth inning. Scott Maynard singled to start the bottom of the sixth and then moved to third on Johnny Ayers double. Beck walked Matt Riffee to load the bases.  Evan Corrothers singled to score Scott Maynard and reload the bases.  Madison led 8 to 0. Dan Cohen hit a sacrifice fly to score Ayers and then Ray Sparrow walked to reload the bases.  Joe Canova stroked a single to left to score Matt Riffee with the tenth run and Madison won by the slaughter rule in six innings.  Chris Wimmer was the winning pitcher allowing only 2 hits, one walk and one hit batsman in six innings.  Wimmer had 7 strikeouts in the shut out.

Madison Improves Record to 10-1

Warhawks Defeat St. Johns Prospect Hall

11 to 0 in Five Innings

In Madison's second game of the day they faced the St. Johns Prospect Hall Vikings of Frederick, MD. The Warhawks pitched the staff in this tourney game with Chris Sterbenz getting the start.  The visiting Warhawks jumped on the Vikings from the beginning as Johnny Ayers and Matt Riffee started the game with singles and Matt Foley hit a three run homer before there was an out. Adam Bechtold reached on an error but was forced at second when Chris Wimmer hit a fielders choice that the Vikings tried to turn into a double play.  Wimmer made it to second on the errant relay throw and stole third base. Evan Corrothers walked and stole second base and then Joe Canova hit a fielders choice as the Vikings tagged out Corrothers but not before Wimmer scored the fourth run.

Johnny Ayers retired the first batter on a ground out  and then Chris Sterbenz struck out Jeremy Hess for the second out.  Ruen Blizzard grounded out to Chris Wimmer to retire the side. With one out in the bottom of the second, Johnny Ayers bunted for a hit.  On a hit and run Ayers moved to second and Matt Riffee beat the throw when the shortstop slightly bobbled the ball for an error. Andrew Baird hit an infield single and the bases were loaded but Madison stranded all three runners and the lead was still 4 to 0.

Brandon Gilligan tripled to start the Vikings second inning.  Chris Sterbenz held them scoreless when he struck out Brett Mitchell and  Danny Butala flied out to a charging Andrew Baird for the second out and the runner held at third. Adam Bechtold retired Hugh Wescott on an unassisted play to end the inning.

Madison broke it open in the third when Evan Corrothers lined a single to start the inning. Joe Canova singled Corrothers to third and then hustled to second on the throw to third. Corrothers scored on a passed ball and Joe Canova moved to third.  Dan Cohen reached on an error by the third baseman and Joe Canova scored the sixth run on the play. Johnny Ayers was hit by a pitch and Matt Riffee walked to load the bases.  Matt Foley hit a two run double to score Cohen and Ayers and moved Riffee to third.  Madison led 8 to 0. Eric Garner came in as a courtesy runner for Foley.  Matt Riffee scored on a wild pitch and Garner moved to third.  Eric Garner scored on Andrew Baird's RBI ground out to make the score 10 to 0.

John Asman pitched the third inning for Madison and Nick Roby popped out to Brian Eck for the first out. After Johnny Ayers caught a line drive for the second out, Mark Hammond singled in the gap for the Vikings.  John Asman struck out Jeremy Hess to end the inning with Madison leading 10 to 0. In Madison's fourth, Hugh Wescott pitched for St. Johns. After Evan Corrothers singled the Vikings turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the first Viking flied out to Scott Maynard.  Then John Asman struck out Scott Ritter for the second out and Brian Eck caught Mitchell's foul pop to end the inning.

Dan Cohen lined a single off of reliever Ryan Murray to start the fifth inning.  Eric Garner dropped a single into right field and Madison had runners at first and second.  Cohen was forced at third on a fielders choice by Nick Tomasetti.  Garner and Tomasetti advanced to third and second on a wild pitch.  With two outs, Scott Maynard reached on an error that allowed Eric Garner to score the eleventh run.  Mark Riffee took the mound for Madison in the fifth and after Jimmy Duggin singled, he retired the side in a total of four pitches getting Prescott to fly out and Tom Piontek to hit into a 6-4-3 double play turned by Eric Garner, Nick Tomasetti and Ray Sparrow.  Madison won 11 to 0 by the slaughter rule in five innings. Chris Sterbenz, John Asman and Mark Riffee combined on a three hit shut out.

Madison Lose Spring Break Tourney

Championship to Hayfield Hawks

The Warhawks faced the Hayfield Hawks in the Stone Bridge Invitational Championship game.  The game featured quite a pitcher's duel between Josh Canova and Kyle Morgan of Hayfield. Canova only allowed four hits and Morgan three but Hayfield's defense made every play (some spectacular) and Madison's defense made numerous mistakes that they could not overcome. 

In the first Canova took the hill and Kyle Morgan popped out to Matt Riffee for the first out. Josh Canova struck out Nick Rogers for the second out. After Mark Weaver singled to center, he stole second on an attempted pick-off play.  Josh Canova ended the inning by striking out Matt Fitzgerald.

Kyle Morgan sent Madison down 1-2-3 in the first and Canova topped that by striking out the side in the second 1-2-3. Morgan retired all three Warhawks again in the second and the game was scoreless after two innings. Johnny Ayers record all three outs in the top of third on a ground out and by stepping on second for a double play after catching a line drive. In the bottom of the third, Morgan hit Chris Wimmer to give Madison a base runner but Fitzgerald threw him out attempting to steal and after three innings only the minimum nine batters had come to the plate for Madison.

Josh Canova made a great fielding play out on a ball hit behind him for the first out in the fourth inning. Fitzgerald made it to second on a Warhawk throwing error and then moved to third on another error.  Canova picked off the runner at first while the runner at third held with two outs.  Hayfield scored an unearned run on yet another error on what would have been the third (actually fifth out) of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Madison's Matt Foley beat out an infield single but was stranded and the game was still 1 to 0 Hayfield.

Ryan Bettwy doubled for Hayfield when Madison misjudged his deep drive and Hamlin was his pinch runner.  Hayfield bunted Hamlin to third on a sacrifice and Madison played the infield back and conceded the run on Morgan's grounder but he was called safe on a questionable call after a bobbled ball as well. Hayfield led  2 to 0. Matt Foley threw Morgan out and Josh Canova struck out Rogers for the third out. 

Madison tried to rally in the fifth when Josh Canova hit a single off of Morgan's leg and Chris Wimmer singled up the middle but the Warhawks stranded both base runners. Hayfield had two more runners reach in the sixth on errors but Josh Canova picked the first one off and then he struck out a batter and Adam Bechtold made a great play for the third out on a diving stop.

It looked like Madison finally had it going in the sixth when Johnny Ayers walked and Matt Riffee crushed a line drive to right, but the ball stayed up, the outfielder caught it and then doubled up Ayers who broke for second.  Madison trailed 2 to 0 going into the seventh. Josh Canova struck out Chris Small and Adam Bechtold made another great play on a line drive for the second out.  After a hit, Matt Foley threw the runner out for the third out.

Andrew Baird tried to get Madison going one more time and he hit a screaming line drive towards the gap only to see the diving outfielder make an "Andrew Baird" type catch to rob him of a triple.  Josh Canova drew a walk, but Hayfield made two more excellent plays to win the game.  Hayfield outplayed Madison tonight --making every play while Madison did not execute well enough most of the ball game.  Josh Canova's excellent four hit pitching performance was wasted while Kyle Morgan also pitched a gem for Hayfield. Josh Canova struck out eight batters and picked off two but his defense did not play as well as Hayfield.  Madison takes a few days of Spring Break off before heading into the opening week of the second half of Liberty District play.

Warhawks Defeat Woodson 10 to 0 in Five

 Innings

Woodson came to Madison to start the second half of District play with great confidence.  Josh Canova pitched for Madison and Michael Bianucci for the Cavaliers.  In the top of the first Woodson sent three batters to the plate.  Mike Kelch grounded out to shortstop Johnny Ayers for the first out.  Josh Canova struck out Ryan Owen and Biannuci grounded out to second baseman Matt Riffee for the third out. Johnny Ayers led off the first for Madison with a single but was stranded and after one inning the game was scoreless. Richard Cutts singled for Woodson in the second and the Josh Canova struck out Sean Ryan and Joe Reynes.  Matt Foley threw out Cutts on an attempted steal on a "strike them out - throw them out" double play to end the inning. 

Chris Wimmer led off the bottom of the second by ripping a double for the Warhawks.  Matt Riffee lined a double over the Cavalier outfield to score Wimmer and Madison led 1 to 0.  Matt Riffee took third on a ball in the dirt and then Adam Bechtold walked.  Evan Corrothers reached on an error allowing Adam Bechtold to go to second while Matt Riffee scored the second run.  Bechtold was thrown out attempting to steal third and Corrothers was left on base.  After two innings Madison led 2 to 0.  Matt Bradley singled for Woodson to start the third and Jon Quigley sacrificed him to second with the first out. Mike Salinas drew a walk to put two runners on with one out but the Mike Kelch grounded into a Matt Riffee to Johnny Ayers to Adam Bechtold double play to end the threat. Madison went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the third and after three Madison still led 2 to 0. Josh Canova sent Woodson down 1-2-3 in the top of the fourth as Owen grounded out to Adam Bechtold, Bianucci flied out to Andrew Baird and Cutts grounded out to Johnny Ayers.

In the bottom of the fourth, Chris Wimmer led off with a single and then Matt Riffee hit a ball up the middle that the second baseman could not come up with as he tried to tag Wimmer and catch the ball at the same time.  On the play Matt Riffee was injured and Dan Cohen came in to run for him.  Adam Bechtold reached on an error that scored Chris Wimmer and moved Dan Cohen to third.  Adam Bechtold stole second base and then Evan Corrothers doubled to score Cohen and Bechtold for a 5-0 lead.  Bianucci hit Mark Riffee with a pitch off his knee cap to put two men on and then walked Johnny Ayers to load the bases.  Matt Foley singled up the middle to score Evan Corrothers and Mark Riffee, who slid in ahead of the relay throw, with Johnny Ayers moving to third. Madison led 7 to 0 Matt Foley stole second base.  Woodson brought in Steven Bognadoff to relieve Bianucci who trailed 7 to 0 with two men on. Josh Canova hit a sacrifice fly to score Johnny Ayers while Matt Foley also tagged and ran to third on the play.  Chris Wimmer tripled for his third hit and Madison led 9 to 0. Ryan Costello singled up the middle and the Warhawks led 10 to 0. Adam Bechtold walked but the Warhawks left two runners on base to end the inning. Woodson came to bat in the fifth inning needing to score to prolong the game.  Ragen grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the first out. Reynes grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the second out. Josh Canova struck out Bogdanoff to end the game as Madison won 10 to 0 by the slaughter rule in the fifth.

Chris Wimmer was 3 for 3 with a double and triple to lead the attack.  Matt Riffee's double put the Warhawks on the board early and Matt Foley's two run single helped break open the fourth inning.  Josh Canova pitched well and picked up the win by allowing only two hits and shutting out Woodson for five innings in a game that only took one hour and twelve minutes to play.

Madison Falls to Lee Rally 7 to 6

Madison jumped to a 5 to 2 lead but did not hold it and allowed Lee to come from behind and upset the Warhawks  7 to 6 at Lee.  Ken Moreland was the Lancers winning pitcher while Chris Wimmer took the loss for Madison.  More game details are not available as the Webmaster missed much of the game.  Reports indicated that Madison played poorly defensively and allowed Lee back in the game and the Lancers took advantage of the opportunity.

Warhawks Takeover Sole Possession of First

 Place Again

Defeat Langley 10 to 2 in Steady Rain.

The Madison Warhawks traveled to Langley and played the Saxons in a steady rain tonight. Josh Canova pitched against Russell Blankinship. In the top of the first inning, Madison jumped to an early lead which started when Matt Foley reached second base on a throwing error and Andrew Baird was hit by a pitch.  Josh Canova doubled down the line to score Matt Foley while Baird moved to third and Madison led 1 to 0. Adam Bechtold doubled to score Baird and Canova and after half an inning Madison led 3 to 0. Langley ended that inning by catching a screaming line drive hit by DH Evan Corrothers.  In the bottom of the first Chuck Eller led off for Langley with a single for the Saxons. Josh Canova struck out Jason Potter and Tim Stefanou flied out to Andrew Baird to record the first two outs. Eller stole second and scored when Jon Greenwich singled to cut the lead to 3 to 1. Nick Zahra reached on a Madison error but Alex Gregory grounded into a fielders choice force play to end the inning. 

Mark Riffee led off the second for Madison with a single and with two outs Matt Foley walked but both runners were stranded. Langley cut the lead in the bottom of the second when Alex Schneider doubled.  After Josh Canova struck out Nick Houston and Adam Hoffer, Chuck Eller reached on an over throw error that allowed Schneider to score an unearned run and the lead was cut to 3 to 2. Canova struck out Potter again for the third out.

In the third, Chris Wimmer walked with one out and moved to second on a single by Adam Bechtold.  Chris Wimmer stole third and scored when the Langley catcher threw the ball into left field.  Evan Corrothers singled in the gap to score Bechtold for a 5 to 2 lead but Corrothers was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.  Mark Riffee was hit by a pitch and then Nick Tomasetti hit a line drive to left that turned into a double when the outfielder slipped in the wet grass.  Mark Riffee scored all the way from first on the play and the Warhawks led 6 to 2. Tomasetti moved to third on a passed ball but was stranded. In Langley's third. Stefanou singled up the middle to lead off but was forced at second on Greenwich's fielders choice.  Matt Foley threw out Greenwich attempting to steal for the second out.  Zahra flew out deep to right fielder Mark Riffee to end the inning and Madison led 6 to 2 after three innings.

In the fourth, Matt Foley walked and went to third when Andrew Baird doubled down the line.  Jimmy Saris relieved Blankinship with no outs and two runners on base. Chris Wimmer hit a sacrifice fly to score Matt Foley while Andrew Baird tagged and moved to third.  Adam Bechtold hit a two strike single to score Andrew Baird and Madison led 8 to 2. Saris balked Bechtold to second where he was stranded.  In Langley's fourth Alex Gregory grounded out to Chris Wimmer.  Schneider walked but was forced at second on Saris fielders choice (Wimmer to Tomasetti for the force) and Josh Canova struck out Hoffer for the third out. The game was still 8 to 2 Madison. With two outs in the fifth inning, Johnny Ayers walked and then advanced to second on Saris balk.  Langley intentionally walked Matt Foley.  Scott Maynard was the courtesy runner for Foley.  Andrew Baird ripped a ball into the gap to score Johnny Ayers and Maynard was thrown out at the plate on a close play to end the inning with the Warhawks ahead 9 to 2. In Langley's fifth Chuck Eller flew out to Andrew Baird for the first out.  Josh Canova struck out Potter for the second out and Adam Bechtold ended the inning by catching Stefanou's high fly ball.

Chris Wimmer singled to start the sixth inning and moved to second when Adam Bechtold was hit by a pitch but both runners were stranded without scoring. After Greenwich doubled for Langley in the sixth, Zahra lined out to Andrew Baird for the first out.  Josh Canova struck out Gregory and Schneider to end the inning.

In the top of the seventh, Mark Riffee led off with a walk and took second on a wild pitch and then stole third base.  Nick Tomasetti walked and Johnny Ayers hit a sacrifice fly to score Mark Riffee and Madison led 10 to 2 going into the bottom of the seventh. Josh Canova struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh retiring Saris, Jared Miller and Joey Love. Josh Canova had 11 strikeouts including the last five batters of the game to get the win.  Madison again is in sole possession of first place in the Liberty District.

Times Article on Madison Getting Ready

Warhawks Defeat McLean 5 to 1

McLean's Highlanders visited James Madison in a battle of the black and red.  Junior, Matt Riffee took the hill  for Madison and Senior Stephen Baughman for McLean. In the top of the first Matt Riffee struck out the first two Highlanders, Josh Huston and Marshall Forest and then Justin Zeigler grounded out to Nick Tomasetti to retire the side in order. 

In the bottom of the first, Matt Foley doubled with one out and scored when Josh Canova doubled off the fence to put the Warhawks up 1 to 0.  Chris Wimmer lined a two-run home run off the score board to increase the lead to 3-0 which was the score after one inning. In the second Matt Riffee retired Daniel Mills when he hit a ball off the end of his bat down the first base line, where Riffee fielded it and tagged Mills out. John Oldenberg flied out to Andrew Baird and William Corey grounded out to Johnny Ayers and McLean went down 1-2-3 again. Baughman retired the Madison side in the bottom of the second and the score was 3 to 0 after two innings. Riffee again retired all three McLean batters as TK Marks grounded out to Johnny Ayers, Bryan Terrell grounded out to Chris Wimmer and Stephen Baughman grounded out to Johnny Ayers. Riffee retired all nine batters faced in three innings. Baughman again retired the Madison side in the bottom of the third to keep the Highlanders in the game. After three innings Madison led 3 to 0.

In the top of the fourth, Matt Riffee struck out Huson for the first out and then gave up the first hit of the game, a single, to Forrest on a two-strike pitch, to break up the perfect game.  Riffee got the next batter Ziegler to ground into a Tomasetti to Ayers to Bechtold double play.  McLean had only sent the minimum 12 batters to the plate through four innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Madison stranded Adam Bechtold on base after he had singled and the game was still 3 to 0. In the fifth, Matt Riffee retired Farmer on a ground ball back to the pitcher. Oldenberg drew the first walk and then Corey singled to put men on first and second.  TJ Marks singled and took second on the relay throw to the plate which would have gotten Oldenburg but it was over the catcher's head and the unearned run scored on the error.  Riffee alertly backed up the throw and threw out Corey, who attempted to score on the overthrow, for the second out.  Matt Riffee then struck out Wilkins to end the inning and Madison led 3 to 1.  The score stood after five innings as the Warhawks failed to score in the bottom of the fifth thanks to outstanding plays by their shortstop, who made a running catch into the outfield to rob Mark Riffee of a hit, and their catcher Corey, who made a diving catch on a bunt by Johnny Ayers.

Chris Sterbenz came on to pitch the sixth in relief for Madison. Johnny Ayers retired Baughman on a ground out.  Huson flied out to Andrew Baird for the second out and Adam Bechtold retired Marshall on a fly ball in foul territory.  Sterbenz had pitched a 1-2-3 inning for the Warhawks.

Andrew Baird singled with one out to get the Warhawks started in the bottom of the sixth.  Josh Canova walked and both runners moved up on a passed ball.  Chris Wimmer singled to left field to score both Andrew Baird and Josh Canova and Madison led 5 to1. Wimmer was thrown out at second on the cutoff throw but not before picking up his fourth RBI of the game.  Adam Bechtold singled but was stranded when the inning ended.  Chris Sterbenz pitched the seventh and got Ziegler to pop out to Chris Wimmer.  After Oldenberg lined a single to center field, Wimmer retired Mills and Corey on  grounders, making all three outs to end the game.  Chris Sterbenz had pitched well in relief.

Juniors Matt Riffee, with a pitching record of 4-0, and Chris Wimmer led the Warhawks tonight.  Riffee, who was recovering from an injury, retired the first 13 outs in 13 batters - into the fifth inning while getting the win on the hill.  He only walked one batter and and still has not given up an earned run  in District play this season.  Chris Wimmer had a home run, 4 RBIs and a single to lead the Madison attack.  He made several nice plays at third base including recording all three outs in the seventh inning.  Matt Foley, Josh Canova and Andrew Baird had key hits and Adam Bechtold had two hits for the Warhawks.  Johnny Ayers and Nick Tomasetti were solid defensively for Madison.

Madison Takes Two Game Lead in District  With

 Two Games Left Shutting Out Fairfax  8 to 0

Madison traveled to Fairfax to take on the Rebels sending senior Josh Canova to the mound against senior Nick Stephens of Fairfax. In the top of the first, Johnny Ayers walked and moved to third on Matt Foley's double.  Andrew Baird grounded out to shortstop for an RBI and then Foley was thrown out at third on the return throw.  After half an inning, Madison led 1 to 0. In the bottom of the first, the Rebels T.J.Prioletti grounded out to nick Tomasetti.  Josh Canova struck out Zach Schlesinger and John Blair grounded out to Johnny Ayers.  Madison led 1 to 0 after one inning.

In the second, Chris Wimmer reached on an error and moved to second on an errant pick-off throw.  Adam Bechtold sacrificed Wimmer to third.  Ryan Costello singled to score Chris Wimmer and the Warhawks led 2 to 0.  Mark Riffee lined a single to move Costello to second base. Nick Tomasetti grounded out but Ryan Costello and Mark Riffee moved up on the play before Johnny Ayers walked to load the bases.  Matt Foley drew a bases loaded RBI walk to make the score 3 to 0. On a full count and the runners moving, Andrew Baird doubled down the line to score Mark Riffee, Johnny Ayers and Matt Foley to increase the lead to 6 to 0 going into the bottom of the second.  Stuart Turner singled in the second inning for Fairfax but was forced at second when Owen Schmitt hit a ground ball to Chris Wimmer. Dustin Richitt flew out to centerfielder Andrew Baird and Josh Canova struck out Kyle Smith for the third out.  After two innings, Madison led 6 to 0 after two innings. Chris Wimmer reached on an error in the third and advanced all the way to third on two passed balls.  Ryan Costello struck out but drew a throw to first and Chris Wimmer attempted to steal home on the throw but was out at the plate for a double play to end the inning.

Nick Johnson singled for Fairfax in the third but was forced at second on a fielder's choice ground ball hit to Chris Wimmer.  Prioletti grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out and Adam Bechtold made a play to end the inning. Madison went down 1-2-3 in the fourth. In Fairfax's fourth inning, Johnny Ayers threw out Blair on a ball deflected by Josh Canova. Stuart Turner lined a single to the outfield and then Josh Canova struck out Schmitt.  Ebhart grounded out to Nick Tomasetti to end the inning.  Madison led 6 to 0 after four innings.

Matt Foley started the fifth by lining a single up the middle that almost took off the pitcher's head as it went through.  Brian Eck then ran for Foley.  Andrew Baird flied out to the deepest part of the park before Josh Canova double in the gap with Eck moving to third base.  Scott Maynard was the courtesy runner for Canova. Stephens record two strikeouts to end the inning. Fairfax went down 1-2-3 in the fifth thanks to plays by Johnny Ayers and Chris Wimmer and a strikeout by Josh Canova. In Madison's sixth, Ryan Costello hit a hard line drive to second base for the first out.  Mark Riffee flied out deep in the gap for the second and then Nick Tomasetti was hit by a pitch  but was stranded.  In the bottom of the sixth, Adam Bechtold made a terrific unassisted play for the first out and Josh Canova struck out Schlesinger for the second out. Blair grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the third out and Fairfax went down 1-2-3.

Matt Foley homered to lead off the seventh inning.  Chris Wimmer walked with two outs and went to second on a passed ball.  Adam Bechtold doubled down the line and Madison led 8 to 0 going into the bottom of the seventh.  Chris Wimmer relieved Josh Canova on the mound in the seventh and Turner grounded out to Adam Bechtold on a nice play. Schmidt singled and Ebhart hit a flair to Brian Eck for the second out.  Smith walked and then Chris Wimmer struck out Johnson to end the game.

Josh Canova, 5-2, picked up the win for Madison while shutting out the Rebels.  Andrew Baird's three run double and 4 RBIs, Matt Foley 3 for 3 with a home run and double, Ryan Costello's RBI single and Adam Bechtold's RBI double plated the runs. Josh Canova and Mark Riffee also had key hits in the Warhawks attack.  Stephens took the loss for Fairfax.

Season Notes:  Madison now has a two game lead with two regular season games  left to play heading into the last week of the  season. Madison  can win the regular season title outright with one more win. The Warhawks have now outscored opponents 123 to 38 this season thanks to great pitching and hitting. Senior Ace Josh Canova, 5 -2 and leads the team in strikeouts, and Junior Matt Riffee, 4-0 with no earned runs allowed in District games, head the rotation.  Hard throwing Chris Wimmer, 3-1, and sophomore Chris Sterbenz, 2-0 and no earned runs allowed, are key members of the District's best pitching staff.  Matt Foley, Andrew Baird, Chris Wimmer and Johnny Ayers have been the offensive leaders for Madison thus far.

Madison Defeats Lee and Wins Regular Season

 Liberty District Crown

Madison played Lee at Madison HS with Matt Riffee pitching against Lee's Nick Slahetka.  In the top of the first Greg Jones led off with a double for Lee and then when Stephen Giese attempted a sacrifice bunt no one covered first base in a mental lapse by the Warhawks.  Matt Riffee alertly held Jones at second when he realized no one was at first. Ross Crigler flied out to Scott Maynard for the second out. Then Matt Riffee had two strikes on William Gorham but the umpire called three straight apparent strikes balls and gave Gorham the walk.   Kenny Moreland flied out to shallow right field for what should have been the end of the inning but Jones scored on a poor relay attempt and Lee put together a run with several breaks.  Riffee retired Hamilton on a fly ball to Andrew Baird but Madison trailed 1 to 0. Slahetka retired the side for the Lancers with two strikeouts and a fly out.  Matt Riffee sent Lee down in the second on a strikeout, fly out and groundout. In the bottom of the second, Slahetka recorded another strikeout and then Chris Wimmer lined a single up  the middle but Slahetka got out of the inning with a double play. Madison trailed 1 to 0 in a pitchers duel between Slahetka and Riffee.

In the top of the third, Matt Riffee got Greg Jones to ground out to Chris Wimmer who made a nice play.  Then Riffee recorded two more outs including a nice play by Adam Bechtold and Lee went down 1-2-3 again. In the bottom of the third, Matt Riffee cracked a deep line drive that the outfielder caught running back, Nick Tomasetti popped out and Slahetka recorded another strikeout and Madison still trailed 1 to 0. 

The pitchers duel still continued into the fourth inning as Riffee sent Lee down 1-2-3 again by getting Gorham and Moreland on ground balls and by striking out Troy Hamilton. Slahetka retired Johnny Ayers, Matt Foley and Andrew Baird on three hard hit balls in four pitches. Madison still trailed 1 to 0.

Matt Riffee continued to battle in the fifth and got Glose to fly out to Andrew Baird and then struck out Brian Brown for the second out. Ryan Rice singled for Lee and then Jones reached on an error.  Riffee put out the fire by getting Giese to pop up in foul territory to Chris Wimmer.

In the bottom of the fifth, Chris Wimmer flew out to deep right field and then Josh Canova singled.  Adam Bechtold reached first on a bunt single moving Canova to second.  Then Eric Garner pinch ran for Canova.  Matt Riffee lined a single to center field to score Eric Garner to tie the game at 1 to 1.  After Evan Corrothers flied out, Slahetka picked off Adam Bechtold at second base to end the inning.  The game was tied 1 to 1 after 5 innings.  In the top of the sixth, Riffee retired Crigler on a fly ball to Andrew Baird and Glose on a ground ball to Chris Wimmer. After Moreland singled, Troy Hamilton lined out to Andrew Baird to end the inning. With one out in the sixth, Johnny Ayers singled and stole second base.  Matt Foley crushed a line drive that short stop Ken Moreland snared and threw out Ayers for the double play robbing Madison of the go ahead run on the play and ending the inning.

David Glose singled in the top of the seventh for Lee.  Brown sacrificed Glose to second.  Then Adam Bechtold combined for a great play to get Rice for the second out with Glose advancing to second.  Riffee playing with an injury the entire game, re-injured himself on the play but stayed in to pitch.  He retired  Jones on a grounder to Chris Wimmer but had to leave the game after the inning. Andrew Baird singled to lead off the seventh but was forced at second on a fielders choice hit by Josh Canova.  Moreland forced Josh Canova out at second with another nice play, a diving stop, on a fielders choice hit by Chris Wimmer.  Adam Bechtold flied out to centerfield to end the seventh and the game went to extra innings.

Josh Canova relieved Matt Riffee in the eighth. Stephen Giese walked and Crigler sacrificed Giese to second.  Josh Canova struck out Gorham for the second out and then intentionally walked Moreland to face Hamilton with men on first and second. Hamilton flied out to centerfielder Andrew Baird to end the top of the eighth. Matt Riffee reentered the game to bat and crushed a line drive to left that was caught for the first out.  Slahetka retired Nick Tomasetti on a strikeout and then Mark Riffee lined out to right field on a running catch to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, Josh Canova retired the side striking out Glose, getting Brown to ground out to Nick Tomasetti and Rice to ground out to Chris Wimmer.  In the bottom of the ninth, Johnny Ayers singled off of Slahetka's hand to start the inning.  After Matt Foley flied out,  Ayers stole second base and went to third when the throw bounded into the outfield.  Andrew Baird hit a sacrifice fly to score Johnny Ayers with the winning run.

Madison won its third straight regular season Liberty District Title.  Matt Riffee pitched a fantastic seven inning game surrendering only the one run under questionable circumstance in the first.  He also had the RBI single that sent the game to extra innings.  Josh Canova, 6-2, picked up the win with a good relief effort in extra innings.  Johnny Ayers had two hits, two stolen bases and scored the winning run.

Warhawks Defeat Marshall 12-4 to Conclude

 Regular Season

Madison traveled across Vienna to play the John Marshall Statesman in the Regular Season Finale. Senior Josh Canova started on the hill for Madison versus Adam Engman of Marshall.  Johnny Ayers led off the game with a single and stole second base and moved to third on a passed ball. Matt Foley and Andrew Baird walked to load the bases and Josh Canova scored Ayers with a sacrifice fly and Eric Garner, running for Foley, tagged and went to third.  Andrew Baird stole second but both runners were stranded to end the inning with Madison leading 1 to 0. In the bottom of the first  Josh Canova took the hill and retired Emmett Saures on a pop-out to himself. Brian Williamson flew out to centerfielder Andrew Baird.  With two outs, Sean McVey singled and Josh Bell walked but Matt Foley picked off Bell to end the inning and Madison led 1 to 0.

In the top of the second, Engman recorded a ground out for the first out.  Mark Riffee singled and stole second base.  After Engman recorded a strikeout, he tried to pick off Riffee unsuccessfully and Mark Riffee advanced to third on a poor throw and play.  Johnny Ayers walked and took second uncontested.  Matt Foley singled to score Mark Riffee and Johnny Ayers and Madison led 3 to 0.  Andrew Baird singled and Eric Garner, running for Matt Foley, moved to second.  Josh Canova doubled in the gap to score Eric Garner and Andrew Baird and Madison led 5 to 0. Brian Eck ran for Josh Canova.  Neil Gentile relieved Engman at that point.  Chris Wimmer singled to score Brian Eck and Madison led 6 to 0.  Adam Bechtold crushed a home run to score Wimmer and Madison led 8 to 0 after the top of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Josh Canova walked Engman and then recorded a strikeout. Jason Cornwell singled for the Statesmen to put men on first and second. Colton Turner singled to score Engman and Cornwell went to third. The lead was 8 to 1. Saures reached on an error that allowed Cornwell to score and Turner to scamper to third. The lead was 8 to 2. Brian Williamson singled and the lead was 8 to 3 as Turner scored. Josh Canova ended the inning with a strikeout of Sean McVey. After two, Madison led 8 to 3.

Mark Riffee flied out in the top of the third and then Joseph Canova stroked the ball down the left field line for hit and hustled to second as the ball got by the left fielder.  Johnny Ayers got a bunt single that was thrown away by Marshall and Joseph Canova moved to third.  Johnny Ayers stole second base uncontested and Matt Foley hit a three run homer off of Neil Gentile to score Joseph Canova and Johnny Ayers.  The Warhawks led 11 to 3 after the top of the third. Josh Canova struck out Josh Bell in the bottom of the third and Johnny Ayers recorded two putouts on ground balls to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth, Matt Strong pitched for Marshall and after Chris Wimmer singled he recorded three outs to strand the runner. In the bottom of the fourth, Chris Sterbenz relieved for Madison and recorded three outs on three pitches as Cornwell grounded out to Johnny Ayers, Turner flied out to Scott Maynard and  the last batter grounded out to Sterbenz.

 In the top of the fifth, Johnny Ayers homered off of Matt Strong and the lead was 12 to 3.  Evan Corrothers hit an infield single and Scott Maynard singled but the inning ended on a double play and the lead was 12 to 3. Chris Sterbenz pitched the bottom of the fifth and Emmett Saures led off with a double. Williamson flew out to Nick Tomasetti and then McVey singled to move Saures to third.  Ben Fletcher grounded out on a nice play by Tomasetti who flipped to Ayers who relayed the ball to Bechtold.  Saures scored on the play and McVey was safe at second.  Chris Wimmer made a nice running catch in foul territory for the third out. The lead was 12 to 4 after five.

In the sixth, Strong struck out Wimmer and got Ray Sparrow on a grounder.  Dan Cohen flew out and Madison went down 1-2-3 but led 12 to 4. Chris Wimmer pitched the sixth and got Strong and Turner to ground out to Tomasetti for the first two outs and then retired Solomon for the third out. With two outs in the top of the seventh, Johnny Ayers got to second on two errors and moved to third on Evan Corrothers single but both runners were stranded. Chris Wimmer recorded two outs in the bottom of the seventh with a ground out and strike out.  After surrendering a single to McVey he recorded the third out to end the game. The staff pitched this game with Josh Canova credited with the win.  Adam Bechtold, Matt Foley and Johnny Ayers homered for the Warhawks.

Madison won the Regular Season Liberty District Title for the third consecutive year and qualified for the Northern Regionals.  The Warhawks are ceded first in the Liberty District Tournament and return to action in the semifinals on Friday at Lee High School at 5PM.

The Liberty District Tournament Begins with the play in Game of Marshall versus Fairfax Tuesday night.  The winner advances to quarterfinal Wednesday versus Lee.  The other quarterfinal Wednesday has McLean playing Woodson. The Winner of Woodson-McLean plays Madison Friday in the first semifinal.  The winner of the Lee game plays Langley in the second Semifinal Friday night.  The District Tournament game is Monday night.  Regional begin the following Friday night.

Journal Special Article on Matt Foley

Journal Article: Josh Canova Commits to Virginia Tech

District Tournament Update:

Fairfax defeated Marshall 13 to 1 on Tuesday in the first round of the Tournament. W.T. Woodson defeated McLean to advance to the semifinals against the Warhawks.  Lee defeated Fairfax 3 to 2 to advance to the second semifinal against Langley. Langley defeated Lee 3 to 1 in semifinal to play Madison.  Jay Sborz guarantees Langley victory over Madison in Championship Game.

Liberty District Tournament Semifinals

Madison Defeats Woodson 10 to 2 to

 Advance to Championship Game

Madison traveled down the Beltway to Lee HS  to play the Woodson Cavaliers in the semifinals of the Liberty District Tournament.  Madison dominated the game from the first inning as Josh Canova faced Ross Taranto on the hill. In the top of the first the Cavaliers Mike Kelch walked to start the game.  Ryan Owen flied out to Andrew Baird for the first out.  Mike Bianucci singled for Woodson to move Kelch to second base.  Josh Canova settled in and adjusted to Lee's non-regulation-steep mound and recorded two strikeouts of Sean Ragen and Richard Cutts to keep Woodson from scoring.  Johnny Ayers led off the bottom of the first for the Warhawks with a single and he stole second base.  Woodson intentionally walked Matt Foley and then Andrew Baird reached on a fielders choice as Foley was forced at second while Ayers advanced to third.  Andrew Baird stole second base and then Josh Canova stroked a double over the  outfielders head to score Johnny Ayers and Andrew Baird.  Madison led 2 to 0. Joseph Canova ran for Josh Canova.  After a strikeout, Adam Bechtold singled to move Joseph Canova to third base.  Taranto walked Matt Riffee and then hit Mark Riffee with a pitch to drive in Joseph Canova on the force.  Madison led 3 to 0. Nick Tomasetti flied out on a deep ball to end the inning.  Madison led 3 to 0 and left the bases loaded after one inning.

In the second inning, Josh Canova struck out Joe Reynes for the first out.  Mike Salinas flied out to right fielder Mark Riffee for the second out. Josh Canova struck out Matthew Bradley on a called third strike and Woodson went down 1-2-3. In the bottom of the second, Johnny Ayers led off with another single and stole second base.  With one out, Andrew Baird hit an infield single in the hole on a hit-and-run as Johnny Ayers stole third.  Ayers kept running and beat the throw to the plate on the poor play by Woodson and the score was 4 to 0 in favor of Madison. Josh Canova moved Baird to second as he grounded out to first but Baird was stranded after a strikeout.

In the Woodson third, Jon Quigley lined out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out and Kelch grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the second out.  Ryan Owens reached on an error but Adam Bechtold made a nice catch on a foul ball to retire Bianucci for the third out.  In the bottom of the third, Adam Bechtold lined a single to start the inning.  Matt Riffee stroked another single to move Bechtold to second and the first two hitters were aboard with hits and no outs.  Mark Riffee executed a beautiful sacrifice bunt to move Adam Bechtold to third and Matt Riffee to second. Nick Tomasetti hit a sharp low liner to left field for a sacrifice to score Adam Bechtold.  The sacrifice and run was saved by Matt Riffee, who alertly dove back safely into second base as the Cavaliers tried to turn a fast double play to end the inning.  The score was 5 to 0 after three innings.

In the fourth, Ragen led off with a single for Woodson.  Josh Canova struck out Cutts for the first out.  Ragen stole second base and Reynes popped out to Chris Wimmer for the second out.  Salinas grounded back to Josh Canova who threw him out for the third out.  In the bottom of the fourth, Matt Foley, Andrew Baird and Josh Canova grounded out and Woodson retired the side for the first time.

Josh Canova returned the favor by striking out the side: Bradley, Quigley and Kelch in the top of the fifth.  In the bottom of the fifth, Chris Wimmer hit an infield single. After one out, the pitcher balked Chris Wimmer to second. Matt Riffee hit a smash at Bianucci who had a hard time coming up with it and then decided he had a better chance at Wimmer than Riffee but Wimmer dove back safely and everyone was safe. Dan Cohen pinch ran for Matt Riffee.  Mark Riffee drew a walk to load the bases.  Eric Lickstein relieved Taranto who trailed 5 to 0 and left the bases loaded with one out. Nick Tomasetti singled in Chris Wimmer for a 6 to 0 lead and the bases were left full as Dan Cohen stopped at third.  Johnny Ayers hit a grand slam home run to score Dan Cohen, Mark Riffee and Nick Tomasetti and Madison led 10 to 0.  Woodson called a new player not listed on their roster to pitch.  Matt Foley walked on four pitches and Brian Eck was the courtesy runner for Foley.  Andrew Baird lashed a single to move Brian Eck to second.  Josh Canova was hit by a pitch to load the bases.  Joseph Canova ran for Josh Canova.  Chris Wimmer was out by the infield fly rule and Adam Bechtold grounded out on a close play.  After five innings the Warhawks were dominating 10 to 0 and there was no slaughter rule in the tournament.

Josh Canova returned to pitch the sixth inning.  Owens popped up to Nick Tomasetti for the first out.  Bianucci reached on an infield single on a slow roller.  Bianucci stole second base and scored on a double by Ragen.  Josh Canova struck out Cutts for the second out.  Reynes singled to right field but Mark Riffee held the runners at first and third by hitting the cutoff man.  Josh Canova struck out Salinas to end the inning.  Madison led 10 to 1. In the bottom of the sixth, after Dan Cohen popped out. Mark Riffee singled.  Nick Tomasetti was hit by a pitch to move Mark Riffee to second.  Johnny Ayers grounded out but moved Mark Riffee to third and Nick Tomasetti to second but both runners were stranded.  After six innings, Madison led 10 to 1.

Chris Sterbenz relieved Canova and pitched the seventh inning for Madison. Sterbenz struck out Steven Bognadoff for the first out.  Then Chris Wimmer recorded an out on a ground ball.  Kelch singled to left to get a runner on with two outs.  Brian Kramer and Bianucci drew walks to load the bases and then Chris Sterbenz walked in a run and the lead was 10 to 2. Chris Sterbenz battled back to strike outs Cutts to end the game.  Madison advanced to play in the District Tournament Championship Game at 7PM on Monday versus Langley at Lee High School.

Journal Article Madison Beats Woodson in Semifinals, Ayers Hits Grand Slam, Sborz Promises Victory

Warhawks Win 2003

Liberty District

 Championship!

Monday May 19,2003 at Lee High School. The Madison Warhawks defeated Langley 7 to 2 for the third time this season to Capture the Liberty District Championship.  Matt Riffee allowed only 3 hits in six innings and was the winning pitcher.  Josh Canova hit a home run and double and struck out the side to pitch the closing seventh inning.  Matt Foley hit a three run triple to open up the game.  Mark Riffee and Chris Wimmer each had two hits. Johnny Ayers, Matt Riffee and Andrew Baird also had hits for Madison in the Championship game.

Madison Defeats Langley 7 to 2 in

District Championship Game

The 2003 Liberty District Championship Game was played at Lee High School in Springfield.  Madison sent Matt Riffee to the mound against Langley's Russell Blankinship.  In the top of the first, Matt Riffee retired Langley's Nick Zahra with a fly ball on the first pitch.  He then walked Chuck Eller and Jay Sborz as he tried to adjust to Lee's steep mound.  Eller stole third base but was out when he was hit by a ball in fair territory off of the bat of Jon Greenwich.  Greenwich was awarded a hit and sent to first base but there were two outs. Riffee then got Tim Stefanou to ground out  to Nick Tomasetti to end the inning.

In the bottom of the first, Johnny Ayers singled and stole second base on a pitchout. Blankinship balked Johnny Ayers to third and then with two outs Josh Canova reached first on an error allowing Johnny Ayers to score the unearned run and Madison led 1 to 0 after one inning.

In the top of the second, Matt Riffee got Alex Schneider on a ground out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out.  Nick Houston got to first on an infield error.  With the runner on, Riffee jammed Blankinship and got a pop out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out.  When Jason Potter attempted to bunt he received a high fast ball and popped up to Matt Foley, who made a spinning catch to end the inning.

In the bottom of the second with one out, Matt Riffee singled to left field and Joseph Canova was the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Mark Riffee grounded into a fielders choice to force out Joseph Canova for the second out. Nick Tomasetti and Johnny Ayers walked to load the bases.  With two outs, Matt Foley crushed a three run triple to score Mark Riffee, Nick Tomasetti and Johnny Ayers and Madison led 4 to 0. Blankinship hit Andrew Baird with a pitch and then Baird stole second but Jay Sborz threw Matt Foley out at third base on the play to end the inning. Madison led 4 to 0 after two innings.

In the top of the third, Zahra grounded out to Brian Eck for the first out. Matt Riffee got Eller to ground out to Adam Bechtold for the second out and Jay Sborz grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the third out and Langley went down 1-2-3.

In the bottom of the third, Josh Canova led off the inning with a solo homerun off of Blankinship. and Madison led 5 to 0.  Chris Wimmer reached first on a bunt single but was stranded to end the inning with Madison leading 5 to 0 after three innings.

Jon Greenwich homered for Langley to lead off the fourth and cut the lead to 5 to1.  Tim Stefanou lined out to Mark Riffee, who made a sliding catch for the first out.  Schneider then reached first on another Warhawks infield error but Matt Riffee picked him off of first base with Adam Bechtold applying the tag for the second out. Matt Riffee then struck out Nick Houston to end the inning and Madison led 5 to 1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Mark Riffee lined a leadoff single to center field to start the Warhawks attack.  After two strikeouts, Mark Riffee took stole second base. Langley intentionally walked Matt Foley and then Eric Garner was the courtesy runner for Foley. Mark Riffee and Eric Garner advanced to third and second on a wild pitch and Langley brought in Jimmy Saris to relieve Blankinship. Andrew Baird singled to score Mark Riffee and the lead was 6 to 1 in favor of the Warhawks. Eric Garner advanced to third on the hit.  Andrew Baird was out attempting to steal second to end the inning, but the lead was now 6 to 1.

Matt Riffee took the hill again in the fifth and retired Saris and Potter on fly balls to Andrew Baird. Baird made a running catch to retire Potter. Riffee walked Zahra and then made an athletic catch on a bunt attempt by Eller to end the inning with Madison still leading 6 to 1.

In the bottom of the fifth, Josh Canova led off with a double and Scott Maynard pinch ran for him. Scott Maynard took third base on a wild pitch.  Chris Wimmer hit an RBI single to score Scott Maynard and Madison led 7 to 1.  Adam Bechtold reached on an error by the pitcher Saris and Madison had runners on first and second. With one out, Mark Riffee laid down a beautiful bunt single to load the bases.  Nick Tomasetti reached first on a fielders choice grounder to Saris who threw Wimmer out at the plate for the second out. Saris ended the threat by striking out Johnny Ayers with the bases loaded but Madison led 7 to 1.

In the top of the sixth, Jay Sborz led off with a solo homerun to cut the lead to 7 to 2 but that was all Langley would get. Greenwich flied out to Andrew Baird for the first out,  Matt Riffee was able to get Stefanou to fly out to Mark Riffee and Schneider flied out to Andrew Baird  to end the sixth with the Warhawks leading 7 to 2. In the bottom of the sixth, Madison went down 1-2-3 as Foley, Baird and Canova grounded out all on sharply hit balls.

Josh Canova came on in relief to close the seventh and Matt Riffee moved to third after pitching a fine outing. Josh Canova struck out Houston, Saris and Hoffer to end the game.

Madison won the Liberty District Championship for the second consecutive year. Matt Riffee gave up only three hits for the win.  Other than the two solo homeruns, he only gave up the hit when Greenwich hit his own base runner. He overcame two errors by picking off a runner and hitting his spots.  Madison's defense was strong on all other balls put in play. Josh Canova struck out the side to close the seventh inning.  Josh Canova's home run and double and  Matt Foley's three run triple were the key blows for Madison.  Mark Riffee and Chris Wimmer each had two hits while Johnny Ayers, Matt Riffee and Andrew Baird each had hits in the championship game.

Washington Post Article from Championship Game Riffee, Madison Clamp Down Langley

Journal Article Madison Wins Championship Andrew Baird Quotes

Vienna Times Article Madison Repeats As Liberty District Champions

Northern Region Tournament

First Round:  May 23, 2003 at Madison HS

James Madison Warhawks  versus West Springfield

Spartans

Madison Advances  in Northern Region

 Tournament With 4 -2 Win over

West Springfield

Senior-Left-handed pitcher Josh Canova pitched for Madison versus Senior lefty Grant Bauley for the West Springfield Spartans. In the top of the first, Kevin Koblitz singled to lead off the game for the Spartans.  Danny Wuckovich reached on an error and Koblitz moved to second.  Josh Canova struck out Matt Smith for the first out and then struck out Josh Craddock for the second out.  Danny Trayer grounded out to Adam Bechtold for an unassisted play to end the threat with no score.  In the bottom of the first, Johnny Ayers and Matt Foley flied out to right field for the first two outs.  Andrew Baird was hit by a pitch and stole second base and then Bauley got Josh Canova to ground out to end the inning.  After one inning there was no score.

West Springfield right fielder Kyle Murdock singled to lead off the second inning. David Hebda executed a sacrifice bunt with Matt Riffee throwing  him out and Adam Bechtold making a nice play to hold Murdock at second with one out. The inning ended on a nice double play when Matt Gibson hit a ball back to Josh Canova, who ran at Murdock and froze him. Canova then trapped Murdock in a run down between Johnny Ayers and Matt Riffee with Ayers making the tag for the out.  Ayers then fired the ball to Nick Tomasetti who tagged Gibson out trying to slide into second base to end the inning. The game was still scoreless. In the bottom of the second, Chris Wimmer led off with a single and ran to third base on a double by Adam Bechtold. Matt Riffee took an outside pitch to right field for a fly ball out and Chris Wimmer tagged-up to try to score on a sacrifice but was out at the plate on a good throw and because Matt Smith blocked the plate to keep him from scoring. The Spartans had a double play.  Bauley hit Mark Riffee in the back with a pitch to put men on first and second but retired Nick Tomasetti on a pop-up to second to end the threat. The game was still scoreless after two innings.

 In the top of the third, Josh Canova struck out Finenfrock to start the inning.  Canova walked Koblitz  and then struck out the Spartans shortstop Wuckovich for the second out with Koblitz stealing second on the strikeout.  Matt Smith grounded a single to left field to score Koblitz and West Springfield led 1 to 0. Josh Canova struck out Craddock to end the inning and hold the Spartans to the one run. In the bottom of the third, Johnny Ayers led off with a walk but broke for second on a line drive smoked to the third baseman by Matt Foley.  The Spartans threw to first to double-off Ayers on the play. Andrew Baird then reached on an error but Bauley got Josh Canova to ground out to end the inning.  After three innings, West Springfield led 1 to 0.

Josh Canova continued to pitch well and keep the Warhawks in the game in the top of the fourth. He struck out Troyer for the first out and made a nice fielding play to retire Murdock on a grounder for the second out.  Hebda flew out to left fielder Eric Garner who made a nice running catch on wet grass to end the inning. The game was played in a steady drizzle but the Warhawks kept battling.  The game was well pitched and defended considering the wet weather. In the bottom of the fourth, Chris Wimmer grounded out for the first out and Adam Bechtold lined a single to centerfield.  Matt Riffee flied out into center when the infielder made a running catch going backwards.  Mark Riffee lined out on a sharply hit ball to end the inning. Madison still trailed 1 to 0 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth, Josh Canova struck out Gibson for the first out.  Johnny Ayers made a nice running catch to snare Finenfrock's line drive that was headed up the middle for the second out. Koblitz grounded to Johnny Ayers. Ayers charged the ball nicely and made a running throw to Adam Bechtold  who saved the out by digging the low throw out of the dirt to end the inning.

 In the bottom of the fifth Nick Tomasetti walked and Johnny Ayers successfully sacrificed him to second base.  Bauley intentionally walked Matt Foley. With two balls and no strikes in the count to Andrew Baird, right hander Peter Foster was brought in to relieve Bauley on the hill for the Spartans.  Andrew Baird lined out to deep centerfield for the second out with Nick Tomasetti tagging and going to third base on the out. Matt Foley stole second base and then the Spartans intentionally walked Josh Canova to load the bases and face Chris Wimmer. With a full count we witnessed the high school version of Bill Buckner's famous miscue. Chris Wimmer hit a soft grounder off the end of his bat at the first baseman to apparently end the inning nut the ball scooted between his legs into shallow right field allowing Nick Tomasetti and Matt Foley to score two unearned runs on the error. The Warhawks led 2 to 1 in an uncharacteristic manner after five innings.

In the sixth inning, Josh Canova struck out Wuckovich for the first out but Matt Strong added to the drama by hitting a home run down the left field line to tie the score. Josh Canova stayed in command by striking out Craddock and Mark Levine to end the inning tied at two runs each.

In the bottom of the sixth, Madison came right back after the Spartans.  Matt Riffee led off with a walk to start the inning.  Joseph pinch ran for Matt Riffee, who would reenter the game in the seventh. Next, Mark Riffee executed a perfect sacrifice to move the runner to second and almost beat the throw despite the fact that the Spartans were drawn in to try to stop the play. After pinch hitter Evan Corrothers popped up for the second out, Johnny Ayers doubled in Joseph Canova with the go ahead run as Madison showed it could manufacture a run if it had to.  Madison led 3 to 2. West Springfield intentionally walked Matt Foley.  On a wild pitch Johnny Ayers broke for third and matt Foley for second. When the catcher Matt Strong tried to desperately throw out Ayers, the ball bounded into left field allowing Ayers to score and Foley to move to third on the error and wild pitch. The Warhawks led 4 to 2 and were still threatening. Andrew Baird walked and the Spartans brought in another reliever, right hander Chris Peacock with two men on and no outs.  Andrew Baird stole second base and then Peacock  walked Josh Canova to load the bases but Matt Foley was caught off of third base in a run down on ball four and tagged out to end the inning.  Madison led 4 to 2 after six innings.

Josh Canova closed the game out in the seventh getting Murdock to line out to centerfielder Andrew Baird for the first out. Josh Canova fielder a ground ball to retire CJ Capizzi for the second out and Gibson grounded out to Adam Bechtold unassisted to end the game.  Josh Canova was the key Warhawk tonight by keeping his team in the game until they could manfacture the runs to win. He had 10 strikeouts while picking up the win. The Warhawks won in a steady drizzle to advance to the second round of the Northern Region Tournament in its bid to defend its title. The Warhawks will play the winner of the Centreville - Wakefield game on Tuesday evening May 27 at Madison High School. Our opponents will play on Monday to determine who advances.

Warhawks side note: After three days of rain, 5 of 8 Northern Region games were rained out tonight.  Of the other two played, one field had been covered by a full infield tarp.  The game was played in a steady drizzle but was playable thanks to the dedicated efforts of the grounds crew at Madison led by Jay Canova.  Jay, Sam and a handful of Dad's, Athletic Director Pete Bendorf and the Warhawks coaching staff worked all afternoon to dry up the field, cut and sweep the grass and put down tarps to get the game in tonight.  Jay has made Madison's playing field the best in the Region all season.  Way to go Jay!

Regional Tournament Update:

Madison defeated West Springfield

Centreville defeated Wakefield

Annandale defeated Woodson

Yorktown defeated Herndon

Oakton defeated Washington & Lee

Langley defeated Hayfield

South Lakes defeated Mt. Vernon

Robinson played Lee winner not known as of Monday night

Regional Quarterfinals:  May 28, 2003 at Madison HS

James Madison Warhawks  versus  Centreville

Madison Advances  To Semifinals in

 Northern Region Tournament With

 Dramatic Come from Behind Win 3 -2  over

 Centreville

Madison hosted the Centreville Wildcats in a battle of ranked teams and top pitchers in the Northern Region Quarterfinals.  The Warhawks sent Virginia Tech bound senior Josh Canova to the hill to face Centreville's Wake Forest bound senior Charlie Mellies.

In the top of the first, Brandon Valus grounded back to pitcher Josh Canova for the first out.  Erik Fox grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out.  Josh Canova struck out Ryan Bell to retire the side 1-2-3.  In the bottom of the first Charlie Mellies struck out Madison's Johnny Ayers to start the inning.  Matt Foley singled for Madison and then Andrew Baird hit a hard one hopper  right at the Centreville second baseman and the Wildcats turned the double play to end the inning with no score after one inning of play.

In the top of the second, Charlie Mellies grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the first out.  Trevor House flied out to right fielder Mark Riffee for the second out.  Joe Sheridan singled up the middle with two outs for the Wildcats first hit. Aubrey Hall grounded out to shortstop Johnny Ayers who made a nice charging play on the ball and made a low throw that Adam Bechtold picked for the final out.

In the bottom of the second Josh Canova led off with a single.  Joseph Canova was the courtesy runner for Josh Canova. Chris Wimmer grounded out to the Centreville first baseman but moved Joseph Canova safely to second base. Charlie Mellies struck out Adam Bechtold for the second out and then Matt Riffee hit a ball towards the hole on the left side but his counterpart, Wildcats third baseman Matt Greba, ranged to his left and robbed a hit on a nice pickup and throw to end the inning with one Warhawk left on base and no score.

In the top of the third, Matt Greba lined out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out.  Dan Mellies lined a single into leftfield with one out.  Justin Piteleski was the courtesy runner for Mellies.  A balk was called to move Piteleski to second base.  Brandon Valus walked to put two men on base. Erik Fox hit a hard ball up the middle that Nick Tomasetti grabbed on a nice play and flipped to Johnny Ayers for a force out of Valus at second base. Piteleski went to third on the play and Fox was at first on the fielders choice.  Ryan Bell grounded  to Nick Tomasetti who stepped on second for the force to end the inning. There was still no score in the pitchers and defense duel. 

In the bottom of the third, Charlie Mellies hit Mark Riffee with a pitch to start the inning.  Mellies balked Mark Riffee to second with no outs.  Nick Tomasetti flew out to right field for the first out.  Johnny Ayers flew out to deep right field for the second out and Mark Riffee tagged and went to third. Centreville intentionally walked Matt Foley who stole second base uncontested.  Mellies walked Andrew Baird to load the bases.  Then Josh Canova hit an infield single at the shortstop and all the Warhawks runners hustled.  Mark Riffee scored, Andrew Baird's hustle to second forced the Wildcats to throw across the diamond and Josh Canova hustled to beat the throw and drive in the run while Matt Foley took third base. Madison took the lead 1 to 0 when Mark Riffee scored on the play.  Mellies struck out Chris Wimmer to stop the damage and the Warhawks led 1 to 0 after three innings.

In the top of the fourth inning, Charlie Mellies tied the game with a leadoff home run.  Trevor House grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the first out. Josh Canova struck out Joe Sheridan for the second out.  Aubrey Hall grounded out to Nick Tomasetti to end the inning and the score was tied 1 to 1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Mellies struck out Adam Bechtold to start the inning.  Matt Riffee singled with one out to get the Warhawks started.  Mark Riffee singled to move Matt Riffee to second with one out.  Nick Tomasetti executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Matt Riffee to third and Mark Riffee to second.  It took an excellent play to get Tomasetti who almost beat the throw. Mellies ended the threat with two men in scoring position by getting Johnny Ayers to ground out. The game was tied after four innings in this excellent pitchers and team defense duel.

In the top of the fifth, Josh Canova struck out Matt Greba for the first out.  Dan Mellies grounded back to Josh Canova for the second out and then he completed the work himself by striking out Brandon Valus for the third out.  In the bottom of the fifth, Matt Foley popped up to Dan Mellies for the first out. Andrew Baird grounded back hard to Charlie Mellies who made a nice play for the second out.  Josh Canova flied out to deep centerfield for the third out.  After five innings the game was tied 1 to 1.

In the top of the sixth, Josh Canova struck out Erik Fox for the first out.  Ryan Bell grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out.  Charlie Mellies hit his second solo homerun to put Centreville up 2 to 1. Josh Canova struck out Trevor House to end the inning.  Madison trailed 2 to 1 going into the bottom of the sixth.

Chris Wimmer popped up to shortstop in foul territory for the first out in the bottom of the sixth.  Charlie Mellies snared Adam Bechtold's grounder for the second out. The Warhawks were down to their last four outs and Mellies was looking confident.  Matt Riffee started things with a two out walk.  Mark Riffee followed with a line drive single to center and both Riffee's were on. The Warhawks pinch ran Brian Eck for Matt Riffee to prevent an injury to a starting pitcher. Mellies started to windup and the Warhawks executed a double steal and when Dan Mellies threw the ball into left field, Brian Eck scored and Mark Riffee slid into third base safely.  The ball hit the hustling Mark Riffee and bounced into foul territory.  Mark Riffee sprung up and raced home sliding in with the go ahead run.  Madison now led 3 to 2.  Mellies then struck out pinch hitter Ryan Costello to end the inning. Madison led 3 to 2 heading into the seventh inning.

Josh Canova continued to pitch well and made an outstanding fielding play to retire Joe Sheridan on a ball that came off the end of the bat.  Mark Riffee made a nice running catch across a rain drenched turf for the second out.  Josh Canova appropriately ended the game with a strikeout of Ryne Bromley.

Madison, 20 -3, advanced to the Northern Region Semifinals against Yorktown.  The winner of that game will qualify for the Regional Championship and for the State Quarterfinals.  Josh Canova pitched well as did Charlie Mellies for Centreville. Canova struck out 7 Wildcats and allowed only 4 hits while Mellies allowed only 6 Warhawks hits. Mark Riffee and Josh Canova each had two hits for Madison while Matt Foley and Matt Riffee also had hits. Mark Riffee scored two of the three runs and the other run was scored on Matt Riffee's walk in the rally. The Semifinals will be played at Fairfax High School at 3:30 PM tomorrow, Thursday May 29, 2003. The second semifinal will be played at 7:30 PM between Oakton and Robinson. The two winners will both qualify for the State Tournament and meet in the Regional Championship game also.

Journal Article Madison Knocks Out Centreville of Regions Canova, Riffee Lead the Way

Regional Quarterfinal Tournament Update:

Madison defeated Centreville 3 to 2

Yorktown defeated Annandale 5 to 1

Oakton defeated Langley 1 to 0

Robinson defeated South Lakes 7 to 6

Northern Region Semifinals:

 May 29, 2003 at Fairfax HS at 3:30 PM

Madison Defeats Yorktown 14 to 5 to Advance To State

 Tournament and Regional Championship

The Madison Warhawks traveled to Fairfax HS to play the Yorktown Patriots in the rain.  The game was played in a constant rain and drizzle.  The Fairfax field had tall wet grass and standing water in the outfield and was in need of field work. Matt Riffee pitched for Madison and Peter Smith for Yorktown.  In the top of the first Matt Riffee struggled with the wet conditions and a very tight strike zone. He walked the leadoff batter and surrendered a single to Steve Brady that died in the tall grass and moved the other runner to third with no outs. After the next batter flied out to Andrew Baird for the first out.  Matt Riffee walked another batter and then surrendered a two run single.  The Patriots led 2 to 0.  Riffee retired the next two batters on a pop up to Nick Tomasetti and a ground ball to Chris Wimmer who made a nice play. Madison started the bottom of the first with a Johnny Ayers leadoff single and Matt Foley reached on a fielders choice and error by the pitcher. Andrew Baird was hit by a pitch and then Josh Canova singled to score Johnny Ayers but Matt Foley was thrown out at the plate for the first out.  Madison cut the lead to 3 to 1 and had Andrew Baird on third and Josh Canova on second. Chris Wimmer flied out to left field and Adam Bechtold grounded out to end the inning with the Patriots leading 2 to 1.

In the top of the second, Chris Wimmer fielded a ground ball for the first out.  Riffee got the next batter to pop-out to catcher Matt Foley for the second out.  After a walk, Nick Tomasetti fielded a ground ball for the third out. In the bottom of the second Matt Riffee grounded out, Mark Riffee flied out to centerfield and Nick Tomasetti popped up to the third baseman.  Yorktown  still led 3 to 1.

In the top of the third John Crone homered to increase Yorktown's lead to 3 to 1.  Brandon Augustine walked on two very questionable called balls and then stole second base.  Grabowsky singled and the ball died in the tall grass where Johnny Ayers retrieved it and threw out Augustine at the plate where Matt Foley applied the tag.  Nick Tomasetti fielded a ground ball for the second out and Johnny Ayers a grounder for the third out with Adam Bechtold making a nice catch on the wet throw. Madison trailed 3 to 1.

In the bottom of the third Madison put things back together and took back the lead.  Johnny Ayers smoked another single through the first baseman. Matt Foley singled and Andrew Baird hit a bunt single to load the bases. Josh Canova tied the game at 3 runs each with a two run line drive to score Johnny Ayers and Matt Foley. Chris Wimmer doubled to score Andrew Baird and moved Josh Canova to third.  Jonathan Barnes relieved Smith for Yorktown and struck out Adam Bechtold. Matt Riffee helped himself by ripping a line drive into the gap to score both Josh Canova and Chris Wimmer and the Warhawks led 6 to 3.  Joseph Canova was the courtesy runner for the pitcher, Matt Riffee. Mark Riffee put Joseph Canova in scoring position by executing a sacrifice bunt.  Nick Tomasetti blasted a deep ball to left to score Joseph Canova and Madison led 7 to 3.  Tomasetti stayed at first after slipping on the wet surface. Johnny Ayers grounded out to end the inning that he started and Madison led 7 to 3 after 3 innings.

Matt Riffee settled into the wet conditions and strike zone and retired the side 1-2-3 in the fourth by getting Scott McAlister to line out to Josh Canova for the first out and by striking out Sam Bruno for the second out. Matt Gilman popped out to catcher Matt Foley to end the inning.  In the bottom of the fourth, Matt Foley blasted a homerun for Madison and the lead increased to 8 to 3. Andrew Baird doubled and Yorktown brought in their third pitcher, Pete Harlan to pitch.  The rain started to fall harder during Harlan's warm-up and he worked very deliberately to Josh Canova who hit an infield single to move Andrew Baird to third.  The umpires stopped the game and put the tarps on the mound and home plate.  The tournament Director from Fairfax HS decided to suspend the game until Friday due to poor field conditions.

The game  resumed Friday at 5PM at Friday at Fairfax HS under sunny skies and with dry cut grass. The swamp actually looked like a baseball field at game time. Steve Brady, the fourth Yorktown pitcher of the game, took the mound. He got a strikeout throw them out double play when Chris Wimmer swung and missed and Josh Canova was caught stealing.  Andrew Baird stayed at third. The score was still 8 to 3.

Matt Riffee returned to pitch for the second day and he retired Brady on one pitch with a ground out to Chris Wimmer to start the fifth inning.  Riffee retired John Crone with a ground out to Johnny Ayers for the second out.  After Augustine walked on very close pitches, Riffee retired Grabowsky on a ground out to Nick Tomasetti, who charged the slow roller and made a nice play to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Matt Riffee doubled deep into the gap for his second hit. Joseph Canova was the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Joseph Canova went to third base on a wild pitch and Mark Riffee walked. Nick Tomasetti singled for his second hit and scored Joseph Canova. Madison led 9 to 3 and Mark Riffee moved to second base with no outs. Brady balked Mark Riffee to third and Nick Tomasetti to second.  Johnny Ayers lined  hard to the shortstop who dropped the ball and threw out Ayers while everyone else hustled back safely. Brady intentionally walked Matt Foley to load the bases. Brady hit Andrew Baird with a pitch to force in Mark Riffee and the Warhawks led 10 to 3. Tomasetti moved to third, Brian Eck ran for Foley at second and Baird was at first. Nick Tomasetti scored on a wild pitch and everyone moved up one base with the lead now 11 to 3. Chris Wimmer hit a two run single (his second hit of the game) and the lead was 13 to 3 as Brian Eck and Andrew Baird scored. After Adam Bechtold grounded out the lead stood at 13 to 3.

In the top of the sixth, Matt Riffee walked Doug Waller and then Esquith singled.  Riffee threw out McAlister on a sacrifice bunt for the first out and the runners moved up to second and third. McAlister flied out to left fielder Joseph Canova for the second out and Canova's throw held the runners. Matt Riffee got out of trouble by getting Matt Gilman to pop up to Nick Tomasetti to end the inning with Madison leading 13 to 3.

In the bottom of the sixth, Matt Riffee led off with his third hit of the game.  Eric Garner was the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Mark Riffee lined a single to move Eric Garner to second base.  After Nick Tomasetti popped out, Johnny Ayers grounded into a fielder's choice forcing Riffee at second and moving Garner to third. Matt Foley singled to score Eric Garner and Madison led 14 to 3 with Ayers and Foley aboard. Johnny Ayers broke for third but pulled up and was thrown out to end the inning.

Steve Brady flied out to Andrew Baird for the first out of the seventh inning and Brian Eck threw out John Crone on a ground ball for the second out.  Augustine singled down the line as Matt Riffee began to tire from two days of pitching.  He left the ball up and Grabowsky homered to cut the lead to 14 to 5. After a walk, Nick Tomasetti ended the game by fielding a ground ball.

The Warhawks won the game 14-5 and advanced to both the State Tournament and the Regional Championship Game to defend two more of their titles. Matt Riffee settled in and threw the complete game eating up innings and saving the rest of the staff for the upcoming games by doing all the pitching over two days.   The Warhawks will face Robinson in the Northern Region Championship Saturday at 2PM at Fairfax HS. Robinson defeated Oakton 4 to 2 in the other semifinal.

 Washington Post Article: Madison Advances to States and Regional Championship

Warhawks Win 2003

 Northern Region

 Championship!

Saturday May 31, 2003 at Fairfax High School. The Madison Warhawks came from behind twice to defeat Robinson and win their second consecutive Northern Region Championship.  The game was full of exciting defensive plays and key hits.  Center fielder Andrew Baird threw out a runner, catcher Matt Foley threw out two runners and right fielder Mark Riffee made two spectacular diving catches to end innings and the ball game. Third baseman Chris Wimmer and First Baseman Adam Bechtold made several key defensive plays. The Warhawks offense was paced by Adam Bechtold who was 3 for 3 with two doubles. Johnny Ayers homered early for the Warhawks.  Josh Canova had three RBI's on two hits including a double and Matt Riffee was 2 for 3. Matt Foley's triple scored Matt Riffee with the winning run and Johnny Ayers with an insurance run. Nick Tomasetti added a single in the  last rally. Madison's first run was scored on a sacrifice fly by Mark Riffee. Andrew Baird singled early in the game and also scored a key run.   Sophomore Chris Sterbenz started the game on the mound for Madison and kept the Warhawks in the game until senior Josh Canova took over in the fifth inning.  Josh Canova was the winning pitcher.

Madison has now won back three of its titles and will host the runner up of the Central Region on Tuesday June 3 at Madison in the State Quarterfinals in their quest to win another State Championship.

Madison Comes From Behind Twice To

 Defeat Robinson 8 to 5 in Northern Region

 Championship Game

The defending State and Region Champions Madison Warhawks met the Robinson Rams in the Northern Region Championship game at Fairfax HS. The Warhawks sent sophomore Chris Sterbenz to the mound while Robinson senior Jake Bruton pitched for the Rams. In the top of the first Wes Dixon popped up to Nick Tomasetti for the first out of the game.  Kyle Gardner then hit a home run and the Rams led 1 to 0. Chris Sterbenz then struck out Ben Reade for the second out.  Andrew Fritz lined a single into the gap and tried to stretch it into a double but Warhawk center fielder Andrew Baird threw him out at second base with Nick Tomasetti applying the tag to end the inning. Robinson led 1 to 0.

In the bottom of the first, Jake Bruton pitched for Robinson and he struck out Johhny Ayers for the first out. Matt Foley popped up to the second baseman for the second out.  Andrew Baird singled for the Warhawks first base runner.  Josh Canova flied out to deep left field to end the inning and Madison trailed 1 to 0 after one inning.

In the top of the second, Chris Sterbenz faced all-region Mark Genovese, who singled to lead off the inning.  Danny Clements flied out to right fielder Mark Riffee for the first out.  A balk was called on Chris Sterbenz and Genovese went to second.  Kenny Lopez singled in the gap and Genovese stopped at third.  Andy Spence doubled to score Genovese and send Lopez to third.  Madison trailed 2 to 0.  Robinson attempted a suicide squeeze but Matt Foley and Chris Wimmer caught Genovese in a run-down with Foley tagging Genovese at the bag.  Lopez took third on the play and there were two outs.  Jeff Gregory smoked a line drive down the right field line but Mark Riffee made an outstanding diving catch on the run to end the inning and keep the run from scoring.  Robinson led 2 to 0 after the top of the second.

In the bottom of the second Bruton struck out Chris Wimmer for the first out.  Adam Bechtold doubled for Madison.  Matt Riffee singled and moved Adam Bechtold to third and then Riffee alertly hustled to second and slid in safely when Robinson threw to third. Mark Riffee hit a sacrifice fly to score Adam Bechtold who tagged up. Robinson's catcher threw out Matt Riffee who attempted to go to third on the throw to the plate. Madison cut the Rams lead to 2 to 1 after two innings.

In the top of the third, Wes Dixon singled to start the inning for Robinson.  Kyle Gardner hit his second home run, a two-run homer, to put Robinson ahead 4 to 1. Chris Sterbenz kept battling and he got Ben Reade to fly out to Andrew Baird for the first out. Andrew Fritz grounded out to Chris Wimmer with Adam Bechtold making a nice pick on the play. Sterbenz ended the inning by getting Genovese to ground out to Chris Wimmer who made a nice play with Adam Bechtold making another great pick also. Robinson led 4 to 1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Nick Tomasetti flied out to start the inning. Johnny Ayers hit a homerun and the Warhawks cut the lead to 4 to 2.  Bruton drilled Matt Foley with a pitch to put him on base.  The game was delayed at this point for approximately 30 minutes as a thunderstorm passed through. When play resumed, Matt Foley was on first base and Andrew Baird was at the plate with one out.  Bruton struck out Baird but Matt Foley stole second base and went to third when the catchers throw went into the outfield.  Bruton struck out Josh Canova and Madison trailed 4 to 2.

In the top of the fourth, Danny Clements lined a single to start the inning for Robinson.  Chris Sterbenz struck out Kenny Lopez for the first out.  Matt Foley threw out Clements stealing on a great throw and a great tag by Johnny Ayers. Andy Spence grounded out to Chris Wimmer who made a nice play to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth Chris Wimmer grounded out for the first out. Adam Bechtold doubled down the line for his second double. Matt Riffee grounded out for the second out and Mark Riffee grounded out to end the inning. Madison trailed 4 to 2.

In the top of the fifth, Senior Josh Canova came on to relieve Chris Sterbenz. The sophomore pitcher did his job eating up innings and keeping Madison in the game before handing it off to the veteran.  Jeff Gregory grounded back to Josh Canova who threw him out.  Wes Dixon reached on an error when the Madison infielder slipped on the wet grass and bobbled the ball.  Matt Foley gunned Dixon down attempting to steal second with Johnny Ayers applying the tag.  Kyle Gardner, who had homered in his first two at bats, doubled for Robinson.  Ben Reade hit a fly ball to shallow centerfield that Johnny Ayers caught going out to end the inning.  The Warhawks still trailed 4 to 2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Bruton struck out Nick Tomasetti for the first out and Johnny Ayers for the second out. Bruton drilled Matt Foley with the ball for the second time raising the ire of the Madison faithful. Bruton walked Andrew Baird and Matt Foley moved to second. Josh Canova blasted a ball off the outfield fence and Matt Foley scored the third run and the hustling Andrew Baird scored all the way from first to tie the game.  Canova stood at second while the Warhawks fans were jumping in the stands! The game was tied and the Defending Champs served notice they were here to battle. Brian Eck came in to be the courtesy runner for the pitcher.  Bruton ended the inning by getting Chris Wimmer to flyout to center field.  The game was tied 4 to 4 after five innings.

In the top of the sixth, Andrew Fritz reached on an error.  Robinson put in Joe Kornhoff to courtesy run for the catcher.  Genovese singled to move Kornhoff to second with no outs.  Danny Clements hit a ground ball fielders choice to Johnny Ayers who flipped to Nick Tomasetti at second for the out. Robinson had men on first and third. In two separate acts of gamesmanship, the Robinson coach interrupted Canova's rhythm by substituting pinch runners. The second pinch runner ran for the courtesy runner. The Rams also called two offensive timeouts trying to interrupt the flow.  After all of that, Critter Commins ran at third base and Spenser Wiggins at first base. Lopez grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out but Commins scored and Robinson regained the lead 5 to 4.  Andy Spence popped up to Johnny Ayers and Madison had some work to do trailing by a run.

In the bottom of the sixth, Adam Bechtold singled for his third hit and the Warhawks had the tying run aboard.  Matt Riffee singled and now the Warhawks had two men on with no outs.  Kyle Gardner relieved Bruton on the hill and struck out Mark Riffee for the first out. Joseph Canova pinch ran for Adam Bechtold. The Warhawks had Joseph Canova on second and Matt Riffee on first.  Nick Tomasetti dropped a single in front of the outfielder and the bases were loaded. Johnny Ayers hit a grounder to the shortstop for a fielders choice force out of Nick Tomasetti at second but when Ayers beat the throw to first, Joseph Canova scored the tying run. The score was 5 to 5 with Matt Riffee on third, Johnny Ayers on first and Matt Foley coming to the plate.  Matt Foley tripled off the centerfielders glove. Matt Riffee scored the go ahead run and then Johnny Ayers scored making the score 7 to 5 Warhawks! Andrew Baird walked and Josh Canova hit a line drive single to score Matt Foley and then the ball bounced past the centerfielder allowing Canova to reach second and Andrew Baird went to third.  Madison led 8 to 5. Gardner struck out Chris Wimmer to end the inning but Madison led 8 to 5 and were three outs from winning the Region again!

In the top of the seventh, Jeff Gregory grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the first out. Wes Dixon grounded out to Chris Wimmer who threw him out with another nice pick by Adam Bechtold for the second out.  That brought Gardner to the plate. Gardner had already hit two home runs and a double.  The game ended when Mark Riffee made another spectacular running and then diving catch to retire the red-hot Gardner.  THE MADISON WARHAWKS ARE THE 2003 NORTHERN REGION CHAMPIONS!

Washington Post Article: Madison Wins Northern Region and Foley takes Hit, Then Delivers

Washington Post Play of the Day

Journal Article Madison Wins The Northern Region Championship

Washington Post Player of the Week: Josh Canova

Here is the Format of the State Tournament:

Quarter Finals at Higher Sede Tuesday June 3, 2003

Hermitage (Central runner-up) at James Madison (Northern Champions)

E.C. Glass (Northwestern Runner-up) vs Great Bridge (Eastern Champions) at Old Dominion

Robinson (Northern Runner-up) at Lee-Davis (Central Champions)

Western Branch( Eastern Runner-up) at Forest Park ( Northwestern Champion)

Semi Finals at Shepherd Stadium, Colonial Heights

Friday June 6, 2003

Friday June 6    4:00 PM (Madison - Hermitage winner) versus (Great Bridge - E.C. Glass winner)

Friday June 6    7:00 PM (Lee-Davis - Robinson winner) versus ( Western Branch - Forest Park winner)

Championship at Shepherd Stadium, Colonial

 Heights Saturday June 7, 2003

7:00 PM

Semifinals winners play each other

Madison Defeats Hermitage 2 to 1 to

 Advance to State Semifinals in Colonial

 Heights

The Warhawks returned to the State Tournament as Northern Region Champions and hosted Hermitage HS of the Richmond Area and Central Region.  Josh Canova pitched  for the Madison Warhawks and Scott Taylor for the Hermitage Panthers. Josh Canova struck out the first batter of the game, Matt Dunn. Josh Turk bounced one back to Josh Canova who threw him out at first base for the second out. Scott Taylor grounded out to Johnny Ayers and the Panthers went down 1-2-3.

In the bottom of the fist, Johnny Ayers grounded out for the first out.  Matt Foley flied out to centerfield for the second out.  Andrew Baird singled with two outs for the first Warhawks hit. Baird then stole second base but was stranded when Taylor struck out Josh Canova.  There was no score after one inning.

In the top of the second, Hermitage's DH Scott Willis singled to start the inning.  Mike Watkins hit a deep shot into the gap but Warhawks Right fielder, Mark Riffee, ran it down for the first out.  Mike Brooks attempted to bunt the ball and was hit by the pitch.  The umpire called the play a hit batsman and awarded Brooks first base.  Hermitage catcher David Lindsay bounced into a Chris Wimmer to Nick Tomasetti to Adam Bechtold double play to end the inning.

In the bottom of the second, Chris Wimmer flied out to left field for the first out.  Adam Bechtold grounded out to the Panther second baseman for the second out and Matt Riffee grounded out to the first baseman unassisted to end the inning.  Canova and Taylor were in a pitchers duel.

In the top of the third, Steve Donnini popped up to Chris Wimmer who made a nice catch in the slippery wet foul territory for the first out.  Jimmy Mallon flied out to Andrew Baird for the second out.  Eric Garner made a nice catch in left field  to retire Matt Dunn and end the inning.  There was no score.

Mark Riffee grounded out to second base for the first out in the bottom of the third.  Nick Tomasetti flied out to left field for the second out and Taylor struck out  Johnny Ayers to keep the game scoreless after three innings.

In the top of the fourth, Matt Foley flied out to center field for the first out.  Andrew Baird hit a hard line shot for a single and hustled to second when the right fielder misplayed the ball. Taylor walked Josh Canova to put two men on.  Joseph Canova came in as the courtesy runner for Josh Canova.  Chris Wimmer dropped a perfect bunt single to load the bases with one out.  Andrew Baird was on third, Joseph Canova on second and Chris Wimmer on first. Taylor struck out Adam Bechtold for the second out.  Matt Riffee came to the plate with bases loaded and two outs and he hit a two run single up the middle to score Andrew Baird and Joseph Canova and Madison had the lead 2 to 0.  Chris Wimmer went to third on Riffee's hit.  Matt Riffee stole second base and then Taylor struck out Mark Riffee to end the inning.  Madison now lead 2 to 0 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth, Josh Canova continued to pitch brilliantly and struck out Mike Brooks for the first out.  David Lindsay grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the second out. Steve Donnini hit a ball to Johnny Ayers who fielded the ball and released it quickly to first baseman Adam Bechtold who made another nice pick of the low throw to end the inning.  Madison still lead 2 to 0.

 In the bottom of the fifth, Nick Tomasetti led the inning off with a base hit for the Warhawks.  Taylor struck out Johnny Ayers for the first out and then got Matt Foley to pop-up for the second out.  Andrew Baird grounded out  for the final out.  After five, Madison held its 2 to 0 lead.

In the top of the sixth, Jimmy Mallon grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out.  Josh Canova struck out Matt Dunn for the second out.  Josh Tuck reached first again on an infield error and then Canova was able to get Taylor to hit a ground ball to Chris Wimmer who ranged to his left fielded the ball and threw to Nick Tomasetti for the force at second to end the inning. The Warhawks were three outs away from The Long Road to Richmond for the second consecutive year.

In the bottom of the sixth, Josh Canova singled over the diving second baseman who could not come up with the ball on a good effort.  Joseph Canova was the courtesy runner for Josh Canova. Taylor struck out Chris Wimmer for the first out and Adam Bechtold sacrificed Joseph Canova to second for the second out. Matt Riffee was called out on strikes to end the sixth inning.

Josh Canova took the hill to lead the Warhawks back to Richmond and they had the lead 2 to 0. Hermitage valiantly   tried to rally and take back the game. Scott Willis double to start the inning for Hermitage and Jeremy Small pinch ran for Willis at second base.  Mike Watkins flied out to Eric Garner for the first out.  Josh Canova struck out Michael Brooks for the second out and Madison needed one more out. David Lindsay hit a ball up the middle that the Madison infielder stopped but the throw to first was high and got to the Panther dugout. Small scored to cut the lead to 2 to 1 and Lindsay was awarded second base.  Lindsay stole third with two outs Chris Wimmer made a nice catch to keep the runner at third on the attempt. Donnini leaned into the strike zone and stuck his head over the plate and was hit by a pitch in the strike zone.  The umpire awarded him first base. Josh Canova walked Jimmy Mallon to load the bases. Josh Canova made a quality pitch with the bases loaded and Mike Dunn hit a ground ball to Nick Tomasetti who fielded it cleanly and stepped on second base to end the game. MADISON WINS 2 to 1 AND ADVANCES DOWN THE LONG ROAD TO RICHMOND TO THE STATE SEMIFINALS.  Matt Riffee's bases loaded two-run single plated the only runs and Josh Canova , pitched a two-hitter, and the Warhawks defense made sure it was all the Warhawks needed!

Come to Colonial Heights south of Richmond and near Petersburg to support the Warhawks in their quest for another State Championship! Take the Day Off and Be There!

See you Friday at 4 PM at Shepherd Stadium!

Washington Post Article: Madison Moves on to Semifinals Canova

 Sharp Pitching Performance and Riffee drives in Runs (also other AAA

 Quarterfinals)

Journal Article: Josh Canova wills Madison to victory in Quarter Finals and Picture

 of Andrew Baird and Joseph Canova who Score Madison's Runs on Matt Riffee's Hit
 

Times Article Madison Advances to Richmond

Magical Season Ends in State Semifinals

The Warhawks Magical Run to The Regional and District Titles ended in the State Semifinals. Madison had come from behind in four Regional Games and won the State Quarterfinals by one run holding on desperately but ran out of gas against and outstanding Great Bridge team 14 to 0. The Wildcats out hit, out pitched and outplayed Madison at every position on this semifinal day to win the game from the outset.  The Warhawks had finally run into ateam that played superior to them and could not even get a run on the board to fight back. 

Although things did not go well for Madison on this day, we are still proud of these Warhawks that had lost 11 players from their State Championship team and exceded all expectations placed upon them winning the District and Northern Region and finishing in the top 4 in the state. Most of the players on the team were maligned all year as not being good enough and yet found ways to make the plays, hits or pitches to help the team advance through the post season to the State Championship venue and final four.  Congratulations on an incredibly successful season!

Madisonbaseball.com wants to say we are proud of all of the Warhawks especially those who worked hard and contributed more in games and in practices than credited for.  It took more than a few to have this kind of team and every one of you should be proud of being a part of one of the very best teams in Virginia!

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2002 State Champions

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