Game Summary Index:

Oakton_Away /   Langley_Home  /  Fillmore,NY in HIT Tourney in SC / Bishop England in HIT Tourney Charleston SC/  North Charleston SC in HIT Tourney / Gonzaga in HIT Tourney Charleston SC /  Flanagan HS of Ft. Lauderdale FL area in HIT Tourney / South_Lakes_Away  /  McLean_Away  /  Fairfax_Home  /  Lee_Away / Marshall_Away  /   Woodson_Away  /  Langley_Away  /  South_Lakes_Home  /  McLean_Home  /  Fairfax_Away  /  Lee_Home  /  Marshall_Home  / Woodson_Home                            Marshall in District Tourney  /  Lee in Semifinals of District Tourney / Woodson in District Tourney Championship /  Edison in Regionals / Robinson in Regionals

Game Summaries

2004 Warhawks Game Summaries

Madison Drops Opener 5 to 3 to Oakton.

The Madison Warhawks opened their 2004 season at Oakton. Bryan Kidwell pitched for the Oakton Cougars and he retired Brian Eck on a strikeout, Mark Riffee on a line out and Johnny Ayers on a  ground out in the top of the first.  In the bottom of the first, senior Matt Riffee took the hill for the Warhawks. He walked Matt Butler and then Bryan Kidwell dropped a single over the infield to move Butler to third. Butler scored on a questionable balk call and Kidwell moved to second. Jared Kubin hit a grounder to short and reached first safely as the ball went through on an error allowing Kidwell to score and Oakton led 2 to 0 on two unearned runs. Riffee then retired John Marlette on a pop-up to first baseman Ray Sparrow and Preston Madden flied out to Joe Canova for the second out. Riffee struck out Curtis Ewards to end the inning  and Oakton led 2 to 0.

In the second Chris Wimmer doubled for the Warhawks. Kidwell struck out Matt Riffee and then Evan Corrothers singled Wimmer to third. Justin Duncan came into courtesy run for Corrothers and was promptly thrown out attempting to steal for the second out. Kidwell struck out Arman Moniri for the third out and the Warhawks stranded a runner at third and trailed 2 to 0.

In the second, Matt Riffee retired Evan Frederickson on a ground ball to Johnny Ayers. He then struck out Chris Despins and Alex Wargo to set down the Cougars 1-2-3.

In the Madison third, Nick Tomasetti led off with a single. Joe Canova singled and Brian Eck walked to load the bases. Mark Riffee grounded into a fielders choice forcing Tomasetti at the plate for the first out. Johnny Ayers grounded into a fielders choice forcing Mark Riffee at second but Canova scored when the relay throw was too late to catch Ayers at first. The Warhawks trailed 2 to 1. With runners at the corners, Kidwell struck out Chris Wimmer to end the inning  and the Warhawks stranded two more runners and trailed 2 to 1. In the bottom of the third Matt Riffee retired the side in order again getting Butler to pop-up to second baseman Nick Tomasetti, Kidwell grounded out to Johnny Ayers and Jared Kubin flied out to Joe Canova.

Matt Riffee lead off the fourth with a double off the top of the Centerfield fence. Dan Cohen came into courtesy run for Matt Riffee. Evan Corrothers singled to left to drive  in Dan Cohen and the game was tied 2 to 2. Justin Duncan came in to courtesy run for catcher Corrothers and advanced to second on an errant pick-off attempt by Kidwell. Arman Moniri grounded out to the right side moving Duncan to third. Nick Tomasetti doubled to score Duncan and Madison led 3 to 2. Joe Canova walked and the Warhawks had runners on first and second. Kidwell struck out Brian Eck for the second out and Oakton Coach Scott Rowland brought in lefty Benji Kagan to face Mark Riffee. Kagan hit Mark Riffee on the knee to load the bases with two outs. Johnny Ayers grounded into a force out to end the threat with bases loaded. Madison led 3 to 2. In the bottom of the fourth, Matt Riffee still looked strong. He retired John Marletta on a pop-up in foul territory to first baseman Ray Sparrow who made an excellent catch. Then Preston Madden flied out to Joe Canova. Matt Riffee walked Curtis Ewards on a questionable called ball  that appeared to have been a strike-out to end the inning. With new life and a runner on first, Evan Frederickson hit a 3-1 pitch that was up in the zone over the right field fence for a home run and Oakton led 4 to 3. Brian Eck came on to relieve Riffee who had only surrendered two hits and two walks but all four runners had scored on two earned and two unearned runs. Eck faced Despins with two outs and Despins singled. Brian Eck then struck out Wingo to end the inning and Madison trailed 4 to 3.

In the fifth, Chris Wimmer flied out to right field and Kagan walked Matt Riffee who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kagan struck out Evan Corrothers and Arman Moniri grounded out to first base to end the inning. Madison stranded one more runner and trailed 4 to 3. In Oakton' fifth Brian Eck made a nice fielding play on Butler's bunt to throw him out and then he struck out Kidwell for the second out. Jared Kubin singled up the middle for Oakton and John Marlette singled to advance Kubin. Eck got Preston Madden to ground out to Nick Tomasetti who flipped to second for the force out and end the inning.

In the sixth inning, Nick Tomasetti singled to start the inning and Kagan struck out Joe Canova for the first out. Brian Eck popped up to third and then Kagan hit Mark Riffee again moving Tomasetti to second. Johnny Ayers grounded out and Madison left two more runners and still trailed 4 to 3. In Oakton' sixth, Curtis Ewards singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. Brian Eck struck out Frederickson for the first out. Chris Despins hit a ground ball and ended up at second with the runner scoring an unearned run as the throw to first was wide and ended-up in the dugout. Oakton led 5 to 3. Brian Eck struck out Kevin Moran for the second out and then Matt Butler singled up the middle but Johnny Ayers threw out Despins at the plate trying to score with Evan Corrothers making the tag.

In Madison's seventh, Chris Wimmer grounded out to shortstop for the first out. Matt Riffee doubled to put a Warhawk in scoring position with one out.  Kagan then struck out Evan Corrothers and pinch hitter Ryan Costello to end the game with another runner stranded in scoring position.

For the game, Matt Riffee took the loss allowing only two hits, two walks two earned runs and two unearned runs and had three strikeouts. Brian Eck relieved surrendering only one unearned run and five hits.  Madison's nine hits outpaced Oakton's seven hits in the losing effort. Nick Tomasetti was 3 for 3 with a double, Matt Riffee was 2 for 3 with two doubles and a walk, Evan Corrothers was 2 for 4, Joe Canova was 1 for 2 with a walk and Chris Wimmer was 1 for 4 with a double for Madison. Mark Riffee was hit by a pitch twice. The Warhawks made too many errors, stranded nine runners to end innings and swung at too many pitches out of the strike zone in their opener and could not overcome the talented Cougars.

"I tip my hat to Oakton. They outplayed us. We knew they would get after it and not lay down after their opening loss. I have a lot of respect for them," said Warhawks Coach Mark Gjormand. Gjormand added, "Our pitching was good and we had some guys hitting well. Its early and we were aggressive swinging at some balls out of the strike zone and we left too many runners on base but you have to give the credit to Oakton."

Langley Slips By Madison 2 -1

The Madison Warhawks lost a pitchers duel to Langley in their home opener. Pitchers Brian Eck gave up two hits and Matt Riffee allowed  only 1 hit but the offense could also only muster 2 hits against Jimmy Saris. All the pitchers pitched well enough to win but the Warhawks bats did not get going, the Saxons scored an unearned run following an error and Madison's sixth inning threat with men on second and third ended when Langley made a nice play on a hard line drive to left  and then a strikeout. The Warhawks will regroup in Charleston, SC and come back to challenge for the District title.

Madison Defeats Fillmore, New York 12-2 in five innings

The Madison Warhawks defeated Fillmore New York in five innings by the ten run rule. Matt Riffee pitched four innings, struck out 9 batters and surrendered two hits and two unearned runs on throwing errors to pick up the win. Fillmore scored an unearned run in the first on a throwing error and added a second run in the second inning on another throwing error to take an early lead.

In the top of the third inning, Matt Riffee recorded his fourth, fifth and sixth strikeouts of the game to hold Fillmore scoreless. In the bottom of the third Madison adjusted to Fillmore's pitcher and took the lead. Johnny Ayers led off with a triple that actually earned him a trip around the bases as the Fillmore outfielder had trouble with the ball then threw the ball past the cutoff man. Nick Tomasetti walked and went to third on a hit and run single by Chris Wimmer. Tomasetti and Wimmer both scored when the shortstop made an errant throw on a hard hit ball trying to get a hustling Matt Riffee at first and the Warhawks led 3 to 2.  Mark Riffee singled to move Dan Cohen, the courtesy runner for pitcher Matt Riffee, to second base.  Evan Corrothers loaded the bases with a single that the Fillmore second baseman knocked down by diving to keep the runners from scoring.  After a pair of strikeouts, the inning ended on a hard hit force out with the bases loaded and Madison leading 3 to 2.

Matt Riffee recorded three more strikeouts in the top of the fourth to keep Fillmore scoreless again. Madison blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning. Johnny Ayers doubled and moved to third on Nick Tomasetti's ground out. Chris Wimmer reached on an error by the second baseman and Ayers scored to give Madison a 4 to 2 lead. Matt Riffee hit an RBI single up the middle to score Wimmer from second base for a 5 to 2 lead. Dan Cohen came on to run for Matt Riffee. Mark Riffee then lined a single to move Dan Cohen to third. Mark Riffee stole second base and then Dan Cohen scored on a wild pitch with Mark Riffee moving to third base. With two outs, Evan Corrothers singled to drive in Mark Riffee and Madison led 7 to 2. Andrew Eck was the courtesy runner for Evan Corrothers. Andrew Eck stole second base and then Brian Eck homered to left to score his brother and Madison led 9 to 2. Joe Canova singled and stole second base. Johnny Ayers batted again in the inning and singled to score Joe Canova for a 10 -2 lead. After a ground out Madison led 10 to 2 after four innings.

Senior John Asman took the hill for the Warhawks in the fifth inning. Asman set Fillmore down 1-2-3 with a pop-up to Evan Corrothers, a grounder back to himself which John fielded nicely and a ground out with Chris Wimmer and first baseman Arman Moniri combining to make a nice play to end the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Joey Hayes led off and reached second base on an error by Fillmore's right fielder. Arman Moniri then lined a single to move Hayes to third. Jason Farley then stroked a two run double to end the game by the ten-run rule with Joey Hayes and Arman Moniri scoring the final runs. The Warhawks play the defending South Carolina State Champions, Bishop England, on their home field tomorrow night at 7:30 PM.

"I am very happy with how we played." said Coach Mark Gjormand. "We started out a little tired and lethargic and out of rhythm at first. After seeing a hard throwing right hander in our last game, we had to adjust to their lefty. Matt pitched well with nine strikeouts to pick up the win. We got our offense going by staying back on their pitcher better and by getting the short game going. The young guys gave us some nice at bats at the end of the game. It was a good win."

Madison Defeats Bishop England of South Carolina 5-0

The Madison Warhawks defeated the Bishop England Bishops 5-0 on their field. Freshman Jason Farley made a brilliant varsity pitching debut allowing only one hit with five strikeouts and three walks in four innings of pitching. Senior John Asman allowed no hits in two shut out innings and senior Johnny Ayers made his pitching debut by shutting out the Bishops in the seventh inning allowing only one hit and recording a strikeout.

The Madison defense played its best game and supported the pitchers making every play and allowing no errors. The Warhawks offense produced five runs on six hits with six walks. Chris Wimmer and Johnny Ayers had two hits each while Matt Riffee and Joe Canova each had a hit and a walk. Nick Tomasetti scored two runs after two walks.

In the top of the first Jason Farley set the Bishops down 1-2-3 with two strikeouts and a ground out to Nick Tomasetti. In the bottom of the first Johnny Ayers popped up to the pitcher and then Nick Tomasetti walked to get the Warhawks started. Chris Wimmer doubled off the top of the centerfielders glove as he raced back to the fence on the hard liner. Tomasetti moved to third. Matt Riffee walked to load the bases and then after a strikeout, Freshman Arman Moniri reached on a throwing error by the Bishops shortstop to score Tomasetti and Wimmer and the Warhawks led 2 to 0 when the inning ended one batter later.

Jason Farley repeated the same feat in the second inning with two more strikeouts and a ground ball that Nick Tomasetti fielded and threw to first baseman Matt Riffee. The Warhawks only managed a walk by Joe Canova in the second but still led 2-0 after two innings. In the third the Bishops reached on a walk but Jason Farley recorded two more strikeouts and Nick Tomasetti and Matt Riffee combined for two more ground ball put outs. Evan Corrothers reached on a Bishops error in the bottom of the third but was stranded and the score remained 2-0 after three innings.

In the top of the fourth , Bishop England's Justin Rooney grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the first out. The Bishops threatened when Kristian DeJeet and Reese Havens drew back-to-back walks. Logan Blend then hit a screaming ground ball down the third base line that Chris Wimmer dove and knocked down to keep the runners from scoring on the single. Bases were loaded with one out. Left fielder Brian Eck made a sliding catch while charging a hard hit line drive and came-up throwing to hold the runners from scoring for the second out. Then Joe Canova caught a deep fly ball to end the threat and Madison still led 2-0. In the bottom of the fourth Mark Riffee lined out on an outstanding catch by the Bishops left fielder. Then following a strikeout, Joe Canova beat out an infield single. Canova raced to third on an errant pick-off throw and scored on Johnny Ayers' RBI double to the gap to give the Warhawks a 3-0 lead. Nick Tomasetti walked again and Chris Wimmer plated both Ayers and Tomasetti on a two run double. With Matt Riffee at the plate, Wimmer was thrown out attempting to steal third base and ended the inning.

In the top of the fifth, senior John Asman took the mound in relief for the second consecutive evening. After hitting the first batter, Asman retired the next three batters. First, Matt Riffee fielded a sacrifice bunt and tagged out the next batter. With a runner on second, Joey Welling grounded out to Johnny Ayers who fired to Matt Riffee for the second out. John Asman ended the threat by getting Justin Rooney to fly out to Brian Eck.

Matt Riffee led off the sixth inning with a hard line drive single. After Evan Corrothers flied out to deep center field, Spenser Sams walked and moved Riffee to second. Mark Riffee flied out deep in the gap and then Brian Eck walked to load the bases. The Bishops escaped further damage by getting a strikeout to end the threat with the bases loaded.

John Asman retired the side again getting the next three hitters, the first on a ground out to Chris Wimmer, the second on a fly out to Joe Canova and the third who hit a flare to Matt Riffee who made a nice catch going backwards.

Johnny Ayers led off the sixth with a single but was stranded as the Warhawks could not plate him. Ayers made his pitching debut in the seventh and struck out the first batter he faced. After surrendering a single, the Warhawks defense ended the game on a Brian Eck to Nick Tomasetti to Ray Sparrow double play. The Warhawks defense had played their first errorless game of the young season and the pitchers pitched well.

"I was proud of the whole team," said Coach Mark Gjormand. "We looked like the Warhawks after getting our first one out of the way last night. Jason pitched well in his first career start against a good program. He was poised out there and he received great support from our defense. John and Johnny pitched well and our defense was good all night. We have started to hit the ball and put the ball in play. Even many of our outs were hard hit balls tonight. It was a good win. We are coming together down here."

Warhawks Down the North Charleston Cougars 5-1 in HIT Tourney

The Madison Warhawks defeated the North Charleston Cougars 9-1 at Bishop England HS in Charleston, SC. Brian Eck pitched six shutout innings for the win, scattering three hits and recording five strikeouts. Andrew Eck pitched well, closing the game in the seventh inning with two strikeouts, two walks and one run allowed. Chris Wimmer (3 for 4 with a home run), Johnny Ayers (3 for 4 with two doubles), Nick Tomasetti (2 for 4), Matt Riffee (2 for 3) and Evan Corrothers (2 for 4) led the Warhawks attack.

Madison jumped out to a lead in the first when Johnny Ayers doubled past the third baseman and advanced to third on a bunt single by Nick Tomasetti. Tomasetti stole second and Ayers scored when the catcher's throw bounced into centerfield. Madison led 1-0. Chris Wimmer stroked a single through the hole to right field to score Nick Tomasetti with the second run. Matt Riffee advanced Wimmer to third with a single and the Warhawks had 4 consecutive hits to start the game. After a strikeout, Arman Moniri reached on an error by the second baseman, scoring Wimmer and advancing Matt Riffee to third base. Mark Riffee walked to load the bases and then Brian Eck hit a sacrifice fly that scored Matt Riffee who tagged at third. Joe Canova flied out to centerfield and Madison led 4-0. Brian Eck retired the side in order getting Demetrius Snype to ground out to Chris Wimmer, striking out Matt Flacker and getting Zach Calder to fly out to Joe Canova.

Johnny Ayers led off the second with a double in the corner. With two outs Matt Riffee singled Ayers to third and Evan Corrothers singled to score Ayers and move Matt Riffee to third. Both runners were stranded on a ground out and Madison led 5-0. In the second inning, Eric Garner made an excellent running catch to record the first out and Ayers made a nice play on a ground ball and fired to Matt Riffee for the second out. After a double and an error, Brian Eck held the Cougars scoreless getting Trey Williams to line out to Garner to end the inning.

Both teams went down 1-2-3 in the third.  Matt Riffee made a nice play on a spinning grounder for the first out, Nick Tomasetti caught a fly ball for the second out and Brian Eck recorded another strikeout for the third out. Chris Wimmer's solo homerun was the highlight of the fourth inning. Madison left a runner in the fourth after Matt Riffee reached on an error but could not score. In the bottom of the fourth, Zach Calder led off with a double for the Cougars but Madison pulled off an excellent double play as Johnny Ayers tracked down a looping flair and then fired to Nick Tomasetti to double off Calder. Chris Wimmer fielded a grounder and fired to Matt Riffee to finish the inning and Brian Eck still had a shutout going.

Madison did not score in the fifth and Brian Eck was strong in the bottom of the inning setting the Cougars down 1-2-3 including two strikeouts. In the top of the sixth Johnny Ayers led off with a single and moved to third on Nick Tomasetti's hit-and-run single to right. Ayers scored when the right fielder bobbled the ball after the hit. Chris Wimmer singled Tomasetti to third and then Ray Sparrow hit an RBI single to drive in Tomasetti. Evan Corrothers singled to score Wimmer and Madison led 9-0. In the bottom of the sixth Brian Eck struck out David Lowery for the first out. After Snype singled, Joey Hayes made a great play to throw him out on a fielder's choice ground ball but the relay throw was high and Matt Flacker advanced to second. Zach Calder singled Flacker to third and then the Warhawks executed a cut-off play when catcher Alex Andrews threw to second base toward Flacker and then Nick Tomasetti threw out Flacker at the plate with Alex Andrews making the tag to end the inning.

Dan Cohen singled with one out and advanced safely to second when North Charleston committed an error on the attempted force play as Ryan Costello reached on a  fielder's choice.  Dan Cohen tagged up on John Asman's fly out to right field but Cohen and Costello were stranded to end the inning. Andrew Eck pitched the seventh inning. North Charlestons' Michael Steele walked but was forced at second on a ground ball hit by Hardeck to Joey Hayes who threw to Nick Tomasetti. Hardick moved to second on a wild pitch and then stole third base as Andrew Eck struck out Hacney for the second out. Paul Kadd walked for North Charleston to put runners at the corner. Hardick scored on a wild pitch and Kadd took second. The lead was now 9-1. Andrew Eck came back to end the game with a strikeout of Williams.

"We are getting better as a team and playing great baseball," said Mark Gjormand. "Everyone is making plays. We like to apply pressure early when we are the visitor and we did that tonight with four consecutive hits including a great bunt by Nick Tomasetti.  Brian and Andrew Eck pitched well. It was nice to see Andrew do well as he has not been feeling well recently."

Madison is now seeded the number one overall seed in the quarterfinals and will play Gonzaga at 7:30 PM on Thursday at Hanahan HS.

Warhawks Down Gonzaga Eagles 8-1

The Madison Warhawks defeated the Gonzaga College HS of DC 8-1 behind the pitching of Matt Riffee who had six strikeouts in five innings for the win. John Asman came on throw 2 quality shutout innings with a strikeout and two walks to close the game. The Warhawks offense was led by Mark Riffee (a home run and a double), Johnny Ayers (2 for 4 with a double), Chris Wimmer (2 for 4 with 3 RBIs) and Arman Moniri ( a home run and 2 RBIs).

The top of the first inning was played in a downpour of rain with lightning all around Thursday night. Madison had to play defense in those conditions and after a pair of singles squirted through the infield, the Gonzaga runners moved into scoring position on a passed ball that set up their only run. Joe Comizio hit a sacrifice fly to right to score the runner who had advanced to third and the Eagles led 1-0. Matt Riffee struck out Cliff Vieres in the deluge to end the inning. With one out Nick Tomasetti reached first on an error and then the umpires suspended the game as the conditions were still bad and lightning had been around for 30 minutes.

The game was resumed at noon on Friday April 9, 2004 with Nick Tomasetti on first base with one out and Brendan Hanifan pitching for Gonzaga. Tomasetti stole second base  and then the Warhawks tied the game with an RBI single by Chris Wimmer. Wimmer stole second base and moved to third base on a wild pitch. Matt Riffee grounded out for an RBI to score Wimmer and Madison led 2-1. The inning ended on a fly out but the Warhawks had the lead 2-1 after one inning.

In the second, Matt Riffee struck out two batters and Gonzaga's Brandon Watson grounded out to Chris Wimmer who threw to Ray Sparrow to end the inning. In the bottom of the second inning, Mark Riffee hit a home run and Madison led 3-1.

In the third inning, Gonzaga led off with a single but Matt Riffee ended any threat by getting the Eagles to fly out to Brian Eck, ground out to Chris Wimmer and to hit a weak pop-up to Chris Wimmer to end the inning. Madison continued to apply pressure in the third when Nick Tomasetti reached second on a throwing error and then stole third base. Chris Wimmer grounded out to second base to score Tomasetti and Madison led 4-1 after three innings.

In the top of the fourth, Matt Riffee recorded a strike out and then walked Will Cooper. After Tim Christman singled to put two Eagles on base. Riffee struck out Mike Egan and Brad Watson to keep Gonzaga from scoring and to record three strikeouts in the inning. Evan Corrothers led off the Madison fourth with a single. Andrew Eck came on to be the courtesy runner and stole second base. Mark Riffee crushed a double high off the fence in the power ally just missing his second homerun of the game by inches. The Warhawks had runners on second and third with one out. Brian Eck drew a walk to load the bases but Gonzaga got out of trouble when Joe Canova smoked a ball at the third baseman who stepped on third and completed the double play to strand three runners on the hard hit out. Madison still led 4-1.

Matt Riffee held the Eagles scoreless again in the fifth with the highlight being a nice line drive catch by Johnny Ayers who was positioned right where the hitter tried to go with the ball. Ayers led off with a line drive shot that was ruled a ground rule double but  appeared to actually cleared the fence (for what should have been ruled a home run.) Chris Wimmer doubled to drive in Ayers and Madison led 5-1. Evan Corrothers reached first on a throwing error by the Gonzaga shortstop that allowed Wimmer to score and  Madison  led 6-1. Arman Moniri hit a two-run home run to increase the Warhawks lead to  8-1.

John Asman took the hill for Madison in the sixth. Vieres grounded out to Johnny Ayers on the first pitch. Following a walk, Asman struck out Danny Smith for the second out and then Matt Massey grounded out to Chris Wimmer who threw to Ray Sparrow to complete the inning. Madison failed to score in the top of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, John Asman closed the game out. After allowing a walk Ryan Charles flied out to Mark Riffee and then Asman induced Gerard Paul to hit into an Ayers to Tomasetti to Sparrow game ending double play.

"It was a good day for the Warhawks. I t was great to see Mark Riffee break-out with a big day on his birthday," said Warhawks Mark Gjormand. "Matt was impressive on the mound and John Asman pitched well in relief. This was a quality win against a good program from our area. They are a good team that is well coached and we have a lot of respect for them."

Warhawks Defeat Flanagan of Florida 7-5

Madison Was Undefeated in South Carolina Tournament

Ayers, Riffee and Wimmer Named  to All-Tourney Team

The Madison Warhawks used a team effort with lots of players fulfilling roles to rally to defeat the Charles W. Flanagan Falcons tonight 7-5. Flanagan is a 6A High School with 5500 students near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The team scrapped to win the game ( their second of the day) and go undefeated in the Hanahan Invitational Tournament in South Carolina. John Asman picked up the win in relief and Johnny Ayers recorded a save.

Jason Farley started the game on the hill for Madison. After the Warhawks retired the first two batters, David Maristany walked for the Falcons. He advanced to third when Mike Weishaar reached on an error and then scored when Pablo Pagan singled up the middle for Flanagan. Alex Castro walked to load the bases but Chris Wimmer ended the threat by fielding a groundball and stepping on third. Flanagan led 1-0. In the bottom of the first, Johnny Ayers reached first on an infield single and then Nick Tomasetti walked. Chris Wimmer grounded into a 6-4-3 double play but Ayers moved to third base and scored when Matt Riffee reached on an error.  Mark Riffee was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Evan Corrothers waled to load the bases but the inning ended on a force out with bases loaded. The game was tied after one inning.

In the top of the second Jason Farley struck out Nick Navaro. After Jose Miero walked, Eric McCans hit a home run over the left field fence to give the Falcons a 3-1 lead. Glen Witowski walked and Maristay singled. The Warhawks ended the inning when Chris Wimmer fielded a ground ball, stepped on third for the second out and fired to Nick Tomasetti to complete a double play.Madison failed to score in the second inning and trailed 3-1 after two innings.

Farley retired the side in order in the top of the third as Pagan flied out to Joe Canova, Castro struck out and Connelly flied out to Brian Eck. In the third, Chris Wimmer reached on an error and then Matt Riffee singled. Both runners advanced on a balk. Wimmer scored on a sacrifice fly by Evan Corrothers to cut the deficit to 3-2 but Matt Riffee was stranded on base to end the inning.

John Asman took the mound for his second appearance of the day in the fourth inning. Nick Navaro singled for the Falcons and then Asman threw out Miero on a sacrifice bunt with Navaro advancing to second. Asman struck out mcCans and then Witowski flied out to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth Brian Eck walked and Joe Canova reached first on a bunt single. Johnny Ayers was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Nick Tomasetti hit a fielders choice ground ball to the third baseman who made an errant throw to home and all the runners were safe and the game was tied. Chris Wimmer hit a single to drive in Canova and Ayers and move Tomasetti to second. Tomasetti stole third base and then scored when the catcher made an error trying to get Wimmer on a steal. Madison now led 6-3. Evan Corrothers hit and infield single and the Warhawks loaded the bases when Arman Moniri was hit by a pitch but the bases were left loaded After four innings, Madison led 6-3.

In the top of the fifth, Mark Riffee made a nice catch to retire David Maristany for the first out and John Asman struck out Weinshaar for the second out. Pagan singled for Flanagan and then Castro and Connelly drew back to back walks to load the bases. Navaro drove in two runs with a single and the Warhawks lead was cut to 6-5. Brian Eck took the mound in relief and put out the fire getting Miero to ground out to Nick Tomasetti who threw to Matt Riffee to end the inning. Madison failed to score in the fifth and still led 6-5.

In the top of the sixth Matt Riffee made a nice play on a ground ball flipping to Brian Eck, who was covering first, to retire McCans for the first out. Witowski flied out to Joe Canova and then Maristany walked. Brian Eck ended the inning by striking out Weinshaar. In the bottom of the seventh Matt Riffee doubled off the fence in the deepest part of the park, straight away center field to lead off the inning. After two fly outs, Matt Riffee stole third base and Arman Moniri hit a RBI single past the third baseman and Riffee came into score. Madison increased its lead to 7-5.  Brian Eck reached on an error and Dan Cohen, who ran for Moniri, took third on a wild pitch in the dirt. The Falcons threw out Brian Eck attempting to steal.

In the top of the seventh, Johnny Ayers took the mound in relief for Madison. Pablo Pagan hit a shot up the middle but Brian Eck made a spectacular sliding stop and then jumped up to throw out Pagan for an incredible out number one.  Castro hit another shot at Johnny Ayers who fielded it cleanly and threw him out for the second out. Ayers struck out Connelly for the save and the Warhawks were undefeated in the South Carolina tournament.

John Asman was the winning pitcher. Matt Riffee (2 hits including a double), Joe Canova and Johnny Ayers led the offense. Chris Wimmer had 2 RBIs.

The Warhawks concluded their Spring Break Trip by going undefeated against quality teams in the tournament. Johnny Ayers, Matt Riffee and Chris Wimmer were named to the All-Tournament Team.

"It was a team effort tonight with everyone playing their role," said Coach Mark Gjormand who celebrated his birthday with a pair of Warhawks wins and a perfect tournament. Tonight's win was over a large 6A school from Florida. That was a quality win against a good opponent. We accomplished what we came to South Carolina to achieve. I am proud of our guys."

Warhawks Shut Out Seahawks 11-0 in Return To District Play

The Madison Warhawks returned to Liberty District Play with an 11-0 win over the South Lakes Seahawks. Senior Matt Riffee pitched five shut-out innings for the win and he combined with his brother Mark Riffee who pitched the sixth inning to complete the shut-out. The Warhawks won in six innings by the ten run rule. The Seahawks had only three hits scattered over six innings. The Warhawks offense was led by Eric Garner who had a double and triple. Matt Riffee, Evan Corrothers, Joe Canova and Johnny Ayers each has two hits. Canova and Corrothers had doubles.

In the top of the first Johnny Ayers started the game with a single off of South Lakes lefty Dan Darby and then advanced to third on an errant pick-off attempt. With one out Chris Wimmer walked and was thrown out attempting to steal second base, on the throw out Johnny Ayers raced home with a stolen base and the Warhawks led 1-0 after half an inning. In the bottom of the first, Matt Riffee retired the Seahawks in order getting Nick Andariese to pop up, Striking out Dan Smith and getting Ben Jennings to ground out to Johnny Ayers who threw to Ray Sparrow to complete the inning.

In the top of the second Mark Riffee led off with a line drive single and moved to second base on a single by Evan Corrothers. With one out Brian Eck sacrificed Mark Riffee to third and Andrew Eck, who ran for Corrothers, to second.  Joe Canova beat out an infield single to drive in Mark Riffee and Madison led 2-0. Johnny Ayers grounded out to end the inning but the Warhawks had a 2-0 lead. After Evan Anderson singled for South Lakes, Matt Riffee retired the next three batters on a fly out to Joe Canova who made a very nice catch, a nice fielding play by himself (Riffee) and a strikeout. Madison led 2-0 after two innings.

In the top of the third inning, Nick Tomasetti was hit by a pitch and advanced to third base on back-to back singles by Chris Wimmer and Matt Riffee. Dan Cohen, was the courtesy runner for pitcher Matt Riffee. With Mark Riffee at the plate, Tomasetti scored and Wimmer and Cohen advanced to third and second on a passed ball. Mark Riffee then hit a line drive shot up the middle that the centerfielder dove for and made a spectacular catch to rob Riffee but also surprised the Madison runners as he doubled up the runner on second for a double play and the runner on third did not tag and held at third. One out later, Madison had only increased the lead by one run to 3-0. Matt Riffee held South Lakes scoreless again in the bottom of the third allowing only a two-out single which was erased as Ray Sparrow caught a line drive to end the inning.

The Warhawks got back to work in the fourth as Arman Moniri reached on an error by the  left fielder. Anthony Hall pinch ran for Moniri. Hall advanced to third as Joe Canova doubled after one out. The Warhawks had two runners in scoring position. The bases were loaded when Johnny Ayers was hit by a pitch. Hall scored by force when Nick Tomasetti was hit by a pitch and the lead was 4-0. Matt Riffee drove in Canova and Ayers with a 2 RBI single up the middle to increase Madison's lead to 6-0. Mark Riffee flied out deep to left to end the inning but Madison appeared to be in command. Matt Riffee retired the side in order in the bottom of the fourth with the help of another Joe Canova catch, a grounder to Chris Wimmer and then an inning ending strike out of Nick Oris.

Evan Corrothers doubled to open the fifth inning. Andrew Eck was the courtesy runner for the catcher at second base. After Spenser Sams lined out on a hard-hit rope, Eric Garner doubled down the line to score Andrew Eck for a 7-0 lead. Dan Cohen walked to put runners at first and second and then both runners advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch by Mike Dunlop. Tyler Green came into face Johnny Ayers who singled in Garner and then Ayers took second on the cutoff throw. When the second baseman dropped the ball, Dan Cohen alertly hustled home to give Madison a 9-0 lead which was the score heading into the bottom of the fifth. Dan Darby doubled with one out and then Riffee retired Ned Dickert for the second out. Tommy Flynn drew the only South Lake walk of the game but Matt Riffee got Andariese to hit a slow roller to Joey Hayes who stepped on third to end the inning.

With two outs in the top of the sixth, Ray Sparrow singled and then Eric Garner hit a triple to the gap to score Sparrow with the tenth run. Garner scored on a wild pitch to increase the lead to 11-0 going into the bottom of the sixth. Mark Riffee made his first mound appearance this season in relief of his brother. He retired Dan Smith and then Ben Jennings reached on a weak infield roller that the Warhawks did not field cleanly. Mark Riffee promptly picked off Jennings at first base once he settled in next to Ray Sparrow for the second out. The game ended as Mark Riffee struck out Tyler Green to save the shut-out and Madison won by the ten run rule.

"It was nice to get a District win and you always like a shutout," said Mark Gjormand. "Matt and Mark pitched well. Matt continues to pitch very well and Mark looked sharp in his first mound appearance this season. I was disappointed in our making a few mental mistakes tonight and we were a little frustrated at the beginning by their pitcher who pitched well but threw a little softer than the guys we faced in South Carolina last week. South Lakes is a young team and Coach Morris does a good job coaching them. They will be good in the future."

Warhawks Defeat Highlanders 11-1

The Madison Warhawks traveled to McLean and defeated the Highlanders 11-1 behind the pitching of Brian Eck who struck out nine batters and scattered 5 hits over six innings. Johnny Ayers had his best night as a Warhawk going 4 for 4 with 2 home runs, a triple and four RBIs. Matt Riffee was 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs, Chris Wimmer was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs and Nick Tomasetti was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Mark Riffee, Ray Sparrow and Joe Canova also had doubles for Madison.

In the top of the first McLean's JB Oldenburg pitched for the Highlanders. Johnny Ayers hit the first pitch of the game over the fence and Madison led 1-0. With one out Chris Wimmer lined a single and then with two outs Mark Riffee lined a double to center when the centerfielder dove on the attempted catch and could not reach it with Riffee easily taking  second base as no one was covering and Wimmer rounded third and beat the delayed throw to the plate when the Highlanders saw they had no other play. Madison led 2-0. Evan Corrothers lined a single to shallow left and the leftfielder threw out Mark Riffee sliding at the plate. The Warhawks led 2-0. Brian Eck took the hill for Madison and set the Highlanders down 1-2-3 Striking out TK Marks and Butch Bastable and getting Oldenburg to pop up  to Johnny Ayers.

In the top of the second, Ray Sparrow doubled and scored on Johnny Ayers second home run. Madison led 4-0.  In the bottom of the second, Brian Eck struck out Jake Farmer. Then Andrew Burton grounded out to Nick Tomasetti and after Billy Corey singled for McLean, Eck struck out Marshall Forrest for his fourth strikeout to end the inning. Madison led 4-0 after two innings.

Madison didn't score in the third although two walks were nullified by a pick-off and failed stolen base attempt. Kevin Clinton led off with a single for McLean in the second half of the inning and then advanced to second on an errant pick-off throw. Josh Huson singled up the middle to score Clinton and the lead was 4-1. Mark Riffee made a nice catch on a fly ball to the gap for an out but Huson tagged and went to third. Brian Eck struck out Oldenburg for the second out and then Mark Riffee made a catch near the line to end the inning and keep the score at 4-1.

Ray Sparrow walked and with two outs, Johnny Ayers tripled to score Sparrow for a 5-1 lead. Nick Tomasetti drove in Ayers with an RBI single and moved to second as Chris Wimmer reached base on an error. Tomasetti stole third base on a failed run down after a pickoff and then Chris Wimmer stole second to put both runners in scoring position. Matt Riffee lined a two run single to score Tomasetti and Wimmer and Madison led 8-1. In the bottom of the fourth Plummer grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the first out and then Andrew Burton singled. Brian Eck struck out Corey and then Mark Riffee made a nice catch on a sinking line drive to end the inning. After four, Madison led 8-1.

Madison went down in order in the fifth. Clinton grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the first out and then Huson was hit by a pitch to reach first. Marks flied out to Mark Riffee for the second out and Oldenburg grounded out to Wimmer to end the inning.

Joe Canova led off with a double past the diving left fielder and moved to third on Johnny Ayers single. Nick Tomasetti singled and after a run down involving two runners everyone was safe with the bases loaded when McLean dropped the ball. Chris Wimmer hit a 2 RBI double to score Canova and Ayers and the lead was 10-1. Matt Riffee doubled to score Tomasetti for the 11th run but Wimmer was out at the plate on the relay throw. Madison led 6-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth. After surrendering a single to Bastable, Eck retired the next three batters with strikeouts and the Warhawks won their second game in consecutive nights by the ten run rule and their seventh straight win.

"Johnny was incredible tonight and gave us a real jump at the top of the order. We decided after the second game we needed to return him to the leadoff spot and he has been giving us that early threat since," said Coach Mark Gjormand. "We are getting great pitching every night and Brian was excellent tonight. The key is always pitching and we have had that all season thus far. We are hitting on all cylinders right now and everyone is getting the job done."

Warhawks Defeat Rebels 10-6

The Madison Warhawks rallied from some early sloppy play to overtake the Fairfax Rebels 10-6 and win their eighth consecutive game, pulling into a tie for first place in the Liberty District. Jason Farley started the game on the hill for Madison and after retiring Zach Schlesinger on a fly ball to Brian Eck, T.J. Prioletti reached first on an error. Kyle Schmidt then singled to advance Prioletti and the Rebels had runners on first and second with one out. Phil Prophett then singled to score Prioletti while Schmidt advanced to third and the Rebels led 1-0. Prophett was held to a single when Mark Riffee cut the ball off nicely on the play. Nick Simons then doubled to score Schmidt but the Warhawks cut down Prophett trying to advance to third for the second out. Fairfax led 2-0. David MacClary walked and Farley faced Andrew Punsolan with runners at first and second with two outs. Punsolan singled to centerfield but Joe Canova charged the ball and threw out Simons at the plate with Evan Corrothers making a nice tag for the third out. Fairfax stranded two runners and sent 7 batters to the plate and led 2-0 after the first half inning.

Madison came roaring back as Johnny Ayers greeted Daika Kato with a leadoff home run to cut the lead to 2-1. Nick Tomasetti singled and advanced to second on Chris Wimmer’s ground out. Matt Riffee then hit a two-run home run to deep straightaway centerfield and the Warhawks led 3-2. Ray Sparrow singled to keep the inning going but was forced at second for the second out on Evan Corrothers fielder’s choice ground ball to shortstop. Dan Cohen was the courtesy runner for Corrothers. Mark Riffee beat out a play to first, which was scored an error, moving Cohen to second. Brian Eck flied out to centerfield to end the inning and Madison led 3-2 after one inning with two runners left on base.

 In the second inning Jason Farley struck out Jake Warhurst for the first out and then Nick Calabrese grounded out to Nick Tomasetti who threw out Calabrese with Matt Riffee making a nice stretch on the play. Schlesinger reached on another error and he advanced to second on a single by Prioletti. Schmidt drew a walk to load the bases and Prophett flied out to Joe Canova to end the inning with bases loaded and no runs scored. In the bottom of the second Joe Canova reached on an error and Johnny Ayers walked. Ayers was forced at second for the first out on Nick Tomasetti’s fielders choice but Canova advanced to third. Chris Wimmer hit an RBI single to score Joe Canova for a 4-2 lead and Nick Tomasetti moved to second. Wimmer was forced at second on Matt Riffee’s fielders’ choice ground ball but Riffee hustled to first to beat the relay throw and keep the inning alive with Tomasetti at third.  Nick Simons, the second pitcher for Fairfax, tried to fake a pick-off throw at third and throw to first, but the Warhawks were not fooled and Simons threw the ball away for an error that scored Tomasetti and moved Matt Riffee to second. Ray Sparrow then singled up the middle and Matt Riffee slid in safely with the Warhawks' sixth run. Sparrow had an RBI and Madison led 6-2 after two innings.

 In the top of the third, Jason Farley struck out Simons for the first out but walked David MacClary. Punsolan singled MacClary to second and the Rebels had two runners aboard with one out. Warhurst grounded into a fielder’s choice with MacClary out at second leaving runners at the corners with two outs. Calabrese grounded back to Farley who threw to Matt Riffee to end the inning with two more runners stranded and no Rebels' runs were allowed. The Rebels had stranded 7 runners in three innings. In the bottom of the third, Brian Eck walked with one out and then stole second and moved to third base on a passed ball. Joe Canova beat out an infield single to score Brian Eck and the lead was 7-2. Johnny Ayers ripped a triple to the corner that Joe Canova had to duck to avoid and then Canova raced around the bases beating the throw to the plate with Ayers running into third. Madison led 8-2 after three innings.

 Jason Farley settled down and retired the Rebels in order in the fourth with two groundouts to Nick Tomasetti and a called third strike for a strikeout on Schmidt. In the bottom of the fourth, Matt Riffee led off with a walk. After Ray Sparrow flied out, Evan Corrothers reached on a fielder’s choice, forcing Matt Riffee at second base for the second out. Dan Cohen came in to run for the catcher (Corrothers) and moved to second on a passed ball.  Mark Riffee then hit an RBI single to score Dan Cohen for a 9-2 lead but the Rebels cut the throw off and retired Mark Riffee on a tag at second after Cohen had scored.

 John Asman relieved for Madison in the fifth inning and walked Phil Prophett. Then Nick Simmons singled Prophett to second. MacClary then stroked an RBI double to score Prophett but Madison threw out Simons going to third with Chris Wimmer tagging Prophet for the first out. Punsolan singled MacClary to third and then Warhurst grounded out into a Johnny Ayers to Matt Riffee out for the second out as Madison conceded another run. The lead was 9-4. Calabrese hit a hard hooking liner that Matt Riffee snared on a nice catch to end the threat and Madison led 9-4. In the bottom of the fifth, Eric Garner hit a pinch hit double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Joe Canova hit a sacrifice fly to score Garner and the lead was 10-4 after five innings.

 John Asman retired Schlesinger on a Johnny Ayers to Matt Riffee ground out and then Joe Canova made a nice catch on a line drive for the second out. Schmidt singled with two outs and then Prophett homered to cut the lead to 10-6. Simons grounded out to Ayers to end the inning. Madison failed to score in the sixth.

 Andrew Eck took the hill in relief for the Warhawks and promptly retired the side in order. MacClary flied out to Mark Riffee, who made a nice catch for the first out. Punsolan grounded out to Johnny Ayers who threw to Matt Riffee for the second out. Then Andrew Eck struck out pinch hitter, William Ebhart, to end the game. Madison won 10-6. Jason Farley held on for the win and Andrew Eck was credited with the save. The big blows for the Madison offense were home runs by Johnny Ayers and Matt Riffee in the first inning. Ayers’ triple, Garner's double and RBI singles by Chris Wimmer, Ray Sparrow, Mark Riffee and Joe Canova were also key in the Warhawks win. Canova also had a sacrifice fly late in the game.

 “It was nice to get a win when we started out not playing very well defensively”, said Mark Gjormand. “Our bats won this game for us and its nice to see the offense still rolling. We had some big hits when we needed them. Jason kept hanging in there tonight and Andrew Eck pitched well for the save. They have a nice team and really battled us tonight. They are going to have success this year and in the future.”

Warhawks Down Lancers in Thriller 5-4

for Ninth Consecutive Win

The Madison Warhawks visited the Lee Lancers and pulled out an exciting win over an excellent ball team in a tough setting tonight. The battle of first place teams went down to the seventh inning as Madison came back to Vienna with a 5-4 win. Madison's pitching was excellent as Brian Eck battled the Lancers for five tough innings giving up four runs. Ace Matt Riffee was the winning pitcher in one perfect inning of relief and Johnny Ayers recorded the save. Matt Riffee drove in three of the five runs including two in the first inning on a home run. He was 2 for 3 with an intentional walk. Johnny Ayers continued his red hot hitting streak and was 3 for 4 tonight with a double and an RBI. Mark Riffee was 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored. Ray Sparrow drove in Nick Tomasetti with the winning run in the seventh inning after Tomasetti singled and stole second base. Chris Wimmer added a double and made an outstanding unassisted double play to end a bases loaded jam and keep the game tied.

In the first inning Ken Moreland pitched for Lee and Johnny Ayers led off the game with a double and moved to third as Nick Tomasetti executed a sacrifice bunt for the first out. After a Warhawk strikeout, Matt Riffee hit a two run home run and Madison led 2-0. Ray Sparrow reached on an error and then was forced at second when Evan Corrothers hit a ball hard at the shortstop. Madison led 2-0 after half an inning. Brian Eck took the hill for Madison and Ken Moreland beat out an infield single. Ross Crigler executed a perfect hit and run single through the hole as the second baseman covered second and the Lancers had runners on first and second with no outs. Hans Sakellarides hit an RBI single but the Warhawks cut down Crigler at third as Eric Garner hit the cut-off man, Chris Wimmer, who threw to Johnny Ayers for the tag. Troy Hamilton reached first on an error and Pat Fitzgerald, who ran for Sakellarides, advanced to third. Lee had runners at the corner with one out. Evan Corrothers threw out Hamilton trying to steal second base with Johnny Ayers making the tag for the second out. Kevin Moreland singled down the line to score Fitzgerald and the game was tied. Greg Jones hit a grounder to Johnny Ayers who flipped to Nick Tomasetti covering second to end the inning. After one inning of play the game was tied at 2 runs each.

Mark Riffee's single was all Madison managed in the second and the Warhawks failed to score. Brian Eck retired the Lancers in order in the bottom of the second striking out Stephen Giese, getting Kyle Smith to fly out to Joe Canova on one pitch and then Stuart Searle grounded out to Johnny Ayers to end the inning.

Chris Wimmer reached first on an error in the third inning and advanced to second base on a balk. Matt Riffee then singled to score Wimmer with the go ahead run and Madison led again 3-2. In the bottom of the third Ken Moreland walked for Lee and then Crigler popped up to the pitcher Brian Eck for the first out. Eck hit Sakellarides with a pitch to put runners on first and second with one out. Troy Hamilton grounded to Johnny Ayers to force Sakellarides at second for the second out and Ken Moreland moved to third. Kevin Moreland grounded to Nick Tomasetti who tossed to Ray Sparrow to end the third with Madison leading 3-2.

Mark Riffee led off the fourth inning with a double to the gap and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Brian Eck. After a Warhawk strikeout, Johnny Ayers singled to score Mark Riffee and Madison led 4-2 after four at bats. Greg Jones led off the bottom of the fourth for Lee with a home run to centerfield to cut the lead to 4-3. Giese singled and then Brian Eck struck out Kyle Smith for the first out. Searle grounded into a fielders choice as Giese was out at second and then Ken Moreland grounded to Chris Wimmer who threw to Ray Sparrow to end the inning. The Warhawks led 4-3 after four complete innings.

Chris Wimmer doubled in the top of the fifth but Madison failed to score. In the bottom of the fifth Brian Eck hit Ross Crigler with a pitch to put a runner on first. Sakellarides singled and then Hamilton bunted and was safe when the Warhawks were late to cover first. Fitzgerald ran for Sakellarides. The Lancers had bases loaded and no outs. Kevin Moreland tied the game on a single to the outfield scoring Crigler but Madison held the other runners on the relay and the score was tied with the bases loaded. Brian Eck struck out Jones for the first out and then Chris Wimmer made an awesome unassisted double play as he snared Giese's line drive and then dove to tag out a diving Fitzgerald for the third out. Madison escaped further damage, kept their composure as the crowd grew hostile and the game was tied 4-4 after five innings.

Ken Moreland retired the Warhawks in order in the top of the sixth. Madison brought in Senior Ace, Matt Riffee to pitch the sixth with the game tied. Riffee pitched a perfect inning striking out Smith, then retiring Searle on a slow grounder back to Riffee, himself, and then he struck out Ken Moreland and the game was still tied.

Johnny Ayers led off the seventh with a single and stole second base. Nick Tomasetti singled to right field but Hamilton threw Johnny Ayers out at the plate with Sakellarides making the tag. Tomasetti stole second base and Madison had a runner at second with one out. Following a  Warhawk strikeout, Matt Riffee came to the plate. After he ripped a ball foul, Moreland decided to intentionally walk Matt Riffee to put runners at first and second with two outs. Justin Duncan, came in to courtesy run for pitcher Matt Riffee and Ray Sparrow came to the plate knowing they decided to pitch to him with the game on the line. Ray made them Pay! with a clutch RBI single to score a hustling Nick Tomasetti and the Warhawks led 5-4 going into the bottom of the seventh.

Having the lead and knowing that Matt Riffee was scheduled to start the next game, Mark Gjormand decided to bring in Johnny Ayers to close the seventh inning. Crigler hit a two strike double and Lee had the tying run on second. Ayers struck out Sakellarides for the first out and then Hamilton grounded out to Brian Eck who held Crigler at second and then threw out Hamilton for the second out. Kevin Moreland hit a ball deep to the right field wall but Mark Riffee tracked it down making a nice game ending catch against the wall and the Warhawks had a big road win and improved their record to 9-2 with their ninth consecutive win. Matt Riffee recorded the win for Madison and Ken Moreland took the loss for Lee. Johnny Ayers earned the save.

"This is a big win tonight as we usually have a hard time playing down here in an intense environment against an always tough opponent," said Mark Gjormand. "Our pitchers really did a great job and it was a good win against an obviously good opponent. We were in situations where we could have become flustered but we kept our composure and played through it very well. We had some big hits at critical times tonight."

Warhawks Defeat Statesmen 11-2

The Madison Warhawks  overcame a sluggish early effort and defeated the  Marshall Statesmen 11-2 on Saturday night after the Friday evening game was postponed due to thunderstorms. Matt Riffee allowed only three hits as he picked up his fifth win of the season and Madison won its tenth consecutive game. Riffee's ERA after seven appearances is 0.87. The Warhawks offense was led by Johnny Ayers (3 for 4 with a double and RBI) and Matt Riffee (2 for 3 with a double, walk and RBI) as both continued to be red hot at the plate. Chris Wimmer was 2 for 4 with two big RBIs. Spenser Sams came off the bench to hit a three-run home run and Arman Moniri doubled in the Warhawks attack. Nick Tomasetti, Ray Sparrow, Evan Corrothers, Mark Riffee and Ryan Costello also had Warhawks hits tonight.

In the first inning Nick Tomasetti stroked a one-out single up the middle and moved to second on Chris Wimmer's ground out to the third baseman for the second out. Tomasetti took third base on a passed ball. Matt Riffee singled in Tomasetti and Madison led 1-0.  In the bottom of the first Cornwell and Solomon walked. Matt Strong hit into a double play of Nick Tomasetti to Johnny Ayers to Ray Sparrow for two outs. Neil Gentile walked and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Jordan Calbreath doubled down the line to score Cornwell and Gentile and Marshall led 2-1. Steve Gooding flied out to Mark Riffee to end the inning.

Evan Corrothers singled to lead off the second for Madison and was replaced by courtesy runner Andrew Eck. Andrew Eck was picked off for the first out. With two outs Jason Farley walked but Madison could not score and trailed 2-1. Madison made two consecutive errors on routine ground balls to put Marshall runners on first and second. Matt Riffee then took charge striking out Alex Aivasis, getting Cornwell to ground out to Nick Tomasetti and then he struck out Solomon to end the inning with no runs allowed.

Johnny Ayers led off the third with a double and scored on an RBI single by Chris Wimmer. After three at bats the Warhawks had tied the game 2-2. Riffee was not going to let Marshall score again retiring them in order as he got Strong to pop-up to Ray Sparrow, Gentile grounded weakly back to Riffee, himself and then Calbreath popped up to Chris Wimmer for the third out.

Madison failed to score in the fourth after Ray Sparrow's single and Matt Riffee retired the Statesmen in order on three weak rollers toward first that Ray Sparrow, Matt Riffee and Ray Sparrow took turns making unassisted putouts on. After four the game was tied 2-2.

In the fifth, Johnny Ayers singled and stole second base. Nick Tomasetti reached second base and Johnny Ayers scored on a two-base throwing error. Madison led 3-2. Chris Wimmer singled to drive in Tomasetti from second and the Warhawks led 4-2. Matt Riffee walked on four straight pitches to put runners on first and second. Justin Duncan was the courtesy runner for the pitcher. Ray Sparrow moved the runners to second and third on a sacrifice bunt. Evan Corrothers hit a ball hard at the Marshall shortstop who made another error allowing Wimmer and a hustling Justin Duncan to score. Madison led 6-2. Anthony Hall came into courtesy run for Evan Corrothers. Mark Riffee then stroked a single up the middle to keep the inning going and put Hall on second base. While Arman Moniri was at the plate, Hall attempted to steal third and was thrown out by Marshall for the third out. Matt Riffee allowed only one runner in the fifth, a check swing Texas League single by Cornwell. Joe Canova made a nice catch in the inning and Ray Sparrow a nice stretch on  a throw to first. Madison led 6-2 after five innings.

Arman Moniri led off the sixth with a double and scored on a single by Johnny Ayers to give the Warhawks a 7-2 lead after six innings. In the bottom of the sixth, Matt Riffee struck out Gentile for the first out. Calbreath singled and then Gooding popped up to Ray Sparrow who made a nice catch in foul territory against the fence. Fletcher flied out to Joe Canova in shallow centerfield to end the inning.

With one out in the seventh, Matt Riffee doubled to start another rally. Justin Duncan again was a courtesy runner for the pitcher. Ray Sparrow walked and then Duncan and Sparrow advanced to third and second on a passed ball. The Statesmen drew up their infield to try to cut off another run with one out. Ryan Costello punched a single over the drawn up infield to score Duncan and move Sparrow to third. Costello stole second base to put runners in scoring position for Spenser Sams who hit a three-run home run to right field and Madison led 11-2 going into the bottom of the seventh. John Asman took the hill to finish the game for Madison. Asman struck out Adam Engman for the first out. Blair Delain drew a walk and then Cornwell flew out to Josh Carter and Ed Solomon grounded out to Joey Hayes to end the ball game.

"We were not playing with a lot of 'oomph' tonight, said Mark Gjormand. "Matt took charge of the game from the second inning on to record his fifth win of the season and he is still red hot with the bat. I was really pleased to see a couple of guys, Spenser Sams and Arman Moniri, come off the bench and give us some 'oomph' at the end of the game. If we can get Spenser going like that he can help us down the stretch."

Warhawks Defeat Woodson 5-2

For Eleventh Consecutive Win

The Madison Warhawks  traveled to Woodson and defeated the Cavaliers 5-2. Brian Eck went the distance on the hill to get the win with seven strikeouts and only two runs allowed on seven hits. The Warhawks offense was led by senior  Evan Corrothers who was 2 for 2 with a double and Chris Wimmer who was 2 for 4 with a double. Joe Canova had the big hit as Madison took the lead on his two run single. It was a team win with everyone contributing to a key road win on a cold-raw night with wind gusts close to 20 MPH at times.

In the top of the first Madison failed to score as Johnny Ayers fouled a ball off his leg but the umpire missed it and gave Woodson a put-out. With two outs Chris Wimmer reached first on an error but Matt Riffee's deep ball was knocked down by the wind and kept in the park for a fly out to end the inning. Brian Eck and the Warhawks retired Woodson in order in the first as Salinas grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the first out and Brian Eck struck out John Quigley for the second out. Bianucci grounded out to Ray Sparrow who flipped to Eck covering for the third out. Bianucci kept running after the play and could have avoided contact but he ran three extra steps and hit Eck in the back to set the tone for the evening.

Madison kept hitting the ball hard (unfortunately often right-at Cavaliers) all evening. Ray Sparrow hit a rope that was caught by the right fielder for the first out. Evan Corrothers singled and Justin Duncan came in as a courtesy runner for the catcher. Mark Riffee hit a hard ball at the shortstop to force out Duncan for the second out but hustled down the line to avoid the double play. Brian Eck flied out to end the inning. In the bottom of the second Taranto walked and then Richard Cutts hit a home run to give Woodson a 2-0 lead and Woodson players shouted obscenities at the Madison bench as they greeted him at the plate. Eck struck out Nobel for the first out and Kelch reached on a Madison error and then went to second on another error on a pick-off attempt. Eck struck out Gibbons for the second out but Kelch stole third. Kramer grounded out to Johnny Ayers to end the inning with Woodson leading after 2 innings.

Joe Canova grounded out in the third and then Johnny Ayers singled and moved to second on a beautiful sacrifice bunt by Nick Tomasetti who made it a close play at first. Ayers was stranded at third and Madison still trailed 2-0. In the bottom of the third Salinas singled and then Quigley bunted for a base hit to put two runners on for Woodson. Bianucci flied out to Joe Canova for the first out and then Taranto hit into a Johnny Ayers to Nick Tomasetti to Ray Sparrow double play to end the inning.

Ray Sparrow singled with one out in the fourth and then Evan Corrothers walked to put two runners aboard. Justin Duncan ran for Corrothers and then Mark Riffee singled to load the bases. Brian Eck hit another deep Warhawk fly ball that would have been a grand slam but the wind knocked it down also and it was caught for a sacrifice fly to score Sparrow. Duncan advanced to third and Mark Riffee held to allow the run to score and avoid any chance of a double play. The lead was cut to 2-1. Mark Riffee stole second base to put runners at third and second. Joe Canova stroked a two-out single that scored Justin Duncan and a hustling Mark Riffee who slid in safely with the go ahead run. Johnny Ayers grounded out to end the inning but the Warhawks had the lead 3-2. In the bottom of the fourth, Cutts walked and then Nobel lined out to Chris Wimmer, Kelch grounded out to Wimmer and Gibbons popped up to Wimmer to strand the runner. Madison led 3-2 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth Chris Wimmer doubled and then Matt Riffee hit a ball that bounded off the first baseman straight to the second baseman on the rebound who threw to the pitcher covering for the out. Wimmer moved to third on the play but was stranded there and Madison still led by a 3-2 score. After Kramer flied out to Josh Carter for the first out in the fifth for Woodson. Salinas singled  and moved to second on a single by Quigley that was  ripped passed Wimmer. The wind finally helped Madison (instead of taking away a Warhawk round tripper) as Bianucci hit a deep fly ball to Joe Canova that also may have been kept in the park by the wind. Salinas tagged and went to third. One batter later, Evan Corrothers threw out Quigley trying to steal second base as Johnny Ayers threw to Ray Sparrow who made the tag in a "run down" to end the inning with Madison still leading 3-2.

Evan Corrothers doubled to lead off the sixth and Justin Duncan ran for him again. Duncan went to third as Kramer threw a pick off throw into centerfield. Mark Riffee hit a shot that looked like it would go through the drawn-in infield but the second baseman made a diving stop for the out and Duncan held at third with one out. Kramer recorded a strikeout and then Joe Canova hit a hard liner at the first baseman Cutts who snared it to end the threat. Madison still led 3-2. In the Woodson half of the seventh inning, Taranto singled to start the inning but Brian Eck picked him off and Ray Sparrow threw to Johnny Ayers who tagged him out in another "run-down" for the first out. Eck struck out Cutts for the second out and Nobel for the third out. Madison still led 3-2 after six innings.

Nick Tomasetti hit a one-out single in the top of the seventh and moved to third on a single by Chris Wimmer. Wimmer stole second base. Matt Riffee squared around to bunt causing Kramer to throw a wild pitch that scored Tomasetti for the fourth run and Riffee's sacrifice plated Wimmer with another run and Madison led 5-2. Ray Sparrow grounded out and the Warhawks headed to the bottom of the seventh to protect a three-run lead. Kelch flied out to  Mark Riffee for the first out. Gibbons singled and then Brian Eck struck out Kramer for the second out. Eck ended the game by striking out Salinas to pick up his third win of the season with an excellent outing.

"Obviously Woodson wanted to win this game badly," said Mark Gjormand. "This is an important part of their season. They have a couple of nice kids and we will play them a couple more times, but tonight we were better. It was a good team win."

First Place Warhawks Defeat Langley 6-0

The Madison Warhawks   who lead the Liberty District traveled to Langley and defeated the Saxons 6-0. Senior Matt Riffee efficiently threw a no hitter for five innings of work using his defense and throwing only 52 pitches while picking up his sixth consecutive win. Johnny Ayers pitched two excellent innings of relief to get the save and Ayers only allowed one Saxon hit. The Warhawks extended their winning streak to twelve straight and lead the Liberty District after a tough road trip that produced road wins at McLean, Lee, Marshall, Woodson and Langley as well as five in Charleston, SC. The Warhawks finally return home to play several home games in the second half of Liberty District play. Tonight Matt Riffee kept the Saxons hitters hitless with the benefit of excellent defensive play by his fellow Warhawks. The Warhawks also had 10 hits off of Jimmy Saris  who went the distance in the loss for Langley. Johnny Ayers looked strong in relief.

In the top of the first ,Nick Tomasetti singled following a strikeout but was thrown out stealing on a "strike-out-throw-out" double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the first Matt Riffee put the Saxons down 1-2-3 as Chuck Eller grounded out to Ray Sparrow, Russ Blankinship grounded out to Nick Tomasetti and Jim Saris flied out to Mark Riffee.

Saris set the Warhawks down 1-2-3 in the top of the second and the game was still scoreless. Matt Riffee struck out Nick Zahra for the first out of the second inning and Alex Dadisman walked but was erased one pitch later as Kyle Frazier lined out to Chris Wimmer who threw to Ray Sparrow to double off Dadisman and end the inning.

In the top of the third, Mark Riffee led off the inning with a single but was forced at second base on a fielders choice by Spenser Sams. Sams was picked off first by Zahra after a missed bunt attempt and there were two outs. Joe Canova doubled to the gap and then Johnny Ayers stroked another double to the gap to score Canova and Madison led 1-0. Ayers was thrown out trying to stretch it to a triple to end the inning but not before the run had scored. Matt Riffee set Langley down 1-2-3 in the third on six pitches getting Love to fly out to Joe Canova and Adam Hoffler to pop-up to catcher Evan Corrothers who made a nice catch in foul territory for the second out. Tommy Tyce grounded out to Johnny Ayers who fired to Ray Sparrow to end the inning. The Warhawks led 1-0 after three innings.

In the top of the fourth, following a ground out and a strike out, Matt Riffee crushed a double off the fence to put a runner in scoring position. Justin Duncan came in as a courtesy runner. Duncan was stranded when Ray Sparrow hit a hard line drive directly at the center fielder for the third out. Riffee retired Eller on a fly ball to Brian Eck and Blankinship on a pop-up to himself. Saris and Zahra walked on a few questionable called balls but went no where as Dadisman popped up to Johnny Ayers to end the inning. Madison led 1-0 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth, Evan Corrothers lined out to left and then Mark Riffee singled. Spenser Sams was hit by a pitch  and Mark Riffee advanced to second. Mark Riffee stole third base and then leaped up and raced home for the second run when Zahra's throw got passed the third baseman for an error. Madison led 2-0. Matt Riffee set Langley down 1-2-3 again on eight pitches as Kyle Frazier popped out to Chris Wimmer in foul territory. Wimmer made an outstanding catch as the high foul ball spun back over the backstop with Wimmer grabbing it inches from the net. Joey Love grounded out to Johnny Ayers one pitch later and Matt Riffee struck out Adam Hoffer to end the inning with a no hitter- still in tact and Madison led 2-0 after five innings.

Madison went down 1-2-3 in the top of the sixth and then Johnny Ayers took the hill in the bottom of the sixth to try to earn the save. Tommy Tyce bunted down the first place line and Ray Sparrow made the unassisted put-out. Johnny Ayers struck out Chuck Eller for the second out and then Russ Blankinship stroked a single to right field for what would end up being Langley's only hit of the game.  Saris grounded out to shortstop Brian Eck who threw to Ray Sparrow to end the inning. Madison led 2-0 going into the seventh.

In the top of the seventh, Evan Corrothers led off with a single. Dan Cohen came in to run for the catcher. Saris hit Mark Riffee with a pitch and the Warhawks had two runners aboard. Spenser Sams beat out a bunt for a single to load the bases with no outs. Joe Canova hit a single through the drawn in infield to score Dan Cohen and Mark Riffee and the Warhawks led 4-0. Sams was on second and Canova was on first with no outs. After Johnny Ayers flied out and another strikeout, Chris Wimmer reached second base on a Langley throwing error which allowed Sams and Canova to score. Madison led 6-0. Matt Riffee beat out an infield single to put runners at first and second where they were stranded as the inning ended.

In the bottom of the seventh, Zahra flied out to Josh Carter for the first out and Johnny Ayers got Alex Dadisman to popup to Ayers himself for the second out. Ayers struck out Frazier to end the game and record the save. Madison won 6-0. Riffee threw a no hitter for his 5 innings of work and Madison had ten hits off of Jim Saris who took the loss while the Saxons only had one hit. The Warhawks defense was excellent.

"Matt kept putting them down tonight and his defense played well behind him," said Mark Gjormand. "We hated to pull him with a no-hitter going but he was actually feeling a little stiff most of the night and we were being cautious so he'd be ready to take his next turn and stay healthy.  Johnny did a nice job in relief. It was another quality road win on consecutive nights for us. We took too many punch-outs (strike outs) early in the game but we were seeing the ball well and are swinging better. Obviously we had several quality hits tonight and played well."

Warhawks Edge Seahawks 3-2 in 8 Innings

The Madison Warhawks gave up a two run lead in the seventh inning and won the game in the eighth inning. The Warhawks offense did not get going until the fourth inning when Nick Tomasetti and Chris Wimmer hit back-to-back singles and then South Lakes right fielder made an outstanding running catch to the warning track to rob Matt Riffee of an extra base hit and neither runner tagged or advanced as they thought it was in for a hit. Ray Sparrow singled with one out to load the bases but everyone was stranded as the Seahawks turned a shortstop-to-second base-to first base double play on Evan Corrothers grounder. Madison finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Jason Farley walked and Brian Eck pinch ran for Farley. Eck moved to second on a wild pitch and Johnny Ayers hit a two run homer to put Madison up 2-0.

Meanwhile, Jason Farley pitched a good game keeping South Lakes off the board. Farley scattered three hits over six innings and left in the seventh with one runner on base and no outs. Johnny Ayers relieved to try and save the win. South Lakes produced three hits and tied the score. Joe Canova threw out the potential go ahead run at third base to end the threat. In the top of the seventh Tommy Flynn reached first for South Lakes on an error but was doubled off when Andariesse bunted in the air to Ayers who threw to first to complete the double play. Ayers struck out Anderson to end the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Nick Tomasetti walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. South Lakes intentionally walked Chris Wimmer and then Matt Riffee executed a perfect bunt for a hit to load the bases. Ray Sparrow then had the game winning hit drop in near the line to score Nick Tomasetti to end the game. Johnny Ayers earned the win in relief and Jason Farley had no decision but had pitched an excellent game for the Warhawks. Madison will host McLean on Monday.

"Tonight I tip my hat to South Lakes," said Coach Gjormand. "You can see how much they've already improved under Coach Morris in the last two weeks. He is doing a good job and they will keep getting better. They played very well tonight. It was good to get the win."

Warhawks Open Up Two Game Lead with Win Over Highlanders 7-6 in 9 Innings

Madison wins 14th Consecutive Game

The Madison Warhawks   took a two game lead in the Liberty District by defeating the McLean Highlanders by a  7-6 score in extra innings at home this evening. Matt Riffee's walk off game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth plated Johnny Ayers with the winning run. Matt Riffee also hit a two-run home run, was 3 for 4 with 4 RBIs. Mark Riffee had 2 more RBIs with a double to help lead the offense. Johnny Ayers, Chris Wimmer and Matt Riffee each scored 2 runs. Nick Tomasetti had a hit, a run scored and the other Warhawk RBI. Johnny Ayers picked up the win in relief. Brian Eck pitched the first five innings and Andrew Eck the middle two and a third innings of relief. Andrew Eck was strong in relief and struck out the side in the seventh.

In the top of the first inning, Brian Eck took the hill for Madison. TK Marks led off the game with a single and moved to second on a single by JB Oldenburg. Brian Eck struck out Butch Bastable for the first out and then Jake Farmer hit an RBI double to score Marks and move Oldenburg to third. McLean led 1 to 0. Oldenburg was tagged out by catcher Evan Corrothers on a failed suicide squeeze bunt attempt for the second out. Andrew Burton grounded out to Nick Tomasetti to end the inning. In the bottom of the first with two outs, Chris Wimmer stroked a single off of McLean pitcher, Shane Mills. Matt Riffee then blasted a two-run home run and the Warhawks led 2-1. Ray Sparrow singled but was stranded on a ground out. Madison led 2-1 after one inning.

In the top of the second, William Corey singled for McLean and then Brian Eck struck out Justin Wilkins. Kevin Clinton flied out to Joe Canova and Josh Huson struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the second all that Madison managed was a Joe Canova single and stolen base. Canova was stranded to end the inning. After two innings the score remained 2-1 in favor of  Madison.

In the top of the third, Brian Eck hit Marks with a pitch and then struck out Oldenburg. Bastable walked and then Farmer hit into a nice Nick Tomasetti to Johnny Ayers to Ray Sparrow double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the third, Nick Tomasetti led off with a single and moved to second when the short stop made an error on a grounder by Chris Wimmer. Matt Riffee singled to score Tomasetti with the third run and Wimmer and Riffee advanced to third and second on an error. After a ground out and strike out, Mark Riffee lined a double to score both Chris Wimmer and Matt Riffee to give the Warhawks a 5-1 lead after three innings.

In the top of the fourth, Andrew Burton grounded out to Chris Wimmer for the first out. Corey was hit by a pitch and then Wilkins singled. Clinton singled to load the bases and then all the runners moved up with Corey scoring on a passed ball. Marshall Forest grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out but Wilkins scored and Clinton moved to third. The lead was cut to 5-3. Clinton scored on another passed ball and the score was Madison 5 and McLean 4. Marks walked to put a man on and then Oldenburg doubled to deep centerfield to score Marks with Oldenburg taking third on the throw to the plate. The game was tied at five runs each. Farmer flied out to Eric Garner to end the inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Johnny Ayers singled and stole second then advanced to third when the second baseman kicked the throw on the steal. Nick Tomasetti grounded out to first base to score Ayers with the RBI. Madison regained the lead 6-5 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth inning, Eric Garner made a spectacular running catch in the gap to rob McLean's Burton of an extra base hit. William Corey lined back to pitcher Brian Eck for the second out. Wilkins singled and Clinton reached on a bunt single to put two Highlanders on base. Brian Eck struck out Josh Huson to end the threat. The Warhawks failed to score in the fifth and still led 6-5.

In the top of the sixth, Andrew Eck took the mound in relief of his brother. TK Marks walked but was forced at second on a ground ball that Oldenburg hit to Chris Wimmer who threw to Nick Tomasetti for the force out. Butch Bastable reached base on a dropped fly ball error and Oldenburg advanced to third. Farmer flied out to centerfield for the second out but the runners failed to tag and score. Burton singled up the middle to score Oldenburg and tied the game with Bastable moving to second. Andrew Eck struck out Corey to end the inning with the game tied at six runs. Madison failed to score in the sixth.

 Andrew Eck struck out the Highlander side in order in the top of the seventh, setting down Wilkins, Clinton and Huson. Madison had chances to win it in the bottom of the seventh. Johnny Ayers was hit by a Justin Groves pitch but was thrown out trying to steal. Nick Tomasetti walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Chris Wimmer. McLean intentionally walked Matt Riffee and then Ray Sparrow popped up to second to end the inning still tied at six runs each.

In the top of the eighth, Andrew Eck took the hill again. Marks grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out. Then Oldenburg and Bastable walked. Johnny Ayers took the hill in relief of Eck with one out and two men on base. Farmer reached on an interference call to load the bases with one out. Ayers then struck out Burton and Corey to end the inning and keep the game tied. Madison had another chance in the bottom of the eighth. Evan Corrothers beat out an infield single and then Dan Cohen came in to courtesy run for the catcher. Cohen advanced to second on an errant pick off throw and moved to third on a Jason Farley sacrifice bunt for the second out. Joe Canova smoked a line drive to left field but the Highlander left fielder made a game saving diving catch to send the game to the ninth inning.

Johnny Ayers pitched again in the ninth inning. Wilkins walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Clinton. Huson walked to put two men on base with Wilkins going to third on a passed ball on ball four to Huson. Marks laid down a suicide squeeze bunt that Johnny Ayers made a spectacular shovel catch and throw to catcher Evan Corrothers who made a spectacular catch and tag to get out Wilkins who tried to score. There were now two outs with Huson on second and Marks at first following the fielder's choice. Oldenburg grounded out to Brian Eck who threw to Ray Sparrow to end the threat.

In the bottom of the ninth, Johnny Ayers drew a walk and moved to second on Nick Tomasetti's sacrifice. Ayers stole third base and Chris Wimmer was walked. Wimmer stole second base and Matt Riffee crushed a walk-off game winning hit over the center fielder's head to score Ayers with the game winning run. With the win, Madison won its 14th consecutive game and now has a two game lead in the Liberty District standings with four regular season games to play.

"We gutted out a big win tonight," said Mark Gjormand. "We beat a good team tonight and we made big plays when we had to make them. We overcame some mistakes and won an important game. Matt was outstanding at the plate again for us, he continues to be red hot."

Warhawks Shut Out Fairfax 5-0 for 15th Consecutive Win

The Madison Warhawks  traveled to Fairfax for their last regular season road game and shut-out the Fairfax Rebels 5-0. The Warhawks looked tired from their 9 inning battle and win for first place against McLean the night before. Freshman Jason Farley was ready for the contest and pitched a terrific complete game 3 hit shutout with 5 strikeouts and no walks for the win. Johnny Ayers led the offense with 2 hits including a home run and two walks and 2 runs scored. Nick Tomasetti, Matt Riffee, Evan Corrothers and Arman Moniri had key hits for Madison. Madison won its 15th consecutive game against the Rebels.

The Warhawks were tired from their late night battle but Johnny Ayers led off with a single in the top of the first against Fairfax pitcher, Nick Simons. Ayers was thrown out attempting to steal and Madison failed to score in the first. The bottom of the first featured Ray Sparrow as Jason Farley got out of the inning on 5 pitches on a pop foul to Sparrow, a shoestring line drive catch by Sparrow and a ground ball that Johnny Ayers snagged and threw to Sparrow to end the inning 1-2-3.

 Neither team scored in the second or third innings although Fairfax's Simons singled in the bottom of the second. Chris Wimmer made a nice barehanded catch and assist on a bunt attempt by the Rebels Bryan Pfeiffer to end the second inning and Farley struck out David MacClary in the third. Farley had only thrown 22 pitches after three innings.

In the top of the fourth, Johnny Ayers led off with a walk and went to third on a single to the gap by Nick Tomasetti. Chris Wimmer grounded into a fielders choice that scored Ayers for a 1-0 lead but forced Tomasetti out at second. Wimmer had the RBI. Matt Riffee executed a hit and run single and Wimmer slid in safely to third on the throw from the outfield.  Ray Sparrow reached on an error when the pitcher threw to second base to start a double play and the ball was dropped. Wimmer stayed on third and Matt Riffee was safe at second and Sparrow at first with one out. Evan Corrothers singled to score Wimmer and Madison led 2-0. Mark Riffee reached on a fielders choice to score Matt Riffee for an RBI but forced out Corrothers at second. Mark Riffee beat the relay throw to first to allow the run to score. After Mark Riffee ran past the bag, the Rebels first baseman juggled the ball and Ray Sparrow scampered home with another run. Madison led 4-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning. The Rebels Andrew Puselon reached first on an error and then Kyle Schmidt flied out to Ray Sparrow for the first out and Jason Farley struck out Phil Prophett for the second out.  T.J. Prioletti singled to advance Puselon to second and then Simons popped up to Johnny Ayers to end the inning. Madison led 4-0 after 4 innings.

Johnny Ayers crushed a  solo home run  to give Madison a 5-0 lead in the fifth inning and Jason Farley sent the Rebels down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fifth striking out Prophett and MacClary and getting Charley Walker to fly out to Joe Canova to end the fifth. Joey Hayes walked in the top of the sixth and Arman Moniri singled with two outs to move Hayes to second base. Ayers was intentionally walked and all three runners were stranded to end the inning. Madison led 5-0 after six innings.

Madison failed to score in the top of the seventh and then Fairfax went down on four pitches in the bottom of the seventh as Prioletti grounded to Sparrow who flipped to Farley covering for the first out. Simons grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the second out and Pfeiffer ground out to Sparrow unassisted to end the game. Madison won its 15th consecutive game and has a two game lead in the Liberty District Regular Season race with three games to play.

Post Season Update: Madison can clinch a birth into Regional Tournament play by winning the regular season title for the fourth consecutive year. The Warhawks need two more wins to win outright. The Warhawks will also play for the Liberty District Tournament Title in a couple of weeks and that tourney determines the seeding of the four teams that would advance to the Northern Region Tournament. Next up is Lee in an always tough battle at Madison on Friday evening.

"We were tired and a little sluggish from last night's game with McLean (editors note: that game  went late in extra innings and many of the players have had long AP Tests going on all week)," said Mark Gjormand. "We really needed that kind of effort from Jason and its nice to get a performance like that from a freshman. When you are tired and everyone wants to beat you, you have to answer the bell every time out. We answered the bell tonight. Jason answered the bell tonight. It was a good win and we will stay focused for Lee on Friday night."

Warhawks Down Lancers 5-3 for 16th Consecutive Win

The Madison Warhawks  defeated the Lee Lancers in a game played Saturday afternoon that thunderstorms on Friday evening had postponed. The Warhawks' Matt Riffee worked five innings for his seventh consecutive win and Andrew Eck pitched well in relief for the save. Joe Canova was two for three with a double to lead the offense for the game. Mark Riffee started a five run rally in the fifth inning with a lead-off lined drive single. Joe Canova's double put two runners in scoring position. Nick Tomasetti, Chris Wimmer and Matt Riffee had big consecutive hits in the rally and Ray Sparrow drove in the fifth run with a sacrifice fly.

Matt Riffee took the hill for the Warhawks. After walking Ken Moreland he got Greg Jones to hit a ground ball at Chris Wimmer who started a beautiful double play that went Wimmer-to Nick Tomasetti to Ray Sparrow. Harris Sakellarides singled down the line and then Ross Crigler flied out to Mark Riffee to end the inning. The Warhawks went down in order in the first and there was no score after one inning.

Matt Riffee sat Lee down 1-2-3 in the second striking out Kevin Moreland, Getting Giese to hit a looping ball in the air to Johnny Ayers, who made a nice backhanded catch and then Joe Canova made an excellent running and sliding catch on a soft fly ball that Kyle Smith tried to drop in behind second base for the third out.

Madison failed to score in the second and Matt Riffee retired the Lee side in order again in the third getting Kopf on a weak pop-up to Chris Wimmer, striking out Stuart Searle and Ken Moreland on a ground ball to Chris Wimmer. In the bottom of the third,  Arman Moniri walked with one out but was forced at second base on Joe Canova's fielder's choice ground ball for the second out. Johnny Ayers doubled to put two runners in scoring position but the scoring opportunity ended as Lee retired Nick Tomasetti on a ground ball.

In the top of the fourth, Lee scored as Jones singled, stole second base and scored on Ross Crigler's single. In the bottom of the fourth. Ray Sparrow singled but Madison could not score and trailed 1-0.

Lee added to its lead in the top of the fifth when Jarad Kopf singled up the middle and moved to second on Searle's sacrifice bunt and then scored on a two out single by Sakellarides to put the Lancers up 2-0 going into the bottom of the fifth.

The Warhawks finally picked up their intensity as a team going into the bottom of the fifth inning. Mark Riffee started a rally with a lead off line drive single. After Arman Moniri popped out to Lee's first baseman for the first out, Joe Canova ripped a double and the Warhawks had Mark Riffee at third and Joe Canova on second with one out. Lee intentionally walked Johnny Ayers and Nick Tomasetti made them pay with a line drive single to right field to score Mark Riffee. Joe Canova kept running and also scored when the right fielder bobbled the ball. The game was tied 2-2. Chris Wimmer then crushed a double to score Ayers and Tomasetti and Madison led 4-2. Matt Riffee then lined a single to move Wimmer to third base. Justin Duncan came in as courtesy runner for the pitcher and stole second base. Lee pulled starting pitcher Kevin Moreland at this point and  Jarad Kopf took the hill for the Lancers. Ray Sparrow hit a sacrifice fly to score Chris Wimmer and the Warhawks led 5-2. Duncan stole third but was stranded there when the inning ended. Madison led 5-2 after five innings.

Junior Andrew Eck came into relieve in the fifth. After surrendering a single to Stephen Giese, Andrew Eck struck out three consecutive Lancers: Smith, Kopf and Searle. Madison failed to score in the bottom of the sixth inning.

In the top of the seventh inning, Mark Riffee robbed Kenny Moreland of a base hit as he broke on the line drive and made a diving catch for the first out. Greg Jones walked for Lee. Sakellarides flied out to Joe Canova for the second out and then Ross Crigler doubled past the diving Canova. Jones scored from first base and Mark Riffee held Sakellarides at second retrieving the ball and hitting the cutoff man. Kevin Moreland grounded out to Nick Tomasetti to end the game. Andrew Eck recorded the save and Matt Riffee the win. The Warhawks rallied in the fifth inning to win their sixteenth consecutive game. They lead the Liberty District by two games with two home games left to play in the regular season.

"I tip my cap to Lee today," said Mark Gjormand. "They came ready to play. I told our guys to be patient today at the plate. We were almost too patient and needed to get fired up a little more. Mark and Joe did a great job rallying the team in the fifth inning and everyone got a little fire in their belly and jumped in to get the five run rally. Matt pitched well today to get the win. It was a little longer than normal between outings for him and he came in a little too strong but was throwing very hard. Andrew pitched well to get the save. It's nice to have another good lefty in our bullpen. Once again we answered the bell and stepped up to win a big District game."

Warhawks Clinch Fourth Consecutive Liberty District Regular Season Title

with 8-0 Win over Marshall. This Win was 17th In-A-Row

The Madison Warhawks  defeated the Marshall Statesmen 8-0 to clinch the regular season title for the fourth consecutive year. The Warhawks won behind the outstanding no-hit shut out that Junior Brian Eck threw. Marshall had only two base runners one on  a walk and another on an error. The Warhawks defense made some outstanding plays including a double play in solid support of Eck. The Warhawks managed eight hits tonight with Johnny Ayers (three for three with a home run, a double and 4 RBIs) and Joe Canova (two for three with a triple and 3 RBIs) leading the offense.

In the top of the first, Justin Culbreath grounded out to Johnny Ayers for the first out. Henry Lin flied out to Josh Carter for the second out and Brian Eck struck out Stephen Gooding. Madison failed to score in the first and the game was scoreless after one inning.

In the top of the second Matt Strong walked for Marshall and Adam Engman flied  out to Mark Riffee for the first out. Blair DeLeon grounded into a Johnny Ayers to Nick Tomasetti to Ray Sparrow double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the second Ray Sparrow walked, Evan Corrothers singled and Justin Duncan took his place as a courtesy runner. Mark Riffee was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Brian Eck flied out and the bases were loaded when Joe Canova hit a three run triple to score Sparrow, Duncan and Mark Riffee to give the Warhawks a 3-0 lead. Johnny Ayers hit a sacrifice fly to score Canova and Madison led 4-0. Nick Tomasetti singled, Chris Wimmer singled and Matt Riffee walked to load the bases  but three runners were stranded on a fly out. Madison led 4-0.

In the top of the third Ben Fletcher grounded out to Chris Wimmer who snared a ball to his right and threw while in the air to get the runner. Brian Eck struck out Ed Solomon for the second out and then Jason Cromwell reached first base on an error. Culbreath grounded into an Ayers to Tomasetti fielder's choice to end the inning. Madison failed to score in the third and the score was still 4-0.

In the top of the fourth,  Brian Eck retired Lin on a ground ball back to himself and then he struck out Gooding and Strong to set Marshall down in order. In the bottom of the fourth, Johnny Ayers doubled and stole third base. Nick Tomasetti walked and stole second base and when the throw went into centerfield, Ayers scored and Tomasetti went to third where he was stranded. Madison led 5-0 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth, Engman grounded out to Chris Wimmer, Eck struck out Deleon and Fletcher grounded back to Eck himself for the third out. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth Brian Eck reached first on a fielders choice and Dan Cohen came in to courtesy run for him. Joe Canova hit a hit and run single with Cohen beating the throw to third and Canova taking second on the throw. Johnny Ayers hit a three run home run to Madison up 8-0 after five innings.

In the top of the sixth, Solomon grounded out to Nick Tomasetti for the first out. Cornwell flied out to Mark Riffee for the second out and Culbreath lined out to Josh Carter for the third out. Madison failed to score in the sixth and the score remained 8-0.

Brian Eck completed his no hitter in the seventh as Linn grounded out to Chris Wimmer who made a long throw and Ray Sparrow made a nice stretch for the first out. Matt Taylor popped up to Chris Wimmer for the second out and Matt Strong was called out looking for the final out.

"Brian Eck was the story of this game tonight," said Mark Gjormand. "His defense made some excellent plays for him, Chris in particular and a no hitter is awesome. We played well tonight and had big hits from Johnny and Joe. Its nice to win our fourth consecutive regular season title but next week the tournament is played and that's the time of year that counts the most."

Warhawks drop Finale in Wild Game versus Woodson

The Madison Warhawks lost a bizarre slugfest in the season finale. Mike Kelch was Woodson's pitcher of record and John Asman was pitcher of records for Madison in a game that saw lots of pitchers, walks, hits, runs, errors and disputed calls all of which led to a wild night with several large lead changes. The Warhawks will rest for a few days and then gear up for the post season. The Warhawks are the Liberty District Regular Season Champions for the fourth consecutive year.

Warhawks Shut-Out Statesmen In First Round of District Tournament

The Madison Warhawks  defeated the Marshall Statesmen 3-0 in the opening round of the Liberty District Tournament. Jason Farley pitched an excellent game scattering four hits, striking out three Marshall batters and walking no one for the shut-out. Nick Tomasetti was 2 for 3 with an RBI, Matt Riffee who doubled for the only extra base hit and Ray Sparrow combined to lead the offense. Sparrow made several fine plays and stretches at first base to record outs. The Warhawks return to action Friday night at 8:00 PM in the second semifinal game of the Liberty District Tournament which is being held at Madison. The Warhawks will play the winner of the Langley versus Lee quarterfinal game.

"It is always tough to beat a team three times so it was good to get the win  and advance," said Mark Gjormand. "We hit some balls hard right at them tonight and they played them well. Jason pitched well for us tonight and it was a good start for post season play."

Warhawks Rally To Defeat Lancers 6-4

 and Improve to 19-3 on Season

The Madison Warhawks won their Liberty District Tournament Semifinal Game over the Lee Lancers after trailing 4-1. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Joe Canova walked to lead off the inning but was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice ground ball by Johnny Ayers. Nick Tomasetti doubled to score Ayers from first base to cut the lead to 4-2. Tomasetti then advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Troy Hamilton of Lee. Chris Wimmer walked to put runners on the corner with Matt Riffee coming to bat. Lee changed pitchers and Kevin Moreland warmed up on the mound. As Riffee stepped into the batter’s box the game was suspended by a thunderstorm with lightning.

The game was resumed Saturday at noon with Nick  Tomasetti on third and Chris Wimmer on first. Matt Riffee set the tone for the Warhawks rally by ripping a line drive double that scored Tomasetti and Wimmer (from first) to tie the game at 4-4. Ray Sparrow doubled and scored Matt Riffee standing up with the go-ahead run. The Warhawks had the lead at 5-4 after two batters had come to the plate in the resumed game. Lee switched pitchers again and Kenny Moreland took the hill and prevented further damage in the fifth inning. Madison led 5-4 after five innings.

Johnny Ayers pitched well in relief for Madison retiring Kyle Smith on a ground ball to Chris Wimmer, striking out Stuart Searle and getting Kenny Moreland to fly out to Joe Canova to end the top of the sixth. The Warhawks loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth as Canova walked and Kenny Moreland hit Johnny Ayers and Nick Tomasetti with pitches – all with one out. Canova scored beating the throw to home on a fielder’s choice to give the Warhawks a 6-4 lead. The Warhawks made a base running mistake that spared Lee another run but led 6-4 after six innings.

In the top of the seventh, Ayers struck out Greg Jones and then caught Sakellerides' pop-up in foul territory for the second out. Ross Crigler doubled and then Brian Eck made a spectacular play picking up a ground ball by sliding into the shortstop hole and then popping up and throwing a strike across the field to Ray Sparrow who made a long stretch to get Kevin Moreland out and end the game. Madison won 6-4 and Johnny Ayers was the winning pitcher in relief.

Earlier in the game Friday night, Madison had scored first when Nick Tomasetti was