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gianTs’ battle gear		The Assassin stands ready at First as Dub brings it (while ump searches pocket for sunflower seeds).
Nothing smells sweeter to J-Ry than the scent of a fresh, post-game snack shack coupon.		Despite the ump having called time while a new pitcher warms up, the Mailman takes no risks as he finds time to take a breather.
“Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of victory.” --------------------------------- Winning is fun. Sure. But winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point. Never letting down your teammates is the point. Play to win. Sure. But more importantly, play like a champion. Because it’s not winning that counts. What counts is always trying like a champion – win or lose. ----------------------------------- gianTs Lose Defensive Battle with Red Hoofed Foe Palos Verdes Estates, CA – With sweat dripping from his brow like a lost Sub-Saharan traveler, the Machino took back to the mound in the bottom of the second with the bases littered with Red Sox -- one stretching on first, one at second chatting up the gianTs’ shortstop about some birthday party next week, and another salivating at third. As he approached the mound with one out, the Machino put his well worn glove under his left arm pit, took the bruised ball in his bare hands and began to massage it in an effort to dry up any residual morning dew that may had found its way on to the ball. The score was already 2-0 and the gianTs were intent on not letting the game get away from them. The Machino placed his glove back on his left hand and stepped up to the rubber. He then glared towards the Bullet who was playing catcher for the sign (1 is for a fast ball, 2 = fast ball, 3 is a call to throw a fast ball, and finally, four would be for a fast ball). After shaking off the first two signs, the Machino came to agreement with the Bullet, demonstrated by a quick nod. Into his wind up he went – the crowd breathless with anticipation. One could only hear the faint sound of three year-old JoJo Koyama slurping on his fresh cup of snack shack hot coco from underneath the bleachers. The Machino released the ball with great force towards his Bostonian opponent, the batter with cat-like reflexes swung and hit a shot right back at the Machino. The Machino than took the ball as the Bullet simultaneously shed his mask and stepped to cover the plate. As the ball came hurling towards the Bullet what looked more like a raging bull, as opposed to a minor league baseball player, stampeded for home. With his eyes keenly fixed on the ball, the Bullet snatched it out of the air just in time for the out! Believe it or not, this would not be the last force out at home during the course of the game – a similar play between the Assassin from the mound and the Hulk covering home occurred in the 5th inning. The plays at home were illustrative of not only how well the defenses of both teams played during the game, but also displayed how far the players had come since the beginning of the year. Both teams showed excellent hitting and fielding and the final result truly came down to a couple key plays. Indeed, the gianTs’ aggressive batting was demonstrated by only having to go to coach pitch twice. At the end of the day, the game tilted in the Red Sox favor at four runs to two, but the gianTs played like champions despite the final score. The gianTs will face the Yankees on Wednesday at 5pm. -Hans Catchwittwohans is a sports writer for The Local of Munich, Germany ---------------------------------------- “The secret is to work less as individuals and more as a team. As a coach, I play not my eleven best, but my best eleven.” -Knute Rockne “If you're going to make every game a matter of life or death, you're going to have a lot of problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot.” -Dean Smith   Santiago-esq gianTs Don’t Catch First Place Marlins This Time Palos Verdes, CA – While in the Old Man in the Sea, Santiago was able to win the epic battle between he and the giant Marlin, the gianTs were unable to replicate Hemmingway’s story today.  Nevertheless, the gianTs battled like seasoned professionals with a never-quit spirit while demonstrating the will, sportsmanship and character of true champions.  In addition to the Marlins beating the gianTs, there were a lot of other firsts on this beautiful Lunada Bay Saturday afternoon. To begin with, the gianTs introduced three new pitchers to the League, all of whom had marvelous debuts. Daryl "Tatsu" Ide, Brandon "Bowzer" Williams and John Ryan "J Ry" Koyama all took to the mound for the first time this season and each had fantastic outings. In addition, Leo Montiel and Reed Mroue came in for their second and third outings, respectively to round out the gianTs rotation for the day. In addition to the new dynamic pitching roster, the gianTs mixed up the line-up and other positions. For instance, the Mailman, Dub and the Assassin all had their season debuts at catcher, the Dauminator covered the hot corner for the first time (and also had his first three hit game), and the Machino and Mailman tried their luck at the two bag. Tatsu Ide also had his second go of the season at short-stop. Even with all of these "firsts" for the gianTs, one would have never guessed there were so many new appearances occurring during the game given the strong, veteran-like play of each team member. In the first inning, Tatsu Ide took the mound and held the Marlins big bats scoreless. This Dice-K like performance was inspirational to all who witnessed it.  Tatsu’s slow methodical wind-up demonstrated a level of calmness and confidence one would typically associate with a notorious gun slinger from the Old West. In the bottom of the first and with a new line-up in place, the gianTs went through seven batters, scoring three off of Reed Mroue's first home run of the season. The rally would have continued in a big way had Nick "the Hammer" Franklin not caught an absolute bomb off the bat of the Hulk in left center field.  As if the catch were not enough, the Hammer made a heads-up play when he caught a gianTs runner off of second for a double play and killing the rally. In the second, Brandon "Bowser" Williams took the mound and after his signature moonwalk to the rubber, he showed the fans what he has coined the "Bowser Ball" which is effectively a face forward wind-up unfolding into a deadly delivery. The debut of the Bowser Ball proved too much for the Marlins and accordingly resulted in holding the Fish scoreless in the second. When asked about Bowser’s pitching performance, teammate Sean “the Assassin” Van Dine said, “It was one of the best moments ever!”  In the bottom of the second, the gianTs were also held scoreless due the Marlins own great pitching by Kevin “the Crusher” Kane backed up by a strong Marlins defense. An illustration of the great defense by the blue spotted tuna was when the Assassin was nabbed from the outfield while trying to stretch a single into a double.  Bowser also had a sharp comebacker which was cleanly fielded for the put-out. In the third inning Reed "Bullet" Mroue took to the mound for only the third time this year and exhibited great control and arm strength. He too held the Marlins bats at bay with no runs allowed. The gianTs once again showed aggressive batting; however, they were also held scoreless in the third.  Moving into the 4th, Leo "the Hulk" Montiel took to the mound for his second outing of the season. Even with bulging biceps, the Hulk showed command for the strike zone more akin to a slender Randy Johnson as opposed to a buffed up David Banner. Even though the Hulk had a great pitching effort, the Marlins were able to bring in one run, shrinking their deficit to only two.  In the bottom of the fourth, the gianTs started to get something going again with their bats, however, before they could capitalize, another great play was made, this time by Curran "Hot Dog" Poulson who made a diving catch in right field staving off an extra base hit by Dub and ending the inning. J-Ry took the mound in the fifth. His delivery resembled that of ayoung Tim Lincecum from the stretch.  J-Ry’s accuracy was truly impressive throwing virtually no pass balls.  After the inning J-Ry welcomed the Assassin as an honorary member of the Koyama combo due to his great performance at catcher demonstrated most notably when Dub rifled a ball in from left center directly to the Assassin who caught the ball on the fly and forced a runner making an attempt for home back to third.  Despite J-Ry’s great throwing, the Marlins generated a fifth inning fish frenzie and put up four runs to take a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth. At the end of five, the score was 5-3 with the Marlins up.  The umpire thought it was enough excitement for one day and called the game even though there was technically a couple minutes left before the two hour mark.  Needless to say, the gianTs were disappointed they could not take the game into the sixth.  In true sportsmanlike spirit, the Marlins would have nothing to do with a pre-mature ending.  They requested the game continue.  The umpire agreed and the kids played one more.  While in the ordinary course this would be a demonstration of great sportsmanship, it also resembled a level of courage that the gianTs could only respect -- for Tatsu was slated to pitch again in the sixth inning and despite knowing this, the Marlins were still willing to continue. The game ended with a final score of 6-3 in favor of the Marlins.  The teamwork, support and leadership demonstrated by all the gianTs players was indeed something to behold.  While the score did not conclude in the gianTs favor, one can’t help but think that the game, in actuality, did. John Coachesareproudofgiants is a reporter for The Miami Herald.
TRAIN Moves Through Tundra as Bo Sox Top gianTs Palos Burrrrrdes Estates, CA – Had one not known their locale, they might have thought they were in the middle of New England watching the gianTs and Red Sox battle it out in the Fall Classic; however, the venue was not Fenway, it was Lunada Bay, and the month was not October, but rather April.  The elements certainly benefitted their East Coast opponent who is used to battling in any and all weather conditions; however, when one observed the West Coast gianTs warming up prior to the game they looked more like misplaced Indigenous Australians who somehow surprisingly found themselves north of the taiga belt.    Despite the elements, things remained relatively tight for the first couple innings as the score was knotted up at one a piece after two.  However, as the day grew longer and the sun began to take refuge over the horizon, it appeared the gianTs began to slowly freeze up and, conversely, the Red Sox looked increasingly more comfortable as dusk approached. The Red Sox in their new grey uniforms inscribed with the word “TRAIN” (which stands for, “T”eamwork, “R”espect, every player is “A”wesome and should have an “A”wesome attitude, there is no “I” in team, and play in the “N”ow and don’t dwell on the last inning or last pitch) certainly lived up to their team’s mantra with an outstanding performance both on offense and defense.  In contrast, despite a great effort, the gianTs just could not get anything started.  While there were flashes of opportunity from the plate with strong hitting by the likes of the Dauminator, the Mailman, the Assassin, and Tatsu, it seemed they could never fully capitalize which, in large part, was the product of good defensive play and strong pitching by the Bo Sox.  In addition, the Muchino, while trying to battle through a serious thumb injury incurred while endo-ing on his scooter prior to the game, had to leave the contest prematurely. It is worth noting that his scooter exploits were a blatant violation of his contract and he was accordingly fined by the organization -- no snack shack coupons for three games. While harsh, the organization felt it critical they set an example of the Machino. At the end of the day, the Sox came away with a well deserved 8-3 victory. While they couldn’t catch the TRAIN this time, the gianTs will have another opportunity to act as the ole proverbial e-brake when the two teams face each other during the last weekend of the regular season. Bob Louseal is an MLB beat writer for the Antarctic Sun

2010 Lunada Bay gianTs

Pitchers don’t wanna be startin’ somethin’ with the Iron Horse

The Dauminator demonstrates exactly what is meant by “keeping your eye on the ball”.

Dub takes a cut

The Hulk poses for Sports Illustrated

If he doesn’t hit it, the Bullet will certainly eat it.

The Mailman returns a pitch back to sender.

Tatsu lies in wait to get things started for his teammates.

The Assassin takes a cut as one of his teammates looks on with great concern for the ball.

Like the rest of his team, the Muchino will go for anything close……anything

Striker strikes the ball in an attempt to impress the league’s players’ agent, but more importantly, the ladies….

J Ry strikes awe in the crowd with his hitting prowess.

Coach Vern “If You Don’t Like My Heat, Get Out of My Kitchen” Williams winds up.

Thunder! Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. Thunder!

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – “THUNDER”. It is the only word one can use to describe the spirit of the gianTs and their fans on this beautiful spring morning in Lunada Bay. If one closed their eyes for a moment they could easily imagine that the roar of the gianTs crowd and players was in fact some sort of sonic shockwave portending bad weather coming in from the Pacific horizon. However, this was not simply a sudden increase in pressure and temperature that could be avoided by covering one’s ears or seeking shelter – this was more powerful and inescapable, this was the vibrations from a thunderous spirit that only a unified band of Thor-like men could create – it actually penetrated the soul.

With all the gianTs back together for the first time in several weeks (players, parents and coaches), the team came ready to play – and they came ready to play and cheer together as a TEAM. As the visiting G-men took their first at-bats, there was a contagious spirit being emitted from the first base dugout which was palpable. These well known local players who go by such names as Iron Horse, Hulk, Striker and the Assassin, were embracing and supporting one another in a manner only a band of brothers could. As if this weren’t enough, in the background was a constant brontide from the gianTs’ fans that shook the very foundation of the well fortified snack shack off in the distance. Their billfish opponent had no idea they would be Thunderstruck by their arch rival on this day, but when it happened, they new it immediately.

Out of the gates, the G-men took a lightening quick 2-0 lead off of hits by Tatsu, the Mailman (via special delivery), Dub and the Assassin. However, the thick scaled Marlins would put one on the board themselves in the bottom of the first to keep things close. In the top of the second, it was the Hulk’s turn to contribute, with a cannon shot off his club that resulted in a homerun, putting the G-men up 3-1. The Iron Horse’s powerful batting strokes also kept the Marlins on their toes. Despite the 3-1 lead, the Marlins would ultimately come back to go on top 4-3 with an impressive hit by Ben Kahrs driving in two.

Heading into the sixth, things were all knotted up at four a piece. Great heads-up fielding plays by Hulk, Tatsu, Dub and the Assassin kept the game tight. On one particular play, a Marlin had hit a solid single; however, when rounding the base and contemplating stretching it into a double, he was quickly tagged out by the Assassin at first – one is tempted to use the phrase, “caught like a fish out of water,” but the aggressive base running was impressive and something the gianTs needed to be cognizant of.

In the sixth, the gianTs knew they had one more opportunity to put up some runs. At this point in the contest, spectators from the majors’ game were beginning to take notice of this indescribable movement called, “gianTs Thunder”. Off of aggressive batting and contact from the Dauminator, Striker, the Bullet, the Assassin, Hulk, the Mailman, the Muchino, J Ry and Dub the team tallied up four runs in total. The Mailman made a particularly heads-up play off of a single somehow turning it into a double with Houdini-like base running.

Heading into the bottom of the sixth, the gianTs knew they could not underestimate the bats of their dorsal finned foes. After two quick outs, Nick “the Hammer” Franklin came up for the Marlins and launched a ball into left field for a triple. A quick relay from left-center by Bullet (they don’t just call him that for nothing) prevented a homerun. The Hammer’s shot, while impressive, would prove not to be enough as the next batter went down on strikes which preserved the game for the G-men, 8-4.

While the game ended in victory for the gianTs, they appropriately were not focused on the final score. Like true sportsman, they were more focused on the effort they all gave, the fun they all had, and most importantly, the team spirit they all embodied in support of one another. The high fives, cheers of encouragement, pats on the back and hustle exhibited by the gianTs were truly inspirational. You see, the one lesson this reporter took away from today is that while you can’t see it or even physically feel it, and describing it can be somewhat elusive, Thunder is indeed a powerful thing!

Barry would be proud, G-men……Barry would be really proud!

Sandy Giantsacloseteam is a sports writer and meteorologist for the Oregonian.

gianTs Take Extra Day off for Spring Break – Go Bird Watching

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – Having not picked up a ball for two weeks and short a couple players who were lagging behind from their Spring Break antics, the gianTs were handedly defeated by the Red Birds 12-3 who put together a fantastic team effort, with both their bats and defense. In fact, it took until the last inning before the gianTs were able to put up any runs. One can only tip the proverbial hat to the motivated Cards who showed up to play – the gianTs players and coaches were very impressed with their collective effort.

In the honor of Bette Midler, the gianTs served as the wind beneath the Cardinals’ wings on this April afternoon.

Harry Humblepie is a writer for the St. Louis Post Dispatch

The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh Away -- Angels Take(th) Winless Streak From gianTs

Palos Verdes Estates, CA -- At the outset of today's game, one couldn't help but notice that something was indeed off for the gianTs. To begin with, it was the third game in six days for the ballclub and it was clear by their body language that they were ready for a break. In addition, the team's lead-off hitter, Tatsu Ide, was out for his second game in a row with a foot injury, but the oddness didn't end there. Sitting in the bleachers prior to the game were two coaches from the Kenyan National Long Distance running team. Apparently, they were out scouting at the Lunada Bay Elementary School "Fun Run" earlier that day and had become so impressed with the distance a number of the gianTs' players were able to cover during their run, that the Kenyans decided to catch the game -- after all, if the gianTs team members were able to run that well, they must certainly be good at this American sport the kids spoke so highly of. While the gianTs' coaching staff could only respect their players' individual feats in distance running from that day, they did not necessarily view it as optimal game preparation.

The weirdness seemed to continue throughout the game, illustrated by the gianTs falling behind 3-0 after the top half of the first, fueled by some uncharacteristic errors in the field by the G-men. To add insult to injury, the gianTs could not get their bats going. Despite having men on 2nd and 3rd with no outs in the bottom half of the first, the gianTs' middle line-up was unable to drive in any runs. One cannot go on without commenting on the Angels' powerful pitching staff who threw a sharp collective game. The next few innings were rather uneventful with neither side able to get much of anything started -- then came the fifth......

Heading into the bottom of the fifth, with the score 3-2, Jake "Striker" Koyama was due up. He approached the plate with that steely glare he carries with him, like a weapon that should be registered with the state. During an aggressive at bat with a number of foul tips, Striker was struck ........in the helmet with a pitch that was more akin to a lightening bolt coming down from the heavens above. The bill of the helmet clamped down on Strikers' schnozz, ultimately resulting in a shiner and bruised nose. While most kids his age (remember, Striker is the only 1st grader in the League and just recently turned seven) would have called it a day, after being tended to by an anesthesiologist, a Vet and a former lifeguard from the North Shore, Striker sat up and refused to leave the dugout. With Kleenex shoved up each nostril, an ice pack on the base of his neck, donning a blood stained uniform and with popsicle in hand, Striker remained in the dug out to see the game to its end. As they say in his father's business (stunts), the apple doesn't fall far from the skyscraper. Striker's demonstration of toughness and team spirit was a lesson to all -- players and coaches alike. The most interesting post-game quote that came from Striker regarding the episode was during a conversation he had with his father when describing the event. Striker with head hung low described the incident to his dad. His dad looked at him and said, "You'll be okay Jake, why are you so down?" Striker provided only a brief response, "Dad, I bled." One of Striker's primary concerns was that he would be viewed as a "bleeder" -- something only those in the stunt business can truly appreciate. On the list of things Striker needs to work on, toughening up is certainly not one of them.

It should also be noted that the pitcher who struck Striker, checked in on him and apologized illustrating why his team is called the “Angels” – this was a class act move and another lesson well taught during the game.

Needless to say, it was tough for the team to get back in the game, although they gave a valiant effort with solid hitting in the sixth matched by an equally solid fielding effort by the Angels.

When all was said and done, the gianTs lost the game 5-2, but more importantly, the team learned a valuable lesson through witnessing Striker's toughness and commitment to the team. Despite the result, one couldn't help but be happy for and have admiration for their angelic foe and one could only assume that there was some level of divine intervention involved in teaching the lessons the gianTs and Angels were able to take away from the game.

Now, on to Spring Break!

Bob Fraidofgiants is a staff reporter for the Angels and sports columnist for the Orange County Register.

“Say, Say, Say” -- gianTs Beat Yankees

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – After their come-from-behind Thriller against the Red Sox on Tuesday, the gianTs took to the field Saturday against the Yankees. Faster than you could say “PYT” the gianTs were up 8–1 off of solid hitting by the Assassin, Bullet Mroue, Brandon (Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’) Williams, Jake Koyama and William Teets. However, it was the Dauminator who put the game out of reach with an Off The Wall three-run homer.

With Tatsu Ide out due to an engagement he had previously entered into with AEG Live, the gianTs looked to Mailman Matura to lead things off in the line-up which seemed as easy for him as ABC. While the Mailman clearly stepped up with his bat and helped get the gianTs Rockin’, it was his leadership that was most impressive. Making a concerted effort to cheer on his teammates (and get his other teammates to do so), encouraging them after good plays (and errors) and helping them with their equipment, the Mailman brought a level of leadership to the team that had not been so prominently demonstrated before by any of the gianTs. It is this type of leadership that will help the ballclub down the stretch – all gianTs players should look at the Man in the Mirror and ask themselves if they are embracing such an approach to the game and their teammates (after all, its Human Nature to do so).

On the defensive side, Leo Montiel was simply Bad (in a good way), once again showing great prowess with his glove (not the white sparkling kind) at second, making a couple of phenomenal plays. Like a Smooth Criminal, the Muchino stole an extra base hit, catching a line-drive from the pitcher position. John Ryan Koyama is becoming increasingly Dangerous behind the plate – this position will become even more critical as players will be able to steal in the second half of the season. When asked what has lead to his mastery at the position, Koyama responded, “I just think to myself, ‘That ball is mine, that doggone ball is mine. Don’t waste your time, because the doggone ball is mine…..mine, mine, that ball is mine…mine, mine’”.

When all was said and done, the Yankees and gianTs couldn’t Rock all Night and the game ended after five innings with a final score of 8-4. The gianTs play the Angels on Monday for their third game in six days, before heading into a much needed break.

The only advice this reporter can give to the gianTs at this point in the season is simply, “Don’t stop til you get enough.”

Billy Mammasaymammasahmamacoosah is a sports columnist for Rolling Stone (and avid Michael Jackson fan)

Ide Leads gianTs’ Warrior-like Comeback Against Surging Red Sox

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – After taking a 2-0 lead in the 1st, it looked like the gianTs were once again going to roll to another victory. However, the Red Sox behind a powerful line-up put nine on the board in the top of the 2nd, with five of the runs coming in with two outs, forcing the gianTs to return to the dugout in the bottom half of the inning down 9-2. Despite a double by the Dauminator (or as the Mailman refers to him, the “Doublenator”), the gianTs were unable to put up any runs in the 2nd inning due to a great pitching effort by the Sox. At this point in the game any casual observer could not help but think that this Boston Tea Party was going to result in a “W” for the Sox. Like their New England brethren of the 18th Century, the Red Sox were seemingly poised to triumph, with the gianTs playing the part of the unsuspecting Native Americans. But just like the Puritan settlers often did, the Red Sox underestimated the power of the hearts of warriors. Indeed, the second inning would prove to be the only inning in which the occupiers would score.

Between the 2nd and 3rd innings, if one listened carefully they could hear a faint, yet deep thunderous beating in the distance, almost as if it were the heart beat of the earth itself. Some in attendance at the game may have understandably mistaken this sound for the tennis ball that was being constantly thrown up against the snack shack during a competitive game of “butts-up”; however, as the rest of the game unfolded, it became increasingly clear that this was the sound of war drums calling upon the gianTs to fight back……

With fire set in his Geronimo-like glare, the Assassin took the mound in the top of the third and recorded three quick outs (two of which came by way of the Muchino from the hot corner managing sharp hits from the Red Sox bats). Still down 9-2, the gianTs tribe began to battle back. In the bottom of the 3rd, refusing to relinquish their undefeated status without a fight, the gianTs put up four runs with hits from Tatsu, the Bullet, the Mailman, Teets and the Assassin. After 3, the Red Sox lead had narrowed to 9-6. Teetseeshasha took the mound in the 4th and even though they were able to make solid contact the Sox could not get anything started. Despite hits by the Koyama Combo, the gianTs were also held scoreless in the 4th due to the strong defense of the Sox.

In the 5th, Chief Ide took things into his own hands. With the Red Sox up with two down and nobody on in the top of the 5th, their clean-up hitter launched one into the outfield; however, like an Apache warrior catching a stray tomahawk by the handle in the midst of battle, Ide gracefully brought in the fly ball for the third out of the inning. As if that wasn’t enough, Ide – after being wounded in the thigh by a wild pitch in the first inning – pulled his bat out of his quiver and hit a lead-off homerun to get things started in the bottom of the 5th. Fueled by Ide’s performance, the gianTs continued to reveal their warrior-like spirit and scored another two runs, knotting things up at nine a piece after five. The gianTs were actually poised to score more and take the lead, had Leo Montiel not been robbed by the Sox’ third baseman of an extra base hit with a dazzling catch to end the inning.

In the top of the 6th, the Muchino took the mound again (after having pitched a scoreless 1st) and shut down the Red Sox. At this point, the tables had turned and the smiles of the Red Sox players, coaches and parents were replaced with looks of disbelief, comparable to that of an innocent family living on the plains in the 1800s and seeing off in the distance the dust up of war horses mounted by Comanches heading in their direction looking to reclaim stolen land. Despite the charging tribe of the gianTs, the Red Sox were not ready to hop off their TRAIN and they were just as prepared for battle. John Ryan Koyama led off the assault with a sharp single up the middle followed by the Dauminator bravely taking a base after being pegged in the shoulder, akin to taking buck shot from the barrel of a musket during the final moments of battle and refusing to go down. With two on and no one out, the gianTs looked poised to win the game. However, the gianTs’ M.O. is not defined by waiting around and hoping the game will simply be handed to them – instead, they go after it. In true warrior fashion, the remaining batters took to the plate with an aggressive mind set demonstrated most notably by Brandon Williams and Jake Koyama. While the game ultimately ended in a tie, one could only admire the gianTs’ aggressive play up through the last pitch. The Red Sox also showed an admirable amount of courage themselves in fending off the gianTs late surge. No one from the gianTs or the Red Sox could look back on this evening through the haze of battle fog and second guess their effort – each team showed the spirit of battle tested warriors refusing to surrender.

The gianTs’ next game is this Saturday against the Yankees at 11:00am.

Cochise Sittinggiant is a sports reporter for the Badlands Gazette

gianTs Have Saturday Fish Fry

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – Someone needs to tell the Lunada Bay “Snack Shack Divas” that there is a new item on the menu this week – fresh fried marlin, complements of the gianTs.

Having spent two weeks stewing in the results of their first game against the Marlins, the gianTs took their frustrations to the field on Saturday afternoon. Despite falling behind 1-0 in the first which was the product of great pitching (and hitting) by the Marlins’, Greg Smart, the gianTs got things going in the second to take a 2-1 lead on hits by William Teets, the Muchino, Leo Montiel and John Ryan Koyama. The most impressive part of the second, however, was a cannon shot out of the bat of Sean “the Assassin” Van Dine who nearly pinned the Marlin’s pitcher up against the outfield fence – had the ball not been hit so hard, it would not have stuck into the only source of protection the pitcher had….his mitt. Despite the impressive out made by the pitcher, the Assassin set the tone for the rest of the game. The Dauminator turned in a single and a double and Brandon Williams had a crucial RBI with two hits down the first base line. Jake Koyama came up with a single which ignited a rally that put the game out of reach. Daryl Ide had two circus plays at second and a homerun which was called back as a triple. Reed Mroue showed his stuff at the plate with aggressive at bats, as well as from third with a great force out to second. Leo Montiel did damage with both his bat and glove and showed true grit being hit twice in one at bat (first bya playerand next by his coach). When Coach Teets was asked to comment on hitting his own player, he responded, “Well, I knew the kids were missing Coach Fuchino and so I decided to bean one of them to at least make it appear he was at the game in spirit. It seemed to work, although I’m not sure Leo thought it was the best idea.”

The pitching was also very impressive with the Assassin, Mailman, Muchino and Teets all contributing to the effort. The bottom of the sixth inning was an excellent defensive cap to a great game. The Marlins were cracking the ball with great explosiveness, however, the gianTs infield met the challenge. In fact, the infield was so strong during the inning that two coaches from the Pirates (a farm team) that were getting ready to play next asked the gianTs coaching staff what division the gianTs were in. When the farm coaches were told the gianTswere just in the minors, the coach of the Pirates looked down at his team, shook his head and simply walked away.

The gianTs play the Red Sox this Tuesday.

John Getoudathegiantsway is a columnist for MLB.com

gianTs Celebrate Jake Koyama’s Birthday with Proverbial Tap Out Victory Over Cardinals

Palos Verdes Estates, CA -- In honor of current Giant and future MMA star, Jake Koyama’s birthday, the gianTs forced the Cardinals into submission on Thursday with the game being called with no outs in the bottom of the fifth and the gianTs ahead 9-3. Despite a very strong effort on the part of the birds, the Giant’s offense was just too much. Hits from the Dauminator and Brandon Williams kicked off a rally that brought back memories of (and had a similar result to) theAvian Influenza of 2005– despite their obvious talent, on this day the red feathered victims simply could not escape the wrath of the gianTs’ bats. The merciless, Samurai-like attack by Daryl Ide’s and the Koyama Combo’s bats only added to the gianTs’ lead. Leo Montiel, William Teets and Sean Van Dine established a fortified front making it nearly impossible for the Cards to get the ball past the infield, despite making excellent contact. Nolan “the Mailman” Matura started the game off by delivering two strong innings from the mound. Reed “the Bullet” Mroue showed flashes of Herculean arm strengthwhile pitchingin the third which caught the birds by surprise, creating a flock in disarray. The Muchino closed things down in the fifth with another solid outing. At the end of the day the gianTs prevailed 9-3 and celebrated their fourth victory like Vikings over root beer floats while sharing personal stories of their most recent battle. The Red Birds went away with revenge on their minds, focused on their next opportunity to engage with the gianTs. The gianTs face the Marlins on Saturday in hopes of settling the score from two weeks ago which resulted in a tie.

Sam Ralligeemen is a reporter covering LBLL for Sports Illustrated

Despite Their Own Coaches’ Best Efforts, gianTs Comeback Against Yankees to Grab 3rd Victory

Palos Verdes Estates, CA – As if playing one’s opponent is not challenging enough, the gianTs today found themselves having to fight a two front battle – the imposing force that is the LBLL Yankees and their own coaches. Despite solid hitting by the gianTs, coupled with good defense and pitching, they had difficulty getting things going against their own coaches who had to take to the mound after technical walks by the Yankee pitchers. After the game, one player from the gianTs who asked to remain anonymous queried aloud, “Did Coach Fuchino throw out his arm?” A parent, who also asked not to have her name disclosed, questioned whether or not the coaches realized that, “The intention of coach pitch was to actually allow the players to hit the ball into play. It was not an opportunity for the coaches to relive their own baseball memories and tally up “Ks”.” Touché, Mrs. Matura……touché.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that Coach Stacy “Rubber Arm” Fuchino and Coach Vern “You Can’t Take My Heat You Little Nine Year Old Punk” Williams were giving the gianTs’ batters fits, the Yankees came to play. Thankfully, sharp plays by Jake Koyama from right field rifling a ball into the cut-off saving an extra base hit and Leo Montiel’s great plays from both pitcher and second were enough to hold the powerful Yankees squad off. John Ryan Koyama also demonstrated mastery behind the plate, as did the Dauminator – the Dauminator also had a heads-up play at home turning away a run. The collective pitching effort by Teets, Van Dine, Montiel and the Muchino held the Bombers runs down sufficiently to allow their offense to bring home the “W”.

Had it not been for aggressive at-bats by Brandon Williams keeping the Yankees’ infield honest or Reed Mroue’s consistent contact and hustle, things may have turned out differently. At the end of the day, Sean Van Dine’s towering home run in the first, Nolan Matura stretching a single into a triple with heads-up base running, and William Teets driving in Matura and then being driven in by Van Dine for the winning run was just too much for the Yankees. Things certainly would have been a little more uncomfortable at the Fuchino and Williams’ homes tonight had things turned out differently.

The gianTs’’ next game is against the Cardinals thisThursday at 5pm.

Barry Gmengonagestsum is a staff writer for SportingNews.

Hayden (the Muchino) Fuchino and Colton (the Dauminator) Daum Lead gianTs to Victory Over Angels

Palos Verdes Estates, CA -- After going down 1-2-3 in the top of the first, the Muchino took the mound for the gianTs and with a fortified defense behind him, demonstrated by a heads-up force out by Leo Montiel at second and overall good play by Sean Van Dine at the 3 position, the gianTs were able to get out of the 1st unscathed. The G-Men’s bats started heating up with a three run top of the second sparked by the bats of Daryl Ide, Reed Mroue and William Teets. Things only improved from there with the Koyama Combo taking things into their own hands in the third with a lead off double by John Ryan and a single by Jake. It was then time for the Dauminator to break things open, driving in the latter half of the KC with a sharp single and catalyzing a rally that resulted in the gianTs batting around the order for the first time this season. It just wasn’t the Angels’ day as they simply couldn't get anything going, despite the talent filled team. In his season debut, Reed Mroue pitched a shut-out third. Nolan Matura roundedout (or as his Father would say, rounded"oot") the Giant's pitching masterpiece in the fourth. When all was said and done, the Lunada Bay sun set on a 12-1 victory for the gianTs, but one knew this would not be the last the gianTs would hear from the Angels.

On Saturday March 13, the gianTs play host to the 2 and 1 Yankees. It could be a double whammy for the Yankees this weekend -- first, they see the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Friday and next they have to face a salivating ballclub in the gianTs.

Billy Gogeemengo is a staff writer for the USA Today Sports Edition.

gianTs Run Out of Time vs. Marlins

Palos Verdes Estates, CA –After an unconventional two run 1st inning for the visiting Marlins (despite starting pitcher Sean Van Dine’s excellent control and velocity) the gianTs’ bats responded well in the bottom half of the inning with Leo Montiel leading off with a sharp single to right field. William Teets drove home Montiel with a stand-up triple and then was driven home by Nolan Matura for a league leading fourth RBI. For this reporter, the most impressive aspect of the game was the rookie battery the Giant’s displayed in the second inning. Despite it being only their second game each (EVER), Leo Montiel and Colton Daum provided a great pitcher-catcher combo resulting in no runs. While their bats calmed down for the remainder of the game, the gianTs’ defense went into lock-down mode – nothing was to get by them. Two great plays at second by Matura and Daryl Ide displayed the gianTs’ infield prowess. John Ryan Koyama had a phenomenal throw from the hot corner which led to a 5-3-4 put out with Hayden Fuchino making the catch and throw from first. Both Daum and Brandon Williams saved extra base hits from left field, frustrating the Marlin’s big bats. As an illustration of how things were going for the gianTs’ bats, despite sharp hits in the 4th by John Ryan and Jake Koyama (aka “the Koyama Combo”) they were unable to reach first due to great infield play by the Marlins. With the game tied up at 4 going into the top of the sixth, Matura came in to close things out for the gianTs – and he did just that, giving the gianTs an opportunity to steal the game in the last half of the 6th; however, the G-men just couldn’t get their bats going and went down 1-2-3 – the Marlins’ closer resembled a young Dontrelle Willis during the inning. With the gianTs’ and Marlins chomping at the bit and ready for the 7th to settle things on the field, the game was called. Even though the game ended in a tie, it was the birth of a great rivalry. The gianTs will face the Angels this Monday at 4pm.

Bob Geemengotawin is a staff writer for ESPN.com.

gianTs’ Slugger Sean Van Dine Breaks Game Open Against Red Sox

Palos Verdes Estates, CA –gianTs’ slugger Sean Van Dine breaks game open against Red Sox with an inside the park home run helping team grab first win of season. Despite an offensive battle that ensued at the outset of yesterday’s season opener against the Red Sox which resulted in a 4-3 first inning edge for the home team, things settled down quite a bit after the 1st. Strong middle inning pitching by Hayden Fuchino and Nolan Matura (who also drove in three with his own inside the park homerun) and solid defensive plays by the likes of Leo Montiel, Daryl Ide and William Teets contributed in shutting down the Red Sox’s powerful offense after their two out rally in the 1st. With the Red Sox ahead 5-4 in the 4th inning, first grader Jake Koyama hit a sacrifice grounder driving in Ide to knot things up at five. In the 5th inning Teets drove home Montiel with a two-out single and then Van Dine followed up with an inside the park home run – the three run 5th ended up being just enough. The Red Sox would not go down quietly, however, as they threatened to come back in the bottom of the 5th, however, solid pitching by Fuchino and an excellent play from left field by John Ryan Koyama held the Sox at bay. The gianTs’ bats started to come alive in the latter innings with Reed Mroue demonstrating the power of the gianTs’ lineup with his solid hitting. Colton Daum’s aggressiveness at the plate was also notable and kept the Red Sox defense on their heels. The Giant’s renaissance man, Brandon Williams, also showed real aggressiveness at the plate while simultaneously pleasing the crowd and taunting the opposing team with his patented moonwalk approach to the plate. The gianTs, now 1-0, will be hosting the Marlins this Saturday at 11am.

John Wanathegiantstowin is a staff writer and covers LBLL for the Los Angeles Times.