S.I. Dingers

04/07/2018

Happy Birthday America!!

30/06/2018

Great job guys!!

“Dingers win another as they win 10-0 on a combined no hitter thrown by and , great performance fellas! : 2-4 2 2B, 3 RBI https://t.co/X3znSYLYyd”

30/06/2018

Dalton Banach and Martin Ward combine for 8 innings of no-hit baseball and Austin Hefner goes beast mode with the bat and glove to pace the Dingers to a 10-0 victory against Saline Co. Monarchs at Jay Thompson field in Harrisburg. The win moves the record to 12-1 on the season. Banach pitched the first 5 innings, only allowing one base runner on a walk in the 3rd. Ward pitched the final 3 innings only allowing one base runner on an error, who was erased on a inning ending double play. The no hit bid was almost spoiled in the top of the 8th, but Hefner made a spectacular diving stop and Banach picked the throw at 1st to complete the play. The infield made several plays to back up the pitchers. The outfield didn't see much action as there was only 2 balls hit out of the infield. After 2 sloppy games in a row, it was nice to see the guys get back to playing the way they should.
Offensively Hefner and Banach had big nights. Hefner was 2-4,2doubles,3RBIs,2runs. Banach was 2-4,Sac Fly,4RBIs,run. Jake Heck was also 2-4, playing thru a couple of injuries. Cody Bauza was 1-3,double,RBI,2walks. Gabe Schimpf was 1-3,2walks,2runs. Kyle Kreger 1-3,RBI,run.
The game went by fast as the Monarch knuckle ball pitcher kept our hitters off balanced thru 4 1/2 innings as the score was 1-0 on only 2 hits. We started getting better contact as we scored 4 runs in the 5th and 1 run in the 6th to make things 6-0. Then Hefner's defensive Web gem to end the top of the 8th seemed to fire the guys up as we posted 4 more runs in the bottom of the 8th to end things an inning early. It was a solid all around performance for our guys as we wrap up the month of June. Our next game will be July 9th @ Johnston City H.S. vs Monarchs as we take the week of the 4th off. Great job tonight fellas!!!

28/06/2018

Dingers rally late to pull out 1 run win vs Salem in an ugly, ugly baseball game Wednesday night @ SIU. It was a painful game to watch for sure, as both teams combined for 30 walks. Pitchers from both teams were frustrated with the strike zone to say the least. We only managed to have 2 hits thru 7 innings, but capatilized on 16 walks to take a 9-4 lead into the bottom of the 7th. Salem then took advantage of 2 walks, 2 hit batters, and one costly dropped fly ball in right field to storm back with 4 runs in the bottom of the 7th to make it a 9-8 game. Then after back to back singles, a sac bunt, another single and a wild pitch... Salem took the lead 10-9 going into the final frame. Mason Smith led off the 9th with a nice bunt down 3rd base line for a hit. Next batter Andrew Kash reached base off a high chopper off the turf that the Salem pitcher had trouble getting a handle on. Dalton Banach then pushed Smith to 3rd base on a sac fly to center. Kash stole 2nd base, but a strike out to the next batter left runners on 2nd & 3rd with 2 outs. Cody Bauza came to the plate working the count to 2-2 on some nice swings just missing to foul off pitches. He then smoked a line drive to left center bringing in both runners to give our guys an 11-10 lead. Dalton Banach pitched the 9th recording the 1st two outs on 2 pitches. After back to back singles, Banach got a groundball to short to end the game. Pushing the Dingers record to 11-1 on the season.
None of the Stat lines were very pretty for this one. Offensively we only had 7 hits and 18 walks. The guys showed fight again when it came down to crunch time is what counted. We are back in action Friday night @ Pinckneyville 6:30pm start.

28/06/2018

Wasn't a very pretty game at all, but way to come up clutch #5!!

“Dingers win a thriller at SIU! They come back in the 9th to beat Salem 10-9. : 1-4 GW 2RBI 1B : 2-5 1B, 2B, 1RBI : WP, 2 IP, 0 ER https://t.co/Q7afKMVbMP”

24/06/2018

Dingers lose 1 run game to the Nashville Cubs Saturday evening at historic riverside park in Dawson Springs,Ky. After digging ourselves into 5-1 hole after 5 innings due to defensive mistakes and not taking advantage when we got baserunners on, the guys rallied for 3 runs in the 6th and 2 more in the 7th to take a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th. The Cubs had a late inning rally after the leadoff batter was hit and moved to 2nd base on a sac bunt. The next batter had an rbi base hit to tie things up at 6-6. He then advanced all the way to 3rd base on a passed ball. And came across to score the winning run on a 2nd passed ball. It's definitely a tough way to lose the game, especially after battling back to take the lead. We didn't play our best baseball by any means. I thought pitching was solid enough we should've came away with a "W". While we gave up the 7 runs, we only allowed 7 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 11. Offensively we had 15 hits, playing in our 1st wood bat game of the season. Led by Gabe Schimpf who was 4-4 on the day, Cody Bauza,Mason Smith, and Dalton Banach each had 2 hits each.
I wish more of our guys would've been able to make the trip down there, because it was really a neat baseball atmosphere at the park. Riverside park was built in the early 1900's and hosted the Pirates,Reds, and Red Sox for their spring training. Honus Wagner played on that very field our guys competed on Saturday. We will look to bounce back from our 1st loss of the season this Wednesday @ SIU vs Salem Sr. Legion.

22/06/2018

S.I. Dingers pull out victory in hard fought battle last night @ Carmi to extend the win streak to 10 games. After jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the 1st, our guys kinda fell asleep the next few innings making several base running errors wasting opportunities to add to the lead. Those mistakes came back to haunt us when Carmi stormed back in the 4th inning scoring 5 runs, tying the game. Thanks to a big rbi triple by fill-in Clay Pritchard in the 6th and a 2 out rbi single by Brett Bonenberger in the 7th the Dingers pulled back ahead 7-5. That set the stage for a nerve-wracking bottom of the 7th for this coach. After 3 singles in a row the Carmi made the score 7-6. After a botched play on a sacrifice bunt attempt, Carmi had the bases loaded with only 1 out, but pitcher Jaxon Helm struck out the #1 & #2 hitters to record the final 2 outs, securing the win for the Dingers.
Jordan Gould got the start on the mound and looked vert good the 1st 3 innings. But with a high pitch count he seemed to be tiring out a little. Carmi managed to make good contact coming out in the 4th off of Jordan scoring scoring 3 runs. Jaxon Helm came in relief with one out, but a sac fly and rbi double tied the game. Jaxon shut them down striking out the side in the 5th and only allowing one base runner in the 6th. And striking out the final 2 batters with the game on the line shows the competitor Jaxon is. Gould's Stat line was 3 1/3IP,3runs,5hits,4ks,4walks. Helm's line was 3 2/3IP,3runs,7hits,7ks,1walk picking up the win.
Offensively Gould had a good night at the plate going 3-3,double,2RBIs,2runs. Mason Smith was 2-3,double,2RBIs. Austin Hefner went 3-3,2runs,2RBIsteals and was a sparkplug for the team raising his team high batting average to .680. Brett Bonenberger was 1-3,2RBIs. Clay Pritchard 1-2,triple,RBI.
It wasn't our best effort, but I'm impressed how the guys have responded to any type of pressure so far this season. I think we learned a few things, and will just continue getting better. Hopefully mother nature is nice to us Friday and Saturday.

21/06/2018

More pictures from the S. I. Dingers vs. Carmi on 6-20-18
Dingers win 7-6

21/06/2018

June 20, 2018
7-6 win

16/06/2018

Let the record show, I said should be CO-POTG but Dylan didn't want to do interview because he didn't hit well today
Great pitching job by both guys!!

“You’re gonna need more than a fire extinguisher to put out the fire streak the Dingers are on as they move to 9-0 on the year. https://t.co/Nbg0piCab2”

16/06/2018

S.I. Dingers group battled the heat and a very good team from Springfield,MO and came away with a hard fought 6-4 win in 9 innings @ Rend Lake College. The win against our toughest opponent yet, moves our guys to 9-0 on the season.
Bryce Emery got the start on the mound and came out dealing in the 1st inning, striking out 2 of the 1st three batters he faced. The 2nd inning was a different story. After a leadoff error, Springfield sent 8 batters to the plate scoring 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk. After that Bryce found his groove again in the 3rd and 4th innings, striking out 4 of the 7 batters he faced. Emery ended up with 8k's and 2 walks allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. Dylan Stratton came in relief, pitching the last 5 innings. Stratton continued his dominate pitching, keeping the cardinal hitters at bay only allowing 1 more run to cross the plate. Strong pitching and good defensive play led the way for us.
Offensively we came out looking good in the 1st inning after a leadoff single and walk, but couldn't do anything to push a run across. Then after falling down 3-0 after the top of the 2nd, Kasey Wilson put the Dingers on the board with a scorcher off the 1st pitch he saw that got past the fielder to the right field fence for an inside the park homerun. That was Kasey's 3rd homerun on the season. We added 3 more runs in the 3rd inning, taking advantage of 2 bases loaded walks and a big RBI single by Brett Bonenberger. The next couple of innings went quick for both teams. Springfield scored the tying run in the top of the 7th after a leadoff single scored on a wild pitch making things 4-4. But the dingers answered back with 2 of their own in the bottom of the 7th on a leadoff walk to Emery and back to back singles by Austin Hefner and Tyson Houghland to make things 6-4.Hitting leaders were Austin Hefner 3-4,2runs,2stolen bases. Bryce Emery 2-3,run,walk. Brett Bonenberger 2-4,RBI. Kasey Wilson 1-3,homerun,2RBIs,run,walk. Tyson Houghland 1-3,RBI,run,walk.
This was a quality win and I'm proud of the way the guys competed in the heat against a very solid ball club. Looking to keep things rolling this Wednesday night @ Carmi 7pm start.

15/06/2018

S.I. Dingers were back in action tonight @ Carrier Mills. We picked up a game with Saline Co. Monarchs after Marion Sr. legion had cancelled on us. I was able to bring another one of my former Benton guys out of retirement to fill in for us tonight. Martin Ward got the call to put on the Red,White,&Blue and get the start on the mound for us. Martin is the only guy to pitch a no hitter for me, and he sure hasn't lost much in that left arm. Ward went the 1st 5 innings of the game, allowed 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 7 and walking one. It was that leadoff walk of the game that scored his only run allowed. Jordan Gould looked sharp in relief throwing the 6th & 7th innings and Bryce Emery locked down the 8th and 9th to finish off the 13-2 win for the Dingers squad.
Offensively it was Austin Hefner that got things rolling on the night, dropping a 2run bomb over the left centerfield fence on the 1st pitch he saw. Austin also added a double to finish the game 2-4,double,homerun,2RBIs,3runs. Tyson Houghland and Jake Heck keep their hot streaks going, both going 1-2 with 2RBIs each. Brett Bonenberger in his 1st game back from vacation had a big 2run double. Dylan Stratton had an RBI double. Jordan Gould was 2-2, RBI,run. Andrew Kash had a triple(that he may still be trying to catch his breath from). And fill in Dalton Banach had a 2run double that "almost" made this coach forget about that dropped flyback in right field.
These guys keep playing very good baseball, and are back in action Saturday @ Rend Lake College for a double header with the Springfield,Mo Cardinals. Two notes I took from this game, 1)always check the dugout before guys get there to make sure no one has left a spray can of deodorant 2)it is spelled Kash not Cash (sorry Andrew). Only took 8 games to get that figured out

12/06/2018

Great game Jaxon, even though coach didn't let you finish it off

“7 IN A ROW! The Dingers are white hot right now as they beat Carbondale 8-0. : 2-4 2B, 2 RBI : 2-2 2 R, 4 IP, 4Ks, 0 ER https://t.co/aFSvSBhxSf”

12/06/2018

S.I. Dingers notch another win tonight at Carbondale. Our Webber guys combined for a 4 hit shutout in a 8-0 win. Jaxon Helm got the start on the mound and threw the 1st four innings on 49 pitches only allowing 3 hits. He definitely could've thrown a complete game the way he was dealing. Dylan Stratton took over in the bottom of the 5th and picked up right where Jaxon left off. Dylan pitched the last 3 innings on 36 pitches only giving up 1 hit, while striking out 3. The defense played error free baseball behind both pitchers. Cody Bauza really set the tone for the game throwing out the speedy leadoff hitter's steal attempt of 2nd base after reaching on a infield single. It really is a luxury for our pitchers to be able to know that whoever is in the field is capable of making plays.
Offensively it wasn't the big run outburst that we have been used to seeing, but it was a group effort of hitters moving runners along and driving them home when they got into scoring position. This may have been our most complete game of the season. The bottom part of the lineup really came thru on a night our big bats were quiet. Tyson Houghland,Jaxon Helm,Andrew Cash, and Mason Smith all had 2 hits each, while driving in and scoring at least 1 run. Jordan Gould and Cody Bauza also had an RBI each.
Both teams played a well played game, Carbondale definitely has one of the better legion teams we've seen so far. Dingers are back in action Thursday night @ Ray Fosse park in Marion 5:30pm start.

10/06/2018

“Dingers get another win as they move to 6-0 on the season. Dalton Banach: 2-4 3B, 1B, 4 RBI Jake Hefner (Big League Debut): 2-2 2 1B, 1 RBI https://t.co/DUsdGHDCKN”

10/06/2018

S.I. Dingers avoided mother nature, had to play with 4 fill-ins and still kept rolling picking up a 19-8 win over the Saline Co. Monarchs, moving to 6-0 on the season. On a day where several players we unable to attend, we were lucky enough to have Dalton Banach, Jake Hefner, Brayden Bauza, and even Logan Threlkeld come out of retirement to help out the team.
Logan Threlkeld got the start on the mound, and went 4 innings. Threlkeld allowed 4 runs on 3 hits,striking out 3 and walking 6. Banach came in out of the bullpen throwing the next 3 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits, with 3k's and a walk. Mason Smith closed out the 8th and 9th innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, with 2k's and a walk.
Offensively it was a perfect day for the Hefner's. Big brother Austin was 2-2,3RBIs,3runs,4walks. Little brother Jake was 2-2,rbi,run. Kyle Kreger,Kasey Wilson,Jake Heck,Tyson Houghland, Dalton Banach, and Mason Smith all had 2 hits each.
Dingers are back in action Monday night @ Carbondale 6pm

09/06/2018

Big 1st inning leads Dingers to a short game win Thursday vs Herrin Sr Legion. S.I. Dingers send 15 batters to the plate in a 10 run 1st inning and never looked back for a 13-2 win. Jordan Gould looked great on the mound, throwing the 1st 4 innings of shutout baseball. Jordan allowed 3 hits while striking out 6 and walking 2. Andrew Cash and Dylan Stratton combined to finish the last inning of work. Defense was solid once again making several highlight plays backing up their pitchers.
Offensively Dylan Stratton continued his red hot batting going 3-3,double,2RBIs,run. Cody Bauza was 2-2,triple,2RBIs,run. Bryce Emery was 2-3,RBI,2runs. Tyson Houghland was 2-3,double,2RBIs,run. Andrew Cash was 2-2,rbi,2runs. Austin Hefner,Jake Heck, and Jaxon Helm also each had a hit. Everyone has been getting great at bats so far, being patient and taking advantage when they do get a good pitch to hit.
The guys are back in action 2moro afternoon at Rend Lake College for a 1:30 game vs Saline Co. Monarchs. We will be short staffed due to scheduling conflicts, but looking forward to seeing the guys compete.

08/06/2018

“5 IN A ROW!! Dingers move to 5-0 on the year as they beat Herrin 13-2. Dylan Stratton: 3-3 3 RBI : 2-2 3B, 2 RBI https://t.co/bLn8rS5XqX”

07/06/2018

“Dingers take game two by a score of 7-4. Next game will be tomorrow at Rend Lake against Herron. : 1-2 HR, 2 BB Kasey Wilson: 1-3 HR, 2 RBI https://t.co/Oc1Fjkjpeg”

07/06/2018

“Dingers win game one 15-2. Game two starts shortly. Kasey Wilson: 2-3 HR, 5 RBI Jake Wylie: 3-4 2 2B, 1B, 5 RBI : 3 IP, 3Ks, 2 ER https://t.co/nvGT4ovAas”

07/06/2018

S.I. Dingers take 2 wins tonight at Mcleansboro 15-2 & 7-4. Another great effort from our guys. Game 1 highlights included 6 guys with multiple hits, solid pitching, and a few web gems in the field. Cody Bauza was 3-3, RBI, 3runs. Jake Wylie was 3-4, 2 doubles, 2runs. Kasey Wilson was 2-3, homerun, 5RBIs, 2runs. Jaxon Helm, Jordan Gould, and Mason Smith all had 2 hits. Dylan Stratton was 1-1, Sac Fly,walk, 4RBIs.
Cody Bauza and Jaxon Helm combined to pitch the 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, striking out 7 and walking 2.
The 2nd game was our 1st test of the season. I had put the brakes on the guys in fear of another lopsided game. We didn't come out very aggressive and dug ourselves into a 4-1 hole thru the 1st 4 innings. Jake Wylie pitched the first 3 2/3 innings dealing with a very tight strike zone. He still pitched well enough to be on the other side of the score, but didn't get much help with the bats as we only had 4 hits thru the 1st 4 innings. Dylan Stratton came in and closed the door out of the bullpen throwing no hit shutout baseball over the last 3 1/3 keeping things close, setting up a comeback. The 3 run 5th inning started with a leadoff Jake Heck blast over the right center field fence to get things rolling. Jordan Gould was hit by the pitch and came around to score on a Kasey Wilson 2run Homer to deep center that tied the game at 4-4. Both teams were retired 1-2-3 in the 6th inning setting up the exciting 7th inning rally. Dylan Stratton wasted no time, driving the 1st pitch of the inning to right center field fence for a leadoff triple. Jack Heck was intentionally walked and stole 2nd base on 1st pitch to Jaxon Helm. Dylan Stratton then came in on a wild pitch to score the go ahead run. Jaxon then hit a groundout to 2nd base pushing in Heck to make things 6-4. Back to back doubles by Gould and Smith made things 7-4. Mcleansboro made things interesting in the bottom of the 7th with a hit batter and a walk, bringing the tying run to the plate. But the next hitter grounded out to a game ending double play.
I was really proud of the fight our guys showed when it came down to crunch time. Cody Bauza threw out 2 base stealers late in the game to make a big difference in the way things turned out. We made several outstanding defensive plays when we had to. We've started the season with good momentum and look to keep it going 2moro vs Herrin @ Rend Lake College 5:30pm start.

06/06/2018

Another post game wrap up

06/06/2018

Our Dingers were back in action 2nite @ the Benton park playing Christopher Sr. Legion. Our guys jumped out to a 9-1 lead and put it on cruise control and coasted to a 13-3 win in 9 innings. It was another solid all around performance from the guys. We only had 9 guys available to play 2nite, so some guys got some good pitching work in.
Mason Smith got the start on the mound. He had a little trouble finding the strike zone early, but I thought he hung tough and battled back to get the first 3 innings in under his belt. Mason only allowed 1 run, on one hit, striking out 3 and walking 5. Andrew Cash knocked the rust off of his pitching arm to throw the next 3 innings. Andrew allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, striking out 3 and walking 1. His breaking ball was outstanding!! Kyle Kreger and Austin Hefner combined to close out the last 3 innings, no runs no hits, 5 k's and 3 walks.
Offensively we had 13 runs on 12 hits. Austin Hefner was red hot tonight at the plate, going 5-6, double, rbi, 4 runs, 3 stolen bases. He also threw in a highlight running catch in deep centerfield. Kyle Kreger was 3-6, double, 2runs. Jaxon Helm was 1-3, 2 RBIs, 3 walks. Cody Bauza,Jake Heck, and Tyson Houghland each had an RBI as well. Bryce Emery scored 3 runs with 3 walks.
We are back in action 2moro night @ Mcleansboro for a double header. Really having fun watching these guys do what they love!!

03/06/2018

Our S.I. Dingers team opened our summer play this past Friday night @ Johnston City High School vs Saline Co. Monarchs. Our roster consists of guys scattered all throughout southern Illinois:
Brett Bonenberger - Benton
Tyson Houghland - Benton
Bryce Emery - Harrisburg
Jordan Gould - Harrisburg
Austin Hefner - Harrisburg
Jake Wylie - Mt. Vernon
Cody Bauza - Nashville
Andrew Cash - Nashville
Jake Heck - Nashville
Kyle Kreger - Pinckneyville
Jaxon Helm - Webber
Dylan Stratton - Webber
Mason Smith - Woodlawn
Friday night we had a solid all around performance in a 12-2 win. Jordan Gould got the start on the mound and went 5 innings for the win. Jordan allowed 1 run on 4 hits, with 5 k's. Bryce Emery came in and pitched the last 2 innings in relief after Jordan was hit in the neck by a pick off move while running the bases. Bryce gave up 1 run on 1 hit with a strikeout.
Offensive leader on the night was Cody Bauza. Cody was 3-3, double, 4 RBIs, 2 runs scored. Bryce Emery was 1-2, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, 2 walks.
Jake Wylie was 1-3, 3 RBIs.
Andrew Cash was 1-1, 3 runs, 2 walks.
Mason Smith scored twice on 2 walks as well.
I'm hoping we have a group of parents that like to post pictures again this year. The guys played almost as good as they looked in their uniforms representing America. I'm looking forward to a fun summer with this great group of ballplayers!!

03/06/2018

Double header today at Fairfield is cancelled.

02/06/2018

My main man E4 needs some better equipment to work with, but his sideline reporting skills are on point!! Cody Bauza

01/06/2018

I'm blessed once again to do what I love. Looking forward to some good baseball this summer!!!