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Hessler
and the art of deception
When Springbrook High rising senior Keith Hessler stares down at an opponent standing 60 feet, 6 inches away, he employs a simple but effective pitching strategy: keep the batter guessing. more . . . Brantley and Hessler earn post season honors June 3 - Senior centerfielder Harold Brantley and junior pitcher/first baseman Keith Hessler were recognized for having an outstanding 2006 season and earned several post season honors. Both players had impressive seasons which led the team to a 10-10 record. Brantley,
a 2006 pre-season all state selection, capped off a spectacular high school
career by earning: 2nd team All-Met (Washington Post); 1st team All-County
(Gazette); 1st team All-Division (Montgomery County Coaches); South Region
team (MSABC-Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches). He was
also selected to play in the MSABC Brooks Robinson senior all star game
at Camden Yards on June 25th following the Orioles/Nationals game as well
as the Montgomery County coaches senior all star game.
For his career, Brantley broke six school (season) records: runs scored, hits, triples, extra base hits, slugging percentage and hit by pitch. In addition, he also broke two Maryland state public school records, triples in a season (11) and triples in a career (27). Brantley departs Springbrook with a career batting average of .426, 109 hits, 98 runs scored, 17 doubles, 27 triples, 7 home runs, 58 rbi, and 50 stolen bases. He will play for the University of Connecticut next year. Hessler, also a 2006 pre-season all state selection, had another stellar season for the Blue Devils as he went 5-4 on the mound with 52 1/3 innings pitched, 78 strikeouts, 18 earned runs with a 2.42 earned run average. He also hit .365 with 23 hits, 5 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run and knocked in 26 runs. Hessler also earned MSABC South Region team and was selected to play for Team Maryland (state all star team of juniors and seniors) in the Sunbelt Classic tournament in Oklahoma in mid June. Hessler was also selected to the Montgomery County coaches all-division 1st team and received honorable mention all-county honors from the Gazette. Springbook
falls in first round playoffs
May 12 - Thomas Johnson HS took advantage of nine Springbrook errors and defeated the Blue Devils in a first round 4A north region playoff game 10-3. Blue Devils starting pitcher Keith Hessler went 5 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits, seven strikeouts and only two earned runs. Thomas Johnson jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring twice in the opening frame on two hits and the first of nine Springbrook errors on the day. Springbrook rallied and cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the 2nd inning as Walter Brown doubled off the left centerfield fence with one out. Danny Green singled to left to advance Brown to third. Jonathan Routt then blooped a single over the firstbaseman to score Brown. In the 3rd inning, the Blue Devils took the lead 3-2. Ryan Richman singled to lead off the inning. Harold Brantley then belted a two run inside the park home run to deep right center field that caromed off the school building. It was Brantley's fourth home run of the season. The lead could have been more but two baserunning miscues proved costly in the 2nd and 3rd innings. The lead would be short lived as Springbrook's defense began to unravel. The Patriots scored twice in the top of the 4th to regain the lead 4-3. Four more Springbrook errors led to four Thomas Johnson runs in the 5th inning. The lead would prove to be too much as Springbrook would not threaten the rest of the game. Down 10-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning with two outs, Brantley ended his outstanding Springbrook baseball career with a line drive single to right field. Brantley, a pre-season all-state selection, broke five school records this season, four of which he had set earlier in his career. He also broke the Maryland public school record for triples in a season with 11 and shattered the career triples record with 27. He will play for the University of Connecticut next year on a baseball scholarship. The Blue Devils finished their 2006 campaign with a 10-10 record. Blue
Devils lose regular season finale
May 10 - The Springbrook Blue Devils ended the 2006 regular season with a loss to Walter Johnson on Wednesday, 6-5. With the loss, the Blue Devils finish with a 10-9 record heading into the 4A North region playoffs. They will host Thomas Johnson HS on Friday, May 12 at 4pm. Springbrook jumped ahead early as Harold Brantley led off with a double in the top of the 1st inning. After he stole thirdbase, he would score the first run of the game on a groundout by Keith Hessler. Walter Johnson responded with a run in their half of the inning but it could have been more if not for the acrobatic Brantley in centerfield. With the bases loaded and no outs, Brantley dove and snared a sinking line drive and threw to secondbase to complete a double play. Blue Devils starting pitcher Ryan Richman escaped further trouble by getting a strikeout to end the inning. Richman would go two plus innings, giving up three runs on five hits with two strikeouts. In the 3rd inning, Brantley lined his second double in as many at bats with one out. Nathan Evans then singled to center to score Brantley. Brantley had another solid offensive day as he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, an rbi and two stolen bases. Springbrook then squandered a big opportunity as they left the bases loaded. Richman got into trouble in the bottom half of the inning and was relieved by Danny Green who inherited a bases loaded situation with no outs. The Wildcats then took the lead scoring twice on a walk and fielders choice. Green retired the next six batters heading into the 6th inning. Green provided a solid relief outing going four innings, giving up four hits. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils scored single runs in the 4th and 5th innings to take a one run lead, 4-3. Brantley singled to score Green in the 4th and Hessler scored on an error in the 5th. The Blue Devils defense then surrendered the lead as their lone error of the game enabled the Wildcats to score three unearned runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Note: Brantley broke another school record today as he collected two extra base hits to give him 18 on the season. This breaks the record of 17, previously established by Justin Riggs in 2000. B-CC
defeats Springbrook
May 9 - The Springbrook Blue Devils belted three home runs but it wasn't enough as they fell behind early and lost to host Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS on Tuesday 11-4. The loss drops Springbrook's overall record to 10-8. The Barons took advantage of six Blue Devils errors and got to starter Danny Green as he couldn't get out of the 1st inning. Jonathan Lyon relieved Green and pitched 5 1/3 innings of solid relief, giving up six hits and three runs. Harold Brantley continued his torrid hitting as he blasted the second pitch of the game for a home run over the right field fence to give Springbrook a short lived lead. In the bottom half, B-CC would score eight runs on just three hits with three walks and three crucial Springbrook errors. Walter Brown trimmed the Barons lead to 8-2 with a solo home run, his first of the season, leading off the 2nd inning. In the 3rd inning, Brantley, 3-for-3 with a walk, hammered a curveball for his second solo homer of the day and his third of the season. This would be as close as the Blue Devils would get as B-CC tallied single runs in the following three innings. The Blue Devils defense would continue to falter and B-CC took advantage of every opportunity. Note: Brantley broke the Springbrook HS hits (season) record with his 1st inning home run. The 2006 playoff schedule has been determined. Springbrook will host Thomas Johnson HS (Frederick) in a first round game on Friday, May 12th. The game is tentatively set for 4pm. Admission will be charged at all region playoff games. Springbrook
overpowers Wheaton
May 6 - The Springbrook Blue Devils ended their 2006 home schedule with a 17-1 rout of Wheaton HS on Saturday. The game was called after 4 1/2 innings due to the 10 run mercy rule. Blue Devils starter Keith Hessler went five innings striking out nine and giving up only a 4th inning single. This was his 3rd career one-hitter. After the Knights went quietly in the top of the 1st, Springbrook erupted for 12 runs in the bottom half. Eleven consecutive batters reached base before an out was recorded. In the inning, the Blue Devils collected seven hits, three walks, a hit batsman and benefitted from five Wheaton errors. Harold Brantley, Danny Chase and Keith Hessler each had two hits in the inning. Chase would have a monster day, going 4-for-4 at the plate with two triples, four runs scored and five rbi's. Brantley's lead off single was his 100th career hit. The Blue Devils extended their lead in the 2nd inning, scoring three runs on three hits and a walk. Chase collected his second triple of the game driving in Nathan Evans who had walked and Jonathan Routt who had singled. Hessler then doubled to knock in Chase. Hessler would also have a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, four rbi's and his team leading 6th stolen base. Senior Jason Hitt provided a thrilling moment as he mashed a fastball to deep center field for a triple in the 3rd inning. This was hit first career extra base hit. The Blue Devils would finish off the Knights scoring two more runs in the 4th inning. Senior Jonathan Jolley was hit by a pitch and Chase singled. Both would score on a single by Walter Brown. Note: Harold Brantley broke the runs scored record today. He now has scored 29 times this season breaking the record of 27 that he set last year. Earlier this season, he also broke his own triples record. Late
rally lifts Blue Devils
May 2 - The Springbrook Blue Devils rallied to score four runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to defeat visiting Gaithersburg HS 6-4. Trailing 4-2, Danny Chase led off with a double down the right field line. After a walk to Danny Green, Jooyoung Kim laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached safely as the pitcher threw to third but not before Chase slid in safely. After pinch hitter Jason Hitt struck out, Harold Brantley provided the heroics. He drilled a bases loaded clearing triple, his 11th of the season, to deep right centerfield. He promptly stole home on the next pitch as the pitcher threw wildly on an attempted squeeze bunt. Starting pitcher Danny Green provided the Blue Devils with five solid innings of work, giving up three runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Keith Hessler picked up the win in relief, relieving Green to start the 6th, going two innings and surrendering one run. Both teams would score in the opening frame. Gaithersburg put together two doubles but would leave the bases loaded as Green worked out of the jam inducing a pop out to shortstop Ryan Richman to end the threat. The Blue Devils tied the game as the speedy Brantley led off with an opposite field single and advanced to second as the leftfielder bobbled the ball. Brantley improved his team leading batting average to .509 going 2-for-3 with 3 rbi's and 2 runs scored. After a wild pitch advanced him to third, Nathan Evans hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Brantley. The Blue Devils took the lead in the 2nd inning as Evans singled with two outs to score Kim who had walked and moved around to third on an error and wild pitch. As each pitcher settled in, Springbrook turned up the defense. Gaithersburg got a leadoff single and sacrifice bunt in the 4th inning to move the runner into scoring position. The Blue Devils then turned an unusual double play. With the runner stealing third, Green got a groundball to Richman at short who gunned over to Hessler at first to record the second out. Hessler then threw a strike to catcher Walter Brown who applied a diving tag to nab the runner at home. The Trojans regained the lead in the 5th inning scoring twice on two hits and three walks but again left the bases loaded. In the 7th inning, Hessler got two quick outs. The first on a well struck ball to deep left centerfield that Brantley ran down. He would fan the next batter before commiting a throwing error on a comebacker. He then recorded his third strikeout to end the game. The Blue Devils next game is their last home game on Saturday, May 6 at 2pm versus Wheaton HS. Blair
stuns Springbrook
April 29 - In a classic pitchers duel, the visiting Springbrook Blue Devils could only muster three hits and were outdueled by Blair HS on Saturday 2-0. Blue Devils starting pitcher Keith Hessler was unlucky as he went six innings only giving up four singles, two unearned runs with eight strikeouts. The Blazers starting pitcher turned in a masterful performance, holding the Blue Devils offense in check and matching Hessler pitch for pitch. Blair had an early scoring opportunity in the 1st inning but stranded two runners in scoring position. The Blazers would threaten again in the 3rd, loading the bases on two hits and an error with one out. Hessler would prove to be overpowering as he got an infield popout and strikeout to end the rally. Meanwhile, Springbrook had difficulty creating situations and never really threatened to score until the 6th inning. In the top of the 6th, Harold Brantley crushed a triple high off the right centerfield fence with one out. With the infield playing in, Nathan Evans hit a chopping groundball to secondbase. Brantley broke for the plate and was thrown out on a controvesial play. As he slid into the catcher, the ball came loose but the umpire ruled that the catcher had held onto the ball long enough for Brantley to be called out. Blair then capitalized on the momentum and Springbrook's defense collapsed as the leadoff batter in the bottom half of the inning reached on an infield error. After a passed ball and sacrifice bunt moved the runner to third, the Blazers plated the first run of the game with a seeing eye single down the third base line. Blair would score an insurance run later in the inning on another Blue Devils error. In the top of the 7th inning, Walter Brown walked with two outs but was left stranded as Jonathan Routt lined out to shortstop to end the game. The loss drops Springbrook's record to 8-7. Blue
Devils bounce back with big win
3B - Brantley, Hessler April 27 - The Springbrook Blue Devils smashed a season high 17 hits and beat host Richard Montgomery HS at Montgomery College Rockville, 17-7. The Blue Devils got offensive contributions from every starter to improve their record to 8-6 and end a three game skid. Springbrook starter Danny Green picked up the victory going five innings, surrendering 10 hits, six earned runs with two strikeouts. Springbrook came out ready to play as they jumped on the RM starter for four runs on four hits, a walk and a costly catchers interferece in the top of the 1st inning. Jonathan Routt had the big hit in the inning as he singled to left with two outs to plate Green and Danny Chase. Routt would have a big day, going 2-for-5 with a run scored, a double and driving in three runs. RM rallied in the 2nd inning as they cut the lead to 4-2 on three hits. But the Blue Devils answered right back scoring three runs in the top of the 3rd. Chase, 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two rbi's, opened the inning reaching on an error. Walter Brown laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt and reached on an error as well. Chase moved to third on the play as he noticed no one was covering. Jonathan Routt then drove in Chase with a double to left center field. Jason Hitt, running for Brown, scored on a wild pitch and Jooyoung Kim drove in Routt from third with a groundout to second. Springbrook continued to pound the baseball and extended their lead to 9-2 in the 4th. Keith Hessler mashed a one out double to the gap in left centerfield. Hessler also had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4, with just a home run short of the cycle and scoring three runs. Green would help himself out as he collected his second single moving Hessler to third. After a walk to Chase, Brown then singled up the middle to drive in Hessler and Green. There were more offensive fireworks for the Blue Devils in the 5th inning as Ryan Richman singled with one out. Harold Brantley hit a bomb triple to right field, his 9th of the season to plate Richman. He would score on a Nathan Evans groundout to second. Along with Hessler, Brantley also collected three hits, a single, double and triple to go along with three runs scored and three rbi's. Jonathan Lyon relieved Green in the 6th and quickly disposed of an RM rally inducing three fly balls.. Springbrook would close out the scoring in the 7th as they tallied three more runs. Hessler led off with a line drive triple to the corner in right field. Green walked and Chase hammered a fastball to left centerfield for a two run double. Chase would later score on a double play groundout by Routt. The Blue Devils now travel to Blair HS on Saturday, April 29th at 1:30pm. Springbrook
falls to Quince Orchard
April 25 - Quince Orchard HS proved why they are the defending Maryland 4A state champions as they pounded out 20 hits in route to a 20-2 victory over host Springbrook. The undefeated Cougars got to Springbrook ace Keith Hessler early, scoring six runs in the top of the 1st inning and never looked back. Hessler would depart after only 2 2/3 innings with five strikeouts. The game would be called after five innings due to the 10 run mercy rule. The Blue Devils responded in the bottom of the 1st. Harold Brantley mashed a lead off triple to deep right centerfield, his 8th of the year. He would score on a one out groundout by Hessler. Quince Orchard continued their hot hitting as they scored in every frame. Springbrook could only muster one more run as they collected three hits in the bottom of the 5th. Jooyoung Kim and Ryan Richman singled with one out. After a groundout, Nathan Evans drove in Kim with a single to left field. The loss drops Springbrook's record to 7-6 overall. Springbrook
drops second in a row
April 21 - Springbrook fell behind early and couldn't catch up as the Blue Devils lost to Magruder HS 14-5. Magruder pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on five Springbrook errors in route to the win. Danny Green started on the mound for the Blue Devils and labored through 4 1/3 innings, surrendering five earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts and six walks. The base on balls would haunt Green and the Blue Devils as he held the top three hitters in the Colonels lineup, Matt Sweeney, Mitch Levine, and Ross Sweeney to just two hits in eight at bats. Magruder's 6-9 hitters would do the damage going a combined 8-for-14, scoring seven runs and drawing four walks. Magruder jumped out early scoring twice in the second frame on one hit, three walks and a sacrifice fly. Springbrook rallied in the bottom half of the inning but left the bases loaded. The Blue Devils would leave at least one runner on base each inning. The Colonels upped their lead in the top of the 4th inning to 3-0. With three more runs in the 5th, Magruder had a 6-0 lead. Harold Brantley would somewhat ignite the Blue Devils offense with a leadoff infield single in the bottom of the 5th. He would later score on a Keith Hessler single to left field. Hessler had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and three rbi's. In the 6th inning, Springbrook cut the Colonels lead to 8-4. Jooyoung Kim and Jonathan Lyon singled with one out. Brantley reached on an error scoring Kim. Hessler then drove in Lyon and Brantley with a two out double to right centerfield. This would be as close as the Blue Devils would get as Magruder scored six times in the 7th. The loss drops Springbrook's overall record to 7-5. Note: This game featured four of the five Montgomery County selections to the Pre-Season All State Team. M. Sweeney and Levine for Magruder and Brantley and Hessler for Springbrook. Blue
Devils fall to Damascus
April 19 - The Springbrook Blue Devils dropped a tough game to host Damascus HS on Wednesday afternoon 3-2. The Blue Devils played well defensively and outhit the Swarmin Hornets but could not come away with the win. Springbrook starting pitcher Keith Hessler pitched well but came away with his first loss of the year. He went six innings, giving up two earned runs, scattering six hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Damascus immediately put pressure on the Blue Devils defense and Hessler with consecutive one out hits in the 1st inning. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Hessler got a comebacker and secondbaseman Jooyoung Kim turned in the first defensive gem of the day. He dove to his left to snare a one hop line drive, quickly got to his feet and threw the runner out at first to end the early threat. Springbrook would rally but come up short in the top of the 2nd inning as Danny Chase, 2-for-3 with a run scored, led off with a single to right field. Nathan Evans advanced Chase to second with a sacrifice bunt. Walter Brown, 2-for-3 with a double and rbi, singled to right. On the play, Chase was cut down at home on a good throw from the rightfielder. The Swarmin Hornets would get on the scoreboard first in the 3rd inning. The lead off batter singled but was picked off first. After a walk, centerfielder Harold Brantley would show some leather and toughness. The Damascus two hitter connected on a deep flyball to straight away center. Brantley raced back, reached up high and made the catch while crashing into the fence to take away extra bases. But Damascus would get back to back hits with two outs to open up a 2-0 lead. The Blue Devils immediately responded and tied things up in the top of the 4th inning. Hessler and Chase singled to open the frame. With one out, Brown battled at the plate and mashed a double to right centerfield to score Hessler. Danny Green then laid down a suicide squeeze bunt that plated Chase and knotted the score. Hessler settled in and would not give up a hit the rest of the way. But a lead off walk in the bottom of the 6th inning would prove costly. After the base on balls, a wild pitch and a Blue Devils error gave Damascus the lead. But the Blue Devils would have one more rally in the 7th inning. With one out, Kim doubled to right centerfield. He moved to thirdbase on a groundout but would be left stranded as the game ended on another Blue Devils groundout. The loss drops Springbrook's overall record to 7-4. They now host Magruder HS on Friday afternoon at 3:30pm. Spotlight on Harold Brantley - Gazette article here Blue
Devils sweep springbreak tournament games
April 11 - The Springbrook Blue Devils pounded out 24 hits in sweeping a pair of games in the annual springbreak tournament held at Springbrook HS. Danny Green pitched a complete game three hitter to beat Northwest HS 10-1 in the opening game. In the second game, the Blue Devils put on an offensive display and outslugged Richard Montgomery HS 18-12. Green was in control from the start as he cruised to his second victory of the season. He struck out four, walked three, only giving up one earned run. Springbrook jumped out early with eight runs in the first inning on four hits, a walk and four Northwest errors. The big blow in the inning came from Harold Brantley as he blasted a triple to left field with the bases loaded. The Blue Devils increased their lead in the 3rd inning as Brantley belted his second triple of the game with one out. Brantley would have a huge day at the plate, going 4-for-8 with six runs scored, five rbi's and three triples for both games. After a walk to Jonathan Routt, Keith Hessler knocked in Brantley with a groundout. The Jaguars scored their lone run in the 4th inning. After a lead off double, Green got consecutive groundouts before giving up an rbi single. In the 6th inning, Hessler led off with a double and would score the final run of the game as Green grounded into a fielders choice. Besides the outstanding pitching performance from Green, the Blue Devils played flawless defense, having their first errorless game of the year. The second game of the day was an all out slugfest but Springbrook would get the best of Richard Montgomery with timely defense and big extra base hits with men on base. The teams combined for 30 runs and 29 hits. The Blue Devils foursome of Ryan Richman, Danny Chase, Brantley and Hessler combined for 11 hits, 9 runs scored and 14 rbi's. Springbrook collected a season high 15 hits. The Rockets started things in the 1st inning scoring an unearned run off Springbrook starter Jonathan Lyon. The Blue Devils responded with two runs in the bottom half as Brantley led off with a single and scored on a Hessler triple. Hessler would also have a big day going 5-for-8 with three runs scored, eight rbi's, a double and two triples for both games. Chase then plated Hessler with a groundout to shortstop. RM plated three runs in the 2nd but it could of been more if not for Danny Chase's outstanding defensive gem. With two outs, the thirdbaseman dove towards the line and snared a hard groundball. He quickly got to his feet and fired across the diamond to get the baserunner at first. The Blue Devils would tie the score in the bottom of the inning as Richman drove in Wes Good and Nathan Evans with a single down the left field line. Richman was another player with a monster day at the plate. He went 5-for-7 with four runs scored and three rbi's for both games. Lyon would depart in favor of Chase after three innings trailing 6-5. After another RM run increased their lead to two, Springbrook rallied with four runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. Brantley banged a triple to right field scoring Good and Richman. Routt then doubled home Brantley. After a wild pitch and walk, Chase plated Routt with a single. The 6th inning would prove to be the big inning for both teams. The Rockets would tie the score at 12 off of Richman, who relieved Chase in the 5th inning. In the bottom half, the Blue Devils continued their hot hitting, scoring six runs on five hits, a walk and two hit batsmen. Evans led off with a pinch hit triple to the gap in right centerfield and scored on Jooyoung Kim's single. After a Richman single, Brantley walked. Routt was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Hessler then provided the big blow this time, hammering a triple to deep right centerfield. Richman picked up the win in relief going 2 2/3 innings surrendering four hits with one strikeout, one walk and one earned run. The two wins on the day improved the Blue Devils record to 7-3. It also marked the first time in the tournament's four year history that Springbrook won both games. The Blue Devils return to regular season action on April 19th as they travel to Damascus HS. Blue
Devils back on winning track
April 10 - The Springbrook Blue Devils got an outstanding pitching performance from Keith Hessler as they defeated Rockville HS 4-0. Hessler went the distance giving up just one hit, with eight strikeouts and no walks, as he improved his record to 3-0. This was his second career one-hitter as he also one hit Blake HS last season. Early on both teams' pitchers were dominant. Hessler especially, only surrendering a two out single in the 3rd inning. The Blue Devils finally broke through in the top of the 4th inning scoring four times. Jonathan Routt led off with a double to left field and then stole third base. With one out, Nathan Evans walked. Jooyoung Kim then squeeze bunted home Routt and reached safely on an infield hit. Wes Good and Jason Hitt were hit by pitches forcing in a run. Harold Brantley then drove in Kim with a sacrifice fly to left field. Hessler would cap the scoring by blooping in a single to left to plate Good. Hessler escaped trouble in the 5th and 6th innings as the Blue Devils defense collapsed. The Rams loaded the bases on three Springbrook errors in the 5th but would come up empty. After two more errors allowed Rockville to rally again in the 6th, Hessler fanned the last two batters to escape further damage. The win improves Springbrook's record to 5-3. The Blue Devils now host the annual springbreak tournament on April 11 where they will face Northwest HS and Richard Montgomery HS. Sherwood
defeats Springbrook
April 5 - The Sherwood Warriors continued their winning ways on Wednesday as they defeated the visiting Blue Devils 5-1. Coming off an emotional win on Tuesday over Blake HS, the Blue Devils couldn't get on track offensively as they were held to just two hits and fell to 4-3 on the season. Unlike Tuesday's game which took over three hours to complete, this game was completed in under an hour and a half. Sherwood starter Brian Moran stymied Springbrook with offspeed pitches and good control. The Warriors scored a run in each of the first five innings off Springbrook starter Danny Green and collected seven hits on the day. Green gave the Blue Devils six strong innings, giving up seven hits, four earned runs with two strikeouts and four walks Down 2-0 in the top of the 3rd inning, Springbrook had their first scoring chance as Nathan Evans drew a lead off walk. He was sacrificed to second by Jooyoung Kim. After a strikeout, the rally ended as Evans was picked off secondbase. Harold Brantley provided the first hit of the day for Springbrook in the top of the 4th but was quickly erased on a double play groundball. The Blue Devils would rally again in the 7th inning but it was too little too late. Brantley, who collected the only two hits of the day, led off with a bunt single. Keith Hessler then drew a walk. Danny Chase then reached on a fielder's choice forcing Hessler at second. Walter Brown hit another fielder's choice groundball to third which scored Brantley for the lone Springbrook run. The Blue Devils now head into springbreak with a scheduled regular season game at home on Monday, April 10 vs. Rockville HS. Also on the springbreak slate is the annual springbreak tournament. On April 11, the Blue Devils will host Northwest HS at 11am and Richard Montgomery HS at 2:30pm. Springbrook
rallies to beat Blake
April 4 - Springbrook reversed their fortunes Tuesday afternoon by rallying from an early three run deficit to earn a dramatic victory over Blake HS 8-7. With the score knotted at seven in the bottom of the 7th inning, Ryan Richman walked with one out. Harold Brantley was then hit by a pitch. After Keith Hessler struck out, Danny Chase drove in Richman with the winning run with a single to right field. Chase went 2-for-4 with 3 rbi's. The Blue Devils only collected six hits, two each from Jonathan Routt, Brantley and Chase, but drew 11 walks and two hit batsmen. The Bengals jumped out in front in the top of the 1st inning by sending nine batters to the plate, scoring three runs on three hits, a walk and three Springbrook errors. Starting pitcher Keith Hessler worked out of the early jam ending the rally with a strikeout with the bases loaded. Hessler would go five innings, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits with 11 strikeouts and three walks. Springbrook rallied with three runs of their own in the 2nd inning. Routt led off with a double to right centerfield. Nathan Evans laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Routt to third. After Jooyoung Kim was hit by a pitch, Routt would score on an errant throw from the catcher after a failed squeeze bunt attempt. Brantley extended the inning with a single to right and Hessler drew a walk. With two outs, Chase proved clutch as he singled up the middle to score Kim and Brantley. Blake took the lead right back scoring two unearned runs in the 3rd inning. The Bengals added another run in the 4th but Springbrook rallied again in the bottom half to get within 6-5. This time Routt proved clutch. With two outs and the bases loaded, he singled up the middle to drive in Hessler and Walter Brown. On the day, Routt went 2-for-4 with two rbi's and a run scored. Hessler then settled down and struck out the side in the 5th. The Blue Devils then claimed their first lead of the day in the bottom of the 5th inning. Richman led off with a walk and scored when Brantley hit a line drive to centerfield that eluded the centerfielder as he slipped approaching the ball. He would end up with a triple and eventually score on a sacrifice fly by Hessler. After a Blake lead off single to start the 6th, Jonathon Lyon relieved Hessler. After two stolen bases, the Bengals tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Lyon would get out of the 6th and retire the Bengals in order in the 7th to set up the dramatic finish. Lyon picked up the win in relief, going two innings, striking out two and walking one. The win improved Springbrook's record to 4-2 and 1-1 in the 4A East Division. The Blue Devils now travel to Sherwood HS on Wednesday, April 5th to square off against the Warriors. Northwest's
late inning comeback drops Blue Devils
April 1 - With questionable umpiring and extremely windy conditions, it certainly was April Fools Day. After taking a commanding 7-1 lead, it looked as if the Blue Devils would open up division play with a win. But Northwest HS rallied with three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to edge the visiting Blue Devils 8-7. Northwest got on the scoreboard first with a lead off home run in the 2nd inning. Springbrook immediately rallied and posted five quick runs to open the 3rd inning. Harold Brantley started things off with a single and advanced to third after a wild pickoff attempt. He later scored the first Blue Devils run on a wild pitch. With one out, Springbrook got four consecutive hits. Walter Brown blasted a double off the right centerfield fence scoring Danny Chase who had reached on a fielders choice. Starting pitcher Danny Green followed with a single and Jonathan Routt then tripled into the left field corner scoring Jonathan Jolley (courtesy runner for Brown) and Green. Designated hitter, Nathan Evans then drove in Routt with a single. The Blue Devils added to their lead in the 4th inning. Ryan Richman led off with a walk. With one out, Keith Hessler hammered a fastball over the centerfield fence for his first home run of the season to give Springbrook a 7-1 advantage. The Springbrook defense then allowed the Northwest offense to change the momentum of the game. The Jaguars scored three times in the inning on two hits, two walks and two errors. But Green would get out the jam getting a strikeout to leave the bases loaded. Northwest got what they needed the final three innings. Critical umpiring calls and solid relief pitching. The Blue Devils bats went silent and could only muster one hit and two baserunners from the fifth through the seventh innings. But still the Blue Devils maintained a 7-5 lead entering the bottom of the 7th inning. With two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Northwest nine hitter worked Springbrook reliever Jonathan Lyon for a walk to load the bases. The next batter was hit by a pitch which forced in a run. The Jaguars then scored the tying and winning runs on a groundball error. On the day, seven Springbrook starters had hits including two each from Brantley and Routt. The loss drops the Blue Devils record to 3-2. The next game is home versus Blake HS on Tuesday, April 4th at 3:30pm. Springbrook
defeats consortum rival Paint Branch
Mar. 30 - Junior Keith Hessler threw a complete game 4 hitter with 12 strikeouts to lead Springbrook at home and defeat Paint Branch HS 8-4. This is the first Blue Devils win over Paint Branch since 1996 when All-Met pitcher Harold Anaya shut out the Panthers. Hessler was in command throughout and cruised to his second victory of the season. The Blue Devils drew first blood as they scored three runs before an out was recorded. Harold Brantley led off the first inning with a triple, his third of the season, to right centerfield. He would score as Hessler reached base on an error. Danny Chase then singled to center and Walter Brown and Danny Green followed with run scoring singles. The Blue Devils added to their lead in the second inning. With one out, Brantley singled and stole second. He would have a big day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with 4 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and reach base all four plate appearances. Hessler followed with a sacrifice fly to deep center that scored the speedy Brantley from secondbase. Springbrook upped their lead to 6-0 in the fourth inning. With two outs, Brantley reached base on a misplayed fly ball by the leftfielder. Hessler then reached on another Panther error that would prove costly. Chase then singled to center to score Brantley. Nathan Evans, a courtesy for Hessler, would score on the play from first as the centerfielder overran the ball. Hessler recorded 7 strikeouts from the second through the fifth innings before running into trouble in the sixth. After striking out the first batter, Paint Branch would score four runs on two hits, a walk and two Springbrook errors. The Blue Devils quickly responded with two insurance runs in the bottom half of the inning without recording a hit. With one out, Brantley drew a walk and stole second. He moved to third on a wild pitch and Hessler then walked. Brantley would score on another wild pitch. Evans, again running for Hessler, would score the last run of the day, stealing third and advancing to home on an errant throw by the catcher. On the day, the Blue Devils collected 7 hits and took advantage of 5 Paint Branch errors to improve their record to 3-1. Springbrook now begins division play on Saturday, April 1 as they travel to Northwest HS. Springbrook
falls to Whitman
Mar. 25 - Springbrook fell behind early and couldn't recover and dropped their first game of the season, 14-7 to Whitman HS. The Vikings took advantage of 8 walks by collecting 12 hits, as 6 went for extra bases. After surrendering 6 runs in the top of the first inning, the Blue Devils immediately responded. Harold Brantley led off the bottom of the inning with a prodigous shot to right field that cleared the fence for his first home run of the season. After consecutive walks to Keith Hessler and Jonathan Routt, Danny Green drove in Hessler with a two out single. The Blue Devils would cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second inning. Brantley tripled to deep left center field to drive in Wes Good and Hessler would follow with a single to plate Brantley. Whitman responded with single runs in the third and fourth innings to regain a 4 run advantage. After the Vikings tallied four more runs in the 5th inning, the Blue Devils answered with a run scoring single by Ryan Richman in the bottom half of the inning but left the bases loaded. Springbrook left 10 men on base for the game. Jooyoung Kim would account for the final two Blue Devils runs as he drove in Harry Laing and Danny Chase with a single in the bottom of the 6th inning. On the day, Brantley, Hessler, and Green had two hits each. Blue
Devils Rout Einstein, Improve to 2-0
March 23 - Junior pitcher Danny Green threw 4 solid innings, allowing only 2 hits and 1 earned run in helping Springbrook defeat Einstein 12-1. The game was called after 5 innings due to the 10 run mercy rule. With two runners on and one out in the bottom of the first, Green got out of early trouble and provided the Blue Devils momentum going into the second inning. Springbrook would tally 6 runs before an out was recorded. In the inning, the Blue Devils sent 10 men to the plate and recorded 5 hits. Jooyoung Kim, Ryan Richman, and Harold Brantley highlighted the inning with run scoring singles. The Blue Devils would increase their lead in the 4th inning, sending 10 men to the plate again, scoring 4 runs on 2 hits and 4 walks. Senior Jonathan Lyon came on in relief of Green in the 5th inning, and quickly disposed of the Titans. Offensively, Brantley, Kim, Richman and Walter Brown each had two hits while Danny Chase and Green tallied one hit apiece. The Blue Devils host Whitman HS (2-0) on Saturday, March 25 at 1:30pm in a battle of unbeatens. Springbrook
wins season opener, 4-2 over Churchill
Mar. 21 - Offense, defense and pitching were on display as the Springbrook Blue Devils opened the 2006 season with a 4-2 victory over visiting Churchill. The Blue Devils pounded out 10 hits, played solid defense and received stellar pitching in limiting the Bulldogs to only 4 hits. Springbrook opened the scoring in the second inning as secondbaseman Jooyoung Kim doubled with one out. Outfielder Jason Hitt followed with an infield single and with two outs, outfielder Harold Brantley drove in the season's first run with a single to right field. Junior pitcher Keith Hessler and the defense kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard until the 5th inning. Churchill got a lead off single and would later score on a squeeze bunt to tie the game. But the Blue Devils would respond in the bottom half of the inning. Brantley led off with his 17th career triple and would later score as junior catcher Jonathan Routt singled through a drawn in infield. Hessler whiffed 10, walked 4 and gave up only 3 singles and one earned run in recording his first win of the year. Senior Jonathan Lyon came on in relief with one out and two runners on in the 6th and quickly induced a flyball and groundout to get out of the jam. Springbrook would get two much needed insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th as senior Danny Chase reached on an error and junior Danny Green singled to score Chase. With two outs and runners on second and third, Brantley was intentionally walked, a move which would backfire. Hessler stepped up and promptly singled to left to score Green. In the 7th inning, the Blue Devils thwarted another Churchill rally with outstanding relief pitching and defense. Jonathan Lyon recorded his first save, going 1 2/3 innings in relief, surrendering only one hit. He finished off the Bulldogs by getting a pop up to Kim with two runners on. 2006 season preview - click here for Gazette baseball preview Brantley and Hessler named to pre-season all state team December 19, 2005 - Senior outfielder Harold Brantley and junior pitcher Keith Hessler have been selected to the MSABC (Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches) Pre-Season All State Baseball Team. Both players will be honored at a banquet at Camden Yards on February 18. Earlier this fall, Brantley committed to attend and the University of Connecticut, where he will be a member of the UConn Huskies baseball team. Hessler, Brantley, Brewer Earn Post Season Baseball Honors June 6, 2005 - Junior Harold Brantley, sophomore Keith Hessler and senior Parke Brewer earned post season recognition for their accomplishments during the 2005 baseball season. Outfielder Harold Brantley was selected as a member of the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches (MSABC) South Region Team. He also earned 2nd team All-County from the Gazette and 1st team All-Division (selected by the Montgomery County Coaches). Brantley followed up an outstanding sophomore season with an even better junior year. He hit .423, collected 30 hits with 4 doubles, 8 triples and 3 home runs and scored 27 runs. During the season, Brantley broke 4 school records including hits, triples, runs scored and slugging percentage. He also broke the Maryland state record for triples in a career. He now has 16 career three baggers with one season still to play. Pitcher Keith Hessler completed a stellar second season with the Blue Devils, compiling a 5-1 record with one save on the mound He also amassed 96 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings pitched with an ERA of 1.51. His 96 strikeouts led Montgomery County and places him second on the season strikeout record list at Springbrook. Offensively, Hessler led the team with a .424 average, mashing 7 doubles and 4 triples along the way. He earned honorable mention All-Met from the Washington Post, 1st team All-County from the Gazette and 1st team All-Division. Catcher/Infielder Parke Brewer finished his fine Springbrook career earning 1st team All-Division. A three year starter, Brewer hit .262, scored 14 runs with 14 runs batted in and 2 home runs for the 2005 season. His career highlights include hitting 2 home runs in a game versus Wootton. Brewer will attend DePauw University. |