Are Vikes this lucky or this good? Both

Insider,

Have to say your boys the Vikings are kickin butt. I like the idea that they voted as a team not to post their stats. your friend worthless wannabe

Insider,

Have to say your boys the Vikings are kickin butt. I like the idea that they voted as a team not to post their stats. your friend worthless wannabe

Rock N Roll, stick to music and let us take care of the baseball.

Rock N Roll, stick to music and let us take care of the baseball.

yes that was like fingernails on a chalkboard just writing that. - and that's EXACTLY how all of the NV fans sounded this weekend complaining about why THEIR name wasn't in a headline. Now they get the headline for being----THIRD?!?!

I'm glad it was as annoying to read as it was to write - and it sounds like it proved the point

Reality Czech and Go Colts,
Two things...1. Read your posts again and ask yourself did I really write that bull!!!! and
#2 Unbuckle your overalls and look down your pants and see what happened to your manhood because it's missing. Oh yeah, there was a 3rd, Go Colts, go pick up the poo, how dare you ask a Saint for help, you go give the pig some scraps damn farmers.

What's up with that Softball Headline. "Northview moves up to #3"?????

What about the team that's #1 - they get no respect?
Or even the team that's #2 - still ahead of Northview?
Don't you realize that when a team earns a number 1 or 2 ranking, they deserve some kind of respect by at least including their name in the headline?
I hope you can see my point - I'm not whining.... really, I just want respect because we never get any respect when we deserve respect.
I mean why is Northview in the headline when all they did was "climb to #3"?
It must be because Ramirez is a NV grad-yeah that's it!
You'd think that NV was #1 with that headline. The other teams must be lucky to be #1 or #2.
Now wait...am I supposed to now put someone down like NVFan,
SCREAM SOMETHING IN ALL CAPS,
or add in an
e-i-e-i-oh! somewhere

how's it feel now that the shoes on the other foot? sound stupid? it did over the weekend too!

Dang, where is baseball insider when you need him? We need you to address this Old McDonald guy who's pickin on the pony's. If it was SD, he'd be all over it. Miss you insider.

Old McDonald

and on your farm they had a jackass, e-i-e-i-o!
g-r-o-w u-p, e-i-e-i-o

You are seriously in need of psychiatric help.

Tap your foot take a break from picking up the poo.

Ol McRoot had a farm e-i-e-i-0 and on the farm he had stupid baserunners e-i-e-i-o they say they should have won the game, but they don't know e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o that the score could've been 2 to zero e-i-e-i-o Pill was almost a hero e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o instead smith became a zero e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o

Luck = Preperation + Opportunity

If you are Lucky, you still have to do something to get into the position and capitalize on it....

Maybe Coach Chippy will post Ponzo ERA stats now that they faced Pomona and soon to be Ganesha. If he get some more innings maybe that ERA will come down after the blistering at Covina.

Come Chippy, post the info good or bad. Watch out VVL this coach is a real DIRTY stat gate keeper.

Just ask DJ Leonard.. LOL

Valley BB Fan

Give us a break. You're heating up against who?

Pomona and Ganesha.. LOL

They should be easy wins just like the past years..

What I watched:
Best game I have seen in a long time. A couple of good defensive plays,some baserunning blunders(of course)Awesome pitching by both starters. Big crowd.
What I feel:
That Northview deserves to be #1. They make you play your best game. Yes, Covina had a chance to win,but they gave Northview an opportunity that good teams don't squander.
The Covina Parents need to wake up and stop blaming the coaches. You have 10 seniors on the team and with the exception of Tyler, Victor and David, no one else has stepped up their game. There is no excuse for what happened in the dugout. Waterbury & Smith should be benched. They have all the excuses in the world!!!!
This game was lost back in the Fall. That's when your hard work before the season prepares you for games like this. I would bet the Vikes(on their own) were in the cages and taking ground balls after the bell rang.
What I Hope:
That the Colts can bounce back and the rest of the SENIORS to put up or shut up!!!
I am a Colt fan and continue to be,but the truth has to be told.

Good to see Szn Dimas get that first VVL win. Again, solid pithing performance by Ponzo. With Drossel and Ponzo, they will have to continue to be outstanding because the bats aren't there yet. Just wait till they heat up, then watch out VVL.

Hey first time I think I have agreed with NVFAN - and I am a true Northview fan...lol... Good analogy on Pill being over-used VS. Northview's 3 of 4 pitchers being over-used. To be 3-0 on the road and against the three toughest teams in VVL (DO NOT under-estimate BP, they are tough players) well needless to say - we are beyond estatic and so proud. Keep it real Vikes and Murph - keep their feet on the ground.

Scout,
You scouting kids at Disneyland or on the field? Talking about a kid who threw 7 inn. and than 9 inn. next time out and you mention NV guys throwing 5-6 innings a week? Get over it.

I think he is talking about andrade but I still don't understand.. In high school your allowed 10 innings a week max. If you take care of your arm and run you will not hurt your arm unless your agrivating an injury that is already there or was there.. Collage ball you throw on 3 days rest and throw bullpens inbetween.. High school is easy on your arm compared to collage so if u can't take care of it now I feel sorry for you if u make the collage level

scout, how much do yo know about baseball? Who is more likely to get hurt Pill who threw 9 innings over 100 pitches, 7 innings against SD in 10-1 and who know how many more complete games he will have to throw. Or NV pithcers who are just throwing 5 innings and pitching by committee?
The three hits do not reflect all the other hard hits that were hit right at defensive players.

Very good game.. All pitchers did there job Covina still may have been able to rally in the bottom of the 11th but merrill was distracting the whole team with his over reaction.. Talk about self control?? But all in all northview road the storm and took advantage of covinas mistakes.. That's all there is to it

NV Fan, You guys got three hits in nine innings and no runs. Better to be lucky than good, your luck will be running out soon. Better hope one of your three pitchers does not get hurt from over use! Season could end sooner than you think!

Ol Mc Covina had a farm e-i-e-i-o They had a coach at 3B named Root-0 e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o There was only one out, but he told them there was 2 e-i-e-i-o
Northview came back and won the game-0 e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o and the Tribune had a picture of Smith crying in a photo e-i-e-i-o e-i-e-i-o.

Time to go put on the overalls and pick up the poo!!!

When Coach Murphy went out to talk to his pitcher in the 9th inning, Coach Root called all of his runners over and had a conference. All I know is that when the ball was hit ALL three runners took off. It is my opinion that Covina thought there were two outs and not 1 out. Even if that was the case, the runners were just as responsible as the coach. One of them should have known how many outs there were. Northview, as all great teams do, took advantage of the mistake and turned it into a victory.

Ok, was there luck involved...hell yes! As any coach will tell you, (including Murphy), luck has a lot to do with winning. Once a team gets on a roll everything seems to go their way. I don’t think the Tribune doesn’t give Northview respect I believe they have a lot of respect for Northview. I think every team in this area has respect for Northview. Last year Charter Oak won CIF with a lot of luck--they got on a roll.

Murphy’s quote about coming to the ballpark talking about Pill and leaving talking about Pedroza was great. Yes, Pedroza should have got more press, but Tyler pitched 9 innings and he was magnificent! Andrede was nails. He more than any other Viking will be key for their success just in the fact of how he is used. Andrede and De La Fuente of South Hills are used as closers for their teams and that in it self will lead to many victories for both clubs.

The Tribune will name Tyler Pill as the SGV Player of the Year. GET OVER IT, PEOPLE!!!! HE IS A GREAT BASEBALL PLAYER.
Sure, I think it’s too early but the paper is making it obvious. So think about winning a CIF Championship and let the paper talk about whoever they want. Go watch the teams in this area play. It is one of the best years of High School baseball in recent memory. Good Luck to ALL the teams.

Now let’s go to another blog...this horse can’t be ridden any longer.

JUST READ THE POST BY S. RAMIREZ.WHAT CAN I SAY.NOT MUCH OF A BASEBALL GUY.TO QUOTE HIM THE BIGGER THE BLUNDER THE MORE HEADLINE YOU'LL GET.AS IN SAN DIMAS- COVINA.THROW THE BLUNDERS ASIDE.TALK ABOUT THE GREAT PITCHING ON BOTH SIDES. AND THE BOMMING 2 RUN HR THAT'S BASEBALL.TALK ABOUT THE VICTORY.NOT ABOUT THE BLUNDERS.IM SURE THE TEAM FEEL'S BAD ENOUGH ALREADY.

you are so true about Northviews pitchers.Pedroza did a great job for us this week with Andrade finishing up the game., Elias also does a great job. Not only did he Pitch well for San Dimas. He also got the MVP award for the Amat game in the Glendora tournament. Why aren't any of these guys mentioned for the top pitchers in the area.

NORTHVIEW'S PITCHERS ARE ASKED TO THROW 4OR5 INNING'S AND TRY TO KEEP US IN THE BALLGAME.THEY THEN TURN THINGS OVER TO RELIVER 'LIGHTS OUT'ANDRADE.WHAT A GREAT JOB HE'S BEEN DOING.I THINK HE'S 4-0 NOW.VIKINGS PITCHERS DON'T HAVE TO THROW 9 INN.BUT THEY ARE ALSO MAGNIFICENT.HOW ABOUT EDDIE PEDROZA 5 INN.1 HIT AND JUST A SOPHOMORE.AND THEN 'LIGHTS OUT'ANDRATE FOR THE FINAL 6INN.2 HIT'S TALK ABOUT MAGNIFICENT.GREAT QUOTE BY COACH MURPHY.LET THEM COME TO THE PARK TALKING ABOUT PILL,AND LEAVING TALKING ABOUT PEDROZA.

Wow!
I spend the day at the Honda Center watching two great games in the NCAA Tournament, and Fred's blog blows up.
To set the record straight about my associations with Northview, yes, I'm an alum and like any alum of any school, I smile when they are successful. But I wouldn't say I root them openly. When I cover a Northview game or write a story about a Northview athlete, I check my black and gold shirt at the door. I'm a professional journalist and have no rooting interest in events I cover. It's what I learned while I was an aspiring student at Cal State Fullerton and what I've practiced for nearly 20 years in the business. As many of you know, I also cover NHRA drag racing, and as a result have become quite friendly with a few of the drivers, like Tony Pedregon and John Force. And while it's nice to see them win, I don't openly root for them in the press box. I write what I deem is the best story of the race, not why Pedregon or Force lost.
It's same with Northview.
Also, from what I've learned in nearly 20 years in the business, one of our jobs as professional sports journalists is to figure out what is the most interesting, intriguing storyline of the events we cover. Ninety percent of the time, that usually falls with the team that wins a game, a match, or a race. But there are other times, when the way a team loses is more important to why a team lost. In my opinion, it was that way when Northview beat San Dimas earlier this week, and from what I can tell, the same was true with the game on Friday.
I will back Fred, because in my opinion as a professional journalist, you can't compare a blunder that prevents a team from winning a game, with one that gives a team the lead late in a game. That's a big leap to make. One ends the game, the other changes the circumstances of the game, but not necessarily the outcome.
What I mean, is that if Northview was able to take a 1-0 lead in the fifth, it doesn't mean Northview wins 1-0 in seven innings, because the circumstances have changed. Covina's sense of urgency would have changed as a result of being down 1-0 than they would feel in a tied score at that point in the game. That's why the blunder in ninth gets more credence than the one in the fifth.
Just something to think about.
On another note, since I was at the UCLA game tonight, there was a point in the game as I watched Josh Shipp continue to miss open jumpers, where's Blaire Egardo?

IM TIRED OF READING PREP SPORTS.THAT STATE.SAINTS LOSE IN 8TH.OR COVINA BLOWS IT IN 9TH.HOW ABOUT VIKINGS WIN IN 8.OR VIKINGS WIN WITH 3 IN 11TH.I THINK YOU PUT THE WRONG TEAM UP FRONT.JUST A POINT OF VIEW FROM A FAN.

Oh my Gosh... Covina and Bishop both sound the same... Cry Baby Cry!!!!!! get over it Northview won and you lost! Final Answer!!!!!

reality czech is related to Covinafan, hurting over all the little Forrest Gumps, reality is Idol should have lost this game before the 7th inning. Covina had only two hard hits, one by Victor (their best hitter) and the little shortstop. Their 2,3 and 5th hitter could not hit a freaking sophmore? Are you guys kidding yourself?

reality czech, what are you talking about?

what are you talking about?

Pedroza and Pill both pitched well, what else could you ask for...

NV won no matter how it happened, baseball is a game of errors, hits strikes, balls, hit batters, extra bases, base running mistakes, crowd pressure, coaching, stolen bases, umpires and so on and on and on...

Either way its all about the scoreboard no matter how it is dissected at the end...

NV won and congrats Vikes, at least Covina didnt lay down and roll over but gave you a game...

What could be better as an end result besides a good game???

Self implosion sucks and from what I saw that was what happened in the dugout, things were emotional but cooler tempers will prevail...

Overall in the big game of life this doesnt mean anything to most of these young men next year...

Keep it real and keep it mature, thats my 2 cents ...

Joe Colt

NVFan-you described yourselves perfectly.
amnot-this is as close as any NV players past or present will get to SportsCenter, unlike those that you mock with your nickname.

Fred one piece of advice, Feed the monkeys from the outside, once you come inside the cage you became one of us and you rattle tribe.

Well put Daniel, I enjoyed the exchanges today and I understand where you all are coming from.

Williams shot was a blast. That put the dagger in Smith's heart, along with the farm. When he heard it, you heard a collective "Bahhhhh" from the sheep at the farm. Was good to see the farmers chewin on their toothpicks and hay afterwards while picking up the poo.

"If my aunt was born with a package, she'd be my uncle" Jim Rome
The "What if" theory is gone. Fred, put this under your pic and name. It's sweet.

Fredj, comparing yourself to sports center-not even close-you are far off.
If this was about the game and not about any particular school, why wasn't there further mention about the shot by Robert Williams?
This reminds me of the tolegian-mcdonough affair.

Interview from Fred after the game he did not post, my inside source just sent it to me. Here it goes

Fred: Can you please tell us what were yo thinking in the 11th inning?
Player: That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.
Fred:Did yo know there was one out?
For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going.

"Run Forrest Run"

Fred,
I can see where you're coming from because there is no doubt that the 9th inning was one of the crucial innings in the game. I admire you coming on here to discuss your rationale. It's easy to ignore us bloggers and proceed with you daily business, yet you come on here to address our opinions. Thank you. All we wanted was for you to understand where we we're coming from and for our kids to get their due respect. Hopefully you can understand th point we were trying to make. Our kids play hard and win ballgames and it sort of sucks that it appears to the some that luck, not skill, has everything to do with our victories. Now that you're aware of our concerns and us with yours, hopefully we can get past this issue and continue to enjoy the Sports section and our ball games. Thank you for clarifying your side. Although we don't agree on some points, we do appreciate the press and attention you give us. I would hate for us (fans and parents) to have the same reputation as other local teams that post on here. I, too, hate crybabies and complainers and would hate to be labeled as such. Again, thanks for you hard work.

"They're a good team, but I really believe we won the game" quoete from Coach Root
Is this guy a genious oh what, this a true hall fame quote. Fred you got to put this on your wall.
Hey coach i hope you had a good night sleep since you won that game in your mind.
Coach i do have one question, what the hell did you tell the kids on the timeout? Dont tell i know "Run Forrest Run, dont stop"

I know what the blog stated but we win Amat (drama) we win San Dimas(drama) Now Covina More Drama. No doubt All Picthers Did great. And They are all deserving of the great hype. But all to many forget that it takes runs to do that. And our hero was Williams.. Good job Vikes

I don't think that it's anywhere close to "when Northview wins nobody can accept it"
No one has come close to saying that, but Northview seems to want to be proclaimed the 1927 Yankees because they won two games in extra innings that they could have just as easily lost.
This all started with Fred asking,
"Are Vikes this lucky or this good? Both"
Yes they are good...and this week were also very fortunate. Period!

Insider

I'm not trying to start anything, but it's obvious that you are arguing with a kid. Who is the adult here? Annoying, let's stick to baseball.

This has all been great stuff, NV fans, at least you're passionate about your team. I respect that.

go colts,

I love our idle conversations about local BB. You got one on me, I don't have college playing experience, I only coached high school ball in Northern California.
Keep the comments coming, we are probably entertaining a few folks out there. Talk to you next week as the season continues....

Get over it already. Why is it when Northview wins nobody can accept it. A win in the books is a WIN. Good job Nortview

Fred, you are beginning to sound like a guilty sensitive individual, maybe you stayed too long on the Pasadena area and you tought you could fool those old Covina people that you grew up with. As you can see we can all read between the lines. The power of the pen, has been used on sports for ever, from Ruth, Mantle, McGuire to Clemens. They were all glorified with great words while others like Bonds and Canseco were crucified.
Maybe those Edgewood roots are just too strong to avoid

But you could be on to something. Maybe there's a conspiracy among all of us.

Mr. Moran you must be an one eye individual or you an example of your great last name "Moran"
Lucky? Ok, so when you finally had a chance to score one run, none of them were hits. Our RF missed a fly ball, Cody got walked to face your kid who hit a weak ground ball to the first baseman and he dropped it. Then of course it was no accident or luck that all your farmboys are were so dumb to blow the only chance you had. Out of curiosity how well do these kids do in school? and please dont blame the coach, rule no. 1, tag when the ball is on the air, they know this from little league.

Louisiana Lou, reporters don't write their own headlines. Editor's read the stories and write the headlines. Steve and I have nothing to do with it.

FredJ -good point.

I bet Billy Buckner wishes that everyone would talk about the Mets coming back to win the '86 World Series.
And I'm certain that Steve Bartman is hoping that people in Chicago start giving credit to the Marlins for scoring 8 runs after his "fan interference"

need we go on?

Insider,

Again no comment on the SD game, who are you trying to kid! lol I love the idle chatter of a washed up old guy like you, it makes my day. By the way 3 years varsity one college how about you? Keep talking...

Insider,

Again no comment on the SD game, who are you trying to kid! lol I love the idle chatter of a washed up old guy like you, it makes my day. By the way 3 years varsity one college how about you? Keep talking...

Actually go colts:

I'm sure San Dimas is the beneficiary of all of your publicity comments. I guess you really missed the boat as usual but we're both Covina homers, except that I'm NV fan. Sorry to burst your bubble. Unlike you, washed wannabee, I appreciate VVL baseball and am not stuck on being a senseless homer like you. You actually need to grow up and learn to appreciate the game - Oh I forgot, you couldn't even make your high school JV team. Waht a shame. So the clown suit fits perfectly. You found your calling. Great entertainment for the rest of us. Again, nice try but sorry your an aisle short of a supermarket.

Fred, so you say they let the game slip away, how can you have something slip if you never have it? They never had a lead, if that was the case then NV could say the same, they let the game slip in the fith inning.
No doubt about it, you are showing your bias, and this a HS game not the Pill game or a World Series game so give focus to the real heroes.

Robledo,
Don't get all wound up abuot the blogs. It's your newspaper that created them and it's your newspaper that gave thousands of people instant journalist credentials with this blog, so you have to roll with it when people disagree with you.

I love that post about Jim Rome and the "what if" game. "If my aunt was born with a package, she would be my uncle". Instant Classic on that one. Fred, you should put that underneath your name and picture on the home part of the blog.

Reality Czech=Joke

Not used to success? Where have you been last couple years?
Pill was great, not a single NV person is saying different, but Pedroza and Andrade were just as dominant and you going to say Covina hit the ball better than Northview did yesterday? If you think so, your blogging permits have to be revoked for 6 months. Besides, the story wasn't about Pill or any individual kid, it's about a great rivaly between Northview and Covina.

Fred, Fred, Fred,
I'm feeling for you a bit, nice pics in the paper today, a front page article, and some nice quotes from NV coach and here you getting it from both ends, but Fred re-read your article and Steve's from the San Dimas game and you will see the similarities on how fortunate NV was in both articles and both opposing coaches saying that. I see where the coaches are coming from, but the headlines from both games make it sound like Northview was the benefactor and lucky that "San Dimas" and "Covina" gave them the games. NV wasn't given anything, the game against SD was very even and a mistake was made from Northview applying pressure (stealing) and yesterday's game should've been NV 2-0 in 7 innings. (I still haven't seen you admit to that in the blog). Remember, we're being pushed by everyone questioning us because of our top ranking and that goes with the territory, but two road wins at SD and Covina and we're not the focal point of the articles? Read them again and you should be able to see what we're all saying.

Let's try this as an example. What if the Yankees were playing the Dodgers in the World Series and the Yankees pulled a Covina in the ninth and the Dodgers pulled a Northview in the 11th to win it. What do you think they would be talking about on Sport Center? They would be showing the blunder all night. That would be the next day stories focus, and columnists would have a field day with it. That's why I led the story the way I did. It wasn't about Covina. It wasn't about Northview. It was about the game and how it unfolded in the big moments. What you're asking that I write is a high school newspaper story with all the kids names in it. Sorry, that's not how it works.

I noticed that all those guys with radar guns and notepads who put them away as he walked off the mound and NEVER took them out in the bottom half of the inning were a little focused on Pill too. Face it - THAT was the story. Good to win, but the story was how would you do against Pill? 3 hits and retired 15 of the last 16? Beat someone soundly and you won't get that headline. After defeating Amat the headline said,
"Northview knocks out Amat, 4-1"
That's giving you a little credit, right?

I understand that you're not used to success - so don't really know what it's like or how to handle it. Hope you figure it out before the tables turn and you have to go back to same 'ol Northview. And when somone has to say,
"it isn't even a jealousy thing" -
that means it probably is!

Anyone know what ever happened to the moving message board that was suppose to give us updated scores ?

Anyway, anyone have a score on the Amat tournament game down in the OC yet ?

Insider,

I have to laugh at you, all you can do is talk trash...nothing to back it up. I noticed AGAIN you say nothing about losing to Northview! Why don't you go flip another KID off.

I couldn't agree more with GoNV, maybe you are missing the point Fred. While we appreciate all the coverage-as you mentioned-it goes with being the #1 team. Clearly your main focus on the article was Pill, and his spectacular game, and his win that got away from the Colts. We are so proud of our guys at NV and would LOVE to see their names mentioned. As was mentioned - the beginning of your article should have been about Pedroza and Andrade's great game and how FANTASTIC they both did on the mound. Its pretty simple and it isn't even a jealousy thing so PEOPLE do not make it about that or NV being petty. We just went through this with the San Dimas article and then BAM the very article the same thing. I guess that is part of the deal being the #1 team - we just want our kids names out there and I appreciate Coach Murphy always making sure to give credit to his kids, that shows a lot of class so THANKS MURPH for doing that.

You outed me. The Edgewood connection, that must be it.

Go Colts

Nice clowm suit yesterday. We'll all look for contiued laughs from you and your, uh, brainless comments. Keep tyring, maybe you'll come up with somehting worth posting. So far you been striking out. So sorry you can't keep up with the big boys, but I guess you knew that already.

Dear Fred
You either dont understand or you are playing OBama style, we are not crying we just want more playing recognition and credit. Words like Lucky should have not business when a team beats all the best local teams.
Before this game you had the edge on Covina because of Pill, well we have a senior in Andrade who comes in the morst adverse pressure situations and he is unheard from you. Where are the words 'Magnificient" to describe him. When will he get his pics on the paper? A sophmore goes toe to toe against a senior (one hitter) but all you can do is show yor bias toward one pitcher, he is mentioned in the end of paragraph in just one simple senctence. Readers form bias and perception based on headlines, descriptive words and location of article. Headlines with word using "lucky" will create a perception.
Just becaue your other writter roots for NV does means nothing. He did not write this article.
Didnt you graduate from Edgewood? Same school as Pill's dad? does that mean you have a bias like your co-worker?

Fred as a Glendora resident , I want to personally thank you for all you have done for us by covering our Football team this past season . I am sure it helped sell the fish wrap . Or as I will put it ...A LITTLE Job Security .You and Steve continue to do a Great Job each and EVERY WEEK ! here is ony so much space ...you can please some of the people some of the time , you CAN NOT please ALL of the people ALL of the time .

FIGHT ON

TM
P.S. i am happy for your Bruins ...I can't believe I said that ...GO PAC 10!

Mr. Robledo,
You will never write an article that pleases all the masses. Northview is very worthy of the coverage and glad to hear that it will continue. A blogger or two's views is not everyone from Northview's views. Understand that the emotion of the game and the rivalry adds fuel to the fire. Northview gives you a lot of hits on here and just as every good reporter does, you do throw a curveball at the Vikes to get a response on your blog and I get it, so no worries from Viking Land. Someone else mentioned that balls weren't being hit hard by the Vikes...Where were you sitting? You didn't see your SS have a great day or 2B wear a line drive off his chest or your CF and RF make nice catches in the gap? Come on now, I give Pill all the credit in the world, but he had balls hit on the dime yesterday against him. Northview also threw a ball away and had a dropped flyball to right.

Got word that scouts had Pill in the low 90's most of the game and Andrade at 89-91. All I can say is you guys that were there got a treat. That's SGV Baseball at it's finest. Good job to both teams and Northview, keep it up.

Fred

Don't worry about the comments from the NV group. NV is a team on fire right now and it will be very hard to please everyone.

Someone will always know more than you and claim to know the game better than you.

Opinions are like a--holes and everyone has one!

WOW!!!! I can't believe this. All I have to say is that Northview, you won the game and have a great team, but after reading your comments on this blog, you are losers. I was there for the entire game -- nice article, Fred! Keep up the good work. Some people are never happy.

Insider

I'm right here, nobody slammed me but you. Also, NV beat you, just like I said, what now, big mouth.

Jake, reporters never write their own newspaper headlines, but yeah, we write the headlines on this blog. By the way, Stevie R. graduated at Northview and is a proud Viking. The guy was calling me during the game from South El Monte asking for updates. It's interesting how so many are hung up on the word lucky and not good. And I said Northview was both. And as the another commenter noted, my first sentence said, "Covina blew it, but don't say Northview didn't earn it." How much credit and coverage do we need to give you guys before you're satisfied. You're No. 1 in the area, we've covered more of your games than anyone else and will continue to cover more because you're the No. 1 team, so relax. It was a great game by both teams.

Fred's first sentence said, "don't say Northview didn't earn it" He IS giving Northview credit!

And what "great" plays were there from Covina. What I saw was shoddy defense that included a fly to left that should have been caught (might have been recorded a double) and error by a tentative third basemen not charging a slow roller, A botched run down by the second basemen that ended in the first baseman dropping the ball. That was one of the the biggest threats in the game

"hit the ball hard"? "great plays"? where?

Don't forget the Colts lining into the double play after failing to get a bunt down and popping that up too.
Hey baseball is a game of breaks and mistakes and you make your own luck. Credit to the Vikes...but don't make it sound like a blow out!

Luck over the course of the course of a season usually ends up with the better team(s) Remember the last time, someone said those lucky SOB'S from El Monte get all the breaks? Northview Lucky Vikings is our new name I guess. All I know is we beat Pill 2 times last year, Ponzo 2 times last year, McKiernan from Monrovia last year, Meir from Bonita last year and this year, Zuniga from Amat, Drossel this year, and hit Pill well yesterday. The common denonminator in all those games, Northview won all of them..."Those lucky SOB's from Northview" is what happens all the time isn't it?

Freddy,
We know how the paper works and the space etc...but you and Stevie R. control the headlines which were not about Northview winning and you can jot it down on your blog in detail about how Northview blew a couple more scoring opportunities during the course of the game which saved Pill from getting a loss. You can't have it two ways Freddy, throw out blogs with a little hook to reel us in and not like what we reply with. Please don't compare us to Glendora again in any form.

I wish I could have been at the game. Thanks to the Tribune for the great coverage. I don't complain when the the ball bounces our way or the ump gives us the call. So if the "story" is that luck was on our side in a ballgame both teams deserved to win that's what I want to hear from the reporter. Keep up the good work Fred!

To Fredlovespill, I like how you say we're not dumn, by the way it's spelled dumb. In any case, to give you a quick rundown on how newspapers work, we only have so much space to work with, so I can't explain everything that happens in three hours and 11 innings, so I highlighted what were the biggest moments. Covina's blow it play was a huge part of the game and the story, and if you read the whole story, you'll know that I wrote about all the pitchers, and ended with a nice quote about Murphy talking about Pedroza. Are these really your complaints? You're starting to sounds like those Glendora football fans who aren't satisfied that we cover their team, but want to tell us how to write it too.

Fred as you can see we are not dumn, if i was not at I would have gotten the imression that NV was lucky to beat Pill, oh by the way the two other NV pitchers did good too.
Come on, enough kiss ass, a freaking sophmore pitcher was just as dominating, Andrade shut down the middle of the line up. NV was hitting the ball hard agianst Pill, he was saved by great defensive plays and stupid running mistakes from NV. The kid is a warrior and a good pitcher but so were the NV pitchers. Enough Excuses, NV should be the focus, then you can say Pill also had a great game not the other way, remember NV was the winner.
Can you respond to this?

Come on Fred...How come you fail to mention that Northview could have easily have won that game, prior to Covina's 9th inning blunder? If you're going to state the facts from the ninth inning, let's have some integrity and include EVERYTHING from innings 1-7, as well. We definitely had more scoring opportunites and there's no denying that. We hit the ball a hell of a lot harder. We also won the game. Where were these facts in the article, Fred? Why does it have to be a game that Covina let slip away? This is a load of crap!! Nobody likes excuses, so please quit making them. It was a great game and we came out on top. The facts are we allowed the game to continue a bit longer that it should have been. There is no denying this. Great game Murphy and his Vikings, great game Covina, let's do it again.

Fred,
Two games this week and two victories over San Dimas and Covina for the #1 Vikings, but the headline for the two games both have San Dimas and Covina blowing the game rather than Northview winning the games.
Your story is accurate and pics are great, but you failed to tell the readers that Northview should've had two runs in the first 4 innings, which would have gave them the win. Wouldn't you agree if you were there fans from both sides? It's not a what if situation, the kid for Northview left 3B early, which cost them a run and had another kid picked off too. It goes both ways and the 9th inning blunder doesn't happen without the two baserunning blunders by Northview earlier in the game. Isn't this correct? I recognize that beating Northview is a big goal of many teams and that's the ultimate respect, but we do things right and we get our luck from that, not crazy plays or look at what I found type of plays.

Hey Moran, maybe Northview was lucky to play a team that can't run or field-but also has fans full of excuses.

Northview's Schedule So Far

Diamond Ranch 10-3 Win (4-4 record)

Bonita 10-3 Win

Alta Loma 13-0 Win (Alta Loma is 5-3 according to Max Preps)

Bishop Amat 4-1 Win (6-1)

Baldwin Park 3-0 Win

Mayfair 18-3 Win

Mayfair 0-1 Loss (Mayfair is 7-3 record this year according to Max Preps)

San Dimas 1-0 Win

Covina 3-0 Win (6-2 record)

Northview has played 4 teams in the Tribune Top 10 and beaten them all.

Enough said.

Regarding Steve Moran - are you fricken kidding me?? Clearly you do not know the game. NV went all the way to the SEMI FINALS in CIF and you say that was luck? I am pretty sure there is not enough luck in the world and really ALL of these victories are just LUCKY? Come on Moron, you have to know better than that. Good teams may get the breaks now and then but skill, hard work and plain old guts keep you in the game until the very end.

I have to agree with OregonJane - give NV some due respect. Fred's beginning of the article is all Pill and what a great job he did. Let me say this, NV hit Pill hard but unfortunately it was usually right at someone and I am not making any excuses that is baseball. Same with the San Dimas article, all you hear at the beginning is Regan sniveling about the loss ON A THROWING ERROR. Those that know baseball know that when you are the NUMBER 1 team, everyone is gunning for you and NV has faced, played and won 2 great games this week. However you want to cut it, they won and at the end of the day 3-0. Give up the respect and quit emphasizing the opposing team and trying to take away from NV's victory.

Hey This Was A Great Game Today Between The Two Schools. Northview Got Luckly Again Today. With Errors By Covina ( Running & Fielding)My Hat Is Off To Them. But Luck Only Runs So Long!! You Guys Think You Hit Pill Today ,Just Like San Dimas But Nothing Happen To The 11th Inning ,When A Different Pitcher Took Over. And the Outfield Made A Error. Just Ask Baldwin Park ,& San Dimas About Mistakes. Everything Catches Up TO You Sooner Or Later. Only . You Guys Are Good , But Luck Only Last So Long.Just
Look At C.I.F. Last
Year.

mAN I AM SO PROUD OF THIS NV TEAM AND WHAT AN EXCITING GAME!! I AM BEGGING YOU KIDS AND COACHES TO GIVE US A FEW WEEKS OF EASE AND LESS STRESS, PLEASE HOW ABOUT A FEW (LIKE 10 MORE) EASY VICTORIES? YOU JUST KEEP PROVING TO US HOW MUCH YOU WANT THIS AND HOW UNITED YOU ARE AS A TEAM. I KEEP SAYING IT BUT STAY STRONG AND STAY UNITED. GREAT JOB VIKES AND GREAT JOB MURPH AND COACHING STAFF

Northview just gets it done. They score almost 10 runs a game in the Glendora Tournament and win and now they win back to back extra inning games behind great pitching. Winning games in different ways is impressive and says a lot about their overall ability. For 5 innings, Eddie Pedroza was the pitcher of the game and should've went home with a win over Pill. They had a bloop single off of him and that was it. Pill is Pill. The kid was impressive to say the least, going 9 innings and giving the Colts a chance to win is all you can ask, but give the Vikes credit someone this week please do that. The Vikes actually hit the ball well today and Covina made some outstanding plays, so things are getting a little out of hand with how much Covina blew the game rather than Northview winning. As someone mentioned, Northview had opportunities and the game could've been over with Pedroza getting the "W", but the drama was worth the last few innings.

hey man not to take anything away from all the print that Pill gets - but how about NV's sophomore going head to head. Pedroza threw one helluva game and kept it tight until marc came in - what a fantastic job Lefty did. Well done and way to make your coaches proud by putting you up to the test.

hey man not to take anything away from all the print that Pill gets - but how about NV's sophomore going head to head. Pedroza threw one helluva game and kept it tight until marc came in - what a fantastic job Lefty did. Well done and way to make your coaches proud by putting you up to the test.

As i have seen mentioned a few times already - nv missed a few huge oppurtunities earlier in the game and IF they had capitalized when they should have, no way it was an 11 inning game - so having said that AGAIN - A GOOD TEAM WILL GET SOME OF THE 'LUCKY' BREAKS but NV was not LUCKY to win that game - just THAT DAMN GOOD.

i think u have to give Pedroza some credit he kept the vikes in the game and went 5 innings just gave up one hit and looked just as good as Pill. GO VIKES!!!!!!!!!

To all those at Covina today, let's give a hand to the kids and staffs for providing us with one helluva ballgame. In a 11 inning game, there is going to be opportunities for both teams to win games and when it doesn't happen, that leads up to the build up as some have said, was the best high school baseball game they've seen in a long time. Fred, your article is nice, but I was impressed big time with Northview's offense. Why, well they hit Pill pretty good today and had nothing to show for it for 9 innings. They gutted up and than Tyler gutted up when Northview didn't take advantage of a few opportunities they had. In a long game like today, you tend to forget things that happened early like the Northview kid being held up at 3B when it appeared he would score on the double to right center and Andrade leaving early from 3B on the sac fly to left fied. It definately added to the drama, but if Northview doesn't make baserunning mistakes, this game is over at 5:15 and the buzz isn't what it is now. That being said, Covina blew a major opportunity in the 9th or 10th with the bases loaded. It's just magnified more because it was late and the tension was higher than a thermometer in Death Valley in August. I will say this, don't pin this on the Covina coach at 3B. He was telling the kids what to do before the pitch. Remember, those were young kids on the basepaths who made a silly mistake. One last thing, when you keep mentioning a team being lucky, you know one thing for sure, that team must be good and Northview- that is just what you are. Damn Good!!!

To all those at Covina today, let's give a hand to the kids and staffs for providing us with one helluva ballgame. In a 11 inning game, there is going to be opportunities for both teams to win games and when it doesn't happen, that leads up to the build up as some have said, was the best high school baseball game they've seen in a long time. Fred, your article is nice, but I was impressed big time with Northview's offense. Why, well they hit Pill pretty good today and had nothing to show for it for 9 innings. They gutted up and than Tyler gutted up when Northview didn't take advantage of a few opportunities they had. In a long game like today, you tend to forget things that happened early like the Northview kid being held up at 3B when it appeared he would score on the double to right center and Andrade leaving early from 3B on the sac fly to left fied. It definately added to the drama, but if Northview doesn't make baserunning mistakes, this game is over at 5:15 and the buzz isn't what it is now. That being said, Covina blew a major opportunity in the 9th or 10th with the bases loaded. It's just magnified more because it was late and the tension was higher than a thermometer in Death Valley in August. I will say this, don't pin this on the Covina coach at 3B. He was telling the kids what to do before the pitch. Remember, those were young kids on the basepaths who made a silly mistake. One last thing, when you keep mentioning a team being lucky, you know one thing for sure, that team must be good and Northview- that is just what you are. Damn Good!!!

Too bad someone had to lose. Just ask San Dimas about that....1-0 on a throwing error????? WOW!

Hey Scout,
Before you go pointing fingers at the coaching staff, why don't you get your facts straight. I was down the left field line and heard the coach tell the kids the situation after every pitch.
I think both teams played a great game, too bad it had to end.

This was a great game that neither team deserved to lose. Pill pitched his heart out for 9 innings and should have won except for the baserunning blunder by his teammates.NV played well too.Someone had to win. We'll see what happens in round to. Thanks for the entertainment players for both teams.

"great game but covinas mistakes is what gave nview the win." Actually this is completely false. If we're foing to play the "what if" game, then the game never should have gone into extra innings. We held our guy at third on that double, what if he would have ran it in, he definitely would have made it because it was a bad throw. Then, what if the guy at first didn't get picked off? He would have scored on the double to right center. Finally, what if the runner at third wouldn't have left early? He would have scored also. The "what if" game is a horrible way to think about things. To quote Jime Rome, "If my aunt would have been born with a package, she would be my uncle!" NV won in a great pither's dual and that's that. Our hats are off to both teacms and both staffs. Class acts all around!!! Let's go Vikes.

Will someone give Northview some credit this year??? League champs in football (3-way tie), basketball (undefeated), wrestling (speaks for itself) and on it's way to an undefeated league season in baseball. That is pretty impressive! Great job boys!!!

Don't be so sour, I don't root for anyone. If I was, I would probably root for Northview since catcher Robert Williams is a longtime family friend. But let's be honest, Northview was lucky and good. Lucky that Covina forgot to tag on a game-winning play, and good because this team hasn't allowed a run in 26 innings of Valle Vista league action, and is 3-0 with all wins on the road. The Vikes are the real deal, no doubt about that. Their lefty sophomore was just as good as Pill today for the five innings he went head-to-head with him.

Go Colts -

Where are you now??? Obviously choking on your dumb comments earlier this week. Yeah we all saw you at the game today wearing your clown suit. It really suits you well. Oh yeah, better luck next time - we all appreciated the fact that you shut up and had nothing to say after everyone else slammed you.

Lucky is the word to use. Both teams were finding ways to lose this game. Can anyone make a routine catch in the outfield. NV is lucky because the coaching at covina is something not to be desired. Covina has a long road ahead of them if that is the best thier coach can do for them. Little reminders of the situation would have been helpful. When you have bases loaded with one out and two runners leaving with a ball in the air to center you have to blame the coach. Covina you deserved to LOSE!!!

Northview AND Covina were awesome today. Fred stated that Northview was "that good" - but everyone knows that in a game like that anything can happen. And there is a "little luck" in baseball. Good job to both teams!

great game but covinas mistakes is what gave nview the win.

great game but covinas mistakes is what gave nview the win.

So Fred if Covina would have won the game, would have posted how lucky they are? Don't you think NV should have won the game when the runner at third did not tag in th fifth inning, and another runner got picked off on first.
Fred you clearly root for Covina, Pill was great and so were the NV pitchers who have been shutting down every other school including Amat.

Fred, Lucky? Not you too. Your starting to sound like sooo many after a NV win.

WOW!!!! What a great game! This was a battle on both sides. Pill and Pedroza started great games, then Andrade came in to finish it off. Hats off to NV and Covina. Thanks for a great game. Go Vikings!!!!!!

Great job VIKES!!! keep it going. And great job to the coaches keep up the good work, Murphy, kettle,E40,Moore