PATRIOT BASEBALL ARTICLES
Moralez's gem lifts Goose Creek Memorial past George
Ranch
Richard Dean | May 15, 2014 | Updated: May 15, 2014 11:45pm
PEARLAND – Any time Goose Creek Memorial has Mario
Moralez on the mound, the Patriots have a good chance to
win. No matter the opponent.
On Thursday, Memorial opened its three-game series at Dawson baseball complex against state-ranked George
Ranch with a 1-0 win behind an one-hit shutout from Moralez, who retired his last 10 batters and struck out seven.
"Tonight, he kept the ball down, changed speeds and did a great job," said Memorial coach Charlie Thames. "That's a
great team over there and he did a great job just attacking them."
The Patriots scored only once off George Ranch senior starter Grant Page, who threw 123 pitches. Page allowed only
a fifth-inning sacrifice fly by Chase Ball that scored Shannon Broussard, who had the first of three singles to start the
inning.
Moralez, a righthanded sophomore was superb, allowing only a single to Alex Shaver, the first batter he faced, and
one walk, in a game that took only an hour and 38 minutes to play.
"I had my off-speed going, I could throw that first pitch for a strike" said Moralez. "I had them off balanced. But we
have to finish this series."
Ball, who drove in the lone run, worked a 0-2 count into a nine-pitch, full count at-bat. To George Ranch's credit, the
Longhorns allowed only the one run in the fifth after Broussard, Coby Schumaker and Kelton Price singled.
Broussard and Price had two hits each for the Patriots, who had seven hits, including Malik Michel's seventh inning
0
Ranch
Richard Dean | May 15, 2014 | Updated: May 15, 2014 11:45pm
PEARLAND – Any time Goose Creek Memorial has Mario
Moralez on the mound, the Patriots have a good chance to
win. No matter the opponent.
On Thursday, Memorial opened its three-game series at Dawson baseball complex against state-ranked George
Ranch with a 1-0 win behind an one-hit shutout from Moralez, who retired his last 10 batters and struck out seven.
"Tonight, he kept the ball down, changed speeds and did a great job," said Memorial coach Charlie Thames. "That's a
great team over there and he did a great job just attacking them."
The Patriots scored only once off George Ranch senior starter Grant Page, who threw 123 pitches. Page allowed only
a fifth-inning sacrifice fly by Chase Ball that scored Shannon Broussard, who had the first of three singles to start the
inning.
Moralez, a righthanded sophomore was superb, allowing only a single to Alex Shaver, the first batter he faced, and
one walk, in a game that took only an hour and 38 minutes to play.
"I had my off-speed going, I could throw that first pitch for a strike" said Moralez. "I had them off balanced. But we
have to finish this series."
Ball, who drove in the lone run, worked a 0-2 count into a nine-pitch, full count at-bat. To George Ranch's credit, the
Longhorns allowed only the one run in the fifth after Broussard, Coby Schumaker and Kelton Price singled.
Broussard and Price had two hits each for the Patriots, who had seven hits, including Malik Michel's seventh inning
0
NO DOUBTER: Cooper, Pats stun Barbers Hill, 11-3
By TRENT PADGETT [email protected] | Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2014 7:19 pm
In early season baseball tournaments, the outcome is often decided on who has the deeper pitching
staff.
The outcome was never in doubt Saturday in North Baytown as the Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
run-ruled the Barbers Hill Eagles, 11-3.
Memorial took a commanding lead in the bottom of the third inning when a Jo Jo Valencia’s two-RBI
double was followed up by a three-run homer by Dennis Cooper giving the Patriots a 5-0 advantage.
The Pats extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth adding three more runs once again off the bats
of Valencia and Cooper to make it 8-0 Memorial.
The Eagles finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth when Mason Furlong hit a two run
bomb over the right field fence to bring Barbers Hill within six runs of the Patriots. However,
Memorial was able to add a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, when Chase Ball scored on a
sac fly from Coby Schumaker.
The Patriots added two more in the bottom the sixth to end the game at 11-3 as the UIL mercy rule for
baseball takes effect if the winning team leads by eight or more when the losing team has only one at
bat left in the game.
The Eagles were led offensively by Furlong who was 1-4 and drove in two, and Taylor Cooling who
went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI of his own.
The Patriots were led at the dish by Valencia, who finished 2-4 with a double and three RBIs, and
Cooper, who went 2-4 with four RBIs and a Home Run. Theron Stockwell went 5 and 1/3 innings on
the mound, allowing three runs and striking out six while taking the victory.
Eagles Head Coach David Denny was understandably not happy with his team’s performance, but
knows they are capable of playing better. “Their fifth pitcher was obviously better than our fifth
pitcher today. (Memorial) competed better at the plate, they competed better defensively, and we’re
not good enough to just show up and play. It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and we were very much at a
summer ball pace today, and GCM is good on top of that.” Denny said after addressing his team.
Spirits were much higher around the Patriot dugout after the game. “We capitalized on some mistakes
and Theron (Stockwell) did a good job keeping us in the game and that’s all you can really ask of your
starting pitcher,” Patriots Head Coach Charles Thames said post game.
“It’s nice to know that everything that we’ve been putting into practice has worked out. It’s been a
grind, but when things like this happen we can clearly see that it’s worth it,” Cooper said of the win.
Both teams come out of the tournament with 7-3 overall records and will start district play next
Tuesday. Barbers Hill will go on the road to face Crosby, and Memorial will play Texas City at home.
By TRENT PADGETT [email protected] | Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2014 7:19 pm
In early season baseball tournaments, the outcome is often decided on who has the deeper pitching
staff.
The outcome was never in doubt Saturday in North Baytown as the Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
run-ruled the Barbers Hill Eagles, 11-3.
Memorial took a commanding lead in the bottom of the third inning when a Jo Jo Valencia’s two-RBI
double was followed up by a three-run homer by Dennis Cooper giving the Patriots a 5-0 advantage.
The Pats extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth adding three more runs once again off the bats
of Valencia and Cooper to make it 8-0 Memorial.
The Eagles finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth when Mason Furlong hit a two run
bomb over the right field fence to bring Barbers Hill within six runs of the Patriots. However,
Memorial was able to add a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, when Chase Ball scored on a
sac fly from Coby Schumaker.
The Patriots added two more in the bottom the sixth to end the game at 11-3 as the UIL mercy rule for
baseball takes effect if the winning team leads by eight or more when the losing team has only one at
bat left in the game.
The Eagles were led offensively by Furlong who was 1-4 and drove in two, and Taylor Cooling who
went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI of his own.
The Patriots were led at the dish by Valencia, who finished 2-4 with a double and three RBIs, and
Cooper, who went 2-4 with four RBIs and a Home Run. Theron Stockwell went 5 and 1/3 innings on
the mound, allowing three runs and striking out six while taking the victory.
Eagles Head Coach David Denny was understandably not happy with his team’s performance, but
knows they are capable of playing better. “Their fifth pitcher was obviously better than our fifth
pitcher today. (Memorial) competed better at the plate, they competed better defensively, and we’re
not good enough to just show up and play. It’s Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and we were very much at a
summer ball pace today, and GCM is good on top of that.” Denny said after addressing his team.
Spirits were much higher around the Patriot dugout after the game. “We capitalized on some mistakes
and Theron (Stockwell) did a good job keeping us in the game and that’s all you can really ask of your
starting pitcher,” Patriots Head Coach Charles Thames said post game.
“It’s nice to know that everything that we’ve been putting into practice has worked out. It’s been a
grind, but when things like this happen we can clearly see that it’s worth it,” Cooper said of the win.
Both teams come out of the tournament with 7-3 overall records and will start district play next
Tuesday. Barbers Hill will go on the road to face Crosby, and Memorial will play Texas City at home.
Cooper hits two-run HR, grand slam in opening-night win
Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 10:14 pm
By CODY TUCKER [email protected] | 0 comments
Goose Creek Memorial manager Charles Thames knew he had something special in senior Dennis Cooper.
After all, the big senior was the Patriots top pitcher in 2013, earning all-district honors in the process.
That success came on the mound.
Monday night, Cooper did his damage at the plate
Cooper hit a grand slam and a two-run homerun, driving in seven runs in a 12-10 opening night win over the Cougars in Crosby.
It was a pleasant surprise for Thames, who said he expected pitching and defense to be the Pats biggest strengths in the early going.
“Cooper has worked extremely hard to get where he is at,” Thames said. “His work ethic is second to none. He had a huge night at the plate, but that is what good players do.
“They show up in big situations.”
Chase Gorbett drove in two runs for the Patriots, and Shannon Broussard and Chase Ball each drove in a run in the win.
The two squads combined for 22 runs, 20 hits and 10 extra-base hits.
Broussard picked up the win for the Pats, tossing 2 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. Broussard did give up five runs while not recording a strikeout, but that’s where Cooper came in.
The senior homered in the first and cleared the bases in the fourth to give GCM an 11-6 lead.
Crosby answered in the bottom half of the inning, plating four. It was the last time the Cougars would cross home.
GCM closer Mario Moralez put away the final 11 outs to record the save.
Jojo Valencia finished with three hits on the night and scored twice.
The Patriots will take the field Thursday when they face Humble in Kingwood at 1:30 p.m. and Kingwood Park at 4 p.m.
Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 10:14 pm
By CODY TUCKER [email protected] | 0 comments
Goose Creek Memorial manager Charles Thames knew he had something special in senior Dennis Cooper.
After all, the big senior was the Patriots top pitcher in 2013, earning all-district honors in the process.
That success came on the mound.
Monday night, Cooper did his damage at the plate
Cooper hit a grand slam and a two-run homerun, driving in seven runs in a 12-10 opening night win over the Cougars in Crosby.
It was a pleasant surprise for Thames, who said he expected pitching and defense to be the Pats biggest strengths in the early going.
“Cooper has worked extremely hard to get where he is at,” Thames said. “His work ethic is second to none. He had a huge night at the plate, but that is what good players do.
“They show up in big situations.”
Chase Gorbett drove in two runs for the Patriots, and Shannon Broussard and Chase Ball each drove in a run in the win.
The two squads combined for 22 runs, 20 hits and 10 extra-base hits.
Broussard picked up the win for the Pats, tossing 2 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. Broussard did give up five runs while not recording a strikeout, but that’s where Cooper came in.
The senior homered in the first and cleared the bases in the fourth to give GCM an 11-6 lead.
Crosby answered in the bottom half of the inning, plating four. It was the last time the Cougars would cross home.
GCM closer Mario Moralez put away the final 11 outs to record the save.
Jojo Valencia finished with three hits on the night and scored twice.
The Patriots will take the field Thursday when they face Humble in Kingwood at 1:30 p.m. and Kingwood Park at 4 p.m.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP: Senior-laden Patriots set sights on district, extended playoff run
Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2014 6:13 pm
By CODY TUCKER [email protected] | 0 comments
Goose Creek Memorial manager Charles Thames remembers that long walk off the field and into the offseason last spring in Pearland.
The Patriots forced a third game against an upstart Richmond Foster squad, but were unable to shut the door in a forgettable fifth inning that saw a one-run lead turn into a 10-2 blowout.
The memory maybe fresh, but the emotions aren’t the same. It’s a new year, new team, according to Thames.
“They just pulled away from us in the fifth,” Thames said of last year’s playoff loss, “But we have a good group of kids. We got a lot of experience last year and now we know what it takes.”
GCM finished the season 20-10 overall and boasted a 10-4 record in district play, which was only good enough for a fourth-place finish in a deep, talented 24-4A.
Led by the lanky southpaw Dennis Cooper and first-team all-district center-fielder Chase Ball, the Patriots gave themselves a chance to vault into the No. 2 slot in the league in the final game of the regular season.
Once again, it wasn’t meant to be.
“In this district, week in and week out you need to bring your A-game,” Thames said. “Galveston Ball can pitch, and Friendswood and Santa Fe can pitch.”
Now, according to the skipper, you can add GCM to that list of teams with a dominating rotation.
Last season Thames said he relied heavily on Cooper all season long. This go-round, he feels he has the depth to compete with anyone in the postseason.
“In the past four seasons we have had two horses on the mound each year,” he said. “In the playoffs, you need to have more than two. That will be a strength for us this year.
“We have two seniors and two sophomores that will see time on the mound immediately. We also have pitchers-only, which is a first. We will have some guys that can eat up some innings for us.”
The Patriots will rely on senior leadership this year with 11 seniors coming back,” Thames said. There will also be five sophomores and three juniors on the varsity roster when GCM takes the field Monday in its season opener on the road at Crosby.
With a veteran squad returning, Thames said along with pitching, his squad should be sound on the defensive side, especially in the outfield.
“Our whole outfield is back,” he said. “I am proud of what (assistant coach) Ryan Roecker has been able to do with that group. They have really bought in and don’t let a lot of balls drop.”
As far as expectations, the second-year manager said he will carry on the words of former coach and Baytown native Chris Rupp – “It’s about the application, not the result.”
Thames said he doesn’t talk to his team about making the postseason or winning the district title, he said things like that happen if you meet the goals he does set.
“I expect you to hustle, do the small things right and be a good teammate,” he said. “The big stuff will take care of itself.”
Arguably, the biggest difference between last year and this upcoming season is the change within the coach himself.
“I am a whole lot more comfortable,” Thames said. “Last year I was filling some big shoes when Rupp left. I want to have success, but I am also laid back and want this to be their team.
“I feel way more confident that this team can be more my style.”
Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2014 6:13 pm
By CODY TUCKER [email protected] | 0 comments
Goose Creek Memorial manager Charles Thames remembers that long walk off the field and into the offseason last spring in Pearland.
The Patriots forced a third game against an upstart Richmond Foster squad, but were unable to shut the door in a forgettable fifth inning that saw a one-run lead turn into a 10-2 blowout.
The memory maybe fresh, but the emotions aren’t the same. It’s a new year, new team, according to Thames.
“They just pulled away from us in the fifth,” Thames said of last year’s playoff loss, “But we have a good group of kids. We got a lot of experience last year and now we know what it takes.”
GCM finished the season 20-10 overall and boasted a 10-4 record in district play, which was only good enough for a fourth-place finish in a deep, talented 24-4A.
Led by the lanky southpaw Dennis Cooper and first-team all-district center-fielder Chase Ball, the Patriots gave themselves a chance to vault into the No. 2 slot in the league in the final game of the regular season.
Once again, it wasn’t meant to be.
“In this district, week in and week out you need to bring your A-game,” Thames said. “Galveston Ball can pitch, and Friendswood and Santa Fe can pitch.”
Now, according to the skipper, you can add GCM to that list of teams with a dominating rotation.
Last season Thames said he relied heavily on Cooper all season long. This go-round, he feels he has the depth to compete with anyone in the postseason.
“In the past four seasons we have had two horses on the mound each year,” he said. “In the playoffs, you need to have more than two. That will be a strength for us this year.
“We have two seniors and two sophomores that will see time on the mound immediately. We also have pitchers-only, which is a first. We will have some guys that can eat up some innings for us.”
The Patriots will rely on senior leadership this year with 11 seniors coming back,” Thames said. There will also be five sophomores and three juniors on the varsity roster when GCM takes the field Monday in its season opener on the road at Crosby.
With a veteran squad returning, Thames said along with pitching, his squad should be sound on the defensive side, especially in the outfield.
“Our whole outfield is back,” he said. “I am proud of what (assistant coach) Ryan Roecker has been able to do with that group. They have really bought in and don’t let a lot of balls drop.”
As far as expectations, the second-year manager said he will carry on the words of former coach and Baytown native Chris Rupp – “It’s about the application, not the result.”
Thames said he doesn’t talk to his team about making the postseason or winning the district title, he said things like that happen if you meet the goals he does set.
“I expect you to hustle, do the small things right and be a good teammate,” he said. “The big stuff will take care of itself.”
Arguably, the biggest difference between last year and this upcoming season is the change within the coach himself.
“I am a whole lot more comfortable,” Thames said. “Last year I was filling some big shoes when Rupp left. I want to have success, but I am also laid back and want this to be their team.
“I feel way more confident that this team can be more my style.”