PLAYER HIGHLIGHT FOR 2008 16U CHAMPIOSHIPS TEAM MEMBER CODY BUCKEL
- Congratulations to Cody Buckel of the 2008 Conejo Oaks 16U Championships Team. Cody was selected to be a starting pitcher on the 2008 USA National Team representing the United States in Veracruz, Mexico. The team won the gold medal. Go to www.usabaseball.com for more information.
The Conejo Oaks played in the 2008 USA Baseball 16U Championships June 21st -28th in Phoenix, AZ.
In the first game of pool play, Conejo Oaks defeated the Arizona Premier Red 12-0. Mikel Beltran and Cameron Cuneo combined for a two hit run shortened game. The 14 hit Conejo offense was paced by Tyler Smith’s two doubles and three RBI’s. Blake Adame and Alex Solis each had two hits and two RBI’s. Denny Vigo and Sean McIntyre each added two hits. Cody Buckel, Cody Thomson, James Brady and Paul Ishiyama had also had hits.
In the second game of pool play, Conejo Oaks bested the Baseball Factory of Maryland 6-4. This game was highlighted by the pitching performance of Cody Buckel. Buckel pitched five no-hit innings while walking one and striking out ten. Ryan Jensen, Peter McAfee and Blake Adame also pitched. The offense was led by two hits by Blake Adame and Collin Boys. Boyd Bell and Andy Yingling added hits.
In the third game of pool play, Conejo Oaks shut out the Eastbay Lookouts of Northern California 4-0. Cory Jones and Scott Zeman combined in a six hitter while striking out nine. The hitting attack was led by Blake Adame’s RBI triple and doubles by Tyler Smith and Denny Vigo. Sean McIntyre, Ryan Jensen, and James Brady each had singles for Conejo.
In seeded play, Conejo Oaks played the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. After trailing for most of the game, Conejo scored five runs in the sixth inning to take a 6-5 lead. The Quakes scored two runs in the seventh to win 7-6. Alex Solis, Cody Thomson, Cameron Cuneo and Mikel Beltran shared the pitching. The offense was led by James Brady’s three RBI bases clearing triple. Blake Adame added two hits including a double and triple. Sean McIntyre added two singles and Denny Vigo and Brady had singles for the Oaks.
In the second game of seeded play, Conejo Oaks played an extra inning game against the Placentia Mustangs. In eight innings, Conejo defeated the Mustangs 11-10. Alex Solis led the attack with three hits including a triple. Tyler Smith, Boyd Bell, and Blake Adame each had two hits. Cody Buckel and Andy Yingling added hits. Cameron Cuneo, Ryan Jensen, Peter McAfee, Scott Zeman and Andy Yingling combined in the victory.
In the first round of single elimination play, Conejo Oaks faced the San Diego Gamers. After scoring two runs and taking a one run lead in the first, the San Diego pitching shutdown Conejo’s offense for a 4-2 win. Cory Jones, Cody Thomson, and Cody Buckel pitched for Conejo. The Conejo offense was lead by two hit performances by Blake Adame, Cody Buckel and Sean McIntyre. James Brady and Cody Thomson each had hits for the Oaks.
In consolation play, Conejo was match against the ASD Bulldogs from Southern California. In a close match, Conejo took an early three run lead and held on to defeat the Bulldogs 3-2. Mikel Beltran, Peter McAfee, Andy Yingling, and Cody Buckel pitched for the Oaks. The Conejo offense was led by Sean McIntyre two hits including a double. Alex Solis had two hits and an RBI. Paul Ishiyama had a single and two RBI’s. Blake Adame, Ryan Jensen and Collin Boys each added hits.
Conejo Oaks finished the tournament with a 5-2 record. With a .316 team average, the offense was paced by Blake Adame’s .545 batting average including nine hits and seven RBI’s. Alex Solis, Sean McIntyre and Paul Ishiyama each had a .500 batting average for the tournament. Cody Buckel pitched 7 1/3 innings during tournament without allowing a hit while striking out 16 batters. Cory Jones pitched 9 1/3 innings while striking out 16 batters.
Along with 35 other 16U players from around the country, Conejo’s Cody Buckel will travel to Miami, FL in August for tryouts and training for the 16U USA Baseball National Team. The National team will participate in the COPABE “AA” Pan AM Championships in David, Panama at the end of August.
Cody has made a verbal commitment to Pepperdine as a result of his accomplishments at USA Baseball’s 16U Championship tournament, and Thousand Oaks High School’s shortstop Tyler Smith verbally committed to the two time National Champion Oregon State baseball program after his success at the 16 U Championship. Simi Valley's right hand pitcher Cory Jones made a verbal commitment to accept a scholarship to Pepperdine University.
Front Row (L-R) Michael Erb, Alex Solis, Collin Boys, Scott Zeman, James Brady, Cody Buckel, Nick Vigo, Mikel Beltran, Paul Ishiyama
Middle Row (L-R) Coach Denny Vigo, Andy Yingling, Sean McIntyre, Boyd Bell, Ryan Jensen, Peter McAfee, Cameron Cuneo, Cory Jones, Cody Thomson, Blake Adame, Tyler Smith, Denny Vigo
Back Row (L-R) Coach Ron Smith, Head Coach Frank Mutz
