Sundown's first

Not only was this Sundown's first baseball playoff victory, this was their first baseball season - ever. They were in complete control of the Class 1A bi-district series against Ralls and will play against Fort Hancock (17-4-1), for the District 1-1A championship this weekend.

Read George Watson's related story: Homers, playoff wins are new for Barnes, Sundown

ballpark birds

During Texas Tech's 12-8 victory over Bethune-Cookman I couldn't help but notice the hundreds of birds swarming around Dan Law Field. I guess spring is on its way.

For actual baseball game photos go HERE.

LCU headed to NAIA World Series ranked no. 1

It was an exciting week for Lubbock Christian University baseball as they competed in and won the NAIA Regional tournament and are headed to the NAIA World Series as the number 1 ranked team in the country. I got to cover a few games - here are some of my favorite tenths of a second.

That pitcher shot

Roosevelt's comeback victory 5-4 was a great way to start my 2009 high school baseball coverage. I've seen a few renditions of a pitcher photograph where the ball is in focus and the pitcher is out of focus in the background. I attempted that photo during today's game - the hardest part was composing the pitcher in the background after getting the focus. Nice win Roosevelt!

Opening day for Tech baseball - TT 14, Southern Utah 3

- - -
Opening day didn't go exactly like Dan Spencer would have liked, but if it had the new Texas Tech baseball coach probably would be doing something else.

"They never go like you think they are," Spencer said. "Once you think you've got it planned out and handled then you need to find another line of work like fortune teller or card reading, tarot cards."

As it went, however, debuts and trotting out numerous freshmen and newcomers to Division I baseball went about as good as it could - two victories. Ace right-hander Chad Bettis baffled Southern Utah for 62/3 innings to open the day with a 14-3 win, and newcomer Kellen Monreal closed the day with a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning to move the Red Raiders past UT-Pan American, 6-5... (Continue reading George Watson's story: Spencer starts 2-0.)

Webb Weaves His 8th Win

Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb, right, celebrates his league leading eighth win with catcher Chris Snyder after defeating the Phillies 8-3 Thursday at Chase Field. Webb is 8-0. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/The Arizona Republic

Huskies One Win From State

(caption from 4th photo in above slideshow) Pitcher Ryan Schwenn, left, catcher Thomas Valenza, center, and outfielder Steve Defreitas of played an integral part in helping the Horizon Huskies roll over their competition this season. They are within one game of reaching the state final. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/The Arizona Republic

D-Backs pound Padres 9-0

dbacks0418 151327 -- 04/18/08 -- Diamondbacks' Conor Jackson (cq) runs past second on his way to a triple in the bottom of the sixth inning. A double would have given him the cycle on the night. He hit a home run, two triples, a single, and four RBIs against the Padres Friday at Chase Field. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/The Arizona Republic

Related Article: D-Backs blitz Maddux, Padres
Related photo gallery: AZcentral game photo gallery

D-Backs complete sweep of Dodgers

It was a special day at the ball park in Phoenix today - yes, the Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 4-3 and swept them in the three game series, but the dome was also opened moments before the opening pitch. I was told its not very common the dome is open during day games - I guess it's usually too hot. The light was great, and so was the 75 degree weather.

(caption of first photo) dbacks0409 151322 -- 04/09/08 -- Diamondbacks' Orlando Hudson (cq) gets tagged out at the plate by Dodgers' pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (cq) in the bottom of the fourth inning Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/The Arizona Republic

Commenting on the above caption - upon closer inspection, it almost looks like Hudson avoided the tag. It at least appears that way with the four frames I was able to capture. Look for yourself.

Related article: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/2008/04/09/20080409dbgame.html

The Chandler Six

cr-chandlerbase0312 150940 -- 03/10/08 -- From left: Mike Handel (cq), Tim Barraza (cq), Michael Morales (cq), Jose Bracamonte (cq), Ryan Davis (cq), and Jordan Oliva (cq) are all seniors on Chandler High's baseball team. They have played on the same teams for the past 10 years and this may be their last as a group. -- Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/The Arizona Republic

Cougar Baseball

BYU baseball v UNM

UNM's Drew McDonald scored in the third inning when BYU's Casey Nelson missed the ball during a play at the plate. BYU lost Saturday's game 3-15, but won the three game series 2-1.