Great Bridge rebounds and Defeats Oscar Smith 4-1

Great Bridge held off a very excited and much improved Oscar Smith team Wednesday. To begin the fourth inning Justin Lee reached on an error and Austin Jones would double home Lee. Andrew Flaherty would keep the Wildcats in the game from the mound as he pitched 4 innings and had 7 strikeouts and only 1 walk. The Wildcats would put the game out of reach when Ryan Vanassche singled, Cameron Czech walked, Dudley sac bunt, and Preston Grissom would single to pick up two rbi's. Justin Lee would then single home Grissom. Ryan Vanassche would enter the game and pitch a solid 3 innings to earn the win. The Wildcats now travel out to Kings Fork Friday to end the week with another much improved Suffolk team. Go Wildcats!!!!!

Wildcats fall to Hickory by score of 5-6

The Great Bridge Wildcats perfect season came to an end Tuesday night before a packed field at Great Bridge High School. Hickory dealt the Cats their first loss of the 2009 season. The Wildcats took the lead in the third inning when Ryan Vanassche singled, Preston Grissom walked, Austin Craig sac bunt moved the runners over and Justin Lee and Hunter Higgerson each picked up RBI's. In the fifth inning Grissom singled and Stephen Dudley doubled and Higgerson picked up his second RBI of the game. Patrick Cody hit his first homerun of the season to tie the game in the 6 inning. Hickory would prevail in the seventh inning to defeat the Wildcats by a score of 6-5.

Great Bridge Wins over Indian River 3-1

The Wildcats hit the road Tuesday and traveled over to Indian River.  Indian River picked to win the District was set with their No. 1 pitcher on the mound.  The Wildcats countered with Anthony Stokes and Ryan Vanassche.  Stokes gave up 1 run in the first inning.  His second inning was better as he struck out the side.  He started the 3rd and Vanassche would finish it for him.  Vanassche pitched the next 4 2/3 innings.  He would allow only 1 hit as he earned his first victory of the year. 

The WildCats offense would face a tough pitcher from Indian River in Ali.  Hunter Higgerson drew a walk and moved to second on an Austin Jones hit.  Patrick Cody would walk and Higgerson scored on Stokes fielders choice.  With the game tied in the 5th, Preston Grissom earned a walk, and moved to third on Vanassche hit to right.  Stephen Dudley then hit a sharp ground ball that scored Grissom and Dudley was on via an error.  Justin Lee followed with a hit, and Austin Jones sac fly scored Austin Craig who ran for Dudley.  This would be enough today for the WildCats to earn their 4th victory of the season.  The WildCats leave to city for Suffolk and take on Lakeland Friday.  See Ya at the yard!!!

Western Branch #2 Great Bridge Wins 2-1

Ryan Vanassche and Anthony Stokes combined for a 9 inning victory over the 2008 Southeastern District Champion Western Branch Bruins.  Stokes earned his first victory of the season over Western Branch.  This turned into a great pitching dual and was topped by great defensive plays.  Vanassche pitched 4 solid innings for the WildCats giving up only 1 run.  Stokes came in and pitched 5 shutout innings.  He was benefited by great defensive plays by Austin Jones who made a game saving diving catch in Leftfield.  Cameron Czech also made a great play at 3rd base and Justin Lee snagged a line drive. 

With runs hard to come by, the Wildcats scratched out 2.  Hunter Higgerson got a base hit and scored on Cameron Czech base hit in the first inning.  The game winning run was scored by Preston Grissom who got hit by a pitch, advanced to 3rd base on Evan Polks single, and scored on Justin Lee's sac fly.  The WildCats have now posted a 3-0 record and their next game is against the district favorite Indian River. 

Great Bridge Wins 10-5 over Deep Creek

Andrew Flaherty earned his first win for the Wildcats over Deep Creek.  The 6'6 righthander gave up 5 runs over 5 innings, but held on for the win.  Patrick Cody came in to close it out in the 6th and 7th innings allowing 0 runs over the 2 innings. 
The offense was lead by Anthony Stokes who homered twice and had 3 rbi's.  Austin Jones also had 2 hits and Justin Lee had 2 runs scored.  Hunter Higgerson, Austin Jones, Patrick Cody, Cameron Czech, Preston Grissom, and Stephen Dudley all scored one run each.  The Wildcats are now 2-0 and look to Western Branch for a great southeastrn district battle.

Wildcats Open Season With A Victory!

Great Bridge began the 2009 season with a 12-2 victory over Grassfield.  Senior Eddie Perkins took the mound and with support from Ryan Vanassche held the Grizzles to 2 hits and 2 runs in 6 innings.  Patrick Cody had 6 put outs in right field as the Wildcats  played solid defense. 

The Wildcats Offense was lead by Seniors Austin Jones, Evan Polk, and Patrick Cody who were responsible for 4 runs, 3 doubles and 4 rbi.  Hunter Higgerson got the Wildcats off to a great start with a solo homerun in the first inning. 

That was followed by 3 doubles in a row by, Cameron Czech, Preston Grissom, and Logan Hennessy which allowed the Wildcats to score 5 runs.  Justin Lee single up the middle to start the 2nd  inning  and Patrick Cody double him home.  Logan Hennessy doubled to center to start the 5th inning and Evan Polk hit to shortstop score him.  Justin Lee doubled home Polk and Austin Jones doubled home Lee.  Anthony Stokes then doubled home Jones. 

The Wildcats finished the day with 13 hits, and 12 runs.  Great Team Victory. 

Wildcats Honored for 2008 Season: 9 Wildcats earn All Southeastern District Honors

1st Team All Southeastern District
Hunter Parrish, 2nd Base, .441 batting average lead the team and has signed Old Dominion University.
Ben Smith, 3rd Base, made at least 12 Gold Glove plays, while hitting .377 with 5 doubles signed with Lafayette University

2nd Team
Brandon Shelton, Shortstop -Old Dominon University
Ben Lenda, Catcher - Christopher Newport University
Brandon Smith, Pitcher - Old Dominion University
Patrick Cody, Outfield

Honorable Mention
Eddie Perkins, Pitcher
Evan Polk, Outfield
James Carter, 1st Base

Congratulations Wildcats for a 16-4 Season!!

Wildcats Win on Senior Night 3-1 over Nansemond River!

On a beautiful night at Great Bridge High School, Wildcats Seniors played their last home game. James Carter 1st Base(Averett University) Ryan Helvig Pitcher, Ben Lenda Catcher(Christopher Newport), Phil McCarthy Pitcher(Old Dominion University), Hunter Parrish 2nd Base(Old Dominion University), Brehon Perry Outfield, Nicolas Rupe 1st Base, Brandon Shelton Shortstop(Old Dominion University), Ben Smith 3rd Base(Layette University), Brandon Smith Pitcher(Old Dominion University), Cody Spruill Outfield, Jordan Whitehurst Outfield. Also Sharon Ivey longtime trainer for our athletes was recognized and presented a team jersey. Also Greg Jennings another lifetime player, coach, teacher, and ad for Great Bridge was presented with his game jersey #29.

Brandon Smith earned his 9th win of the season Wednesday night against Nansemond River 3-1. Brandon pitched 6 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 unearned run. Phil McCarthy came in to get the save pitching 1 innings of shutout baseball. James Carter paced the Wildcats offense with 2 doubles and 1 rbi. Cody Spruill, Patrick Cody, and Ben Smith each scored 1 run each.

The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 16-4 record.

Wildcats Win over Kings Fork.

Anthony Stokes got his second start of the 2008 season and pitched 4 strong innings. He faced the minimum the first 3 innings 9 hitters. He allowed 2 runs over 4 innings of work. Stated Coach Lee " We are proud of his performance over his last 2 starts, and it appears that all his hard work is starting to pay off". Luke Suttmiller entered the game in the bottom of the fifth and gave up 1 run on two hits to close the game out on the mound. That marked Luke Suttmiller's second pitching performance. With Anthony (Sophomore) and Suttmiller (Freshman) Coach Lee is excited about their talent, " Any time you can get underclassman in varsity games and they perform well, it builds their confidence". The Wildcats hit the ball very well on offense. Several Wildcats had multiple hits ( Ben Smith, Hunter Parrish, Patrick Cody and Cody Spruill). The game was put out of reach by Ben Smith's 2 run homerun. The Wildcats host Nansemond River Wednesday night 5:30 pm. That is Senior Night for the Cats. The Wildcats hope to see you out at the yard to support the team.

Wildcats Make 2008 Southeastern District Tournament.

Your Great Bridge Wildcats qualified for the SED Tournament to be held at Nansemond River High School May 20, 2008 game time 8:00 pm. The Championship round will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Nansemond River High School 6:00 pm is game time. Come out a cheer your Great Bridge Wildcats to victory Tuesday, May 20th in the first round.

Wildcats fall to Hickory 7-4.
Thursday night before a packed house at Great Bridge High School the Wildcats took their 4th loss of the year. The rain held off and it was a beautiful night for a baseball game. The fans were treated to an intense game between schools seperated by only several miles. Phil McCarthy gave up 4 runs in 2 2/3 innings of work and Eddie Perkins came in to hold the Hawks to 3 over the next 4 1/3 innings. Ben Smith lead the Wildcats with four hits and Hunter Parrish added a homerun. Gary Ward got the win and Brett Harris earned the save for the Hawks. The Wildcats next take the field Monday in Suffolk against Kings Fork. Wednesday night May 14, 2008 will be the last home game for the Seniors at Great Bridge. So mark your calendar to come out and support the Wildcats on what will be a special and emotional night for Seniors and their parents. Game time 5:30.

Great Bridge Wins over Lakeland
Anthony Stokes got his first start Tuesday in Suffolk against Lakeland, and it didn't take long to prove that he belonged. Anthony didn't allow a hit until the third inning. He pitched five complete giving up 1 earned run while throwing an amazing 54 strikes and 13 balls. Luke Suttmiller closed the game out, pitching the final two innings. This was Suttmiller's first varsity action as well. The Wildcats look to have a promising future with these young Cats producing on the mound. Ben Smith, Hunter Parrish, Patrick Cody, Cody Sprull, and Evan Polk paced the Wildcats on offense. The win moved the cats into a 1st place tie in the Southeastern District with 3 games to play. The Wildcats host Hickory Thursday night JV plays at 5:00 and Varsity plays after that. Come out and support your Great Bridge Wildcats.

Great Bridge wins over Oscar Smith 12-3.
Eddie Perkins pitched 3 strong innings with 5 strikeouts and no hits. Relief work done by Ryan Helvig, Phil McCarthy, and Patrick Cody sealed the game for the 13-3 Wildcats. Brandon Shelton had 3 hits to match teammate Ben Lenda's two singles and double to centerfield. Evan Polk added 2 hits and 2 runs scored. Next the Wildcats travel to Suffolk to play Lakeland Tuesday at 5:30.

Wildcats Win #200 for Coach Lee
The victory over Oscar Smith marked win #200 for Coach Lee and his staff. After the game at Oscar Smith the Wildcats surprised the Head Coach back at Great Bridge High School with a plaque and dozens of players and parents. Coach Lee would like to thank Mr. Glisson (former principal) Wayne Martin (former ad) Greg Jennings (ad and coach), Coach Taylor Grissom, Coach Robert Demara, Coach Chris Kessick, Coach Chris Daughtrey, Coach TJ Bray, Coach Sean Townsend ( JV Head Coach), Coach Jeff DeMara, Coach Roland Wright (Western Branch Head Coach), Coach Shaun Todd ( Grassfield Head Coach), Mrs. Ivey (trainer), Steve Suttmiller, Mr. Lenda, Mrs. Collier, Mr. Mannie Upton, all the parents who trust that Wildcat Baseball is the right place for their sons. Coach Lee would also like to thank all the players who drop their ego at the gate each day and build upon a dream of TRADITION AND PRIDE FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. He would also like to thank his wife of 18 years Jill Lee ( Great Bridge Graduate, Assistant Principal Western Branch High), his son Justin Lee (Wildcat Baseball Player), daughter Ashley Lee (Ocean Tumblers Gymnast) for all their support and allowing him to spend countless hours at the field with the boys. Finally he would like the thank each Team 1998-2008, each Team is special in their own right. 1998 undefeated 14-0 District Record, Regional Runner Up, State Semifinals, 2000 First Regional Championship, 2003 1st State Championship & 2nd Regional Championship, 2004 3rd Regional Championship, and all the District and Tournament Championship Teams between 1998-present. It is always the players that make it great. Thanks for allowing Coach Lee and his staff to build on that TRADITION AND PRIDE AND WIN #200.

Great Bridge Defeats Indian River 8-0.
Brandon Smith went into the most difficult place to get a win and held Indian River to 3 hits in 6 innings of work. Brandon collected win #7 for his senior season. Eddie Perkins pitched a shutout 7 inning. Brandon Shelton scored two runs and had 1 hit to pace the Cats from the lead off position in the order. Ben Smith was 1 or 2 with a BB, run scored and stolen base. James Carter had 2 rbi, and Evan Polk had a sac bunt and rbi single. Patrick Cody continued to hit the ball well as he added 2 more rbi. The Wildcats are looking at 3 games next week ( Monday @ Oscar Smith, Tuesday @ Lakeland, and Thursday home for Hickory). It should be a challenging and great week of baseball for your Great Bridge Wildcats. See ya at the yard!!!

Great Bridge Knocks of Undefeated Western Branch 9-3.
Phil McCarthy got the Wildcats back on track pitching 5 1/3 innings against the undefeated Bruins. The Bruins would score 1 in the second and 2 in the forth, but that would be it as McCarthy and Eddie Perkins would finish the game allowing only one more hit. Eddie Perkins continued his closer role and pitched 1 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. The Wildcats bats came alive lead by junior Patrick Cody. Patrick put the Cat ahead to stay with a towering 3 run homerun in the 3rd inning. Ben Smith added 3 hits along with teammate Hunter Parrish. Brehon Perry came off the bench to make several nice plays for the Wildcats. The Wildcats collected 10 hits and scored 9 runs in by far their best performance of the year.

The 1998 Wildcats Undefeated Season One For the Memory Books!!!
Thanks to you the team of 98 will always be great!
The 1998 Wildcats owe the 2008 cats dinner. That Tradition and Pride thing!!! Entering Wednesday's game Western Branch was undefeated and look to threaten the record posted by the undefeated regular season mark of 14-0 set by the 1998 Great Bridge Wildcats. That team was lead by Brian Anderson (George Mason University) now coaching at Radford. Brian(BA) hit .480 , 75 at bats, 18 rbi, 8 doubles, and scored 27 runs. Kevin McNeil batted .474, and lead the team with 28 rbi. Ray Long hit .444 and had 3 triples. Chris Daughtrey had the best regional games in modern history. He stroked 3 homeruns and 2 doubles at ODU that Memorial Day weekend. Greg Forbes .396 average and Sean Townsend .323 gave the offense the push required to make the run. Aaron Harrison collected 5 wins with a 2.57 era. Brian Anderson also collected 5 wins with a 2.27 era, and Sean Townsend collected 4 wins with a 2.19 era. In the game of baseball, teammates often pick each other up. Today Wildcat Teams (seperated by 10 years), picked each other up again. In 1998 we knew it was special to go undefeated in the regular season. The Wildcats of 2008 just made sure we all remembered how special that team was.
We love our TRADITION AND PRIDE!!!


Wildcats Win Vs. Deep Creek 5-2
Brandon Smith collected his 7th win of the season and Eddie Perkins got the save as the Wildcats defeated Deep Creek 5-2. Brandon gave up 2 runs in 5 innings of work, and Eddie delivered with 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief. Evan Polk had 1 hit and scored 1 run in a 4 run first inning. Patrick Cody also added 2 rbi and 1 run in that first inning. Ben Lenda had two hits on the day. James Carter, Austin Jones, Cameron Czech, and Justin Lee all added 1 hit each. Deep Creek had the bases loaded in the 3rd, but Brandon got a 6-4-3 double play to end the threat. Three singles by Patrick Cody who later scored, James Carter, and Ben Lenda's rbi single in the 5th put the game out of reach. The Wildcats face undefeated Western Branch Tuesday 5:30 pm at Great Bridge High School. Money from concessions will be donated to former Great Bridge Player and present Kellam Coach Saint Clair Jones. Come out and see a great game and support a great effort on behalf of our concession stand parents and volunteers.

Wildcats take 3rd Defeat to Grassfield
Grassfield defeats Great Bridge 2-1 in 8 innings.
Eddie Perkins dualed with Grassfield's J. Inghram as the Wildcats lost their 3rd game of the year. Brandon Smith came on and pitched 3 shutout innings in relief. Patrick Cody sac fly scored Hunter Parrish in the 4th inning. That would be all the scoring the Wildcats would get. Cody Cox earned the win and Phil McCarthy took the loss. Grassfield scored the go ahead run on B. Iley's fielders choice. The Wildcats record stands at 9-3 and play Deep Creek Friday at Great Bridge High School 5:30 pm. Brandon Smith with take the mound for the cats.

WildCats Defeat Nansemond River 6-1.
Brandon Smith and Eddie Perkins combined to pitch a 1 hitter against Nansemond River Tuesday night in Suffolk. Brandon Smith earned his 6th win of the season pitching 5 innings and giving up 0 earned runs. Eddie Perkins closed the game out with a scoreless 7th inning. The Wildcats were lead by James Carter with 3 hits and 2 rbi. Patrick Cody also gave the WildCats a boost with 3 hits and 3 rbi. Patrick's huge 2 rbi double in 4th innings put the Cats ahead to stay. James Carter added 2 more rbi in the 5th with a single that scored Ben Smith and Hunter Parrish who reached on a single of his own. Austin Jones added 2 hits along with Hunter Parrish. Ben Smith continued to dazzle with Gold Glove plays at 3rd base. At the half way point in the season the WildCats are in second place behind Western Branch. The WildCats visit Grassfield Friday at 5:30 pm.

Great Bridge Drops pitchers dual to Hickory
4/14/08 -Phil McCarthy gave the WildCats every chance to win in a pitchers dual between McCarthy and Gary Ward. Ben Smith got the only hit for the Wildcats as Hickory defeated the Cats 1-0. Ward struckout 16 to give the Hawks the win. McCarthy had 6 strikeouts and only gave up 4 hits and 1 walk. The WildCats record stands at 8 wins and 2 defeats.

Great Bridge earns 14-2 win against King's Fork
Brandon Smith notiched his 5 win of the seaon against Kings Fork Friday night. Brandon had 3 strikeouts and gave up 1 hit while walking none. Ben Lenda powered the WildCats with his second GRAND SLAM of the year. The WildCats pounded out 16 hits lead by James Carter with 4. Hunter Parrish and Brandon Shelton each added 2 hits. Patrick Cody also added a single and double for the now 8-1 WildCats.

Wildcats defeat Lakeland 13-0
4/4/08 - The Wildcats were lead by senior pitcher Brandon "RED" Smith who pitched 3 shutout innings. Brandon held Lakeland to 1 hit and struckout 4. He was followed by Anthony Stokes, who pitched 1 shutout inning as well. Closer Eddie Perkins finished off the Cavilers and preserved the shutout.

The Wildcats were lead on offense by Hunter Parrish. Parrish hit a towering 2 run homerun off the top of the light pole. Cody Spruill added his first homerun of the year a 2 run shot to right center. Austin Jones and Brandon Shelton each scored 2 runs and Ben Smith added a single and double to put the game out of reach for the now 7-1 Great Bridge Wildcats.

Great Bridge win against Indian River 10-4
4/1/08 - Phil McCarthy held Indian River to 3 runs and striking out 7.
Eddie Perkins closed the game with 2 innings.
Brandon Shelton made 3 great plays on the run at shortstop. Ben Smith had 3 hits and Hunter Parrish had 3 rbi. James Carter added 3 hits along with teammate Austin Jones who added 2 additional hits. Great team victory over a tough Indian River squad.

Spring Break Tournament: Great Bridge 10, Saint Andrews Florida 0
3/26/08 - Great Bridge No Hits Saint Andrews:
Great Bridge no hit Saint Andrews behind a great pitching performance by Brandon Smith 5 innings 5 strikeouts. Eddie Perkins and Anthony Stokes preserved the no hitter pitching 1 inning each. Ben Smith and Hunter Parrish lead the “WildCats” with a combined 5 hits. Ben Lenda powered the WildCats with a Grand Slam his first homerun of the year.

Spring Break Tournament: Great Bridge 12, University High Florida 0
3/25/08 - Phil McCarthy bounced back to capture his 3 win of the year and improve his record to 3-1. Phil had 4 strikeouts and 0 walks. Ryan Helvig pitched 1 inning, and Eddie Perkins pitched 2 innings to close the game out. Brandon Shelton, James Carter, Phil McCarthy all added 2 hits each.

Wildcats defeat Deep Creek 9-1
3/19/08 - Brandon “Red” Smith pitched the WildCats to victory against Deep Creek. Brandon had 3 strikeouts, 1 walk, and gave up on hit.
The offense was lead by Evan Polk who broke the game open with a standup 3 rbi triple. Brandon Shelton, Ben Smith, Hunter Parrish, Ben Lenda, Patrick Cody all added hits. The WildCats had four doubles one each for Ben Smith, Hunter Parrish, Ben Lenda, and James Carter. But the day belong to Junior Evan Polk who ended the day with 4 rbi.

Wildcats stop Oscar Smith 12-0.
3/14/08 - Brandon Smith “RED” had 4 strikeouts and surrendered 1 hit as Eddie Perkins and Ryan Helvig closed the game for the WildCats. Brandon had 3 hits, followed by Hunter Parrish 2 rbi and James Carter’s 2 rbi. Evan Polk added 2 hits.

Great Bridge wins close game versus Grassfield
3/12/08 - Great Bridge held off an eager Grassfield team to secure their first win of the season 4-3. Phil McCarthy battled for 5 innings and concluded with 11 strikeouts for his first victory of the season. Eddie Perkins and Brandon Smith each pitched 1 inning to preserve the victory for McCarthy and get the save. Hunter Parrish powered the WildCats with his 1 st homerun of the year and added another hit later in the game. Austin Jones, Brandon Shelton, and Phil McCarthy all had hits for the Great Bridge WildCats.