Cobras lead Rams by 2-1/2 games in Livonia
July 13, 2011 - Since 2004, Johnstowners have known the Rick Berryman's Michigan Rams as the Livonia representative in the national tournament, but last year the Rams were dethroned by veteran manager Mike George and his Coach's Corner squad. This season, a new challenger has emerged as the second-year Michigan Cobras lead the Rams by 2-1/2 games with only one week remaining in the season.
"It's going to be touch-and-go," said Rams coach Harvey Weingarden. "We play [the Cobras] on Friday and it's kind of a must-win for the Rams, because if we lose that one, we fall three-and-a-half games behind with then about 7 games to go and none against them."
The Cobras are currently tied for 2nd in the Michigan Collegiate Baseball League with non-AAABA team Motor City Pride. Both have 15-10 records. The Rams are in 3rd place with a 13-12-1 record and are 1-3 against the Cobras. Coach's Corner did not field a team this season.
"I think defense has been our strong point," said Cobras manager Todd Miller. "These are really terrific kids. In a short summer season, they've really pulled it together and that has a lot to do with it." The Cobras started the season 0-5 but have gone 15-5 since then. Conversely, the Rams began their season 4-0 and are 9-12-1 since then.
The Cobras have been aided by several additions from last year's Coach's Corner team. They were eliminated in three games, with an opening victory against Columbus, followed by a heartbreaking loss to Johnstown and finally eliminated at the hands of Chicago-Metro. Livonia had leads in all three games, including a 4-2 lead against Johnstown until Matt Donaldson's bases-clearing double in the bottom of the 8th put Johnstown ahead for good.
Former Coach's Corner players now with the Cobras are Jeremy Gooding, Steve Pelletier, Brad Lineberry, and Aaron Saarela. All will be juniors at Madonna University this fall. Gooding recorded the lone win for Livonia with a 1-run, 14-strike out complete game victory against Columbus. Pelletier had 5 hits and 2 stolen bases. Lineberry 3 hits and 2 stolen bases. Saarela pitched in relief in their elimination game against Chicago-Metro, walking 4 and allowing 3 runs in 2-2/3 with 1 strike out.
The Rams have strong pitching this season, but have been hampered by pitching injuries. Coach Weingarden says that if the Rams qualify, they will use their pick-up spots to strengthen their depleted pitching staff. But even if the Rams are knocked out again this year, Weingarden feels that Livonia will still be well-represented in Johnstown.
"The Cobras are another classy team," said Weingarden. "We consider ourselves a classy team, and they're another classy team. They'll put a competitive team on the field."
The caliber and quality of play from the Cobras is probably no surprise to the Rams' staff, as Todd Miller is a former Rams player. While playing under Coach Berryman, Miller made it as far as the finals of the Altoona Regional, but had not been to Johnstown yet himself. Still, he says that he is excited about the possibility of qualifying for the national tournament--another trait he may have acquired from the Rams.
"Rick and I stay 20-and-under because we love coming back to Johnstown. The Rams have been and always will be committed to the AAABA," said Weingarden.
The Rams and Cobras play the final game of their season series this Friday at 8:30pm at Bicentennial Park. The team that wins the Livonia spot will receive a direct bid to Johnstown. For more information, visit the Michigan Rams' website.