IMG Performance 4
Next Level 3
IMG Performance was able to outlast Next Level Academy in the first game of the day, earning a spot in the championship game with a 4-3 win.
The first four innings of the ballgame were uneventful as both starting pitchers Colin Smith (NL) and Billy Underwood (IMG) controlled the opposing lineups. Then the fifth inning changed things up.
In the top half, Chase Wilkerson led off with a single for Next Level. He was immediately brought in to score thanks to a double from Xavier Torres. After a sac bunt moved Torres to third, he would come around to score on a sac fly from Chase Bessard to make it 2-0. With two outs, Troy Bearden reached on an error, and scored on a double from Griffin Carroll making it 3-0.
IMG wasn't deterred, and managed tom come back in the bottom half. After the first two batters were retired, Kaito Hara drew a walk, and moved to second when Blaze Alexander was walked as well. On a hit and run play, Will Bartlett punched a grounder through the infield, allowing Hara to score. One batter later, Jack O'Dowd delivered a single of his own, scoring both Alexander and Bartlett to knot things up at three.
After both teams made it through the sixth unscathed, the game came down to the wire. Kieren Collins retired the Next Level hitters in order in the top half, leaving things in the hands of his offense. Hara sparked the rally with a one out single. He then moved up to second base on a passed ball. Coleman Fleming then recorded a strikeout, putting the game out away from extras. Next Level chose to intentionally walk the dangerous Bartlett to get to O'Dowd. The third baseman drew a natural walk of his own, loading the bases. Andrew Stanley came though on a 1-1 pitch, shooting a single into center field to score Hara and end the game.
Underwood took a no-decision despite a solid effort. In five innings, he scattered six hits, allwoed two earned, did not walk a batter and struck out four. Collins took home the win with two innings of perfect relief, including three strikeouts.
Pro5 Academy 7
Central Pointe Christian Grey 4
After a pair of lead changes, Pro5 was able to score late and take home their first win of the tournament, 7-4, over Central Pointe Christian Grey.
After falling behind 1-0, Central Pointe was able to take the lead in the third inning. Sergio Ortiz, Luis Villanueva, and Will Nieves hit back-to-back-to-back RBI singles to put the White Tigers up 3-0.
Pro5 was able to mount a comeback in the fourth inning. Tyler Tuthill led off with a walk, and was moved to third on a double from Zach Waddington. Daniel Padysak then drove in Tuthill with an RBI single. A pitching change didn't help as the next batter, Carter Holjes, also singled to drive in a run. Two batters later, Jackson Sobocinski brought in the third run of the inning with a base hit, giving Pro5 a 4-3 advantage.
Sergio Ortiz singled for Central Pointe in the top of the fifth to tie the ballgame once again.
In the bottom of the 6th inning, two walks and a bunt single loaded the bases for Pro5 with nobody out. Sobocinski was able to come through once more, with a sac fly that scored Daniel Padysack. The next hitter, Tyler Stocum, singled to bring home Carter Holjes. CJ Martin scored the final run of the game when he took home on a double steal.
Zach Waddington had two hits, Carter Holjes scored two runs and Sobocinski drove in two runs to lead the Pro5 offense.
Sunday May 6th Schedule
Sanford Memorial Stadium
8:30 am: Pro5 vs. Avant Garde
11:30 am: FTB Platinum vs. TNXL Ducks (Continuation)
12:00 pm: 11am Winner vs. IMG Performance
Seminole High School
9:00 am: Next Level Academy vs. Central Pointe Christian