ITALY – This past Friday night, never challenged by Grand Prairie AA, the Gladiators coasted most of the way. The guys were all smiles in the dugout and enjoying being back in the win column after loosing in extra innings to Frost in their last outing.

The day started with introductions of local businesses who purchased outfield signs to support Gladiator Baseball and the Italy Athletic Booster Club Scholarship fund. In appreciation, David’s Supermarket, Stevan Varner Fina, Monolithic Constructors, Inc. and the Italy Neotribune all took turns throwing out the first pitch of the game.

I’m not sure who felt the most pressure? The honored pitching staff or the Italy catcher. Maybe…it was the videographer?

Needless to say, the pre-game was as exciting as the game between Italy and GPAA — see for yourself in the video train at the very bottom of this article.

Italy was ahead 12-2 after the 5th inning and therefore were declared the victors thanks to the run rule (a 10 or more run lead after 5 innings).

The Gladiators were in great spirits all night, taking care of business and having fun getting the job done.

Jasenio Anderson was just too fast for the hapless visitors taking bases whenever he wanted. Ivan Roldan kept the guys enthused in the dugout, with a little chatter there, while Freshman Jase Holden spent some time on the mound to close out the game.

Yes, it was all fun and a game at the Davidson Country Club. Gladiator batters teed off from the green and over the sand traps against GPAA pitchers all night, well, for 5 innings anyway. So much fun in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tiger Woods tries out for the team.

Go Gladiators!