It was a balmy night and the wind was blowing slightly. It was perfect weather on Monday evening for the IHS Gladiators to warm up the bats and put the Oak Clif Eagles in their place once and for all for this season. With the season almost over and only 2 district games left on the docket, Italy skunked the Eagles 13-0. That puts them 9-1. The next game determines the seeding for district play-offs. Meet in Frost at 5:00 on Tuesday, April 21 for Gladiator play against the Polar Bears. This game will be a show stopper, folks.

Of course, there was a little time for the fans to have a little fun between innings. Everyone received a ticket when they arrived at the game. During the 3rd inning stretch, our MC, Clover Stiles, pulled a number out of the hat and Jacinia Rodriquez won a dvd (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and some movie-size candy. Besides movie trivia, the fans were included in a “Twist off”. If you were old enough to know what the twist is, one could participate. Of course, the big winner was Number #1 Fan, Bobby Itson. Who else would perfect this dance move? He won a big box of candy only known from the 50’s. Way too much fun!

The next game will be held in Frost tonight at 5:00 against the Polar Bears. Everyone is invited out to see the Gladiators fight for their next win.

Coach Coker’s recap of previous two games:

Waxahachie Faith Family Game-April 11

We struggled with our bats most of the game. Our kids competed very hard the entire game. Jase Holden broke a 2-2 tie with a triple and the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the sixth inning. I was very pleased that we found a way to win a close game. The ability to win close games is going to help us later on down the road. Justin Buchanan (2-1) did a tremendous job on the mound for us. He did a great job pitching out of a couple of jams in the game. Justin had 14 strikeouts, including 8 in a row at one point.

Final Score: 3-2 Italy

Waxahachie Advantage Game-April 13

We had a lot better job at the plate in this game. Our hitters went to the plate with an approach and a plan. This really paid off for us. We took two curveballs to right field in this game. This is something we have not done all year. I am very proud of all our players in this game. I tell the kids’ everyday that it is going to take everyone on the team to help us reach our goals. Ethan Simon pitched the first two innings for us and gave us a great effort. Brandon Souder and Dan Crownover did a great job for us as courtesy runners. Jasenio Anderson pitched the final three for the win. Jasenio moves to 2-0 on the year.

Final Score: 17-3 in five innings.

Top hitters:

• Jasenio Anderson went 2-2 with 5 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.
• Ethan Simon hit a Home run (first of the season) and scored 2 runs