The Boys Are Headed To The Next Level

Anne Sutherland Posted May 18, 2009 7:30pm Italy Gladiator Baseball

Image: Buck pitches — Freshman, Justin Buchanan, begins the play off game against Perrin-Whitt. — Buck pitches — Freshman, Justin Buchanan, begins the play off game against Perrin-Whitt. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy High School Gladiators are proud as they can be with their win against Perrin-Whitt on Thursday night. This means they move to the next level of play offs and perform on the field in Mineral Wells against Windthorst.

Freshman Justin Buchanan started the game pitching and worked until the 6th inning, when Sophomore Jasenio Anderson took over and gave the last 6 outs.

Assistant Coach Josh Ward was just as happy as anyone when the Gladiators finished the 7th inning with the score of 9-4 on the board. “I felt like I as playing again. This is what it’s about to play baseball. I think we get better every game,” Ward said. He explained it would be a quick turn-around for the Monday night game but the boys could handle it. Ward works primarily with the infielders, while Coach Coker works with the pitchers and outfielders.

Head Coach Matt Coker said, “I am proud of everyone of these boys. This has been a fun challenge going from 1 win in 2008 to first round play offs in 2009. Every kid is involved. The whole team gives their effort. Buck did a tremendous job on the mound and of course Jasenio did too finishing the game, getting the last 6 outs. It was a great job by all the kids. My top hitters for this game are Ethan Simon, Jasenio Anderson and Josh Milligan. Each of these boys went 2 for 3.”

Scoring for the Gladiators were the following:

Brandon Souder
Ethan Simon (2 runs)
Jasenio Anderson
Jase Holden
Josh Milligan
Justin Buchanan
Matt Brummett
Colton Campbell

Windthorst is #2 in the state while Italy is not ranked at this time. The game begins in Mineral Wells on Monday, May 18 at 7pm. Go Gladiators!

Holden and Anderson — Jase Holden and Jasenio Anderson warm up for the next bat. (Anne Sutherland)

Buck waits his turn — Justin warms up in the batter’s box. (Anne Sutherland)

Holden hits one — You can see the ball on the bat for Jase Holden. (Anne Sutherland)

Ethan Simon — Simon waits patiently on third to come home. (Anne Sutherland)

Buck checks first — Justin watches carefully over the bases. (Anne Sutherland)

Coach and Desmond — Coach Coker and Desmond Anderson talk about the plan. (Anne Sutherland)

Desmond hits — Desmond hits one to the outfield. (Anne Sutherland)

Josh Milligan — Milligan scores after hitting in Matt Brummett and Colten Campbell. (Anne Sutherland)

Pirates wait it out — The team looks at the scoreboard waiting for a turn-around. (Anne Sutherland)

Look who moves on — The Gladiators will compete against Windthorst on Monday night in Mineral Wells at 7pm. (Anne Sutherland)