ITALY—Davidson Field was distinctly cold on Thursday night-in more ways than one. The Italy Gladiators took on the Hubbard Jaguars in a pre-district game and chilled the kitties to the bone.

Head baseball coach Matt Coker and assistant Josh Ward led their team to victory in non-scrimmage rule game this week. Both teams were striving for playing time their players haven’t seen this season. The cold weather has stopped a lot of activities out on the practice field and basketball playoffs have kept the numbers down from the teams.

Sophomore Justin Buchanan threw the first pitch and continued until coach Coker changed pitchers in the third inning. Junior Ethan Simon took over and gave Hubbard something to watch with his south paw pitching. Later, at the top of the fifth, Italy moved to their freshman pitcher, Caden Jacinto.

The Italy Gladiators were itching to score when the first man on the roster came up to bat. C. Jacinto hit out to center field and sprinted to first base. Second on the roster, senior Josh Milligan sent Jacinto to third in an exciting anticipated move. Justin Buchanan gave an outfield hit and Jacinto scored. Pinch runner for Buchanan, Kyle Jackson also scored at the bottom of the first inning.

Coker played every player on the team-giving them much needed field time. After that, the attack was evident. Each inning proved the Gladiators were ready for the game. Even first year player, junior Eddie Garcia, took to the field like duck to water. It is obvious the Gladiators are ready to play ball. With the wind, rain and cold temperatures working against the teams, the Gladiators moved through their roster and allowed Hubbard to only score 3 runs for the evening. The final score was Italy 7, Hubbard 3.

Runs for the game:
C. Jacinto 2
Josh Milligan1
Kyle Jackson 1
Ethan Simon 1
Brandon Souder 1
Justin Buchanan 1

Italy Roster
2 Caden Jacinto (fr)-SS
8 Josh Milligan (snr)-3B
13 Justin Buchanan (soph)-P
9 Ethan Simon (jr)-RF
14 Clint Gatling (soph)-CF
17 Brandon Souder (soph)-1B
1 Ross Stiles (soph)-C
16 Ivan Roldan (snr)-2B
4 Alex DeMoss (soph)-LF

5 Reid Jacinto (fr)
3 Kyle Jackson (soph)
6 Eddie Garcia (jr)
12 Cole Hopkins (fr)
10 Chase Hamilton (fr)

The next scheduled game on Tuesday, March 2 against Itasca has been cancelled due to TAKS testing. The next home game scheduled for Friday, March 5 against Grand Prairie Advantage could be postponed due to basketball playoffs. Check the ItalyNeotribune for updated information.