Gladiators, lift your swords in triumph

Anne Sutherland Posted March 24, 2010 11:45pm Italy Gladiator Baseball

Image: Stiles has it — Along with his other team mates, Ross Stiles helped put 24 points on the board Tuesday night when the Gladiators took on Oak Cliff Faith Family. — Stiles has it — Along with his other team mates, Ross Stiles helped put 24 points on the board Tuesday night when the Gladiators took on Oak Cliff Faith Family. (Anne Sutherland)

There are all kinds of analogies one could use to describe the Italy Gladiator Baseball club. If you could picture a Gladiator in the Roman Colosseum holding off the hungry lions or bears and in this case, swinging a bat. The word Gladiator comes from the Latin word for swordsman, from gladius we get the word, sword.

Italy took on Faith Family of Oak Cliff on Tuesday night with such a vengeance there was only one strike out for Italy and the final score was 24-0. Coaches Coker and Ward held the Gladiators back from raising the score even higher.

To begin this district baseball game, the fans were quiet in a moment of silence and prayer for John Isaac, Jr. of Dallas, who was remembered after a tragic accident in Parker County that took his life earlier in the day. Son, John Isaac III, is a senior at Italy High School.

Caden Jacinto pitched for the Italy Gladiators against the Oak Cliff Eagles until the bottom of the 3rd inning and Jasenio Anderson came in to finish it.

Oak Cliff moved their host game to the Davidson Field in Italy due to lack of accommodations where their school is located. So, in this instance, the Gladiators were visitors.

Italy began the first inning with 5 runs. The top of the second was a little different by bringing in 8 runs. The third inning saw 11 more put on the scoreboard. The final tally was Italy 24, Faith Family 0. The Eagle 9 man team changed pitchers 2 times with no avail. This means back-to-back-to-back no hitters for Italy. (This sounds like a t-shirt.)

Coach Coker gushed over his Italy team and explained they did a fantastic job, “They had great approaches at the plate and did a great job getting on base. They were eager to change up their batting a bit near the end. Jase Holden, Alex DeMoss, Josh Milligan, Ross Stiles and Clint Gatling did an exceptional job tonight. The whole team was great.”

The next game is slated for Friday night, March 26 against Frost at home beginning at 6:30 pm. Coker said, “Frost is a well coached team. Coach Revill is a wonderful coach and our team is ready to play. They will be a big challenge for us.”

Ivan scores — Senior Ivan Roldan comes across home plate to score. (Anne Sutherland)

We have to have a talk — Faith Family coach seems a little worried about his pitcher. (Anne Sutherland)

Josh gives us another one — Senior Josh Milligan tears around the bases and completes his journey. (Anne Sutherland)

Ok, Dan, it’s your turn — Senior Dan Crownover is ready to mark another one on the board. (Anne Sutherland)

Jacinto brings the heat — Caden Jacinto takes his time and pitches another no hitter. (Anne Sutherland)

Chase scores too — Chase Hamilton comes around home too. (Anne Sutherland)

Clint gives us a great time — Clint Gatling gives Faith Family something think about when he gets up to bat. (Anne Sutherland)

DeMoss uses aggression on the ball — Alex DeMoss worries the Eagles when he hits the ball. (Anne Sutherland)

Jase scores again — Jase Holden scored at least three points Tuesday night. (Anne Sutherland)

Big fans — Jenna, Cha Cha, Kaitlyn and Meagan are just a few fans coming to the ball games. (Anne Sutherland)

Caden can pitch — Caden Jacinto and Ross Stiles are warming up. (Anne Sutherland)

Go Chase — After several attempts to steal, Chase Hamilton forges through. (Anne Sutherland)

A small wait — Cole Hopkins hangs out at third base with Coach Coker until it’s time to move. (Anne Sutherland)

Jasenio steps in — Jasenio Anderson brings the end of the inning and the game. (Anne Sutherland)

Good sports — Gladiators and Eagles shake hands after the game. (Anne Sutherland)

Desmond can eat — Desmond Anderson wants to let everyone know the best hamburger in town is at the concession stand during the ball games. (Anne Sutherland)