Milford Lil’ Dogs Hang Tough

Anne Sutherland Posted July 22, 2010 12:15pm IYAA Baseball/Softball

Image: A smile and some help — Milford’s catcher #6 Bree Brown gets a little help from Assistant Coach Veronica Rankin as she suits up for the State Tournament held in Clifton this week. — A smile and some help — Milford’s catcher #6 Bree Brown gets a little help from Assistant Coach Veronica Rankin as she suits up for the State Tournament held in Clifton this week. (Anne Sutherland)

After winning the district championship, the Milford Lil’ Dogs trotted out of the park with their mugs held high. This 10 & under coach pitch team earned a place in the State bracket. They may have ponytails but don’t under estimate the power behind that little smile. Matched up with 21 other teams, the little girls donned their softball caps, grabbed their bats and worked up a sweat just like the big girls.

With the first game and win under his belt, Coach Ty Evans has a spring in his step these days because the team he leads is playing in the State tournament in Clifton. “Just 5 more games to go,” Evans said with a smile. “Teamwork is the key ingredient,” Coach said.

The Texas Teenage Baseball-Softball Association (TTAS) has sponsored this four day battle with 22 teams hailing from Belton, Rusk, Leon, West, Moody, Lindale Bosqueville and a host of other Texas towns. They have traveled near and far to catch a glimpse of the winning trophy.

The Milford Lil’ Dogs are a great team. They battled the Lindale Dirt Diamonds to stay in the winner’s bracket on Monday night. The plan worked and they took on Clifton on Tuesday night. Being a double elimination tournament, it is very possible to lose one game and still win the championship by traveling up through the bottom bracket and coming out on top.

Monday’s night game was a nail-biter as the Lil’ Dogs and Diamonds went neck and neck. Lindale put the first score on the board and for 2 innings they were the only ones at 3-0. But when the third inning rolled around, Milford stole some opportunity with 4 RBI’s by #3 Alex, #8 Jace, #16 Sarah and #6 Bree. With the score 4-3, Milford was on top. Lindale scored 2 more points in the 4th inning, totaling 6-5.

The fifth inning took it’s toll on the Dirt Diamonds when #8 Jace stepped up to the plate and let it fly. This young lady made a home-run on errors and #11 Katera hit a noticeable RBI bringing in #16 Sarah. taking the score 6-5.

The sixth inning saw #11 Katera, #9 Alandra and #16 Sarah put 3 more points on the board. The score tied at 9-9 at the bottom of the 6th. In an extra inning Milford scored 3 points. With 2 outs, 2 strikes and the bottom of the 7th, Lindale was called safe in a controversial play leaving 2 people on and the tying run at bat. However, there was an answer. Milford’s #16 Sarah fielded a ball at the pitcher’s mound making the play at first and ending the game with Milford winning 12 to 9.

If you are interested in keeping up with the bracket, see the tournament bracket..

Introduction please — As the Lil’ Dogs are being introduced, the excitement in the audience and the team builds. (Anne Sutherland)

Lindale gets the tag — Milford and Lindale have a battle ‘til the finish Monday night. Milford’s Jace McIntyre uses her slide. (Anne Sutherland)

We are ready — Milford gets down and ready as the Lindale coach pitches to his team. Milford’s Markia Houston and Alex Jones are ready to play. (Anne Sutherland)

Teamwork, girls — Head Coach Ty Evans reminds the team it takes everyone to win this game. (Anne Sutherland)

Double team — Katera Birdow and Sarah Sanders take on the Lindale player just at the right time. (Anne Sutherland)

Jenaria Brooks — Swing away! (Anne Sutherland)

I’m running home — Milford’s Callie Poore is just waiting for the chance to score. (Anne Sutherland)

I’m on first — Milford’s Katera Birdow stretches out and gets ready to run. (Anne Sutherland)

She’s safe — Markia Houston stands her ground with this Dirt Diamond. (Anne Sutherland)

She’s coming home — Jace McIntyre had no problems rounding third. (Anne Sutherland)

Almost there — Milford’s Bree Brown beats the throw. (Anne Sutherland)

Yeah, she caught it — Jace McIntyre caught this ball easily at first base. Markia Houston and Gracie Whittington back her up. (Anne Sutherland)

I used this mitt — First baseman Jace McIntyre shows off her famous mitt. (Anne Sutherland)

Coach says,“Way to go!” — Coach Veronica Rankin gives a high five to Jace. (Anne Sutherland)

Safe at second — Milford’s Sarah Sanders makes easily it to second. (Anne Sutherland)

Come on, Abbey — Abbey Evans waits for the right moment. (Anne Sutherland)

Markia lets the ball have it — Markia Houston gives Lindale something to think about. (Anne Sutherland)

Woo Hoo! — Sarah Sanders can hit that ball. (Anne Sutherland)

Bringing home a little dirt — Sarah has learned to use her sliding technique. (Anne Sutherland)

We won, you bet — Milford Lil’ Dogs has one more win under their belt. (L-R) Jenaria Brooks, Alandra Montgomery, Jace McIntyre, Gracie Whittington, Bree Brown, Kieauna Hurtt, Katera Birdow, Alex Jones, Sarah Sanders and Callie Poore. In the middle are Abbey Evans and Markia Houston. (Anne Sutherland)