The Italy select baseball team will be riding a wave of confidence going into their final tournament of the summer. Coached by former Gladiators Mark Jacinto and Vincent Jacinto, team Italy has shown steady improvement and avenged an earlier loss to Alvarado by winning both games in a doubleheader on Monday.

Italy played Alvarado’s freshman team in the first game. With pitcher, Brett Pickard (of Maypearl) leading the defensive attack from the mound, Brandon Souder, did work behind the catcher’s mask. Pickard received assistance from his infield, as well. On one play, shortstop, Caden Jacinto, fielded a grounder and tossed the ball over to teammate, Justin Wood, who covered second and then quickly turned two after his throw to first baseman, Kevin Roldan, beat the runner for a 6-4-3 double play.

Offensively, Italy pelted its way thru several of Alvarado’s young pitchers. Along with solid base running on offense and max effort on defense, Italy eventually won 7-4.

The second game pitted Italy against Alvarado’s Varsity squad. In the final inning, Italy found itself with a chance to win but, Souder, who was now on the pitcher’s mound, was up against it after Alvarado managed to load the bases. Coach Mark Jacinto called timeout to talk to his hurler in attempt to take some of the pressure off. “He was wrapped up in the moment and just needed to relax,” commented the savvy coach after the games.

With bases loaded and only one out, third baseman, Reece Marshall (of Avalon), raced toward the left field gap to make a dramatic over the shoulder catch for Team Italy. Alvarado’s runner at third base decided not to risk tagging up and trying for home. The hustle play by Marshall uplifted his pitcher, and with two outs and bases loaded, Souder, struck out the next Alvarado batter with a high fastball to secure a 7-6 win.

Both victories have Team Italy feeling good as they enter the final tournament of the summer on Friday in Italy at the Upchurch Ballpark. The games will help determine bracket seeding for Saturday and are scheduled as follows:

Friday, July 22, 2011

• VS Mexia @ 10:00 a.m.
• VS Belton @ 2:00 p.m.
• VS Valley Mills @ 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

• TBA

Come out and support the players as they improve with every pitch, swing, steal and catch.

Italy’s select roster in Alvarado:

• #20 – John Byers
• #12 – Zain Byers
• #5 – Caden Jacinto
• #8 – Reid Jacinto
• #3 – Reece Marshall
• #7 – Brett Pickard
• #21 – Kevin Roldan
• #17 – Brandon Souder
• #9 – Bailey Walton
• #4 – Justin Wood