Italy’s JV Gladiator baseball team is off to a 1-2 start
Italy’s leadoff hitter Marvin Cox(1) walks after his first at bat of the season in Palmer. Cox would eventually score to account for the only run of the game. (Barry Byers)
Beginning their season in Palmer, the Italy Gladiator JV baseball team, head coached by Josh Ward, fell 12-1 in their opener to the Bulldogs with Marvin Cox accounting for Italy’s lone run. However, team members didn’t dwell on the final score, instead, they were fairly upbeat regarding their overall performance.
Offensively, a majority of the lineup hit the ball into play with Cody Boyd, Kyle Fortenberry and Tyler Anderson sending balls into the outfield. Defensively, Marvin Cox showed promise on the mound as did Anderson in the later innings.
Behind the plate, John Escamilla had a busy first game and showed no fear when trying to pickoff a runner at either base. When challenged to protect home plate and keep another Palmer run from scoring, the freshman used his body to block home and get the, “out,” call from the umpire after the cloud of dust cleared.
In their second outing, Italy defeated Meridian 8-3 with John Byers, Kevin Roldan and Anderson each having a strong game.
In their third game on Friday, Italy struggled on their home field against a solid hitting Maypearl lineup with the Panthers cruising to a 13-3 win. For Italy, Cox took the mound to start the contest and Boyd closed the game out. Escamilla was behind the plate while J. Byers was at third, Chace McGinnis played shortstop, Zain Byers was on second and Roldan played first base. Fortenberry, Boyd and Anderson patrolled the outfield for the JV Gladiators to start.
Italy’s first district games are scheduled for Monday, March 5 at home against Axtell with JV action starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by the varsity matchup at 7:00 p.m.