Italy — In a district rematch against the Grandview Zebras, the Italy JV Gladiators, head coached by Josh Ward and assisted by, Randy Parks, start well but solid hitting by the Zebras makes the difference.

In the top of the first-inning, John Escamilla went behind the catcher’s mask and Tyler Anderson started on the mound for Italy, quickly getting under a popup to catch the first out. Anderson struck out Grandview’s next batter for out number two. Grandview gets a runner on base then pops one up to shallow right field. Second baseman, Zain Byers drops back while, right fielder, Omar Estrada rushes in causing a collision between teammates. Byers laid dazed while the Zebras rounded the bases to take a 1-0 lead.

A grounder hit to, third baseman, Kevin Roldan resulted in the sophomore throwing to Bailey Walton covering first base for the third out. Italy heads to their dugout to take their first turn at batting. Byers limps back to the dugout and would later be diagnosed with a hyperextended knee but remains in the game.

Italy’s offense wastes no time in loading the bases against the Zebra defense. Roldan battles at the plate and eventually hits a single to score teammates, Marvin Cox and Cody Boyd. Roldan’s effort gives the JV Gladiators a 2-1 lead before the game moves to the top of the second-inning.

Grandview pops up to Anderson who makes the catch for the first out. However, the Zebras mounted an offensive flurry to construct a 7-2 advantage. With two outs, a high fly ball caught by center-fielder Kyle Fortenberry gets the much needed third out to temporarily halt the Zebras’ stampede.

Byers would later knock in another run for Italy, despite being thrown out after rounding second, but the Zebras ran away with the game for a 12-3 win.

The JV Gladiators will try to regroup against the Maypearl JV Panthers today starting at 4:30 p.m. in Maypearl.

Go Italy!