Italy’s varsity level select baseball team splits two games with Grandview

Barry Byers Posted July 13, 2012 12:00pm Italy Gladiator Baseball

Image: Italy’s first baseman Kevin Roldan(20) gives pitcher John Byers(18) a glove tap for good luck against Grandview during game one of a double-header on Monday. Italy won game one 4-2. — Italy’s first baseman Kevin Roldan(20) gives pitcher John Byers(18) a glove tap for good luck against Grandview during game one of a double-header on Monday. Italy won game one 4-2. (Barry Byers)

With Marvin Cox at catcher, John Byers and Brett Pickard split time on the mound in game one while sluggers Justin Wood, Kevin Roldan, Caden Jacinto, Reece Marshall and Zackery Boykin kept chipping away on offense to give Italy a 4-2 victory.

Tyler Anderson started on the mound in the second game of the double-header for Italy while Cox remained under the mask. Italy’s select coaches Mark Jacinto and Vincent Jacinto were pleased early on with Italy pressing the issue to take a 4-1 advantage.

Grandview countered with a pitching upgrade that proved to be the difference as the Zebras quickly tied the matchup before trotting off with the win, 12-4 over Italy.

Up next, Team Italy will play Whitney on Monday, July 16 and then Alvarado on the following Monday, July 23. Both games will be away.

Also, Italy’s summertime soldiers will be compete in a State tournament that will cover three towns, Hillsboro, Italy and Maypearl starts on Friday, July 20 and concluding on Sunday, July 22.

Go Team Italy!

Catcher Tyler Anderson squeezes the ball for a strike call. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s John Byers, a sophomore, keeps the strikes coming. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Kevin Roldan(20) makes the catch to beat the runner for an out at first base. (Barry Byers)

Brett Pickard pitches for Italy’s select team against Grandview by way of Maypearl. (Barry Byers)

Justn Wood(4) attempts a tag at third base but the Zebra runner beats the throw. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Justin Wood shoots one past the Zebras and welcomes them to his gun show. (Barry Byers)

Reece Marshall, an Avalon Eagle during the school year, rejoined Italy’s select team this summer. (Barry Byers)

Brett Pickard sends a shot down the first base line. (Barry Byers)

Tyler Anderson starts on the mound in game two for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Pitcher Tyler Anderson(11) tries to catch a Zebra runner too far off the second base bag with teammate John Byers covering and Brett Pickard backing up the play in center field. (Barry Byers)

Right fielding senior Zackery Boykin(12) relays the throw to Kevin Roldan(20). (Barry Byers)

Coach Mark Jacinto checks on his hurler Tyler Anderson along with catcher Marvin Cox. (Barry Byers)

Tyler Anderson storms off the mound trying to tag a Zebra runner during a rundown. (Barry Byers)

Tyler Anderson(11) throws to John Byers(18) who makes the tag at second base. (Barry Byers)

Kevin Roldan(20) rips a single into right field, mesmerizing teammate Zackery Boykin(12). (Barry Byers)

Italy’s third baseman Justin Wood continues to work late in game two. (Barry Byers)

Justin Wood(4) gets the ball into pitcher Marvin Cox(1) as Cox tries to rally Italy to a game two win from the mound. (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(1) kicks up Italy’s intensity a notch when he’s on the mound. (Barry Byers)

Zackery Boykin(12) throws the ball in to Brett Pickard(20) after a Grandview hit in game two. (Barry Byers)

Justin Wood(4) continues to to be a solid hitter for Team Italy. (Barry Byers)

John Byers waits for just the right pitch. (Barry Byers)

Kevin Roldan(20) keeps Zebras’ runners glued to first base. (Barry Byers)