Italy’s select baseball team competes in state tournament

Image: Italy’s third baseman Justin Wood gets under a Mexia foul ball for an out during pool play.

Italy’s third baseman Justin Wood gets under a Mexia foul ball for an out during pool play. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s freshman pitcher Ryan Connor starts on the mound against Mexia.

Italy’s freshman pitcher Ryan Connor starts on the mound against Mexia. (Barry Byers)

Image: John Byers gets loose in the bullpen for Italy.

John Byers gets loose in the bullpen for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Caden Jacinto gets in a few practice swings before his at bat.

Caden Jacinto gets in a few practice swings before his at bat. (Barry Byers)

Image: Reid Jacinto(5) advances the runner on first for Italy.

Reid Jacinto(5) advances the runner on first for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy sophomore John Byers brings the heat to the Blackcats.

Italy sophomore John Byers brings the heat to the Blackcats. (Barry Byers)

Image: Catcher Marvin Cox leaps for the catch as Italy tries to halt Mexia runners after a Blackcat hit.

Catcher Marvin Cox leaps for the catch as Italy tries to halt Mexia runners after a Blackcat hit. (Barry Byers)

Image: Trailing 4-0, Reece Marshall(3), of Avalon, attempts a bunt to advance Italy’s base runner.

Trailing 4-0, Reece Marshall(3), of Avalon, attempts a bunt to advance Italy’s base runner. (Barry Byers)

Image: John Byers continues to attack Mexia’s hitters.

John Byers continues to attack Mexia’s hitters. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy pitcher John Byers(18) takes on Mexia’s long ball hitter.

Italy pitcher John Byers(18) takes on Mexia’s long ball hitter. (Barry Byers)

Image: First baseman Kevin Roldan stretches for the catch to get the close call to go in Italy’s favor.

First baseman Kevin Roldan stretches for the catch to get the close call to go in Italy’s favor. (Barry Byers)

Image: Tyler Anderson(11) rips a single.

Tyler Anderson(11) rips a single. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(1) crosses home plate for Italy.

Marvin Cox(1) crosses home plate for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s John Escamilla(7) knocks in Tyler Anderson(11) from third.

Italy’s John Escamilla(7) knocks in Tyler Anderson(11) from third. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Tyler Anderson hustles home for a run.

Italy’s Tyler Anderson hustles home for a run. (Barry Byers)

Image: Levi McBride(6) makes contact against Mexia’s stout pitcher.

Levi McBride(6) makes contact against Mexia’s stout pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Image: Still in pool play, Marvin Cox(1) goes to the mound against Dawson.

Still in pool play, Marvin Cox(1) goes to the mound against Dawson. (Barry Byers)

Image: First baseman Kevin Roldan(20) backs up Marvin Cox(1) as the pitcher makes the tag at the plate to keep a Dawson run from counting.

First baseman Kevin Roldan(20) backs up Marvin Cox(1) as the pitcher makes the tag at the plate to keep a Dawson run from counting. (Barry Byers)

Image: Caden Jacinto(3) takes over on the mound for Italy.

Caden Jacinto(3) takes over on the mound for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Freshman Brandon Connor(15) is hoping for the heater from Dawson’s pitcher.

Freshman Brandon Connor(15) is hoping for the heater from Dawson’s pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Reid Jacinto secures the ball while playing catcher.

Italy’s Reid Jacinto secures the ball while playing catcher. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s John “Squirt” Hughes(17) takes a swing at Dawson during pool play of the State tournament.

Italy’s John “Squirt” Hughes(17) takes a swing at Dawson during pool play of the State tournament. (Barry Byers)

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