The Italy Gladiators wrap up district title with 16-1 win over the Avalon Eagles
Italy’s junior pitcher Tyler Anderson(7) records 6 strikeouts while facing 19 Avalon batters to get the 16-1 win for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)
Avalon — The Italy Gladiators (15-7, 9-1, 6-2 Away) left no doubt who the district champion should be after defeating the Avalon Eagles (2-12, 2-6 Home) by a score of 16-1 with Italy totaling 12 hits on offense and 0 errors on defense to the delight of head coach Josh Ward and assistant coach Brian Coffman.
Italy’s junior pitcher Tyler Anderson went the distance recording 6 strikeouts and allowed the Eagles only 2 hits while giving senior pitchers Caden Jacinto and Marvin Cox a break from the mound. On offense, Cox accounted for 3 RBIs and four of the sixteen points scored by Italy on 3 hits including a double while Jacinto was walked four times scoring 3 runs.
Italy separated themselves form the flock of orange when senior Reid Jacinto blasted an out-of-the-park, 3 run homerun followed by a solo, over-the-fence homerun by junior Kevin Roldan. Not to be outdone, senior Cole Hopkins followed with a solo smash over the fence to give Italy 5 quick runs.
Senior Chase Hamilton dealt Avalon a double and fellow senior John Hughes scored a run for the Gladiator cause. Senior Hayden woods hit a single and scored a run and sophomore John Byers got on base when his popup to first base was dropped. Byers eventually put a run on the board for Italy as well.
Freshman Ryan Connor remained at catcher throughout and also recorded a single. Cox stole four bases while the Jacinto cousins each stole a base.
Congratulations to the Gladiators on claiming the district championship and special thanks to Jessica Ward for keeping the books for the team all season and for all the parent volunteers that helped run the concession stand.