Gladiators play tournament championship game Monday, March 10, at 5:00 p.m.
Junior catcher John Escamilla makes the tag for an out against Roosevelt to help the Gladiators win round-one, 8-2, of their team’s hosted baseball tournament at Davidson Field in Italy. (Barry Byers)
Italy — During their annually Italy hosted baseball tournament, the Gladiators defeated Roosevelt in round-one, 8-2, with pitcher Ty Windham going the distance to record the win and catcher John Escamilla remaining behind the plate throughout.
In round-two, the Gladiators left no doubt with a 20-2 win over Faith Family with pitcher Ryan Connor helping Italy build an early lead they would hold until the end. Tyler Vencill handled the catching duties while senior Eric Carson did a bit of everything to help the Gladiators reach Monday’s championship round.
In both games, Italy’s hit-men have been on target with John Byers, Levi McBride, Eric Carson, Zain Byers, Kyle Fortenberry, Kevin Roldan, Tyler Anderson, Bailey Walton, Windham, Cody Boyd, Vencill and Connor all making contact on the ball during Italy’s first two bracket games.
The tournament championship game will be played on Monday, March 10, between the Gladiators and the Blooming Grove Lions starting at 5:00 p.m. at Davidson Field. Come on out to the ballpark and support the Gladiators as they attempt to win their rematch against a solid Lion club that outlasted Italy 10-7 in a matchup during the Blooming Grove tournament earlier this Month.