Italy — With one of the most lopsided victories to ever glow on the old scoreboard (that is soon to be replaced) the Italy Gladiators pull things together in time to win their 2014 district opener in a big way, 24-1 over visiting Grand Prairie Advantage.

Although the Gladiators were the away team on their home field, with GPAA not having a field of their own, pitchers Ty Windham and Levi McBride combined for 7 strikeouts while only allowing 1 hit and 2 walks in 5 1/2-innings to help defend their sand for the victory.

Shortstop Tyler Anderson was flawless while securing several grounders to throw runners out at first-base where Kevin Roldan was busy collecting outs. Second-baseman Zain Byers was tested only once but the Byers-to-Roldan connection was true, as well, with Italy’s defense being downright stubborn throughout.

Outfielders Kyle Fortenberry, Cody Boyd, McBride when in center-field and Ryan Connor backed plays up but were spectators for the most part with Italy’s infield and pitching staff taking care of business.

Windham and McBride were also effective when batting with both players reaching base twice, including a double by McBride followed by another double from catcher Tyler Vencill. Windham had 4 RBIs and McBride had 1 RBI. Zain Byers hit 4 times out of his 5 plate appearances with 3 singles and a double while contributing 5 RBIs and crossing home plate 3 times. Cousin John Byers was equally effective with 5 RBIs on 3 hits and also crossed home plate 3 times.

Cody Boyd reached base all 4 times he went to the plate with his lone hit a 2 run double. Boyd crossed home plate 4 times. Anderson also crossed home plate 4 times. Connor recorded 2 hits and a walk and scored twice. Bailey Walton recorded 1 hit with 2 RBIs and was walked twice while pinch hitting for Roldan. All-in-all, 19 of Italy 24 runs were RBIs.

Zain Byers led Italy’s hitmen with a .800 OBP (on-base percentage) while John Byers had a .600 OBP. Vencill and Windham each had a .500 OBP, McBride, Connor and Boyd each had a .400 OBP while Walton recorded a .200 OBP.

Box Score:

Go Gladiators!