Italy — Celebrating White Out day at Loyd Davidson Field in Italy, the Italy Gladiator Baseball team welcomed player and coach representatives from the local IYAA (Italy Youth Athletic Association) during a pre-game ceremony.

IYAA baseball player Kinley Whatley was named Italy’s honorary coach for the district clash between Italy and Itasca and fellow IYAA baseball player Christopher Cryer was given the honor of throwing out the opening pitch.

Cryer delivered the opening pitch on target to junior catcher John Escamilla with proud mom Jaime McMillon waiting to greet her beaming son after his success from the mound. And with that, it was time for the Gladiators to get down to business. After all, Italy was seeking their fourth straight district win.

Italy went to work quickly when junior John Byers christened the stadiums brand new scoreboard with a 3 run inside-the-park homerun that made its way deep into centerfield. Itasca’s relay was slow going as J.B. slid across home plate for safety’s sake. He was greeted by teammates with Bailey Walton leaping in the air to bump J.B. who just remained standing trying to catch his breath.

Also scoring on the play were Levi McBride who represents the first official run to be put on the scoreboard with Tyler Anderson scoring the second official run to go on the new board.

With Italy up 3-0 after the first-inning, it was to pitcher Ty Windham to maintain Italy’s momentum. And maintain he did. Windham recorded 9 strikeouts, gave up just one walk and never gave up a hit or a run to the Wampus Cats. Catcher John Escamilla matched Windham pitch-for-pitch hauling in all nine strike three balls.

Tyler Anderson recorded a double for the Gladiator cause and Levi McBride recorded 2 hits. Kyle Fortenberry had 1 hit, Zain Byers had 1 hit, Ryan Connor had 1 hit and of course John Byers had the homer. A total of 7 Italy hits to 0 for Itasca.

In the end, the Gladiators posted their second shutout of district play with a 10-0 win over the visiting Itasca Wampus Cats and accomplish of their goal of improving to 4-0 in district play!

ITALY GLADIATORS game roster versus Itasca:

Coaches:

• Jon Cady
• Brandon Gansky
• Jackie Cate

Go Gladiators!