Gladiators conclude baseball season in JV and Varsity matches with Rio Vista

Barry Byers Posted May 10, 2012 12:55pm Additional Images

Image: Italy senior, Omar Estrada(7), takes a swing at the Rio Vista Eagles. — Italy senior, Omar Estrada(7), takes a swing at the Rio Vista Eagles. (Barry Byers)

Additional photos from the final JV/varsity baseball games between the 2011-2012 Italy Gladiators and the Rio Vista Eagles. A strong year for Italy’s first year head coach, Josh Ward, resulting in many memorable moments and lasting images that will carry with the players, particularly the graduating seniors, for years to come.

Go Italy!

JV Gladiator, Tyler Anderson, wants the heater from Rio’s pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Chace McGinnis(2), sends one high as his JV Gladiator teammates look on from the dugout. (Barry Byers)

Taking a mighty swing is JV Gladiator, Zain Byers(10). (Barry Byers)

Taking a cut at the cowhide is JV Gladiator, John “Squirt” Hughes. (Barry Byers)

Zain Byers(10), backs up shortstop, Chace McGinnis(2), while attempting to tag out a stealing Eagle runner during the JV game. (Barry Byers)

JV Gladiator third baseman, Kyle Fortenberry(14), makes the tag and gets the out against a sliding Rio runner. (Barry Byers)

The loss to Rio Vista fails to dampen the spirits of Italy’s JV squad who share one last team huddle. (Barry Byers)

Senior pitcher, Justin Buchanan(13), takes the mound during his final game as a Gladiator despite an injured shoulder. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator, Brandon Souder(17), displays the form. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator, Alex DeMoss(4), eyes Rio’s pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Junior Gladiator, Cole Hopkins(9), rips it toward Eagle defenders. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator catcher, Ross Stiles(1) makes the grab on a tricky pitch. (Barry Byers)

Third baseman, Brandon Souder(17) gives the ball to pitcher, Justin Buchanan(13). (Barry Byers)

Chase Hamilton(10), Jase Holden(3) and their Gladiator teammates storm out of the dugout. (Barry Byers)

Alex DeMoss(4) makes a running grab in left field. (Barry Byers)

Reid Jacinto(5), a junior Gladiator, lays off an inside pitch. (Barry Byers)

Freshman Gladiator, John Byers(18) connects on the ball as Italy fans, Mark Buchanan, Mark Souder, Sr. and Lucio Jacinto watch it go. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s pitcher, Justin Buchanan(13) gets a hit against Rio’s pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Cole Hopkins(9) tries to tag out an Eagle base runner at first. (Barry Byers)

Reid Jacinto(5) attempts to make a tag at second base. (Barry Byers)

Pitcher, Justin Buchanan(13) gets himself out of trouble while Cole Hopkins(9) gets back into defensive position. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator junior, Caden Jacinto(2) takes a large lead from first base. (Barry Byers)

Senior Gladiator, Jase Holden(3) looks for an opportunity to tie the game from third base but Rio Vista hangs on for the 2-1 win. (Barry Byers)