More moments from Italy’s final innings of the 2013 season

Barry Byers Posted May 23, 2013 1:15am Additional Images

Image: Kevin Roldan(16) and Cody Boyd(4) hustle in after pre-game warmups before the start of Italy’s regional quarterfinal matchup against Trenton. — Kevin Roldan(16) and Cody Boyd(4) hustle in after pre-game warmups before the start of Italy’s regional quarterfinal matchup against Trenton. (Barry Byers)

Forney — After claiming the district championship and receiving an automatic bi-district championship, the Italy Gladiators defeated Lindsay in two games, 2-1 and 9-2, to claim the area championship but lost two games to Trenton, 2-0 and 8-2, to finish the 2013 season as regional quarterfinalists.

Despite the loss to Trenton, it was a sensational season for Italy, especially for the seniors, whose class led the Gladiators into the playoffs in three separate sports including football, basketball and baseball.

Congratulations to the baseball team and thank you seniors for all your efforts. It has been an exciting ride!

Gladiator Pride

Freshman Levi McBride(1) gets some work in before the game. (Barry Byers)

Backup center fielder, Kyle Fortenberry(14), a sophomore, catches a popup during the pre-game warmups. (Barry Byers)

Senior right fielder, Hayden Woods(8), work on securing a grounder during the pre-game. (Barry Byers)

Outfielders Chase Hamilton(10) and Kyle Fortenberry(14) look on as their infielders conclude their pre-game routine. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s players and coaches share a moment before the start of game two with Italy in a must win situation down 1-0 in the best-of-three series against trenton. (Barry Byers)

Senior, Caden Jacinto(2), chats with sophomore, John Escamilla(7), while senior, Cole Hopkins(9), talks with freshman, Ty Windham(12), before the game as the elders pass on the torch. (Barry Byers)

Kevin Roldan(16) and John Byers(18) stretch out teammate Marvin Cox(3). (Barry Byers)

Italy senior Chase Hamilton(10) gets ready to do battle against Trenton. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s John Byers(18) warms up before the game. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator sophomore John Escamilla(7) finishes warming up his pitcher. (Barry Byers)

Designated hitter, John Byers(18) prepares to bat for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Second baseman Reid Jacinto(5) throws to first base for an out. (Barry Byers)

Freshman catcher Ryan Connor(17) reacts to an outside pitch. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Cole Hopkins(9) awaits the call from the umpire in a close call at the bag. (Barry Byers)

Trenton steals second base while Italy’s Reid Jacinto(5) keeps the ball from going into the outfield. (Barry Byers)

Senior Reid Jacinto(5) prepares to take some swings against Trenton. (Barry Byers)

Reaching first base is Reid Jacinto(5) who was a bright spot for Italy’s offense against Trenton. (Barry Byers)

Italy Baseball head coach Josh Ward talks strategy with Kevin Roldan(16) before Roldan goes up to bat. (Barry Byers)

Cole Hopkins(9) warms up at first base while Tyler Anderson(11) takes some practice pitches between innings. (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(3) stays active at third base. (Barry Byers)

Tyler Anderson(11) blocks everything else out while pitching. (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(3) goes in to pitch for Italy late in the game. (Barry Byers)

Caden Jacinto(2) ponders his final moments as an Italy Baseball player while covered with the stains of being in battle. (Barry Byers)