 Looking for a statement win to open up their US Club Nationals campaign, the 13u Dallas Tigers executed its plan to perfection. Scoring in every inning, the Tigers walked away with a 16-1 command victory over Slammers Baseball.
“Today we were sharp, prepared mentally and did what we were supposed to,” said head coach Chad Polk. “At this point we’re just trying to get into the bracket and that’s what we went out there to do.” Drawing the away side of the coin flip, Dallas went right to work in the opening frame. A single from Owen Peck and a double from Trenton Shaw put two aboard the base paths for Jayson Jones. Jones promptly rocketed the ball over the opposite right field fence for a three-run home run. “He had a good cutter,” said Jones. “I was just trying to hit it the other way. When I hit it, I didn’t know it was going out, but I was happy when it did.” In total, the Tigers plated five runs in the first inning, putting Slammers in a huge hole early. Not that starting pitcher Josh Livingston needed that amount of run support, but his comfortable pitching style proved to be even more luxurious with a five-run lead. Livingston cruised through the first two innings, even ending the first with a swift strike ’em out throw ’em out. “Josh is a strike thrower,” said Polk. “He really has two pitches that he throws for strikes, but today he found a third pitch in his change-up. “He was basically getting bad contact all afternoon long which allowed him to keep his pitch count down. Now, we’re going to be able to rest him for a couple days and bring him back.” While Livingston was keeping things cool on the mound, the Tigers offense continued to pound away. Three runs in the second, one in the third and two more in the fourth made it 11-0 in favor of Dallas. Jones responsible for a bulk of that damage, going 2-3, with his home runs, a hit-by-pitch and five RBI. “Our coach deserves a lot of credit,” said Jones. “He helps us out on a daily basis, making our swings perfect. That’s why our offense is so hot right now.” Slammers broke its scoring drought in the fifth inning, utilizing a hit-by-pitch to kick start a rally. However, two swift strikeouts from Livingston ended the threat before any major leakage occurred. Dallas kept its foot on the pedal in the fifth inning. All 11 players earned an at-bat. Six hits, including four double plated five more runs for Dallas, extending the Tigers’ lead, 16-1. Needing three outs to end the contest, Polk entrusted Caleb Bergman with the task. Bergman delivered sharply and diligently, recording a fly out, strikeout and ground out to end the contest. “We have a lot of really good opponents still to face,” said Jones. “We needed to get this one out of the way so we can get ready for that match up.” Dallas will go toe-to-toe versus hometown East Cobb Thursday morning at 9 a.m. ET. “It’s important in these types of tournaments that are short and condensed, the hottest team at the time is usually in the championship games,” said Polk. “Once we get into the bracket, the next objective will be to get to the championship game.” Tags: Baseball, Triple Crown Baseball, US Club Nationals |
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