The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 9 No. 25 - March 11, 2009

sports

Minors defeated by one run in back-to-back games

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

SUN PHOTO Brooke Capparelli throws to first-baseman Aidan Grumley
during a pitching machine game at the Community Center.

It was a busy week in Island baseball as players in each division geared up for action. Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of Little League Baseball in Anna Maria, with the season kicking off for youngsters playing T-ball and those taking on the pitching machine. There was an exhibition game in each of these divisions in the morning, while the Fun Day activities went on all day to entertain players and their families. Both games were a great way for the players to shake off their nerves, as it was the first time playing organized baseball for many players.

In other baseball news, the Minor’s team came up a run short of victory in both of their games this past week. They were defeated in a 3-2 nail biter at the Community Center on Wednesday and again 11-10 at G.T. Bray against the same opponent over the weekend. Pitching was the name of the game with Island pitchers dominating and striking out 10 batters during the game, with their opposition having the same amount of success. Mikey Ellsworth was worthy of game MVP honors, striking out seven batters in 2 1/3 innings on the mound and smashing a double and later scoring in the fourth inning. Jacob Baker walked and eventually touched home plate on Ellsworth’s hit in the fourth inning to round out the Islander’s scoring. The team was also helped with solid pitching appearances from Emma Monuese and Rebecca Hinds, who struck out one and two batters respectively.

For the team’s second matchup over the weekend, the bats came alive, but the result of a one run loss was the same. Several players scored multiple times with run support coming from big hits by members of the team up and down the lineup. However, the pitching staff was not able to allow them to keep the lead in this matchup, despite an impressive offensive performance. The team hopes to put the full package of pitching, hitting and defense together in their games this week in search for their first win of the season.

Upcoming games

T-ball: Wednesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m., AMICC and Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., AMICC.
Pitching machine: Wednesday, March 11, 7 p.m., AMICC and Saturday, March 14, noon, AMICC.
Minors: Saturday, March 14, 2 p.m., G.T. Bray.
Majors: Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m., G.T. Bray and Monday, March 16, 6:30 p.m., AMICC.
Juniors: Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m., Holmes Beach field.


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