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Sebring Clobbers Clewiston

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sebring’s Connor Cook steals second base as Clewiston’s Jacob Cotton applies the tag during Friday night’s Dixie AAA District 8 game at Max Long Complex.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: June 14, 2008

SEBRING — Despite a slight case of nerves, Sebring proved why it's the team to beat in the Dixie AAA (ages 9-10) District 8 baseball tournament.

Trey Frazier and Jason Cannon combined for a four inning no-hitter, and Connor Cook knocked in two runs to pace the offense as Sebring blanked Clewiston 10-0 on Friday night at Max Long Recreational Complex.

"We were a little tight during infield practice and at the beginning of the game," said head coach Bobby Cannon. "But the kids bounced back quickly and played a good game.

"We can swing the bats better, but Trey and Jason did an outstanding job on the mound, and our defense was solid for most of the game."

Sebring got things going against Clewiston right-hander Robert Miller in the bottom of the first inning.

Cook drew a walk to lead off the inning, Frazier walked and a wild pitch moved the runners into scoring position. Alex Gomez then followed with a hard-hit grounder that was booted, allowing Cook and Frazier to score.

The fleet-footed Gomez stole second and third base and raced home on a wild pitch by Miller for a 3-0 lead. Frazier, a right-hander with an assortment of off-speed pitches, struck our four in his two innings of work to earn the win.

Clewiston had runners at second and third base after a pair of Sebring errors in the top of the third inning, but Cannon got a pop-up and a pair of ground outs to escape the jam unscathed.

Sebring added to its lead in the bottom of the third inning.

Frazier lined a one-out double to left-center field off reliever Dominik Spain and scored on a Gomez double. Gomez then stole third base and scampered home on a passed ball for a 5-0 lead.

Cannon retired Clewiston in order in the top of the fourth and Sebring, which had six hits, sewed up the opening-round win in the bottom of the frame. Cannon reached on an error, Adam Greenslade singled and a wild pitch moved the runners into scoring position.

Nick Staffieri chased them home with a two-run single to center field and then scored on a pair of wild pitches.

Cook added an RBI double and Frazier scored on a wild pitch to bring a halt to the game because of the 10-run mercy rule.

"It's good to get that first game out of the way," coach Cannon said. "We didn't know anything about Clewiston, but we are familiar with all the other teams in the tournament.

"I'm proud of the kids and we just need to stay focused and play our game."

The eight-team, double elimination tournament continues through Monday night. For complete coverage, stick with Highlands Today.

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