Publix Rolls To Dixie Title

SEBRING -- After losing only one game during the regular season, Publix proved that wasn't a fluke, as its offense pounded out 10 hits and Tommy Bertoniere and Seth Abeln combined on a three-hitter to lead Publix to 12-2 win over Goin' Postal in Sunday's Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) city tournament championship game.

Publix breezed through the double-elimination tournament to cap a remarkable turnaround from last year.

"Winning this championship means quite a bit," said Publix coach Shon Abeln. "We struggled last year with a young team, but the experience they got from playing was just what they needed. "We only lost one game this season and that probably helped us get ready for the tournament, because it showed we could get beat if we didn't come ready to play.

"I'm proud of all the kids and it was a great way to end the season."

Publix wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning.

Gunnar Westergom lined a one-out single to center field off of left-hander Garrett Martinez, stole second base and scampered home on a single by Abeln.

Abeln then stole second and scored on Bertoniere's double to left-center field for a 2-0 lead.

Goin' Postal answered in the bottom of the frame when Josh Gomez worked Bertoniere for a walk, stole second and raced home on Martinez's double to right field to make it 2-1.

Goin' Postal tied the game in the bottom of the third inning when Martinez walked, stole second and third base, and scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Felix Basulto.

Abeln came on in relief of Bertoniere and got the last two outs of the inning to keep the game tied.

Publix stormed back in the top of fourth inning.

Bertoniere and Jared Cannon singled and Matt Wilkerson advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt.

Justin Acevedo had an infield single, and Bertoniere stole home.

Justin Long followed with a double to left-center field to score Cannon and Acevedo.

Basulto came on in relief of Martinez, and a walk and an error put runners in scoring position.

Abeln capped the outburst with a two-run double for a commanding 8-2 lead.

Publix tacked on two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth for the final score.

That was more than enough support for Abeln, as the left-hander limited Goin' Postal to one run on one hit in his 4 2/3 innings of work to seal the win.

"Tommy and Seth did a great job on the mound," said Coach Abeln. "They've been solid all season and gave us a chance to win every time out.

"We backed them up with solid defense and a good offense, and this championship is something we'll always remember."

For Bertoniere, winning the city championship was something special.

"It's great to win," said Bertoniere. "I came up from Lake Placid and to win my first year up here means a lot to me."

Avon Park Dixie Boys

AVON PARK -- In the Avon Park Dixie Boys tournament at Durrah Martin Sports Complex, Travis Crosson Tree Service stayed unbeaten with a 10-4 win over Hardee on Sunday.

Fort Meade eliminated Lake Placid 5-0 on Sunday and Fort Meade also eliminated Cochran Bail Bonds from the double-elimination event.

Hardee played Fort Meade in an elimination game on Monday night.

Results were not available at press time.

The winner of that game takes on Travis Crosson Tree Service at 6 tonight for the city championship.