Unbeaten Streaks Thunder To Title

SEBRING - Despite trailing Okeechobee American by four runs midway through the Dixie AAA (ages 9-10) District 8 championship game on Monday night, there wasn't any panic in the Sebring dugout.

The boys in blue and white simply went to the plate and began their assault on yet another pitcher.

Sebring, which banged out 10 hits against three Okeechobee American hurlers, proceeded to score 14 runs in two innings on their way to a convincing 15-5 victory and the District 8 championship at Max Long Recreational Complex.

Sebring, which went unbeaten in the six-team, double-elimination tournament, scored 64 runs in five games and earned a berth in the Dixie AAA state tournament in Lakeland, which begins July 5.

"I couldn't be more proud of these kids," said a soaked Sebring head coach Bobby Cannon, who was doused with water after the game. "After getting down early in the game we fought through it, relaxed and started hitting the baseball.

"Our pitching kept us in the game until our bats got going and all twelve kids contributed to this win."

Okeechobee American, which dropped a 10-0 decision to Sebring on Saturday, showed quickly that the championship game would be different.

In the top of the first inning, Chase Quisenberry reached first base on a fielder's choice, Layton Thomas doubled and Brendan Barcia was hit by a pitch from Sebring right-hander Trey Frazier to load the bases.

Jarred Morgan ripped a two-run single to right field and Barcia scored on the front end of a double-steal for a 3-0 lead.

Sebring tallied a run in the bottom of the frame when Frazier doubled to center field and scored on Jimmy Peck's double to trim the deficit to 3-1.

Okeechobee American added to its lead in the top of the third inning when Elijah Finney singled, moved to third on a pair of wild pitches and scored on a fielder's choice.

Sebring right-hander Connor Cook, on in relief of Frazier, loaded the bases with a pair of walks, but he struck out the next two batters.

Lane Rhodes then lined an RBI single to right field to give Okeechobee American a 5-1 lead.

"Connor did a good job of pitching to get out of that jam," said coach Cannon. "That kept us close and we told the kids to throw strikes and play defense because we knew our bats would come around."

In the bottom of the inning, Gerig Blackman drew a walk off of Barcia and Jarred Morgan came on in relief for Okeechobee American.

Rowdy Sebring singled and Blackman scored on an error. Frazier walked and Gomez drew a base-on-balls to force in a run. A wild pitch plated a run and Peck knocked in two runs for a 6-5 lead. Jason Cannon came on to pitch the top of the fourth inning and the left-hander retired Okeechobee American in order.

Sebring then put together one of their patented big innings.

Nick Staffieri led off with a double, Jordan Austin reached on an error and Blackman's fly ball was dropped for an error. Cook roped an RBI single, Gomez had a two-run double and Cannon had an RBI double. Cannon moved to third base on wild pitch and trotted home on a Staffieri single to right field to end the game because of the 10-run mercy rule.

"This is a great group of kids, coaches and parents," coach Cannon said. "This district championship is special, and to watch these kids grow up, improve and learn to have confidence is a great thing and a joy to watch."

With the combination of pitching depth and a powerful offense, Sebring might just be able to make some noise at the state tournament.

"There will be a couple of teams at state just like us," coach Cannon said. "We have good pitching, a solid defense and good hitters, we just have to go there and battle and play like we're capable."