Elks Overpowers Highlands Today

SEBRING - Ryan Davidson had three hits, including a mammoth home run, to lead Elks past Highlands Today 14-3 in Dixie Youth Majors "O" Zone league play on Monday night at Max Long Complex.

Davidson, who was a triple short of hitting for the cycle, also earned the win on the mound with two scoreless innings, which included five strikeouts.

"We're hitting the ball well as a team and Ryan has been swinging a hot bat all season," said Elks coach Bill Westergom. "We've got several good arms and I believe our pitchers struck out fourteen batters tonight.
"We've improved as the season has progressed and we're playing our best ball at the right time."

Elks got things rolling in the top of the first inning as Austin Westergom reached base on a one-out infield error, stole second base and scored on a single to center by Davidson.
Davidson stole second base and scored on an outfield error for a quick 2-0 lead.

Elks kept the pressure on in the second as Cameron Cobb struck out, but reached second when the ball got away from the Highlands Today catcher.

Byron Cobb followed with an RBI double, stole second and third base and raced home on a wild pitch for a 4-0 lead.

Elks took command of the game with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by Westergom's two-run double, an RBI double by Davidson and a run-scoring hit by Jacob Cram for an 8-0 advantage.

Highlands Today got on the board in the bottom of the frame when Matthew Simpson walked, stole second and third base and came home on a ground out by Roudy Sebring.

Elks tacked on two runs in the fifth and four more in the sixth inning, including Davidson's solo blast over the right-center field fence.

Highlands Today rallied for two runs in its last at-bat on an Elks error and an RBI double by Simpson, but left-hander Tyler Bertoniere got the last batter to pop-out to end the threat and the game.

"It was a good win for us because we've been off for about a week," said coach Westergom. "We struggled a little bit last week, but we looked sharp tonight."

The city tournament, which is a double-elimination event, begins next Tuesday at Max Long Complex.
"The kids have worked hard all season and have had great attitudes," said Westergom. "We've had a lot of fun and we need to be playing our best if we want to contend for the championship."