Perfect No More: Elks Win

SEBRING - After dropping a one-run decision to Pool Paradise two weeks ago, Elks bounced back with a vengeance on Tuesday night by banging out 10 hits en route to a convincing 13-1 win over Pool Paradise in Dixie Youth Majors (ages 10-12) "O" Zone play at Max Long Complex.

The season-ending win improved Elks to 10-4, with the double-elimination city tournament set to begin on Tuesday night at Max Long Complex.

"We're peaking at the right time," said Elks coach Bill Westergom. "We're staying aggressive at the plate and I think everyone in the lineup had a hit.
"Our pitching is really coming around and now were looking forward to the city tournament."

The loss dropped Pool Paradise from the ranks of the unbeaten at 12-1, but they'll still be the No. 1 seed heading into the city tournament.

Pool Paradise scored a run in the top of the first inning off of Elks right-hander Ryan Davidson to grab the early momentum.

Elks, which watched a lead evaporate in the earlier loss to Pool Paradise, answered emphatically in the bottom of the second inning by sending 19 batters to the plate.

Jordan Strickland drew a leadoff walk off of right-hander Trey Frazier, stole second base and moved to third on a single to right field by Byron Cobb.

Cameron Cobb laced an RBI single to right field and two one-out walks loaded the bases.

Jordan Austin then lined a two-run double to left-center field and Austin Westergom followed with a single to center field for two more runs.

Tyler Bertoniere kept the hit parade going with a single and Davidson drilled a two-run double to left field.

Strickland, up for the second time in the inning, had an infield hit and another run scored on a Pool Paradise infield error.

Davidson capped the marathon half-inning with an RBI double to right field to give Elks a 13-1 lead.

"We had been off for a week, but we looked good in Monday's win over Highlands Today and we played well tonight," Westergom said. "We're swinging the bats well and hit some balls hard tonight against a good team."

Bertoniere came on in relief of Davidson and the hard-throwing left-hander pitched two scoreless innings to close out the regular season on a high note.

"It was a good win, and this just reminds us that we can play with any team in the league," said Westergom. "We just need to come ready to play in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday against Firemen."