Odessa Post 147 rolling along early

LAND O'LAKES -- Two rainouts have not put a damper on Odessa Post 147's strong start.

"It's been a good start," said Odessa coach Calvin Baisley, who also coaches Land O'Lakes. "The main thing is getting the kids to jell together and they really have. I think what really helped is getting in a lot of games right away."

Post 147 went 3-1 in the Tampa Memorial American Legion tournament, finishing third after a 4-3 loss to Paradise Post 79, which includes Gulf, Ridgewood and River Ridge players.

"The kids played real well," Baisley said. "The only problem is we ran out of pitching."

Starters Bryan Strawser and Ryan Nalls missed that tournament. Rob Petrucci picked up the two victories. Petrucci (2-1, 1.50 ERA) pitched Odessa to a 2-1 win over Sickles and left with a 3-2 lead over Gaither in a 7-4 win.

"It would have been nicer if we had a little bit of a lead, but (those games) were against tough teams," Petrucci said.

Odessa finished second in the Southwest Area Class A tournament last season, but Baisley isn't ready to predict this year's finish.

"You never know," Baisley said, noting that players often miss the season's end due to family vacations, injuries or work. "With American Legion, it's survival of the fittest."

For the second straight year, Odessa is loaded with Land O'Lakes and Hudson players. Three Cobras rank among the team's top hitters.

Kenny Eva, an outfielder and third baseman, leads Odessa with a .556 average and team-high seven RBIs. Second baseman David Leduc is hitting .364 with a team-high 10 runs scored. Petrucci is hitting .350.

The best Land O'Lakes hitter is shortstop Michael Garcia, batting .333 with six runs.

"They're really good players. I like to play with them," Petrucci said of his teammates from Land O'Lakes. "It's nice to go with them down to play the Tampa teams."

Petrucci, who helped lead Hudson to a school-record 20 wins and the team's first district title, is a centerfielder when not pitching. Though he is a mainstay on Odessa's pitching staff, his future is in the outfield.

Pasco-Hernando Community College coach Steve Winterling said Petrucci, who will be a walk-on at the New Port Richey school, has a shot at starting in the outfield next season.

For now, Petrucci simply wants to enjoy his summer.

"What else is there to do in the summer," said Petrucci, who is in his second American Legion season and figures time spent with Odessa will prepare him for fall ball at PHCC.

Odessa (5-2) hosts Robinson today at 6 p.m. at Land O'Lakes.

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