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Crystal River majors score late to get win

An attempted squeeze play turns into a wild pitch, bringing home the winning run against South Carolina.

By BRENDA YOUNG
© St. Petersburg Times
published July 29, 2002

MONROE, La. -- A wild pitch proved to be the difference as Crystal River defeated South Carolina 2-1 late Saturday at Embanato Field in the first round of the Dixie Major World Series.

The score was tied at 1 entering the bottom of the sixth.

Crystal River's Ryan Starkey led off with a hit, and Scott Miller singled.

Ryan Owens walked Adam Crabtree to load the bases.

Two batters later, a wild pitch to E.J. Garrets, as he attempted to bunt, allowed the go-ahead run to score.

"It was just one of those games where you just try to get through it," Crystal River coach Brent Hall said.

"We know we can hit, and we can play. We have won many games over the last two years. We were here last year as younger players, and now we are ready to take the next step."

Crystal River pitcher Jimmy Metz went 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run while striking out 8. He worked out of jams in the second and fourth.

"Jimmy Metz was tremendous as he always is," Hall said.

"We didn't play great," Metz said.

"But we have some momentum behind us."

Crystal River, which went 2-2 at last year's tournament, played host Monroe, La., late Sunday in the winner's bracket.

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