DUNEDIN - For a team that has not been together long, the host District 12 All-Stars discovered quickly that they can put up a lot of runs at the Southeast Region Tournament. But a 14-8 win over Georgia made District 12 realize it takes more than runs to advance to the World Series.
"They showed what they can do, and what they can't do," coach Jim Savarese said of several fielding blunders and wild pitches. "Every other inning they performed well."
District 12 chased Georgia starter Kyle Gray with six runs in the first and appeared to be on its way to a swift 10-run-rule win, and hits by Jude Maloney and Matt Monnier made it 8-0 after three.
District 12 starter Tim Bascom mowed down 10 of the first 11 Georgia batters before Joseph Alaimo's infield single started a three-run rally in the fourth. Bascom allowed three more in the fifth before being lifted, as planned, with 10 strikeouts.
With Georgia closing in on District 12's lead, Justin Marlow hit a two-run double in the sixth. Joey Angelberger scored the final run on a bases-loaded walk to Matt Gregory in the seventh.
The District 12 All-Stars face Port St. Lucie today at 4. The winner advances to Monday's championship game. Port St. Lucie beat Tennessee 8-7 and Virginia 9-1.
JUNIOR SOFTBALL: Safety Harbor won its first game 4-3 at the state tournament in St. Cloud. Rain suspended Friday's game against Section 5 with Safety Harbor trailing, and on Saturday, Jamie Crosby drove in Danielle Wright to tie it at three. Brittany Oates and Beth Williamson also drove in runs. Desiree Baker pitched seven to earn the win. Safety Harbor lost its second game 4-3 to DeLand. A win today over Destin advances Safety Harbor to a semifinal at 1 p.m.
