Big League All-Stars beat Florida twice in two days to advance.
By ERIC MUSCATEVC
Published July 29, 2003
DUNEDIN - Three games, 31 runs, three wins. So far, the postseason has been promising for the District 12 Big League baseball All-Stars, who beat Florida twice in two days to advance to the World Series.
The 7-1 win at the Englebert Complex sends District 12 to the 10-team pool in Easley, S.C..
"This is a high-horsepowered machine that you just have to steer," said District 12 coach Jim Savarese. "I see myself as more of a mentor. I'm an administrator more than a coach."
In the top of the second inning, Florida led 1-0 after it scored on an error, but it was all District 12 after that. It scored three in the third, one in the fourth and three in the sixth.
"Each game is another chance to get better. Each game is another chance to come together as a team. And each game is more camaraderie," Savarese said. "We are just now coming together as a team."
John Petika pitched the complete game with eight strikeouts, five hits and two walks. He did not allow an earned run in his first postseason game. Offensively, Chris Coghlan was 2-for-2 and Justin Marlone 1-for-1 with three RBIs.
Three assistant coaches - Chris Pachik, Kenny Holmberg and Josh Whittle - were part of the 2001 team that lost in the World Series final. Cody Rainer and Petika were part of the Palm Harbor Senior team that won the World Series in 2001. Pachik, Holmberg and Whittle were restricted to assistants because of their age.
"I'm really proud of my boys. That's why I'm coaching," Pachik said. "I wanted them to feel what it was like when I was there. This is all for them."
Rainer, Petika and Tim Bascom all are 1-0 as starters. Rainer dominated Florida in Sunday's 15-4 win.
"Once they get a feel for it, they love it," Savarese said. "Pinellas County is loaded with talent. This is just an absolutely great way for these kids to come out and get a last hurrah before they go out into the real world."
