The team remains unbeaten in the Bronco World Series and has two shots at the title.
By ANTHONY GAGLIANO
Published August 10, 2004
The only indication he gave his manager was a little extra pop in the catcher's mitt as he warmed up. But neither of them could have guessed that Wellswood's James Ramsay would strike out 18 batters late Sunday to lead his team to a 3-1 victory against Caguas, Puerto Rico, in the semifinals of the Pony League Bronco World Series.
"He always has the same demeanor," Wellswood manager Mike Johnson said. "He's a cool kid and nothing bothers him."
The 12-year-old Wellswood All-Stars are in today's final. Even if it loses Wellswood, unbeaten in the double-elimination event at Monterey, Calif., would get a second game on Wednesday for the title.
"We want to get it over with," Johnson said.
Ramsay struck out 18 of 21 outs in the seven-inning game and also hit a home run, his third in the past two games.
"Everything he had was awesome," Johnson said. "His fastball was super fast and his curve was breaking."
JUNIOR BASEBALL: A day after losing 6-0 to Georgia, the Palma Ceia/Bayshore (age 13-14) offense got back on track Monday, beating Tennessee 14-4 in six innings in Cartersville, Ga., at the Southeast Region tournament. Sunday, More important, PC/Bayshore earned the second seed in its pool and a berth in today's semifinals, where it faces Virginia.
PC/Bayshore reached the region finals a year ago, losing to Virginia. Two players, Peto Kirkwood and Michael Lashbrook, return from that team.
"I know that they're not going to lose to them this year," assistant Wil Ramos said.
Kirkwood went 3-for-3, as did Carter Ilgenfritz. Lashbrook started, but was pulled after one inning as his team led 8-0 going into the bottom of the second. Lashbrook and Kirkwood are available to pitch today. Steff Lazzara also went 3-for-4 for PC/Bayshore, which had 17 hits.
Georgia won the pool by defeating Alabama and plays in today's first semifinal against North Carolina.
