Marauders cruise to another championship

The Marauders (16-2), which had little trouble capturing their second straight district title, jumped to an early lead, getting a Sam Mende run in the first.

By ROD GIPSON
Published April 27, 2007

TAMPA - Berkeley Prep sure could have used a little more pitching magic.

Coming off Matt Ryckman's no-hit pitching performance in the district semifinals, the Bucs were optimistic about another strong outing on the mound. But CCC had other ideas, collecting 10 hits off four pitchers to post a 6-1 championship win.

The Marauders (16-2), which had little trouble capturing their second straight district title, jumped to an early lead, getting a Sam Mende run in the first.

The Bucs responded in the top of the second when Ryckman singled to score Frank Gassler, knotting the score. But it was all CCC from that point as the Marauders' surge began with a big second inning, scoring three runs to break the game open.

After James Dowdell scored from third on a passed ball, CCC added more runs when Matt Morelli delivered a two-run single to centerfield. That sent Berkley Prep starter Eddie Sipple back to the dugout, bringing on the first of three more hurlers to attempt to quiet the CCC bats.

But the Marauders, who advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals last year, continued to hit well, adding runs in the fourth and sixth innings.

CCC pitcher Ryan Acosta threw a complete-game five-hitter, striking out 10, including the last five Bucs batters. Rightfielder Jeff Ijas had three hits, an RBI and scored three runs to lead the Marauders on offense. He was one of six CCC players to register a hit.

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 22:53:09]