Southwest ace right on the mark

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published June 6, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Pitcher Jamie Lincoln went to coach Ron Rhoads before Southwest's Monday semifinal against Seminole and said he wanted the ball if they made it to the championship.

"I told the guys what Jamie said to me and how confident he was, " Rhoads said. "He said he'd be ready to pitch Tuesday."

Lincoln delivered - and then some.

Lincoln tossed a gem and drove in the lone run as Southwest captured the Little League District 5 major baseball Tournament of Champions title with a 1-0 victory over Pinellas Park National at Gulf Beaches.

"I've coached him for four years and that was the best game (Lincoln) ever pitched for me, " Rhoads said. "He was dominant."

Lincoln gave up two singles, struck out 12 and fanned the side twice. He also drove in Austin Rhoads in the fourth with an RBI single to rightfield.

Lincoln's dominance overshadowed a fine effort from PPN starter Raymond Diaz, who gave up three hits and struck out three. Marc Brakeman and Jake Posch had the other hits for Southwest while Tyler Vanderveer and Diaz accounted for PPN's hits.

MAJOR SOFTBALL: Pinellas Park National wrapped up a 25-1 season with an 11-1 District 5 TOC final win over Seminole at Cross Bayou. Taylor Klinesmith struck out seven over five innings and Hayley Ledford fanned the side in her only inning of work. PPN's offense was led by Katherine Brown (3-3, four RBIs), Ashley Templeton (1-3, three RBIs), Allison Keen (1-3, two RBIs) and Klinesmith (2-3, three RBIs).

Contact Brandon Wright at bwright@sptimes.com or (727) 892-2216.

[Last modified June 5, 2007, 23:45:08]