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By BRANT JAMES
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 18, 2000
Hernando Youth League's two Dixie League state tournament teams advanced easily into the winners' bracket this weekend with blowout first-round wins.
The HYL Pre-Majors (15-to-16 years old) routed Lakeland 25-12 Sunday in the first round in Pensacola and the Majors slammed Hardee County 9-0 Saturday in Avon Park.
The Pre-Majors had a first-round bye Saturday and the Majors received a day off Sunday when Frostproof was unable to participate in the tournament.
For the Pre-Majors, Randy Cseh went 3-for-6 and hit a grand slam to power a seven-run first inning. Brad Wyatt (3-for-3) also hit a three-run shot in the first.
Gerardo Uribe was 2-for-2 with three RBIs in a substitute role.
"It was kind of like a softball game," Hernando co-coach Jeff Laing said.
Willie Fifer allowed one earned run on a hit and a walk with three strikeouts to earn the victory.
The Pre-Majors were scheduled to play Marion County in the winners' bracket Monday night, with Wyatt on the mound. The winner of that game meets Highlands County tonight.
Ridgewood alum Chris Way allowed one hit and struck out five batters in five innings for the Majors. Hernando High's Dee Brown was 3-for-4 with an RBI and Leopards teammate Stephen Blanton was 2-for-2.
"It's a good start," coach Tim Sims said. "A lot better than last year, getting beat in the first game."
The Majors were slated to meet Suwannee on Monday, with the Leopards' Jason Dunn pitching.