Saudi All Stars WIN!!!

Our All Stars have completed their first step towards Williamsport! In a spectacularly nail-biting game our boys defeated the team from Dubai, UAE in a 7 inning game! The boys looked a little tight at the beginning but later roared back in the true form we have come to expect.

Box Score

 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Score
KSA	1	0	0	0	2	0	4	7
UAE	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3

  

This was accomplished through outstanding pitching supported by truly eye-watering defensive play.  Beau started the game and was replaced early by Tucker Walle who showed his stuff pitching through the middle innings. Chris Beyers then took over in relief and continued to shut down the all Stars from Dubai. Dubai also displayed tremendous pitching and proved to be a formidable opponent. However by the 7th inning it was a 2 run homer hit by Beau Branton and a another 2 run homer by Cameron Durley that put the final nail in.

Full Game Summary:

It was an overcast day as we took the field for warm ups. It was a comfortable 70 degrees and a wind was blowing towards right field. The boys looked sharp but tended to not acknowledge the adoration of their families.  As they took the field they appeared confident and well prepared.  In the top of the first  Beau hit a solid single, Zach Ell reached on an error advancing Beau, Cameron hit into a fielders choice advancing Beau again and Beau was able to steal home on a passed ball. KSA 1 UAE 0

In the bottom of the first defensive play was a bit spotty and Dubai (UAE) was able to score 3 runs. Our pitcher was Beau initially and was replaced by Tucker Walle during the inning Beau moved to 2B. It was a difficult inning but the boys were able to hold UAE to 3 runs and had an excellent play for the third out.

We were 3 up 3 down in the top of the second.

The bottom of the second saw no scores by UAE. It was highlighted by an excellent play by the catcher to get the third out on a runner stealing home.

We went 3 up and 3 down again in the third.

The big highlight of the third inning was standard out on a fly ball by the outfielder followed by throw that got a runner trying to steal home from 3^rd for a double play. It was an awesome throw!

In the fourth inning we were able to get runners on base (Nicky – Hit by Pitch and Bryce – Walk) but were unable to convert it into any runs.

In the bottom of the fourth no runs were scored in part due to a spectacular diving catch by Zach Ell. Also at the beginning of this inning Chris Beyers was put in to pitch.

In the top of the fifth, I think the parent were more worried than the boys! However, with Will Lavenue on base following a walk (stole second I believe) Beau Branton hit solid home run over the center field fence to tie the score. At this point I believe the parents were able to start breathing again.

UAE went 3 up 3 down in the bottom of the fifth.

In the top of the sixth we were able to get a runner on base but were unable to bring him home.

In the bottom of the sixth, the excellent pitching continued and UAE did not threaten.

So it was on to extra innings! John Sheppard hit a bunt single to start the inning. After 2 well hit balls that were unfortunately caught, Beau Branton hit a tremendous shot over the left field fence to give our team the lead! Not to be outdone Zach Ell hit a solid single followed by Cameron Durley driving a ball over the fence to give us a four run lead.

Chris Beyers finished up a superb day on the mound as UAE went 3 up and 3 down to end the game.

Although it was exciting and the outcome went our way, it certainly took its toll on the parents. But we were all proud of the way all of the boys responded to adversity and pulled together as a team to get the win. Way to go!!

Our next game is tomorrow when we face the team from Uganda.

On that note, Uganda lost their first game in a close match with Kuwait 4-3.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are 1-0 going into tomorrow’s games.