July 24 (Cordova, TN) – Formerly ranked TBS team the Marshals from McKinney, TX met the Fully Loaded team from South, TX on July 24th for the 10U Super Series National Championship at the First Tennessee Fields in Cordova, TN. Climbing out of the losers bracket wasn’t easy for Fully Loaded. According to Coach Eli Reyna his team didn’t play to its fullest potential throughout the tournament. “Our batting wasn’t on, kids were a little nervous, but I knew we had the team to come back.” During their last game of bracket play, Fully Loaded shut down TBS honorable mention team the Jackson Coyotes. Elijah Reyna secured the win over the Coyotes after slamming a triple to center field.  Reyna scored the winning run when Brandon Gomez knocked a 2 out single down the first base line.

The Marshals came away the winner 7-2 of this hard fought contest. Anthony Gomez scored the first run of the Championship game, Fully Loaded had a runner on third base when the Marshals pitcher slipped and a balk was called which allowed Fully Loaded to score a run. The next time we heard from Fully Loaded was with a run scored by Christian Sanchez in the 6th inning. According to Assistant Coach Eddie Garza “our kid’s hearts were somewhere else. A lot of our parents left their boys with us to hurry home and check out the damage from Hurricane Dolly.” 

The fully Loaded kids were spirited in the dugout trying to keep their heads in the game knowing that there could possibly be damage back home. “The storm actually encouraged our kids, they wanted to have good news to send home, news of us winning,” stated Coach Eli Reyna.  Fully Loaded was on top of the game during the first 4 innings holding the Marshals to three batters up and three batters out. Their mistakes began in the bottom of the 5th inning.  Coach Garza commented after the game, “we had more players on base but we couldn’t get them home to score the runs we needed.”  He also added that the kids were starting to hear back from their friends and families at home regarding Hurricane Dolly. “There is flooding, damages to roofs, and carports in neighbor’s yards.”

“I’m very proud of my kids, we try to make them believe in themselves because I really believe in them, and we’re more talented than we showed. This tournament took a team effort, all the kids put forth that effort. The Marshals are a great team and they are well coached.  Shane Lawless made it happen for them he’s a great kid,” Coach Reyna commented after his teams loss.

“Fully Loaded never gave up on winning this ball game,” stated Marshals head coach Don Murrell after his team won 7-2. The bases were loaded for Fully Loaded in the last inning with only one out. Fabon Pedraza hit a line drive at the pitcher, after a hop Shane Lawless quickly started the double play by throwing to second and second threw out Pedraza at first.  “Fully Loaded’s a great team, they fought their way through the losers bracket and they never gave up,” continued Murrell.
Highlights for the Marshals included a 3 run homer by Shane Lawless while Gabe Constantine pitched 4 innings giving up one run. Shane Lawless finished the game as pitcher. Two double plays by the Marshals defense; one in the 4th inning and one as the last play of the game.

Looking back on the entire tournament Marshals coach Rod Murrell was very pleased. “All the teams were equally talented and well coached, there were no issues, just good baseball and we were fortunate enough to come out on the winning side.”

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