August 3, 2008 Disney Wide World of Sports arena, Kissimmee, Florida 11U

The 11U USSSA Elite 24 World Series began here today, at Disney's Wide World of Sports, with the first rounds of pool play.  The game of the day was a thriller between the Simi-Valley Predators and the Pensacola Aquasox.  The Predators won the game 5-4 in a game that went the distance.

In the top of the 6th, the Aquasox were down to their last strike with the game tied.  At that point, the game got very exciting when an RBI single by Harrison drove in Williams who had singled with 2 outs and then stole second.  Harrison's hit tied the game.  But the Aquasox scoring ended there with a very nice sliding catch from Predator, JT Watson, who had just entered the game in the top of the 6th inning for defensive purposes. The Predators came to bat in the bottom of the 6th looking to rebound.  Their rebound started with a 1 out single by Lucas Herbert.  He then advanced to second on error.  At that point, J T Watson, who had just entered the game in top of 6th and had earlier made a diving catch to stop the Aquasox rally, came to bat and hit a walk off double, driving in Herbert to end the game in dramatic fashion - Great decision by Predator Coach Jay Lucas.   These were two excellent teams playing at Elite 24 levels.

In other games played today by teams ranked nationally, by TravelBallSelect (TBS), The top ranked Texas Prospect's Americans (TX) mercy-ruled their in-state rival RBA Seahawks (ranked 10th).  It was a sweet revenge as the Seahawks are one of only a few that have beat the Americans this year (USSSA South Texas State Tournament).

The TABU (CA), who was ranked second in TBS most recent rankings, was also able to dominate their opponent with a 11-3 mercy-ruled game against the OK Jammers.  TABU pounded out 13 hits and were lead by the following who had multiple hit games: Devin Lehman 3-3, Cal Stevenson 2-3, Kaden Verdin 2-3, Trevor Larnach 2-3 and Ryan Milligan 2-3, 2b.  TABU's pitcher, Mitch Hart gave up 3 runs in the 1st inning before settling down and striking out 10 on his way to the complete game win.

The third ranked Florida Fire, who stumbled at the AAU World Series a week ago, fell to formidable foe and sixth ranked Lamorinda Baseball (CA) 5-2.  But don't count the Fire down and out.  Rather, consider that today; they played a top notch team - one that has been ranked as high as second in the nation by TBS.  This was a statement win for the Cougars and should give them confidence as they move through the tournament.

Also, the Chiefs Baseball (GA), ranked fourth in the nation needed double digit runs to outscore the 12th ranked Armour Baseball 11-9.  This was another close game between two worthy opponents. 

Houston Lightning (TX, 5th ranked) fell short to the Macomb Mudhens (MI, 15th ranked)

The 8th ranked (TX) Team Rattlers, the defending 2007 Elite 24 World Series winners, welcomed the 24th ranked Alabama Naturals to their first Elite-24 outing with a mercy-ruled 8-0 stomping.  It wasn't natural for the Naturals to lose as they come in with the most wins of any team.  Most of those wins however were in their own state.  The Rattlers, however, spent most of their season playing up against 12U teams in an effort to grow and develop their players for tournaments like this.

Ninth ranked KC Blues get the best of the 19th ranked SoCal Mavericks (winners of last year's West Coast World Series) 4-1.  KC Blues jumped out early with 4 runs in the first and then the game turned into a pitching duel.

Another team from Houston, TX won their opener. The 16th ranked Houston Angels mercy ruled their opponent, the North Alabama Giants by a score of 13-1. The Giants received the At-large bid for the Elite World Series.
Another upset had the 14th ranked West Chester Sluggers (OH) losing to the Honorable Mentioned New Orleans Monarchs 9-5.

For a complete summary of today's 11U score along with a look at games to be played tomorrow, click on the link below:

http://www.usssa.com/sports/Bracket.asp?Type=Winners&Tournament=471104

Stay tuned for more game coverage as pool play continues tomorrow at 8am

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