10U - #1 Florida Legends vs #5 East Cobb Braves

By JIM FREAM

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Zach Malvasia delivered an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning and pitcher Ean Chase tossed a complete-game three hitter to lead the Legends in the under-10 Division of the USSSA Elite World Series, 2-1, at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports on Thursday.

The double, which was Malvasia’s second hit of the game, sent the East Cobb Braves into the consolation bracket of the tournament.

“Little things are huge in a big game like this,” said Braves coach Mike Kirksey. “We botched a run between third and home and they got the two-out base hit and we didn’t.

“We tried to steal second at the end of the game to get a runner in scoring position,” he added. “Neither team had put two hits together in a row, so I took a chance.”

The Braves actually grabbed the lead in the first inning. Caleb Bartolero opened the game with a triple over the head of center fielder Jordan Keller. Austin Kirksey then came through with a sacrifice fly.

“We started the day with a triple and a sac fly,” Mike Kirksey said. “I thought it was going to be a good day.”

“The run they got actually (Jordan Keller) should have caught that ball on the triple,” said Legends coach Steve Beach. “He did not go get it like he should have, but you know what (the Braves) are a great ball club.”

The Legends even the game in the third with two outs and Malvasia at second. Brett Wisely hit a high hopper that deflected off pitcher Bryar Hawkins’ glove to shortstop who quickly fired home. However, Malvasia slid hard into the catcher jarring the ball loose of the mitt.

Meanwhile, Chase kept the Braves at bay, scattering three hits and striking out two.

“(Chase) did a great job,” Beach said. “He threw a lot of pitches, but he kept them in control. The last thing I wanted to do was make a pitching change and have it blow up on us.”

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