STATE CHAMPS!!! Center Junior Boys roll to title
capturing the title on Thursday night at Tommy Morrison Field in Center. The
13-year old all-stars will now participate in the 2010 Dixie Junior Boys World
Series on July 31-Aug. 4 in Dothan, Alabama. (Photo by John Krueger)
CENTER -- After six years of frustration, trials and tribulations, it was only fitting that on the final night of the inaugural season of a field named after one of the 'founding fathers' of Center Youth Baseball that the local 13-year old all-stars put together such a dominating performance.
The Center Junior Boys All-Stars put together their most dominating performance of the 2010 Dixie Junior Boys State Tournament Thursday night as Colton McSwain threw a no-hitter, hit a towering three-run home run and the local squad pounded six extra-base hits in a 12-0 smothering of the Paris All-Stars to secure the status of the best in Texas, overcoming years of coming up just short.
Center has now qualified to participate in the 2010 Dixie Junior Boys World Series, set for July 31-Aug. 4 in Dothan, Alabama.
"This was really a sweet win," said Center Head Coach Bob Reeves. "We've had talent on this team for a number of years, but for one reason or another we just couldn't quite put it together. But this year from Day 1 the chemistry just seemed to be there and everything has just fallen into place.
"This team is so strong, with so many great pitchers. And when you look at this roster there isn't a weak spot in the lineup, from No.1 through No. 11. I'm so proud of these players, their coaches and this community, which has really supported us and helped us capture this state championship.
"These boys found the chemistry way back when they started playing in tournaments back in February. And where they used to struggle when they got behind or got in close games in years past, they found a way to overcome that this year and play strong and get the job done."
Unlike previous games in the tournament when Center 'pitched by platoon' so that hurlers wouldn't go over the limit on pitches so they could come back the next day, McSwain was given the 'green light' to go as long as he could last in the finale. He responded by almost appearing to get stronger as the contest rolled on. He struck out six in the five frames on the hill. And only a second-inning walk kept him from a perfect game.
McSwain helped his own cause offensively, finishing 1-for-1, with his towering three-run shot over the centerfield fence in the third inning. He was also hit by a pitch and walked once. On his round-tripper, his teammates gathered at home plate and welcomed him home. The shot over the fence boosted the Center led to 12-0 and put an exclamation point on the victory and started the celebration.
This title contest was not in doubt from the opening inning as Center pounded out 11 hits in the contest and quickly blew out to a 5-0 lead in the first and added to that with two more runs in the second and five in the third.
"These kids deserve a lot of credit," Reeves commended. "They worked hard to get to this point and deserve this trip to the World Series. It's been a long time coming and we're all so proud of each and every one of them."
Eight members of the Center team recorded hits in the contest. Second baseman Caiden Rainbolt led the way with a 3-for-4 outing with a double, a stolen base, two runs scored and a RBI. Center fielder Dalton Horton doubled and stole a base, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored.
Catcher Josh Burns doubled in three at-bats, driving in two runs, scoring another and being hit by a pitch. Left fielder Alec Lucas went 1-for-2 with a run scored and another driven in. He was hit by a pitch and stolen one base. Gage Raines was a perfect 1-for-1 with a run scored, as he was also hit by a pitch.
Center shortstop Taylor Tomlin went 1-for-3, connecting with a double, while driving in a pair of runs and scoring one; third baseman Eric Vaughn went 1-for-3 with a double and a run driven in.
First baseman Adam Reeves scored a run before being force to leave the game on a fluke play in the second inning. On a strikeout, the catcher dropped the ball and Reeves attempted to sprint to first base ahead of the throw.
On a play which wouldn't have resulted in Reeves being safe anyway as the base was occupied, the first baseman struggled in an attempt to make the catch of the throw from the catcher. As he stumbled, Reeves crossed the bag and appeared to inadvertently make contact with the player, who had lost his balance. The umpire ruled that the contact was flagrant, ejecting Reeves. However, Reeves' teammates 'had his back' and he'll get a chance to make a World Series appearance anyway.
Other Center players contributing to the championship included C.J. Garcia, Kam Owens and Tanner Murdock, who reinjured a right ankle injury the game prior and had to sit out the title tilt.
Casey Reavis struggled on the mound in a starting role for Paris. He allowed five runs on four hits while walking two in 2/3-inning. Tyler Edge finished the game, allowing seven runs (four earned) on seven hits with one strikeout.