July 30, 2005
- 18U Texas Storm Gold coached by Ronn Dixon and 18U Rapid Fire coached by Brian Menefee met in a
8:30am Saturday game in the looser's Purple Division Bracket at Ford Complex in the AFA North American
Championship in Beaumont, Texas. Texas Storm reached the Looser's Bracket game by defeating Texas Cyclones
(10-0),Cy-Fair Sliders (2-0) before losing to Illinois City Sharks (1-7) in the Winner's Bracket. In the looser's
bracket, Texas Storm beat the Texas Centex Babes (6-2).
Texas Storm took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Mariza Martinez hit a line drive in the left center gap for
a triple. Kristina Tello was safe on a fielder's choice at first base from a left side drag because Rapid Fire
was concerned about Mariza scoring from third. Kristina stole 2nd base to put runners at 2nd and 3rd bases. Senior Randi
Stuard then slap the ball up the middle for a single to load the bases. Courtney Petit then hit the ball deep into right
field for out No. 1. Mariza tagged up on the play and scored. Kiersten Dixon flied out to the short stop for out No. 2
and Courtney Lavender flied out to the left fielder for out No. 3.
Texas Storm added 2 more insurance runs in the 5th inning. Ashley Miller grounded out to 2nd baseman Katie Purcell
for out No. 1. Mariza Martinez hit a hot grounder for a single back at the pitcher who could only deflect the ball.
Mariza stold 2nd base. Kristina Tello struck out for out No. 2. Randi Stuard placed a left side drag fro a single.
Mariza reached 3rd on the slap. With Courtney Petit at bat, Mariza then scored on a pass ball for a 2-0 lead.
Randi advanced to 2nd base on the play. Randi stole 3rd. The catcher throw to 3rd base to get Randi, but nobody
was covering the base. Randi then went home making the score 3-0. Courtney Petit walked. Kiesten Dixon ended the inning
with a fly to the short stop.
Junior Mallory Cantler started the game for Texas Storm on the rubber and went all 7 innings to record the shut-out.
Mallory struck-out two Rapid Fire batters and gave-up 3 singles. She did not walk a batter. Mallory helped herself
out in the 2nd inning by starting a double play. Mallory caught Katie Purcell's grounder, turned around and threw to
Kristina Tello who was covering the bag at 2nd who threw to 1st baseman Courtney Petit to get the 2nd out at first.
Rapid Fire pitcher Julie Smith, short stop Kara L'Huller and Katie Peterson each singled. Julie singled in the 6th inning. Kara
and Katie singled in the 7th inning.
Julie Smith pitched the whole game for Rapid Fire. Julie gave up the 3 runs and gave-up 7 hits and one walk.
Mariza Martinez, Kristina Tello, Randi stuard, Kristin Kappler and Krystn Sendejas got the hits for Storm. Mariza and Randi
led the attack with two hits apiece. Mariza opened the game with a triple and then singled up the middle in the 5th inning.
Randi single via a slap in the 1st inning and then drag single in the 5th inning. Kristina Tello slapped up the middle for a
single in the 3rd inning. Kristin Kappler hit a a fly deep in the right center gap for a double in the 4th inning. Krystn
Sendejas singled on the 7th inning.
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