Watch out Auburn baseball team, because in about seven or eight years, you’re going to have some major competition.
The Dixie Youth baseball program held its playoff games at the Bo Cavin Fields in the Duck Samford Sports Complex, June 4-5.
Two age groups participated, including the 9-10 year old AAA Minor League and the 11-12 year old Major League.
The Rays, who beat the Indians 10-5 on Wednesday, were one of four teams that competed for a chance to play in the championship game the following day.
The Nationals, who shut out the Sox in a 9-0 win, went on to the championship game June 5.
“We play the Rays tomorrow, and they’re a great team with some great players,” said Nationals head coach Tim Speaks. “I’m not going to guarantee a win, but we are pretty confident though,” he said.
As for the 11-12 year old Major League, the Cubs beat the Sox 7-5, and the Jays beat the Rays 19-10.
“We’re very confident we’re going to win tomorrow,” said fourth grader Brooks Jones about the AAA Minor League championship game. Jones, a player for the Nationals, has been playing baseball since the second grade and takes it very seriously.
Jones’ confidence was right on target. The Nationals ended up winning the championship title for the AAA Minor League with a 10-7 victory over the Rays.
“They all hit the ball, and they all contributed,” said Marty Williams, one of two Nationals coaches. “They played good defense, and it was just a good team win,” he said. Both Nationals coaches were proud of the way the team played and especially proud of Austin Triplet, who pitched the entire game.
Spirits were high in the next field over, as the Jays began their championship game with a bang, leading 2-0 over the Cubs in the second inning.
Things weren’t looking good for the Cubs in the bottom of the fifth inning as the Jays scored two more runs. However, tension built as the Cubs walked in two runs, making the score 4-2.
But the Jays held off the late charge and celebrated a 4-2 victory over their opponent.
For sixth grader and Jays player Dalton Wall, this championship was his first one.
“He was very excited about playing tonight,” said Amy Wall, Dalton’s mother.
“We have lived in Auburn for five years, so he’s been playing baseball for five years,” she said. “He’s very serious about it.”
