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Hernando Today

It's An All-Spring Hill Battle

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: June 18, 2008

On Saturday, Spring Hill American opened the AAA Minors (ages 9-10) All-Stars District 6 Tournament with an impressive 25-0 thumping of Ridge Manor.

Two days later, Spring Hill American proved it could win the close ones, too. Facing San Antonio Monday night at Kenny Dixon Sports Complex in Bushnell, the Spring Hill squad pulled off a 2-1 victory.

That set-up a meeting with Spring Hill National last night, with the winner continuing on against Wesley Chapel today at 8:30 p.m.

The loser faces the survivor of last night's elimination contest between Hernando and Oak Griner at 6:30 p.m.

On Monday, Dante Hamilton, Thomas Sorrentino and Joshua Penney combined to throw two innings apiece and strikeout 10 batters.

Thomas Sorrentino also drove in his team's first run on a single in the first inning. Brett Krieger contributed another RBI single in the second, but Spring Hill couldn't add on anymore runs.

"We only struck out two times," Head Coach Al Sorrentino said. "We put the ball in play. Defensively they were great. They made the outs. We were hitting it right to them and they made the plays.

"We were just throwing strikes. At this age, that's a big thing. If you throw strikes, you're going to get outs."

Any concerns that Sorrentino might have had that Saturday's blowout came a little too easy for his club were quieted following this effort.

"I'm very happy," Sorrentino said. "We've won big and we've won a close game. I think the kids feel like they can handle whatever situation we're going to be in."

What about the match-up with Spring Hill National? That Spring Hill squad has also looked impressive, winning 4-2 over South Lake on Saturday and 13-0 against Wildwood on Monday.

"We've scrimmaged each other a couple times," Sorrentino said. "There are no secrets. We both know what the other guy's got. It comes down to who can execute. If we make plays in the field, we'll be OK. Hopefully we swing the bats better than we did (Monday night) but I think we'll be OK."

DIXIE YOUTH LEAGUE AAA MINORS (AGES 9-10)
ALL-STARS DISTRICT 6 TOURNAMENT RECAP
at Kenny Dixon Sports Complex, Bushnell

06-14:
Wesley Chapel 18, Sumter 5
Bushnell 8, Oak Griner 7
Spring Hill American 25, Ridge Manor 0
San Antonio 8, Hernando 7
Spring Hill National 4, South Lake 2

06-16:
SH National 13, Wildwood 0
Hernando 13, Ridge Manor 0
Oak Griner 6, Sumter 3
SH American 2, San Antonio 1
Wesley Chapel 19, Bushnell 3

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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