Ridge Manor Wallops Wildwood

A local team long downtrodden has reversed its fortunes on the diamond, and no that team doesn't play at Tropicana Field.

While the Tampa Bay Rays are the talk of Major League Baseball thanks to their current worst-to-first campaign, on a smaller level a similar metamorphosis seems to have begun in Ridge Manor.

Gone are the days when Ridge Manor Dixie League, often undermanned because of its low numbers, was quickly ushered out of double-elimination all-star district tournaments.

Last year, the Ridge Manor T-Ball (ages 5-6) All-Stars broke through for the first win in league history, the labors of the parents, coaches and players that make up the league finally baring fruit.

That team finished 2-2, sparking a new attitude for this year's edition, to the point that Manager Walter Kieffer spoke of legitimately challenging for a championship.

The District 6 Tournament began Saturday in Webster, with Ridge Manor proving its 2007 performance was no fluke by defeating Wildwood, 30-14 in five innings.

"They were great," Kieffer said. "It was hot, but they were good. If it would have been a night game, it'd be even better.

"...It's important to have that first game. It said we're not going to play around. We're there to win."

Ridge Manor jumped on Wildwood early, receiving first-inning home runs from William Portelli, Shemar Lawson and Seth Simonds.

Never looking back, Ridge Manor sent Wildwood into the loser's bracket and earned a day off when the tournament resumed on Monday night. Because of the 11-team field, the winner of the Ridge Manor-Wildwood contest earned a second-round bye.

"It boosts their confidence," Kieffer said. "They know what they're going for. They know they'd be the first in Ridge Manor to make it through all-stars if they go all the way.

"I feel we're still going to go all the way. I still feel confident."

Last night Ridge Manor returned to the field to take on Wesley Chapel American, hoping to continue its newfound winning ways. However, Wesley Chapel notched a 28-7 win in five innings, sending Ridge Manor into an elimination contest with Sumter National tonight at 6 p.m.

HYL trying to stay alive

Saturday's action didn't go nearly so well for Hernando Youth League, which fell to Wesley Chapel American, 26-15 in five innings. However, on Monday HYL rebounded to defeat Wildwood, 36-23 in five innings.

"The team is playing pretty good," HYL Manager Donnie Whitehead Sr. said. "The first game, first inning we had jitters but they settled down and we never could catch up."

Whitehead felt the hitting up and down the line-up made the difference for his club in game two.

"Our boys hit the ball real well and Wildwood basically couldn't get us out," Whitehead said.

HYL faced South Lake last night, needing another triumph in order to keep hope alive of earning a district title. Unfortunately for HYL, it fell 31-10.

"(Monday) night they knew it was an elimination game, they knew if they lost they were going home and they rose to the occasion," Whitehead said prior to Tuesday's game. "Each night we play an elimination game. Hopefully (last night) they do the same thing and the coaches can spur them on to victory.

"...Pick a name, there are no superstars on this team. It's all 5- and 6-year-olds having fun. That's what it's all about anyway."