Sloppy Play Dooms Hernando Youth League

SPRING HILL - Hernando Youth League began its opening round contest of the AA Rookies (ages 7-8) All-Stars District 6 Tournament with a bang.

Hernando opened up an early six-run advantage over Wesley Chapel National yesterday afternoon at Anderson Snow Sports Complex.

Roughly two hours later, Hernando left headed for the loser's bracket of the double-elimination event, issuing 12 walks and committing six errors in blowing that lead and losing, 15-7.

"I thought we made some outstanding plays, but at the same time we didn't compensate by making routine plays," HYL Manager Mark Griffith said. "I think that kind of made the difference."

Quick strike

Hernando struck first in the top of the second, when Hayden Griffith pulled a double through the left side of the infield. That plated Hunter Galvan, who worked a leadoff walk and stole second.

Zach Ellis extended the lead to 2-0, driving in Griffith on a groundout to first. Wesley Chapel cut the deficit in half when Will Grisack scored on a passed ball in the bottom half.

The floodgates began to open in the third. Bailey Dowden, Geno Booker, Hunter Davis and Galvan all came around after walks and Grey Sims pulled a RBI single into left field to make it 7-1.

Yet Wesley Chapel bounced back for four in the bottom of the frame. Dylan Bryan, Tanner Alvarado and Cameron Leonard each contributed run-scoring singles and Jackson Alvord scored on an error.

Jacob Burkhardt came on to pitch for Wesley Chapel in the fourth and restored order, retiring the side quickly, allowing his team to tally four more runs.

Grisack and Burkhardt both singled and scored, then Ryan Clouser doubled to left to push Wesley Chapel in front. He later came across on an error.

Wesley Chapel tacked on six more runs on seven walks in the bottom of the fifth, providing plenty of cushion.

Burkhardt changed the complexion of the game when he took the mound, striking out four of the six batters he faced in two innings. Clouser retired the side in order in the sixth, striking out the last two.

"Obviously I've got to give (Burkhardt and Clouser) credit," Griffith said. "Those kids were throwing strikes and we just didn't put the bats on them. It surprised me. Coming in I thought we could hit just about anybody, but the bats definitely cooled down."

Hernando faces either Bushnell or Wildwood Monday night at 6 p.m. in an elimination game.

"I think it's basic baseball," Griffith said. "You've got to make the plays you're supposed to make. I don't think it's rocket science. You've got to put the sticks on the ball and make the runners go around the bases and keep their runners off the base."

Wesley Chapel National 15, Hernando 7
123 456 R H E
Hernando 025 000 -- 7 4 6
WC National 014 46X --15 9 1
HYL - Davis, Stewart (3), Dowden (5), Sims (5) and Wilson, Dowden (3), Wilson (3).
WCN - Alvarado, Grisack (3), Burkhardt (4), Clouser (6) and Corrao, Riescher (5).
W - Burkhardt (1-0). L - Stewart (0-1).
2B - Griffith (HYL), Alvarado, Clouser (WCN).
3B - none.
HR - none.
Records - Hernando (0-1), Wesley Chapel National (1-0).