Saxons bats erupt in WS pool play win
South with a big third inning in their narrow win over Arkansas
The South Salem Saxons 12U team had admittedly struggled at the plate coming into their fourth game of pool play at the Cal Ripken World Series in Branson, Missouri. South had scored just three runs in its first three contests.
But the Saxons found their bats in a big way Tuesday, outslugging Arkansas State champ Paragould, AR 7-6 in their final pool game of the Cal Ripken World Series in Branson, Missouri.
A two run-homer by Arkansas’ Brooks Robinson in the first inning gave the home team an early 2-0 advantage.
After a scorless second inning, the Saxons got serious at the plate.
South Salem recorded six hits in the third inning including two HRs: first a leadoff solo shot by Brady Witbeck, and a three run HR by Kellen Bowman (see video here). To cap it off, Cody Scharer also pushed across a pair of runs with a two RBI single. The Saxons batted around in the frame to take control, and chased starting pitcher Landon Taylor out of the game. Robinson came on in relief.
Witbeck pitched 4 innings, giving up just the two runs on four hits.
In relief, Joel Sikel gave up a two-run HR to Robinson—his second round-tripper of the game, after Sikel hit Luke Canilla with a pitch. That cut the South lead to just 7-4.
In the bottom of the sixth, Arkansas rallied again, beginning with a double by Kyler Willis—who then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Sidney Palma drove in Willis with an RBI single to cut the Saxon lead to 7-5 with no outs.
Sam Mosar was brought out to finish on the mound for South. And it was a battle. Cash Carpenter was hit by a pitch, moving Palma to second.
Jaxon Heath then singled off Mosar, loading the bases.
Palma came in to score for Arkansas on a Mosar error, and Carpenter moved up to third. But Mosar ended the game, striking out Derek Runyan.
South Salem ended the game with nine hits, Arkansas recorded eight hits.
Manager Mike Sidwell was understandably pleased and relieved by the big win.
“Brady Witbeck pitched great and we had some big at bats”, he said.
“That helped bring the boys spirits up after a couple tough losses.”
The Saxons completed pool play with a record of 2-2, while Arkansas fell to 1-3.
Games in both the Championship and Iron (consolation) bracket will begin on Wednesday. South’s next game and opponent in the Iron Bracket are still to be determined.