Last week, Rockdale hosted the 15 and Under Softball League State Tournament at Rockdale Softball Field. Fourteen teams from around the state suited up to compete for a chance at being named champion. Tournament games were held Monday through Friday at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in a double elimination format.
On Friday afternoon, the 14 teams were narrowed to two as the Belton Outlawz and Crockett Fireballs faced off in the championship game. The Outlawz were victorious as they dominated the game 10-0.
The championship level atmosphere reached an alltime high. Both teams were fired up and ready to play. The fan presence was radiant. While some spectators parked their cars along the outfield fence, others posted up behind home plate to watch the game. Both fanbases were loud and boisterous as they cheered on the young ladies. Radio stations and news outlets were in attendance to capture the action. Despite the strong winds and slight rain showers, no one took their eyes off of the field.
The contest started off with great defensive play as both teams went scoreless through two innings. The Outlawz got things going in the third as Hailey Schultz bunted the ball bringing in the first run of the day.
After the first hit, the Outlawz got their offensive rhythm going. The domination continued as they scored four runs in the fourth inning making the score 6-0. The Outlawz proceeded to pile on hits until the game ended.
Belton totaled 13 hits in the game. Cruzita Avila, Addison Ruiz, Kali Mayberry, Yasmine Trader and Angelina DeLeon each collected multiple hits. Avila went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Belton in hits. The Outlawz showed their sure handedness by not committing a single error.
Katy Allen led Crockett with two hits.
Addison Ruiz took the mound for the Outlawz. She pitched all six innings, allowing zero runs and six hits, striking out five. Lauren Woodard took the mound for the Fireballs. She went five innings, allowing 10 runs on 13 hits, striking out one.
RGSL President Pete Rubio said that he was pleased with the way this year’s tournament turned out.
“I feel like the tournament was a success,” Rubio said. “We had some great game play and the fan support was outstanding. Our staff did a great job of putting everything together.”
As for the Rockdale teams, both squads were eliminated on Thursday. The Dubs lost to the Granger Lions, while the Scrappers lost to the Palmer Gold.
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