Carolina Reds go undefeated

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By CINDY CROSBY

Cindyc4@yahoo.com

Local travel team the Carolina Reds went 4-0 to capture the championship in the USSSA Back-to-School Madness Tournament held Aug. 29-30 at the ACE Basin Sports Complex in Walterboro.

In pool play, the Reds defeated the River Hawks 11-6 and the Berkeley Baseball 11U Club 5-2. In Sunday’s gold bracket play, they marched on to defeat the Islanders 12-4 and the Bluffton Waves 10-1.

Asher Robertson earned the win in three innings of work in game one. Bryce Kinard (SP) and Michael Witkin (CP) combined for the win in game two and three. Robertson threw a complete game to earn the win in game four.

“Pitching is what helped us win the tournament,” said Coach Jack Drawdy. “Robertson, Witkin and Kinard had 14 strikeouts between the three of them.

“Leading hitters for the weekend included Xavier Green, Brinton Jirel, and Tanner Caldwell, who hit a homerun and brought in Bryce Kinard,” said Drawdy. “Kinard also hit a solo homerun in game four on the first pitch of the game against the Reds. Grayson Martin hit a three-run homerun in game three to help advance us to the championships. Tyler Rodrigues came in clutch with the bases loaded and hit a ground rule double. Michael Johnson had a couple of singles over the weekend and brought in some runs.”

“The team made great defensive plays this weekend,” said Drawdy. “Cameron Grayson and Johnny Ray Yonce made great outfield plays. Britton Jirel and Galil Frazier did great behind the plate all weekend despite the heat. This was a great way to close the season and every player contributed.”

Coaches for the Carolina Reds include Drawdy, Keith Jirel, Ricky Caldwell, Brandon Grayson, and Bill Kinard.