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Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth knows the challenge ahead only grows tougher from here.
After navigating through pool-play at 4-0, the 14U All-Stars are one of eight teams remaining in the World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. Top seed Tallahassee meets No. 8 Woodlawn, Washington, on Thursday, Aug. 13, as single-elimination action opens.
Coach Bruce Williams knows that advancing further will require more than talent. It will demand timely hitting, fundamentally sound baseball and the ability to deliver.
Tallahassee's undefeated start has been fueled by dominant pitching that has set the tone throughout the postseason. In World Series victories over Australia, New Zealand, Del Rio, Texas, and Orange Grove, Texas, Tallahassee did not allow an earned run. The staff has struck out 30 while issuing just nine walks, consistently putting opponents on the defensive.
"Our pitching has been outstanding," Williams said. "I expect that to continue. We have a pretty good pitching staff."
More: Defending Champs: TLBR's 13U, 14U teams return to World Series
Williams, who guided TLBR's 14U team to a World Series title last summer, knows his club must continue to excel in the little things if it hopes to make another championship run.
"We have to do the right things at the right time," Williams said.
Tallahassee's balanced attack has been a major reason for its success. Ten players are batting better than .300 this postseason, led by Robert Cooksey's .529 average and Robert Quinn's .500 mark. Parker Pennington and Michael Volpe have each driven in 12 runs, providing plenty of punch throughout the lineup.
The depth extends to the mound, where Pennington has emerged as the staff leader. The right-hander is 4-0 with a team-high 21 1/3 innings in four starts. Nick Volpe (3-0) and his twin brother, Michael, have each added 14 1/3 innings, helping power a pitching staff that has been among the tournament's best.
"Come up with some clutch hits, move runners and do the things you have to do," Williams said. "We have to play good baseball to beat some of the teams that are moving forward."
Those challenges only intensify in bracket play. Williams pointed to several contenders, including a highly regarded California team, the tournament's host squad and an undefeated team from Pennsylvania, as among the favorites remaining in the field.
"There's some good teams here that are definitely in the upper echelon," Williams said.
The competition isn't the only obstacle. Teams have also battled triple-digit temperatures throughout the week in Eagle Pass. Despite the brutal heat, Williams praised both tournament organizers and the local community for their hospitality.
Between games, players have enjoyed opportunities to explore the area, including a tubing excursion and a visit to one of the international bridges connecting Texas and Mexico. But as bracket play begins, the focus has shifted squarely back to baseball.
"We feel confident going into bracket play because we've been playing together, or against each other, for a long time," TLBR's Easton Hyde said. "I think we have a deep lineup and a deep pitching staff. If we play clean baseball, I think we'll do well in bracket play."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth reaches World Series quarterfinals as top seed
Continue reading...
After navigating through pool-play at 4-0, the 14U All-Stars are one of eight teams remaining in the World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas. Top seed Tallahassee meets No. 8 Woodlawn, Washington, on Thursday, Aug. 13, as single-elimination action opens.
Coach Bruce Williams knows that advancing further will require more than talent. It will demand timely hitting, fundamentally sound baseball and the ability to deliver.
Tallahassee's undefeated start has been fueled by dominant pitching that has set the tone throughout the postseason. In World Series victories over Australia, New Zealand, Del Rio, Texas, and Orange Grove, Texas, Tallahassee did not allow an earned run. The staff has struck out 30 while issuing just nine walks, consistently putting opponents on the defensive.
"Our pitching has been outstanding," Williams said. "I expect that to continue. We have a pretty good pitching staff."
More: Defending Champs: TLBR's 13U, 14U teams return to World Series
TLBR 14U All-Stars must continue to play at a high level
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Williams, who guided TLBR's 14U team to a World Series title last summer, knows his club must continue to excel in the little things if it hopes to make another championship run.
"We have to do the right things at the right time," Williams said.
Tallahassee's balanced attack has been a major reason for its success. Ten players are batting better than .300 this postseason, led by Robert Cooksey's .529 average and Robert Quinn's .500 mark. Parker Pennington and Michael Volpe have each driven in 12 runs, providing plenty of punch throughout the lineup.
The depth extends to the mound, where Pennington has emerged as the staff leader. The right-hander is 4-0 with a team-high 21 1/3 innings in four starts. Nick Volpe (3-0) and his twin brother, Michael, have each added 14 1/3 innings, helping power a pitching staff that has been among the tournament's best.
"Come up with some clutch hits, move runners and do the things you have to do," Williams said. "We have to play good baseball to beat some of the teams that are moving forward."
Those challenges only intensify in bracket play. Williams pointed to several contenders, including a highly regarded California team, the tournament's host squad and an undefeated team from Pennsylvania, as among the favorites remaining in the field.
"There's some good teams here that are definitely in the upper echelon," Williams said.
You must be registered for see images attach
The competition isn't the only obstacle. Teams have also battled triple-digit temperatures throughout the week in Eagle Pass. Despite the brutal heat, Williams praised both tournament organizers and the local community for their hospitality.
Between games, players have enjoyed opportunities to explore the area, including a tubing excursion and a visit to one of the international bridges connecting Texas and Mexico. But as bracket play begins, the focus has shifted squarely back to baseball.
"We feel confident going into bracket play because we've been playing together, or against each other, for a long time," TLBR's Easton Hyde said. "I think we have a deep lineup and a deep pitching staff. If we play clean baseball, I think we'll do well in bracket play."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee-Leon Babe Ruth reaches World Series quarterfinals as top seed
Continue reading...
