Regionals Semifinals: WR 9U Blue 13, North Brandon 0

The final day of the Southeast Regional came early, as 9U Blue had to be at the field in Palm Beach Gardens by 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. first pitch in the rematch against North Brandon. Coach Eric immediately showed how much he was missed earlier in the week, as he provided dugout-to-huddle transportation service for Elias before the pregame meeting:

Continuing the momentum established in the first meeting, this time three West Raleigh pitchers combined to limit North Brandon to just one hit while surrendering just one walk. In fact, the Florida runner-up had just one runner reach second base, and no one advanced to third. That pitching was supported by some stellar defensive plays, plus a nine-run third inning that cracked the game wide open on the way to a 13-0 victory in four innings.

That quick victory allowed West Raleigh players and fans to enjoy the oh-so-pleasant Palm Beach weather while waiting for the conclusion of the other semifinal, which matched Glen Allen (Va.) and Manatee (Fl.).

Look, you could read more about this game, but we all know you really want to hear about the championship game, which was coming up in just a few minutes…

Semifinal Blue scoring plays

First inning

Bryce led off with a double and scored on JT’s single. Gavin singled, putting runners on first and second. Chace thundered a two-run triple, then scored on Brady’s sacrifice fly.

Score after one inning: WR Blue 9U 4, North Brandon 0

Third inning

Gavin led off with a triple. After Chace walked, Gavin stole home while Chace got hung up in a rundown. Brady reached on a shot through the infield. Jake singled, putting two on for Banks, who doubled in a run. Joey’s fielder’s choice scored Jake. Asher walked, and then hard baserunning all the way around the diamond enabled everyone to be safe on a fielder’s choice from Bryce. JT singled in Joey, and then Gavin picked up his second triple of the inning, this time scoring three runs. Chace finished the huge inning with an RBI double.

Score after three innings: WR Blue 9U 13, North Brandon 0

Pitching Performances

Banks started and allowed just one hit in two innings.

Joey threw a perfect third.

Asher pitched a perfect fourth.

Semifinal Web Gems

•    Bryce started the game by ranging far up the middle, backhanding a hard grounder, and throwing to Chace at first for the opening out.

•    Banks stabbed a comebacker to the mound and threw to Chace to finish off the first.

•    With a runner on first in the second, the batter hit a dribbler that really had no business being a double play. But Gavin charged in, flipped to Bryce at second, who then made a fast turn to Chace at first for the 6-4-3 twin killing.

•    Banks came charging in on a fly ball to right field and made a sprawling catch to end the third.

Semifinal line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
North Brandon	0	0	0	0	X	X	0	1
WR 9U Blue	4	0	9	X	X	X	13	11