On Thursday, teams began play on opening day at the 11U Futures Invitational at Thomas Brooks Park and Middle Creek.
With teams having wrapped up their first few games of pool play, select players shined early and made their mark. Let’s take a look at some of the impact players from day one.
Westin A’s Perfect Day at the Plate Elevates Knights Elite Over the PRD Ghosts, 11-5
Westin A began his big day, cranking a double to center field to plate the first run of the game for his squad, later scoring to push the score to 4-0 in the top of the first inning. In a quick turn around, Westin smacked another double in the second frame, driving another run home for the Knights. While on the bags, Westin stole second and found himself crossing the plate on a passed ball, moving the score to 7-1. Westin registered two singles in the fifth and seventh inning respectively, making his way around the bags both times. He went a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs, scoring four runs along the way, helping secure the Knights a win.
Duo of Cayden Cushing and Landon Smith Erupt at the Plate, pushing the Wildcatters to a 16-3 Victory Over the New Level Nationals
After going down 3-2 after two innings, the Wildcatters went nuclear, firing off back-to-back eight-run and four-run frames in the third and fourth respectively to down the New Level Nationals. Landon Smith had a game-high four RBIs while Cayden Cushing owned a game-high four hits. The tandem went a combined 6-for-9 at the plate, registering five RBIs and four runs scored in their outing.
Dominant pitching from William Swanson allows the Ninth Inning Royals to squeak past Wildcatters Elite 2-1
The Royals got out to an early start, scoring one run in the bottom of the first to take the lead at 1-0. The Wildcatters responded with a run of their own in the fourth, evening the score at one. With pressure rising, the Royals deployed William Swanson on the bump in hopes of keeping the Wildcatters off of the scoreboard. Swanson was a force over the last four innings, recording six strikeouts while only allowing three hits to secure his team the 2-1 victory.
Cade Chapman Cranks Grand Slam in the Premier Banditos 12-2 Win over the Memphis Tigers
Cade Chapman began his day at the plate with a single, helping the Banditos go on a five-run rally in the bottom of the first inning and adding a run of his own. The Banditos kept their foot on the gas, adding three more runs to push the score to 8-0 after five frames. To add to his resume, Chapman stepped up to bat in the bottom of the sixth and slapped a grand slam, enabling the run-rule. Chapman finished his day 2-for-4, adding four RBIs and scoring two runs himself courtesy of his grand slam.
Seattle’s Ronan B, LVR’s Colin Hitch Record Tournament-High Seven K’s on Opening Day
Ronan B and Colin Hitch were both impressive on the mound, notching seven strikeouts to lead all pitchers in single-game strikeouts. Ronan tossed three innings, making quick work of batters while only allowing two hits in his outing. Hitch went to work for five frames, allowing five hits on his way to seven strikeouts.
MVP Hustle’s Carson Schoener Drives in Five Runs in 12-5 Over The Show
Carson Schoener was perfect swinging the bat, going 3-for-3, helping MVP Hustle cruise by The Show on Opening Day. Schoener began his day at the plate with a two-run double to center field, later scoring to move the score to 3-0 in the top of the first frame. In his next at-bat, Schoener cracked a bases-loaded triple to left field, cleaning the bags to drive in three more runs. In the top of the sixth, Schoener rounded out his night with a single, finding home on a single later in the inning. Schoener finished the day going 3-for-3 with five RBIs, scoring three runs himself in the win.
Luke Mannion Tosses Complete Game in Top Tier Select 4-1 Win
With his squad up 3-0 after two innings, Luke Mannion demonstrated his control on the mound, mowing through the Marucci Prospects batting order. In the fifth frame, Mannion forced two quick outs and finalized the inning with a strikeout. After adding another run, Mannion squished any chance at a comeback in the top of the seventh, forcing a groundout and striking the last two batters out. The pitcher finished his seven-inning day with three punchouts while only allowing one run on six hits in the win.
