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Tournaments | Story | 7/27/2019

Pirates sail toward victory

Annika Wall

Photo: Kaden Byrne (Perfect Game)

MARION, Iowa – There were a lot of unknowns in the St. Louis Pirates' second game of pool play at the WWBA 16u Prospect Meadows National Championship. Only one of the team’s three college commits were present, and Wichita State commit Logan Reidelberger, while typically behind the plate, was only batting due to a thumb injury.

However, catcher Kaden Byrne and the Pirates carried themselves like champions, setting sail to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Next Level Baseball. Byrne played a big role in the win while showing off his arm strength behind the plate, preventing three baserunners from stealing second.

“This tourney we’ve been really good,” head coach Zac Pearman said. “We’ve had good energy, played with good pace. We’re taking care of the baseball and throwing a lot of strikes.”

Next Level scored first, as Tyler Burke tallied one run off a Jake King sac fly. In that inning alone, Byrne caught two stealing, earning the inning’s first and last outs. Second baseman Jacob Steele fueled that momentum, driving a curveball down the left field line for a stand-up double. As the designated hitter, D-I commit Logan Reidelberger, followed with a RBI single to left field before Logan Hopfinger drove him in on a triple.

The game remained scoreless the rest of the way as the teams continued to grind out innings. Next Level displayed grit and perseverance, leaving the Pirates with three runners stranded in the fourth and sixth innings.

Relief pitcher Drew Straub proved his own mettle, though, striking out the side in the seventh to close out the game.

“That’s what he’s done all summer,” Pearman said. “He comes in, fills it [the strike zone] up, attacks hitters, controls the tempo and contact we want. He does an awesome job for us.”

The team itself has also stood out throughout the tourney, not only for their physical abilities but for the “little things.” Warming up fully. Leaving the dugout better than it was found. These are things that Pearson takes pride in with his team.

“At the beginning of the summer it was a grind for them, but understanding hustle on, hustle off [the field], clean up after yourself, conduct yourself in a good, professional manner and you’ll be rewarded in the long run for it,” he commented. “If they understand they’ll leave better baseball players and better people for it, that’s important.”

The Pirates currently sit first in their pool, only allowing one run while scoring 11. Also remaining undefeated are the MN Icemen of Blaine, Minn. The two teams will face off Sunday during the last day of pool play.

PERFECTGAME.TV