CCA North no-hits CCN 12-0
With one more out to go, Cape Coral American North pitcher Kory Curtis wasn’t quite ready to exit the mound. The right-hander said he still felt strong after the 76 pitches he threw in Wednesday’s District 9 Little League 9-10 All-Star tournament game against Cape Coral National.
“I wanted to finish the game,” said Curtis, who did not allow a hit in 3 2/3 innings.
After Curtis reached the maximum number of pitches, teammate Brice Abrams came on in relief and struck out the final batter to preserve a no-hitter and give Cape American North a 12-0 victory in four innings at Hancock Park.
Both teams hoped to bounce back in their second pool play game after losing their openers Monday night. Cape National (0-2) expected to host the game at Jason Verdow Park, but afternoon rain showers forced it to be played at Hancock.
North used an all-around team effort. Curtis struck out eight and received more than enough support, offensively and defensively.
“We made a few errors on Monday night and that brought us down – and we didn’t hit the ball,” North manager Troy Abrams said. “(Tonight) we hit the ball and that made a difference. When we’re on, we’re on.”
North (1-1) sprayed 11 hits and jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the top of the first. Curtis lined a double to center, driving in Abrams for the first run. Curtis scored on a wild pitch and Steve Grigiski delivered an RBI single to make it 3-0.
North came through with several two-out hits. It started with Luke Endsley’s two-run single in the first that stretched the lead to 5-0.
North continued their offensive production in the second inning. With two outs, Bryce Van Horn struck a two-run single to right.
They scored four more runs with two outs in the third. Tyler Shuck finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Cape National starter Nick Blank struck out the side in the first. He also started a double play in the second, snaring a line drive off the bat of Curtis and throwing to first base for the second out. Philip Ciancimino also pitched for Cape National and recorded three strikeouts.
Despite being held without a hit, Cape National had base runners in every inning. Matt McGarty and Blank both walked in the first, and in the second Ian Joy was hit by a pitch and Trey Siciliano walked. Both times Curtis kept his composure and got key strikeouts.
“We need to do a little better on the batting,” Cape National manager Tim Robinson said. “Defensively, I think we’re there. We had a couple minor mishaps, but offensively I want to see us get some hits.”
CCA North 624 0 – 12 11 0
Cape National 000 0 – 0 0 3
W – Kory Curtis. L – Nick Blank.
2B – Curtis (North), Tyler Shuck 2 (North).