All-Star run ends for CCN
The majority of players, who took the field at Buckingham Park Tuesday, donning the Cape Coral National All-Star uniform, have spent countless hours at Jason Verdow Park over the years, improving their baseball skills and having fun.
A reward for their dedication and growth as players came with being chosen to represent the park in the District 9 Little League All-Star Tournament. It was a similar reward for their loyal supporters to come along for the ride.
“It’s been a very honorable experience just knowing that my son (Sammy), in his last year, had the opportunity to make the All-Star team and play with some of the best kids at our field,” said CCN parent Sam Espinosa. “Being a parent and being able to see his last year is a great feeling.”
Cape National’s run ended Tuesday with a 13-1 loss to Fort Myers American in an elimination game. CCN (5-3) fell one game short of reaching the district championship game.
Instead, Fort Myers American advances to face South Fort Myers in the championship series Thursday at Buckingham Park. In the double-elimination format, FMA must defeat South Fort Myers Thursday to force a decisive game Friday.
Cape National knocked off FM American 5-4 in a thrilling game Saturday, but a key to the double-elimination format is showing the ability to respond after the first loss.
FM American did that, rebounding with back-to-back impressive wins, including a 10-0 victory over North Fort Myers National Monday night.
Against CCN, FM American jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first three innings Tuesday and rode a dominant pitching performance by right-hander Jonathan White. He allowed two hits and stuck out nine in five shutout innings.
The lopsided outcome may have been different if not for a few pivotal moments in the first inning.
In the top of the first, CCN starter Matt Richey struck out the first two batters before Dominic Stefanacci and White strung together back-to-back singles. A sharply hit ball by Skyler Wiens took a bad hop and resulted in the first two runs.
In the bottom of the first, CCN got off to an encouraging start as Joseph Morales singled and Sammy Espinosa walked. FM American halted that threat when second baseman Thaddeus Ward scooped up a grounder, stepped on second and fired to first for a double play.
FM American carried that momentum to the plate in the second inning and stretched the lead to 6-0. Richard Nizza cleared the bases with a three-run double.
“A couple things just didn’t go our way and it took us right out of the game,” CCN manager Alex Perez said.
CCN scored its lone run in the sixth. Morales had two of the three hits, including a double. Emmanuel Padron drove in Morales on a sacrifice fly.
Perez credited his team for their hard work in practice and their performance in the tournament. They went 4-1 in pool play and added the victory over FM American in the first championship bracket game.
“Overall they played exceptionally well,” Perez said. “We have some great, great talent and I look forward to seeing them mature and playing in the future.”
In the Junior Baseball division Tuesday night, Fort Myers American topped South Fort Myers 7-2 to win the district title.
FM American 243 004 – 13 10 2
Cape National 000 001 – 1 3 2
W – Jonathan White. L – Matt Richey.
2B – Ecelbarger (F), Nizza (F), Joseph Morales (C), Nordstrom (F).