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Firm leadership and management from Coach Mike Marinelli kept this talented team focused and on task while facing the toughest competition encountered this season. Their journey began with a fight Friday night to defeat the Potomac Generals (5-3).Their one and only loss in the tournament came Saturday morning against the Olney Pirates (7-5) despite strong pitching performances by Chad Koehler and Lawton Riggs. Based on runs allowed, this loss dropped the Elite into the silver bracket.
A heated rematch Saturday night against the Potomac Generals started with a bang -- the Generals came out strong and went up 3-0 at the top of the first inning after just three batters. But Carsten Wahl (P) had ice in his veins and shut them down, flipping a dribbler to the mound to Patrick Hartmann (1B) for the first out, and followed up unwaveringly striking out the next two batters. Solid hitting loaded up the bases, and a grand slam home run from power hitter Dominick Marinelli started a come-from-behind rally to drive the Elite to victory. The battle ended in an 11-4 triumph over the Generals.
A decisive 8-0 shutout victory over the Fairfax Bulldogs, phenomenally pitched by Chad Koehler and determined by solid defensive action and consistent hitting, earned The Elite their championship game spot against the Future Stars.
The Elite had a shaky start to their final game- down 4-1 in the top of the fifth (clutch hitter Skov drove in Ventrice for their first run in the first inning.) With two outs, and the rain starting to fall, the Elite dug deep to rally on the heels of a 3 RBI shot from Ryan Studebaker (P). The play was one of the most exciting of the game, ending with Studebaker getting out in a pickle that lasted long enough to allow the third run to score. This play lit a fire under the Elite that burned until the end!
The hits just kept on coming from almost the entire roster - including RBI, hits, doubles, and a triple. Spectacular pitching by Studebaker and Elite defensive acumen never permitted another Future Star to cross home plate; Brandon Keiper (P) closed the game with crucial and excellent pitching by allowing only 4 batters in the final inning. The Elite were victorious with an 11-4 win over the Future Stars in this cold and rainy battle.
Defense in Command and Control
Hunter Gore(C) turned in outstanding performances as a team leader behind the plate managing the pitchers and throwing out multiple steal attempts. Incredible pitching by Ryan Studebaker, Carsten Wahl, Chad Koehler, Brandon Keiper and Lawton Riggs held opposing teams to batting just 0.258 against the Elite. This commanding squad struck out 26 batters and walked only 11 in 5 games.
In all four games, outfielders Jacob Hand (LF), Carsten Wahl (LF) and Gino Ventrice (CF) stole big hits from the opposition with athletic catches and precision tracking. Each game was also punctuated by exceptional infield plays and double plays from Dominick Marinelli (2B) and Joey Skov (SS) and first basemen Patrick Hartmann, Jacob Hand and Lawton Riggs.
Offensive Dominance
Stand out hitting performances included Dominick Marinelli (7-for-10, 4 extra base hits including a grand slam home run, 4 runs & 9 RBI), Gino Ventrice (5-for-11, including a triple, 2 extra base hits, 5 runs), Chad Koehler (4-for-9, 1 extra base hit, 3 runs, 3 RBI), Hunter Gressly (4-for-9, 6 runs), Carsten Wahl (3 hits, 2 doubles, 4 runs, 5 RBI), Jacob Hand and Patrick Hartmann contributed 4 hits each and a combined 8 runs scored. Joey Skov consistently delivered clutch hits and scored 3 runs.
Every Elite player contributed multiple hits throughout the tournament and scored/drove in numerous runs. As a team, they batted 0.353 and turned in an impressive on base percentage of 0.483.
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