- April 25, 2024
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The U15 Flagler Falcons got three complete games by starting pitchers en route to the Babe Ruth Dale Long District 13 Tournament of Champions title.
Almost every baseball team builds championship-winning teams around starting pitching. The Flagler County Police Athletic League Flagler Falcons U15 all-star team did just that, and won its second straight Babe Ruth Dale Long District 13 Tournament of Champions title June 18, after beating Sanford twice during the three-day tournament.
The Falcons played in the first game of the tournament June 17, winning 8-6, behind a stellar outing from pitcher Austin Coffman. Coffman struck out five batters and gave up three earned runs, while throwing a complete game. At the plate, Coffman went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Catcher Marco Delaphena threw out three base runners.
In the early game on June 18, the Falcons lost their first game of the double-elimination tournament, to Sanford, 5-1. The Falcons again got a great outing by their starting pitcher. Michael Screder III threw a complete game, having a strike percentage of almost 70%, striking out three hitters and not allowing a walk or an earned run in the game. However, the Falcons’ offense couldn’t get on track.
The Falcons won the rubber-match championship game, 14-4, against Sanford, later that day. The Falcons got their third straight complete game by a starting pitcher, this time by Josh Fuller. Fuller had three strikeouts while giving up seven hits and three earned runs. But after the Falcons’ bats were silenced earlier in the day, the offense made up for it in a big way in the title game. The Falcons had eight singles and four doubles. Justin Risby, leadoff hitter and third baseman, went 3-for-4 at the plate with one single and two doubles. Anthony Santiago, cleanup hitter and left fielder, went 2-for-3 with two walks and three RBIs.
Michael Screder, manager of the Flagler Falcons for the past two seasons, said both of his championships can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of his players.
“It takes a total team effort by all the players to be able to win year after year,” Screder said.
He also stated the newly started PAL Advanced Baseball Program is an integral part of the team’s ability to win district championships two years in a row.
The PAL Advanced Baseball Program was started two years ago for the Dale Long Division (U15) and provides players in the recreational league with the opportunity to play baseball at a more competitive level.
The Flagler Falcons advance to the Babe Ruth State Tournament, which will take place July 14 to July 17, at the Ocala Sports Complex.
