In the final game of the season, the Florida Gators of the Verde Valley Little League almost gave the undefeated Sedona Wildcats a run for their money, but the Wildcats kept the Gators scoreless for three of the four innings.
With just an eight-man team, the Gators lost 17-2 to the 11-0 Wildcats on Tuesday, June 4, at Riverfront Park, but despite the score, the Gators put up a good fight with sparks of good play.
Only two of the Gators’ 9- and 10-year-olds had played softball before this season, whereas the Wildcats had only two girls who had never played the game. The offset of experience was seen, but the game started in a way that left coaches, players and fans wondering which way it would go.
Angelina Cox started in the pitching circle for the Gators and it took her a while to level out her pitching. The Wildcats scored five runs on five walks and wild pitches, including an unearned home run. The five runs ended the top of the inning due to the five-run rule of Little League.
Natalie Monge of Sedona pitched for the Wildcats and had a strong fastball. Cox was walked and Lola Martinez hit a grounder. Due to an overthrow at first base, Cox was able to score a run, but Martinez was tagged out at home.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, June 5, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
