Diamondbacks complete undefeated season with 12U title

By TJ Maxwell
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Department capped their 2018 season with the 12-and-under boys’ championship game Friday night at Copperas Cove City Park.
The top two teams to close the regular season showed why they finished strong by earning a spot in Friday’s title game. 
The Diamondbacks completed their season 8-0-1 before reeling off two straight wins to earn the title and complete their undefeated season at 10-0-1.
The Diamondbacks defeated the White Sox 8-3 in the semifinal round before topping the Astros 8-1 in the championship.
The Astros earned their way to the title game with a narrow 5-4 win over the Pirates after both teams finished 6-3 in the regular season.
The Astros threatened in the top of the first inning of the title game against the Diamondbacks but it was the Diamondbacks to strike first in the bottom half of the opening inning.
An RBI single to right field by Cooper Ferrell broke the scoreless tie, scoring Matai Anzaldua from third base.
The Astros threatened again in the top of the second inning but a 1-3-5 double play turned by the Diamondbacks halted one threat and an infield ground out closed out a bases-loaded threat to maintain the 1-0 Diamondback lead.
The Diamondbacks added to their lead in the bottom half of the inning when Cole Steinrich connected on a 1-out single before a wild pickoff attempt and an overthrow allowed Steinrich to advance home.
The Astros again managed baserunners but the threat was ended on a failed stolen base attempt.
The Diamondbacks then opened the contest up with a six-run bottom of the third inning.
A leadoff single by Ferrell started things for the Diamonbacks before an RBI single by Jirah Anzaldua quickly made it a 3-0 game. Jirah Anzaldua then scored on a wild pickoff attempt. 
The Diamondbacks increased their lead to 6-0 on a two-RBI single by Caden Mosely before he advanced home on a passed ball for the 7-0 lead.
Cameron Tuiasosopo then closed out the Diamondbacks’ scoring when he advanced home from third on a dropped third strike and subsequent throw to first.
The Astros broke the shutout as time expired when Zachary Folger scored on an overthrow error for the 8-1 final score.
Both teams advance to the District 5 12U Open Base tournament to be held in Florence beginning July 9. They will compete against the Academy Rubbers Ducks, Jarrell Blue, Harker Heights Iron Pigs, Harker Heights Rivercats, Harker Heights Thunder and Harker Heights Iron Birds.
In the 8U machine Pitch Division, the Copperas Cove Indians will compete at the District 5 tournament in McGregor. They will compete with Crawford-Weithorn Farms, McGregor Rangers, Troy Mayhem, Troy Blue Devils, Troy Outlaws, Crawford Lhoist, Gatesville Cargill, Gatesville Stanley Chevrolet, Gatesville Rangers and Gatesville Garrett’s Day.
The top two Cove teams, Astros and Royals received a bye to state as Copperas Cove hosts the State 8U Machine Pitch championships.
The Rangers, Dodgers, Red Sox and Astros will represent Copperas Cove in the Boys’ 10U Tight Base District 6 tournament. They will compete with Gatesville Muegge Heating & Air, Gatesville Stanley Chevrolet, Gatesville Jerry Wright Homes, Gatesville Dixon Roofing, Troy Rangers, McGregor Renegades, McGregor Jett’s and McGregor Grinders.
The Astros and Rangers will represent Cove in the 14U District 7 tournament to be held in Harker Heights. They will compete with Harker Heights Rangers, Harker Heights Red Sox, Academy A’s, Salado Eagles, Belton Red Sox, Belton Reds, Temple Wildcats and Temple Rangers.