HURLOCK — The Tri-City Little League season has come to an end, prompting thoughts on the young players’ successes. The following report is from the league:
“Often times in team sports, there will be two constants in league play every season. There will be at least one or two teams that will play very well and hardly lose and there will be another team or two that struggle to be competitive and have limited success.
“In those rare seasons where all the teams in the same division are very equal and can defeat one another on any given night, it makes for a schedule full of very competitive and enjoyable games. This was the case for the 5 team 9-10 year old division of Little League baseball in Dorchester County this season.
“The Blue Jays, one of two teams representing Tri-City, were made up of 10 ball players with varying levels of baseball experience who worked very hard to improve their skill and played every game to try to win. They finished their 13 game season with a record of 7-5-1, winning their last 3 in a row.
“Offensively, the Blue Jays were led by second year player Corey Newnam, who batted .500 (13 for 26) with 9 RBI. Grant Eberspacher (.452), Jacob Twilley (.412), Trace Barnett (.400) and Kent Marshall (.333) all finished the year batting over .300 and Colby Lewis scored a team high 20 runs.
“On the mound, 9-year-old Grant Eberspacher was the team’s workhorse, leading the pitching staff with a 5-0 record and striking out 46 opposing batters in 21 2/3 innings. Corey Newnam and lefty Matt Jones contributed with 1 win each and Trace Barnett emerged as the team’s closer, getting the final key outs in the last 3 victories.”
Blue Jays win three in a row
The 9-10 year old Blue Jays took on their Tri-City rivals, the Nationals,  in East New Market, winning 16-10 in a 6 inning slugfest.
After shutting down the Blue Jay offense in the top of the 1st, the Nationals erupted for 5 runs off Blue Jays starter Grant Eberspacher in the bottom of the inning. Caleb Nader delivered the big blow with a 2 run single to right field.
The Blue Jays got right back into the contest however, with a 5 run outburst of their own in the top of the 2nd. The Nationals added one more run in the bottom of the frame, thanks to a Lawsen Meredith RBI single, but Eberspacher limited the home team to just one more base runner over the next 3 innings.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jay offense continued to score, taking a commanding 16-6 lead after 5 1/2 innings. The Nationals fought back to tally 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th, but Trace Barnett got the final out by strikeout to end the game at 16-10.
Eberspacher, who improved to 5-0 on the season, pitched the first 5 innings, allowing 6 runs, while striking out 7 and walking just one.
The Blue Jays were lead at the plate by Jake Twilley, who went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Corey Newnum and Colby Lewis each drove in 2 runs apiece.
For the Nationals, Lawsen Meredith, Will Nabb, Lucas Pressley and Jake Beletsky all had 2 hits each during the game.
The 9-10 Tri-City Blue Jays concluded their season on a three game winning streak, finishing with a 7-5-1 record.
Pirates beat Deck It, 16-1
Pirates took on Deck It on June 17 in East New Market. “Our team was on fire hitting the ball tonight,” a report from the Pirates said.
Will Burton, Jaxsen Todd, Aiden Abt and Belle Anders went 4 for 4, Liam Custis went 3 for 4, Kaiden Trader, Jase Stump and Tyler Warrell went 3 for 3, and Cory Abbott had a hit. The Pirates went on to win, 16 to 1.
Pirates 9
Bobby Bell Construction 1
Pirates had their final game on June 19 in Hurlock against Bobby Bell Construction. “Our team has played very well all season,” a report from the league said. Liam Custis, Jaxsen Todd, Aiden Abt, Nick Meekins, Kaiden Trader and Cory Abbott went 3 for 3, Belle Anders went 2 for 3, Will Burton, Tyler Warrell, and Jase Stump each had a hit. The Pirates went on to win 9 to 1, finishing the season with a 12-3 record.
Tie Dye over Denton, 25-10
Tri-City Coach Pitch Softball “Tie Dye” finished their season against Denton on June 14. The score was 25-10. Every girl had multiple hits in the game. They finished their season 11-1. “Great job ladies!” a report from the team said.
Blue Jays 8
Mid Shore Graphics 7
Tri-City’s 9-10 year old Blue Jays edged Cambridge’s Mid Shore Graphics 8-7 June 14 in 5 innings.
Matt Jones pitched 2 1/3 in relief to earn his first victory of the season. He allowed 2 runs on 1 hit, striking out 6 batters and walking 2. Trace Barnett recorded the last two outs of the game for the save.
Batting leaders for the Blue Jays were Matt Jones with 2 hits and 2 RBI, Caden Rush with 2 hits, and 1 hit each from Trace Barnett, Grant Eberspacher, Corey Newnum and Caeden Burton.
Mid Shore Graphics played outstanding defense throughout the game, including turning a double play in the top of the 5th inning.
Pirates 8, Harvey’s Electric 0
Pirates took on Harvey’s Electric on June 14 in Hurlock. Liam Custis went 3 for 4, Jaxsen Todd, Kaiden Trader, Belle Anders went 3 for 3, Nick Meekins, Aiden Abt and Tyler Warrell went 2 for 3, Will Burton and Jase Stump each had a hit. Pirates went on to win, 8 to 0.