DE Sports Finishes Second In Big League Division State Championship Tournament (07/11/15)

Clarion Area Little League’s Big League Division DE Sports team completed a fine season this week by finishing second in the Pennsylvania State Tournament.

DE Sports - 2015 PA State Big League Division - Runnerup

DE Sports – 2015 PA State Big League Division – Runnerup

DE Sports which entered the tournament undefeated, went 4-2, in the tournament.

Clarion had an Opening Round, 5-3 win over Pocono Mountain Charter out of Tobyhanna, and followed with an 8-5 Second Round victory over Reynolds (Greenville).They lost to defending State Champion and World Series participant, Kennett Square (Chester), 7-4, in the Third Round,moving DE Sports to the Losers Bracket Final, where they defeated West Scranton 11-1, in five innings. That victory moved Clarion to the finals and a rematch with Kennett Square, where they would have to win two to claim the title.

But it wasn’t to be, as They beat Kennett Square 8-6 in the first game, facing their best pitcher and getting 12 hits, but lost in the “if necessary game”to Kennett Square, 11-2, in Wednesday’s (July 9th) game. The local kids hung tough, throughout the contest. They gave up a single run in the bottom of the first and held their opponents off the scoreboard in the second and third innings.  Kennett Square scored three runs in the fourth, to make the score 4-0.

Clarion scored one in the top of the fifth, to close the gap to 4-1. Kennett Square pushed a run across in the bottom of the inning, to move their lead to 5-1. After Clarion scored a run in the top of the sixth, Kennett Square plated six runs in the bottom of the inning, closing out the scoring and setting the final at 11-2, claiming their second straight State Championship.

Adrian Weber had 3 hits and an RBI for DE Sports, in the Championship Game. Spencer Miller had a double and scored a run. Sam Leadbetter had a two-bagger and an RBI. Max Lane also doubled.

Leo Aiello singled and scored a run. Reed Anthony and Derek Lauer also had hits for Clarion.

DE Sports Manager, Lee Weber had this to say about the game, “Going against a World Series winning pitcher and team, we knew it could be tough for us to get hits. Hits were not the problem but runs were. We had 12 hits against their best pitcher, but were unable to make them timely.”

Coach Weber mentioned, “I am very proud of our 12 guys from the Clarion area on how they competed and handled themselves in both wins and losses. We had many compliments from both the tournament administrators and spectators. It was a good consolation prize for me knowing that.”

He continued, “Thank you’s to Coach Andrew Waugaman and Coach Rich Lane for dealing with me in the dugout. And special thanks to Scott Miller for his help with the equipment and kids at the hotel. Clarion should be proud of our DE Sports team!”

CONGRATULATIONS DE SPORTS – 2015 PA STATE BIG LEAGUE DIVISION – SECOND PLACE TEAM!!!!