The team that put the ball in play the most ended up winning the Park Department Rookie League Tournament title Tuesday night.
Switzer RCF had three fewer strikeouts against the pitching machine and also produced more putouts on defense to top Jeweler’s Bench 15-9 at McLane Park.
“You don’t have to hit the ball hard, just make contact,” Switzer RCF coach Craig Lansford said.
McKayla Ward and Cayson Lansford each drove in four runs while Roman Voyles and Miller Pennington each pushed across three runs for Switzer RCF. Ben Lance, Matthew Lance, Voyles and Lansford each scored three times.
Dain Armes drove in three runs for Jeweler’s Bench while Zoe Hale and Carter Battles each drove in a pair. Beckett Kiefeer, Garner Beckett and Battles each scored twice.
“They hit the ball and the other team had to get them out,” Jeweler’s Bench coach Adam Kiefer said.
Switzer RCF got a pair outs in the third inning with defense, first with a grounder to the pitcher, who threw to first, and then to end the inning on a tag out at the plate.
That scoreless inning was the difference with a five-run frame maximum as Switzer RCF added onto a 10-5 lead in the top of the fourth.
“If you can stop the ball and even run the ball to the bag to beat them there to get an out,” Coach Lansford said.
Switzer RCF scored five runs in the first inning without making an out. Jeweler’s Bench answered with a three-run first but couldn’t get the third out in the second before Switzer RCF scored five more runs, all with two outs.
Switzer RCF went in order in the third but maintained a 10-5 lead before another five-run frame without an out in the fourth. Lansford circled the bases with a hit to left field, socring Ben Lance while Ward had a two-run triple before scoring the final run.
Switzer RCF’s Emmajean Tubb returned after fouling off a pitch on her arm.
“It’s the last game of the season, stay strong, we’re proud of her,” Coach Lansford said. “We’re proud of everybody.”
Jeweler’s Bench won the season title and was the top seed in the tournament. Both teams needed to win semifinals earlier on a hot Tuesday that forced officials to push back the start times.
The youngest league features four strikes for an out, no walks or stolen bases and only one base extra base can be taken on a throwing error.
“It’s good for our youth,” Coach Lansford said. “We like to see all these kids play together in high school one day.”
This story has been updated with information due to a lineup change.