12U All-Stars battle back to win consolation

By Donnie A. Lucas

Both Albany Little League All-Star teams moved to the consolation bracket of the All-Stars Tournament for District 5 last week after suffering two losses, but the 12U team fought back to win the consolation title on Sunday.

The 12U team edged out Abilene Northern 8-7 on June 23 to move ahead in the single elimination consolation bracket.

“We were down 7-2 at one point, but battled back to win 8-7,” coach Clint Chapman said. “Blake Britting and Pecos Duke pitched well to get the win.”

Albany moved on to face Merkel in the second game, shutting out the opponent 10-0.

“We won on the 10-run rule, with Clay Chapman pitching the shutout in four innings,” the coach said.

The final game was played Sunday in Albany, with the local team beating Cisco 13-3 in the fifth on another 10-run rule victory.

“Aiden Vickers started and finished the game strong for the win,” Chapman said.

Chapman commended the team.

“I’ve coached lots of teams, and this group was special,” he said. “We had our ups and downs throughout the season staying focused, but during these last two games, the kids showed how good they are compared to other towns closer to our size.”

The coach praised the team for their batting.

“The boys hit the ball well this season, with over half the team batting over .400 during the last 10 games.

He added that the team had depth at both the pitching and catching positions.

“Pitching and catching are important, and we had great depth at both positions that helped us win the last three games,” he said. 

Chapman thanked the parents and volunteers who helped Albany host games, along with Tony Wheeler and Gary Vickers for helping coach.

“It was a fun ride, and the future is bright,” he said. 

10U Games

The 10U team defeated Merkel 12-1 in their first game in the consolation bracket.

Patton Smith and Matthew Key pitched the game, with Kanton Duke catching.

The younger all-stars were eliminated by Abilene Northern in the second round, losing 10-8.

Patton Smith and Ace Townson pitched the game.