The Patrick County Dixie Youth Coach Pitch All Star team traveled to Dillwyn in Buckingham County on Friday, July 6 to play in the Dixie Youth State Tournament.
This was just the second year the Coaches Pitch was part of the Dixie Youth organization. Thanks to Kirk Renegar, Coach Pitch became part of Dixie Youth Baseball two seasons ago and then this year they decided to create an All Star team that consisted of 12 players from the four teams in our county.
The players are selected and voted on by all the coaches in the league. Team members were Andersen Brim, Mason Cassell, Eli Collins, Tucker Collins, Jaxon Handy, Brayden Hylton, Jameson Lawson, Mark Register, Aiden Slate, Charlie Tabor, Caleb Vaughn, and Kole Wagoner. The team was coached by Jason Handy, Scott Humphrey, Michael Hall and Tony Collins.
During the tournament, the team went 2-2. Their first game was Friday, July 6 against Emporia. After being down 5-0 in the 5th inning and with 2 outs, the boys shook the nerves and put together several hits, scoring7 runs. That’s all it took with good defense in the 5th and 6th inning. The team won 7-6.
Game 2 on Saturday was against Madison Heights. The boys lost 12-8 but really put up a good fight. After being tied 3-3 through the first three innings, PC jumped ahead 6-3. Then Madison Heights scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th and 7 runs in the 5th to finish the game.
Game 3 on Sunday was against Bedford Metro. The team won 11-9. Tied 3-3 after first inning, PC keep the hits and runs going with one run in the second, two runs in the third and then added 5 runs in the 5th inning. Bedford Metro really battled in the bottom of the 6th and scored 5 runs off 5 hits.
On Monday, game 4 was against Madison Heights. PC lost 9-4. Madison Heights had a big 3rd inning by scoring 5 runs.
Our boys played with a lot of heart, respect, and emotion. They supported and cheered each other on during all four games.
This experience wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the support of our community. Patrick County businesses and locals donated to help with expenses such as tournament fees, hotel cost, and meals. Thank you to Kirk renegar, the former resident of Patrick County and former coach of the Stuart State Farm team, who helped to get Dixie Youth Coach Pitch for Patrick County and helped get the All Star team set up.
