Lennard wins Saladino Silver crown in battle with Robinson
By Lily Belcher
Correspondent
RUSKIN – Lennard won the second-ever Silver Division of the 41st annual Saladino Tournament in a close, 10-8 victory against the Robinson, Thursday afternoon. The Longhorns took an early, dominating lead, but a late rally by the Knights forced Lennard to fight until the last out of the championship game.
Lennard (9-0), led by starting pitcher Zach Bird, took an early six-run lead in the second inning off only four hits and after batting around.
Multiple errors by the Knight’s defense and a handful of walks by Robinson starter Nathan Jennewien allowed six runners to cross the plate.
All nine Lennard batters reached base at least once during the game and centerfielder and pitcher John Smith got three consecutive singles and two RBI in his four plate appearances. First baseman Keith McClain also went 2-for-2, with three RBI, and Matthew Counts batted in a run in both the second and sixth inning, and earned the final RBI of the game.
Bird kept Robinson (7-3) bats at bay, holding it to just three hits through the first four innings. The Longhorn’s offense tacked on two more runs to make the score 8-1, but Robinson staged a big rally in the sixth, tying it up with nine outs to go.
Lennard answered with a go-ahead and insurance run in the bottom of the same inning, giving it a two-run edge, allowing Smith to take the mound as a relief pitcher for the last three quick outs.
“The guys fought hard for the entire game,” Lennard coach Victor Martinez said. “[They] faced a lot of adversity and came out on top. I’m extremely proud of them.”
Lennard’s bench flooded the field after the last out of the championship and accepted the Silver Division trophy from tournament founder Tony Saladino and his grandson and current Bloomingdale assistant coach Noah Saladino.
“It feels great, I just want to come out here and provide the best win I can to my team and that’s what I did,” said McClain. “It feels awesome. It feels great. I’m so happy and I’m ready to keep it rolling.”
Lennard remains undefeated and will host Brandon on March 22 at 7 pm to defend its streak.
Tournament founder Tony Saladino with Lennard head coach Victor Martinez (photo by Lily Belcher).
Lennard 10
Robinson 8
R 000|017|0 – |8|9|3
L 060|202|x – |10|8|4
W – Munoz (1-0); L – Akins (1-1); S – Smith (2)
Records – R (7-3); L (9-0).
