August 9, 2007, Madison Heights, VA --- After scoring 18 runs to
eliminate Georgia on Wednesday, the hot hitting South Carolina team
continued its streak and eliminated Virginia 16-4. South Carolina
pounded out 12 hits in just 5 innings. South Carolina would score first
in the top of the second to go up 1-0. In the bottom of the inning,
Blacksburg would tie the game at 1-1. Jake McCoy led off the inning with
a single, then advanced to second and third after Tyler Davis laid down
a perfect bunt and the pitcher's throw ricocheted off Davis's helmet.
With runners on second and third, Virginia used more "small ball" as
John Hinson bunted to reach first, and score McCoy. The inning would end
on two great defensive plays by South Carolina, including a play at the
plate. South Carolina would bust the game open in the third with a grand
slam. The same South Carolina player would later hit a two run homer in
the fifth. Virginia managed to claw itself back within a couple of runs
in the third, but South Carolina's offense was in high gear, scoring in
every inning but the first. Hit after hit dropped for the Carolinians,
despite Virginia using four different pitchers in five innings. With the
loss, Virginia was eliminated. South Carolina advances to the final four
to play Louisiana, the only unbeaten team left. Louisiana beat South
Carolina in a close contest, 7-6 on the opening day of the tournament.
After the game, a Dixie National Director said that this year's Virginia
team was one of the most competitive AAA teams that the state has
fielded in quite a while. Virginia is the only state that has not won a
Dixie Youth World Series in either age group. Blacksburg was the
youngest team in the tournament, and six players will return in 2008.
Adam Linkous pitched two solid innings to hold SC in check.
An early strike out by Linkous.
Strategy session on the mound.
Eli Straw hones in on a high fly ball.
The Tennessee banner.
SS Thomas Hughes fires to first.
1B Tyler Davis makes a great play at first.
Tyler Davis' RBI bunt.
More team small ball as Hinson lays down a perfect bunt.
VT Trainer Mike Goforth tends to injured son, Ethan.
Side winder, Hal Hughes fires to the plate. He was the only 8 yr old
in the tournament.
Team Virginia removes its flag and walks off the World Series field
together.
The fantastic 15!
Each player received a commemorative certificate, WS medal, and bat bag.
