Seven-run third enough for Arizona

By David Graham-Caso
Special Correspondent

Twelve batters came to the plate for Chandler, Arizona in the top of the third inning against Richmond, Texas. The offensive outburst was good for seven runs on five hits in a pivotal inning during the West Champion’s 10-4 rout of Richmond.

“We are finally hitting the ball for a change,” said Chandler manager Eddie Malone. “The bottom of our lineup is coming through, and we are playing good baseball.”

Both teams entered Sunday’s contest 1-0 and knew that a victory would reserve a spot in Wednesday’s single-elimination round.

The Chandler team, which had relied on superior pitching and defense to qualify for Williamsport, let its bats do the talking during the afternoon showdown.

Texas starter Garrett Staudt was relieved by Brian Foster after giving up two runs in two innings. After surrendering a one-out double, Foster lost his control and walked three straight batters, prompting manager Jim Michalek to go back to the bullpen. Brady Rodgers assumed the pitching duties with one out and the bases full. Rodgers got shelled by the top of the Arizona order, allowing four runs on four hits. Aaron Hardenburg finally popped out to end the inning. The seven run inning gave Arizona’s starter Cory Bernard more than enough run support.

“The big inning gave us confidence,” Bernard said. “But the coaches kept on telling us that the game was not over yet.”

Texas battled back in their half of the fourth. Cody Robinson pulled his team to within five runs with a screaming three-run homerun to the left-centerfield gallery.

After the three-run fourth inning for Texas, Bernard became even tougher. The fire-baller, who struck out 21 in his 12 innings of work at the West regional tournament, shut down the Richmond offense. Bernard scattered four hits and recorded 12 strikeouts in his complete game winning effort.

“(Bernard) is a tremendous competitor on the mound,” Texas manager Jim Michalek said. “He is an extremely polished pitcher, one of the best we have seen.”

“I felt confident on the mound today,” Bernard said.

Arizona, now 2-0 in pool play is far from satisfied with their trip to Williamsport.

“We can’t let up,” Bernard said. “We can’t ever let up.”