Nederland, Texas goes back to their dominating ways

By GUS SHLIMBAUM
The Patriot Ledger

QUINCY – The Babe Ruth All-Stars from Nederland, Texas, are glad they don’t have to get used to squeaking out victories, as they did in their 4-3 victory over Cambridge on Saturday.

The Southwest Regional champions, who dominated their way through the state and regional tournaments to advance to the Babe Ruth World Series, found their bats again Sunday afternoon at Adams Field, beating Skagit Valley, Wash., 10-1, showing almost no weaknesses.

“Everybody stepped up and played solid defense,” Nederland manager Steven Pitts said, “and then we started hitting the ball. Even the outs were hard-hit balls, so that was key.”

They got great pitching, too, from starter Brett Brown, who fanned five Skagit Valley batters in only four innings to record the win.

Nederland got its offense going in the top of the third inning when it scored three runs, highlighted by a two-run double by Stephen Schlett, who smashed the ball over the left fielder’s head.

Skagit Valley got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third. With the bases loaded, Vince Mata reached on an error, scoring Connor Otos from third base.

Nederland kept the momentum rolling into the fourth, adding another four runs. Trent Fontenot hit his second double of the game, that scored two runs and helped him earn Player of the Game honors.

“I’ve been hitting a lot in the cages and have been hitting well since I’ve been here,” Fontenot said.

Texas is 2-0 in the Babe Ruth World Series and is a serious contender to win it all, but Pitts knows it is going to be a tough road ahead.

“We’ve got a good team, but every team here is good,” he said.
“I’m confident that we will compete until the end, but every other team is going to be saying that, too, so our guys are going to have to stay focused to win this thing.”

Nederland was scheduled to face West Fargo, N.D., at 2:30 p.m. today.

Gus Shlimbaum may be reached at gshlimbaum@ledger.com.