Oregon Park 9U Travel Team: 2009 ATPP Champions

This was a long hard tournament for the Sharks. After going 1-1 in pool play with a win against the Sharon Springs Spartans and a tough loss to the Sandy Plains Cougars, the Sharks ended up with a very difficult draw in Bracket play.

Game 1 would have the Sharks playing the Midway Mustangs. After staying close for a few innings, the Sharks opened it up for an 11-3 win. Game two would have the Sharks playing their in-state rival, The Acworth Warriors.  It was a battle that would live up to the hype. The Warriors took and early lead, but the Sharks came from behind in the fifth inning to take a three run lead. The Warriors battled back scoring 3 runs of their own in the last two innings to force extra innings. It seemed the crowd was still building in the stand above the field as the teams battled it out below. Nobody scored in the seventh as both teams really tightened up the defense. The Sharks found ways to score in the eight and added four runs for what seemed like would have to be the end. The Warriors continued to battle scoring three more before a couple of great defensive plays by the Sharks finished them. 13-12 final for the Sharks win.

The third round Sunday afternoon affair would have the Sharks seeking a little revenge for their pool play loss against the Sandy Plains Cougars. This time it would be all Sharks. The Sharks were visitors, jumped out early and never looked back. Sharks win 12-2.

The third championship of the all star season was within reach but would require two more wins against well tested all star teams. Game one of the night had the Sharks as visitors (thanks again to the strange pool play format) against the Eastside Hurricanes. The Hurricanes looking for a little revenge of their own from the pool play loss at Kennesaw, came out swinging and took an early lead. The Sharks continued to battle, but the Hurricanes were intent on finishing them. The Sharks trailed by five going into the fifth inning. They added four runs in the fifth and another six runs in the sixth to complete the comeback 15-11 win over the Hurricanes and advance to their 10 consecutive tournament championship.

This championship was another rematch against a strong opponent. The Shaw Park Predators were the defending champs at ATPP and had no intention of letting it go. Like the Hurricanes, the Predators came out swinging for the fences with their big bats and made it clear to the Sharks that they were going to have to give it all they had to win this one. The Sharks trailed by five after two but these boys knew they had been in this position before and were unfazed. This wasn’t the first time they faced a team with big bats or the first time they trailed. They knew their parents and coached believed in them and more importantly, they believed in each other. They battled back eventually answering with seven run fourth inning in what would be a lead they wouldn’t surrender. They took to the field with their defense for the last two innings and held the Predators, completing a difficult run at tournament that included what will surely be many of the top teams in the state of Georgia. Way to Go Sharks!

Next up, the District Championship where the Sharks hope to three-peat as Dizzy Dean District 2 Champions. Keep it up boys!