Powered by a strong pitching performance from Port Neches-Groves senior Carson Roccaforte, the Mid-County Babe Ruth baseball team got one step closer to a World Series title on Tuesday in Mobile, Alabama.
Roccaforte struck out six batters and allowed six hits as Mid-County secured a spot in the semifinals with a 7-1 win over Bakersfield, California.
Mid-County’s five-run third inning staked Roccaforte to a big lead after he gave up the game’s first run in the top half. Roccaforte credited the guidance of his catcher and an alert defense for the seven-inning gem.
Both Bakersfield and Mid-County finished bracket play with a 3-1 record, but Mid-County was awarded the top seed thanks to the head-to-head win.
“They were scrappy, but I knew if I threw strikes then my defense would make plays,” Roccaforte said in a Twitter video posted by the team. “I trusted Mason (Brown) to call the game, and it worked out.”
Roccaforte didn’t just contribute on the mound, either. He picked up two hits at the plate, bringing home two runs in the process. He’s gone 6-for-11 with 8 RBIs so far in the tournament.
Nederland graduate Landon Hiltz went 3-for-4 with an RBI. In total, Mid-County recorded 14 hits.
Tuesday’s win came after Mid-County suffered its first defeat of the summer against Crown Point, Indiana, on Monday. That loss was proceeded by wins over Onondaga, New York, and Vancouver, Washington, in the 16-to 18-year-old tournament.
MFaye@BeaumontEnterprise.com
Twitter.com/mattGfaye
Mid-County secures semifinal spot in Babe Ruth World Series