South Florida Elite captures Florida Qualifier

The South Florida Elite Squad Select staved off a late rally by the Florida Stars Grey to win the 2009 Florida Qualifier.
 
The South Florida Elite Squad Select opened the scoring with a run in the third inning as Josh Grant tripled and came around to score. The lead was extended to 2-0 in the sixth inning when Patrick Grady singled and came around to score on Bryan Walker's two-out triple.
 
The Florida Stars Grey made a valiant last inning charge as they got back to back singles from Taylor Snipes and Mike Nessel. The runners were sacrificed over to scoring position on a bunt by John Platt, and they scratched a run across on an RBI groundout by Joey Reed. However Mike Korte flew out to center field to end the game 2-1 in favor of the South Florida Elite Squad Select.
 
Zach Westcott earned the win for the South Florida Elite Squad Select as he pitched a complete game, allowing only one run on seven hits while striking out six batters.
 
Alex Miller took the loss for the Florida Stars Grey as he allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings of work while striking out three batters.
 
The Florida Stars Grey impressed all weekend, particularly their pitching and defense stood out as they allowed only five runs in seven games going 6-1. The Florida Stars Grey reached the final game with a 2-1 walkoff win over the Florida Stars 18u in the semi-finals.
 
The South Florida Elite Squad Select were very impressive in their own right, their hitting helped them rise above the competition as they averaged six runs scored per game on their way to a 6-1 tournament record. The South Florida Elite Squad Select made it to the final game by defeating Palm Beach Select 13-0 in the semifinals.
 
Congratulations to the South Florida Elite Squad Select the 2009 Florida Qualifier Champions and to the Runner-Up Florida Stars Grey.