Final two crowned at LakePoint

Nate Schweers

Photo: 643 DP Cougars Sterling (Perfect Game)

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Cougars Win 643 DP Battle

EMERSON, Ga. – The 643 DP Cougars Sterling beat 643 DP Baseball – Mang 7-5 to claim the 16u PG Summer Showdown championship on Sunday. The battle of 643 DP teams caps off what has been an excellent summer for the entire organization.

After the 643 Mang squad got out to a 4-0 lead, the Cougars were able to go for a pair of runs in the third and five more in the fifth. In the big fifth inning, the Cougars were able to score on three straight singles before a two-run double by David Julian finished the scoring.

On the mound, the Cougars got a great relief outing from Reid Robertson. Robertson tossed five innings, allowing just one unearned run and striking out three. Robertson is a high follow player in the 2020 class, and a fastball that has been up to 86 has him as a top 100 player in the state of Georgia.

“Its been a long summer for us trying to get these guys to where they need to be, but to finish the last week of the summer with both teams playing the maximum amount of games really kind of sums up how our summer has gone,” said head coach Ryan Sterling. “It was all about getting these kids better. It took a little bit more than we wanted at times, but got there and our kids really clicked towards the end.”

The MVP of this year’s 16u Perfect Game Summer Showdown was Ty Floyd. Floyd batted .500 for the tournament, collecting two doubles, one triple, and four RBI. Floyd, who is hoping to be a two-way player at the next level, is happy he could show off his skills at the plate this week.

“I really don't want anyone to see me as a PO (Pitcher Only) because I like to swing it,” said Floyd, who features a fastball that has been up to 92 in events past. “I like being on the mound, but swinging it has always been my main passion.”

The MV-Pitcher of this week’s event was 643 DP Baseball – Mang pitcher David Sickles. Sickles was not in attendance at Sunday’s championship game, but he tossed seven strong innings while allowing just two hits and striking out six batters.

2018 16u PG Summer Showdown champions: 643 DP Cougars Sterling

2018 16u PG Summer Showdown runner-up: 643 DP Baseball - Mang

2018 16u PG Summer Showdown MVP: Ty Floyd

Yankees Win 18u Showdown

EMERSON, Ga. – The East Cobb Yankees completed an impressive run at the 18u Perfect Game Summer Showdown with an 8-5 win over the East Cobb Colt .45’s 17u. The win completes what has a great summer at LakePoint for the Yankees.

The bats were hot for much of the tournament, and the same was true for this Yankees lineup in Sunday’s championship game. Collin Price and David Burke lead the way at the plate. Price was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles in the championship game, and Burke was able to reach base in all four plate appearances.

While Burke had a strong 3-for-3 day on Sunday, his success was seen throughout the entire Summer Showdown. Burke was 11-for-19 with four doubles and seven RBI in this week’s event, and his performance was good enough to take home the MVP honors.

“I was trying to get set early, and I saw the ball the whole way this week,” said Burke, who was excited this Yankees team could finish the summer on such a high note. “Especially for all the people that have graduated and are moving on now, this is a special win.”

Yankees head coach James Beavers had nothing but good things to say about the tournament MVP. Burke is a big part of the lineup and coach Beavers knows the impact he has on the game.

“He has kind of been that guy for us all year long. Every time something big is happening we hope that he is the one that is up to bat. He had this kind of a tournament last weekend too, and he really has just had a great summer.”

The Yankees were able to pull ahead for good after an impressive four run fifth inning. After a ground rule double from Preston Welchel, Collin Price came up with one of his two big hits. A sacrifice fly would score the final run of the inning, and the Yankees were sitting pretty.

This championship win for a Yankees team that has plenty of 2018 graduates finishes what has been an exciting travel ball career for some. Coach Beavers knew this would be his last time coaching some of his favorite players, but a championship makes for more of a bitter sweet ending.

“I was coming to town today, and it is about an hour drive for me so I had some time to think. Some of these guys we’ve had for three years, so I am just happy for them and sad for me. I know they will go on to have great careers.”

The MV-Pitcher of this year’s 18u PG Summer Showdown was Payton MacPherson. MacPherson tossed a complete game shutout in the Yankees quarterfinal win yesterday, and allowed just two hits while striking out seven.

2018 18u PG Summer Showdown champions: East Cobb Yankees