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Tournaments  | Story  | 6/20/2018

Motor City muscles way in

Nate Schweers     
Photo: Wyatt Walker (Perfect Game)

EMERSON, Ga. – The Motor City Hitdogs moved on to the quarterfinals of the 13u Perfect Game World Series on Wednesday with a 14-3 win over Legends Prospects 13u. The win propels the Hitdogs into Thursday’s quarterfinals where they will take on Tri State Arsenal 13u National.

After the Legends Prospects struck for one in the top of the first inning, Motor City was able to answer back with five runs of their own with two outs, taking a lead they would never give up.



A catcher’s interference and balk plated their first two runs of the game, and from there Ryan Mckay was able to drive a single down the right field line, plating two more to break it open. Griffin Pardi would rope a run-scoring drive into the gap in left field to plate the fifth and final run of the inning.

Mckay, who is a native of Clarkston, Michigan, had a strong day at the plate going 2-for-2 with three total RBI. He couldn't be more excited to be down at LakePoint playing for a championship.

“That at-bat I was just looking for my pitch, and it was 3-1 so I just found my pitch and drove it,” said Mckay. “All the competition is really cool, and all the best teams around the country are here.”

While the Hitdogs had staked themselves out to an early 5-1 lead, the bats weren’t done. The Hitdogs added four more runs in the bottom of the second, started by a double that was stung to the gap by Wyatt Walker.

Walker, who calls China Township, Mich., his hometown, was 3-for-3 in Wednesday’s game. He found a way to come around and score after each of his plate appearances, and he walked away just a home run away from the cycle.

“I was just looking for my pitch all day,” said Walker. “It feels good.”

While some teams come from right in the Greater Atlanta area for this event, the Motor City Hitdogs made the 700-mile journey down I-75 to compete in this year’s 13u PG World Series. Located in Rochester Hills, Mich., the Motor City Hitdogs have grown to compete well not only on the local and regional level, but the national level as well.

“I think that the northern teams don't get enough credit, but we spend all winter hitting, and I think it showed putting 14 runs in a game like this today,” said head coach Pat Hachenski. “I think that we try to play above our age as much as we can, and so when we come down here we are expected to perform and do well.”

Lost in the shuffle of what has been an outstanding tournament at the plate for this Hitdogs team is the excellent pitching they have received all week long. On Wednesday, starter Chase Goddard was able to go the distance, tossing five strong innings. Goddard struck out five batters and allowed just four hits.

The Motor City Hitdogs have allowed just five runs during tournament play so far, and Coach Hachenski believes that is a big key to their success all summer long.

“One thing that we allows talk about is that pitching and defense wins games. If you’re down 3-0 on the mound, one of the things that we are always trying to say is that if you can come back and find a way to get the out there, then we are in good shape.”

With Thursday’s quarterfinal round of the 13u PG World Series looming, this team from Michigan is looking forward to proving their Motor City muscle again. When asked if they would be ready to go out and win again tomorrow, they all looked around, and in unison said “Oh yeah."
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