The Birmingham Giants capped an undefeated weekend in tournament play, going 6-0 to capture 2 first place finishes and a championship trophy.
The Birmingham Lady Giants grabbed their second trophy of the season, posting a 4-0 mark in their Gadsden tournament. In game 1, the Giants, facing the Sidwinders program, led by Olivia “Bob” Renta’s (10-8) complete game 2 hit shut out lifted the Giants to a 7-0 win. Offensively the Giants were lead by Abby Kellogg, and Kim Livingston, both 2-2, and triples from Maci Harris, and Ka’mya Hampton.
In game 2 the Lady Giants faced the Gardendale Crush. In another hard fought victory, the Lady Giants were again paced by Olivia Renta, striking out 2 enroute to the 6-4 victory. Hits from Kim Livingston (2-2) , Abby Kellogg (1-1), Ka’Mya Hampton (1-2), Kinley Hall (1-2), Mollie Freeman (1-2), Olivia Renta(1-1) and Maci Harris (1-1, 2b) and tremendous defensive play in the outfield from Cassi Williams, Hadley Andrews, and Elizabeth Wheat carried the Giants to the 6-4 victory, and the top seed.
In the 3rd game of the day, and first bracket play game, the Giants again faced a Sidewinder team, this time the Blackouts from Albertville. After trailing the entire game, the Lady Giants turned in a final inning for the ages. With 1 out, a double from Abby Kellogg got the Giants started, followed by a single from Lauren Cabiness, a walk to Cassi Williams, and a double from Ka’Mya Hampton, and the score stood at 4-3. A pass ball, tied the game, and a single from Kim Livingston (5th hit of tournament) put the Lady Giants ahead for good. Kinley Hall then singled, Mollie Freeman tripled, and finally a single from Hadley Andrews and the Giants had a 6-4 victory, and a place in the championship game.
Once again the Giants would face the Gardendale Crush. Turning 2 double plays (Hall, Freeman), and exceptional defense from the entire Giants team, lead the Lady Giants to their second championship of the season and a 14-10 mark on the year.
In the Lincoln, Alabama the boys 14u Giants began their 2014 spring campaign matching up with the Cherokee Bombers. Behind 3 strong innings from Quenton Kersey (3 in, 2 hits, 4k, 1R, 1-0) , no errors from a strong Giant defense, including a spectacular diving catch from Stone Favrot, the Giants cruised to a 7-4 victory with Preston Jones earning the save. In his first at bat as a Giants Evan Williamson singled home the go ahead runs and hits from Mikey McGuire, Charles Cobb, Noah Hathorn lead the way offensively for the Giants.
In game 2, Ethan “Big Country” Thrasher(1-0) went 4 innings, also allowing 2 hits, and striking out 4, followed by Joey Schramm striking out the side in the final frame earned the Giants a 9-2 victory over Spain Park. Offensively the Giants were lead by Ethan Thrasher and Mikey McGuire with 2 hits each, and hits from Tyler Miller, Quenton Kersey, Joey Schramm, Noah Hathorn, and Hunter Garcia pacing the Giants the Giants to a tie for first place and a 2 seed on runs.
Unfortunately, spring in Alabama took over on Sunday, and bracket play was rained out. The Giants play next on Mother’s Day weekend.
