Bell Ringers Briner 12U catcher Carter Coleman makes play at the plate to get an out.
By Sean Reilly
Ryan Tiger did not pitch a no-hitter on Saturday, but he did earn a complete-game victory for his Diamond Jacks Gold 12U team.
And that, according to the right-hander, was perfectly fine.
Tiger came within one out of a no-hitter, and his excellent effort led his team to a 5-1 pool play win over the Bell Ringers Briner 12U at the Diamond Nation 12U Spring Fever tournament, Powered by Pure Rush, in Flemington.
“The win is the most important thing,” said Tiger, who would allow three hits, strike out six and walk one.
Santino Guadicipietro hit a two-run single with two out in the bottom of the fourth to give the Diamond Jacks a 2-0 lead. He’s also the team’s catcher, who knew right away that Tiger brought his good stuff, particularly an excellent curveball.
Diamond Jacks Gold 12U first baseman Drew Novotny handles throw for an out.
“His curveball was really good. It was going outside a lot,” Guidicipietro said. “His fastball was on, he was giving him that heat. From the first hitter, I felt it. I could feel it in my fingers, once he hit my glove on that first pitch. I could tell he was going to have a good game.”
The Diamond Jacks had a hard time mounting offense against Bell Ringers pitcher Nathan Ross until the fourth inning.
There were two out in that frame when C.J. Scheier singled. He stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Andrew Futterman walked and took second.
Guidicipietro was up next, and had a 2-2 count before lining a two-run single to left field.
“That was important,” he said. “It opened the gates for the team. I was just looking to put the ball in play to get those runners in.”
The Diamond Jacks gave Tiger breathing room by adding three more runs in the fifth inning.
DJacks Gold 12U pitcher Ryan Tiger came within an out of a no-hitter, earning a complete-game win.
Ben Pasuco (2-for-2) led off with a single to center. Michael Garcia followed with a walk. Nathan Sa dropped down a sacrifice bunt, and a throwing error scored a run and landed runners on second and third. Carter Geary and Tiger followed with RBI groundouts to shortstop.
Tiger took his no-hit bid into the sixth. He started the inning by getting ground outs to first base and shortstop. Carter Coleman then hit a first-pitch double to center field for the Bell Ringers. Shane Ferry followed with a single to left that sent Carter to third. Daniel Johnston then delivered an RBI single to right. A ground out to second base then ended the game.
“My curve ball was working and my team made plays behind me,” Tiger said. “I don’t feel like I have to strike out everybody. That really helps me.”