A run in the sixth inning helped Sports Zone Academy battle to a 3-3 tie with Cicero on Saturday in the Sports Center 481 Arena.
Sports Zone Academy got things started in the first inning, scoring one run on a ground out.
On offense, Daniel Capp went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Cicero in hits. Alex Smith, Connor Pearce and Sean Bombard also added one hit each. Most of the Cicero squad was able to put balls into play, but were unable to reach base safely.
Cicero stole six bases during the game as two players stole more than one.
Nicholas Capece pitched the opening innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Capece made a nice play to third to catch the lead runner, followed by a strike out to end the 2nd inning.
Alex Smith came in and pitched for a little over 1 inning, walking 3 and giving up 1 hit before leaving due to an injury.
Connor Pearce came in with bases loaded and did a fantastic job getting out of the inning without giving up a run. He later gave up one run, which led to the tie score.
Among the exciting plays of the day, Alex Smith sent a rocket from the short stop position to home plate, where Daniel Capp made the grab and tag to prevent a run from scoring.
The game ended with an exciting at-bat by Daniel Capp, who got on base with a single with about 4 minutes left to play. He stole second base and then proceeded to third base after a mishandled ball by the short stop. With Capp on third, the squeeze play was on, with Jayden Wilmot at the plate. Faced with some tough pitches, Wilmot was only able to foul a bunt as he reached a 2-2 count and Capp wasn’t able to get in for the winning run as time ran out.
Dan Capp was the MVP for this game after going 2-2 at the plate, stealing multiple bases and making a great tag at home.