Youth baseball team advances to final four at World Series

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Trent Jones pitches for the North Chilton 12-and-under all-stars during the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Miss.

Trent Jones pitches for the North Chilton 12-and-under all-stars during the Dizzy Dean World Series in Southaven, Miss.

The North Chilton Elite 12-and-under youth all-star baseball team has gone undefeated in the Dizzy Dean World Series thus far, landing them a spot in the final four and the chance to play on TV.

North Chilton takes on Florida team Pinellas Park at noon on Wednesday.

The semi-final game will air live on Charter cable channel 80, and will also be available via live stream at www.ddlivestream.com.

The all-stars started off strong with a 20-0 win against the Bolivar all-stars from Tennessee on Saturday, and kept the streak going on Sunday and Monday with two consecutive wins over the Albany all-stars from Georgia.

Coach Chris Jones said the boys have been astounding at the plate.

“They’ve been hitting the ball really well and striking quick on their opponents,” Jones said.

In the 20-0 win on Saturday, Graham Blankenship sparked a rally after hitting a home run early in the game.

Trent Jones and Tanner Jones joined efforts on the mound, allowing only three runs in three games.

With three wins under their belts, North Chilton had Tuesday off to prepare for the semi-finals.

Jones said the break allowed the boys to have a fun-filled day in Memphis.

“They got to eat some Memphis barbecue and dip their toes in the Mississippi River,” Jones said.

If North Chilton defeats Pinellas Park on Wednesday, they will play for the championship at noon on Thursday.

The team will be up against either the Louisiana or Tennessee champions.

Meanwhile, the Clanton 10-and-under all-stars’ season came to an end late Tuesday night, as the team won three of six games in the Dizzy Dean World Series, producing a top 10 finish in the tournament.

Coach Harmon Coppedge said the team finished their season admirably.

“This past week, they really learned to play as a team,” Coppedge said.

For more information and brackets, visit www.dizzydeanbbinc.org.