Dr. Phillips 12U baseball team wins district

The Dr. Phillips 12U team was crowned District 14 champion after defeating the Windermere 12U team 12-1 during the championship game at the 12U and Juniors All-Star Tournament Thursday, June 30. 

“We accomplished our first goal,” Dr. Phillips head coach Dennis Pope said. “Now our next goal is to play the sectionals. So, we are doing fine; everybody is contributing.” 

The game started with Dr. Phillips taking the lead in the first inning, scoring the first six runs of the game. 

“All throughout the tournament, we’ve been up first all the time, every time we (were) up first, we (scored) runs,” Pope said. 

The Dr. Phillips team held a strong defense throughout the game, only allowing Windermere to score one run at the bottom of the fourth. 

“They did a good job, they jumped on us early, but in the middle of the game, we played them even,” Windermere manager Jason Kirk said. “I was proud of our kids for doing that. They played a good defense. We had great pitching and some good hits.” 

Dr. Phillips’ winning pitcher Kobi Nethercutt pitched five-and-one-third innings, allowing one run while striking out four. Out of the bullpen, Charles Estrella-Roa took the last two strikeouts of the game. 

On the defense side, Jace Jenniex ended the tournament with eight assists, seven put-outs and two double plays. 

“Defense is what really played well for us,” Pope said. “Everybody made the plays. Everybody did the right thing, but I’m always worried about what they do on the field as far as defense.”

Throughout the tournament, Jonah Jacobs lead the team offensively, ending up with a .625 batting average and a .700 OBP. 

“(With) offense, I know they are going to hit, I have no problem about that; I’m more concerned about what they do on the field,” Pope said. 

In the five games played during the tournament, Dr. Phillips had an overall record of 5-0, outscoring its opponents 58-8, only allowing 14 hits while striking out 34. 

“I tell them all the time: Everybody contributes a little piece, just like when you are making a pie, and eventually you have a nice big apple pie (just like) when you make it,” Pope said. “They were all playing great. They were all pulling for each other; it’s a great team.” 

The Dr. Phillips team now has less than two weeks to prepare for the sectionals tournament. 

“I will continue to work on (how we should play defensively,” Pope said. “Just continue to work on the basics really, and just the routine plays and the ABCs.” 

The team will represent District 14 at sectionals July 15 to 17 at Union Part Little League.

“One game at a time,” Pope said.