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Hawks move to 2-0

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By SCOTT PURKS

Tribune correspondent

Published: April 6, 2009

TAMPA - Armwood hitters were running around the bases like it was a track meet Monday at the University of Tampa.

That's because they were slapping hits all over the place: 14 total and six for extra bases as the Hawks beat Brooks-DeBartolo, 12-8.

"We have been hitting the ball pretty well lately," Armwood coach Michael Wrenn said. "Today our hitters certainly hit it hard."

The Hawks' pitching, however, helped make things interesting as Armwood's lead steadily shrunk from 11-0 in the third inning.

"I think they're trying to give me a heart attack," Wrenn said, chuckling. "The good news is that we're 2-0 in the Saladino Tournament Indian pool."

Which means a victory today at 4 p.m. against Spoto would advance the Hawks to Wednesday's quarterfinals.

On Monday, Armwood (14-3) did almost all its damage in the third inning, scoring 10 runs on nine hits, including three doubles, two triples and two walks.

"I think we were really focused at that point and then we kind of put it on cruise control," Wrenn said. "Hopefully we learned we can't do that against a team like Brooks-DeBartolo, which has a lot of great athletes."

Wrenn said sophomore Sean Cramer will get the start today against Spoto.

"This is good because we get to see how different players respond in certain situations through the week," Wrenn said. "It's a great tournament for that."

SPOTO 6,

MIDDLETON 2

Spoto junior right-hander George Schmitt earned the complete-game victory, giving up only six hits. Offensively, Spartans sophomore Khiry Hernandez led the way with two hits, including a double. Spoto improved to 10-7 overall and 1-1 in the tournament, but today the Spartans need to score a lot of runs and earn a victory over Armwood for any chance to advance. Middleton (2-16) plays today at Leto against Brooks-DeBartolo.

GAITHER 13,

KING 11

The bullpens for Gaither and King began looking a little thin. By the time the game ended, Gaither had 11 hits and King nine, including a combined eight for extra bases. Gaither (13-4) started the slugfest in the first inning, scoring four runs on three hits. King followed, in the top of the second, scoring eight runs on two hits and six walks. If the Cowboys win today, they will win the Northern Division.

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