Russiaville juggernaut sweeps David A. Kasey Baseball Tournament, downing Coca-Cola of Kokomo, 9-1
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The David A. Kasey Baseball Tournament is a tradition in Howard County that stretches back nearly 70 years. Named after the eponymous sportswriter who covered the tournament throughout the 1980s and '90s, the contest has seen its share of amazing moments.
This year was no exception, as Hollingsworth Lumber of Russiaville dominated the Coca-Cola Angels of Kokomo, 9-1, on June 20 to seize the title. While was it just the tenth time the western Howard County league sent a team to a successful championship run, this time was remarkable.
Hollingsworth had to down the E-Pro Auto Sales Astros to reach the final game, while Coca-Cola bested Wildcat Mechanical to earn its berth in the championship.
But, for Hollingsworth, it was business as usual. The team was the definition of a juggernaut this season, as it finished with a perfect record in league play before sweeping through the Kasey Tournament, sponsored by the Kokomo Tribune.
The game was put out of reach early, as the Hollingsworth boys played with hunger. After all, just two years earlier, they had fallen short in the Kasey final. This time, they plated six runs in the first two innings, giving starter Kane Flickinger plenty of breathing room on the mound. Flickinger responded by allowing just a single run in more than five innings of work.
From the plate, Jack Hyman was the star of the show, going 3-4 with a triple and two stolen bases, driving in three runs. He also took the mound to record the final out in relief.
The Russiaville Youth Baseball League continues play this weekend as it decides its league champion.
The Kokomo Lantern's Adam Hartsough was present at the final game to grab photos, which can be seen on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.
Hartsough also made it out to an early round game between Martin Brothers of Russiaville and Erik's Chevrolet of Kokomo. Check out the Lantern's Facebook presence for a gallery of those photos as well.