The Lutz Red all-star baseball team won the District 25 tournament championship July 2 with a 6-4 victory over Land O’ Lakes.
The squad, which includes players ages 9 to 10, went 4-0 at the event, which was at Temple Terrace Little League.
“I’m proud of the boys for going 4-0 in very tough District 25 battles,” said Lutz coach Scott Kirchner. “It took the entire roster to win every game.”
Lutz opened the tournament with a 21-2 win over Dade City, followed by 9-0 and 13-9 victories against Land O’ Lakes and New Tampa, respectively, before the championship game.
Lutz started the final with back-to-back doubles by Michael Blackwood Jr. and Brent Serrano for the game’s first run. Land O’ Lakes starting pitcher Ashley Nickshir slowed the opposing batters from there until the final two innings.
Lutz received solid pitching of its own from Jack Richardson, Blackwood and Serrano. Richardson worked the first two innings, keeping Land O’ Lakes off the scoreboard. Blackwood followed with four innings of two-run relief with two strikeouts before turning the ball over to Serrano to close the game.
The championship game included four lead changes entering the fifth inning. A double play started by catcher Alex Perez helped give Lutz momentum in the final two frames.
Lutz got timely hitting from Carson Yonker and Reece Kaplan, while Addison Dubin drove in three. Gavin Sissel’s solo home run sealed the win.
Lutz plays in the sectional tournament at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, July 14 and 15.
“We will play as hard as we can to represent Lutz Little League in the upcoming sectional tournament,” Kirchner said. “We will be tough to beat.”
The District 25 champs’ first two sectional contests are July 14 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Field No. 7.
–Kyle LoJacono
Lutz Red roster
Michael Blackwood Jr.
Brent Serrano
Tyler Keeting
Carson Yonker
Addison Dubin
Anthony Kirchner
Jack Richardson
Reece Kaplan
Jay Garvey
Adam Fischel
Gavin Sissel
Spencer Famiano
Alex Perez
Scott Kirchner, coach
Marc Yonker, assistant
Ryan Dubin, assistant
