Central shuts out EMEA in Series debut

Sunday evening was the stage for the first tournament matchup between former World Series contenders, as Central’s South Bend, Ind., team squared off against the KMC American Little League, from Rammstein, Germany, representing the EMEA region.

While both teams have earned spots in the Senior League World Series in years past, Central showed that 2010 is a new year and made short work of EMEA with a slew of sluggers as they won 12-0 in five innings.

Central’s leadoff batter, Kalie Niezgodski, singled to left field before stealing second and rounding the bases, courtesy of Angie Dainelli’s bunt. The very next batter, Jillian Busfield, got to second and brought Dainelli home with a shot down the third-base line. Kayla Chapman padded the opening-inning lead with another RBI, and the momentum just continued for Central.

Starting pitcher Cassie Boocher retired EMEA’s first three batters, and the onslaught of Central’s offense persisted. Well-timed steals and consistent connection helped double Central’s lead in the second inning and tacked on three more in the third, and then again the fourth.

Jackie Logsdon relieved Boocher on the mound, and collected four strikeouts and allowed no hits through three innings. Niezgodski gave the Central fans something to cheer about when her two-run homer cleared the centerfield fence in the fourth. She finished 4-4 with four RBI’s. Busfield hit 3-4, while Morgan Allison went 2-3. Each contributed two runs for the shutout. Dainelli picked up an RBI and batted 2-3, as well. EMEA’s pitching duo, consisting of Kelsey Freeman and Kayla Pahls, combined for seven strikeouts, despite the first-day loss.

While Central returns only six girls from last year’s World Series roster, the team’s performance suggested experience.

“I’m relying on the veterans to kind of lead the way and show some of the other girls the ropes,” said Central’s returning manager, Derek Hicks. “They all did a really good job tonight.”

Part of Central’s success comes by way of numbers. The team has one of the largest rosters in the tournament, with plenty of depth.

“It feels great knowing you have a strong team with a lot of talent,” Hicks mentioned. “I’m confident in every one of the girls, and I try to give them all the playing time they deserve. They are great team players, and that comes together well for us.”