2K14 Deacon Invitational: Dogs' title to defend

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 16, 2014 11:24 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Pitch and defend.

According to coaches, the simple philosophy -- one difficult to execute over a seven-inning stretch -- will more than likely determine the 2014 Deacon Jones Invitational baseball champion.

The four-team tournament begins this afternoon on the Fred Bartholomew Jr. Athletic Complex diamond at Princeton High School. Spring Creek opposes Rosewood at 4 p.m., while reigning champ Princeton meets North Johnston in the nightcap.

Admission is $6.

A finalist in four of the last five Invitationals, Spring Creek (14-2 overall) is the hottest team entering the two-day tournament. The Gators have won 11 straight game and posted five shutouts during that stretch, including a 10-0 decision over Hobbton on Monday.

Will Rouse threw a one-hitter against the Wildcats. The sophomore right-hander is 5-1 on the bump with a microscopic earned run average in 29 innings of work.

"These kids come with their hard hats on every day and do what we ask them to do," said SC head coach Heath Whitfield, whose team has held opponents to one run or less on eight occasions this season.

"We've got several kids out of position playing in spots they've never played before and they haven't complained one bit. They understand what's good for the team and they constantly think about 'team' instead of 'me.'"

The Gators hit .292 as a team, but have swiped 86 bases this season. Logan Miller and Chad Spurgeon have combined for 37 SBs, according to the team's most-recent stats.

Rosewood (9-4) has yet to taste defeat in six road outings this season. However, head coach Jason King and his staff haven't seen the team play a complete seven-inning game this season.

The Eagles have pitched, played solid defense and hit consistently at different points during their first 13 outings. They put a five-game win streak on the line today against the Gators.

"I think that great game is still out there for us," King said. "We have yet to put a complete game together yet. We've won a few games where it's been flat out ugly and we were fortunate enough to pull it out.

"I don't think we've left a game yet this year saying 'wow, I don't think we could have played any better.'"

The host Bulldogs (6-8) have won their last two otuings by a combined three runs. The modest victory streak started after a 7-5 home defeat against Rosewood.

"They've been headed in the right direction now for a little while and I'm pleased with that," PHS head coach Bruce Proctor said. "(The Rosewood loss) might have been the beginning to let us see that we can play with people. They're good kids, they're coachable, hard-working and striving to improve.

"That's the bottom line you want to see as a coaching staff."

Princeton upended Wayne Christian, 9-8, in a 10-inning affair six days ago. The Bulldogs turned two double plays and just missed converting a triple play in the come-from-behind win.

Junior Cisneros delivered a game-tying, three-RBI double in the sixth inning. Nick Phillips' lead-off triple in the 10th and Matt Daughtry's RBI infield single capped the miraculous comeback.

The Dogs are 4-4 at home this season.

North Johnston (5-8) prevailed in its last outing -- a 10-1 victory over county foe Neuse Christian. The Panthers snapped a five-game skid.

"I think, as usual, it's a tournament anybody can win who is playing in it," King said. "It's a good opportunity for us to get in some games against some quality opponents. We look forward to it every year."