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Dunedin Little League Mets Undefeated in Largo Tourney

The Dunedin Mets and Cubs fought their way out of 27 other teams to get to the championship game on March 18.

 
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Courtesy Rich Earley
Photos (10)

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Editor's Note: This game report was submitted by winning coach Rich Earley, coach of the Dunedin Mets, for their performance in the Greater Largo Little League 2012 AAA Spring Classic Baseball Invitational Tournament Championship from March 15-18.

The Invitational featured 29 teams from Largo, Clearwater, West Pinellas, Countryside, Holiday and Dunedin. 

Dunedin entered six teams and all six teams was among the eight quarterfinalists. The Dunedin Mets won both their pool play games, and then in the playoff rounds went 4-0 to win the championship with a 6-0 record.

In the semifinal game the Dunedin Mets beat the Dunedin Rays 10-9 and then in the championship, the Mets beat the Dunedin Cubs 5-4 in a very exciting game. 

The Dunedin Cubs threatened to take the lead with the score tied 4-4 at the top of the fourth. They put down a bunt with one out and runners on first and third. Mets' pitcher Landon Santa Maria charged the ball and bare-handed a throw to first baseman Jason Parasco. A Cubs runner on third attempted to score the go ahead run, but Parasco fired home to catcher Ricky Earley who put down the tag in the nick of time to complete a 1-3-2 double play. 

In the bottom of the fourth with one out and nobody on, Earley roped a triple but was thrown out at the plate as he tried to score on an over-throw that took a true bounce back to Cubs third baseman Matthew Beam. Beam relayed a perfect throw to catcher Mitchell Mussler who applied the tag. After an excitement-filled fourth inning, the Mets came out victorious in the bottom of the fifth when, with the bases loaded and no outs, Isaac Karelekas drew a walk to win the game as the time limit expired. 

"What a great showing by all of the Dunedin teams," said manager Rich Earley of the Mets. "Dunedin has one of the strongest Little League programs in the area year in and year out because of talented kids and some of the best coaching in the state. Getting six teams to the final eight is a testament to that."

About this column: Home Team Heroes is an occasional feature on a team or athlete in the community caught doing something great. Would you like to submit a report? Email dunedin@patch.com with "Home Team Heroes" in the subject line, and let us know why your team or athlete should be featured! If possible, please include a photo. Related Topics: Greater Dunedin Little League and Youth Activities

jimmy parasco

11:05 am on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Great job
Niceeeeee
Coach jimmy

Reply

jimmy parasco

11:13 am on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Congrats,stay focused mets.your just getting started.
Coach terry

Reply

Sandy Jones

1:44 pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Great job guys! Nice to see Dunedin LL teams get stronger.
Sandy J.

Reply

jimmy parasco

2:16 pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Congrats, stay focused mets.your just getting started.
Coach terryi

Reply

kelly sullivan

4:06 pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Congrats Mets... Great job! And a huge Thank you to all of our coaches and Dads for making our team a great one and working so hard with them !!
Kelly Sullivan

Reply

VALERIE HAGLER

7:12 am on Thursday, March 29, 2012

Great team of kids. It was really nice to see both teams with such great sportsmanship. Both teams celebrated at the end. Now that's what i call a GREAT ball game!

Reply

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