Strong Pitching Leads Suncoast Vipers Baseball to First Championship

The newly-formed Suncoast Vipers youth baseball team earned a championship trophy in its first travel ball tournament April 7 in Tampa. 

Manager Rick Earley and coaches Terry Mohr, Dave Wonch and Jimmy Parasco went into the tournament with high expectations for the Vipers team, comprised mostly of 11-year-old Dunedin players. 

And they say the boys delivered on their dream of winning their first-ever tournament.

The Vipers won the semifinal 5-4 beating the Riverview Cyclones in a nail-biter and then won the championship in another close fought 5-4 win against the Lakewood Ranch Marauders.

Zach Kelly boosted the Vipers into the championship with a bases-loaded, walk-off triple in the semi-final. Then, Ryley Jones pitched a complete game in the championship, during which Adam Wonch and Ricky Earley made some late game-saving catches.

Hitting was a little sluggish most of the day, but Kelly delivered when it counted. The Vipers also got great hitting from Ian Adams who went 5-6 on the day, with two doubles.

Pitching was superb all day long, and that is what allowed the the championship. The Vipers received great performances from Lucas Persechino, Jacob Ezell, Adam Wonch, Izaiha Kelly and Ryley Jones, while Keaton Janiszewski and Jacob Ezell did a great job behind the plate.

Jason Parasco also made two outstanding ESPN plays at shortstop.

The championship is a tribute to the boys' persistence and desire to win.

Editor's Note: This account was submitted by Les Janiszewski, the Suncoast Vipers information manager. 

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