THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505190229
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
All bets are off when play opens Tuesday in the Southeastern District baseball tournament at Cascade Park. Among the teams who advanced - Western Branch, Great Bridge, Churchland, and Indian River - it's a four-way race, and any team can beat any of the others on a given day.
``It seems like in the past it's been one or two teams who have dominated, but not this year,'' said Western Branch coach Jim Stanko. ``A half game separates all four . . . everyone's got decent pitching - there are no real stars - and good defense.''
Western Branch (16-3, 11-2) could clinch the top seed in the tournament, and the automatic berth in Eastern Region play that goes along with a regular-season district championship, by winning at Indian River on Tuesday.
All that's left to be determined are the seedings of the four teams.
``If we win Tuesday we'll win the district outright. We won't have to wait for anybody,'' said Stanko.
Last year, the Bruins finished second to Great Bridge in the district and placed second in the Eastern Region. They lost in the first round of the state tournament to eventual champion Clover Hill, 6-2.
Great Bridge (12-5-1, 8-2-1) is hurt by an early season tie but will be dangerous in the tournament.
Sophomore ace Mike Cuddyer (5-1) hasn't dropped a game since a season-opening loss to Churchland, 5-1. Catcher Jeff Myers is solid, and leadoff hitter Mike Oliphant and first baseman Alton Todd provide punch at bat.
Indian River (13-6, 10-3) is paced by pitcher David Bailey (6-2) and his wicked fastball. Eddie Byrum (5-3) is also solid on the mound, and catcher Skip Harrison has handled the pitching staff well.
Churchland (9-7, 8-3) rides the arm of Robert Jones (4-3); as Jones goes so go the Truckers, and he's a hard pitcher to hit. Center fielder Otis Jones, shortstop Dale Heely, and catcher Pete May spark the offense.
Catcher Nick Ardagna is hitting over .500 in district play, and Corey Bauswell has good power.
According to Stanko, speedy outfielder Dre Bly has to play at the top of his game in order for Western Branch to keep winning.
``He's hitting .300, but he hasn't always been consistent,'' Stanko said. ``He needs to have a good tournament, because he's our spark.''
As far as pitching goes, Stanko splits time between Matt Hemmis (8-0) and Dale Goodrich (7-2). ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Great Bridge sophomore ace Mike Cuddyer (5-1) hasn't dropped a game
since a season-opening loss to Churchland, 5-1.
by CNB