The state champion Aces pitcher Leon Griffith, threw a 59-pitch complete game shutout giving up only four hits to the Knights. Tommy Gustovich got the only extra base hit for either side, a double to the wall, while Myles Grindstaff managed two singles, and Vinny De Pinto bunted safely. The loss put the Knights record at 4-3 before entering the single elimination play offs.
Coach Dave DePinto said "as the bats go, so go the Knights" and the team brought their bats and running shoes against the Eagles, collecting 14 hits and five stolen bases in just three at bats. The game was called after three innings because of the tournament's 12-run mercy rule.
Mark Verso led the attack, driving in four runs and scoring three times on three hits. Dylan Kilgour had three hits and three runs scored. Chris Parker and Myles Grindstaff each had two hits and two runs scored with Grindstaff getting two 2 RBIs.
Other contributors were Johnny Psaltis with an RBI and two runs scored, Tommy Gustovich with two RBIs and two runs scored. Manny Serfaty and Wolf Ehrgott combined for two hits, two RBIs and three runs scored while sharing the fifth batting position.
The Knights' defense was tough as well. Catcher Brad Wetherby scored once and held the Eagles to no steals, second baseman Vinny De Pinto had three assists and a putout while driving in a run. Left handed reliever Cam Williams picked off two runners while pitching two shut out innings.
Against the 18th seeded Gold Stars, the Knights held a 2-1 lead before falling behind 4-2. Going into the top of the sixth, needing a win to continue playing, the Knights rallied for five runs, three after two were out, to regain the lead. Miami scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to make the final score, 7-5.
