After a disappointing loss to open the season to Helper last week, the Price American Legion team wasted no time in getting back on track with six straight wins, including a perfect 5-0 record and championship at the Green River, Wyo. Invitational over the weekend.
First up was a road contest at Judge Wednesday. Zach Hathaway took the mound and pitched six strong innings and powered Price to the 10-1 blowout win. Steven Zamantakis took the mound in the seventh and closed out the game. It was the first action for Zamantakis after tearing his ACL during basketball season. He had just been released by doctors prior to the game.
“The whole team gelled together,” said Price Manager Willie Ellington. “They played a great baseball game.”
The team then made the long journey to Green River, Wyo. to take part in the Green River Invitational from Friday thru Sunday. Price won four of the five games in the seventh inning. They outscored their opponents 24-14.
“It was the best baseball I have seen in 20 years,” Ellington said of his team’s performance in the wood bat invitational.
Price faced off against Douglas Wyo. in game one. Zamantakis threw a complete game in the 6-1 win.
“The poise and confidence in Zamantakis was unreal,” Ellington said.
Brendan Johnson followed Zamantakis’ complete game with one of his own in the team’s second game against Riverton. Price won the game 3-2 in walkoff fashion with a play at the plate, according to Ellington.
Rangely, Colo. was up next. Caden Sherman threw the third consecutive complete game for Price as it won the game 4-2.
Anthony MacLean took the mound in game four against Evanston Wyo. and again delivered a complete game, while striking out 10. Price was able to eke another victory out in the bottom of the seventh by a final score of 4-3.
Ellington sent Zamantakis to the mound again in the championship game against Steamboat Springs Colo., in which Wyatt Thayn scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 7-6 win.
It was the first title for the Price American Legion team in Green River, who has been attending the invitational since 2008.
“They were nailbiters all the way,” Ellington said.
According to Ellington, Monday’s game at Corner Canyon was canceled due to field conditions. Price will welcome Cyprus on Wednesday at Carbon High School at 6 p.m.