Socastee battled mightily but lost 11-1 to a tough Florence team in the State Championship game.  The game was much closer than the final score would indicate as Socastee only trailed 2-1 going into the bottom of the sixth when Florence busted it open by grinding out six runs on 3 walks and 4 hits while the Braves inexplicably didn't make a pitching change.  Florence would later tack on three more runs in the inning to end the game.

We could undermine our coaches, who volunteered their time and missed many meals away from their own families to help our boys get better, by second guessing them on why they would let our starter whom was working on three days rest (he threw 81 pitches in game one) give up 7 earned runs (and throw a total 104 pitches)  in the final inning of the championship ball game when you have six other pitchers on the team that are able to pitch, however that would be a waste of time, would be unproductive and would not change the final result. 

We will never know what could have been, but the bottom line is that Florence emerged as the better team on this night.  We had a great season, winning 18 games (with a 15 game win streak) and losing only 3.  Our young men improved their skills and hopefully learned some baseball and life lessons along the way.  We thank them for their hard work and the great memories they produced with their journey through the season, playoffs and in the State tournament. We encourage them to continue to work hard to be the best ball players, students and human beings and to give thanks to all that made it possible.

We thank coach Daurity, coach Hudson, coach Renfrow and coach Chris Patrick for their  hard work and dedication to our boys.  We know you didn't have to do this, but you did and we thank you!

Game details are posted on 11 Jr Lgn