Bermuda wins first international baseball game

Bermuda’s young baseball stars made history by claiming their first international victory last week.

The island’s Little Leaguers were competing at the Babe Ruth World Series, Cal Ripken Age Group at the Southeastern Regionals in Florida.

It was the first time for Bermuda to compete against youth from the U.S. after competing in the Caribbean Championships in previous years.

Chris Dougherty, assistant coach for manager Ed Betteto, said it was a great moment for the kids and for baseball in Bermuda. The team, unfortunately, was knocked out of the tournament after its third game, but it was a promising new chapter for Bermuda baseball.

In its first game, Bermuda faced Dundee South Florida, who were the pre-tournament favourites.

Dougherty said: “We threw our curve ball specialist Michael Betteto at them and he pitched an amazing game with support from Liam Evans.  We lost the game 6-3 but had their bats very off balance for the most part. 

“The offensive highlight came in the top of the first inning.  After Evans and Adam Hall reached base safely, Jaylen Martin hit a three-run home run in his first at bat of the tournament. Dundee slowly chipped away at our lead and in the end proved to be the stronger team.”

“KJ Moreno pitched the most dominating game of the tournament, and the first shutout (there has only been one other shutout recorded) of the event.  He threw a two-hit shutout on only 65 pitches. The opponents could not keep pace with his fastball and he kept them off balance with wicked curve balls.  On the offensive front, Jaylen Martin hit his second home run of the tournament in the first inning.  The other offensive star was Riley MacNeil, who had several runs batted in.”

Bermuda’s boys were knocked out in a nail-biting 3-2 loss against the North Carolina State Champs on Sunday. Bermuda had the tying runner on third base with two outs in the bottom of the six and the umpire made a third strike call that should have been ball four.”