Softball: Thunder rolls on unbeaten streak
Parkville wins final 16 contests
By Tom Worgo
tworgo@patuxent.com
Posted 7/02/09
The end of July can't arrive fast enough for Parkville Thunder 12-and-under coach Kevin Klimko and his players, who are anticipating the Amateur Softball Association B National championships.
With a sparking 27-2-1 record, the Thunder is brimming with confidence as it prepares to compete with the best teams from the mid-Atlantic area.
Parkville is riding a 16-game winning streak and has won three tournaments, including the ASA B State championship, the Black-Eyed Susan and the Freedom Invitational.
"This is by far the best team Parkville rec has ever put on the field," Klimko said. "It has definitely been a dream season. I can't wait for nationals. I think we can represent Maryland very well."
Klimko said his team has a superb blend of hitting, pitching and defense.
He believes several players on his roster will make a name for themselves once they reach high school -- and beyond.
"I think a couple these girls will play in college," Klimko said.
Last weekend at the Catonsville Middle School, Parkville tuned up for its national opponents by capturing the ASA B State tournament.
Parkville edged the Bayside Breeze, of Anne Arundel County, 6-5, in the final to finish a perfect 5-0 in the event.
Pitcher Lauren Fitch picked up the victory, giving up three earned runs in seven innings.
The Thunder broke a 3-3 tie with three runs in the top of the seventh inning when Alex Wankel knocked in Giselle Alvarez (1-for-3, 3 RBI) and Payton Pross followed with a double to plate Klimko's daughter, Keri.
Later in the contest, Pross walked with the bases loaded for the Thunder's final tally.
"When things get tough, our players really come through," Kevin Klimko said.
The Thunder had a much easier time in a semifinal, thumping the Western Howard County Fever, 7-0, as Fitch gave up one hit in five innings while striking out four.
Maya Smith (2-for-2, RBI) and Miranda Merkley (1-for-2, 2 RBI) led Parkville's offense.
The champs also handled the Catonsville Chaos, 8-5, the Maryland Mystics, 8-7, and Hughesville Select, 17-1, in the tournament.
With a sparking 27-2-1 record, the Thunder is brimming with confidence as it prepares to compete with the best teams from the mid-Atlantic area.
Parkville is riding a 16-game winning streak and has won three tournaments, including the ASA B State championship, the Black-Eyed Susan and the Freedom Invitational.
"This is by far the best team Parkville rec has ever put on the field," Klimko said. "It has definitely been a dream season. I can't wait for nationals. I think we can represent Maryland very well."
Klimko said his team has a superb blend of hitting, pitching and defense.
He believes several players on his roster will make a name for themselves once they reach high school -- and beyond.
"I think a couple these girls will play in college," Klimko said.
Last weekend at the Catonsville Middle School, Parkville tuned up for its national opponents by capturing the ASA B State tournament.
Parkville edged the Bayside Breeze, of Anne Arundel County, 6-5, in the final to finish a perfect 5-0 in the event.
Pitcher Lauren Fitch picked up the victory, giving up three earned runs in seven innings.
The Thunder broke a 3-3 tie with three runs in the top of the seventh inning when Alex Wankel knocked in Giselle Alvarez (1-for-3, 3 RBI) and Payton Pross followed with a double to plate Klimko's daughter, Keri.
Later in the contest, Pross walked with the bases loaded for the Thunder's final tally.
"When things get tough, our players really come through," Kevin Klimko said.
The Thunder had a much easier time in a semifinal, thumping the Western Howard County Fever, 7-0, as Fitch gave up one hit in five innings while striking out four.
Maya Smith (2-for-2, RBI) and Miranda Merkley (1-for-2, 2 RBI) led Parkville's offense.
The champs also handled the Catonsville Chaos, 8-5, the Maryland Mystics, 8-7, and Hughesville Select, 17-1, in the tournament.
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