On July 28th the South Florida Elite Squad became the first team in Perfect Game History to take home the inaugural World Series Title.
The Perfect Game World Series was by invite only and an event that included only top 16 teams in the country. Those 16 teams met in Peoria, Az to do battle. The teams were split up randomly into 2 pools of 8. The pool winners and runner-up would advance into the final four to cross match with the other pool.
The SF Elite Squad won their pool by going 5-1-1 and 7-1-1 overall. This was by far the toughest tournament that any Elite Squad Team has competed in. Every game the Squad was challenged by a top level pitcher(s) and a line up’s filled with Division 1 talent and major league prospects. Not only was the competition enough of a challenge but there were temperatures constantly around 108 degrees and you had to play 9 games in 5 days. Needless to say we would have to have our pitchers step up in a rather large way and they certainly did just that. Here is a quick look at what the staff did:
Game 1- Shaun Anderson (W), Complete Game vs Marucci Elite
Game 2- Christian Paleaz (1 ER), Shane Wise 4 innings in relief, retired 9 straight batters vs San Diego Show,
Game 3- Matt Hardy, Steven Goldberg and Aaron Soto combine for a 6-0 shutout vs EvoShield Canes.
Game 4- Dean Pelman & Cj Chatham combined 1 hitter vs Arizona Elite.
Game 5- Mike White, Shane Wise and Willie Abrue combine for a 1 ER performance.
Game 6- Steven Goldberg picked up the W after having to come into relieve Wyatt Hawes in the 2nd due to injury.
Game7- Aaron Soto complete game vs ABD Bulldogs 7k’s.
Game 8- Shaun Anderson and Matt Hardy combined shutout (6 inn) vs Team Northwest in the Semi’s.
Game 9- Chris Pelaez, Matt Hardy, CJ Chatham and Willie Abreu all came back on short days rest to lead the Squad to the Championship!
Although the performances of each these pitchers will make the highlights it should not go unmentioned how each hitter, or player stepped up in a huge way during this championship run. Weather it was a key hit or a game changing defensive play everyone, at some point made an impact in each one of these games and thats what made it so special!
To these young men who participated with the Squad this week, we can not tell you how proud of you we are. You represent the Elite name to the fullest and it was an honor to have you in our program! Congratulations on this monumental accomplishment.
Zack Collins was named MVP for his offensive numbers but it should also go noticed he called his own pitches for every game and even the games he was not catching he was in the dugout giving signs to Benito Santiago like a coach would.
