July 30, 2011

S.C. Diamond Devils win CABA 18U National Championship

Mt. Pleasant — Brandon Hester pitched a complete-game six-hitter with seven strikeouts that helped the S.C. Diamond Devils 17U Black squad to a 4-2 win over the New York Scout 18U Team in the national championship game of the CABA 18U Wooden Bat World Series at Patriots Point Stadium on Saturday.

The Diamond Devils, who went 9-0 in the week-long tournament, knocked off Team Georgia, 8-0, in a semifinal matchup Saturday morning. Josh Escoffier pitched a complete-game five-hitter and Nick Ciuffo went 4-for-4 to pace the Devils. Ryan Mason added three hits for the Devils.

Ciuffo was named the tournament’s MVP after going 16-for-27 (.593) with four doubles, three triples and 10 RBI. Devils’ shortstop Austin Hill earned the tournament’s Golden Glove award.

In the title game, Jake McBreairty and Korey Dunbar had two hits each to pace the Devils.

"The kids played great," said Diamond Devils coach John Rhodes. "I was delighted how they responded this week. I knew they had it in them to play
this well, it was just a matter of getting it done."

Semifinal
S.C. Diamond Devils 8, Team Georgia 0
Team GA — 000 00 — 0
Devils      — 014 21 — 8

Championship
S.C. Diamond Devils 4, NY Scout Team 2
NY      — 010 001 0 — 2
Devils — 110 020 x — 4