In a game that mattered only for pride, Southern's
9-10 East Baseball All-Stars played a game last night that showed they still had plenty. Monday night they lost 4-2 to pool champion West Portage in the
state tournament in Schoolcraft. Hard-hitting West Portage had scored 23 runs in their two previous pool games, but Southern's pitchers Kevin Korte and Jake Hoppman with help from catchers Jacob Elzinga and Colin Beggs combined to hold them to just four runs. Mike Malewitz, Noah Groen and Jack Tietema turned the game's only double play to save a run, and Elliot Jung made another run-saving catch in right field. Offensively, Southern's Mike Malewitz led the charge with two doubles, and Jake Hoppman added another. Coaches Dan Tietema and Jeff Hoppman set a great example of sportsmanship and class in the face of a controversial call at home plate that after minutes of appeal and debate ended up against Southern. Any loss is tough, but Southern's 9-10 All-Stars played with such class and ended their season with pride.
Coaches, parents, grandparents and all the loyal Southern fans are proud of these players and their great season. Thanks especially to coaches Dan Tietema and Jeff Hoppman and to all the dedicated parents who contributed in so many ways to make this all-star experience one these kids will never forget. You can bet this isn't the last time these kids will be playing in all-star tournaments.
