6-run sixth inning lifts 5A to victory

The Class 5A All-Stars scored six runs in the sixth inning Monday to defeat the 4A/3A squad 8-2 before a crowd of about 250 at the 47th Annual City/Suburban All-Star Baseball Classic at Memorial Park's Spurgeon Field.

The 4A/3A team trailed just 2-1 after five innings but gave up five walks in the sixth to seal the win for 5A. Five of the six runs in the sixth inning came with two outs.

It was another victory for Air Academy coach Glenn Millhauser, whose team played in the state final this year and had seven players make the team.

"We played pretty well. I knew this was a loaded group with so many really good players in the 5A league," Millhauser said. "It was a pleasure to play with these All-Stars that we've competed against all year."

Air Academy pitcher Dexter Price opened the game and got the 5A team off to a good start. He faced 11 batters in three full innings, striking out six. The Auburn signee did give up two singles - to second baseman Will Percy of St. Mary's and third baseman Cade Schulze of Falcon - but no runner got past third base until the fifth inning.

"I was stoked to be playing with all the 5A team members against a solid 4A team," Price said. "I did give up a hit or two, but I had a real solid ‘D' to back me up."

Air Force signee Shayne Hulce of Fountain-Fort Carson started on the mound for the 4A/3A squad and pitched three innings of scoreless ball, giving up one hit, a double by Ron Burton, while striking out two and walking one.

The 5A team scored first in the fourth inning as Air Academy second baseman Ross Yeager tripled off the left-center wall and scored when Price hit a sacrifice pop-up down the first base line and no one covered the plate.

Burton's second double made the game 2-0 in the fourth inning after Burton stole third and scored on a passed ball.

Falcon's Cade Schulze ledoff the top of the fifth with a walk for 4A/3A, followed by singles by Justin Jorgensen of Cheyenne Mountain and Jarred Cronin of Fountain-Fort Carson. Schulze scored on a throwing error to close the gap to 2-1.