Babe Ruth All-Stars cut short by storm

By Ivan Sanders
STAR CORRESPONDENT
isanders@starhq.com

   In a storm that could have strangled a frog, the opening game of the 2002 District 1 & 2 15-year-old All-Stars was washed out after three and a half innings of play.
   In the opening game, the defending back-to-back state champion Elizabethton club found itself in a dogfight with the Avoca team from Bristol as both clubs were tied at one all when the rains came.
   The game to this point is a classic pitchers duel between 'Betsy lefty Randy Swearingen and Avoca pitcher Trent Waymire.
   Avoca, which is playing as the home team after winning the toss, scored first as Waymire reached on an error and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jeremy Banner drove Waymire home with a chalkline single to give the edge to Avoca after two complete innings.
   Elizabethton managed to rally in the top of the fourth inning with Jordy Harrison scoring the tying run on a bases-loaded walk issued to catcher Shannon Buchannon.
   Unfortunately, the torrential downpour turned the Elizabethton High School field into a scene that more resembled a lake than a ball field, forcing the game to be shifted to tonight at 6 p.m.
   The game will pick back up in the bottom of the fourth inning with the same score.
   Immediately following the first game, another game will take place between Jefferson County and Johnson City as the tournament heads toward crowing a champion this weekend.
   Games will be played at Elizabethton High School tonight and possibly be shifted to the Twins field on Thursday at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
   If games are not played at the Twins field Thursday, they will for assuredly be resumed there on Friday and Saturday evening thanks to Mike Maines and the fine Twins organization.
   Thursday's game will be played at either Elizabethton High or Joe O'Brien Field.
   Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 5-15. Kids 4-under are admitted free.
   The public is encouraged to come out and support the Elizabethton team as it shoots for its third straight state appearance.