By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Dexter Cardinals brought home the gold from a tournament in Piggot, Ar. last weekend.

The tournament was double-elimination, and spanned from Friday to Sunday of last week (June 24-26).
The Cardinals, coached by Dave Ellinghouse, Derek Driskoll, and John Daniels, is an eight year old and under pitching machine team.

The team started practicing back in March, and carried a 5-4-1 record into the tournament.


“Campbell was the only team that had beat us before the tournament,” Ellinghouse said. “We finished second in a tournament in Campbell in May.”

Ellinghouse was pleased with his young team’s performance in the Piggott Tournament.

“All the kids contributed to our wins in one way or another,” Ellinghouse said. “Camden Riley hit really well in the last couple games; everyone did well. It was just an exciting comeback. We won six in a row.”

The Cardinals lost to Walnut Ridge in the opening game of the tournament, sending them to the consolation bracket. On Saturday, the ‘Birds blew out Corning in their first contest, and moved on to play Portageville in their second game of the day. Andrew Ellinghouse hit home runs in back-to-back AB’s to spark a rally to force the game into extra innings and end in the Cardinals’ favor.


Saturday night pitted the Cardinals against Campbell - who they had yet to defeat in four chances this season.



“It was a great rivalry game for the kids,” Ellinghouse commented. “The kids played great ball and we came out on top.”


The victory pushed the ‘Birds to the consolation bracket finals Sunday afternoon, where they defeated Piggot for another shot at Walnut Ridge for the championship.


“The first game against Walnut Ridge was one of the best we’ve played all year,” Ellinghouse said. “We jumped out and held a pretty good lead the whole game. We got in to the sixth inning - unlimited scoring instead of the six run rule - and we had a 15-8 lead. They rallied to get to 15-14, man on first and second, and hit a shot to right center - Riley Moore made a great catch to get the third out.”


The Cardinals then had to face Walnut Ridge again, as they had not lost a game yet in the tournament, but Dexter easily won 18-9.

The Cardinals will host a tournament, held at the DPR Sports Complex, on July 12, 13, and 14.

Photos Above:
Top Photo: The Dexter Cardinals, consisting of Ryder Boles, Riley Slusher, Andrew Ellinghouse, Peyton Driskoll, Austin Daniels, Josab Brisher, Kade Allen, Dylan Sitze, Riley Moore, and Camden Riley, won a big tournament in Piggott, Ar. last weekend. The Cards are coached by Dave Ellinghouse, Derek Driskoll, and John Daniels.
Bottom Photo: The Cardinals taking a breather in the dugout while one of the teammates is at the plate.

Thanks to SMT Reader Amy Ellinghouse for the photos.