Dr. Phillips Little League 10-year-old, 11-year-old All-Star teams win district titles

Dr. Phillips Little League was a perfect three-for-three in District 14 tournaments following last week’s conclusion to the tournaments for 11-year-old and 10-year-old All-Stars.

The tournaments, which took place at Winter Garden Little League and Ocoee Little League, respectively, saw both teams from DPLL top opposing teams from Winter Garden in district championship games June 27.

Combined, the two teams had just one loss between them, as DPLL’s 11-year-old team went a perfect 5-0 during the district tournament and the 10-year-old team went 5-1.

The Dr. Phillips 10-year-old team’s one loss came at the hands of WGLL in pool play — a 10-0 defeat that Manager John Cone thinks may have been a net positive in the end.

“They were extremely motivated (after the loss),” Cone recalled. “(Losing to Winter Garden) woke our kids up a little bit.”

When the two teams met again for the championship June 27, it initially looked like the boys from DPLL would return the blowout in kind, leading 10-1 through three innings. Winter Garden clawed its way back into the game, but in a thriller, Dr. Phillips managed to hold on for the victory.

“I can probably say that, at any level, that was the most exciting baseball game I’ve ever been a part of,” Cone said.

The DPLL 11-year-olds had a slightly easier go of it in their championship, beating Winter Garden 9-2. In total, Dr. Phillips outscored opponents 63-14 during the district tournament — hitting seven home runs over the five-game stretch.

“We played really good defense,” Manager Jamie Jacobs said. “One through 12, each kid contributed at one point or another.”

Both teams now will advance to their respective Section 5 Tournaments at Maitland Little League this weekend. The 10-year-olds will compete against St. Cloud, Apopka and Delaney Park for a trip to the state tournament, with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The 11-year-olds will compete against Oviedo and Delaney Park in a pair of games Saturday.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].