11-12 All-Stars hungry for state title

With two teams already eliminated from state tournaments, the last hope for Russellville to claim a Little League state title falls to the 11-12 All-Stars, who will begin tournament play in Mobile Saturday.

Coach Kevin Greenhill is optimistic about his team’s chances. Many members of the squad have experienced success at previous state tournaments.

“It is the same team as last year, except for a couple of different kids,” Greenhill said. “We lost to Westside-Mobile in the finals last year.”

Greenhill said the team has solid pitching, with four starters who have performed well all season and have great off-speed pitches.

The key to Russellville’s success at this tournament, however, will depend on hitting.

The team will open the tournament against Phenix City, which features three pitchers who have hit 75 mph on the radar gun. With the pitching mound only 46 feet from home plate, that speed is equal to pitching more than 90 mph at the Major League Baseball level.

“If we hit the ball like we are capable of, the pitching will take care of itself,” Greenhill said.

The team has been going through two-a-day practices for a month, focusing on hitting in the mornings and fielding at night.

Russellville uses its speed along the bases to manufacture runs with a small-ball style offense. Of course, the team can also score runs with power if needed.

“We have seven or eight guys that can also hit it out of the park,” Greenhill said. “We have a good balance.”

Russellville will play Phenix City at 5:30 p.m. Saturday