One-pitch event set for July 15

     By Ralph Reuber
     View columnist
      One of the summer's most anticipated softball tournaments is scheduled for July 15 in Mesquite.
      Normally this one-pitch, all-night event is in Pahrump but tournament director Lance Boyer said the fields were not available this season in Pahrump and it will be bigger and better in Mesquite.
      Teams pitch to themselves and there is a 30-minute time limit on all bracket games. For the first time, there will be two different divisions: an open division with unlimited home runs for the big boys and a lower division for D, E and coed teams to test their skills.
      It will be a five-game guarantee with the top two teams in each bracket advancing to double-elimination play.
      The Oasis will be the host hotel and a $29 room rate will be available to all players. The tournament is expected to draw more than 50 teams.
      The tourney starts at 8 a.m. July 15 and continues straight through to the morning of July 16. Teams interested can call 657-2122 or 260-7803.
      n The All-American Sports Park will soon be getting involved in the local softball scene. Director of operations, Robert Derringer, said the park has planned some new and exciting events, such as skills contests and home run-hitting contests. Derringer also want to start recognizing local players.
      DIAMOND NOTES -- Seven local teams (Sportco, Team Sport, Super Pawn, Time 2 Mash, Larsens, Strike Force and Cheetahs) participated in the C division of the NIT at Arroyo Grande June 10 and 11 and none of them made it to the second day.
      This is a very tough year for all local C division teams. The talent is too diluted with no serious threat of winning any regional or national event.
      Super Pawn, winner of its past two tourneys, was manhandled by Sportco 20-5 and finished 0-2.
      Solid performances were turned in from Bobby DeAngelis, Tom Clements, Ronny Castillo, Ray Swearington, Steve Camara, Thomba Fremuth, Mike Montel, Brian Larsen, Clint Marrs, Chris Adams, Rodney DeLaCruz, Tommy Green, Mike Jones, Dominique Jenkins and Greg Rhoades.
      TOURNEY UPDATE -- A one-pitch warm-up tournament is slated for June 24 at Shadow Rock. Each team is guaranteed four games. Teams interested can call William Sarabia at 649-8822.
      TOP TEN -- Here is a list of the area's top-10 D division teams: 1. Joshuas, 2. Styxx, 3. Vegas Xpress, 4. Ti-Clad, 5. Ringers, 6. Skuds, 7. Rare Breed, 8. Hit Squad, 9. Lightning, 10. Notorius.
     
     Ralph Reuber has more than 25 years of experience as a softball player, sponsor, umpire and manager. He is district commissioner for the NASF in Southern Nevada. He can be reached at 260-7803.