Morales shines in USSSA All-American games

After qualifying for the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) All-American Games in Florida in June, 10-year-old Cairo native Demetrio Morales competed against the best baseball players from across the nation in his age group this week.

“It’s amazing,” Morales said. “It’s tough competition. Facing the best hitters in the country is a great challenge and gives me an opportunity to see where I stand with the skills that I’ve learned.”

Morales, who plays for the Columbia Clippers and shines as a pitcher, got the oppportunity to start game one of Pool Play against the Midwest Region on Monday and tossed 3 1/3 innings of shutout baseball without allowing a walk and striking out four batters.

The USSSA All-American Games are being played at the new USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida and the fields are turf, which has presented a new challenge for the Greene County product.

“Playing on turf has its challenges because I’m used to playing on dirt fields,” he said. “The ball comes fast on a hop, so you have to be ready to move in either direction.”

In games two and three Morales was used primarily in the field and at the plate, where he is hitting .400. The 10-year-old also got the opportunity to play first base, which he stated was a fun experience for him.

On Thursday, Morales took the mound for bracket play against the Southeast Region.

He finished the tournament with two hits in six at-bats with a walk.