Dunedin Little League All Stars Advancing

Fisher Field has been abuzz with proud parents, enthusiastic coaches and excited young baseball players since Wednesday. Teams from all over the area are converging on the field for the 2011 District 12 9-and-10-year-old Little League All Star tournament.

The 10- and 11-year-olds have been playing their tourney at Countryside.

Here’s a breakdown of how Dunedin’s teams are doing:

Nine- and 10-year-olds

Dunedin came out of the gate swinging in its first pool-play game against Clearwater on June 23. Dunedin claimed a 12-2 victory, sending 33 to the plate in four innings. Dunedin tallied 15 hits to Clearwater’s three. Dominic Pineiro got the win. He pitched three innings and struck out four. Tyler Vogel finished the fourth inning on the mound. With the score already 12-2, Tyler walked two batters, juicing the bases for Clearwater in a final attempt to struggle back. With two outs on the scoreboard, the game ended with a strikeout.

In its second pool-play game, Dunedin was down 10-2 early June 25 against West Pasco Little League, but the team battled back. They were able to even out the score but lost 15-11.

The team advances into the quarterfinals and readies to play Thursday, Dunedin Little League President Andy Sass said.

"But we won't know who until after tonight's games are played,” he said Tuesday.

Ten- and 11-year-olds

Dunedin fell behind 2-0 in its first tournament game against Largo but lit up Largo’s pitching to take an 11-2 lead, ultimately winning 15-5 in five innings. Sass said each player contributed a hit in their 2011 all-star debut.

Dunedin stayed close against Palm Harbor in its second pool-play game June 25. They lost 5-3.

Dunedin finishes up its pool play tonight at 7 in a deciding game for the semifinals against Safety Harbor. If Dunedin wins, they will advance.

Editor's note: Please feel free to add photos of your favorite all-star to our photo gallery.