Top Tier punctuated a grueling week of baseball by winning the 17-under CABA World Series in Euclid, Ohio on Saturday. Top Tier went 10-1 in the tournament, including undefeated in the playoffs, capped by a 6-0 win over Florida Red in the championship game.
St. Rita LHP/1B Shane Conlon earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors thanks to his all-around spectacular play. Conlon hit five home runs in the tournament, including a grand slam in the top of the seventh to provide the winning margin in a comeback victory over Georgia Academy Baseball. Conlon also hit a three-run homer to put the finishing touches on an 8-0 mercy-rule victory over Bergen Beach in the semifinals. On the mound, the left-handed Conlon earned two victories.
Tim Barry, who’s the No. 1-ranked Class of 2011 prospect in the state, earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Hitter award. The 6-foot, 205-pound outfielder from Oak Forest HS hit a remarkable 11 home runs in 11 games for the Top Tier Americans squad.
Northwestern-bound SS/RHP Kyle Ruchim from Stevenson HS threw a perfect game through four and a half innings in the championship game against Florida to earn the rain-shortened victory. Ruchim earned all-tournament team, along with Brother Rice SS/RHP Kevin Koziol, who hit five homers, Warren HS catcher Scott Heelan and Maine South RHP Jesse O’Connor, who earned two victories, including a complete-game shutout against Bergen Beach in the semifinals.
In the championship game against Florida, Glenbrook South 3B Patrick Guinane hit a three-run homer – his third round-tripper of the tournament – to spur the offense.
Other key contributors on the team include: Lisle RHP/INF Jon Surber, who recently committed to Clemson, St. Ignatius SS Jack Fischer, Glenbrook North OF Adam Robinson, Willowbrook OF/RHP Brian Monette, Hinsdale South junior OF Chris Massimilian, St. Charles North LHP Ryan Hudspeth, Barrington LHP Rob McDonnell, Carmel INF Mike Pudlo, West Chicago RHP Charles Jacques, and Lake Forest C Marc Corigliano.
The Top Tier Nationals squad advanced to the final four of the tournament from the loser’s bracket. The Nationals team lost to the Florida Red squad in the final four of the tournament.