Babe Ruth 13s lose heartbreaker in Utah championship game
by Janet Pelletier
Tri-Valley Babe Ruth’s 13-year-old All Stars made it all the way to the series championship playoff game, but fell short to Tallahassee-Leon Saturday for a heart-wrenching defeat.
Tri-Valley, which had been dominating in the 10-day series held in Murray, Utah, put the first run on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first after right fielder Vince Fernandez was hit with the bases loaded, bringing second baseman Ryan Anderson home from third.
But Tri-Valley quickly fell behind to the undefeated Florida team as they went on to score six runs in the second to make it 6-1. After pitcher Jake Dronkers hit the first batter to start the second, nine players followed by putting the ball into play, with six crossing the plate before the inning’s end.
Tallahassee later tacked on two more and Tri-Valley one, bringing the score to 8-2 before a short-lived comeback began, narrowing the lead to three runs.
But despite bringing the score to within one run, it wasn’t enough to tie the game and Tallahassee made a quick three outs to end the game, giving them the championship title.
Coach Ron Anderson, who has been blogging about the team at http://ptownron.wordpress.com, said “I’m proud of our team and inspired by what this World Series showcased — talent, heart and exceptional sportsmanship.”
In addition to Anderson, there is Coach Mike Piscotty, Manager Paul Pluschkell and players: Nick Allman, Jake Dronkers, Vince Fernandez, Kyle Franco, David Gomez, Logan Hobson, Daniel Jackson, Jack Moroney, Sam Nathan, Jacob Payne, Austin Piscotty, Brad Pluschkell, Noah Robbins, Casey Soltis and Josh Sprugasci.
The players started the Babe Ruth season in September, voted by team managers to become All Stars. The team reached the coveted World Series by first making it as district champion, then state champion and regional champion.
In pool play at the World Series, TVBR defeated New England Regional champions Leominster, Massachusetts, Ohio Valley Regional champions Harris Township, Indiana, Southwest Regional champions McComb, Mississippi and the Utah State champion Taylorsville.
Seahawks get the gold at Far Westerns
The Pleasanton Seahawks were the gold medal winners at the Far Westerns (FW) Swim Meet in San Jose, held July 29-Aug. 2. Competing against 140 teams from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Seahawks took first place with 35 out of 45 swimmers scoring during the meet. The team finished the meet with top scorers in three age groups. Countless new records and cuts were part of the golden performance.
High-point winners included the following: 13-14 boys — Bryan Hughes (1st), Nick Silverthorn (2nd); 15-16 girls — Catherine Breed (1st), Allison Brown (2nd); 15-16 boys — Andrew Seitz (2nd); 17-18 boys — Joshua Meints (1st); 17-18 girls — Karen Wang (1st). Many new cuts were won during Far Westerns: seven Junior National times — Breed, Silverthorn, Hughes and Chris Guido; three new Sectional times — Maggie Woods, Natalie Wong and Wang; two Pacific Swimming Records — Bryan Hughes; one US Open qualifier — Tory Houston and nine new Far Westerns records.
Some of the new team records are: 13-14 boys — 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 800 Free Relay and 11-12 Girls 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay. From the Pre-Senior Group — Pacific Recognition Times included: Eva Chung 200 IM, Cate MacGregor 200/400/800/1500 free/400 IM, Lillian Sun 400 IM, Nick Johnston 100/200/400 free and Kevin McLaughlin 400 IM. Relay finalists included: Nick Johnston, Rachel Knowles, Woods, MacGregor and Sun.
Tri Valley Dawgs 5-0 in Woodlands u14 Baseball Tournament
The U14 Tri Valley Dawgs traveled up to Woodlands, Calif. last weekend for their first tournament as an U14 team.
The Dawgs opened up Saturday morning with a 13-7 victory over the Solano Storm. Next up was Hanks Bombers. The Dawgs fell behind 4-0 early, but as the temperature climbed over 100, the Dawgs burst out late in the game to score five runs before time ran out. When time ran out the Dawgs had bases loaded and no outs, but as the home team with last ups the outcome was known. At the end of pool play with a 2-0 record they went into bracket play as the three seeds. Sunday morning opened with a 10-0 victory over Hanks Bombers. Next up for the Dawgs was the second seed, the El Dorado Volts, the Dawgs jumped out early and never looked back as they pounded out a 9-1 victory.
Next up the championship game and the No. 1 seed, the Hard 90 Slam. A great defensive game and some strong pitching as the Dawgs took advantage of their scoring opportunities and won 4-0. You know. This was a great stepping stone for the Dawgs as they look forward to a successful year playing as U14s.
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