June 12, 2014

State Championships - Weekend 1

The first weekend of the State Championships had a little bit of everything.  No Hitters? Check.  Wild and crazy finishes?  Absolutely.  The first half of the State Championship started great and ended with a bang.

10-Under:
Down to their last three outs, San Diego Show managed to mount an incredible comeback against the 1st Seed Team California.

Down 8-6 with just three outs to go, the Show got the first two runners of the inning on board.  After a pitching change, the Show loaded up the bases with an infield error.  An infield fly put the Show down to their last two outs of the game.  A ground ball resulted in a fielders choice, getting the runner at second while bringing in a run, closing the score to 8-7.  Down to their last out, the Show batter at the plate blasted a double over the centerfielder's head, giving the Show their first lead of the game at 9-8.  Knowing that 1 run wouldn't be enough against the strong Team California, a few more basehits gave them a comfortable 11-8 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Show, knowing not to underestimate their opponent, headed into the bottom of the sixth with the adrenaline pumping.  After notching the first out of the inning, Team California knocked a much needed triple.  Now with a guy on first and just 1 out, a single would have put them right in the game.  The batter at the plate did one better by knocking a clutch inside the park home rum, bringing the score to 11-10.

After the tying run reached first base, it was the Show's defense time to shine.  A hard ground ball lead to a clutch double play, giving the Show the amazing (and stressful) 11-10 victory.

12-Under:
12-Under Major provides some of the most competitive baseball in the country.  1st Seed Marucci Sun Devils provided one of the most exciting games of the tournaments.  Facing the 4th Seed in the tournament, Sun Devils' pitcher Jake Lappin set out to have one of the best games of his life.  Hitting his spots and fooling hitters, Jake pitched 6 innings of no hit baseball.  The one walk he surrendered prevented his perfect game, but he quickly picked off the walked runner, leaving Jake facing the minimum of 18 batters in a game.  Jake recorded 15 of his 18 outs by strike out, a remarkable in any division, but more notable in the strong 12-Under Major Division.  Congrats to Jake on his amazing performance.

The Sun Devils, however, were unable to continue the domination that Jake provided in their semifinal game.  Up against the 2nd Seed Diamond MVP, the tides turned against the Sun Devils.  The perpetually well coached Diamond MVP were able to continue their perfect weekend with yet another close victory.  Taking an early lead against the Sun Devils, Diamond MVP came out on top in yet another close game, taking home 1st Place with a 6-4 victory.

14-Under - San Clemente:
The GBG Renegades have a pretty solid mentor to help them with their game. Nomar Garciaparra's young organization is already producing some top caliber teams.  Just look no further than the 13-Under Renegades playing up to the 14-Under division.

After their first win of the weekend (an 8-0 shutout), the Renegades played on a bigger field, against older opponents, and never lost their cool.  After tying their second game, they headed into Sunday's playoffs as the 2nd Seed.  Turning right back around and facing the team they tied on Saturday, the two evenly matched teams fought another close game, with the Renegades coming out on top 4-3.

Now in the Championship game, the Renegades found themselves down two runs in the bottom of the 6th.  Refusing to panic, they stayed calm and belted some hard hit balls in the gaps.  With the infield in, a bloop single brought home the go ahead run, and in the end, it was all they need.  Taking a 5-4 victory home with them, the Renegades are a team to watch out for.

Thank you to all the teams that played in the first weekend of the State Championship.  Here is a list of the Winners and Runner Ups.

See you on the fields

-AC

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