San Benito beat O’Keefe 10-0 in the championship, advance to
state tournament in Orcutt
Modesto
The San Benito Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Stars, a year removed from their dominating performance in the 13-year-old Central California State Qualifier Tournament, displayed the same stranglehold on District 1 competition this week, as they easily earned the district crown in Modesto.
After a 13-0 victory against Manteca in the semifinals, San Benito beat up O’Keefe 10-0 in the championship final. The game was called in the fifth inning due to the 10-run rule.
“Our pitching was great all through the tournament. Our defense was great all through the tournament,” manager Joe Ocampo said. “It just got better and better through the tournament.
“It’s all a team effort.”
One year ago, in the 13-year-old state qualifier, San Benito throttled Manteca 24-0 in the championship game.
On Thursday at Grace Davis High School in Modesto, San Benito pounded out 14 hits against O’Keefe. Starting pitching Anthony Ocampo threw five shutout innings to get the win, allowing just four hits.
“We played a mistake-free game,” Joe Ocampo said. “We came out aggressive, set the tempo, and the end result was a 10-0 game in five innings.
“I’m very proud of them. Everything I ask, they do. They understand what we’re trying to do.”
San Benito advances to the Central California State Championship in Orcutt next Saturday, July 19. Representing D-1, San Benito will open the tournament against Yankee District – Wasco at 10 a.m.
Said Ocampo, “Hopefully, we can follow up next tournament and go from there.”
