The Hollister National Little League 11 year-old All-Stars
killed two birds with one stone Wednesday night with its 10-3
triumph of King City in an 11 year-old tournament game played at
Hartnell LL Field in Salinas.
The Hollister National Little League 11 year-old All-Stars killed two birds with one stone Wednesday night with its 10-3 triumph of King City in an 11 year-old tournament game played at Hartnell LL Field in Salinas.
With the win, Hollister National advances to Friday’s title game, which will be played at Hartnell at 5:30 p.m. In addition, Hollister National qualified for the Section 39 Tournament, which begins in Aptos on July 19.
“The kids have really worked hard,” said National manager Manny Amaral. “They have great attitudes. I have a great bunch of kids. Plus, we’ve been hitting the ball real well and playing good defense.”
The leading hitter Wednesday was Ramiro Chapa, who went 4-4 with a double and two RBI. Kyle Rhodas went 2-4 with run batted in for National, which has won its first three games of the tournament.
Joey Amaral pitched all six innings, striking out out 12 batters and walking just two, to earn the victory. National was flawless defensively with zero errors.
-The wild ride for the Hollister American B 9-10 stars continued Wednesday. The American B’s clipped North County 9-8 in seven innings in a game at Salinas-Atlantic Field.
That sets up a rare meeting with Hollister 9-10 A this Friday at Salinas-Atlantic Field at 5:30 p.m.
“It will be a treat,” said Hollister B manager Mitch Burley. “It’s not often when an A and B team meet in the same tournament.”
There were many heroes for Hollister B Wednesday. Tanner Carrillo-Zazueta doubled with two outs in the top of the seventh. Craig Slibsager singled to put runners at first and third. Carrillo-Zazueta scored on a passed ball.
Jake Hunter, who came in to pitch in the second inning, threw a scoreless seventh, but not until two runners reached base.
Hollister American could have won the game in regulation, but Ryan Jimenez’ run-scoring triple was denied because he threw his bat after being warned. Jimenez was called out for the third out of the inning.
Hollister American was down 3-0, 6-2 and then 8-6 entering the top of the sixth. Slibsager ignited the mini-rally to tie the score when he singled. Hunter doubled, then Marcus Sabbate walked to fill the bases. Tucker Carrillo-Zazueta’s fielder’s choice grounder plated one run. Hunter came in with tying run.
-Hollister American defeated Santa Cruz American in the ongoing 9 year-old Tournament. Hollister American plays TBA this Friday at Vets Park at 5:30 p.m.
