San Benito takes care of Lodi 9-1 in District 1 championship;
Hollister American edges Hollister National 7-6 in Major Division
semifinals
MODESTO
The San Benito 14-year-old All-Stars made the necessary adjustments, and just in time.
Led by Dalan Hoskins (3 of 4, 2 doubles), Jose Guzman (4 of 5) and Tyler Pina (3 of 5) at the plate, and Skyler Shaw-Fuss atop the mound, San Benito jumped on Lodi early en route to a 9-1 victory Wednesday in the District 1 State Qualifier championship at Grace Davis Field in Modesto.
The victory, which advances San Benito to the upcoming state tournament in Madera, was far more comfortable than Monday’s semifinal win over Lodi, which threw a sidearm pitcher who held the local 14-year-old All-Stars in check with an unusual delivery.
San Benito managed to escape with a narrow 4-3 win over Lodi on Monday, begging the question, “What was the difference on Wednesday night?”
“We just didn’t hit well (in Monday’s game),” San Benito manager Angel Rueda said. “When we played them the second time, they threw the sidewinder again and we just jumped all over him.”
San Benito advances to the state tournament in Madera as a result, scheduled to begin July 23-24.
One of the adjustments San Benito made, Rueda said, was sitting on a breaking pitch that the Lodi hurler threw particularly well. In the first game, San Benito was taking it for a strike. On Wednesday, they were pulling it down the line.
Below, see a video of the latest San Benito Score, which features Little League action.
“Sit on it and turn on it, and that’s what they did in that first inning and we got out to a 2-0 lead,” Rueda said.
Shaw-Fuss helped his own cause when he connected on a two-run double in the first, then pitched seven innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven.
“We had a great game, and it was a great night for Skyler,” Rueda said. “He did exactly what he needed to do.”
In the third, Pina and Guzman both singled on before Justin Patterson sacrificed both runners over into scoring position, where Shaw-Fuss laid down a run-scoring bunt of his own to score Pina from third and supply San Benito with a 3-0 lead.
Lodi managed to get its only run in the home half of the third to cut the deficit, but San Benito posted a three-spot in the following frame to bring the local 14-year-olds out to a 6-1 lead.
After Hoskins, Rudy Sanchez and Pina each singled on to load the bases, Guzman trailed with a two-run single, while Patterson followed with an RBI single to make the cushion five runs.
San Benito continued to pad its lead later in the game. Following a Brian Becerra double in the fifth, Hoskins knocked him home with an RBI double of his own, while Pina plated Hoskins with an RBI single to make it 8-1. San Benito added a ninth run in the seventh when Eddie Munoz, who was pinch running for Hoskins (double), scored on a fielder’s choice.
San Benito completes its run through District 1, compiling a perfect 3-0 record and having outscored its opponents by a sizeable 29-6 margin.
Its first opponent at the state tournament is expected to be announced soon.
Hollister American 11-12
The Hollister American 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars defeated Hollister National 7-6 in the District 9 Major All-Star Tournament semifinals on Thursday night to advance to Sunday’s championship round.
Hollister American will play the winner of Friday’s contest between Hollister National and Soledad.
Sunday’s championship is scheduled for 10 a.m., at Hartnell.
More to come.
Hollister National 11-12
The Hollister National 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars lost to Hollister American 7-6 in the District 9 Major All-Star Tournament semifinals on Thursday night, and move to Friday’s consolation semifinal in the elimination bracket against Soledad.
First pitch is 5:30 p.m., at Gonzales.
The winner will advance to Sunday’s championship against Hollister American.
More to come.
Hollister American 10-11
The Hollister American 10- and 11-year-old All-Stars defeated Hollister National 7-1 in the District 9 All-Star Tournament consolation semifinals on Thursday night, and will now play Hartnell in the championship on Saturday.
First pitch is 10 a.m., at Ferrasci Park in Salinas.
Game 2, if necessary, is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Hollister National 10-11
The Hollister National 10- and 11-year-old All-Stars lost to Hollister American 7-1 in the District 9 All-Star Tournament consolation semifinals on Thursday night, and have been eliminated as a result.
Hollister American 9-10 A
The Hollister American 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars defeated Hartnell 12-2 in the consolation semifinals of the District 9 All-Star Tournament on Wednesday night to advance to the championship against Hollister National on Friday at Ferrasci Park.
First pitch is 5:30 p.m.
Game 2, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
Hollister National 9-10 A
The Hollister National 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars defeated Hollister American A 10-8 on Tuesday night at the District 9 All-Star Tournament to advance to Friday’s championship against Hollister American A at Ferrasci Park.
First pitch is 5:30 p.m.
