In order to win the Section 5 title, the 11-12 Hollister Little League All-Stars will now have to battle through the elimination bracket after losing 9-8 to Quito on Monday.
The loss sends Hollister into a elimination game against Santa Cruz Westside at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Against Quito, Hollister jumped to a 3-1 lead after the first two innings. But fell behind 7-3 before a late-game push.
Nick Christian started for Hollister and went 4 2-3 innings, allowing eight hits and four earned runs. He struck out two batters. Ryan Jameson and Garrett Bourdet each entered in relief.
On offense, Isaiah Bueno – 2-for-4 – and Mason Marquez – 3-for-4 – led the way for Hollister. Bueno blasted two home runs and drove in three runs in the Hollister loss.
Christian hit a 2-run home run for Hollister as well.
But it wasn’t enough for Hollister as Quilto belted four home runs. They scored six runs in the game’s final two innings to take control of the game.
Hollister threatened in the bottom of the six – scoring twice – but couldn’t tie the game.
If Hollister beats Santa Cruz Westside on Tuesday, they will play Quito for the section championship. Hollister would need to beat Quito twice.
10-11 All-Stars
The season ended for the Hollister All-Stars on Monday, after falling to Santa Cruz American 9-3 in the first game of the Section 5 elimination bracket.
Hollister never led, as Santa Cruz built a 4-run lead in the first inning.
“They just outmatched us,” manager Blair Biersdorff said. “It wasn’t close at all.”
Look for more on this game soon.
9-10 All-Stars
The Hollister American All-Stars stayed alive in the Section 5 elimination bracket on Monday, beating Scotts Valley 8-4 behind strong defense and pitching.
Leading off the top of the first inning, Hollister scored three runs to take control of the game, manager Richard McAbee said. Scotts Valley quickly advanced runners on base in the bottom of the first, but Hollister responded.
Coming in with no outs and two runners on base, Jake Yamasaki was dominant. Throwing 72 pitches in six innings, Yamasaki slowed down the Scotts Valley offense.
“He was keeping them off-balance,” McAbee said. “It was the best I’ve ever seen him pitch.”
He was supported by strong defense from shortstop Kenny Moore and second baseman Alyssa Ito.
On offense, Donnovan McAbee hit a 3-run home run – his fourth All-Star tournament blast.
With the win, Hollister will play the loser of Los Gatos and Santa Clara on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Gonzales.
