Team wins title with 11-2 victory over Lodi; Hollister to host
Central California state tournament
Stockton – After rolling over its competition in what amounted to a road trip for the ages, Hollister’s 14-year-old Babe Ruth All-Star team is coming home.
With a convincing 11-2 victory over Lodi on Saturday, Hollister secured the District 1 championship. All the better is that when the team takes the field for the Central California state tournament on Saturday, it will do so on its home diamond.
“The kids are thrilled to be champions,” manager Stephen Ferranti said. “It feels good. It’s a whole new experience for most of them.”
As the state tournament’s host, Hollister had an automatic bid to the next round. Even so, the team ran roughshod over its four opponents at the district level, outscoring its competition by a combined score of 62-9.
In Saturday’s championship game, well-rested Hollister scored in every inning, using its high-powered offense to build a formidable lead that pitchers Justin Terril and Kyle Vallejo protected with ease.
Shortstop Chad Whitehead was named the district tournament’s Most Valuable Player after finishing 9-16 overall with nine RBIs. Whitehead was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the title contest, scoring two runs and drawing a walk.
Ryan Sabbatini and Ramiro Chapa were key cogs in Hollister’s offense as well. In just three games, Sabbatini finished 8-for-10 with a whopping 10 RBIs. Center fielder Chapa changed the game with his ability to get on base as the team’s leadoff hitter and speed to make the opponents pay.
Terril threw the first three innings against Lodi, striking out four while walking one. He allowed four hits and two runs. Reliever Vallejo hurled the final four frames, allowing four hits and no runs.
Hollister defeated Tracy 13-3 in the opening round, dispatched O’Keefe by a final score of 15-2 in the next round and overwhelmed Manteca 23-2 to advance to the championship game.
The 14-year-old Babe Ruth Central California state playoffs begin with opening ceremonies Friday. Ferranti believes hosting the tournament will only help his team.
“I think it’s a privilege to do it,” Hollister’s manager said. “I think the kids are aware of that. They’re going to be real comfortable playing at home.”
After a dominant run through the district playoffs, Ferranti said his team has a new goal.
“They wanted the district title … and they played very, very well,” Ferranti related. “Their ultimate goal is to compete for the state title. The talent is there, but it’s just a matter of getting the key hits … and strong pitching outings.”
Hollister opens play against Atascadero, the District 6 champion, on Saturday at 7pm.
