Lompoc – It wasn’t a celebration – not yet, at least. But a trip to Boomers seemed just the ticket for the San Benito Babe Ruth 13-year-old All Stars after their outstanding weekend performance in the Central California state tournament.
Just one win away from playing for a state championship, the team took advantage of its off-day Monday and headed to the amusement and water park in Santa Maria.
But come first pitch in the semifinals today, manager Jerry Sepulveda has no doubt that his players will switch on the sharp focus that has resulted in a 6-0 postseason record thus far.
“The thing that impresses me is that they’re very professional,” Sepulveda said by telephone. “They go on the field (and) take care of business.”
After blasting through the District 1 tournament to advance to the state field, the 13-year olds made sure to make their road trip to Lompoc an extended stay. San Benito opened play by defeating Cotton Belt 3-0 on Saturday, and then followed up with a 14-1 dismantling of Lemoore on Sunday.
The All Stars return to action at 4pm this afternoon when they play host Lompoc, the tournament’s only other undefeated team, with a berth in the championship game on the line.
Backed by Darin Gillies’ complete-game two-hitter, San Benito opened the Central State tournament with a solid victory over Cotton Belt. Though the team missed out on some scoring opportunities, Sepulveda said his team was pleased that its pitching and defense could carry it to a win.
“We put a lot of pressure on (Cotton Belt), but we didn’t get the big hits to put them away,” said San Benito’s manager, who also credited third-base coach Ed Vargas with directing an effective small-ball game.
Back-to-back doubles by shortstop Daniel Arevalo and Gillies in the third inning ranked as the offensive highlights of the early afternoon contest. Arevalo, the section tournament’s MVP, later doubled home a run in sixth to finish 2-for-4 with a run.
Gillies struck out six in his 75-pitch effort – a “very efficient, very good game,” according to Sepulveda. “He was in the command of the game – no doubt.”
San Benito also benefited from an outfield assist to nail a base runner at second and received strong defensive play from its catchers. Cotton Belt tried to steal on starting catcher Trevor Fabing, but was gunned down. Once Ricky Garcia took over duties behind the plate, Cotton Belt tried again, but again was thwarted in its stolen base attempt.
“They were done,” Sepulveda said of San Benito’s opponent. “We shut ’em down as far as that goes.”
San Benito rolled over Lemoore the next day, receiving contributions from up and down its deep roster to earn the day off Monday.
Garcia was a constant thorn in Lemoore’s side, reaching base five times after being hit by a pitch, recording three hits and drawing a walk. Arevalo batted 3-for-5 and pitched the final inning.
With pitching coach Mike Granger offering up fresh challenges to his staff despite the runaway game, starter Bryan Granger, Jahz Gonzalez and Oscar Ramirez combined with Arevalo to dominate Lemoore from the mound.
“We beat up on ’em pretty good,” said Sepulveda after his team’s win.
With San Benito set to face the host team, Sepulveda said a close game is likely in the cards.
“They’re solid,” said the San Benito manager of Lompoc, a team he scouted in its two victories. “They’re pretty quick, a very well-coached team. It’s going to be interesting because they have a very aggressive team on the bases. That’s one of the things we’re going to focus on shutting down.”
A victory today would not only propel the team to Thursday’s championship game, but it would also hand San Benito another off-day, the perfect scenario for its already well-rested pitching staff.
“If we win (today), I like our chances just because of our pitching depth,” Sepulveda said. “Obviously, you’d like to win … so we can be in the driver’s seat for Thursday.”
