The local Little League crown will remain on the heads of Turlock American Little League’s Red Sox, as they defeated Turlock National Little League’s Giants by an 11-1 score last Friday in the annual City Championship at Soderquist Park.
The Red Sox, who won the TALL majors with a 17-0 record and a 13-1 win over the Rangers in the league title game, scored a run in each of their five innings against the Giants. Ryan King led the way at the plate with a pair of RBI. Marco Soria also helped generate runs, reaching base all three times and driving in a run with a pair of hits and a walk. Also driving in a run each was Chase Waterson, Tyler Sperry and Oliver Bruerton. The Sox also took advantage of six errors committed by the Giants.
Bruerton served as the starting pitcher for the Red Sox. He finished his outing after three innings in which the only run surrendered came on a fielding error. He struck out five and didn’t give up a hit while walking three in his outing. In relief was Jayden Stewart, who struck out four while giving up just one hit in his two innings of work.
“The boys took care of business and kept the City Championship trophy with Turlock American Little League,” said coach Tom Waterson, whose team also beat the Giants to claim the City Championship a year ago. "I am honored to be able to coach this amazing group of boys. They are hard to beat and never stop fighting until the game is over. I am proud of them and the back-to-back championships that they have earned."
As for the TNLL Giants, they finish their regular season with a 12-8-1 record. They’re a team that has faced adversity all season. They started their season in early March losing two out of their first three contests. They strung together a five game winning streak heading into the last week of the TNLL season, and they lost to the Dodgers by an 11-6 score. In the decisive final regular season game of the year, they exacted their revenge on the Dodgers with a 9-6 victory that saw key RBI base knocks by Myles Castle and Christian Mendez. The Dodgers pitchers struggled with command, and the Giants drew nine walks by game’s end.
Turlock American Little League also claimed the minor league city title with the Tin Caps besting Turlock National’s Hot Rods by a 7-3 score last Thursday.
Next up on the Little League schedule is the Tournament of Champions at Sodersquist Park from June 8-12.