Yes, there were moments when the 12-year olds of the Turlock American All-Stars were a threat in their District 10 Championship. But in the end, Riverpark was just too good.

The Fresno-area team gave the Turlock Americans their only two losses of the All-Stars season with 14-6 and 19-7 victories on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in Madera. Ultimately, the local team couldn't handle Riverpark's rallies.

“Once they got up,” Turlock American manager Dave Moore said, “we fell apart.”

In the first game, Zach Moore threw a good outing through the fourth, when he was pulled and Turlock American was up 6-2. “Then they started steamrolling us,” Dave Moore said, resulting in a couple big innings from Riverpark.

Also in that game, Cyrus Elia and Landon Curtis each had a home run for Turlock American.

The manager said his team was still up for the challenge in the second game, with the winner taking home the district trophy. Turlock American had a 9-6 deficit after two innings, but once again, Riverpark was too much.

At the same time, Turlock American produced standout performances throughout the tournament. Zach Moore went 3-for-3 in the final game en route a 14-for-20 overall showing, and Brandon Booz closed out his All-Stars experience going 13-for-20.

“It was a lot of fun,” Dave Moore said. “I was proud to coach each and every one of them.”

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.