Del Norte 9-10 All-Stars take second place in tournament; 2 teams win openers
Eel River, however, knocked around Del Norte’s pitching, using a 10-run fourth-inning to seal a 16-1 victory in four innings to claim the California District 26 championship.
“They just hit the ball real well,” Del Norte coach Rich Goudelock said. “We didn’t back up our pitchers real well.”
Goudelock credited the performance of Damien Dowd, who started the game for Del Norte and allowed four runs in three innings pitched.
Del Norte finished the tournament with a 3-2 record in addition to runner-up honors.
“They had a great tournament,” Goudelock said. “I’m real proud of them. It’s been a real job coaching these kids the last few weeks.
To get to the championship game, Anthony Slayton threw 5 1/3 innings for four-hit ball as Del Norte eliminated Eureka, 6-1, on Thursday night.
Del Norte entered the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead and promptly loaded the bases. Justin Goudelock laid down a bunt that scored O.J. Calleja, and Giovanni Gonzalez ripped a two-run double as part of a four-run inning.
“That cracked things open right there,” Goudelock said.
In addition to his “outstanding pitching performance,” in Goudelock’s words, Slayton led his team at the plate with three singles in four at-bats. Calleja went 2 for 4 with a double.
9-10 Softball All-Stars
The Del Norte 9-10 Softball All-Stars wrapped up their District 26 tournament game in McKinleyville in four innings with an explosive offensive performance.
Del Norte defeated Klamath/Trinity Little League, 17-4, on Friday night. Tamesha Jordan pitched a complete game to pace Del Norte.
Coach Mark Horner was complimentary of the performance of his infield — first baseman Allison Douglas, second baseman Ayliah Rafalowski, shortstop Lacee Goodman and third baseman Megan Proctor.
“My infield had a really, really good game,” Horner said. “The outfielders did their job. They got to the ball quickly and kept (Klamath/Trinity) from getting big hits.”
Del Norte takes on the winner of Saturday’s McKinleyville Little League/Redwood Empire Little League matchup on Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
11-12 Baseball All-Stars
Playing in Fortuna Friday night, the Del Norte 11-12 Baseball All-Stars faced Eel River Little League, the host of the 11-12 tournament.
Del Norte scored three runs in the second inning and three runs in the third inning, holding off a late charge from Eel River to notch an 8-6 victory.
“It went awesome,” Del Norte coach Dan Bassett said. “We defeated the host team and the (tournament’s) No. 1 seed.
“It was a team effort. They all put the ball in play and they made great defensive plays. It was an all-around good game.”
Chee Shorty started the game on the mound for Del Norte and lasted 3 1/3 innings.
Del Norte advances to play Blue Lake-Fieldbrook Little League at 5:30 p.m. today. The winner of that game will take on the winner of McKinleyville Little League and Redwood Empire Little League on Sunday.
10-11 Baseball All-Stars on deck
The last of Del Norte Little League’s All-Star teams is playing its first District 26 tournament game today.
The 10-11 Baseball All-Stars, coached by Byron Gardner, begin tournament play at 2:30 p.m. against Redwood Empire Little League’s All-Star team in Arcata.
The Del Norte 11-12 Softball All-Stars defeated Klamath/Trinity, 9-5, on Friday night in Fortuna.
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