The Spring Valley Little League Senior All Stars have captured three hard fought post season championships on the road to the Little League World Series.
Defeating progressively stronger teams they have won their District, Section, and Sub-Regional competitions. The Sub Regional was particularly challenging with an 8 inning 9-9 tie game against Fontana being suspended on Wednesday and resumed on Thursday. When Fontana managed to score a winning run in the resumed game, the two teams had a 30 minute break and then took the field again to play a final game to determine the champion. Showing composure after the frustrating loss, Spring Valley fought back with the game becoming a duel of pitchers, while batters swung hard, and defense worked to cover the field. In the end, Spring Valley held the score to 2-0 to win the game.
Senior Little League offers advanced playing opportunities for 14 to 16 year olds. The Spring Valley team, comprised of 16 players, is managed by Miguel Armendariz, and coached by Frank Martinez, and Jacob Castillo.
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Armendariz stated, “I am so proud of these boys. They showed a lot of heart today and deserve to be in this position to battle for the Championship.”
League president Pete Gonzales also expressed his admiration for the skill and dedication shown by the team. He noted that in particular, pitchers Brandon Weed and Miguel Armendariz, catcher Adam Lopez, and shortstop Alex Estrada have been invaluable in anchoring the team’s play.
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Spring Valley will next face Manhattan Beach Little League on Saturday to determine the Southern California Championship. The winner will advance to the Western Regional playoffs, which will ultimately send one team to the Little League Senior World Series, held in Bangor Maine in mid August.
Saturday’s games will be an 11am and 3pm double header at Dana Middle School, 1775 Chatsworth Blvd, San Diego, 92107.
In other local Little League news, the Allied Gardens 10-11 All Stars will be playing Encino Little League this Saturday at 6:30pm and Sunday at 5:30pm for the Southern California 10-11 Little League Championship finals, held at Fletcher Hills Little League, 2330 Center Pl, El Cajon, 92020.
