|
There is a dynasty in the making. The Saratoga 11-year-old all-stars have completed a four-year run through the District 12 championship tournaments. The same team has won titles each year since the players were 8-year-olds, and now they have continued their winning streak through age 11.
Saratoga won its tourney championship with a victory over Union on July 12. After falling behind 2-1 in the first inning, Saratoga fought back for four runs in the top of the third and another run in the fifth to finish off the victory.
Greg Kenter led off the third with a single to left. He went to second on a passed ball and scored when Colin Johnson smashed a double to left. George Ellenikiotis popped out to the pitcher and Neil Bruner ripped a single to the left side that scored Johnson. Kia Fariba belted a base knock to left that put runners at the corners and Mike Lauck knocked in Bruner on a double to left, putting two in scoring position. Kai Kirk crushed a single that scored Fariba and moved Lauck to third.
Saratoga's final run came in the fifth when, with two outs and the bases empty, Lauck drew a walk and advanced to second when Kirk singled to left. With Troy Doles at the plate, Lauck and Kirk both advanced on a passed ball. Doles then ripped a single to left that scored Lauck, but Kirk was thrown out trying to score to end the inning.
Saratoga's first run came in the first inning with one out. Ellenikiotis singled to left and Bruner drove him in with a double to left. Fariba reached on an error, but Bruner was caught trying to score.
Bruner topped the mound for Saratoga, allowing only four hits and striking out eight in his complete game.
Saratoga's semifinal game against Cambrian Park on July 11 was just like its game against Union—the locals fell behind early and then came back to win later in the game. Saratoga gave up four runs in the bottom of the second, but scored one in the top of the third and three runs in both the fourth and fifth. They gave up one more run in the bottom of the sixth, but eventually took the win 7-5.
Sumner Vogel was 2 for 2 and scored twice, Kenter was also 2 for 2, Lauck went doubled and drove in a run, and Dom Guercio singled, scored a run and drove in two. Doles was 1 for 2 with a run scored and Ellenikiotis was 2 for 3 with a run scored and two RBIs.
Ellenikiotis worked the majority of the time on the mound, allowing four runs on only two hits through five innings. He also struck out eight.
Also playing key roles for the Saratoga 11-year-old all-stars were Will Dennis and David Eng. The team was managed by Mike Bruner and Bill Bloyd and Bob Johnson was a coach.
|
Photograph by Athanasia Brown