Hamilton/NB 15s fall to California team in first World Series game
The Hamilton/Northern Burlington Babe Ruth League 15-year old all-stars began World Series play in Stafford, Virginia on Saturday, and it was one haunting inning that dimmed the debut.
The kids from Switlik Park were cruising along with a slim one-run lead through five innings, and then in the sixth, Torrance, California took advantage of some miscues and came away with a 3-1 win over the local guys.
“We didn’t play our best baseball, but we showed that we belong,’’ said HNB manager TJ Bayless. “We didn’t hit like we normally do and there is no reason we can’t do it here. Even though this is a tough one to swallow, it’s a confidence boost knowing that we can take these games.’’
Hamilton/Northern Burlington won’t have much time to ponder the defeat as it returns at 8 a.m. on Sunday to face a very good EAU Claire, Wisconsin team.
“Now we have to turn the page and focus on Sunday,’’ said Bayless. “We have to come out and bring the same effort and energy and we will get the result.’’
What made this defeat so frustrating was throughout the State and Regionals, this has been a team that usually plays sound fundamental baseball.
But, it was an error, a balk and a wild pitch around a pair of Torrance hits that spelled doom for Hamilton/Northern Burlington as the California guys plated three runs.
“I guess we were bound to have an inning like that, and it’s just unfortunate it happened here,’’ said Bayless. “It was a series of awkward things.’’
Josh Klena was breezing along through five innings with no runs, four strikeouts and just one walk. AJ Maddalena replaced Klena in the sixth.
“He (Klena) pitched well and every time he takes the mound I have the confidence that we’ll be in the game,’’ said Bayless. “He always gives us a chance to win and he pitched well enough to win; we just didn’t get the result.’’
HNB made a run in the first stand up until the sixth.
Maddalena, who eventually took the loss on the mound, opened the game with a double, was balked to third and scored when Adrian Byra drilled a single to left field.
“He has been super solid for us at the plate all summer long,’’ said Bayless.
HNB got a pair of hits in the game from Ryan Anderson with Maddalena, Byra, Jack Ivens and Josh Guire all getting one.
Torrance saw Anthony Macias stroke a pair of doubles, including one in the fateful sixth. Kyle Clarke, Dane Rhodes, John Guilfoyle Jr. and Eric Ricky Calhoun had hits.
“We have to learn that we can’t take innings off,’’ said Bayless. “We didn’t do that today, but I’m confident that we’ll learn from it and they’ll come back stronger. There’s a lot of baseball yet to be played.’’
It was only one bad inning and hopefully HNB can shake it off and move forward.