This past weekend was a busy one for those who follow the California District 42 Little League program here in South County.
The opening game in the district’s best-of-three Junior Division all-star championship series faced off last Friday at Park View Little League between Park View and Sweetwater Valley.
That was simply a prelude to an action-packed Saturday and Sunday as all-star tournament play opened in the 10U and 12U divisions, with seven total games completed at the Park View and Chula Vista American fields.
Add to that games in the California Section 7 Intermediate 50/70 Division all-star championship tournament that took place Saturday and Sunday at Park View Little League and culminated with Tuesday’s championship game.
The hot weather conditions made for an especially long weekend, and it’s far from over.
Play in the district’s 11U all-star tournament faced off Monday.
Double-elimination play in the 10U, 11U and 12U divisions continues through the week, topped by championship games in all three divisions on Sunday, July 7, at Sweetwater Valley Little League.
The 10U final is scheduled at 10:30 a.m., followed by the 11U final at noon. The 12U title game is scheduled at 1:30 p.m.
Should any double-elimination games be necessary to determine a champion, they would take place at SVLL on Monday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m.
District 42 champions advance to the Section 7 double-elimination tournaments.
District 42 will host the 11U tournament. District 66 Spring Valley Little League will host the 10U Division and District 41 Fletcher Hills will host the 12U tournament.
“As expected, it’s been very competitive with nail-biting, exciting outcomes,” District 42 administrator Ernie Lucero said in regard to the opening week of all-star play. “Each host league has a group of dedicated volunteers who ensure the fields are pristine and ready, the snack bar is open for business, and game scores and statistics are accurate, among other duties.
“Of special note are the District 42 volunteer umpires who come out every year during this time and dedicate countless hours to umpire games. These individuals are the unsung heroes whose in-depth knowledge of Little League game rules and regulations is invaluable to District 42. The all-star games could not be possible without them.”
Lucero commended longtime veterans as well as newly installed officers for their support of local Little League programs.
“At the District 42 all-star tournament for the 12s, it was heartening to see veterans like Ward Lannom and Arturo Maldonado out there volunteering their time to manage this year’s Sweetwater Valley Little League 12s all-star team,” the district administrator said. “They will face stiff competition from the other District 42 little leagues.
“Neither Ward nor Arturo have any of their own kids on this team, yet, like Johnny Fuentes from Park View (Junior all-stars), they’re there for the kids and their community. They give so much of their time in hopes of advancing their team to Western Region, San Bernardino, and, hopefully, to Williamsport like they’ve done in the past.
“At the all-star Tournament for the 11’s, it was good to see Eastlake Little League manager Adam Villarreal at the helm of the team. With Adam leading the team, there is no doubt the team will do well. Crucial games lie ahead against Park View and Sweetwater Valley this week.
“Lastly, at the all-star Tournament for the 10’s, Chula Vista American Little League will be led by its manager and president Martin Gutierrez. In his first year as president of the league, Martin has taken his role seriously and routinely engages positively with district staff. He has also made tremendous contributions for his league, including installing artificial turf on the infields. In his other role as manager of the 10s, his team will face big challenges against the other little leagues from District 42.”
Junior Division All-Stars
This division encompasses boys and girls ages 12-14, using a conventional 90-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.
Park View swept both games in the best-of-three championship series, defeating Sweetwater Valley, 9-4, last Friday and 7-4 on Sunday.
The victorious Park View team features five players from the roster of the league’s 12U all-star team that advanced to the Little League World Series West Region tournament in San Bernardino. The list of hometown celebrities includes Matt Bjornstad, Jordan Bleisch, Ivan Rodriguez, Mikey Rodriguez and Joseph Anderson.
Anderson did not play in Sunday’s championship game but did play in the opener.
Sunday’s championship game line-up for Park View included Zack Aceron, Brian Rudden, Mikey Rodriguez, Danny Alcala, Alex Hernandez, Jimmy Skinner, Bjornstad, Hunter Brennan, Bleisch, Ivan Ortega and Sammy Vasquez.
Alcala picked up the win in last Friday’s game while Rudden earned the victory on Sunday.
Rudden and Bleisch cleared the bases with triples in the series opener while Bleisch hit a two-run double and Alcala drove in two runs on three hits in the rematch.
The team is humming along according to league president Johnny Fuentes, who serves as the team’s manager, joining coaches Mike Arney and Kevin Rudden.
“It’s a very competitive group,” Fuentes said. “Defensively, they’re very strong. They have a good baseball mindset. They’re very smooth. In the few games they’ve played together, they’ve jelled. They’re really unified.”
Runner-up Sweetwater Valley’s championship game roster included Kasey Regala, Roberto Fanseca, Alex Iniguez, Abby Steffen, J.D. Corcoran, James Ramirez, Joey Olivarria, Cole Blackinton, Noah Caballero, Porter Anderson, Josh Saenz, William Schmitz and Aiden Taguacta.
Steffen became the first female player to make the Sweetwater Valley 12U all-star roster last year. She is believed to be the first female player to compete in the district’s Junior Division all-star tournament.
She played three positions in Sunday’s championship game, starting at third base before moving to second base and finishing on the mound.
Park View advances to compete in the California Section 7 tournament being hosted by Spring Valley Little League. The tournament is a best-of-three format pitting Park View against District 66 champion Spring Valley.
The first game is scheduled on Saturday, July 7, at 11 a.m., followed by the second game on Monday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.
A deciding third game would be played Tuesday, July 9, also at 6:30 p.m.
The winner advances to the Southern California championship in Anaheim. The western regional qualifier follows in San Jose.
The Junior League World Series is scheduled Aug. 12-19 in Taylor, Mich. Chinese Taipei is the defending champion.
Lucero lauded Fuentes’ commitment to the Park View program and team.
“I’m very proud of Johnny whose devotion is demonstrated by his fair and highly ethical service to the Park View community,” Lucero said. “Further, he has taken the time to manage a team this year even though he no longer has his son playing in the league. Johnny manages with heart, and his players respond very well to him. The kids love playing for him.”
Section champions
Eastlake wrapped up play in this year’s Section 7 Intermediate 50/70 Division championship tournament by topping District 66 champion Lemon Grove, 6-2 in Tuesday’s final.
Eastlake finished the three-team tourney 2-0 after previously defeating District 41 champion Rancho de Oro, 5-0, on Sunday.
Lemon Grove eliminated Rancho de Oro, 2-0, on Monday.
Eastlake scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the early lead. David Cortez and Jake Marcial both singled home runs while another run scored on a wild pitch.
Eastlake added another run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Diego Uribe.
Lemon Grove halved the Eastlake lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning as Irie Dukes doubled and scored on a fielding error. Matthew Pendleton later singled in a run with two outs.
Eastlake tacked on two key insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning. Derreck Borruel and Uribe singled and advanced a base on a wild pitch. D.K. Nunes scored one run with a sacrifice fly while another run scored on a wild pitch.
Jake Davis came within one out of pitching a complete game, throwing 64 pitches.
Borruel finished up in relief, ending the game with a strikeout.
Eastlake manager Gerry Huerta attributed the team’s success to its chemistry.
“They enjoy being around each other,” Huerta said. “Everything is going along well; the parents are happy.”
The Intermediate League World Series is scheduled July 29 to Aug. 5 in Livermore. South Korea is the defending champion.
California District 42 Little League
All-Star Tournament Scoreboard
10U Division
Saturday, June 29
Imperial Beach 7, South Bay 6
Eastlake 31, Chula Vista National 0
Park View 8, Sweetwater Valley 7
Sunday, June 30
Chula Vista American 14, Imperial Beach 1
Park View 11, Eastlake 4
Monday, July 1
South Bay 16, Chula Vista National 1 (elimination game)
Wednesday, July 3
Eastlake 10, Imperial Beach 0 (elimination game)
Sweetwater Valley 11, South Bay 1 (elimination game)
Friday, July 5
Chula Vista American 11, Park View 1 (winners bracket semifinal)
Sweetwater Valley 4, Eastlake 2 (elimination game)
Saturday, July 6
Park View vs. Sweetwater Valley (challenger bracket semifinal game) at Sweetwater Valley, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, July 7
Chula Vista American vs. Park View-Sweetwater Valley winner (championship game) at Sweetwater Valley, 10:30 a.m.
Note: if a double-elimination game is required, it will be played on Monday, July 8, at Sweetwater Valley at 5:30 p.m.
11U Division
Monday, July 1
Park View 4, Sweetwater Valley 3
Tuesday, July 2
Eastlake 13, Chula Vista American 3
Wednesday, July 3
Eastlake 5, Park View 4 (winners bracket semifinal)
Friday, July 5
Sweetwater Valley 6, Chula Vista American 4 (elimination game)
Saturday, July 6
Park View vs. Sweetwater Valley (challenger bracket semifinal) at Sweetwater Valley, 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 7
Eastlake vs. Park View-Sweetwater Valley winner (championship game) at Sweetwater Valley, noon
Note: if a double-elimination game is required, it will be played on Monday, July 8, at Sweetwater Valley at 5:30 p.m.
12U Division
Saturday, June 29
Park View 7, Chula Vista American 1
Imperial Beach 9, Chula Vista National 0
Sweetwater Valley 24, Luckie Waller 0
Eastlake 15, Southwest 2
Sunday, June 30
Park View 3, Imperial Beach 1
Sweetwater Valley 19, Eastlake 8
Monday, July 1
Southwest 16, Luckie Waller 5 (elimination game)
Tuesday, July 2
Chula Vista American 16, Chula Vista National 2 (elimination game)
Wednesday, July 3
Chula Vista American 9, Imperial Beach 2 (elimination game)
Eastlake 19, Southwest 0 (elimination game)
Friday, July 5
Sweetwater Valley 13, Park View 0 (winners bracket semifinal)
Eastlake 12, Chula Vista American 7 (elimination game)
Saturday, July 6
Park View vs. Eastlake (challenger bracket semifinal) at Eastlake Little League, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 7
Sweetwater Valley vs. Park View-Eastlake winner (championship game) at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 1:30 p.m.
Note: if a double-elimination game is required, it will be played on Monday, July 8, at Sweetwater Valley at 5:30 p.m.
Junior Division
Friday, June 28
Park View 9, Sweetwater Valley 4
Sunday, June 30
Park View 7, Sweetwater Valley 4
Note: Park View wins district championship and advances to Section 7 tournament at Spring Valley Little League (District 66)
Intermediate Division
Tuesday, June 18
Eastlake 18, Sweetwater Valley 0
Wednesday, June 19
Chula Vista American 12, Imperial Beach 3
Thursday, June 20
Eastlake 13, Chula Vista American 2
Friday, June 21
Sweetwater Valley 10, Imperial Beach 8
Saturday, June 22
Chula Vista American 11, Sweetwater Valley 10
Sunday, June 23
Eastlake 19, Chula Vista American 2
Note: Eastlake advances to California Section 7 tournament hosted by District 42 Park View Little League
Photo Gallery by Jon Bigornia
Junior Division All-Stars: Park View 9, Sweetwater Valley 4
California Section 7 All-Star Scoreboard
Intermediate Division
Saturday, June 29
Rancho de Oro (District 41) 13, Lemon Grove (District 66) 3
Sunday, June 30
Winners bracket semifinal: Eastlake (District 42) 5, Rancho de Oro (District 41) 0
Monday, July 1
Challenger bracket semifinal: Lemon Grove (District 66) 2, Rancho de Oro (District 41) 0
Tuesday, July 2
Championship game: Eastlake (District 42) 6, Lemon Grove (District 66) 2
Note: Section 7 champion advances to Division III tournament at District 58 Yucaipa Little League
Photo Gallery by Jon Bigornia
PONY BASEBALL SUMMER 2019 ALL-STAR SCOREBOARD
Bronco-12 Division
South/East Section
June 15-23 at Emerald Pony
(Top two teams advance)
Saturday, June 15
Eastlake 14, Ramona 10
Tecolote Red 4, La Jolla 0
North City 18, Chula Vista South 0
Sunday, June 16
Tecolote Red 6, Eastlake 3
Paradise Hills 12, Tecolote Blue 9
La Jolla 12, Ramona 2
Monday, June 17
Tecolote Blue 12, Chula Vista South 2
Tuesday, June 18
North City 8, Paradise Hills 7
Wednesday, June 19
Eastlake 5, Tecolote Blue 4
Thursday, June 20
La Jolla 12, Paradise Hills 0
Friday, June 21
Eastlake 16, La Jolla 8
Saturday, June 22
North City 8, Tecolote Red 6
Tecolote Red 4, Eastlake 3
Sunday, June 23
North City 17, Tecolote Red 2
Note: North City, Tecolote advance to region tournament
Pony-13 Division
South/East Section
June 15-21 at Emerald Pony
Bracket A
(Top two teams advance)
Saturday, June 15
Emerald Hurricanes 6, Eastlake Red 5
Ramona 12, San Marcos Hammers 0
Sunday, June 16
Tecolote 11, Emerald Hurricanes 0
Emerald Aces 13, Ramona 2
Monday, June 17
San Marcos Hammers 18, Emerald Hurricanes 16
Tuesday, June 18
Eastlake Red 12, Ramona 7
Wednesday, June 19
Eastlake Red 28, San Marcos Hammers 2
Thursday, June 20
Tecolote 6, Emerald Aces 3
Note: Tecolote advances to region tournament
Friday, June 21
Eastlake Red 6, Emerald Aces 4
Note: Eastlake Red advances to region tournament
Bracket B
(Top two teams advance)
Saturday, June 15
San Diego Competitive 14, Escondido 0
Chula Vista North 9, San Marcos Trailblazers 1
Sunday, June 16
San Diego Competitive 10, Eastlake Blue 3
Chula Vista North 6, Emerald Outlaws 2
Monday, June 17
San Marcos Trailblazers 14, Eastlake Blue 4
Tuesday, June 18
Emerald Outlaws 18, Escondido 8
Wednesday, June 19
San Marcos Trailblazers 13, Emerald Outlaws 3
Thursday, June 20
Chula Vista North 7, San Diego Competitive 2
Note: Chula Vista North advances to region tournament
Friday, June 21
San Diego Competitive 11, San Marcos Trailblazers 5
Note: San Marcos Trailblazers advance to region tournament
Region Tournament
June 22-23 at Emerald Pony
(Top three teams advance)
Saturday, June 22
San Diego Competitive 3, Tecolote 2
Eastlake 12, Chula Vista North 2
Sunday, June 23
Eastlake 5, San Diego Competitive 4
Note: Eastlake (region champion) and San Diego Competitive (region runner-up) advance to super region tournament in Whittier July 11-16
Chula Vista North 7, Tecolote 5
Note: Chula Vista North (third place in region) advances to super region tournament in Glendora July 11-16
Pony-14 DIVISION
South/East Section
June 22-28 at Emerald Pony
Bracket A
(Top two teams advance)
Saturday, June 22
Ramona 12, Tecolote 8
Eastlake 4, San Marcos Titans 1
Monday, June 24
Chula Vista North 6, Eastlake 5
Tecolote 19, San Marcos Titans 11
Wednesday, June 26
Ramona 13, Chula Vista North 3
Tecolote 13, Eastlake 0
Friday, June 28
Tecolote 2, Chula Vista North 0
Note: Ramona, Tecolote advance to region tournament
Bracket B
(Top two teams advance)
Sunday, June 23
Escondido 3, Emerald 2
Carlsbad 11, La Jolla 1
Tuesday, June 25
Carlsbad 14, Paradise Hills 0
Emerald 12, La Jolla 0
Thursday, June 27
Escondido 11, Carlsbad 0
Emerald 6, Paradise Hills 1
Friday, June 28
Emerald 6, Carlsbad 0
Note: Escondido, Emerald advance to region tournament
Region Tournament
June 29-30 at Emerald Pony
(Top three teams advance)
Saturday, June 29
Ramona 9, Emerald 4
Escondido 3, Tecolote 0
Sunday, June 30
Ramona 11, Escondido 8
Tecolote 15, Emerald 5
Note: Ramona, Escondido, Tecolote advance to super region tournament July 25-30 in Simi Valley/Glendora
