Three Sweetwater Valley Little League teams advanced to the Southern California divisional state championship tournament, the final destination for the 10U and 11U age groups, and one step away from the Little League World Series West Region tournament.
All three California District 42 teams battled but came up short to end their respective seasons.
The SVLL 10s finished 1-2 while the SVLL 11s and SVLL 12s both finished with 2-2 records.
Sweetwater Valley’s 12s — opening with a 6-4 win over Section 3 champion Claremont and following with a 4-3 loss to Section 6 champion 4S Ranch — avoided elimination with a clutch 4-3 win over Section 2 champion Encino on July 24 before running into Section 9 champion Eastvale the following day.
Sweetwater Valley (9-2 final record) lost 8-4 to ensure there will be no local entrant in this year’s Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.
Eastvale kept advancing through the losers bracket to topple 4S Ranch, 8-0, in double-elimination play to win the SoCal title and advance to the West Region tournament Aug. 4-9 in San Bernardino.
The SVLL 10s (8-3 final record) ended their season with a 12-8 setback to Section 4 champion Torrance on July 22 following an 8-6 win over Section 1 champion Goleta Valley South the previous day.
The SVLL 11s (9-2 final record) ended their season with an 11-0 loss to Section 5 champion Golden Hill on July 24 following a pair of elimination game victories against Section 1 champion Goleta Valley South (10-7 on July 21) and Section 3 champion Upland Foothill (15-14 on July 22).
The Southern California divisional tournament provided an eventful ending to the season for the three participating Bonita-based teams, all of which picked up at least one win.
“What an amazing run we had!” SVLL president Joseph Griffin underscored. “All three teams represented Sweetwater Valley, District 42 and Section 7 well. Our 12U team’s run came to an end, but it wasn’t without a great fight. Davyd Mendoza hit a three-run home run to tie the game in the top of the third inning, but we weren’t able to take the lead for the remainder of the game.
“Ultimately, I’m proud of all of the boys that competed this postseason. We teach them to play with good sportsmanship and to always hold their heads up high regardless of the outcome of the game. I would like to thank the managers and coaches for the countless hours dedicated to these teams, as well as the parents, families and friends who created the loudest and best cheering sections for our boys. The future is bright for Sweetwater Valley Little League.”
While the season may have ended prematurely, everyone will take away cherished memories from this summer’s youth baseball odyssey.
California District 42 administrator Ernie Lucero remains proud of the achievements of this year’s post-season champions and participating teams.
“Once again District 42 had a terrific 2024 spring season leading into our tournaments in the summertime,” Lucero said. “We had record signups, an indication of community interest, enthusiasm and engagement in Little League baseball in the South Bay.
“Sweetwater Valley Little League had a great run this year. It is important to point out that our District 42 All Star Tournament is one of the toughest tournaments to win in all Southern California. Sweetwater Valley Little League was able to win in three divisions, the 10s, 11s and 12s, to advance not only in district play but sectional play as well.
“All three teams advanced to the Southern California divisionals, playing in Banning, Eastvale and Claremont. Aside from the talent and skills, a great boosting factor for these kids was the support of their parents and family members attending their games. The cheerleading by the parents of the 12s was just amazing, watching them support Sweetwater Little League in Lakeside and Eastvale.
“The hot weather in the Inland Empire was certainly not a deterrent for these kids to play their best and have the parents cheering them on. The kids have a great time playing the game, and the environment, no matter where we play, is just wholesome, positive and family oriented. That to me is very special.”
Still going
While District 42 teams ended their run in the SoCal divisionals, one San Diego County team managed to advance as Scripps Ranch defeated East Hills, 5-2, to move to the West Region tournament July 17-25 in Nogales, Ariz.
Scripps Ranch battled through the 11-team event with a 6-1 record to advance to the Intermediate 50/70 Division Baseball World Series in Livermore.
Moreover, Scripps Ranch won its first game, 12-9, over Southeast champion Vine Ingle Little League (Macon, Ga.) on Monday to get off to a 1-0 start on the U.S. side of the six-team bracket matching regional champions.
The Intermediate Division World Series, with six U.S. teams and six International teams, extends through Sunday.
Southern California Little League Divisionals
Age-group Champions
10U Division: Aliso Viejo 3, Villa Park 2
11U Division: Sherman Oaks, 13, Golden Hill 9
12U Division: Eastvale 8, 4S Ranch 0
Intermediate 50/70 Division: Scripps Ranch 5, East Hills 2
Junior Division: Dos Pueblos 11, Vista American 1
Senior Division: Redondo Beach 3, Canyon Springs 0
