Locals among final five teams in regional
SAN JOSE — As much as they hate losing, Morgan Hill’s Mustang All-Stars walked away from Saturday’s 13-3 loss to Toro with some satisfaction, knowing their young baseball careers are off to a promising start.
They held up well against the best teams in Santa Clara and Alameda counties before Toro ended their run at a regional in PAL Stadium. The local-section champions were among the final five teams in the double-elimination tournament.
“Anytime you play in a postseason it’s a special experience. Going to Regionals made it that much more special,” Morgan Hill manager Dave Knopf said. “Some of these other teams play together year-round. Overall, we’re happy with the way we finished.”
Knopf hopes his 10-year-old players stick together next season when they move up to the Bronco Division.
“A year makes a huge difference,” he said. “I think if they keep playing together they will be very successful at the next level and beyond.”
Graham Grisedale, Mason Handa and Chris Turner scored Morgan Hill’s runs in the second, third and fourth innings, respectively, with each stealing a base along the way. Teammates Nathan Alejo and Ethan Crawford collected RBIs.
Toro, looking like a team of destiny, won its next two games by close margin in the losers’ bracket before falling 10-0 to Sierra Valley in the championship round Sunday.
Morgan Hill looked equally dangerous after ousting tournament-host San Jose PAL 8-5 Thursday with a six-run rally in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Morgan Hill ended its season with five wins and two losses.
