Morgan Hill Renegades 11-and-under baseball team took second place at the Sept. 22-23 Harvest Classic at Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale.
The Renegades’ balanced effort was led by strong hitting from Jake Castro and a monster three-run, bases-clearing triple by Jack Gnibus in Sunday’s playoff game.
Buddy Nash, Justin Rashid and Jack Tomlinson were outstanding on the mound the entire tournament, not allowing any runs to cross the plate during the innings they pitched. Anchoring a tight infield defense were Gabriel Milos, Tyler Keenan and Aaron Bodle. The outfield defense was highlighted by an inning-ending diving catch by Justin Garrido.
Bradley Miller and Justin Curl led the team in on-base percentage.
In the opening game, the Renegades beat Alameda Atomic Attack 10-5. In the second game, they allowed one run in the 5-1 win against the Diablo Valley Thunder. In Sunday ‘s playoffs, they drew a rematch against the Thunder. The Renegades came out strong and mercy-ruled the Thunder 13-5 to earn a spot in the finals.
Going 3-0, the Renegades cruised into the championship game, where they fell behind early.
Will Waxman came in and kept the contest within reach, pitching in the final three innings.
The Renegades rallied, getting players on base in both the fifth and sixth innings, but lost 5-1 in the deciding game to the Heaters of Oakland.
Manager Dave Nash, said he and coaches Bob Rashid, Steve Garrido and Pete Milos are proud of the boys for their accomplishments and effort both on and off the field.
“Many Renegades players were on the Morgan Hill Mustang B team that captured the Pony 2012 West Zone Section championship (during the summer), Nash added. “They are a pleasure to coach. We are frequently complimented by opposing teams’ managers. They display outstanding sportsmanship and make themselves, their parents and Morgan Hill proud.”
