Morgan Hill team was a win away from advancing to Pinto World
Series
SAN JOSE — Morgan Hill’s Pinto B All-Stars finished a win short of completing the ultimate comeback.
After dropping its first game and winning the next three in the Blossom Valley Sectional, the local team of 8-year-olds lost 12-2 to Blossom Valley 1 in the championship game Monday at Calero School in San Jose.
A victory would have sent the Morgan Hill All-Stars to the Pinto World Series in mid-July. Instead, they settled for well-earned silver medals, having advanced farther than any Pinto B team from Morgan Hill in recent memory.
“I think we helped show that Morgan Hill has a great Pony Baseball program,” manager Pete Milos, who guided the Pinto B team alongside coaches Dan Callison and Khoa Vo, said today. “It basically took a huge regrouping for us to get this far. The kids knew they had a chance to win their way back out after that first loss. And to face BV 1 for the World Series was an awesome experience for them.”
Morgan Hill B lost its opener 4-2 to Blossom Valley 2 on June 22, setting up an unfortunate elimination game against Morgan Hill C. Milos’ club triumphed 19-5, then battled through a grueling doubleheader Sunday. Morgan Hill B got revenge against Blossom Valley 2, winning 14-11, and defeated San Jose Pacific B 14-5 immediately after.
“We were out in the sun in 95-degree weather for 5 1/2 hours,” Milos said. “The kids didn’t complain or anything. They came to play.”
After Monday’s final, Pony Baseball officials and tournament organizers said the Morgan Hill B team played with true grit and exemplary sportsmanship. All 12 local All-Stars contributed to their team’s victories, scoring 47 runs to the opponents’ 21 and driving in 34 RBIs in 31 hits and 36 free passes.
“It was a true team effort,” Milos said.
Morgan Hill B drew plenty of support Monday. The city’s Pinto A All-Stars cancelled practice, so they could be at the game with their families. Afterward, some of the serenaded the B team with chants of “Morgan Hill” from center field.
“It was moving,” Milos said. “I’m sure these players will take this experience with them.”
Saturday, the A All-Stars and another Morgan Hill C team will begin play in their host sectional at Britton Middle School. The A squad will play Seaside at 10 a.m., and the C team will play Paso Robles at noon. The tournament winner will earn a trip to the Pinto World Series held July 15-18 in San Jose.
“We’re going to be there to support them,” Milos said.
