Summary of SunCreek LL's Semi-Final Game

With the temperature dropping 10 degrees from Sunday, and following a surprise Birthday Barbeque for Coach Pete McConnell Wednesday night, the SunCreek LL 9/10 All-Star team continued their unprecedented run through the State Tournament by beating Pendleton LL 13-3. Thursday's game began at 11:50am with no breeze and the thermometer reading 95 degrees in Adams, Oregon, about 15 miles northeast of Pendleton.

The team's rendition of "Happy Birthday" (complete with Cha-Cha-Cha's) must have provided good luck as Coach McConnell won the coin-toss and SunCreek took the field as home team. Starting pitcher, Kevin L., and his defense forced three straight ground-outs in the top of the 1st inning. Kevin helped his cause with an RBI single scoring Matthew K. to give SunCreek a 1-0 lead. Kyle C.'s fly to right field scored Jason S. and Kevin, making it 3-0. Paul B. smashed one to centerfield scoring Kyle and making it 4-0. The Pendleton first baseman made a diving catch to retire the side. At the end of one inning, 4-0, SunCreek leading.

In the top of the 2nd, Pendleton sent three batters to the plate and SunCreek recorded three straight outs. Matthew walked to start the offense, and Pendleton pulled their starting pitcher and put in #15 Boots Pond, the hometown favorite. He held them scoreless. At the end of two innings, 4-0.

Pendleton got on the board with three runs in the top of the third inning, while SunCreek was again held scoreless. At the end of three innings, 4-3.

In the fourth inning, with SunCreek facing its closest score in the tournament so far, the defense recorded two outs and Boots was at the plate. Coach Pete conferenced with Kevin, and Boots flew out to Adam J. for the third out. Matthew laid down a beautiful bunt to move Zach G. to third base to start the bottom of the third inning. Following defensive errors, the bases were loaded and Pendleton walked two in, making the score 6-3. Jason and Kevin stole home, 8-3. Mitch T. then records an RBI with a hit in the 1st/2nd-base gap. Adam and Kyle scored to end the fourth inning with the score 11-3.

The top of the 5th begins with Mitch T. making the first out to Mitch M. at first base. The second and third batters also grounded out to quickly bring the SunCreek side back up to the plate. Kevin ripped a shot down the third base line to score the 12th run. Mitch T. bunted home pinch-runner Zach G. to end the game 13-3 due to the 10-run mercy rule! SunCreek LL advances to the State Championship Saturday, July 29, 9am, to take on the winner of the Pendleton LL/Reynolds LL game.