SunCreek LL wins second game at State!

Pitcher Jason Stofiel recorded seven strike-outs and with strong defense behind him, the SunCreek LL 9/10 All-Stars won their second game at the State tournament, 6-4 over Medford American LL (District 6).

SunCreek scored in the top of the 1st inning when Kevin L. singled in Matthew K. who had walked and moved to second following Jason S.'s base on balls. Mitch M. then singled to rightfield to score Jason, and Zach L. continued with a single between Medford's 1st and 2nd basemen, scoring Kevin and Mitch. Zach G., Matthew and Mitch then held Medford's batters in check by executing ground outs from second base, shortstop, and first base. After one inning, 4-0.

Though Zach G. led off the top of the 2nd with a single, he was thrown out at 3rd when Jason hit into a Fielder's Choice. He had the only hit of the inning, as the next three Medford batters were kept off base with help from Zach G.'s diving catch at second base.

Medford got onto the scoreboard with two outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning after their lead-off batter singled, stole second, and scored on Kyle P.'s single. But Mitch emphatically recorded the third out of the inning when he fielded a sharp grounder at first, scrambled over to the bag, and slammed the ball onto the base with his bare hand! After three innings, 4-1.

Zach G. again led off the inning, legging out a grounder to second and stealing over to third base. Jason singled to right/center and Zach G. raced home. Jason then struck out the first Medford batter of the inning, and grounders from Ryan R. and Isiah L. were thrown out at first. After four innings, 5-1

Zach L smacked a fly ball over the rightfielder's head to lead off the top of the fifth inning. Kevin came into pinch-run and scored on Mitch T.'s ground out. Medford battled back in the bottom of the inning -- a lead-off walk and two singles scored their second and third runs of the game. But Jason recorded two strikeouts in the inning to check the rally. After five innings, 6-3.

Three up, three down in the top of the sixth put SunCreek's defense back onto the field to hold 'em for the win. Jason struck out the first batter, Ryan R. Then, after a bloop single over his head, he struck out the number three batter, Jack S. When Branson T. singled to score Isaiah L, the Medford fans were roaring for a two-out rally. New Pitcher Kevin L., then threw one pitch to get Kyle P. to ground out, and the game was over. Final score, 6-4!

SunCreek LL plays again on Thursday, July 27, at 11:30am, versus the winner of the Pendleton/Hermiston matchup.