Madera American holds off late rally for victory
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera American’s Keith Harris doubles during a 21-13 victory over Reedley on Tuesday in the District 10 Tournament.
The Madera American 9-11-year-old All-Star team held off a late rally in its District 10 tournament game against Reedley
Down 21-8, Reedley loaded the bases in the final inning and drove in five runs. Madera American, however, closed it out with Freddy Garcia on the mound for a 21-13 victory Tuesday.
With the win, Madera American advanced to a matchup against Selma on Thursday.
“We had kind of a rough go yesterday,” Madera American head coach David Amyx said. “Madera National is a tough team and they blanked us out 10-0, but we kept their heads up and stayed positive and kept going. It’s a great team win. Every single person on the team contributed today.”
Madera’s Keith Harris played a huge role in the win against Reedley. Harris’ two-run hit in the second inning gave Madera an 8-3 lead. Harris then recorded a double in the fourth inning and scored on an error, giving his team an 11-3 lead.
In the fifth inning, Harris’ single drove in Allen Alejandro and made it 14-7. Madera American scored its final run in the sixth inning when Aidden Reed doubled and drove in Harris.
“I’m partial to the big men. I’m a big guy myself,” Amyx said. “He never takes a break, so I’m really proud of him. He’s a big hitter. I wish he would learn to slide a little bit, but other than that, he’s a good player.”
Madera American jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start the game, but Reedley answered right back in the bottom half of the first inning. Madera pitcher Aidden Reed walked the first two batters, then faced Austin Kelly who tied the game with a three-run home run.
Madera American took advantage of several errors in the second inning to pull away from Reedley. After Harris’ two-run hit, Melikye Valles scored to make it 9-3. Reed then scored on a wild pitch to give Madera American a 10-3 lead.
After going scoreless in the third inning, Madera American found its groove again in the fourth inning and pushed the lead to 13-3.
Still, Reedley refused to go away easily. Liam Masaoka’s single drove in a run for Reedley, while Austin Kelly followed up with a two-run hit to make it 13-6. Reedley then took advantage of a wild pitch to cut the lead to 13-7 in the fourth inning.
“When they make a mistake, they get over it real quick and move on to the next play,” Amyx said. “We made a few mistakes tonight, but we got right past them and made plays, so I’m very proud of this group.”
After taking a 16-7 lead in the fifth inning, Madera American put the final touches on the win with RBI doubles from Harris and Alonzo Del Toro.
“I have good players. There’s a reason they’re called All-Stars,” Amyx said. “All I gotta do is convince them they can and they believed me tonight.”
