Madera National wins first two games of tourney
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera National third base coach Seth McKeever holds a conference with Trevor Teran (77), Isaiah Sanchez (5) and Paul Stroemer.
Madera National’s 10-12-year-old All-Star team didn’t panic after giving up a home run in the final inning of its battle against River Park on the second day of the District 10 Tournament.
Instead, they stayed poised and found a way to preserve a 2-1 Sunday win in the District 10 Little League tournament after a touranment-opening 11-1, four-inning win over Selma on Saturday.
Madera National pitcher Mark Huarte gave up the home run, which gave River Park some hope in the sixth inning. He wasn’t fazed by the moment. Huarte proceeded to strikeout the next batter to seal the win.
“Mark Huarte is an ace,” Madera National manager Rolando Arredondo said. “He has no emotion. He goes off what he was taught. You can’t break him down, nothing breaks him.”
Madera National opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning when Joshua McKeever drove in Paul Stroemer.
River Park’s Camden Estrada almost drove in Nick Cozzi with a single in the third inning, but the throw to home plate was just in time, helping Madera National maintain another inning without allowing a run.
Arredondo said focus is especially important in a defensive battle like the one his team experienced.
“All nine guys got to be on their toes ready to go. They showed today that they’re capable of getting to our ultimate goal, getting to Williamsport,” Arredondo said. “The sky is the limit for these guys right here.”
After two walks and a single, Aiden Medina drove in Joel Arellano to give Madera National a 2-0 lead.
Camden Estrada’s home run made it 2-1 in the final inning.
“I love my community and I love these kids. They mean the world to me,” Arredondo said. “This is so much fun. I would not be on no other boat, but on this boat with these guys here.”
Madera National shows mercy
The Madera National 10-12-year-old All-Star team came to play with multiple big innings but were aided by a handful of errors from the Selma All-Stars, winning 11-1 in mercy-rule fashion.
National scored two runs in the first, three in the third, five in the fourth inning and a single run in the fifth on Saturday.
Isiah Sanchez and Joel Arellano provided the spark as the pair scored six of the team’s 11 runs and both collected three hits and two walks.
In the first inning, Madera National put two runs on the board. Sanchez was hit by a pitch, which was followed by an Arellano single that pushed Sanchez to third.
Jaydon Chavira stepped up with an RBI groundout, moving Arellano over into scoring position. Brentonan Bohm singled, scoring Arellano.
After allowing a run to close the gap 2-1, Madera National had to keep pushing against the Selma pitching staff.
Madera scored three in the third behind two doubles and two walks.
Arellano hit a one-out rocket past the first baseman into right field. The outfielder misplayed the ball, allowing Arellano to make it into second base. Chavira lined a ball in the same area for a hit, driving in Arellano and Madera National led 3-1.
Paul Stromer walked to put two men on for Madera National. Teran drove in Chavira after he doubled to deep left. Stromer scored from third base after a Doug Medina single. Madera National took a 5-1 lead after consecutive RBI hits.
After Madera National put three runs on the board, the fourth inning proved to be the decider for the home Madera team, doubling its run total.
Sanchez and Arellano both led off the inning with a walk, setting up a big inning. Chavira connected on a deep shot to left field, but Selma was able to bring the ball in. However, Selma’s lackadaisical effort in the field allowed Sanchez and Arellano to move up a base.
Madera National had two men in scoring position. Selma had a passed ball, allowing Sanchez to score. Trevor Teron singled down the third base line, scoring Arellano for a 7-1 and Madera National continued to put the pressure on. Medina doubled a ball to deep right field, bouncing off the wall and clearing the bases.
Madera National took a 9-1 lead and never looked back. As per the rules, a 10-run lead leads to a mercy rule.
Overall, Madera National were locked in at the plate and on the mound.
Mark Huerte came into pitch in the second inning and gave Madera National three strong innings to keep Selma off the scoreboard.
