GLEN ALLEN, Va. — A huge tackle and lights out pitching and defense. It was a key Sunday afternoon in Glen Allen, Va., in the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series tournament for the West End All-Star team.
West End collected nine hits and beat Willamette, Ore., in a five-inning rout, 11-1, thanks to nine hits and a big six-run second inning.
“The key to the game today was getting big hits in key situations. We got some free passes, some walks, but the kids came in today and had a little bit of a hit when we had guys on base.” Marc Hess, director of the West End, said.
The win puts West End in an excellent position to advance to the single-elimination portion of the tournament this week. West End is now 2-1, winning two straight after a tough opening loss in the World Series. The West End is off on Monday and returns to it on Tuesday morning at 10am for its final Pool Games competition.
Briar Persing bowled superbly for the West End. He pitched a complete game five innings and scattered two singles, limiting Oregon’s chances to put runners on base.
“He threw the ball much better. His curveball was working pretty well,” Hess said. “He didn’t have a ton of strikes, but he threw a lot more strikes compared to the first game.”
West End held a 2-0 lead after the first inning, but the second inning is where West End did most of its damage. West End scored six runs to open the game and take an 8-0 lead against Oregon.
West End took a 10-0 lead with a two-run third inning before Oregon finally scored a run in the top of the fourth inning.
“We’ve been with the kids a lot because even the first game we lost, we had a 4-1 lead and then we died.” Hess said. “We’ve been with the kids to get down their throats every inning. If you win every inning, there’s no way you’re going to lose the game.”
Persing led West End by going 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored. Deshaun White had a monster game, going 2-for-2 with a double, triple, two RBI and scored four runs. Noah Kirby also had multiple hits by going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, and Kason Ulmer went 1-for-1 with an RBI.
“We feel good about ourselves. We have now put this defeat out of our minds with two consecutive victories. The kids are having a good time” Hess said.
On Saturday, West End defeated defending Virginia state champion Manassas, Va., 3-2.
West End rallied in the sixth inning with two outs Saturday after trailing 2-1, West End loaded the bases. Persing managed to steal home after a tying attempt to tie the game, 2-2. Zion Hughes then hit an RBI single down the left field line to put West End ahead, 3-2.
It was West End’s first lead since taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
Offensively, West End collected 10 hits and was able to put the ball in play when needed. Nate Crowe was 2-for-2, and Persing (2-for-3, RBI) and Trey Domschroder (2-for-4, RBI) each had two hits. LJ Hill, Zack Neil and Kirby all had hits as Neil hit a double on Saturday.
Neil and Hill combined on the mound to win Saturday’s game against Virginia. Neil started and went 3 1/3 innings before Hill relieved him, going 3 2/3 innings. The duo combined to limit Virginia to five hits and issued just two combined walks.
“Our pitchers threw a lot better, a lot more strikes. I think we actually threw Zack 43 pitches in 3 1/3 innings and LJ threw 45 pitches. So when you think about it, yesterday we pitched too much and today we’re basically back to normal.” Hess said. “Our pitchers pitched well enough and pitched well enough to keep us in the game.”
11 West End,
Willamette, Oregon. 1
(5 INNINGS)
(SUNDAY GAME)
Oregon 000 10 – 1 2 2
West End 262 01 – 11 9 2
Briar Persing and LJ Miller. (Oregon pitchers and catchers not available). W: Persing.
Top West End hitters: Deshaun White 2-2, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 4 runs; Briar Persing 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 runs; Noah Kirby 2-2, RBI, run; Kason Ulmer 1-1, RBI.
West End 3,
Manassas, Go 2
(SATURDAY’S MATCH)
West End 100 002 0 – 3 10 2
Virginia 020 000 0 – 2 5 0
Z. Neil, LJ Hill (4) and L. Miller. (Virginia pitchers and catchers are not available.) W: Hill.
West End Top Hitters: B. Persing 2-3, RBI, run, BB; T. Domschroder 2-4, RBI; N. Crowe 2-2; Z.Neil 1-2, 2B, BB; L. Hill 1-3.
Today’s news and more delivered to your inbox