ORWALL: 10-year-old National League All Stars eliminated from East Texas Little League Sectionals

by John Renshaw | July 16, 2011 11:39 am

The ORWALL 10-year-old National League All Stars put up a great fight, but the team was eliminated from the East Texas Sectionals by Jasper, 9-5, Friday night.

“We took the early lead in the bottom of the first inning, 2-0, when Ryan Larsen and Zach Twilla brought in Jack Granack and Josh Allen, respectively," said ORWALL Head Coach Joe Garza.

Neither team scored in the second inning, and then Jasper exploded for five runs in the third. Starting pitcher Jack Granack had a tough time that inning, as he allowed two hits, walked a batter, hit a batter, had an error and then allowed another single before closing out the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Jasper scored another four runs after ORWALL’s relief pitcher allowed three hits, walked a batter and hit two batters before finishing his inning.

Down 9-3 in the bottom of the fifth, ORWALL loaded up the bases with two outs when Chase Lane hit a line drive between right and center field, only to have the right fielder make an outstanding catch to end the inning.

“That play was the game-changer, because it would have easily scored three runs and would have made the score 9-7 with two outs,” explained Coach Garza. “I honestly thought that ball was in the gap and neither fielder would have a chance at it, but it stopped our rally and ruined any chance of a comeback."

In the sixth inning ORWALL held Jasper scoreless and after scoring one run and with the bases loaded, ORWALL’S final batter struck out.

ORWALL stranded at least 10 batters on the bases, which made a big difference in the game.

“We had many opportunities to score runs, but we didn’t come through when it counted," Coach Garza said. “The competition is definitely better in All Stars, so you better have some hitters, minimize the errors, and carry plenty of pitchers."

Wrapping things up, he adds, "We, the boys and coaches, had a wonderful experience and we learned so much by having coached and played All Stars."