07 July 2010

The Ashland 10-11 All Star team, managed by Len Gerken with assistance from Melissa McMillian, took the district tournament by surprise last weekend with a close loss to the heavily favored Medford Blue team, followed by two resounding victories over the Klamath Falls teams that put Ashland on the edge of the tournament's championship match. In the semifinal game on Monday night, June 28th however, events led to the game being suspended due to darkness in the 5th inning, with completion of the game to be put off until the following evening. The following day, tournament officials stunned the Ashland team by announcing that the game would not be completed, and that Medford Red would be awarded the victory and the spot in the championship game, since their team had been ahead at the end of the 4th inning of the Monday night contest.

"The kids on this team came into the tournament as a darkhorse, and played with the kind of effort and heart that makes me so proud to be associated with them," Coach Gerken added.

Each player on the roster contributed to the team's run at the title. The hard fought game against Medford Blue featured a gutsy pitching performance by Quinn Linebergher-Scholl, an excellent outing behind the plate for catcher Nate McLennan and clutch hitting by John Rafael Almaguer. The Saturday afternoon victory against Klamath Falls American included both pitching and hitting contributions from Jose Perez, and a high flying offense from the whole squad, including Jesse Carroll, Frankie Mora, Isaiah Brown, Aaron Chandler, Mark Adams, Kevin Fletcher and Isaiah Henderson-Brazie. On Sunday, Ashland's win over Klamath Falls National was highlighted by Christopher Buckley's 5 and 2/3 innings on the mound, with offensive contributions coming again from every player on the team. Frankie Mora got Ashland going in the ill-fated Monday night game against Medford Red with a fantastic over the fence grand slam.

A great group of parents, friends and relatives made the drives over to Klamath Falls for the games, and couldn't be prouder of the team and coaching staff. When the Ashland 10-11s had the chance to play, they played like the All-Stars they are.

"We are so proud," said Chace Anderson, President of the Ashland Little League, "not only of the play of our 10-11 team but also in their calm, respectful, and professional manner they displayed in the face of disappointment. The Ashland 10-11 team is the real winner in my book."

Coach Gerken added, "These kids are amazing, and it is always unfortunate when games aren't settled on the field. However, adversity on or off the field teaches us life lessons that serve us all way beyond this wonderful game of baseball..."