W. Torrance 3

The Minor SB Stars fell short in their bid to take the 2005 Section 3 Tournament suffering a tough loss to the host Westchester All Stars 12-0 in the Championship game on Tuesday night. In its fifth game in as many days, the team seemed to just run out of gas. The Minor Stars battled the victors for the first two innings, but the wheels fell off in a ten run third to send the Stars home after posting two straight victories and enjoying a great run for the crown. Westchester played a flawless game in the field in this Championship contest and its superstar pitcher, Monica Cartwright, rose to the occasion with a near perfect outing. So MB tips it hat to Westchester who earned the title tonight, and we wish them well in their quest for the Divisional Championship. The MB Stars displayed tremendous talent and enthusiasm throughout this tournament, with the roar of 747s overhead. We are all very proud of all of these players who earned the admiration and respect of their fans and all of Manhattan Little League. They not only performed well on the field, but they also represented the league with class - even during and after the tough loss tonight. Congratulations to Alex Campbell, Meagan Rafferty, Lauren Winterhalder, Nikki Gialketsis, Maddy Frederick, Emily Newton, Brooke Winterhalder, Sarah Lucenti, Tori Jasuta, Rachel Humphrey, Jenna Lambert and Breanna Kelly on a job well done!! And thanks to their manager, Jeff Lambert, and coaches Larry Humphrey, Rob Lucenti and Len Jasuta for dedicating so much time and energy to this quality group of 10 year old girls. These players learned so much about the game of softball and came ready to play under your guidance and skilled coaching. And they showed us in this tournament that they also know how to win and lose with class and have fun in the process. Great job, guys! Speaking on behalf of all of your fans - we can't wait until next year. It was a blast! Bill von Behren MLL VP - Softball __________________ The Minor Stars scored 5 runs with 2 outs in the bottom of the 5th inning to storm past a gutsy West Torrance squad and post an exciting 6-3 victory Monday night. Tori Jasuta pitched another gem, going 6 innings and giving up only 3 runs against the scrappy West Torrance team. Down 3-1 after 4 and 1/2 innings, the MB Stars started the frame with 2 quick outs. But then the top of the order, featuring MB's Murderer's Row, took over the game against West Torrance's ace who had a superb outing. Breanna Kelly keyed the 5th inning rally with a big two out single, followed by Jenna Lambert's liner over third to put both runners in scoring position. Rachel Humphrey, one of the MB hitting stars during the entire tournament, electrified the large MB fan section with a clutch drive to left center to drive in two and tie the score. Tori Jasuta worked a walk on a full count after fouling off tough pitches, and stole second on a continuation steal following the walk. With runners at 2nd and 3rd and the score tied, Sarah Lucenti then powered a double to deep left to drive in both runners. Brooke Winterhalder followed with a scorching line drive up the middle to give the MB Stars a 6-3 lead. Tori Jasuta pitched a dominating 6th inning to nail down the critical victory. Maddy Frederick also contributed to the success with a key 2 out RBI single in the first inning to give the MB Stars an early 1-0 lead, in a game that saw all the Stars hitting the ball hard off strong pitching. The MB fan support was in full force on a night in which the team needed its encouragement. The standing room only MB cheering section was instrumental in keeping the players spirits up in the early innings while they struggled against strong pitching, and helped propel the team to victory during the 5th inning rally. The MB Stars now emerge from the loser's bracket to take on the undefeated Westchester Stars in the Championship game Tuesday night, July 26 at 5 p.m. at Westchester. The MB Stars need to take two to advance to the next level. Come on out to see these never say die stars and help cheer them on to victory. Bill von Behren MLL - VP of Softball ___________________ MLL's 9 & 10 Year Old All Star team exploded for 12 runs and received solid pitching from its third pitcher to start a game in the tournament to route Los Altos 12-4 and advance to the next round in the Little League Section 3 Tournament. Sara Lucenti threw 5 strong innings, yielding only 5 hits and keeping the determined Los Altos Stars in check. Breanna Kelly closed the game out by shutting down the Los Altos stars in sixth inning. The MB Stars pounded out 18 hits, led by Kelly's 4 for 5 performance and complimented by steady catcher Rachel Humphrey's 3 for 4, 3 RBI day at the plate. Tori Jasuta went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs, as the Stars' bats came alive. The Minor All Stars play at 5 p.m. on Monday night in an elimination game against West Torrance at Westchester. The MLL crowds have buoyed this team to some big innings, and the girls will need your cheers on Monday night. So be there for this one. Bill von Behren MLL - VP Softball ___________________ The MLL Minor SB All Stars lost a tough battle against Westchester 6 - 1. The Minors take on Los Altos at Noon on Sunday, July 24 at Westchester. _________________ MLL's 9 & 10 Year Old Stars used a combination of timely hitting and dominating pitching to defeat Los Altos 7-3 in the first round of the Minor's Sectional Tournament at Westchester Del Rey Little League. Pitchers Tori Jasuta and Breanna Kelly overwhelmed the Los Altos hitters for 5 innings of shutout ball, and the Stars' big bats produced timely hits to allow MB to jump out to a 5-0 lead after two innings and cruise into the final frame with a 7-0 advantage. Los Altos came alive in the sixth to mount a 3 run rally, but Breanna Kelly bounced back to shut down the attack and preserve a great team victory. The Minor Stars play on Saturday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. and will be taking on the host all stars of Westchester Del Rey. See you there! Bill von Behren MLL - VP Softball __________________ Friday, July 22 at 7:15 p.m. - District 36 Champion (Manhattan Beach) v. District 38 Champion (Long Beach area teams). The game will be played in Westchester at Kent Mace Field in Carl Nielsen Youth Park. It is located just 10 minutes from MB about a mile North East of LAX. A map is posted on the mbll.org website. Or just send me a message and I will send you the directions.