The Boyertown 11U team put on a dominating display of offense as they completed an undefeated run through the Power Alley Tournament at The Ripken Experience in Abedeen, MD. The Bears beat NY Dirtbags 12-4 in the championship game to win the tournament.
Boyertown beat NY Dirtbags and the Port Chester Pirates in pool play. In game 1 against NY Dirtbags, the Bears overcame a 6-2 deficit in the middle of the third to eventually win 12-9. The bottom of the third was a huge 9-run inning. Boyertown brought 14 batters to the plate in the inning, who hit six singles to complement a 3-run double by Cole W. For his efforts, tournament officials named Cole W the game MVP. Mason M was perfect at the plate, going 3-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Pool play game 2 was played on Monday evening at the marquee Cal Sr's Yard, a memorable experience for all but especially the Boyertown comeback kids. This time, they overcame a 6-4 deficit entering the top of the sixth against the Port Chester Pirates, eventually winning 12-7. This time, they would bring 11 batters to the plate, striking four singles and drawing four walks in the 9-run inning. The game MVP was Bobby Y, who reached base twice (triple and walk) and also pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three and giving up only two hits.
The Bears' first playoff game was against the Central Nassau Rebels. Perhaps the Bears had tired of come-from-behind victories because this time they never trailed on the way to a 10-1 thumping of the Rebels. The pitching duo of starter Kaden G and reliever Bobby Y was in control throughout, scattering six hits over six innings while striking out seven and walking no one. The Bears offense complemented the strong pitching, scoring runs in each of the first five innings while tallying 13 hits. Luke M (RBI, run scored), Kaden G, and Carter R each had two hits to lead Bears batters. Luke M was named game MVP.
The championship game featured a rematch with NY Dirtbags. The game started similarly to the first one, with the Dirtbags jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second. The Bears tied it up in the bottom of the third and then blew the game wide open in the bottom of the fourth via a six-run crooked number. Impressively, the big inning started with two quick outs. The Bears responded with a patient 5-pitch walk of Cole W, and then they were off to the races. Luke M dropped a surprise perfect bunt single down the third base line, putting two on with two out. Carter R then reached on an error by the second baseman, scoring both baserunners. Three consecutive singles by JD H, Shaun C, and Mason M scored another three runs. The scoring in the big inning was rounded out when Drew M reached on an error by the third baseman, plating Mason M. Mason M led all Boyertown batters, going 2-3, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Boyertown used three pitchers in the championship game - Bobby Y, Cole W, and Roman K, scattering six hits and only giving up two earned runs. Shaun C was named game MVP.
The Ripken Experience staff named Mason M tournament MVP. He compiled a .778 batting average for the tournament (7-for-9) with a double and a triple to go along with four walks. He scored six times.