With 2 run rule victories in pool play, the Dallas Patriots 11u Red nailed down the #1 seed utilizing the trinity of baseball principles with pitchers throwing strikes, the defense making plays & the offense producing timely hits. Mix in some aggressive baserunning and the 11Reds were being described as the team to beat.
The depth of the pitching staff shined throughout with outstanding performances from Ryan Hildner, Jonah Bailey, Ashton Davis, Jake Scaff, Logan Vega and Jon Urso. The top pitcher in the tournament, however, was clearly Logan Worswick, who had 3 wins (including a no-hitter) & 2 saves while striking out the top 2 hitters with the bases loaded to seal the 7-6 championship game victory.
The defense was anchored by SS Jon Urso with C Cameron Vega and C Jake Scaff blocking numerous potential wild pitches while throwing out 6 would-be basestealers. One of the 3 DPs during the tournament finished off a key 8-7 victory in the winners bracket.
Konnor Bass had a monster grand slam to set the offensive tone in the opening game! En route to the title, the Patriots patiently waited for their pitches while receiving timely hits from Grayson Jones (7 for 11 after missing games w/ an illness) and Jonah Bailey. Ashton Davis constantly exhibited the value of bunting and speed on the bases while Ryan Hildner showed the significance of the leadoff spot by reaching base 13 times. Ben Ballard had a pinch-hit single to start the winning rally before scoring the decisive run in the championship.
After winning the Championship, the team selected 3 teammates for recognition on the All-Tournament team. As evidence of how well this group of young men came to believe in one another and the contributions from all, 9 different Patriots received votes with Konnor Bass, Jake Scaff and Logan Vega (game-winning RBI in the championship) being chosen after combining for 25 hits among them. After going 11 for 18 w/ 8 RBIs & 10 runs scored while also catching both games on championship day, Cameron Vega was named as the Offensive MVP of the Tournament.


