Babe Ruth State Championship: South Tahoe 13U heads to regionals, 14U falls just short

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It was a big weekend at Todd Field this weekend as the state championship Babe Ruth baseball tournament matched some of the region's best players.

The South Tahoe Babe Ruth All Stars 13U team triumphed with a decisive 17-6 victory over Sparks on Saturday, securing their spot in the Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest Regionals in Bakersfield, California, July 21-27.

On Sunday, the South Tahoe Babe Ruth All Stars 14U team endured a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Fallon, with the game decided on a walk-off double in the bottom of the tenth inning.

South Tahoe 13U

South Tahoe 13U started strong, scoring five runs in the first two innings. Bodie Erwin, Cayson Gomez, and Haven Moran contributed to an early lead. Otto Eckholm’s three-run single in the second inning and Cooper Isip’s two-run double in the third inning further extended their advantage. On the mound, Max Vadnais pitched two and one-third innings, allowing four runs and striking out three, while Emilio Della Ripa provided effective relief. Offensively, Gomez, Eckholm, Isip, and Colin Rhodes each had one hit, with Eckholm, Isip, and Erwin driving in two runs apiece. The team showed patience at the plate with 15 walks, and Rowen Killingsworth added two stolen bases.

With this victory, South Tahoe 13U looks to carry its momentum into the Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest Regionals in Bakersfield, aiming for continued success. The team is seeking financial support for their journey to regionals, needing funds for lodging, meals, and transportation for 13 players and five coaches. Your donation is tax-deductible. If you can help, please visit: https://gofund.me/6ef1d215

South Tahoe 14U

The South Tahoe Babe Ruth All Stars 14U team endured a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Fallon on Sunday, with the game decided on a walk-off double in the bottom of the tenth inning.

South Tahoe 14U initially led with runs from Stone Chavarri and Elijah Minshew in the first inning. Fallon took the lead in the third, but South Tahoe tied the game in the sixth inning and went ahead in the ninth with Chavarri’s RBI single. A crucial error in the bottom of the ninth allowed Fallon to tie, leading to the walk-off finish in the tenth.

Angelo Abbondandolo struck out nine over six innings for South Tahoe. Chavarri led the offense, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Dane Richey added two hits, and the team drew nine walks in a disciplined showing at the plate.

Despite the tough loss, the South Tahoe 14U team displayed resilience and skill, promising a bright future for these young athletes.

"South Tahoe Babe Ruth is proud of all our athletes this season and expresses immense gratitude to our hardworking coaches and volunteers for their dedication to the local youth. Their commitment has been instrumental in nurturing our players and fostering a love for the game in our community," said the organization.