Dateline Moses Lake, WA – Westside Baseball's Westchester Babe Ruth 14-and-under all-star team defeated Washington, 15-0, yesterday, completing World Series pool play with a perfect 4-0 record. By remaining unbeaten, Westchester won the American Division, and earned a bye into the semifinals on Friday.
Only six teams remain in the World Series. Westchester will play the winner of this evening’s game between Florida and Arkansas. New York awaits the winner of this afternoon’s Oregon-Indiana matchup.
As for Westchester, Kaelian Woodard and Jason Zeidman combined on a two hit shutout of Washington, with Woodard throwing the first four innings, and Zeidman finishing. Woodard, honored as the game's most valuable player, explained that he loves pitching for Westchester.
“Look at this infield,” he said. “We have Saul (Martinez) at third, Kelvin (Murillo) at short, Justin (Morris) at second and big D (Derek Marshall) at first. If they hit the ball on the ground, these guys will make the play. We have a tremendous outfield (Dailin Lee, Nolan Martinez and Aaron Greenfield). Balls that would normally be triples or doubles, these guys turn them into routine outs.
“Throwing to a catcher like Jonathan Phelps is a dream come true,” Woodard said. “He blocks balls. He does everything, and he calls a great game. There isn't a better defensive team anywhere.
“Oh, and if Justin (Morris) doesn't get a Gold Glove award, they should just cancel the award. He's the best fielder in the tournament. It’s not even close for second place.”
Zeidman, who did not allow a ball out of the infield, praised Woodard.
“I've never seen Woody throw the ball harder or better,” he said. “My only concern was not blowing the shutout. It felt great to get out there and finish Woody's outstanding work.”
While Woodard and Zeidman were throwing goose eggs, the Westchester offense continued to pour on runs. Westchester came into the game averaging just over 11 runs a game. With the 15 runs against Washington, they increased their average to an even more impressive number.
As Morris has done throughout the World Series, he got things started early. He drew a walk and eventually scored the game's first run. Murillo also scored in the first, giving Westchester a 2-0 lead. Woodard and Murillo scored in the second, increasing Westchester's lead to 4-0 after two innings.
Westchester broke open the game in the third inning, scoring five runs, highlighted by a Morris triple (his third in four games) and a Saul Martinez double. Westchester erupted for six more runs in the fourth.
Murillo had three hits and scored four times. Greenfield and Saul Martinez each had three hits, and Morris knocked in four runs. Both Murillo and Greenfield stole two bases.
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at scz90230@yahoo.com
