The Culver City Little League 11-12-year-old All-Star team had a successful start in their “Road to Williamsport” quest, defeating rival Beverly Hills, 9 to 5, on Sunday afternoon before a capacity crowd at Bill Botts Field.
Culver City’s next game is on Wednesday at 5 at Bill Botts Field against West Los Angeles.
Starting pitcher Eli Saucedo threw two solid innings, and contributed his first home run, a deep shot over the right field fence.
Michael Netzel drove in two runs with a line drive shot to the fence. Beverly Hills battled back, and led 5 to 4 in the bottom of the fourth inning when the Culver City bats caught fire.
Nicholas Tuanchean belted a towering two-run home run over the centerfield fence, giving Culver City a 6 to 5 lead.
Jason Zeidman then singled to center, followed by a Saucedo ground-rule double to right. Zeidman and Saucedo scored on wild pitches, giving Culver City the final four-run margin. Closer Nolan Martinez came in to shut down Beverly Hills, earning the victory.
