Matthew Kaplan pitched five strong innings in Surprise, AZ, last night and pinchhitter Angel Dela Torre delivered a key hit to lead the Westchester 14U Babe Ruth All-Star team to a 3 to 1 victory over Arizona in the Pacific Region quarterfinals.
Westchester plays Hawaii tonight in the semi-final round.
Kaplan allowed one unearned run and struck out seven before yielding to closer Grant Craddolph for the final two innings.
Arizona jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the third inning after a successful squeeze play. Westchester answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth.
After tying the game on a groundout by A. J. Inatsugu, manager John Lopatto called on Dela Torre with runners on second and third.
Dela Torre took the first two pitches for strikes before connecting on a line single to right.
His hit drove in Avery Allen and Carlos Jacobo to give Westchester a 3 to1 lead.
Closer Craddolph threw two scoreless innings to seal the victory.
“I was excited to get the opportunity to contribute,” Dela Torre said of his game-winner.
“We have so many great players on this team. Every night, a different player is the star. Anthony Chavez got on base three times.
“Kaplan was great. Grant shut the door. Reggie Castro turned a key double play, and Mario Morales did a great job on the bases.”
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at scott.zeidman@laslots.com
