Dateline Murray, Utah – The Westchester Babe Ruth boys 14UAll-Star team defeated Utah 6 to 5 yesterday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Babe Ruth World Series.
Starting pitcher Anthony Chavez threw five spectacular innings, and closer Matthew Kaplan came in to get the final five outs to save the game.
Today, Westchester will play Missouri, seeking to qualify for the semi-finals.
Chavez complimented his defense. “The Utah team was playing very good baseball,” he said, “but I knew that if I threw strikes, the defense behind me would take care of everything. Our bats are so explosive, I knew we would score runs. The team came through and did a great job. I'm excited to be going on to the quarterfinals. ”
Utah scored first on a single, stolen base, passed ball and sacrifice fly, for a 1 to 0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Westchester came back strong in the bottom of the first. After Matthew Kampfer reached base, walks to Anthony Shabbos and Avery Allen loaded the bases, and a double by Grant Craddolph cleared them. Ethan Lazar singled in Craddolph for a 4 to 1 Westchester lead after one inning.
Westchester added to its lead in the third inning on a single and stolen base by Carlos Jacobo and a run-scoring single by Allen.
They scored again in the bottom of fourth on walks to LJ Gilliam and Kanfer, a single by Chavez and a balk that brought in the decisive run.
Utah fought back for four runs on three errors, two walks and two singles, making the score 6 to 5.
Kaplan relieved Reggie Castro in the top of the sixth and stifled the Utah rally.
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at scott.zeidman@laslots.com
