Jonathon Shaefer turned in a big-time performance for the Spreckels Park Little League Minors Division Dodgers Wednesday night at Brock Elliott in a 9-4 win over the rival Giants, securing the Dodgers’ spot in the championship round Sunday.
With the bases loaded for the Giants in the first inning, Shaefer dove to snag a screamer up the first base line, tagged his bag and threw home for a spectacular double play that limited the Giants’ damage.
Shaefer backed up his leather with a lethal day at the plate, finishing 3 for 3 with two doubles and five RBIs.
But Shaefer wasn’t alone.
Steven Rios also had an impressive outing, finishing with a single, a double and two more RBIs, while Mark Vicente drew a pair of walks and came around to touch both times.
Eight-year-old Chase Costa got his first start on the hill for the Dodgers, allowing three runs in three innings of work.
“We knew coming in that we were going to have to put the ball in the hands of a first-year minors player versus the Giants,” Dodgers skipper Jon Shaefer said. “The veteran leadership of Jonathon Shaefer, Steven Rios and Mark Vicente really shined, as they all contributed with their bats and gloves.”
Danny Aguilar worked the final three frames to claim the save.
“I am very proud of the way our players played,” Shaefer said. “Facing the Giants’ No. 1 pitcher was an even bigger challenge that we were able to overcome.”
The In-Shape Dodgers will face either the Giants or Phillies in the championship round.
Because the Dodgers reached the finals without a loss, they will have to be knocked off twice to surrender the crown.
Vince Cabeceiras secured the win for the Mets after holding the A’s scoreless with runners on first and second with no outs in extra frames.
Brenden Chapman was pivotal as well, turning in a game-saving catch in centerfield.
Trevor Huntoon pitched for the A’s and held the Mets scoreless through two innings of work.
The Mets play at 9:30 a.m. Saturday for the title.
With the bases loaded for the Giants in the first inning, Shaefer dove to snag a screamer up the first base line, tagged his bag and threw home for a spectacular double play that limited the Giants’ damage.
Shaefer backed up his leather with a lethal day at the plate, finishing 3 for 3 with two doubles and five RBIs.
But Shaefer wasn’t alone.
Steven Rios also had an impressive outing, finishing with a single, a double and two more RBIs, while Mark Vicente drew a pair of walks and came around to touch both times.
Eight-year-old Chase Costa got his first start on the hill for the Dodgers, allowing three runs in three innings of work.
“We knew coming in that we were going to have to put the ball in the hands of a first-year minors player versus the Giants,” Dodgers skipper Jon Shaefer said. “The veteran leadership of Jonathon Shaefer, Steven Rios and Mark Vicente really shined, as they all contributed with their bats and gloves.”
Danny Aguilar worked the final three frames to claim the save.
“I am very proud of the way our players played,” Shaefer said. “Facing the Giants’ No. 1 pitcher was an even bigger challenge that we were able to overcome.”
The In-Shape Dodgers will face either the Giants or Phillies in the championship round.
Because the Dodgers reached the finals without a loss, they will have to be knocked off twice to surrender the crown.
NORTHGATE LITTLE LEAGUE
Majors Division
Mets 6, A’s 5
Eric Flores plated Stan Garcia Jr. with a walk-off triple Wednesday night as the Mets knocked off the A’s in eight innings to secure their spot in the Majors Division championship round Saturday at Neil Hafley.Majors Division
Mets 6, A’s 5
Vince Cabeceiras secured the win for the Mets after holding the A’s scoreless with runners on first and second with no outs in extra frames.
Brenden Chapman was pivotal as well, turning in a game-saving catch in centerfield.
Trevor Huntoon pitched for the A’s and held the Mets scoreless through two innings of work.
The Mets play at 9:30 a.m. Saturday for the title.
— Brandon Petersen
