TRACY — Northgate’s Nick Ridgewell laced a bases-clearing triple down the right field line in the bottom of the seventh inning Wednesday to give Northgate a thrilling 11-10 walk-off win over Patterson in consolation action of the District 67 Juniors All-Star Tournament at Monticello School.
Patterson batted around in the top of the seventh to plate four runs on just two hits for a 10-8 lead, giving Northgate just three outs to win or go home.
No. 9 batter Devon Montalvo led off the bottom of the inning for Northgate with a single and was relieved on the base paths by Willie Smith. Leadoff batter Ace Avelar (3 for 3, triple, three runs) reached base for the fifth time when he was hit by a pitch and A.J. Vasquez (3 for 5, three runs singled to load the bases, setting the stage for the heroic hit by Ridgewell (2 for 3, four RBI, run).
With Northgate clinging to a 5-4 lead in the fifth inning, Brandon Pine blasted a bases-clearing double, plating Avelar, Vasquez and Ridgewell for an 8-4 lead.
Avelar singled and Vasquez walked to start the game. After stealing second and third Avelar scored on a groundout by Ridegewell, Pine singled in Vasquez and then Pine came in on a double by Alan Ortega to make the score 3-0.
Avelar tripled to start the fourth inning and scored on a groundout by Vasquez. Ridgewell singled and came in on an error off the bat of Cody Lee (double) for a 5-2 lead.
Northgate faces tournament host Tracy today at 5:30 p.m. with the winner squaring off against Spreckels Park on Friday.