The Ceres Blaze travel baseball program had three teams compete at the NorCal Northeast Region West Zone World Series.
8s
The Ceres Blaze eight-and-under travel baseball team compiled an 0-2 record at the eight-team double-elimination tournament, staged July 13-16, in Rodeo.
“It was a quick turnaround from Super Regionals,” head coach Ralph Valencia. “We were exhausted.”
“Making it to the World Series was awesome,” he added. “It was a really good experience for the kids.”
Host Rodeo knocked Ceres out of the tourney with a 2-1 win on July 14.
The Blaze left the bases loaded twice during the game.
“We battled,” Valencia said. “We didn’t get any timely hits.”
Ceres lost despite holding a 7-2 advantage in hits.
Santiago Pena batted 2-for-3 with one RBI and three stolen bases.
Nolan Stamper batted 2-for-4 with one run and two stolen bases.
Daniel Guevara batted 2-for-2 with one walk and four stolen bases.
Daniel Perez batted 1-for-3.
Kevin Robles started at pitcher.
He allowed one run and two hits with eight strikeouts and two walks in 31/3 innings.
Relief pitcher Abel Valencia gave up one run and no hits with six strikeouts and one walk in two innings.
Ceres lost 13-0 to eventual-champion West Covina in the first round on July 13.
“That was a tough draw,” coach Valencia said. “They’re the best team we’ve seen all year.”
The Blaze qualified for the West Zone World Series after taking first at the NorCal Pinto Northeast Super Regional Tournament.
Ceres placed second at the Bel Passi All-Star Tournament in Modesto and third at the Memorial Classic in Irvine.
The Blaze didn’t place at the TPR Tournament in Modesto.
“It was a long season,” Ralph Valencia said. “The boys played really well. They never gave up. It was fun to see the growth.”
9s
The Ceres Blaze nine-and-under travel baseball team dropped a pair of games.
“It was definitely a good experience for us,” head coach Jesus Guzman said. “We haven’t been there as a team before. We’ll know what to expect next year.”
Eventual runner-up Simi Valley eliminated Ceres from the tourney with a 20-0 win on July 14 in Walnut.
Ceres lost its opening game, 17-0, to Orange on July 13.
“It’s very competitive,” Guerrero said while talking about the tournament field. “You have the best teams from all of the Zones. Our boys battled. I’m proud of them. It was a good steppingstone as a team to be there.”
The Blaze punched their ticket to the West Zone World Series after finishing second at the NorCal Mustang Northeast Super Regional Tournament.
“The boys played really well during the course of the season,” Guzman said. “They got along great. Hopefully, we get back there (West Zone World Series) again next year.”
12s
The Ceres Blaze 12-and-under travel baseball team compiled a 1-2 record in the Bronco division of the eight-team double-elimination tournament, staged July 20-23 in Moreno Valley.
The Blaze lost 14-5 to La Canada in the opening round on July 20.
Ceres edged Apple Valley 11-8 in the loser’s bracket on July 21.
San Diego eliminated the Blaze from the tourney with a 7-6 victory on July 22.
Ceres head coach Jorge Guerrero couldn’t be reached for comment.
