The Ceres 8-and-under all-star baseball team continues to perform at a high level.
Ceres defended its home turf this past month by taking first at the George Costa Tournament.

"They're not getting lucky and favorable calls," head coach Gerardo Hernandez said. "They're getting rewarded for their hard work. It's pretty special. I hope it continues. But as long as these boys are learning and growing that's the ultimate goal."

The All-Stars improved their overall record to 12-0.

Ceres also captured titles at Riverbank and Bel Passi.

"We haven't lost a game all season," Hernandez said. "We have a talented group. They don't get too high or too low. That's extraordinary considering they're eight year olds."

The All-Stars won all five of their games at the Costa tourney.

Marcus Olivas belted two home runs.

"You always want to defend your home turf," Hernandez said. "The kids responded by playing harder. They keep excelling. They dominate games from start to finish."

Top-seeded Ceres bested second-seeded Bel Passi 8-2 in the championship game on June 30.

Adrian Vega had a two-run homer in the fifth inning.

"Everybody, up and down the lineup, was hitting," Hernandez said. "Everybody played great defense. I honestly thought it was going to be a tight ball game. We just kept making plays."

Ceres beat Bel Passi (14-9) in seeding play on June 25.

Olivas crushed two home runs, including a three-run shot and solo blast.

The All-Stars have a 12-player roster: Olivas, Vega, Carter Hernandez, Isaias Valdovinos, Caden Mendonca, Julian Jacinto, Ezequiel Verduzco, Roman Parodi, Myles Vath, Gabriel Malagon, Jason Sylva and Dominic Delatorre.

Jesus Vega, Gabriel Cordova and Daniel Guzman are assistant coaches.
Ceres will play in the Los Banos Blaze Travel Baseball Kid Pitch Tournament, July 15-16.

"We really don't talk about winning," Gerardo Hernandez said. "The focus is being competitive. The kids don't take innings off."