The Ceres Blaze eight-and-under travel baseball team battled back from the loser’s bracket en route to claiming the NorCal Pinto Northeast Super Regional Tournament championship earlier this month in Modesto.

The eight-team, double-elimination event was staged, July 5-9, at the Bel Passi Baseball complex.

The Blaze advanced to the West Zone World Series.

“It was really awesome to see the boys compete and play hard,” head coach Ralph Valencia said. “They surprised me. The teams we had to beat were really good.”

Ceres claimed the title after collecting back-to-back victories against host Bel Passi on July 9.

“We had to beat them twice because they hadn’t lost throughout the tournament,” Valencia said. “It wasn’t easy. But we felt comfortable against them because we played them several times. We kept our bats going throughout the games. Our pitching and fielding were flawless. The boys did awesome.”

The Blaze prevailed, 14-11 and 16-5.

Ceres totaled 24 hits, including a team-high five by Brady Anderson, and four each by Nolan Stamper and Abel Valencia.

“It was super-hot,” coach Valencia said. “Both teams were tired. Our boys really wanted to win. We knew they could do it.”

Ceres threw a pizza party after besting Bel Passi for the championship.

“We were exhausted but we celebrated,” Ralph Valencia said. “We went out for pizza.”

Ceres edged Vacaville 8-6 in the semifinals on July 9.

Vacaville won the first meeting by five runs in the opening round.

The Blaze topped Rocklin Black 20-3 and Brentwood 12-2 on July 8.

Ceres lost 14-9 to Vacaville on July 7.

The Blaze routed Golden Eagle 12-2 in the opening round on July 5.

Abel Valencia, Adrian Oliveros and Kevin Robles all turned in standout performances while pitching.

Ceres reeled off five straight wins to claim the Super Regional crown.

“It was exhausting,” coach Valencia said. “But it was worth it. We got to bring home the banner that will go up at Costa Fields.”

Blaze 9s advance

The Ceres Blaze nine-and-under travel baseball team overcame a slow start on its way to finishing in second place at the NorCal Mustang Northeast Super Regional Tournament earlier this month in Modesto.

The top two teams were awarded berths to the West Zone World Series.

Ceres’ incredible run at Super Regionals included winning three straight games en route to a finals appearance at the double-elimination tournament.

“Our goal was to make it to the championship since both teams advance,” head coach Jesus Guzman said. “The boys did a great job of bringing the energy and staying focused throughout the tournament.”

Ceres suffered a 14-4 loss while battling Rodeo in the title game on July 9 at the Bel Passi Baseball Complex.

“They have a great team,” Guzman said. “We battled for four innings. They ended up pulling away in the last two innings.”

Ceres needed to beat Rodeo twice to claim the championship.

“Once we got to the title game, we were limited on pitching,” Guzman said. “If you pitch anyone over 20 pitches, you have to give them one days rest. You have to play within the rules of the game.”

Ceres topped Brentwood, Toro and Rocklin to avoid elimination.

Ceres bested Brentwood 16-6 in the semifinals on July 8.

Ceres dominated Toro, 18-1, in the quarterfinals on July 8.

Ceres posted a 22-5 victory over Rocklin on July 7.

“At that point, it was do or die,” Guzman said. “If you lose two games, you’re out of the tournament. The kids were motivated and hungry. We won three in a row to get to the title game. We mercy-ruled everybody.”

“Our pitching staff and defense stepped up,” he added. “Hitting was contagious. The kids feed off each other.”

Ceres remained optimistic despite dropping its first game at Super Regionals, 17-16, to Toro on July 6.

Toro erased a seven-run deficit in the final inning.

“We were seen as an underdog going into Super Regionals,” Guzman said. “It was our first time playing in the tournament. We didn’t know what to expect. Once we got there, we quickly realized we had a good chance to reach the championship. Unfortunately, we didn’t win it. But it was a great experience for the kids. Not many teams from Ceres have made it past Super Regionals.”