Valley Little Leaguers give it their best effort at state tournament

Published 10:31 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Snoqualmie Valley Little League (SVLL) Junior Baseball All-Stars had a rough start, but it turned into a good run at the state tournament in Kirkland last week before they were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion.

Their first game, on Sunday, July 16, against East Jefferson Little League from the Olympic Peninsula, was one they likely would rather forget. East Jefferson pitcher Dillon Dukek dominated Valley bats in a 10-0 five inning blowout; the game was called early due to the mercy rule.

Dukek struck eight of the first 10 SVLL hitters out en route to a two-hit shutout. Kaden Korsmo and Stephan Eytel got the only two Valley hits off Dukek.

It was a frustrating day for SVLL manager Terry Hill. “You have a good team that is plate disciplined; they’re watching for good pitches and they’re not used to low and outside strikes and they were getting called,” Hill said.

Valley starting pitcher Spencer Felix struggled on the mound, giving up all 10 runs on eight hits.

Things went much better on Monday, July 17, as SVLL thumped Spokane North Little League 15-9 to eliminate the Spokane youths from the tournament. Justin Downer went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, and Chris Davenport added two RBIs to the cause. Jake Hill was the winning pitcher in the contest.

The drive continued Tuesday, July 18, as the Valley youths rolled over North Central Little League of Seattle 7-1, eliminating them from the competition. Davenport was not only busy at the plate; he was getting it done on the mound as well. In addition to a 2-for-4, two RBI effort, Davenport shut down the North Central bats on just four hits; he struck out three and walked only two. The lone run given up by Davenport was unearned.

The win set up a rematch with the East Jefferson team last Wednesday night, July 19. It was a barnburner, as well. The kids from the Valley gave it their all until the bitter end, but fell by one run to EJ, 11-10, ending their drive. SVLL had runners on first and third bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but the last hitter struck out.

Manager Hill was assisted on the team by coaches Dick Kirschner and Tracy Kole.