Area II Champs

Bear River's Jr. Division All-Stars celebrate after winning the Area II title Monday night at Condon Park in Grass Valley. Bear River defeated Nevada City and opens a District 11 championship series tonight against Rocklin again at Condon Park starting at 7 p.m. Shown front from left, Caleb Van Patten, Trevor McGhee, Sam Houston, Michael Raigoza, Troy Runte. Middle row from left, manager Matt Sween, Jake Sween, Nathan Mansuetti, Chris Nix, Shane Soria, Robert Bristol, Josh Toft, Brandon Bump, Sammy Aguilar. Top row coaches Eric Van Patten and Jess Soria.

July 8, 2008

BR Juniors Take Area II Title; Meet Rocklin Tonight

After a pair of one-run nail biters with Nevada City, the Bear River Jr. Division All-Stars figured enough was enough.

Playing in a winner-take-all District 11 Area II championship game Monday night at Condon Park, Bear River left little doubt in the third meeting between the two teams as the south county squad posted an easy 11-1 win.

The victory now vaults Bear River into the District 11 championship series against Rocklin. Game One is slated to begin tonight at 7 p.m. at Condon Park.

Rocklin defeated Auburn, 3-1, Monday night and will bring an undefeated tournament record with them into the championship series.

Bear River, meanwhile, is 2-1 in tourney play, and must defeat Rocklin tonight to force a deciding Game Two in the series Wednesday night at Tri-City Park in Rocklin.

In Monday’s win over Bear River, pitcher Sam Houston was tough the whole way for the winners as he kept Nevada City’s offense off balance with a strong fastball and a good breaking pitch.

At the plate, Robert Bristol drove in three runs with two hits while teammates Trevor McGhee added two more RBIs with a 3x4 game.

Josh Toft and Sam Aguilar both fashioned 2x2 games while Nate Mansuetti and Caleb Van Patten both added run scoring singles.