Nevada City 11-year-olds hold off Bear River, 22-21

In a football-like final result, Nevada City’s 11-year-old Little League All-Stars held off Bear River 22-21 in a wild District 11 Area II tournament game Wednesday night in Penn Valley.

The winning Nevada City team seemed to have things under control in the contest as they entered the last frame with a comfortable 10-run, 22-12, lead.

However, Bear River wouldn’t quit. Throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Nevada City, Bear River rallied for 10 runs and had the tying run on base before the winners were able to get the final out of the frame.

The win for Nevada City advances the team into tonight’s 5:30 p.m. Area II title game contest against Penn Valley. A Penn Valley win would give the title to PV while a Nevada City victory would force another championship game on Friday also at 5:30 p.m.

The Area II survivor will then meet the Area I winner – either Auburn or Rocklin – in the District 11 championship series, which is slated to begin on Sunday in Penn Valley starting at 5 p.m.

A game two if needed would be played Monday at Lincoln starting at 7 p.m. while a third game – also if necessary - would shift back to Penn Valley next Tuesday.

Both teams had a host of big hitters in the win.

Robert Sekerak (3x5) and Michael Sekerak (2x3) sparked the offense while teammates Jullian Belluomini, Dylan Conger and Patrick Herbert all paired hits.

Bear River was led by Steve Ertola who collected three hits and Brodie Beck and Chris Lopez who had two each.

Penn Valley 5 Nevada City 4 - Nevada City will be trying to bounce back in tonight’s game against Penn Valley. On Tuesday, Nevada City had a 4-0 lead with two outs in the sixth inning but PV rallied for a 5-4 win.

Rhys Lycjberg delivered the game-winning blow for PV. Other big bats in the comeback included important hits from Brandon Fouse, Alex Voboril, Kendall Clark and Anthony Geiphman.

Dylan Conger had a good game on the mound for Nevada City by chalking up nine strikeouts.