Sierra Foothill Little League's major division All-Star team defeated Penn Valley, 9-7, Thursday night in the opening round of the District 11 tournament played in Nevada City. Shown front from left, coach Craig Lynch, Wes Martinsen, Kyle Bryant, Tanner Kane, David Ballowe, Dillon Burbank, Anthony Ahrens. Top from left, coach Fred Meggs, Jay Lynch, Bailey Bean, Wes Woodward, Wade Lewis, Connor Meggs, Michael Wilson, coach Dan Wilson. Missing from photo was Patrick Reisinger.

July 4, 2008

SFLL Majors Rally Past Penn Valley, 9-7

The Sierra Foothills Little League’s major division All-Stars saved their best for last in Thursday’s opening round District 11 Tournament game at Nevada City’s Pioneer Park against Penn Valley.

Trailing for much of the game including facing as 7-1 deficit through four innings, the Colfax-based SFLL team used timely hitting and clutch late game pitching to rally for an exciting 9-7 win over their Nevada County opponents.

“It was a nice comeback,” said SFLL coach Craig Lynch. “The kids stayed in the game and just kept pecking away.”

Key hits from David Ballowe, Wade Lewis, and Connor Meggs helped bring SFLL back to within striking distance in the fourth and fifth frames.

Then in their big top of the sixth, SFLL used raps by Tanner Kane and Kyle Bryant to set the table for a two-run single by Jay Lynch which boosted the Colfax club into the lead.

Michael Wilson threw the first three frames for SFLL and did a good job allowing just one hit before David Ballowe and Wes Woodward came in in the late going to stymie Penn Valley’s offense.

Sierra Foothills now advances to Saturday’s winner’s bracket second round game at 7:30 p.m. versus Nevada City.