Submitted photo – The Northern Humboldt Steelheads 13U
The Northern Humboldt Steelheads 13U got the USSSA World Series off to a flying start in San Diego on Wednesday, winning their opening two games at the big travel team tournament.
The Steelheads defeated the Untouchables 11-8 in their opener and got the better of the Junior Diamonds in a 15-2 rout later in the day.
The Steelheads are one of 132 teams competing at the prestigious event, which features 10 brackets in eight age groups ranging from 8U to 16U.
It’s one of many tournaments the Steelheads travel for each year in search of top competition.
“It’s advanced baseball,” head coach Mike Cline said. “We’re looking to push the envelope.”
The Steelheads, made up mostly of players from Humboldt and Del Norte counties, have impressed this summer, winning a pair of tournaments.
Submitted photo – Some of the Steelhead players pose for a photo with WWE legend Bill Goldberg in San Diego this week.
The Steelheads took first place at the Medford Memorial Day Tournament and at the Stars and Stripes Tournament in Sunnyvale a few weeks later, getting the better of the prestigious Bercovich club twice on the way to the title.
“We’ve been beating some really incredible teams,” Cline said.
The team is one of four representing the Steelheads this season, from 10U to 13U, growing together over the four years since the organization was formed.
This weekend’s World Series features teams from several states, with the Steelheads competing in the 13U AA division.
And they got the tournament off to a flying start on Wednesday, as one of only two teams in their pool to go 2-0 on the opening day.
There were plenty of offensive highlights for the Steelheads, including a Mateo Copp grand slam and a two-run homer by Jaden Lack.
Pitcher Ray Rusgrove also had a good day on the mound, while Brody Mattz had a big lead-off triple to set the tone early.
“Every day it’s somebody different,” Cline said.
The Steelheads will play two more pool games on Thursday.
On Saturday, the team will visit Petco Park to see the Padres host the Giants and will take part in a USSSA World Series parade out on the field.
