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The McKinleyville Junior All-Stars will play for the Section championship on Tuesday evening as they continue another impressive postseason run this month.
The young Mack All-Stars made it three wins in three Section tournament games on Sunday, comfortably taking care of business against Quincy and winning 16-1.
The victory leaves McKinleyville as the only remaining unbeaten team in tournament play.
After a day off on Monday, the McKinleyville players will return to action on Tuesday evening, needing just one win in two games to secure the championship and advance to the upcoming NorCal State Tournament.
And with the way his players are playing right now, manager Jamie Arredondo believes they will be tough to stop.
“Honestly, every game we’re playing better baseball,” Arredondo said.
And different players are stepping up every game for the District 26 champs.
On Sunday, it was the turn of the bottom of the order, with Aidan Irving, Calen Ponte, Cooper Jones and Zayd Sandifer all contributing and showcasing exactly why they were included on this year’s team.
“The bottom of our lineup has been stepping up,” Arredondo said. “Those four, their bats have come alive, and every game they get better and better.
“They came out (on Sunday) and they got big hits for us.”
And that wasn’t all for Sandifer.
He also played some solid defense at first base, as did the reliable Rowdy Furber.
“I don’t think they missed a play at first base,” the McKinleyville manager said of the impressive duo, who split time.
Breyden Brock got the start on the mound and threw 35 pitches, as did Teoh Arredondo in relief, before Nate Ryan came in to close out the game
All three McKinleyville pitchers kept the Quincy bats in check and never allowed their opponents get into any sort of a rhythm.
All three will also be available for the championship round.
“We’re excited and we’re in really good shape,” Jaime Arredondo said. “We’ve got everybody available.”
Tuesday’s game starts at 5 p.m., and the wo teams will play again at 7:30 if necessary.
Categories: baseball, Little League, McKinleyville Little League, Slider, Youth sports
