Submitted photo – The RELL 11-year-old All-Stars.

A memorable summer for the Redwood Empire 11-year-old All-Stars came to an end this week at the Section tournament in Chico.

In unusual circumstances, the RELL players had to play two games in hot conditions on the same day, and suffered a pair of close losses to end their tournament.

Despite the losses, however, it was a summer to savor for the young players, who impressed on the way to winning the District 26 championship.

And along the way, this young group of players made a habit of stepping up late in games.

“We were the come-from-behind kids,” RELL manager Bob Machin said. “The games we lost, we only lost by one or two runs, and I’m hoping the kids can learn from this and go on.”

It was certainly a summer the young players will remember.

After shutting out all of their opponents at the District tournament, the Redwood Empire players traveled to Chico and won their opening game at the Section tournament on Friday night, beating East Redding 7-4.

They continued tournament play on Sunday morning against Chico Central and lost a close battle 6-5.

They then had to turn around and play a second game shortly after that, and would lose again, falling to East Redding 6-4 in an elimination game.

“I’ve been doing this for a while and I’ve never had to play a doubleheader on one day at these tournaments,” Machin said.

It was especially challenging for a group of players not used to the inland heat.

Despite the disappointment and unusual challenges facing the team, several players closed out the season with big performances, including Beckston Fisher, Chayce McGinnis and Derick Blackwell.

In the opening game on Sunday, Fisher finished 3-for-3 and scored two runs, while McGinnis was 3-for-3 with a double and Blackwell was 3-for-3 with a run scored.

Jameson Tyson (2-for-3 with a double) also had multiple hits in that loss and made several nice plays at shortstop to help set the tone on defense.

Jace Johnson got the start on the mound and threw well, giving up just two runs on three hits and striking out two, while Dean Rasmussen pitched four strong innings in relief, giving up just three hits and striking out two.

Bentley Palmer got the start on the hill against East Redding and struck out three in 4.2 innings, with Tyson coming in late and closing out the game.

Wyatt Kortsen led the way at the plate in that loss, hitting a big triple and scoring a run, while teammates Dawson Morgan, Johnson and Rasmussen each hit doubles.

Tyson added two hits and Rocco Pearson also had a base hit.

Morgan helped set the tone on defense with a good game at second base, partnering well with the always reliable Tyson at shortstop.

Rasmussen also made some nice defensive plays at both first and third base.

Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com