The New Westminster Junior All Stars slugged it out with the best teams from across B.C., pushing it all the way to the semifinal before being eliminated 8-6 by Lynn Valley at the provincial Major (13 and 14 year olds) Little League championships in North Vancouver earlier this month.
New West led early in the semifinal but saw a 5-3 advantage evaporate over the late innings despite strong pitching performances from the duo of Kai Storms and Mattias Ciprian.
Carter Nestman drove in a pair of RBI singles, while Dylan Hamilton stole three bases and scored twice to spark the offence.
On the other side of the ball, centerfielder Kinsale Philip made a tremendous throw to nail a runner at third base, while shortstop Alex Lazecki flashed a hot glove.
To advance to the semi-
final, New West defeated
favoured Fraser Valley 10-4. Taking on a team composed of players from Whalley, Langley and Coquitlam associations, the Royal City crew never wavered or flailed, instead coming out ahead on the strengths of a great pitching performance from Lazecki.
Over seven innings the righthander scattered four hits and three walks and limited the Valley’s big rally cry, while Jake Kain powered home three RBI on two hits. Also registering a pair of hits apiece were Hamilton and Nestman.
The other run was produced by Noah Musgrave, who drew a clutch bases-loaded walk in the third inning.
Jomar DeChavez and Ciprian also picked up hits on the day. Stepping up with steady defence was Nestman, who as catcher worked in tandem with Lazecki and caught two runners attempting to steal third base.
New West opened the tournament by blasting Lynn Valley 7-3, as Storms and Ciprian combined on a three-hitter.
Lazecki posted a pair of hits in the game and scored twice, while Michael Walters, Musgrave and Storms also recorded hits. Saving a run with a spectacular catch in right field was Gavin Pierce.
