The Turlock American Seniors are now a step closer to their goal.

They want to make it to the Senior League Baseball World Series in Bangor, Maine, on Aug. 14-20. The District 10 championship they notched on Monday means the Turlock Americans are getting closer to that destination.

But they realize they need to rack up a lot more wins before that point.

So that’s why they’re eager to continue this journey, as the Turlock Americans are preparing for next week’s Section 6 championship against Morada of Stockton at Pedretti Sports Complex. The series begins at 5 p.m.

After sections, it’s divisionals and then regionals.

“We’re heading in the right direction,” said Turlock American manager Tony Murphy, whose coaches are Jeff Mitchell and Randy Fereria. “This is why we got the team together in the first place. We’re one step closer to our goal.”

Six of this year’s Turlock American players were part of the 12-year-old group three years ago that made a deep Little League run. The group was one win away from reaching the regional finals, according to then-coach Phil Salazar. The regional is one step from the World Series.

Tyler Murphy, Jordan Gonzalez, Nick Mirza, Bret Potter, Gavin Gaffney and Blake Cedarlind were all part of that group.

“We’re looking forward to trying to make a run,” Tyler Murphy said. “We’re all motivated because of three years ago.”

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.