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11-year-olds square off in tight game
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It was another triple digit day throughout the Valley as the 11-year-old Turlock American All-Stars shutout the Turlock National All-Stars, 2-0, at Soderquist Park on Wednesday.

The pitching for the American side was lights out as Andy Owen started the game and tossed 86 pitches in five innings of work, struck out 10 and allowed only three hits. Ryan Leonesio closed the game and tossed a shutout inning to secure the victory behind a defense that committed only one error all game.

“I think we all played together as a team, but obviously Andy Owens was special tonight, he not only won it but his strikeout to inning ratio was two to one which is incredible,” American All-Star head coach Steve Abrams said.

The first run for the American team came in the bottom of the second after Matt Livingston stole home after a pickoff attempt at second base led to a pass ball and made it 1-0. The following inning, Owen belted a solo homerun to tack on the second run and secure the 2-0 victory.

Offensively, Owen went 2-for-3 with a homerun, behind a defense that committed only one error for the game. Jonah Thompson added on going 1-for-1 with a double.

For the National side, Luke Redman started the game and went two innings, allowing one run. Daniel Orosco would then follow with three innings, allowing the second run. Chris Avalos pitched the final inning for the National squad shutting out the side. Avalos walked twice for the game and Ethan Fisher went 3-for-3.

“Once again, it was pretty hot outside and our pitching kept us in the game just like the first game. We  went with the same strategy, but their pitching was extremely well and hot today,” National All-Star head coach Robert Tury said. “I know it was a loss, but I am proud of the kids.”

The American 11-year-old All-Stars will face off against the winner of the Turlock National v. Los Banos game and will be playing today.

“We know nobody is going to lay down for us; we gotta go out and play every day. I just let them know that they cannot forgot to go out and have fun and that there will be errors and you need to overcome and trust your character. Our kids are good about it; they know there is failure, but they are a great group of kids,” Abrams said.