The Little League season has finally come to a close for a pair of Turlock American Little League All-Star squads, as the TALL 10s and 11s each were eliminated from the NorCal state tournament last week.

The 10s were the first to see their dream season end after experiencing a pair of losses at Hiller Park in McKinleyville. The first came by the hands of eventual champion Twin Cities Little League by a 9-3 score in the opening game on July 22. Elimination came when they played Aptos Little League last Monday in the first game of the loser’s bracket, falling by a 7-2 score.

“I’m glad the boys got to experience this run we had all the way to state,” said head coach Brian Fowlkes. “Although we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, the experience they gained is definitely something to build on for next year. If the boys work hard and practice consistently, I don’t see any reason why we can’t be in contention next year as well.

“I’m really pleased to see the boys so eager for next year,” he added. “They’re a hungry group of kids and it was an honor to work with them every day this summer. The boys, my coaching staff and myself are all very excited to be part of a program that’s always in contention for All-Stars. We love representing Turlock American Little League.”

The 11s also took the field at Garfield Park in Napa on July 22, taking on top seeded Quito-Saratoga Little League, losing by a 10-0 score. They managed to stay alive on Tuesday after beating Madera 9-7, but were eventually eliminated by Lafayette 18-5 on Wednesday. Despite not coming home with another banner, the team’s fourth place finish is something head coach Tommy Waterson wants his players to be proud of.

“I am extremely proud of this team,” he said. “Taking fourth in state is quite an accomplishment. This group of boys has come so far in the past year. It will be exciting to see what they do next year.”