The Turlock Little League Seniors’ season ended prematurely last weekend after they suffered back-to-back defeats at the District 8 Section 6 Tournament in Stockton.
That’s terrible news for a team that was looking to go far, but coach Ben Cantrell said the run was “really surprising.” Cantrell didn’t draft his 15 players, as he said they were “given” to him.
Despite it all, his squad had a pretty good run.
His team of All-Stars won the District 10 title before trying to move on at last weekend’s double-elimination tournament. But Cantrell said the Turlock Seniors faced tough competition, in addition to committing errors that shouldn’t have made on an all-grass infield, which was unfamiliar to the players.
But some of the players and Cantrell look to do it again next season. One player who’s not returning is Andrew Pulido, who will surpass the age limit by the time next season rolls around. Pulido, a pitcher, played an important role this season along with such players as shortstop Jesse Meraz, first baseman Zach Cantrell and catcher Jose Mendoza.
“This team was given to me,” Ben Cantrell said. “And how the team came together was phenomenal, the unity, their trusting one another on and off the field. That made the difference. That’s why they were District 10 champions.”
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
That’s terrible news for a team that was looking to go far, but coach Ben Cantrell said the run was “really surprising.” Cantrell didn’t draft his 15 players, as he said they were “given” to him.
Despite it all, his squad had a pretty good run.
His team of All-Stars won the District 10 title before trying to move on at last weekend’s double-elimination tournament. But Cantrell said the Turlock Seniors faced tough competition, in addition to committing errors that shouldn’t have made on an all-grass infield, which was unfamiliar to the players.
But some of the players and Cantrell look to do it again next season. One player who’s not returning is Andrew Pulido, who will surpass the age limit by the time next season rolls around. Pulido, a pitcher, played an important role this season along with such players as shortstop Jesse Meraz, first baseman Zach Cantrell and catcher Jose Mendoza.
“This team was given to me,” Ben Cantrell said. “And how the team came together was phenomenal, the unity, their trusting one another on and off the field. That made the difference. That’s why they were District 10 champions.”
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
