Championship Series Game 1: West Raleigh 10U Blue 14, Supper Optimist 4

West Raleigh took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three state championship series with a 14-4 win over Supper Optimist in a game shortened to four innings by the run rule.

The game featured some amazing fortune-telling by Coach Sean and Coach Kevin. 10U Blue had battled back from deficits of 3-1 and 4-2 to tie the score at four in the fourth. After a 1-2-3 top of the frame, Coach Kevin said, “I think it’s time that we’re going to break it open.” Coach Sean then gathered the team around him and gently requested a 10-run inning. Five hits, four walks and a hit batter later, that’s exactly what he had, as West Raleigh sent 14 hitters to the plate in the fourth to end the game.

That was more than enough offense to support a stellar pitching effort that allowed just two hits, backed by a defense that overcame a couple hiccups to make timely plays when needed.

Game two of the championship series is scheduled for Monday at 5:30, weather permitting.

Championship 1 WR 10U Blue scoring plays

First inning

Bryce singled and took third when the ball skipped to the fence. After a walk to Banks, Bryce stole home.

Score after one inning: WR 10U Blue 1, Supper Optimist 1

Second inning

Ben singled. Andrew was hit by a pitch. Colin reached on a fielder’s choice. Elias drew a two-out RBI walk.

Score after two innings: Supper Optimist 3, WR 10U Blue 2

Third inning

Gavin drew a one-out walk. Chace singled. Ben smashed a two-run double.

Score after three innings: WR 10U Blue 4, Supper Optimist 4

Fourth inning

Elias worked a one-out walk. A wild pitch moved him to second. Bryce was hit by a pitch. A wild pitch moved up both runners. Banks drove in Eli with a fielder’s choice that featured textbook baserunning by Elias. Gavin demolished a backbreaking three-run homer. Chace walked. Ben was hit by a pitch. Andrew hit an RBI double. Colin hit an RBI single. Joe and Asher walked. Bryce smacked an RBI single, and then Banks—who has decided he likes hitting in walk-off situations instead of being on deck—ended things with an RBI single.

Score after four innings: WR 10U Blue 14, Supper Optimist 4




Pitching Performances

Andrew started and fanned a pair.

Joe worked a strong three innings of relief, including retiring the final five hitters he faced.

Championship 1 Web Gems

•   Gavin raced out to shallow left field to haul in a popup over shortstop in the fourth.

•   The first pitcher on Monday to cover first base on a ball to the right side will receive an automatic Web Gem.

Championship 1 line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Supper Optimist	1	2	1	0	X	X	4	2
WR 10U Blue	1	1	2	10	X	X	14	9