The 2018 Memorial Day Tournament opened up for the 12u team against the Desert Prospects out of California.  The team faced one of the better pitchers they had seen all season but found a way to scratch an early run across.  The game stayed low scoring throughout, until LVBA pushed across 4 in the 3rd with a huge run scoring single by Cooper C.  Kaleb S took it from there, in the best pitched game of the season, finishing off a complete game shutout for the 5-0 victory.

Unfortunately, the momentum wasn’t sustained by the team.  The Grizzlies jumped out in the first with a 9 spot and never looked back.  Robert C pitched effectively to keep the team alive, also provided an RBI groundout, driving in Braden S who had 2 hits in the game, but it wasn’t enough as the team lost 13-1.

Despite the loss, the team still had a chance to advance to the playoffs, but would have to do so against a tough Vegas Vipers team.  The team fell behind early again giving up a 4 spot in the 1st inning.  Sebastian L brought the team closer with a solo HR to center in the 2nd inning, but again it wasn’t enough as the team lost 12-2.

The team wrapped up pool play against the Kihula Warriors, HI looking to even their record for the tournament.  This time it was LVBA who started off fast with a leadoff double by Sebastian L, and was followed up by RBI singles from Cooper C and Braden S.  Braden S then held the Warriors down with 4 quality innings on the mound giving up 1 run.  The offense finally started clicking with 2 doubles from Vincent R, 2 hits from Kaleb S and Cooper C, and key RBIs from James O, and Robert C for a 7-3 victory.

The win put the LVBA team at 2-2 for the weekend, which is a great improvement from last year.  Two special mentions go to Kaleb S who reached base 8 times in the 4 games, and lined out in his other 3 at bats, and Ryan K who helped out from the 11u team and played in 9 games over the tournament.  Next up for the 12u is the TOC in Utah, and then….Cooperstown!!