The 12u LVBA Lightning TEAM competed in the Diamond Duel tournament this past weekend. The two day tournament brought a lot of emotion for these young men. The Bolts started out the tournament going 2-0, with a huge comeback win, erasing a 6 run deficit in just two innings. The Bolts went on to win 10-9 against the Grizzlies. Great hitting performances from Big Kat H., Tanner T., & Ty Kuwata helped erase the deficit. Kyle J. picked up the win in the game after throwing 1 2/3 shutout innings.

In game 2 of the double header the Bolts were off to a much better start behind a great pitching performance from Tanner T., throwing a 4 inning shutout over 51 pitches. The Bolts broke it open in the 7th with back-back-back doubles to open the game up to a 7 run lead. The Bolts went on to win 8-0.

The Lightning finished the day as the 2 seed. They would go on to play the 7 seed Las Vegas Scorpions Green. The boys picked up where they left off and opened up with a 4-0 win behind another shutout from Eisa K. and great team defense.

The semifinal game was the next task, as the boys were prepared to play three games on the day. The Lightning opened up with a 3 run HR from Tanner T. to take an early lead. Big Kat H. also launched a 3 run HR in the 3rd to take the lead. (7-5) Kenji O pitched 4 innings allowing 3 earned runs and striking out 4. Chad L. went on to drive in 3 with a clutch double in the 4th. The bolts would fall short on the day giving up 5 runs late in the 5th to ultimate end their time in the tournament.

I am proud of the development we have seen in these young men. As our journey to Cooperstown 2019 begins, this was a great step for our team to keep building in the right direction.