South Pasadena Little League 11 year old Major Baseball All Stars win the 2017 District 16 Championship

SPPL continues amazing winning streak

Team Photo | Front Row from the Left Baron Lutz, Jason Yipp, Jonathon Bracamonte, Joshua (Finny) Ho, Henry McDonald, Luke Riffle, Devin Robinson, Nolan Adams, Ivan Beccera, Calhoun Lutz Back row from Left Coach Devin Robinson, Manager Stephen McDonald, Coach Ed Riffle, Phillip Ocon.

The District 16 All Star Tournament kicked off at South Pasadena’s own Nelson field. South Pasadena Little League (SPLL) hosted this year’s tournament where Los Angeles, Alhambra, Temple City National, El Monte National, and two SPLL teams battled for the District Title.

Game 1 SPLL defeats Temple City National 10-1

South Pasadena’s Major All Stars kicked off the tournament with a win against Temple City National. Devin Robinson and Phillip Ocon both hit home runs in the first inning for an early lead. Temple City National was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error, but they couldn’t compete with the South Pasadena offense. The game ended early after the fourth inning because of Little League International’s 10 run “Mercy” rule. SPLL’s biggest inning was driven by a fielder’s choice by Jason Yipp, a single by Luke Riffle, a single by Henry McDonald and a single by Baron Lutz. Nolan Adams lead the team in RBI’s, driving in runs on a double in the third inning and a double in the fourth inning. Adams also earned the win for SPLL. He went two innings, giving up zero runs, one hit, striking out two, and walking zero. Both Ivan Beccera and Jonathan Bracamonte contributed to the win, each collecting multiple hits.

- Advertisement -

GAME 2 SPLL defeats El Monte National 10-0

SPLL again jumped out to an early lead over El Monte National. Baron Lutz drove in two when he singled in the first inning. Luke Riffle contributed with a home run in the second inning and Calhoun Lutz hit a solid double. The game broke open in the third inning when SPLL scored five runs. Ivan Beccera started the rally with a solid single, Jason Yipp homered and Henry McDonald doubled. Nolan Adams earned the win. He threw three innings, allowing zero runs, one hit, striking out two, and walking one. SPLL didn’t commit a single error in the field.

GAME 3 SPLL defeats Temple City National 38-0

Under Little League International rules, games are required to play 3 and ½ innings before the “mercy rule” can end the game. SPLL All Stars showcased their hitting in the final game with a crushing win over Temple City National. Nolan Adams led the effort by driving in 11 runs and dominating on the mound. Adams earned the win for SPLL. He tossed two innings, allowing zero runs, zero hits, striking out four, and walking zero. In addition to his incredible performance on the mound, Nolan Adams homered 3 times in the first inning, including two grand slams. SPLL’s bats were unstoppable. Devin Robinson contributed with a home run in the first inning and Henry McDonald homered in the first and third innings. Overall SPLL had 25 hits in the game. Baron Lutz, Ivan Becerra, Joshua (Finny) Ho, Jonathon Bracamonte, and Jason Yipp each collected multiple hits. SPLL’s defense was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. After the third inning, the game was finally called and SPLL captured the District 18 Championship for the first time since 2012.

SPLL’s Major All stars continue playing. The team now represents District 18 in the Section Tournament. The Section 3 Tournament is hosted by West Covina Little League and SPLL’s first game is Wednesday, July 12, 2017 against Upland Little League, representing District 23.