Ruth all-star teams lose, but play again

Both 13- and 14-year-old squads advanced to the single-elimination stage of the World Series.

QUINCY, Mass. — Youngstown’s 14-year-old all-star team is seeded third heading into the single-elimination phase of the Babe Ruth World Series after losing the final game of pool play, 10-5, to Netherland, Texas, on Wednesday.

Youngstown led 3-1 after 1 1/2 innings before Texas scored seven runs in the bottom of the second inning.

“We had bad second and third innings, defensively,” manager Terry Landis said of a seven-error game by his players. Youngstown out-hit Texas, 8-7.

Against Texas, G.J. Senchak went 3-for-4 and Dan Popio added two hits for Youngstown, which finished 3-1 in pool play.

Two other teams also had 3-1 records, but Youngstown missed out on a top-seeded spot because of the excessive number of runs scored against it during Wednesday’s game.

“That killed us,” said Landis, whose team plays today at 5:30 against Palo Alto, Calif.

“We had one bad game in the state tournament and we came back and won and we had one bad game in the regional and came back and won,” said Landis. “So, I hope we do it in this World Series.”

Youngstown is one of six teams left.

13-year-olds

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The Youngstown Babe Ruth 13-year-old all-star team (2-2) finished third in the National Division after losing 11-9 to Bryant, Ark. in World Series action Wednesday.

The Youngstowners take on Sikeston, Missouri (3-1) of the National Division in a single-elimination contest today at 5:30 p.m.

“The kids were a little disappointed after playing a heck of a game against Bryant, but are excited about playing Missouri,” said Youngstown manager Anthony Raschilla.

Youngstown jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The game was tied at 9 when Bryant scored the deciding run in the sixth inning on an error.

Chris Maze hit a single, a double and scored twice for Youngstown. Danny Ferguson added a double and two singles and drove in two runs. Michael Raschilla hit three singles, while Vic Kuchmaner doubled.

Marcus Wilson hit a single and home run to pace Bryant.