Team outlasts San Leandro, 10-3, 8-0

The Alameda 14s All-Star Babe Ruth team earned a spot in the NorCal state tournament with its 8-0 victory over Washington Manor of San Leandro in the Babe Ruth District 4 championship last Thursday, June 28.

The victory was the second in two days over the Washington Manor team — they beat Washington 10-3 the day before — giving the Alameda 14s the District 4 title.

The District 4 double-elimination tournament was between just Alameda and Washington Manor because the Oakland team, the Oakland 14s All-Stars, played on the Oakland 15s All-Star team.

Alameda pitcher Steve Manzo pitched a gem in his completegame shutout. Manzo struck out six batters, gave up just one walk and no player from Washington Manor reached second base. Manzo pitched a no-hitter through four and two-thirds innings before finally allowing a solid single to Washington Manor third baseman Antonio Hernandez.

Manzo also drove in the first run of the game on a two-out single driving in Dominic Taylor from third base. Although Manzo did not need any run support from his team, he got plenty of it, especially from Taylor.

Taylor went three for three with a double and two singles, including an RBI single in a four-run third inning that broke the game open. Taylor also recorded a stolen base and scored two runs.

But Alameda's offense was no one-man show. Leadoff hitter Mitchell Nakahara had two hits — including a booming triple in the fourth inning — three stolen bases and scored two runs; clean-up hitter Nick Solis drove in two runs with a double and a sacrifice fly; Vincent Republicano drove in two runs with an RBI single in the third inning; and Alex Vick drove in an RBI single in the third, stole two bases and scored twice.

Alameda has the week off until the NorCal state tournament starts on Saturday, July 14 in Palo Alto.