The Palo Alto Babe Ruth 13-year-old all-stars are taking a detour on the road to a possible title in the Pacific Southwest Regional in Richfield, Utah.
Instead of taking the easy route through the winners' bracket, Palo Alto will go through the consolation bracket following its 12-8 loss to Yuma (Ariz.) on Saturday.
Palo Alto has a few days off before playing Tuesday against the winner of Taylorsville (Utah) and host Richfield -- a team Palo Alto beat in the opening round.
Yuma found holes in Palo Alto's usually tight defense and pounded 16 hits in Saturday night's second-round game.
Palo Alto's uncharacteristically shoddy play provided a stark contrast to the beautiful summer evening in Richfield, Utah.
Palo Alto committed five errors and left 10 runners on base. Palo Alto's BJ Boyd delivered another strong game with two hits, including a triple, three runs scored, and continued stellar play in center field. Freddy Avis had three hits, including an RBI double.
Jake Batchelder (a single and an RBI double) and Jordan Piha (two doubles with an RBI) also bolstered the Palo Alto attack. Batchelder started on the mound for Palo Alto, and was followed by Sam Falkenhagen and Kyle Zirbes. Zirbes, in particular, pitched well but was the victim of inopportune defensive miscues.
Palo Alto certainly had its opportunities offensively, banging out 11 hits and receiving eight walks, but couldn't cash in.
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