By Sentinel Staff
After introductions, exchanging of pins, and reciting of pledges, the Sitka diamond boys decided not to share their home field as much as expected in a 17-2 mercy run rule-shortened win over Ketchikan in the Little League Alaska District 2 Majors Baseball All-Stars Tournament on Moller Field, Monday.
Ketchikan put the first run on the board in the top of the first inning as Jason Lorig hit a single, stole second base, and third on the throw, then scored on a fielder’s choice. But Sitka quickly put 6 runs across the plate in the bottom half and another 8 in the bottom of the second inning.
The District 2 Little League Major Baseball All-Star teams from Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka gather for a group photo during opening ceremonies of the District 2 Tournament at Moller Field on Monday. In round robin actio Sitka played Ketchikan on Monday, Ketchikan plays Juneau tonight, and Sitka plays Juneau tomorrow. Tournament action runs through Sunday. The District 2 winner will play in the State Tournament July 26-31, also on Moller Field. The State winner advances to the Regional Tournament in San Bernardino, California, August 4-10. The Little League World Series is in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, August 15-26. (Sentinel Photos by Klas Stolpe)
Ketchikan’s Lorig again found home plate in the top of the third inning on a hit and two steals, but Sitka put 3 runs over in the bottom half, the third by Josh McAlpin that ended the game as Sitka led by 15 runs.
Bryce Calhoun had 2 doubles and scored 2 runs, and threw a runner out at home. Emmit Johnson scored 1 run and was solid behind the plate; Chance Coleman hit a single, scored 1 run, plus sent a foul ball homer to left field; Caleb Calhoun was 1-2 and scored 2 runs; Trey Johnson had 1 hit and scored 2 runs; Kai Hirai scored 1 run and had a running catch in left field.
Juneau’s Ethan Lewis, Sitka’s Chance Coleman, and Ketchikan’s Jonathan Scoblic recite the Little League Pledge at Monday’s opening ceremonies at the Little League Alaska District 2 Majors Baseball All-Star Tournament on Moller Field. Tournament action runs through Sunday.
Rawl Weathers hit a bases-loaded double to collect 2 RBI; Brett Ross scored 2 runs, Mason McLeow had a pinch hit single and scored 1 run; Josh Gluth scored 2 runs; Samson Smith scored 1 run, McAlpin had a single, 1 run, and 2 RBI; and Evan Grant walked and scored 1 run.
Sitka runner Josh McAlpin slides home with the game ending run as Ketchikan pitcher Kain Dalton (2) covers the plate.
Bryce Calhoun and Trey Johnson combined on the mound for the win. Both gave up 1 run.
Ketchikan plays Juneau 6 p.m. tonight and Sitka plays Juneau 6 p.m. Wednesday, ending round robin action. Double elimination play begins Thursday.
Above: Juneau and Sitka players exchange pins during opening ceremonies.
Below: Sitka’s Chance Coleman connects on a pitch as Ketchikan catcher Jonathan Scoblic and umpire Dave Rigby (from Orange County, California) look on during the opening game.
Sitka runner Bryce Calhoun reaches base as Ketchikan first baseman Cash Larson (28) plays a throw.
Ketchikan second baseman Bryce Smith fields a ground ball as Sitka runners
advance during the opening game of the Little League Alaska District 2 Majors All-Star Tournament at Moller Field on Monday.
Above: Sitka catcher Emmit Johnson makes a foul ball put out against Ketchikan during the opening game of the Little League Alaska District 2 All-Stars Tournament. Below: Ketchikan runner Joseph Larson (20) tries to beat a throw to Sitka first baseman Caleb Calhoun (1).
Ketchikan’s Joseph Larson and Sitka’s Samson Smith exchange pins during opening ceremonies of the Little League Alaska District 2 Majors Baseball Tournament on Monday at Moller Field.
