Bronco All-Stars Win Section Crown

While Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby was going on at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, the Pacific Palisades Bronco all-stars were busy putting forth quite a hitting display of their own Monday afternoon in the championship game of the Pony Section 1 Tournament at the Palisades Recreation Center.

When shortstop Emmett Collins fielded a ground ball and threw across to first base for the final out, Palisades finally had cause for celebration after three games of domination in which they scored 41 runs and pounded out 39 hits to advance to the Super Regional Tournament.

William Winkenhower pitched three innings, allowing four base hits and three runs with two strikeouts, Spencer Howard had one strikeout in his third of an inning and Jason Starrels pitched three and two thirds innings, allowing one run on four hits with two strikeouts.

As solid as its pitching was, however, it was Palisades' prowess at the plate that stood out. Gabe Stewart led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Howard, Starrels and Nick Hurley had two hits apiece and Emmett Collins doubled and had two RBIs, as did Hurley and Hank Korsan.

Monday's game was a rematch of Palisades' 14-10 victory in the opening round of the Section 1 Tournament and, once again, the host team roared back to win after falling behind early. East Long Beach scored one run in each of the first three innings but Palisades took over after that, scoring two in the bottom of the third, three in the fourth, three in the fifth and two in the sixth.  

"We've haven't rattled when we've gotten behind because we know it's a long game," Howard said. "It's seven innings [in all-stars] and you have time to get back in it."

The Pony West Zone Southern California Super-Regional Tournament begins July 21 in Whittier and consists of the top 16 Bronco all-star teams in Southern California.

The Palisades Bronco all-stars are: Will Bantle, Emmett Collins, Dylan Damavandi, Spencer Howard, Nick Hurley, Hank Korsan, Zack Lynch, Jack McNamee, Adam Snyder, Jason Starrels, Gabe Stewart, Matt Ursin-Smith, William Winkenhower and Nick Witham.

On the opposite diamond at the Field of Dreams, Palisades' Mustang all-stars edged Santa Monica 6-5 Monday to force a decisive game Tuesday in the Pony District 1 Tournament.

Santa Monica had beaten Palisades 3-2 in extra innings in the first game of the tournament, but Palisades advanced through the loser's bracket to earn a rematch in the championship round.

Monday's game was similar to the first. After each team scored two runs in the first inning, Palisades added two in top of the third. Santa Monica got a run back in the bottom half, and each team scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings.

Harrison Listen had RBIs in the first, third and fifth innings and Will Coquillard had RBIs in the first and fifth innings for Palisades, which has already clinched a spot in the Sectional playoffs but can improve its seeding by winning the District title Tuesday.  

Justin Howard doubled in the fourth to drive in Shane Skelly, who pitched the first three innings. 

Nico Chapus pitched the last three innings and had a strikeout in the sixth before tagging out Zane Metz in front of first base for the final out.

"I was really nervous," Chapus admitted. "I didn't want to give up a run at the end."

Palisades had needed only four innings to mercy its three previous opponents but got all it could handle from Santa Monica on Monday.

"This was a very well played game by both teams," Palisades Manager Jason Reese told his team in the dugout after the game. "Be proud of yourselves, but be ready for tomorrow. We have one more game to win here."

Tuesday's championship game starts at 4:30 p.m. on Field 1.

Palisades' Mustang all-stars are: Justin Howard, Nico Chapus, Bryant Reese, Harrison Listen, Shane Skelly, Will Coquillard, Xander Hurley, Andrew Arth, Russell Cohen, Jack Rocchio, Jack Sandifer and Nick Kerkorian.

Click here for more images of Monday's Pony Baseball All-Star Tournament games.