BRS Little League All-Stars Win NorCal Championship

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by Julie Craft.]

The Belmont-Redwood Shores Little League (BRS) 11/12-year-old all-stars battled back winning Friday night against West Sacramento 12-1, advancing to the Championship game on Sat against undefeated Santa Cruz and winning 2-0. The tournament is a double elimination, so BRS had to face off against Santa Cruz again today in Roseville winning the Championship Title, 9-0.

First inning: BRS ace pitcher Sean Lee was on the mound throwing his typical heat striking out 3 batters. In the bottom the 1st, lead off Noah Marcelo was hit by the first pitch for a walk followed by Nicolas Lopez smashing a single to center field and Brad Shimabuku crushing a line drive to left field for an RBI ending the inning 1-0. 

Second inning: Nothing less than best coming from Lee in the top of the second inning once again making it look so easy as he strikes out the first 3 batters. In the bottom of the second, Marcelo had a hit but no runs scored ending the second inning, 1-0.

Third inning: Lee threw 2 strike outs and 1 grounded out as we quickly moved into the bottom the 3rd where Shimabuku smashed a line drive down the third base line for a single followed by Dominic Susa hitting a solid single and Zach Wong power hitting a double to center field for 2 RBIs. Luke Bugbee drove a single down third base line to load the bases and Noah Marcelo was walked for an RBI, ending the inning 4-0.

Fourth inning: Lee was laser focused and didn't let the rowdy opposing team rattle him as he continued to strike out 2 of the 4 batters, and his teammates catching a pop-fly for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the fourth, Shimabuku continued to hold his strong batting average for another single followed by Susa who was hit by the pitch and walked, Lee smoking the ball to right field for a RBI Double and Bugbee hitting a single to once again load the bases.  The inning ended 5-0. 

Fifth inning: Lee was at the top of his game once again 3 up and 3 down all strike outs by Lee the dominator. In the bottom of the 5th, Marcelo hit a single to center field followed by Lopez crushing an out of the park 2 RBI homerun and Shimabuku on fire with another out of the park homerun. Lee walked, Jake Stulbarg hit to center for a single, Taylor Douglis crushed the ball into right field for an RBI, ending the inning 9-0.

Sixth inning: pressure is on and the crowd is tense as Lee continues his all-star success striking out not only 3 batters, but 4 because one made it safely to first base on a drop 3rd strike rule, with BRS winning the championship game 9-0. 

Sean Lee pitched a 1-hit game throwing 16 insanely impressive strike outs supported by his all-star defensive and hitting team!

BRS wins Northern California Division title, which has not been won by Belmont in 72 years. BRS team advances to compete in the Western Region Tournament starting Friday at 4pm where the winning Regional team will advance to compete in the Little League World Series.

Manager Rudy Lopez told this same group of boys 3 years that he was preparing them for a shot to play in the 2013 Little League World Series and his commitment to these boys is coming true as they move one step closer on the road to Williamsport, PA. 

A big shout of thanks to the amazing dedication and commitment of the Manager Rudy Lopez, and All-Star Coaches Kevin Lee, Peter Anderson and Steve Susa and to all the parents and community members who drove up to cheer on our team!