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On to state: La Grande beats Pendleton
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The La Grande 9/10-year-old All-Star team punched their tickets to the state tournament after defeating Pendleton 4-2 for the district crown Wednesday. J.C. Rodgers and Jake Workinger teamed up to halt Pendleton’s bats. “They both did a great job,” La Grande head coach Tony Boyd said. “(J.C.) did a great job hitting his spots and changing speeds. (Jake) filled in very well after Rodgers meet the maximum pitch count.” Rodgers worked the first 3 2-3 innings for La Grande. He tallied eight strikeouts and walked one. Workinger kept up the pace, He recorded six strikeouts in 2 1-3 innings. Boyd’s talk the night before came to fruition, as La Grande scored enough runs for the top of the rotation. “We came out and played baseball from the get-go,” Boyd said. The previous 7-0 loss three days before proved to be a distant memory. “The boys did a great job,” Boyd said. “Even with a few coaching mistakes thrown in the way, they came through. They didn’t let the past affect them.” La Grande broke open the game in the third inning, striking three times. A walk and four hits gave the local all-stars a 4-1 lead. Alec Cranford, Isaac Chamberlain and Rodgers each delivered hits to drive in runs. Cranford started the scoring with a double. Chamberlain capped the scoring with his second RBI of the day. “(Isaac) did a great job,” Boyd said. “He came through in the clutch moments when we needed him the most. He gave us two line-drive singles.” Now the all-stars will turn their attention to fundraising before trekking to the state tournament. Games begin on July 12. Boyd said the team has made quite a run so far. “This is an amazing run already,” Boyd said. “It’s tough enough to win two games with an experienced team, let alone a young team like we have. It’s pretty remarkable to be a part of this.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the all-star’s trip can reach Boyd at 910-6390. La Grande 013 000 — 4 7 1 W — Rodgers. L — Smith. Sv — Workinger. 2B — P, Smith, Ingerson; LG, Cranford. |
