Auburn All-Star teams roll in debuts

Little League Baseball, by Journal Sports Staff

FORESTHILL — The Auburn 9-10-Year-Old All-Star baseball squad scored eight runs in the second inning to pull away from Lincoln for a 12-0 victory in the first round of the Little League District 11 Area 1 Tournament.

Auburn earned a second-round matchup next Tuesday, July 9, against Rocklin, which edged Tri-City 9-8 in extra innings on Monday.

“After just three weeks, the kids have already come together as a team,” said Daryl Henry, an assistant coach for Auburn manager Jim Gray. “We just need to put them on the field and get out of the way.”

Michael Gray gave up only two hits, in the first and fourth innings, to earn the win on the mound. He tossed nine strikeouts, hit one batter and didn’t walk any. The game was stopped after four innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

Shortstop Josh Klem did well in the field and catcher Travis Tidd had a strong game behind the plate.

Ryan Lipsmeyer and Gray each had a single, double and two RBIs to lead Auburn at the plate. During the eight-run second inning, Tim Bendana had a two-run double and Lipsmeyer a one-run double.

Auburn Juniors 12, Grass Valley 3 at Rocklin — Joshua Brunsmann threw a one-hitter with seven strikeouts and two walks as Auburn’s age-13-14 squad romped in its opener at Twin Oaks Park. Grass Valley’s hit was an RBI single in the third.

Auburn will play host Rocklin at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, July 10, in the second round at Twin Oaks.

With 13 hits coming from 10 players, Auburn’s depth showed as it led 6-1 after three innings and cruised.

“Obviously when your pitcher throws a one-hitter you’re going to do well, but we also showed up with our bats,” Auburn manager Rob Burgard said. “Everybody swung the bat well. When your subs are hitting well, too, it’s pretty tough to beat you.”

Chris Warmuth went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Lucas Elia and Ron Davidson each had two hits and three RBIs to lead the way.

Brunsmann added a double and Brett Burgard, Justin Wright, Kyle Thompson, Steven Beck and Stephen Ragusano each had a single.

On defense, Davidson made some nice catches in right field and Elia made good plays at shortstop and second base.