Moorpark Little League teams fall in sectionals
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

DISTRICT 13 CHAMPS- Moorpark Little League's 11-year-old All-Star team captured the District 13 championship last week at Colina Middle School in Thousand Oaks. In the Section 1 tournament this week, the local boys advanced to the championship round but lost to Dos Pueblos. Team members include Troy Conway, Chase Fredrick, David Frank, Bradley Fullerton, Greg Gilbert, Charlie McQuinn, Justin Parr, Michael Picchini, Devin Pope, Jake Shelly, Ryan Swanson, Kevin Victoria and Trevor Weston. Bill Fredrick, Steve Swanson and John Frank were the team's coaches.

Moorpark Little League's 11year-old District 13 All-Star team finally had its great run end on Tuesday night when the team was defeated by Dos Pueblos 8-5 in the Section 1 championship.

Even though Moorpark's season is finished, head coach Bill Fredrick was proud of how far his team went.

"It was a thrill coaching the team this year," Fredrick said. "It was a great experience for these kids, and they were flabbergasted that they actually had a chance to win the state title."

After winning the District 13 championship last week, Moorpark traveled north to Goleta to play in the Section 1 tournament.

Once there, the team hung on to beat Santa Maria 10-9, thanks to a 17-hit attack. Kevin Victoria led the way with three home runs, while Michael Picchini hit one round-tripper of his own. Although the long ball was in full force for Moorpark, it was an RBI single by Jake Shelly in the bottom half of the eighth inning that would eventually clinch the game.

After losing last Sunday, Moorpark needed a win Monday against Arroyo Grande to advance to the championship game.

Moorpark got through with a 12-2 win thanks to an offense that was once again firing on all cylinders. Greg Gilbert led the way with a home run. It would, however, be the last game the team would win this season, as Moorpark lost to Dos Pueblos the next day.

"Were the kids dejected? Yeah, but after about five minutes they were back to being goofy and acting like 11-year-olds," Fredrick said. "This was a really good team that was dominant in pitching, hitting and defense.

"But more than anything, I'm going to remember the heart of this team. It seemed every game we came from behind to win. This team did a good job of fighting and battling to the end."

Fredrick coached the same team when the players competed as 8-year-olds and commented on how much the team had grown.

"It's been fun getting to see all the players improve as their age increases," Fredrick said. "Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to coach the team again next year."

According to Fredrick, many fans and family members made the trip to Goleta to see the team play. The coach was quick to point out that much of the team's success was due to the hard work of coaches Steve Swanson and John Frank, as well as the league in general.

"We've had tremendous support from the parents, and we had a lot of people watching us in the sectionals, especially the championship game," Fredrick said.

Moorpark Little League's other District 13 champions, in the 9-10 and 11-12 age divisions, both lost in the sectional round as well.