WORLD SERIES BOUND Eagle Pass Little League Softball Juniors win Southwest United States Championship

By: Ricardo E. Calderón and Anthony Sifuentes©

The Eagle Pass Little League Softball Juniors All-Stars (14 & Under) are headed to the Little League World Series after capturing the Little League Softball Junior League Southwestern United States Regional Championship. Eagle Pass defeated Louisiana, 4-2, on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, in Santa Fe, New Mexico to capture the Southwest Regional title.

Leading Eagle Pass was Julia Cruz who pitched a complete game, going all seven innings and striking out 11 Louisiana batters, walking one, giving up just four hits, and surrendering just two runs, neither of which was earned. Melanie Mendoza had a productive day at the plate for Eagle Pass with three doubles and three of the four Eagle Pass runs scored. Cassandra Flores contributed with two singles, three RBIs and a run scored. Anna Aguado had an RBI as well.

Louisiana scored a run in the third inning and another one in the sixing inning, but it was not enough as Eagle Pass and ace pitcher Julia Cruz held on for the win.

With the victory, Eagle Pass will now move on to the Little League Softball Junior League World Series in Kirkland, Washington, where they must report by August 11th. Eagle Pass will represent Southwest United States at the Little League Softball World Series. World Series play will begin the next day, August 12th. Eagle Pass’ opponent will be the Eastern United States Champions.

Team members include Mel Mendoza, Nina Flores, Cassandra Flores, Alyssa Lopez, Julia Cruz, Anna Aguado, Flerida Castillon, Tristien Barrientos, Miryam Salinas, Daisy Diaz, Amberly Garza, and Monica Rodriguez.

Team manager is Cesar Flores and Assistant Coaches are Marcos Lopez and Becky Flores.

This is the first Eagle Pass Little League All-Star team, boys or girls, to qualify and participate in a Little League World Series.

In 2009, the Eagle Pass American Little League Baseball Majors All-Stars were only one win away from going to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania but fell to Pearland, Texas in the Southwest Regional Championship in Waco, Texas.

Congratulations to the Eagle Pass Little League Softball Juniors All-Stars. Best of Luck at the Little League Softball Junior League World Series!