Diablos knocked out of tournament
Sunday
First Round
I.V.B.N. 1, Yuma Diablos 0 (8)
Team Booom TX def. So Cal Elite
Tucson Show 12, H.D.B.A. 5
Equipo San Cruz Tijuana 4, Long Beach Performance 1
Ensenada Mexico 4, Tucson Show 3
Equipo San Cruz Tijuana 7, So Cal Birds 0
I.V.B.N. 5, Buzitos de Mexicali 2
Murrieta Valley Hurricanes 4, Team Booom TX 3
Monday
Semifinals
Desert Sun Stadium
Ensenada Mexico vs. Murrieta Valley Hurricanes, 9 a.m.
I.V.B.N. vs. Equipo San Cruz Tijuana, noon
Championship
Desert Sun Stadium
Semifinal winners, 3 p.m
After struggling to come up with key hits in their final pool play game, the Yuma Diablos headed to the ballpark early on Sunday morning for a round of batting practice.
However, the extra preparation was for naught and the Diablos lost 1-0 in eight innings to I.V.B.N. in the first round of the Cecil Fielder Elite World Series at Desert Sun Stadium.
A pitch from Matthew Valdez got away from Diablos catcher Danny Flores and an I.V.B.N. runner scored from third in the bottom of the eighth. Under international rules, teams start extra innings with the bases loaded.
In the top of the eighth, Flores led off with a blooper to right, but the right fielder made the catch and threw it to second for a double play and the next Diablos batter grounded out.
“I think it's a buildup of emotions. It's been an emotionally trying week,” Diablos coach Faron Owl said.
The Diablos have now played five games decided by three runs or fewer in the past three days.
Christian Marquez pitched the first three innings for the Diablos and Matt Higgins tossed the next three-and-two-thirds before being relieved by Valdez.
The 18U portion of the Cecil Fielder Elite World Series finishes up today, with Ensenada Mexico facing the Murrieta Valley Hurricanes at 9 a.m. in one semifinal and I.V.B.N. taking on Equipo San Cruz Tijuana in the other semifinal at noon. The winners play in the championship at 3 p.m. Admission is free for the final day.
