By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Two 13-year-olds gave Del Rio plenty to build on despite a 10-0 loss to the Caribbean representative Sunday afternoon in the Babe Ruth 14U World Series in Eagle Pass.
Thirteen-year-old Alejandro Salas turned in a strong performance on the mound, pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs against one of the tournament’s top offenses.
“Alejandro did an outstanding job and was able to keep the game neck and neck,” Del Rio manager Derome West said. “We were impressed with his effort, and we’ll get him back on Tuesday.”
Behind the plate, fellow 13-year-old Eddie Amezcua III went 1-for-2 and anchored the team’s defense while earning Del Rio’s Player of the Game honors.
“Eddie is a natural leader with a sky-high baseball IQ, and he’s always the player every coach wants,” West said. “He owns the catcher’s position and doesn’t want to give it up, even for a moment. He was very impressive today.”
Following Salas on the mound, Yadier Ozuna worked 2 2/3 innings before Ryan Herrera recorded the final out.
“The boys were determined and enthusiastic. We played them neck and neck, but mistakes caught up with us,” West said. “We made improvements today and will work to carry that over tomorrow. I was impressed with how pumped up and enthusiastic they were.”
Del Rio returns to action at 2 p.m. Monday against Tallahassee, Fla., before closing out pool play at 2 p.m. Tuesday against Stamford, Conn.
West said the support from Del Rio fans has provided an emotional lift throughout the tournament and encouraged the community to continue filling the stands for the team’s final two pool-play games.
“Seeing the stands full of Del Rio fans means so much to the boys,” West said. “The community support has been outstanding.”
