Stars win national crown

The 2003 California National All-Star travel baseball team claimed

the 12-and-under Triple Crown fall national championship in Las

Vegas, Nev., in late September. The tournament featured teams from

across the nation.

California, nicknamed the Cal Stars, features Manager Mike

Griffin, his son Chris Griffin and Garrett Gallegos -- all Newport

Beach residents.

The Stars defeated the Ballbusters, 7-4, in the championship game

to avenge an 11-10 loss in July’s World Series.

Strong pitching put the Stars on top. Matt Davidson struck out

seven and allowed one run in two innings and was followed by Jordan

Beck, who went another two innings, striking out six and allowing no

runs. Ryan Boeger struck out four and allowed no earned runs in the

final two innings.

The Stars had some timely offense from Boeger, who doubled and

tallied two RBIs, Beck (2 for 3, two RBIs), Griffin (1 for 2, one

RBI) and Jaime Dominguez (1 for 2, walk).

A.J. Hughes, Gallegos, Kennedy Winkler, Corey Sinske, Josh Lee and

Gabe Huerta provided defense for the Stars, ranked No. 1 nationally

in Triple Crown sports.

California defeated the top-seeded Arizona Panthers, 7-0, in the

semifinals. The Stars were 6-0 entering the game, outscoring their

opponents, 73-4.

The offensive surge continued with Sinske (2 for 3) blasting a

first-inning home run. Griffin went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and Boeger

finished 1 for 2 with a double and two RBIs. Winkler doubled and

added two RBIs.

Dominguez, Beck, Hughes, Lee and Davidson led the defense behind

the pitching of Huerta, who tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout.