CMALL Dodgers Defeat CMNLL A’s 5-2

Submitted by Jack Morales

The Costa Mesa American Little League Major Dodgers and the Costa Mesa National League Major A’s ended their regular season inter-league play in a fine display of competitive sportsmanship on Saturday.

The defense for both sides was tough and no runs were scored until the Dodgers scored three in the bottom of the third inning. Jeremy Beltz of the A’s made his pitching debut in the third inning and struck out two batters after a shaky start when the Dodgers went up 3-0 as Cole Chambers reached base on a single and was later brought in by Daniel Morales with another single.

Mikey Ischinger followed with another base hit and then Keith Marshall drove in Ischinger and Morales with a two run double.

The A’s fired back in the top of the fourth with a two-run double by Mason Tafuga scoring Brad Echorn and Connor Brown. The Dodgers scored two more runs in the bottom half of the fourth when Romar Ortiz doubled in William Leiby. Ortiz scored on a fielder’s choice grounder by Evan Larsen after advancing to third on a passed ball making the final score 5-2 in favor of the Dodgers.

After both teams congratulated each other with the traditional high five, the Dodger players and coaches lined up in front of the A’s fans and families and thanked them for a great game and a great season of Little League baseball.

The National fans responded by an overwhelming cheer and claps that were well received by the Dodgers kids and coaches.