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Sports

Junior All-Stars Win Elimination Game

A 7-6 win against San Pedro Eastview earns Manhattan Beach team a rematch against North Venice at 5 p.m. tonight in Culver City.

The Manhattan Beach Junior Little League All-Stars eked out a 7-6 win over a tough San Pedro Eastview team Monday. Coming from behind is nothing new for the team--the squad has overcome a deficit in all of its wins. The team's record is five wins and one loss.

They take on North Venice tonight at 5 in Culver City and must win to keep their championship bid alive.

Against San Pedro Eastview, Manhattan Beach struck quickly, taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning in an unexpected manner, gaining the lead with a single hit, three walks, an error and a batter who was hit by a pitch.

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The quick 3-0 opening forced San Pedro Eastview to remove their starting pitcher in the first inning and their new pitcher was able to induce a ground ball for a double play, thus ending what could have been a much bigger inning for Manhattan Beach. 

However, momentum quickly shifted as the San Pedro Eastview team benefited from four Manhattan Beach miscues in the second inning to take a 6-3 lead. 

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The uncharacteristic letdown could have been a difficult challenge for some teams to overcome, especially when faced with the added pressure of an elimination game. However, Manhattan Beach once again demonstrated a never give up attitude that led to an impressive comeback.

The team's usual closer, Mitchell Meyer, took the hill as the starter.  After an easy 10-pitch first inning, aided by catcher Luke Jelmini throwing out a runner attempting to steal second base, Meyer survived a 6-run second inning. Showing mental resilience, he proceeded to throw four shutout innings, earning the win. 

Coach Ira Smith said, "I never had any doubt about Mitchell's toughness and ability to overcome a rough inning. His determination really set an example that the rest of team rallied behind. It seems every game a player or two takes on a leadership role when we need it and tonight it was Mitchell."  Michael Rumpp relieved Meyer in the seventh inning, earning a save. 

Offensively, the team was again paced by Luke McCauley, who was two for three (single, double) with two RBIs and a walk. Meyer helped his cause on the mound by drawing a walk with the bases loaded for an RBI and adding a single for another RBI. Lead-off hitter Jake Lane had a strong night going three for five. 

However, the team's biggest hits were ones that didn't even make it out of the infield. 

With the game tied at 6 in the top of the sixth inning, Will Lacey hit a slow chopper to shortstop, but by the time the ball was fielded, Lacey had already sprinted to first base for an infield hit. 

A single by McCauley put runners on first and second, who advanced to third and second on a passed ball. With two outs and the game still tied, Jackson Michalski stepped up to the plate and hit a dawdling grounder toward third base. Michalski is another one of those fast outfielders and his speed proved too much as he beat the throw, scoring Lacey from third for the go ahead and ultimately winning run.

Other than in the second inning, the entire team’s defense was stifling, shutting out San Pedro Eastview for six of the seven innings.   Coach Mark Macdonald said, "Mitchell was the MVP tonight with a gutsy 95-pitch performance, but I was equally impressed by the entire team's great fielding and a never say die attitude. We needed both to get the win tonight."

The team consists of Jordan Bremer, Luke Jelmini, Will Lacey, Jake Lane, Luke McCauley, Mitchell Meyer, Jackson Michalski, Glen Mitchel, Rhett Rudnicki, Michael Rumpp, Jack Theodore and Robert White. 

If Manhattan Beach wins tonight, it would force a final game Wednesday night against undefeated North Venice to determine the Sectional Champion. The ball field in Culver City is at 9800 Jefferson Boulevard.

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