A repeat for SYA East
By Dave Buschenfeldt
The 2008 Southwestern Youth Association East Little League All-Stars have a lot to live up to this summer. Their predecessors from a year ago won the Majors state tournament and came within two games of advancing to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. While coach Preston Bach said he is trying not to look too far ahead, his players took their first step toward making history of their own by defeating Chantilly American Saturday to win the District 10 championship."There was pressure," Bach admitted. "We knew coming in that it was weighing on us to defend the district. I tried to get them not to think ahead. We're approaching it one tournament at a time."
With its 3-1 victory over Chantilly, SYA East now advances to the state tournament in Bowling Green. They are scheduled to face Upper Loudoun National Friday afternoon in the first round of pool play.
"We're looking forward to playing in the state tournament," Bach said. "Hopefully, we can compete well."
SYA East did more than just compete in its undefeated run through District 10. In their five wins, the All-Stars outscored their opponents by a combined 53-7. Two of those victories came against their rivals from Chantilly American, who they have faced several times over the last few years.
In Saturday's district final, SYA East managed just six hits off of Chantilly's Austin Margarida – its fewest of the tournament – but got a two-run single from Johnny Finfrock in the second inning and an RBI triple in the fifth from Scotty Walter.
On the mound for SYA East, J.T. Leckert allowed just one hit – a solo home run – through five innings, and Ryan Barnes and Walter closed out the win.
"We had to scratch away," Bach said. "We couldn't put decent metal on the ball. The difference for us this year has been getting key hits with runners on. We didn't have many base runners, but we got key hits."
With the state tournament looming, Bach and his players will rely on the experience of Walter and C.J. Evans – the two lone holdovers from last year's team – as they prepare for the unknown.
"We've all been through the district," Bach said. "I think where [Scotty and C.J.] will lend good leadership is in the state tournament. They're going to take us to that next level.
"Those two are good leaders. They give us a tremendous amount of stability."
Bach has a simple plan for his SYA East team as it attempts to repeat as state champions.
"Keep their heads out of the way," he said. "They need to just do the physical things they know how to do. Don't think about pressure or the expectations from last year. Enjoy the moment."