Westchester Defeats Arizona to Advance to Pacific Region Semi-Final Championship Game

Matthew Kaplan pitched five strong innings and pinch hitter Angel Dela Torre delivered a key pinch hit to lead the Westchester 14U Babe Ruth All Star team to a 3-1 victory over Arizona Wednesday night. Kaplan allowed one unearned run and struck out seven before yielding to closer Grant Craddolph for the final two innings.  

Arizona jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the third inning after a successful squeeze play. Westchester answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth.  

After tying the game on a ground out by A J Inatsugu, Manager John Lopatto called on pinch hitter Angel Dela Torre. With runners on second and third, after taking the first two pitches for strikes, Dela Torre connected on a line single to the right, knocking in Avery Allen and Carlos Jacobo to give Westchester a 3-1 lead. Closer Craddolph threw two scoreless innings to seal the victory.

"I was excited to get the opportunity to contribute. We have so many great players on this team,” Dela Torre said after the game. “Every night, a different player is the star. Tonight, Anthony Chavez got on base three times; Kaplan was great; Grant shut the door;  Reggie Castro turned a key double play and Mario Morales did a great job on the bases."

Westchester takes on Hawaii tonight night.