May 16, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Costa Mesa Pony all-stars move on to zone after capturing super regional title

Costa Mesa captured the super regional tournament last week. (Photo courtesy Costa Mesa Pony Baseball).

Costa Mesa’s 14-and-under Pony baseball all-stars captured the Super Regional tournament championship and is now competing in the zone championships in West Covina, according to Jack Morales, president of Costa Mesa Pony.

At the Super Regional in Glendora, Costa Mesa defeated West Hills 9-5, Azusa 12-2, La Jolla 13-10 and Simi Valley 11-2 in the championship game.

“Tristan Ramos was a beast in the championship game,” said Costa Mesa Coach Ben Lower. “(Grady) Jackson came in for the last two innings to close it out.

“The top of the lineup came up big for us.”

Jackson had three RBI and Ramos two RBI to lead Costa Mesa offensively. Wylan Rottschafer and Ramos each scored three runs.

On Thursday morning, Costa Mesa opened the zone championships with a 9-2 victory over Moses Lake, Wash. Costa Mesa moves on to play again Friday at 4 p.m.

“Felix Tiquia carried the momentum from Tristan’s great pitching performance striking out 14,” Lower said. “He also had a great day at the plate almost going 4 for 4. (The) center fielder made a great diving play to rob him of a double.”

Tiquia and Jackson also had two RBI each for Costa Mesa.

Other teams in the tournament include Long Beach, which won the regional at Costa Mesa; Maui, Hawaii; West Covina, San Jose, La Jolla and Orem, Utah.

Both Costa Mesa and Long Beach advanced from the regional at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa.

The winner of the zone regional moves on to the Pony International World Series beginning Friday, Aug. 12 in Washington, PA.

The tournament continues through Sunday.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com