Santa Cruz victory sets up winner-take-all final

Santa Cruz American's Javier Felix rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the seventh inning Tuesday at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz. (Glenn Cravens/Register-Pajaronian)

SANTA CRUZ — Javier Felix's home run to lead off the seventh inning proved to be the difference, and the Santa Cruz American White Sox defeated the Aptos Marlins 7-5 on Tuesday night in the grand finals of the District 39 majors Tournament of Champions.

However the tournament is not over just yet.

It is a double elimination tournament, and Aptos had a loss to give. The White Sox's win sets up a winner-take-all scenario between the two teams. They will play one more time Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to decide the championship.

Felix took a 2-2 pitch deep to left field for his third hit of the game; he previously had two doubles. He ended up 3 for 4.

The next batter, Bailey Schantz, walked on four straight pitches, took third on a Tito Serna double, and then beat the throw home on a Jack Donahoe grounder.

Aptos put together one final rally in the bottom of the seventh.

Clay Allard and Johnny Staka both reached base on a walk with no outs. Maxwell Pepperdine then hit a laser line drive that was caught by the Santa Cruz shortstop, and it turned into a double play as Staka was caught off first base.

Aptos couldn't get any more runners on base, as a grounder ended the contest.

It appeared the game was going to be over far sooner than that, but Aptos put together yet another improbable rally to tie the game.

Down 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Pepperdine reached on a fielder's choice. Josh Barry then singled before Forrest Hays singled to bring home Pepperdine.

Matt Whitwam then hit a three-run home run to whip the crowd into a frenzy and tie the game at 5-5.

Both teams have a win against the other in this tournament.





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