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TENTATIVE Summer 2012 Schedule
Includes TWO trips to Canada, TWO trips to Las Vegas, and more!

Stars fall short of GFI Final Four

© East County Sports.com
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Canada (9-5-11) — For the first time in five seasons, the San Diego Stars failed to garner a Final Four berth at the Grand Forks International Classic.

On Sunday (Sept. 4), the Stars mustered just four hits in falling to the Lewiston (Idaho) Truckers, 3-2, in the GFI quarterfinals at James Donaldson Field. BOXSCORE

Trailing 2-0, the Stars strung together three consecutive singles to snap the no-hitter bid, yet couldn't score until first baseman Juan Velasquez was hit by a pitch to force in Ryan Brosnan for a run.

Lewiston added another run in the 7th, then San Diego got it back in the 8th when left fielder Andrew Fergusen doubled, eventually scoring on a pair of wild pitches.

The Stars (31-17-1) saw starting pitcher Frankie Cervantes strikeout nine Truckers over his 6 1/3 innings, but yielded a 2-run double to Alfonso Casillas in the 5th to snap the scoreless duel.

Lewiston advanced to the semifinals against the Canada National Team, which nipped the Trail (B.C.) Orioles, 6-4. The other pairing for Monday finds the Seattle Studs meeting the Geelong Baycats of Australia.

Stars gain berth in GFI money round

© East County Sports.com
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Canada (9-4-11) — Once again, the offense of the San Diego Stars centered around centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS, powering the Stars to a 10-3 triumph over the Trail (B.C.) Orioles in Saturday's final pool-play contest at the Grand Forks International Classic. BOXSCORE

The victory lifts the Stars (31-16-1) to a berth in Sunday's quarterfinals at James Donaldson Field.

Thomas opened the ballgame with another RBI double to spark a 3-for-4, 4 RBI effort. He added another run-scoring double in the 2nd, then clouted a solo homer in the 6th.

For the contest, Thomas also scored three times, as San Diego scored three times in the 1st, 2nd and 5th innings to mount a 9-2 advantage.

Shortstop ROBBY SCOTT, who filled in as an emergency catcher in the tournament opener, batted 2-for-4 and scored twice, both on Thomas basehits.

Meanwhile, designated hitter RYAN BROSNAN ripped an RBI triple, part of a 13-hit attack by San Diego, while first baseman JUAN VELASQUEZ went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

Stars pitchers surrendered just four hits, as DAVID ARRENDONDO tossed the opening 5 2/3 frames to collect the victory.

Team Canada avenges loss to Stars

© East County Sports.com
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Canada (9-3-11) — Two days after the end of his short-lived minor league season, CLIFTON THOMAS rejoined the San Diego Stars and delivered an RBI double. BOXSCORE

About Team Canada

However, it was the lone hit by the Stars
on Friday (Sept. 2), falling to the Canada National Team, 5-1, in pool play action of the Grand Forks International Classic.

For the Canadians, the victory avenged a 6-5 setback to the Stars in last season's tournament. Nevertheless, the Stars (30-16-1) only need to win in Saturday's final pool play game to advance to the quarterfinals; they meet the Trail (B.C.) Orioles at 5 p.m. at James Donaldson Field.

Team Canada scored all of its runs in the 4th inning before Thomas, who was signed for the final two weeks of the season with the Fort Worth Cats after being named MVP of the semipro Pecos League of New Mexico earlier in the summer, delivered with a two-shot shot to score ROBBY SCOTT in the 7th.

Stars have quite a day after losing O'Day

© East County Sports.com
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Canada (9-2-11) — The playing career of recently-acquired catcher SEAN O'DAY lasted less than two innings for the San Diego Stars. BOXSCORE

After reaching base on a one-out single, O'Day promptly stole second base, but tore an ankle ligament sliding into the bag.

While his day (and tournament) were done, the Stars went on to score 12 runs in the inning before another out could be registered, erasing the hometown Grand Forks Blues, 28-2 in a run-rule shortened 6 innings, in Wednesday's (Sept. 1) opening pool play game of the Grand Forks International Classic.

The big inning, which featured a 3-run double by left-fielder ADAM BIES, transformed a 1-1 nail-biter into a 13-1 blowout.

Christian High product TAYLOR EICHHORST paced a season-best 24-hit attack by going 5-for-6, with five RBI, a pair of doubles and scoring two times. In addition, centerfielder ANTHONY FERGUSEN batted 5-for-5 with five RBI and four runes scored.

Bies finished the day by driving in four runs, matching the total by shortstop ANTHONY WILLIAMS (4-for-5, 4 runs), while FRANKIE CERVANTES, normally a pitcher, was inserted as the designated hitter and sent 4-for-5 with three RBI for the Stars.

All of the offense left San Diego pitcher DAVID RIDER as a side note. Rider, who most recently pitched for the semipro Reno Astros, only allowed a 3rd-inning single in a complete-game 1-hitter. He struck out 10 batters in six frames, as both Blues runs were unearned.

With O'Day out, middle infielder ROBBY SCOTT successfully filled in as emergency catcher. Eichhorst also has experience behind the plate, leaving manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN with some options later the tournament.

The biggest game during the pool-play portion of the international event comes Friday, when the Stars (30-15-1) meet the Canada National Team, a ballclub they defeated last season, 6-5, before a near-record crowd at James Donaldson Field.

NBC WORLD SERIES

Rust finishes banner summer
among Alaska League’s best

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (8-26-11) — One thing El Capitan graduate TANNER RUST, now a baseball-football player at New Mexico State, can say about this summer is that he came into his own.

Rust is ranked No. 6 among the Alaska League’s top 25 professional baseball prospects by Perfect Game.

The former 6-foot-3, 215-pound Vaqueros quarterback, catcher and shortstop, tested his skills as a right fielder for the Kenai ( Alaska ) Oilers during the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kan. earlier this month. Rust batted .286 (6-for-21) and tied for the highest average on the Oilers’ team. He hit one home run and logged 5 RBI, but the Oilers lost in the NBC finals to the Santa Barbara Forresters, 1-0.

Thomas invades New Mexico, abducts MVP award

© East County Sports.com
ROSWELL, N.M. (8-16-11) — Former El Cajon Valley High and Grossmont College standout CLIFTON THOMAS completed his summer season by being named the most valuable player in New Mexico's Pecos League.

Playing for the Roswell Invaders, Thomas, who formerly played semipro ball locally for the San Diego Stars, finished this season with a .369 batting average — 94 hits, including 21 doubles, seven triple and nine home runs.

The centerfielder posted a .958 fielding percentage, with 111 putouts and two assists in 57 games.

NBC WORLD SERIES

Rust, Kenai, making NBC run

© East County Sports.com
WICHITA, Kan. (8-10-11) — Former El Capitan High football-baseball standout TANNER RUST is on a football scholarship at New Mexico State. However, this summer, Rust has started making an impact for the Kenai Peninsula Oilers’ baseball team of the Alaska Baseball League.

After batting .367 (2 HRs, 10 RBI) in limited playing time for a veteran Aggies lineup, Rust played right field on a regular basis for the Alaskan team for the first time in his career as the Oilers claimed the ABL laurels for the first time since 2006. He also earned an invitation to the ABL 2011 Scout Showcase Weekend All-Star game and home run derby in Anchorage.

The Oilers rolled through the ABL and assorted playoff games to earn a berth in the National Baseball Congress World Series. They won their first three games, smacking the Seattle Studs 9-1, the San Diego Force 7-3 and the Northwest (Wash.) Honkers. 14-1. They suffered their first loss on Tuesday (Aug. 9) at 2 a.m. to the Santa Barbara Foresters, 6-3.

The Oilers and Foresters – two of the seven remaining teams alive for the title – will meet in an elimination game at Dumont Stadium on Thursday (Aug. 11).

Aug. 11 Update — The Oilers eliminated the San Diego (former North County) Waves, 9-2.

Rust drove in the first run of the ballgame with a 1st-inning single, then added a sacrifce fly in the 5th for a 5-0 lead in a 1-for-3 day at the plate.

Stars playoff plans announced

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (7-28-11) — Although they were the first ballclub in California to qualify, the San Diego Stars announced they will not travel to the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan., instead participating in an international tournament.

The Stars will participate in the Grand Forks International Classic in Grand Forks, B.C., Canada, to be held over Labor Day weekend (Labor Day is held at the same time in the USA and Canada).

Last season, the Stars defeated the Canada National Team en route to a third-place finish in their annual trek to the Great White North.

Because many members of the Stars will return to college prior to the Canadian roadtrip, management is seeking ballplayers from other teams to join the ballclub for one of the season's most enjoyable trips.

Third straight shutout fuels Stars sweep

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-24-11) — Except for a couple of hiccups, pitching has carried the San Diego Stars throughout the 2011 summer season. And the staff is coming on just in time for postseason tournament play.

On Saturday (July 23), behind a complete-game 2-hitter by LOUIS MARTUS, the Stars tossed their third straight shutout, going on to sweep the visiting San Diego Waves, 8-0 and 9-5, in Western Baseball Association finales at Stars Field.

The triumphs clinch second place in the WBA South for the defending champion Stars (29-15-1 overall, 14-8 WBA) after overtaking the Waves (18-26, 14-10) in the standings. The Waves could fall into a tie for third with the Southern California SKLZ should the Poway based ballclub sweep a season-ending doubleheader with last-place Samurai All-Japan on Sunday.

The Stars came close to posting three straight shutouts in 2009, but the third game was eventually suspended by darkness. Thus, the hat trick is the ballclub's first pitching feat this century.

Just like ERICK ALLEN in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Waves in Escondido, Martus dominated throughout, only yielding a 3rd-inning single and a 9th-inning double. For the contest, Martus registered nine strikeouts, while walking four and hitting a batter.

Two of the walks came in the 3rd to load the bases for the Waves, but Martus escaped with a fielder's choice grounder. The double by Trevor Podratz saw the catcher advance to third base, but Martus closed the victory with a strikeout and a soft grounder.

TAYLOR EICHHORST supported Martus with a solo homer in the 1st.

CHRIS ALLEN belted a 2-run single when the Stars scored three times in the 4th for a 4-0 lead, then DEREK BAUM bombed a lead homer in the 6th for a 5-run cushion.

In Game Two, the Waves scored in the 1st on a double-play grounder, ending the Stars' shutout streak at 30 1/3 innings, but the Stars responded by scoring three times in the 1st, 3rd and 6th innings to quickly claim the season series from the Waves.

First baseman BRIAN SOS belted a 3-run homer in the first to quickly re-gain the lead.

RYANBROSNAN later slammed a 2-run homer in the 3rd to push the margin to 5-1. The third baseman added a 2-run single in the 6th to cap a season-best four RBI performance.

Postseason play for the Stars include hosting the revival of the San Diego Grand National, an event the ballclub won in each of its three seasons during the 1990s before San Diego State folded the program. Then during Labor Day Weekend, the Stars will make their annual trek to Canada for the Grand Forks (B.C.) International Classic.

Another shutout by Stars pitching
Allen tosses 4-hitter to dunk Waves, 1-0

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (7-22-11) — The San Diego Stars posted their second straight shutout victory after ERICK ALLEN pitched a complete-game 4-hitter in Thursday's 1-0 verdict over the host San Diego Waves in Western Baseball Association action at Escondido High's Pete Coscarart Field.

Allen retired the final 12 batters he faced, snapping the Waves' 5-game winning streak.

The Waves (17-24 overall, 11-8 WBA) twice placed a runner on third base with two outs (4th and 6th innings), but Allen escaped each time with a strikeout. For the contest, Allen fanned seven, facing just four batters over the minimum in a dominating performance.

Right fielder TAYLOR EICHHORST provided the lone run by the Stars (27-15-1, 12-8) with a clutch basehit in the 6th inning off UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jeremy Peterson.

Following a leadoff double into the left-field corner by second baseman JOHNNY RAMIREZ, shortstop ROBBY SCOTT advance him to third base with a grounder to the left side. Eichhorst, facing a drawn-in infield, then muscled an 0-2 pitch through the right side for the lone run of the contest, which needed a mere 1:57 to be completed.

Ramirez, a Stars veteran who re-joined the ballclub earlier in the week, posted three basehits for the second straight ballgame. Ramirez is 6-for-7 (.857) over his last two outings.

The Stars cap the regular season with a doubleheader against the Waves on Saturday, with a special early start at noon.

Eri Yoshida

Samurai pitcher Eri Yoshida, better known as the "Knuckle Princess," re-signed with the Chico Outlaws of the North America League for the balance of the season. Yoshida is the only woman to play baseball professionally in 3 different countries.

Stars swat Samurai

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (7-21-11) — The San Diego Stars completed
a 5-game season series sweep of Samurai All-Japan with their biggest triumph of the year in a 20-0 decision in Wednesday's (July 19) Western Baseball Association action at Alliant International University.

Backed by a grand slam from CODY SOS, the Stars pitching staff posted their third shutout of the season in a combined 1-hitter. The Samurai saw just a pair of batters reach base off pitchers TAYLOR KLUGMAN (4 innings), BRANDYN BELL (2), TAYLOR EICHHORST (2) and REX BLAYLOCK (1).

The lone Samurai hit was a 4th-inning double by Yuki Okubo, but he was promptly thrown out seeking a triple on a relay from Sos in right field to Stars second baseman JOHNNY RAMIREZ to third baseman ALLEN BRACE.

The other Samurai baserunner saw Jhon Nohmi accept a 2-out walk in the 5th.

The Stars (26-15-1) opened the blowout with bookend innings of four runs in the 1st, then 11 runs in the 9th capped by Sos' slam.

The Stars complete the regular season with a home-and-home series with the San Diego Waves, meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Escondido High, then Saturday in a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Stars Field to determine which ballclub will finish in second place in the WBA South Division.

Force avoid late Stars rally

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-20-11) — A late San Diego Stars rally saw them load the bases and bring the potential game-tying run to the plate in the 9th inning, but the San Diego Force registered the final out to claim a 5-1 victory in Tuesday's (July 19) Western Baseball Association ballgame at Stars Field.

BRIAN SOS singled in the Stars' lone run in the 1st inning, but the Force scored five times on just a pair of RBI basehits, with the other three runs coming home on errors to take the victory.

In his Stars debut, shortstop JOHNNY RAMIREZ batted 3-for-3 and walked twice, scoring the team's lone run on a lead single, a stolen bases, then Sos' hard grounder through the right side of the infield.

The Stars (25-15-1 overall, 10-8 WBA) travel to Alliant International University to meet Samurai All-Japan on Wednesday, then at Escondido High to meet the San Diego Waves on Thursday.

Single-inning outbursts determine Stars split

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-18-11) — One big inning decided both games in Sunday's doubleheader, as the San Diego Stars split with the visiting Los Angeles Thrashers of the California Collegiate League.

In Game One, the Thrashers broke open a scoreless game by posting seven runs in the 5th inning en route to mounting a 10-0 lead before staving off the Stars, 12-6.

In the second ballgame, the Stars overcame an early 2-1 deficit by scoring a season-best nine times in the 4th, bouncing back for a 12-2 triumph.

Although the run rule was not invoked, the Thrashers conceded after seven frames, giving Stars pitcher JUSTIN DISBRO a complete-game victory. Disbro struck out five batters without issuing a walk.

Disbro received some extra motivation in the 1st inning.

Following a sacrifice bunt and a basehit for a 1-0 L.A. lead, the next Thrashers batter twice called very late for time, yet Disbro completed his delivery.

The first offering sailed low and away, but when the second deadball pitch came low and inside, the third-base coach commenced a shouting match at Disbro, claiming the right-hander was attempting to injure his batter.

Stars catcher BRIAN PATRICK defended his pitcher in a verbal exchange which lasted more than 40 seconds before the umpire restored order.

Disbro went on to complete his best outing of the summer. Patrick capped a 4-for-6 day at the plate by collecting three hits and scoring twice in support of Disbro, driving in the first run of the nine in the huge 4th-inning explosion.

Meanwhile, TAYLOR EICHHORST continued his torrid hitting for the Stars

In the opener, Eichhorst clouted a 3-run homer, when San Diego scored five times in the 7th to make the score respectable. In the nightcap, the right fielder belted a 3-run double and an RBI double for another 4-RBI performance, knocking in eight on the afternoon.

In his last three contests, Eichhorst is on a 7-for-12 tear with three doubles, a homer and 10 RBI.

The Stars' 9-run rally also featured 2-run singles by both second baseman HILARIO GARCIA and left fielder TONY SPEARS.

The Stars (24-13-1) cap the regular season with a busy final week with a 3-game roadtrip (Tuesday "at" San Diego Force, at Barona; Wednesday at Samurai All-Japan; and Thursday at San Diego Waves), then host the San Diego Waves in a 1 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday.

Stars baserunner Taylor Eichhorst (top left) reaches
third base on a throwing error from the outfield, then
slides safely into home (bottom) on another error by
the Southern California SKLZ (formerly Poway Thunder),
two of their nine miscues during Saturday's twinbill.
(Photos by Debbie Faraci)

Stars split with error-prone SKLZ

© East County Sports.com
POWAY (7-17-11) — The reign of the San Diego Stars as Western Baseball Association champions came to an official end after both the Stars and the San Diego Force split Saturday (July 16) doubleheaders

The Stars dropped a 6-3 decision to the host Southern California SKLZ, yet bounced back to take a 6-5 victory to remain in second place in the WBA South Division.

Meanwhile, the Force received a walkoff single by Jacob Ludvik in the bottom of the 9th inning to clinch the South crown in a 2-1 triumph over the San Diego Waves. The Waves took the nightcap, 3-1.

Still, the Stars (24-13-1 overall, 10-7 WBA) long ago clinched a berth to the NBC World Series after capturing the NBC Southern California regional nearly a month ago following a 13-3 thrashing of the Force in the June 19 championship game in Lake Elsinore.

Against the SKLZ, Stars right fielder TAYLOR EICHHORST started the second game with a 2-run double in the 2nd inning. The SKLZ quickly tied it, but a double-error, part of an unsightly nine errors by the Poway based ballclub, gave San Diego the lead for keeps.

In the 3rd, KENNY BELZER singled to center field to score SCOTT "Hoppy" HOPGOOD with the go-ahead run. However, the centerfielder bobbled the ball, allowing Eichhorst to also score, then a throwing error by the third basemann gave Belzer a free ride to second base.

Hopgood, an assistant coach serving as designated hitter, then delivered a run-scoring basehit in the 6th for a 6-2 advantage. Hopgood went 1-for-2, with a pair of walks and scoring twice in a solid effort by the 38-year old, who last played pro ball in 2002.

TAYLOR KLUGMAN tossed six solid innings, allowing just a pair of earned runs on an early homer, to gain the victory. MARK VASQUEZ, in his first outing in more than a month, pitched the final three innings, stranding the tying and winning runners in scoring position to gain the save.

In the opener, first baseman BRIAN SOS snapped a scoreless contest with a tape-measure homer to left to open the 6th inning. The ball sailed over the grandstands and onto the Poway High football stadium playing surface – a clout of more than 430 feet.

Sos batted 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI, while second baseman DEREK RING also collected two basehits.

On Sunday, the Stars will host the Los Angeles Thrashers in a non-league doubleheader at Stars Field, starting at 1 p.m.

Another Stars triumph over Mavs

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-15-11) — First baseman BRIAN SOS and second baseman DEREK RING registered run-scoring singles in the 1st inning, lifting the San Diego Stars to a wire-to-wire 7-4 victory over the San Diego Mavericks in Western Baseball Association action Thursday (July 14) at Stars Field.

Coupled by a San Diego Waves setback to the San Diego Force, 4-1, the Stars (23-12-1 overall, 9-6 WBA) jumped in front of the Waves for undisputed possession of second place in the South Division standings.

Meanwhile, the sputtering Mavericks continued its string of failure at Barona, falling to the Stars for the 8th time in nine outings over the past four seasons.

Sos later drove in a second run in the 6th, then third baseman KENNY BELZER drilled his second double of the contest for a pair of RBI in the 8th to mount a 7-2 advantage, That was enough for Stars relief pitcher JUSTIN DISBRO, who tossed the final five innings to garner the victory.

In addition, SHANE STONER and TAYLOR EICHHORST each reached on all five of their plate appearances. Stoner singled, walked twice and was hit by two pitches, scoring twice. Eichhost batted 3-for-3 and walked twice, also scoring a pair of runs.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks' stars from Wednesday's WBA All-Star Game were silenced by the Stars. Game MVP Tony Harkey was limited to a single in five trips, while defensive player of the game Miles Dempsey reached on a bad-hop single over his counterpart at second base.

The Stars play doubleheaders over the weekend. On Saturday, they meet the Southern California SKLZ at Poway High at a special noon start. On Sunday, the Stars host the Los Angeles Thrashers in a 1 p.m. non-league twinbill.

South dominates in 10-0 All-Star blanking

© East County Sports.com
POWAY (7-14-11) — The inaugural Western Baseball Association All-Star Game provided a star-studded pitching performance by the South. Or better, it was a San Diego Stars spangled performance.

Backed by solid book-end pitching performances by the Stars' LUCAS WHITMORE and LOUIS MARTUS, the South dominated throughout Wednesday's (July 13) 10-0 white-washing of the North at Poway High School.

Whitmore, who gained the start, tossed a pair of no-hit innings to collect the league's first-ever All-Star Game victory.

Meanwhile, Martus, less than 24 hours removed from a 115-pitch outing, capped the contest with another strong inning, ending the ballgame with a pair of strikeouts to give the South pitching staff a total of 15 K's against the North.

On offense, Tony Harkey of the San Diego Mavericks was named the most valuable player. Entering mid-game for Stars right fielder Taylor Eichhorst (1-for-1 and hit by a pitch), Harkey slugged a 2-run single to start a 4-run rally in the 5th inning, increasing the South lead to 7-0.

For the contest, Harkey knocked in four runs, including a pair on a 6th-inning double.

Defensive player of the game, as selected by the media, was South second baseman Myles Dempsey of the Mavs. Although the opportunities were limited due to the high strikeout count, Dempsey twice ranged deep into right field to snare potential bloopers for basehits.

Whitmore's pair of solid innings landed him with pitcher of the game laurels by the media, as the first four South pitchers combined to carry a no-hitter into the 6th inning.

Although the contest was a showcase of younger players seeking professional contracts or college scholarships, the South coaching staff – composed of Stars manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN and coach MARIO KNORR – saw fit to insert Stars 43-year-old veteran BRIAN SOS, the WBA career leader in home runs, into the starting line-up at designated hitter as a reward for more than 20 years of service to semipro baseball.

Force place Stars on the brink

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-13-11) — The San Diego Force pushed the defending Western Baseball Association champion San Diego Stars on the brink of elimination in the battle for the South Division title.

The Force took advantage of a major Stars baserunning blunder to maintain an 8th-inning lead, then responded with six runs in the 9th to claim an 8-1 decision in Tuesday's (July 12) contest at Stars Field.

Trailing 2-1, the Stars gained an opportunity to move even on a 1-out triple by second baseman HILARIO GARCIA. However, when Garcia mis-read the sign from the third base coach, instead of stopping he turned for home in an attempt for an inside-of-the-park homer, but was out by more than 30 feet.

The Force nearly blew the relay on Garcia's drive to right-center field when the throw went over the head of the second baseman. However, Force shortstop David Whiteside was properly poised in a back-up position to grab the overthrow, then firing to catcher Jason Moralez for the out at the plate.

The Force then beat down the beleaguered Stars by scoring six times (five earned) in the 9th, including an RBI single by Moralez. The big outburst was capped by a 2-run basehit by second baseman Colby Everett.

The Stars got the run back on a double by third baseman KENNY BELZER, driving home DEREK BAUM, who reached on an error.

It was the lone run (unearned) allowed by Force starting pitcher Keegan Yuhl, who yielded just four hits over seven solid innings be edge out a strong outing by Stars starter LOUIS MARTUS, who pitched into the 9th before getting lifted when the lead Force batter reached on an error.

Moralez batted 2-for-5 with two RBI, including a run-scoring single in the 7th to mount a 2-0 lead. The other Force run came in the 1st on a double by Marcus Himelhoch, scoring Corbin Cutshaw, who singled, then moved to third base on a throwing error on a failed pickoff attempt.

The WBA will hold its first All-Star Game on Wednesday (July 13), starting at 6:30 p.m. from Poway High School.

Heads-up defense saves Stars

© East County Sports.com
HENDERSON, Nev. (7-11-11) — The San Diego Stars capped a 3-1 roadtrip by staving off a late Team Vegas rally, 3-2, in Sunday's (July 10) non-league ballgame at Basic High School.

The Stars (22-11-1) mounted a 3-0 lead, capped by a solo homer by KENNY BELZER in the 9th inning. Then they held off the hosts, which scored twice in the bottom of the 9th before San Diego releiver LOUIS MARTUS registered the final out on a heads-up play by shortstop HILARIO GARCIA.

After Team Vegas registered its initial run, UNLV junior Marvin Campbell homered, then Team Vegas placed the potential game-tying runner on board thanks to a walk and a wild pitch.

The next batter send a grounder to the hole on the left side, but an over-eager third base coach put the brakes on his baserunner much too late after a Garcia somehow gloved the ball, then tossed the ball to third baseman Kenny Belzer for the backdoor out to end the contest.

San Diego starting pitching TAYLOR KLUGMAN tossed five shutout innings, while relief pitchers DARREN GAY and BRANDYN BELL also kept Team Vegas off the scoreboard.

The Stars opened the scoring on an RBI double by TAYLOR EICHHORST, bringing home ERIC MORENO, who struck out yet reached on a wild pitch in the 2nd.

The other San Diego run saw Belzer tally an unearned run in the 7th, reaching on an error, then circling the bases on a REX BLAYLOCK sacrifice bunt, a passed ball and a wild pitch.

Errors hand win to Team Vegas

© East County Sports.com
HENDERSON, Nev. (7-10-11) — The San Diego Stars wasted strong pitching performances by starter ERICK ALLEN and releiver JUSTIN DISBRO, falling to Team Vegas, 3-2, in non-league action Saturday (July 9).

Allen yielding just one basehit over his six innings against the third-place team from the California Collegiate Baseball League, while Disbro allowed one clean basehit and a bunt single in his three frames in the combined 3-hitter.

However, the Stars committed four errors which led to three unearneds, including the decisive tie-breaking run in the 8th inning, to hand Team Vegas the victory.

Errors in the 5th allowed Team Vegas to grab a 2-0 lead, but the Stars answered on 8th-inning solo home runs by TAYLOR EICHHORST ad KENNY BELZER to move even.

Stars shortstop TONY SPEARS, re-inserted near the top of the batting order in the No. 2 spot, responded by collecting a pair of basehits among 8 by San Diego (21-11-1).

The teams complete the 2-game series on Sunday at 7 p.m., also at Basic High's Dick Empson Field at Gary Chaires Stadium.

Stars victorious at Lakeside

© East County Sports.com
LAKE ELSINORE (7-9-11) — Third baseman KENNY BELZER drilled a 3-run double in the 1st inning, while JOSH QUERIONES tossed six solid innings, sending the San Diego Stars to a 10-7 victory over the host Lake Elsinore Sharks in Western Baseball Association action Friday (July 8) at Lakeside High School.

The Stars (21-10-1) are now 2-0 on their multi-state roadtrip, which continues with a weekend set at Team Vegas on Saturday and Sunday.

Belzer's blast capped a 2-out rally which saw TAYLOR EICHHORST double, followed by a walk to BRIAN SOS, then DEREK BAUM was hit by a pitch. Belzer then cleared the bases with a drive to deep left-center field. He later added a run-scoring single in the 3rd to give him four RBI for the contest.

Meanwhile, Queriones, normally an infielder, made the most of his second pitching stint. The only member of the Sharks to tag him was third baseman Jake Magness, who hit a pair of home runs to keep Lake Elsinore close.

Magness also had a chance to tie the game in the 7th off Stars reliever DARREN GAY, but a deep fly to right field was hauled in by Eichhorst.

SHARIF "Omar" PALMER then tossed a pair of perfect frames, retiring all six Sharks batters he faced to close out the victory and register the save.

MICHAEL STOWERS paced a 13-hit Stars attack by going 2-for-3, while Eichhorst and Sos each batted 2-for-4.

Stars cycle past the Samurai

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (7-7-11) — BRIAN SOS drove in runs during each of his three at-bats, while TAYLOR EICHHORST just missed hitting for the cycle, powering the San Diego Stars to an early 10-1 cushion before clearing the bench in a 12-7 decision over Samurai All-Japan in Western Baseball Association action Wednesday (July 6) at Alliant International University.

The triumph lifted the Stars (20-10-1 overall) into a virtual tie for second place in the WBA South with the San Diego Waves, which were whipped by the front-running San Diego Force, 10-1.

Sos, a 22-year member of the Stars, capped a 3-for-3, 4 RBI performance with a 2-run homer in the 4th inning to mount an 8-1 advantage.

SHANE STONER also clubbed a 2-run homer, while Eichhorst just came up short on his quest for a homer, instead collecting a single, double and triple for a pair of RBI in going 3-for-6 against the Samurai.

In addition, outfielder ERIC MORENO collected three hits while reaching twice on errors, scoring each time for five total runs, finishing just one short of the Stars record.

Sos opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st, followed by a run-scoring double by BRIAN PATRICK. Like Eichhorst, Sos fell one hit (a triple) short of the cycle before joining most of the starters on the sidelines after San Diego mounted an early 9-run lead.

The Stars continue their roadtrip Friday at the Lake Elsinore Sharks, then play a 2-game weekend series at Team Vegas of the California Collegiate League.

Youth key to System success
Capture NBC Western Regional crown

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-5-11) — Qualifying as perhaps the youngest team in the 77-year history of the National Baseball Congress World Series, a group of high school players mixed in with some college underclassmen defeated every opponent – each filled with older ballplayers – tossed at them, going undefeated to capture the NBC Western Regional.

The System, based in Chula Vista, yet mixed in with some players from Cal State San Marcos, raced through five straight contests to earn their ticket to Wichita, Kan. Although every contest was close – their biggest margin of victory was only by three runs – they defeated every opponent, including Monday's (July 4) triumph over the San Diego Force, 8-7, at Stars Field.

And the youngest of the System's youngsters, 16-year old catcher Marco Arellano, came through with the biggest hit in the record 16-team qualifying tournament. Arellano sent a drive to the left-center field gap for a walkoff double to bring home first baseman Andres Enriquez, who started the two-out rally with a sharp basehit to right.

The triumph was also the second for the System over the Force, the undefeated (13-0) South Division leaders of the Western Baseball Association. Just like the championship game, Sunday's (July 3) winners bracket final was tied at 7-all entering the 9th inning, but the System scored twice in their final at-bat to claim a 9-7 decision.

"Those guys weren't intimidated played against the big boys," said tournament director Mickey Deutschman, who is also owner-manager of the tournament's 2-time defending champion San Diego Stars. "There were plenty of opportunities for them to fold, but they never did against some very good competition."

Along with Arellano, four other members of the System – designated hitter Hector Montes, right fielder Jeremy Baum, third baseman Humberto Tovalin and Enriguez – collected two hits among 10 by the ballclub.

The Force, which failed to hold lead an early 4-1 cushion, registerd 12 hits, including three each by third baseman Travis McCleary, left fielder Marcus Himelhoch and shortstop David Whiteside.

Stars eliminated in walkoff fashion
Two-time champions fall to Snappers, 8-7

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-4-11) — Finishing in a tie for seventh place at the National Baseball Congress World Series last summer brought smiles to the San Diego Stars following their best finish at nationals in more than a decade. BRACKET

However, a seventh place finish at your own regional, where the Stars are the two-time defending champions, was anything but satisfying after falling to the Southern California Snappers of Orange County, 8-7, in Sunday's (July 3) third-round losers bracket contest.

The Stars, already smarting from a loss in the NBC Western Regional opener, knew it would be improbable to capture eight consecutive games through the losers bracket.

But winning just twice was also less than expected after rallying from deficits of 5-1 and 6-2 to grab a 7-6 advantage, only to watch the Snappers respond with a game-tying run in the 8th, then a sacrifice fly in the 9th to end the tournament for the Stars (19-10-1).

The comeback saw Derek Baum lift a sacrifice fly for a run, followed by a run-scoring single by Tony Spears to make it 6-4 in the 5th inning. An inning later, a double-error by the Snappers on a ball hit by Kenny Belzer would tie the contest, then a double play grounder saw the go-ahead run score.

However, the Snappers' Mark Flatten lined an RBI single in the 8th to again level the contest, then Tony Daily won on a sac fly to score pinch-runner Dave Fogel.

Meanwhile, the South Bay (Chula Vista) System, the ballclub which downed the Stars in the event opener, gained a berth in Monday's championship round after upending WBA leading San Diego Force, 9-7.

The Force will meet the Snappers in a losers bracket final at 9:30 a.m. Monday, with the winner needing to best the System twice in the championship round, which starts at 1 p.m. at Stars Field.

The Stars return to Western Baseball Association on Wedneday at 5 p.m., meeting Samurai All-Japan at Alliant International University in Scripps Ranch.

2011 BARONA FIREWORKS SHOW
Sun., July 3rd – 9 p.m.
Watch from Barona Valley Ranch & Casino
or
Bring a blanket and watch from the outfield
at Stars Field (one mile north of the casino).
• NBC Baseball Tournament (all weekend)
• 'Famous' Stars Barbeque
• Raffle for prizes
• $10,000 Fireworks Power Giveaway
at the casino (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
DETAILS

Clutch outings keep Stars alive

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-3-11) — A trio of standout individual performances allowed the San Diego Stars to survive through Day Two of the NBC Western Regional, sweeping a pair of games in the challenger bracket at Stars Field while half of the record 16-team field was eliminated during Saturday's (July 2) action.

In the opener, Stars shortstop JOSH QUERIONES made an emergency start when the scheduled starting pitcher failed to arrive, yet yielded just a pair of basehits in six stellar innings to gain a 14-5 decision over the Lake Elsinore Sharks.

In the second ballgame, it was the arm of LOUIS MARTUS which lasted through 8 1/3 innings which kept the Stars in the game, then TAYLOR EICHHORST delivered a walk-off, 2-run double to grab a thrilling 8-7 triumph over the pesky San Diego Hustle.

Game One
Queriones was as surprised as anyone in the Stars dugout when told he would start onthe mount against the Sharks.

He then kept his composure after allowing a 1st-inning single to then coax an inning-ending double play grounder to start his solid performance, then retired Lake Elsinore in order over four of his next five innings of work.

The only other hit allowed was a double in the 4th, with the runner eventually coming home on a wild pitch to trim the Stars lead to 3-1.

However, his team then answered with six runs in the bottom of the 4th for a 9-1 cushion. The rally included a 2-run double by TONY SPEARS, who collected three RBI in a rare start in left field.

SHARIF PALMER tossed the final three innings for the save and to eliminate Lake Elsinore from the tournament. Meanwhile, Eichhorst started his big day by going 3-for-4 with four runs and a pair of RBI for the Stars (18-9-1).

Game Two
Martus' pitch count grew into triple-digits after registering 10 strikeouts through 8 innings. But when he tired, the bullpen failed to hold the lead as the Hustle scored four times in the 9th, capped by a 2-run single by first baseman Nate Saquilen, to grab a 7-6 lead.

However, the Stars (19-9-1) answered back after gladly accepting a walk and a hit batsman, setting up Eichhorst's game-winner with two outs, a deep double to the gap in right-center field to bring home ERIC MORENO, then CHRIS ALLEN from first base.

Eichhorst also drilled a 2-run single in the 5th, when the Stars scored four times to secure a 6-3 lead before the late rally by the Hustle. Stars assistant coach SCOTT HOPGOOD end the Hustle-9th by registering the final two outs in relief, collecting his first victory of the season thanks to Eichhorst's heroics.

For the contest, Eichhorst went 2-for-4 with a run and four RBI, giving him a 5-for-8, 6-RBI day to raise his summer average to .350 (.510 slugging percentage).

First baseman BRIAN SOS also went 2-for-4 against the Hustle, good for a pair of RBI, as the middle three in the Stars batting order went a composite 5-for-10 with seven RBI.

On Sunday, the Stars must win three consecutive contests in order to advance to Monday's championship round. The difficult stretch begins with a 9:30 a.m. start at Stars Field against the Southern California Snappers of Orange County.

Stars 'drop' regional opener

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (7-2-11) — Two weeks ago at the Southern California regional to the National Baseball Congress World Series, the South Division teams from the Western Baseball Association dominated their brethren from the North in an event eventually captured by the San Diego Stars.

On Friday's (July 1) opening day of the NBC Western regional, this time hosted by the South, it was the North which dominated play, as the South posted a meager 1-5 record, including a major drop, literally, by the Stars.

Moments after the Stars moved even with the South Bay System, a ballclub composed of North County players from CSU San Marcos, and South Bay players seeking to gain a roster spot for the Mexico National Team, the tournament hosts were well positioned to begin defense of their back-to-back titles.

Then the Stars dropped the ball.

TAYLOR EICHHORST tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI single in the 7th inning. However, the Stars defense dropped a routine fly ball which would have ended the 8th, instead allowing a pair of unearned runs to score in a 5-2 setback to the System.

The lone mistake by Stars starting pitching LUCAS WHITMORE was a 2-run homer in the 5th innings by Jeremy Baum. The blast to left field off-set an RBI single by Stars second baseman HILARIO GARCIA to score shortstop TONY SPEARS in the 2nd.

Whitmore thought he escaped a minor jam with a routine fly ball to end the 7th, but when the ball bounced out of an outfielders' glove, it left the Stars with the most difficult task: capturing eight straight contests out of the consolation bracket in order to claim a third straight tournament championship.

Third baseman KENNY BELZER batted 2-for-3 for the Stars (17-9-1), which play a 9:30 am. Saturday game against the Lake Elsinore Sharks, also at Stars Field.

The lone victory by a local side was by the San Diego Force, which moved into the championship semifinals after posting triumphs over the San Diego Shockers, 4-0, and San Diego Hustle, 11-9.

Stars experience déjà vu in victory

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-30-11) — In a near identical repeat of last week's match-up, the San Diego Stars nearly gave away the game in the 9th and 10th innings, yet a run in the top of the 10th was enough to hang on and down Team San Diego, 4-3, in Western Baseball Association action Wednesday (June 29) at Grossmont College's Noel Mickelson Field.

Stars veteran BRIAN SOS delivered the game-winner, doubling home TAYLOR EICHHORST with a shot to the gap in right-center field. Both players batted 3-for-5 to lead a 10-hit attack.

But it was the dancing of the Stars bullpen which kept everything interesting down the stretch.

A week ago, Team San Diego loaded the bases with no one out in the 9th, but reliever LOUIS MARTUS entered to strikeout three straight batters to escape in what would be a 3-2 Stars victory.

This time, TSD "only" places two runners on base with just one out in the 9th. Enter SCOTT DEAN from the bullpen in his first Stars appearance in four years.

Dean coaxed a fly out, but when the runner tagged from second base, center fielder MICHAEL STOWERS fired a strike to third baseman KENNY BELZER for the inning-ending double play.

In the 10th, an outfield error allowed Team San Diego to send a runner home from first base. However, Eichhorst in right field picked up the ball to nail the baserunner, as Stars catcher DEREK BAUM caught the ball up the line, but was able to reach back and tag out the potential game-tying run.

However, the generous Stars added their fifth error of the ballgame to give Team San Diego one last chance, but Dean survived on a line out to Eichhorst to collect his first victory in more than four years.

Tied at 1-all, Eichhorst drilled an RBI triple in the 6th to score shortstop TONY SPEARS, who went 2-for-4. Sos followed with a run-scoring single. However, a pair of unearned runs in the 7th and 8th moved Team San Diego even, wasting a nice starting pitching outing by ERICK ALLEN, who allowed just three hit in five innings.

The Stars (17-8-1 overall, 7-5 WBA South) take two weeks off from league play by first hosting the NBC Western Regional over the weekend, then will travel to Las Vegas for a series of contest the following weekend.

Stars go paltry rather than party

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (6-29-11) — A paltry 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position left the San Diego Stars on the short end of a 5-1 decision to the host San Diego Waves in Tuesday's (June 28) Western Baseball Association ballgame at Escondido High's Pete Coscarart Field.

Stars shortstop HILARIO GARCIA, who batted 2-for-3, drove in KENNY BELZER with a sharp single to right field in the 5th inning, off-setting a solo homer to left by Waves third baseman Max Duvall in the 4th.

However, the Waves also answered immediately, scoring three times in the bottom of the 5th, including a pair on a 2-run single by Nathan Baird.

DEREK KING also registered two of the Stars' 10 hits, while pitchers BRANDYN BELL and JOHN BASNIGHT each tossed a shutout inning of relief, with Basnight recorded all of his three outs on strikes.

With the victory, the Waves moved two games in front of the Stars for second place in the WBA South. The Stars play Wednesday against Team San Diego at Grossmont College, starting at 5 p.m., then host the NBC Western Regional starting on Friday.

Streaking Stars sweep Samurai

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-26-11) — The red-hot San Diego Stars were victorious for the 8th time in nine starts after sweeping Saturday's (June 25) doubleheader from Samurai All-Japan, 3-2 and 10-3, in Western Baseball Association action at Stars Field.

The triumphs moved the Stars (16-7-1 overall, 6-4 WBA South) into a tie for second place with the San Diego Waves.

The Stars pitching staff bounced back with a pair of strong outings by the starters. LUCAS WHITMORE struck out eight Samurai over eight innings to gain the victory in the opener, then DARREN GAY struck out six without a walk in the nightcap.

However, Gay exited trailing 3-2, as JUSTIN DISBRO registered the final out of the 8th inning, then saw the Stars explode for eight runs in the home half of the frame to gain the pitching victory.

BRIAN PATRICK made the most of his first career start at third base to become a difference maker in the night cap. He batted 3-for-4 with a sacrifice, scoring the go-ahead run in a major collision at home plate.

KENNY BELZER opened the 8th with a double, with Patrick reaching on a fielder's choice when the Samurai was late throwing to third base on the bunt. Pinch hitter ERIC MORENO singled in JOSH QUERIONES (Belzer's pinch runner) for the to make it 3-all.

GARY JACOBI, who hit a solo homer in the 7th, then grounded to second base, as the throw came home to get Patrick. The throw was in time, but when Patrick steamrolled Samurai catcher John Nohmi, the ball was jarred loose to give the Stars a 4-3 advantage.

On the play, Nohmi lost his helmet and hit his head on the ground, leaving him grounded for several minutes. He was assisted off the field, walking off with a nasty knot on the back of his head.

Patrick capped the outburst with a 2-run double as the Stars sent 12 batters to the plate.

First baseman BRIAN SOS registered a perfect outing at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double, then reaching after getting hit by a pitch in the decisive 8th inning rally.

In the opener, TONY SPEARS and DEREK RING registered run-scoring basehits in the 7th to snap a 1-1 tie to lift the Stars. Then in the 9th, LOUIE MARTUS struck out a pair of Samurai batters To register the save.

Next week, the Stars play a pair of road games, Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against the Waves at Escondido High, then Wednesday at 5 p.m. against Team San Diego at Grossmont College before hosting the National Baseball Congress Western Regional, July 1-4.

Force beat on Stars pitching

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-24-11) — The San Diego Stars rallied from an early 4-0 deficit to grab the lead by the 5th inning, but the bullpen failed to hold on as the Western Baseball Association leading San Diego Force came back to claim a 13-6 decision Thursday (June 23) at Stars Field.

The Force (14-6 overall, 8-0 WBA South) scored four times in their first at bat before the Stars (14-7-1, 4-4) bounced back.

Designated hitter GARY JACOBI capped a 3-run rally in the 4th with a 2-run single. An inning later, consecutive doubles by BRIAN SOS and KEVIN LOVELACE tied the contest, then DEREK RING shocked the Force with a two-out bunt which he beat out for a basehit, allowing Lovelace to score the go-ahead run.

However, the bullpen failed to maintain the advantage, as the Force tied the game in their half of the 5th, then plated six runs in the 6th to regain control.

For the Stars, center fielder CHRIS ALLEN batted 3-for-4, giving him eight hits in his last 10 at-bats, while Jacobi went 2-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt.

The Stars return to action Saturday with a home doubleheader against Samurai All Japan, starting at noon. Meanwhile, Sunday's twinbill with the South Bay Saints will not be played.

Bests by Allen, Martus, push Stars past Team SD

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-23-11) — In the single-greatest ballgame in the semipro baseball careers of center fielder CHRIS ALLEN and relief pitcher LOUIE MARTUS, the San Diego Stars survived to down Team San Diego, 3-2 in 10 innings, in Western Baseball Association action Wednesday at Grossmont College.

Allen batted 5-for-6 from the leadoff spot, including a solo homer to open the contest, then gained a run-scoring basehit in extra innings to bring home REX BLAYLOCK from second base with the go-ahead run.

However, it was Martus' effort in the 9th inning which gave Allen an opportunity for his heroics.

Martus entered the game in relief after Team San Diego loaded the bases with no one out. And he promptly struck out the next three batters, including a swinging strike on a 3-2 pitch to cap an improbable escape and extend the contest.

Blaylock, a late-inning substitute in left field, opened the 10th by reaching on a bad-hop single past third base.

Designated hitter DEREK RING sacrificed Blaylock to second, then he scored an out later when Allen's infield chopper saw the Team San Diego shortstop make a do-or-die attempt to play the ball on the short hop rather than knock down the ball and leave the runner at third base.

Martus then retired Team San Diego in order to collect the victory. He retired all six batters he faced on four strikeouts, a pop out to first baseman BRIAN SOS, then a game-clinching fly out to Blaylock.

Along with his game-opening homer, Allen also scored in the 4th on a one-out single, later scoring on a basehit by TAYLOR EICHHORST. However, Team San Diego got even in the 5th on consecutive RBI basehits by Matt Page and Kyle Espinola.

The triumph allowed the Stars (14-6-1 overall) to flip-flop places with Team San Diego to move into third place in the WBA South, just a half-game out of second.

The Stars will meet South frontrunner San Diego Force on Thursday at Stars Field, starting at 5 p.m.

Notes: It was an unofficial Alumni Day for the San Diego Stars, playing their first ballgame at Grossmont College's Noel Mickelsen Field since 1996. Thus, head coach MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN allowed eight players who once played for the Griffins to gain berths in the starting line-up.

Stars power past the Mavericks

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-22-11) — Fueled by veterans BRIAN SOS and PETE MALLOY, the San Diego Stars waltzed past the visiting San Diego Mavericks, 8-1, in Western Baseball Association action Tuesday (June 21) at Stars Field.

Sos pumped his third home run of the season, a shot to straightaway center field to cap a 5-run outburst in the 4th inning, then the Stars rode the arm of Malloy to jump within a game of second place in the WBA South.

Malloy allowed just four hits in his seven innings of work, then ANTONIO DIAZ and ERICK ALLEN each tossed an inning of no-hit ball, extending the Stars winning streak to five.

Along with Sos' long ball, the Stars (13-6-1 overall, 3-3 WBA) also collected six doubles – including a pair by second baseman DEREK RING – among their 12 hits off five Mavericks pitchers.

The Mavs (3-8-1) mustered a quick run in the 2nd when Tony Harkey doubled, then came around on a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly. However, the Stars immediately answered on consecutive RBI hits by catcher DEREK BAUM and left fielder MICHAEL STOWERS.

Then in the 5th, shortstop KEVIN LOVELACE walked with the bases loaded for a 3-1 lead, right fielder TAYLOR RICHHORST lifted a sacrifice fly to center, then Sos cleared the centerfield fence with his third homer in two weeks.

The final Stars run saw Stars newcomer REX BLAYLOCK collect a pinch-hit double in his first career at-bat, eventually coming home on an infield single by TONY SPEARS in the 8th.

The Stars continue WBA action with contests Wednesday against Team San Diego at Grossmont College's Noel Mickelsen Field, then home on Thursday against the WBA-leading San Diego Force. Both ballgames are slated for 5 p.m.

Stars storm to NBC regional crown

© East County Sports.com
LAKE ELSINORE (6-20-11) — The San Diego Stars, bouncing back from a disappointing showing in Western Baseball Association play earlier in the week, defeated the San Diego Force for the second time over the weekend, including Sunday's (June 19) 13-3 triumph to capture the Southern California regional to qualify for the National Baseball Congress World Series.

The Stars (12-6-1 overall) dropped a 5-3 decision to the first-place Force on Tuesday. But in the tournament, the Stars foiled the Force, 8-1, in Friday's winners bracket semifinals, then took an easy triumph in the championship round to cap an undefeated 4-0 run through the bracket.

The ballclub out-scored the opposition by a 40-16 count.

Saturday's Game
NBC Regional / Winners Bracket Final
San Diego Stars 11, West Coast Storm 8 (Stars advance to Sunday's championship vs. San Diego Force, at Lakeside HS, Lake Elsinore, 1 p.m.)

Jacobi, Sos, belt homers for Stars
Advance to NBC regional semifinals

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (6-18-11) — A resurgent effort by San Diego Stars outfielder GARY JACOBI resulted in a 2-run homer, while veteran first baseman BRIAN SOS battered a 3-run shot, powering the Stars past the San Diego Force, 8-1, in Friday's winners bracket semifinals of the NBC Southern California regional.

The Stars also whipped the Samurai All-Japan, 8-4, in Friday's (June 17) opening round contest, which began at 8 a.m. Both ballgames were held at Alliant International University.

The Stars (10-6-1) advance to Saturday's winners bracket final, slated for Saturday at 10 a.m., against the late winner between the West Coast (Costa Mesa) Storm and the Southern California SKLZ of Poway. The contest will also be held at AIU, then the San Diego half of the tournament draw moves to the main site of Lakeside High in Lake Elsinore.

NBC So. California Regional
Friday's Games
Frist Round
San Diego Stars 8, Samurai All-Japan 4
San Diego Force df. San Diego Mavericks
West Coast Storm df. Huntington Beach Grizzlies (12 inn.)
So. California SKLZ df. Lake Elsinore Sharks

Second Round
Winners Bracket
San Diego Stars 8. San Diego Force 1 (B.Sos, 3-run HR; Jacobi, 2-run HR)
West Coast Storm vs. So. California SKLZ
Challengers Bracket
San Diego Mavericks vs. Samurai All-Japan
Lake Elsinore Sharks vs. Huntington Beach Grizzlies

Revised bracket posted at 5:30 p.m., 6-15-11;
bracket re-revised at 10 a.m., 6-16-11...
Stars now play Samurai All-Japan at 8 a.m. Friday at Alliant.

Questions abound in WBA regional

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (6-15-11) — The San Diego Stars received both good news and bad news when it comes to this weekend's Southern California regional qualifier to gain a berth to the National Baseball Congress World Series.

On the positive front, the tournament has been divided in half, with most South Division ballclubs to remain in San Diego for Friday's opening rounds. Thus, the Stars' 9 a.m. contest will be held at Alliant International University rather than Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinore.

On the flip side, the Stars' first opponent will be the San Diego Mavericks, which are 2-0 against the Stars this season.

However, confusion follows in future rounds.

According to the bracket released by the WBA, the loser of the San Diego bracket championship game – a contest slated for Friday at 9 a.m. – will need to play an elimination game in Lake Elsinore... at 12:30 p.m.

Considering that an average Stars game has lasted about 2:30 this season, that would give the losing team less than 60 minutes to make the 90-minute drive to southern Riverside County.

Needless to say, someone in the WBA administration may need to re-work the pairings.

The current tournament slate is listed HERE.

Stars seeing Red(-lands)

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-15-11) — University of Redlands product Jason Henning lifted a sacrifice fly for the tie-breaking run in the 7th inning, lifting the league-leading San Diego Force to a 5-3 verdict over the San Diego Stars in Tuesday's (June 14) Western Baseball Association ballgame at Stars Field.

The victory propelled the Force to 5-0 in the WBA South, three games better than the Stars (8-6-1 overall, 2-3 WBA).

Stars left fielder TONY SPEARS batted 2-for-4, including an RBI single in the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead. His basehit followed a run-scoring single by catcher DEREK BAUM. However, the rest of the ballclub mustered just six hits – all singles – to drop their second WBA contest is as many days.

On the plus side, the Stars received solid pitching, including six frames by starter ANTONIO DIAZ, while three relievers – JUSTIN DISBRO, DARREN GAY and BRANDYN BELL – yielded just a pair of hits.

The other Stars run came on a game-tying, RBI single in the 6th by veteran first baseman BRIAN SOS, who batted 2-for-4.

For the Force, left fielder Jacob Ludvik, a first-team, all-SCIAC performer from LaVerne in 2011, went 3-for-3, plus a sacrifice fly.

The Stars next participate in this weekend's Southern California regional qualifier for the National Baseball Congress World Series, to be held at Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinore.

Stars throw away game to Mavericks

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (6-14-11) — A throwing error into the dugout allowed a pair of early runs, as the San Diego Mavericks surprised the visiting San Diego Stars, 6-3, in Western Baseball Association action Monday (June 13) at Alliant International University.

Following 1st-inning RBI by the Stars' TAYLOR EICHHORST (double) and BRIAN SOS (grounder to second base), a basehit by the Mavs' Travis Keppell loaded the bases. But when the return throw bounded into the Stars dugout, two baserunners were awarded home to eventually mount a 5-2 lead through two innings.

LUCAS WHITMORE pitched the final five innings in relief in his summer debut for the Stars, striking out nine batters, including all three Mavericks in the 6th and 8th innings.

The only other Stars run came on a run-scoring single by KEVIN LOVELACE in the 5th, bringing home ERIC MORENO (walk, stolen base).

Second baseman DEREK RING registered a pair of basehits for the Stars (8-5-1 overall; 2-2 WBA South).

The Stars will host the division leading San Diego Force (3-0) on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Bringas taken by Royals

© East County Sports.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (6-9-11) — The return of San Diego Stars infielder ADRIAN BRINGAS proved to be short. Less than a week upon returning to his summer semipro ballclub, Bringas was drafted by the Kansas City Royals.

The talented third baseman with Chico State, Southwestern College and Hilltop High was tabbed in the 46th round in Wednesday's (June 8) Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

"I just froze for a moment when I saw my name. I wondered if it was another Adrian Bringas," he told the Chico Enterprise. "But then I saw 'Chico State' and I knew it was me."

"I just started running around the house screaming. I just couldn't believe that the dream I've had since I was 3 years old was actually coming true."

Bringas placed his mark on the Chico State record book with a 22-game hitting streak, while batting a team-high .372 with 12 doubles, five homers and 37 RBIs to earn all-region honors this past season.

Then in two appearances with the Stars, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound right-hander batted a cool .625 (5-for-8), including a pair of doubles and four RBI, before the Royals called his name. He signed earlier today and will report to either the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League or the Royals rookie league team in the Arizona Rookie League.

Bringas' path in the Royals' farm system could see a move to second base, according to Stars owner/manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN, who is also an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves.

Bringas became the eighth Chico State player to be drafted since 2005, and the 15th California Collegiate Athletic Association player to be selected this year alone.

After winning a pair of South Bay League high school titles, Bringas led Southwestern to the state community college title game after claiming the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference player of the year award, earning a scholarship to Chico State.

Stars show better SKLZ

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-13-11) — In an afternoon of give and take, the San Diego Stars still were able to sweep Sunday's (June 12) doubleheader from the Southern California SKLZ (formerly Poway Thunder) to jump back into the Western Baseball Association pennant race.

The Stars (8-4-1 overall, 2-1 WBA) accepted a half-dozen 1st-inning walks to score six times in their first trip to the plate, rolling to an 8-3 triumph. In the nightcap, the SKLZ brought the tying run to the plate after trailing by 10 runs entering the 9th, but the Stars survived, 13-10.

In Game One, six free passes resulted in three runs, then the Stars registered their lone hit of the inning when centerfielder CHRIS ALLEN blasted a 3-run double.

An inning later, BRIAN SOS homered to center for a 7-0 cushion to make life easy for starting pitcher PETE MALLOY, who tossed eight solid innings for the victory.

In Game Two, the Stars overcame an early 3-0 deficit, moving even by the end of the 2nd inning, going on to score 13 consecutive runs, including six in the 6th, to mount a 13-3 advantage.

However, the SKLZ answered with seven runs in the 9th against the bullpen before assistant coach SCOTT "Hoppy" HOPGOOD entered to close out the victory. Facing just one batter, Hopgood coaxed a broken-bat grounder to second base.

The victory went to starting pitcher DARREN GAY, who overcame a rough opening inning to post four solid innings in his five frames. The victory also lifted the Stars' winning streak to four straight.

Second baseman DEREK RING knocked in a pair of runs in the 6th, while catcher DEREK BAUM lifted a sacrifice fly during the rally, capping his 2-RBI performance.

Meanwhile, left fielder ERIC MORENO went 2-for-2 with a walk, scoring on all three occasions, while Allen went 2-for-2 with a sacrifice fly.

The Stars return to WBA action with ballgames to open the week, meeting the San Diego Mavericks on Monday at Alliant International University, then return to Stars Field for a Tuesday meeting with the San Diego Force. Both start at 5 p.m.

Stars starting pitching dominates

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-12-11) — San Diego Stars pitchers MARK VASQUEZ and TAYLOR KLUGMAN each made solid starts Saturday, leading to a doubleheader sweep of the visiting New Mexico Baseball Academy collegiate ballclub, 1-0 and 15-5, in non-league action at Stars Field.

Vasquez tossed 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball in the opener, with SHARIF PALMER finally registering the final out. The victory snapped the Stars' 3-game losing skid, the team's longest in three seasons.

The only run was redemption for Stars shortstop KEVIN LOVELACE, who was making his summer debut.

Following a pair of groundballs which led to double plays by the Aggies, Lovelace bounced back by pounding a 6th-inning double to score second baseman DEREK RING.

In the nightcap, Klugman was nearly as strong in his five frames or work, with the lone run allowed coming on a wild pitch. He struck our four batters and yielded just five singles.

Meanwhile, the Stars offense exrupted for 19 hits in scoring in all six of the team's turns at the plate.

Included was a 3-for-4 performance by shortstop HILARIO GARCIA, who capped his outing with a 2-run single in the 5th.

Right fielder TAYLOR EICHHORST also batted 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, driving home a pair of runs. In addition, centerfielder CHRIS ALLEN ended an 0-13 slump with a triple, then later added an RBI double and a sacrifice bunt.

The Stars complete their home stand Sunday, returning to Western Baseball Association action by entertaining the Southern California SKLZ (formerly the Poway Thunder) in a doubleheader starting at noon.

Another Stars rally fizzles late

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-9-11) — In a wild slugfest, the San Diego Stars allowed a pair of early leads to slip away, then mounted a pair of comebacks to force extra innings, yet fell to the San Diego Hustle, 11-9 in 10 innings, in Wednesday's (June 8) final tune-up before opening Western Baseball Association action.

TAYLOR EICHHORST powered the Stars (5-3-1) with a pair of doubles while walking twice and scoring three times, including the game-tying run in the 7th. The Hustle re-claimed the lead in the 8th, but Stars third baseman KENNY BELZER lifted a sacrifice fly in the 9th to bring home MICHAEL STOWERS and extend the contest.

However, the Hustle pushed across the go-ahead run when the Stars failed to convert a potential inning-ending double play, giving Greg Allen the game-winning RBI. Matt Martinez followed with a run-scoring single, then Hustle reliever Aaron Alva survived a walk to get the save.

Earlier at Stars Field, the Hustle (6-2) also defeated Heroes of the Diamond, 9-5.

The Stars open WBA South Division play Thursday (June 9) against the San Diego Mavericks, in a ballgame slated for 5 p.m. at Alliant University in Scripps Ranch.

Stars' rally stalls in setback to HOD

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-8-11) — The San Diego Stars own a perfect record this summer season, with one notable exception. For the third time this season, the Stars failed to get past Heroes of the Diamond, the national touring team representing the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Stars were poised to pull out Tuesday's (June 7) game in the bottom of the 9th inning, but a baserunner representing the tying run was picked off at third base in a disappointing 6-5 setback. Thus, the Stars (4-2-1 overall) fell to 0-2-1 against Heroes.

Stars pitcher PETE MALLOY carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning, but HOD broke through to post four runs to snap the scoreless tie. The rally started with a hit batsman, a double by Juan Velasquez, then former Stars standout Mike Lange pounded a 2-run single.

However, San Diego answered back on a "Little League home run" by TONY SPEARS. The pinchhitter slugged a double to left field, then sprinted to third base when the relay throw got away. Another defender picked up the loose ball and fired to third, but the ball sailed into the dugout for a second error on the play, allowing Spears to be awarded home plate.

In the 8th, after Heroes of the Diamond (5-0-1) pushed their advantage to 6-1, the Stars scored on three consecutive at-bats. Included was a bases loaded walk to DEREK BAUM, a double play grounder to score TAYLOR EICHHORST, then an RBI basehit by Spears.

In the 9th, a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Hilario Garcia set-up a run-scoring, scratch single by Eichhorst. However, a busted play saw Heroes catcher Leo Hernandez catch a Stars runner straying too far off third base, then reliever Wes Judish coaxed an easy fly out to save the game for starting pitcher Frankie Cervantes for his second victory over San Diego in 10 days.

Cervantes also carried a length no-hitter until Garcia opened the 5th with a basehit.

Spears and Eichhorst each registered two hits for San Diego .

The Stars will host the San Diego Hustle on Wednesday, then open Western Baseball Association South Division play at the San Diego Mavericks, Thursday at Alliant International University . Both games start at 5 p.m.

Stars wonder what happened

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-6-11) — For reasons still unknown, the Huntington Beach Grizzlies traveled to San Diego County for a Sunday (June 5) doubleheader, but instead played the San Diego Mavericks, leaving San Diego Stars players wondering why no one arrived to Stars Field.

The Grizzlies, which played in the Stars' Memorial Day Weekend tournament, confirmed their return, so Stars management is attempting to determine why the scout team from the Cleveland Indians made a sudden switch.

The Stars (4-1) return to action Tuesday against Heroes of the Diamond. The start time will now be 4 p.m., so the conclusion of last week's suspended game can be completed, to be followed by the schedule ballgame.

Stars storm past Lake Elsinore

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BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-5-11) — A trio of pitching newcomers to the San Diego Stars – LUIS MARTUS, JUSTIN DISBRO and TYLER SOTO – combined for a 3-hit shutout, lifting the Stars to Saturday's (June 4) 17-0 victory to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Lake Elsinore Sharks at Stars Field.

San Diego (4-1) took the opener by an 11-5 count.

Martus overwhelmed the Sharks (0-3), registering nine strikeouts over his six innings of work. Disbro (2 innings) and Soto (1) then combined for three frames of no-hit relief, as Stars pitchers posted a composite 13 strikeouts.

On offense, the Stars scored in every inning except the 1st, topped by a 5-spot in the 7th, as eight different players knocked in runs.

Included was a 2-run double in the 4th by shortstop HILARIO GARCIA in his Stars debut, while mid-game substitute DAVID BRYAN batted 3-for-3 with three RBI, including a 2-run double in the 6th.

In the opener, shortstop ADRIAN BRINGAS belted a 2-run double in the 1st to jump-start the Stars, eventually building a 5-0 lead. Lake Elsinore answered with a pair of runs in the 7th, but the Stars – who have dominated in the 7th inning all season – responded with a 6-run outburst to mount an 11-2 cushion.

Winning pitcher BOBBY WILKINS yielded an infield single in the 1st, the lone basehit allowed in his 4-inning stint on the mound.

The Stars entertain the Huntington Beach Grizzlies in a doubleheader Sunday, starting at noon.

Stars take about-face against
Heroes of the Diamond in tie

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (6-2-11) — It wasn't the complete turnaround desired, but after the San Diego Stars suffered an embarrassing 15-1 setback to Heroes of the Diamond, Wednesday's (June 1) rematch was less than satisfying despite not losing.

Holding the lead all afternoon, the Stars saw three different advantages slip away before the team's official home opener was suspended due to darkness tied at 9-9 after Heroes scored twice in the 9th inning.

The ballgame is slated to be continued prior to the teams' next scheduled contest on Tue., June 7, with the Stars turn at the plate in the 9th. Game time has been piushed up to 4 p.m.

The Stars scored five unearned runs in the 1st, but the national touring team representing the U.S. Armed Forces tied it in the 5th. The Stars later garnered 7-5 and 9-7 advantages, only to give away runs due to an unsettled defense which committed six errors for the second straight outing.

On offense, Stars centerfielder CHRIS ALLEN continued his torrid start to the summer season. Allen batted 2-for-3 to raise his average to .600, scoring both times to give San Diego leads of 1-0 inthe 1st, then 6-5 in the 4th.

Shortstop ADRIAN BRINGAS made his summer debut, recording his during his first two at-bats, while third baseman KENNY BELZER went 2-for-3, including an RBI single in the 1st, then smacking a double in the 5th.

In addition, GARY JACOBI registered a 2-run single, while DAVID BRYAN came off the bench to smack a pinch-hit single to knock in ANTONIO DIAZ in the 8th to snap a 7-7 deadlock.

The Stars (2-1) continue a 7-game homestand with consecutive doubleheaders over the weekend. They entertain the Lake Elsinore Sharks on Saturday, then the Huntington Beach Grizzlies on Sunday, both starting at noon.

Mirror, mirror on the wall
Stars fall to ex-teammates in Stars & Stripes finale

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (5-31-11) — The 2011 edition of the San Diego Stars semipro baseball team didn't need to look into the mirror, only across toward the opposing dugout to see what they looked like a year ago.

On the bench for Heroes of the Diamond were a half-dozen former Stars or ballplayers on loan to the national touring ballclub representing the U.S. Armed Forces.

And the newer, younger version of the Stars quickly learned what would be needed to again win, getting swamped, 15-1, in Monday's (May 30) championship final of the 3rd annual Stars & Stripes Memorial Day Weekend tournament held at Stars Field.

Former Stars catcher MATT POWELL led the way by driving in five runs, including an RBI double in the 1st inning, then cleared the bases with a 3-run double in the 2nd to grab a quick 6-0 lead. Heroes of the Diamond (3-0) later scored five unearned runs due to six Stars errors for the wire-to-wire decision.

The lone San Diego run came on a sacrifice fly by KENNY BELZER in the 2nd, bringing home DEREK RING, who opened the frame with a triple. Ring later singled in the 4th, but the only other Stars hit was a bunt single by CHRIS ALLEN.

Otherwise, Heroes pitcher FRANKIE CERVANTES, who tosses for the Stars on their annual trip to Canada, finished with a complete-game victory on a 3-hitter. Cervantes struck out nine and retired the final 13 consecutive Stars batters.

Former Stars outfielder GARRETT JENNER had two hits and a pair of walks, scoring all four times, while first baseman MIKE LANGE drove in a run on each of his three hits (two for doubles).

The teams meet again on Wednesday (June 1) in the official home opener for the Stars. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.

In other tournament action, the San Diego Hustle, coached by former San Diego SurfDawgs catcher NICK GUERRA, downed the West Coast (Costa Mesa) Storm, 5-3, behind a complete-game 3-hitter by Grossmont College red-shirt pitcher TAYLOR SHOCKEY.

The other Stars & Stripes contest saw the Inland Empire (Moreno Valley) Aces race past the Huntington Beach Grizzlies, 8-2.

Third annual Stars & Stripes
Memorial Day Weekend Classic
All games at Stars Field

Sat., May 28
(All Pool A teams)
Heroes of the Diamond 12, San Diego Hustle 2 (7 inn.)
Heroes of the Diamond 11, Inland Empire Aces 7
San Diego Hustle 15, Inland Empire Aces 5 (8 inn.)

Sun., May 29
(All Pool B teams)
San Diego Stars 11, Huntington Beach Grizzlies 2
Huntington Beach Grizzlies 5, West Coast Storm 0
San Diego Stars 10, West Coast Storm 1

Mon., May 30
San Diego Hustle 5, West Coast Storm 3
Inland Empire Aces 8, Huntington Beach Grizzlies 2
Final – Heroes of the Diamond 15, San Diego Stars 1

Stars & Stripes pools announced

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (5-20-11) — The San Diego Stars have announced the pools for the 3rd annual Stars & Stripes Memorial Day Weekend tournament, slated for Stars Field and Alliant International University.

The Stars (37-12 in 2010), the defending Western Baseball Association champions, will meet WBA North Division foes Huntington Beach Grizzlies and West Coast Storm, plus the Orange Coast Waves, a team in the newly created Orange County Collegiate League. All games in this pool will be held at Stars Field.

Meanwhile, AIU will host Heroes of the Diamond, the all-military touring team; the new Inland Empire Aces (the summer team for Pacifica College); the amateur San Diego Hustle (coached by former San Diego SurfDawgs standout Nick Guerra); and the San Diego Savages, which features several members of the WBA San Diego Mavericks.

Ballgames will be held Sat.-Sun., May 28-30, with the championship contest slated for Stars field at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

For further information, visit the Stars website HERE.

5-24-11 UPDATE: F9r undisclosed reasons, the Savages/Mavericks combined team withdrew for the event.

Big starts to Stars' season
Advance to Monday's S&S championship

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (5-30-11) — The San Diego Stars semipro baseball team opened its 2011 summer season in winning fashion, sweeping a pair of pool play ballgames to advance to Monday's championship of the team's 3rd annual Stars & Stripes Memorial Day Weekend Tournament, being held at Stars Field.

The Stars (2-0) waltzed to 11-2 pasting of the Huntington Beach Grizzlies, then a 10-1 pasting of the West Coast (Costa Mesa) Storm. They will meet Heroes of the Diamond, the national military touring team, in the final, slated for 4:30 p.m.

Heroes of the Diamond (2-0) lists a starting lineup which features a half-dozen current or former Stars players who are on loan in order to give them more national exposure, in the goal to gain a professional contract by the conclusion of the summer campaign.

SAN DIEGO STARS 11, HUNTINGTON BEACH GRIZZLIES 2 — The debut of former Valhalla High standout BOBBY WILKINS was a success, pitching four solid innings to gain the victory, while right fielder CHRIS ALLEN knocked in three runs in the first three innings from the No. 9 spot in the batting order to lift the Stars to a quick advantage.

In the 2nd inning, following an run-scoring triple by GARY JACOBI to open the scoring, Allen blasted an RBI double over the head of the Grizzlies centerfielder. An inning later, Allen drove in two additional runs with a triple, when San Diego scored six times to mount an 8-0 cushion through three innings.

Meanwhile, Wilkins, who was recommended to the Stars by former Norsemen and current Kansas City Royals pitcher SEAN O'SULLIVAN, set down the first nine batters he faced. He struck out five batters during the stretch, including the first three batters of the ballgame.

Overall, Wilkins registered six strikeouts and walked just one.

The Stars collected 15 hits, including a pair each by second baseman ERIC MORENO, 22-year Stars veteran first baseman BRIAN SOS, shortstop TONY SPEARS, and left fielder GARY JACOBI

SAN DIEGO STARS 10, WEST COAST STORM 1 — Following Allen's successful season opener, Stars manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN moved him to the leadoff spot, gaining even better results.

Allen batted 4-for-5 with a pair of triples and a walk, good for four RBI to power the Stars to another early lead. He singled and scored in the 1st, belted an RBI triple in the 2nd for a 4-0 lead, then smashed a bases-loaded triple in the 8th in his huge effort.

DARREN GAY marked his return to San Diego by tossing five solid innings, yielding just four singles and an unearned run.

In addition, the Stars may have discovered some live, new arms in relievers in LOUIS MARTUS and SHARIF PALMER. Martus went three solid innings,then Palmer struck out three batters in the 9th to cap the victory.

It's time for the Stars to come out

© East County Sports.com
BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION (5-10-11) — The San Diego Stars semipro baseball team, defending champions of the Western Baseball Association, announced its tryout schedule for the 2011 summer season.

The Stars seek qualified amateur, collegiate and former professional players for a ballclub which has captured titles five times over the past seven seasons under longtime owner/manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN.

"Talent speaks," noted Deutschman.

Tryouts will be held on Sat., May 14 and Sun., May 22, both at Stars Field, a private facility located 1.1 miles north of Barona Valley Ranch resort and casino along Wildcat Canyon Road, north of Lakeside. Registraton begins at noon, with players asked to be equipment ready (bats, helmet, spikes, gloves, etc.) to begin play at 1 p.m.

Over the past decade, the Stars (37-12 in 2010) were the lone semipro ballclub in Southern California that does not charge its players any fees (there is a refundable uniform deposit) to participate during the regular season. The Stars also participate in numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Grand Forks International in Canada and the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan.

For further information or to pre-register, visit the Stars Recruitment Page. You may also email the Stars about other issues.

Prospective players must furnish their own bat (wood) and helmet. All NCAA rules for amateurism are followed so all players may continue to participate in college baseball at any level (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA or community college).

The Stars, founded in 1981, have consistently been one of the top NBC ballclubs on the West Coast, including five league titles over the past seven seasons, plus an array of domestic and international tournament crowns.

More than a dozen Stars alumni have advanced to "The Show," including MARCUS GILES (drafted by Atlanta Braves), SEAN O'SULLIVAN (drafted by Los Angeles Angels), MIKE JACOBS (New York Mets), DAVID CORTEZ (Atlanta Braves) and MIKE FRANK (Cincinnati Reds).

For further information, call the Stars Hotline at (619) 448-7900, or visit the website: www.SanDiegoStars.com. You may also email the coaching staff HERE.

Special to East County Sports.com
BIG BEAR LAKE (12-3-10) — The body of BRYSON LUKICAK, the missing 22-year-old resident of Santee who was believed to be wandering the mountains in San Bernardino National Forest after suffering an apparent head injury, was discovered Friday morning. MORE