Creeks Crushers 8u are back

By Luis Cordero and Nikki [email protected]

On Aug. 3, Creeks Crushers 8u Elite softball team completed its season by winning its second straight Babe Ruth World Series. The tournament was comprised of state and regional champions from the United States along with Puerto Rico. It was a stacked field and was truly showcasing the best talent within the Babe Ruth League.

The week began with Creeks Crushers Elite beating Puerto Rico by a score of 11 – 1 in their first pool play game. From there, the Crushers went on to beat the Virginia State Champion, Rockville (6 – 4), Northeast Regional Champion, New Hampshire (14 – 2) and Northeast Regional Runner up, Connecticut (21 – 0) in their remaining pool play games. The Crushers were undefeated coming out of pool play and secured the first place seed for Bracket-Play by allowing the least amount of runs (seven), scoring the most runs (52), and having the best run differential in the tournament (52 – 7).

In the first round of Bracket-Play, the Crushers found themselves rematched against the Virginia State Champions who were expected to be their stiffest competition. The Crushers soundly won the game by collecting 22 hits in two innings and winning 18 – 1 in a three-inning mercy rule finish. Next, Creeks faced off against Ohio Valley Regional Champion, Fern Creek, Kentucky. Creeks Elite was able to hold on for a 5 – 3 victory and punched their ticket to the World Series Championship Game.

Creeks Crushers Elite came into the Championship Game undefeated as they had done numerous times this All-Star Season; however, on this occasion, they were matched up against another undefeated team, the North Carolina State Champion, Jamesville, NC. Creeks came out early with a six-run lead and did not allow a run until the fifth inning. The Crushers ultimately sealed the victory with a final score of 8 – 3. Once again, the Creeks Crushers 8u Elite clinched the World Series title.

As they had done all summer, the Creeks Crushers 8u Elite dominated their tournament competition, posting a 7 – 0 record and outscoring their opponents 83 – 14. They led the field with a team batting average of .505, scored an average of almost 12 runs per game, and held teams to an average of two runs per game.

In addition to team accolades, multiple players brought home individual awards for their efforts. Ivy Griffin, Jordan Williams, Georgia Griffin, Jadah Stubbs, Honor Ellison, Claire Riley, and Grace Cordero received Player of the Game Awards. Jadah Stubbs received All World Series Team Honors as she had 12 hits, 13 RBIs, and had a .600 average for the tourney. Grace Cordero also received All World Series Team Honors and was named World Series MVP as she led the team with 14 hits and posted a .736 batting average for the tournament.

Photo courtesy Crystal Cordero