BASEBALL: Silicon Valley Glory U13 win Spookorama Tournament

The Silicon Valley Glory U13 baseball team took first place after winning the championship game in the Spookorama Tournament in Aptos earlier this month.

The Glory produced an offensive showcase in a 12-1 victory over the second-seeded NorCal Expos in the championship matchup.

Tommy Castro pitched the title game, going 4.1 innings. He had four strikeouts, gave up five hits, no walks and allowed one run.

The offense struck for nine runs in the first inning. Anthonee Bartholic, Jose Amaro, Nick Fortino all got base hits, stole second base and scored. Brendon Ellis and Brian Cosimano also had hit and scored in the opening frame. Daniel Colmer drew a walk and scored.

The Glory posted three more runs in the third inning when Bartholic drove in Preston Longaker and Cosimano with a double. He was later chased home by Amaro. Bartholic recorded the last two outs before the mercy rule was called.

Earlier Sunday, the team defeated the No. 1-seeded  Aptos Thunder  4-3 in the semifinals. Bartholic pitched all five innings and gave up only two hits while striking out five – and had help from his defense. Second baseman Nolan Filippi laid out for a highlight-reel diving catch in the fourth to end the inning. 

Although Aptos attempted a comeback in the last inning, Glory made the final out at first base to win the game and put them in the championship.

Saturday’s games included contributions form Josh Zanger who allowed no earned runs, and Brevin Zollinger who batted .500. 

Overall, Bartholic batted .636 with a triple, had a 1.50 earned run average, six RBIs, and three stolen bases. Catcher Amaro batted .500, drove in six runs, hit two doubles, and had two stolen bases. Outfielder Cosimano batted over .300, Longaker had three stolen bases, and defensive contributions were made by Ellis, Colmer, Filippi, and Castro, who also boasted a 3.30 ERA. 

Despite the good performances by all members the team, Amaro was singled out to be the MVP of the weekend. 

“He always has a positive attitude, and always asks what he can do better. And he played great offense and defense,” said manager Dennis Castro.