Babe Ruth teams set for state tournaments

Carson's Babe Ruth All-Star teams will have a chance to see how they compare with the rest Northern Nevada's top players in the upcoming state tournaments.

The 13-year-old, 14-year-old and 15-year-old state tournaments will all begin on Saturday. Carson will host the 15-year-old tournament at Governor's Field. The winners of the state tournaments will advance to the West Regional event.

"It's always interesting to see how you stack up with the other excellent baseball players in the region," said Carson 15-year-old manager Trent Osmer, whose team opens at 8 p.m. Saturday against an opponent to be determined.

While Osmer is still wonder how his team will stack up, he likes what he sees. "From what I've seen this is a team that's going to have some grit and get dirty," he said. "And I think we have good pitching."

Osmer does have a relatively inexperienced team with only one returning player from last year's 15-year-old team in Cody Barr. "I've got a very young team," Osmer said.

But the team also features many players who have had all-star experience on the 13-year-old and 14-year-old level.

The team also features several players who have played this summer with the Carson Cardinals and figure to have a chance to play for Carson High's varsity team next year. They include Cody Barr, who could be one of the pitchers for next year's varsity. There's also Ty and Brooks Hutchins, who both could be on Carson's varsity next year.

There are four 14-year-olds on the team: infielder Danny Gall, pitcher and catcher Brennan Hogan, outfielder Ricky McDonald and relief pitcher Anthony Morris.

Osmer said his team has plenty of speed and should be able to play small ball. Leading the small ball attack will be leadoff hitter Brett Allen, who Osmer said is "very aggressive" on the basepaths. Also on the roster are Dom Mariani, who will start at first and third and will pitch; infielder A.J. Kade; Luke Carter; first baseman Steven Carrera; and Anthony Torkeo, who was the starting left fielder for last year's 14-year-olds. Assistant coaches are Lee Hutchins and Ferd Mariani.

The tournament is in need of experienced scorekeepers. Those interested should call Randy, 843-4528.

The competition should be as tough as ever with traditional powers South Reno and Reno West again among the favorites. South Reno and Reno West will face each other in their opener and if Carson can win its opener, it would face a showdown with the winner of that game on Sunday.

14-YEAR-OLDS

Manager Mike Bratzler Sr. didn't hide his high hopes for his team, which opens at 7 p.m. Saturday against Fallon or South Tahoe at South Reno's Jack Tighe Field.

"We're looking good - destination Utah," said Bratzler, referring to where his team would play if it advances to the regional by winning state.

But Bratzler knows the competition will be tough. "We've got some tough competition in Reno," he said.

But the high standard of the team is demonstrated by its motto: "If you ain't first - you're last." "I think this is a class that could do something," Bratzler said. "It's all about team."

On the roster are: Curtis DeVore, second base-outfield; Cameron Mayville, catcher; Brent Moyle, outfielder; Mike Bratzler, third base; Connor Beattie, outfield; Mark McCraw, outfield; Matt Cooper, first base; Austin Law, pitcher; Jacob Price, third base-pitcher; Bryce Altus, outfield-catcher; Shea Bondi, second base; Clay Holton, pitcher-third base; David Feltner, infield; Adam Whitt, shortstop. Assistant coaches are Greg Whitt and Dan Ford.

13-YEAR-OLDS

The 13-year-old event opens on Saturday in Fallon. Carson's 13-year-old roster is made up of Tim Baylor, Jace Carlson, Max Keller, Seth Rojas, Nate Landes, Clint Page, Carter Forrest Nuckolls, Brock Pradere, Zack White, Dion Copoulos, Cole DuFresne, Ty Welch, Tommy Champion, Cody Scarlett, Drew Moreland.