Raiders put together another big win to claim the crown

LITTLE LEAGUE – Reynolds beats the Gresham Nationals for the majors title

By David Ball

The Gresham Outlook, Jul 22, 2010

Reynolds' Bradley Hellbusch rounds a crowded first base during the second inning of the Raiders' 13-3 title game win over Gresham National on Monday night.

David Ball / The Outlook

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The Reynolds Raiders turned away their first scare of the Little League majors district tournament and put together some big hits down the stretch to beat the Gresham Nationals 13-3 in Monday’s championship game – a rematch of last year’s 11-year-old title showdown.

The Raiders found themselves deadlocked 3-3 on the scoreboard after the first inning before moving ahead on Cody Gleason’s RBI-double down the right-field line in the second. Moments later Alex Osoria knocked a ball into the outfield and Gleason slid in safely in a tight play at the plate.

Gresham tried to answer in the bottom of the inning, but Reynolds pitcher Joseph Collins struck out the final batter to strand runners at second and third.

Still, the Raiders were clinging to a slim 5-3 lead as each team turned in some stellar defensive plays through the middle innings.

The Raiders’ Gleason made a diving catch off his shoelaces at shortstop to retire Gresham in order in the third inning. But the Nationals stayed within reach when catcher Kobe McKee tagged out a runner at the plate to end the fourth inning.

Reynolds eventually broke the game open with seven runs in the fifth inning, putting together a stretch of 10 straight batters getting on base. Micah Huff had the biggest blast with a two-run homer that hurried over the left-field fence. Teammate Dean Dodgson added a two-run double to center field to stretch the margin to 10-3.

“We struggled a bit in those first couple innings, but then we came up with a couple hits combined with some aggressive base-running,” Reynolds coach Ken Nutting said. “It was one of those games where you just grind out a few runs and before you know it you’re pulling away.”

For extended game coverage and a look at the state matchups, check the Wednesday, July 21, edition of The Outlook.