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15-year-old All-Stars fall short in district tourney years ago

Cottonwood Valley League 13-15-year-old All-Stars participated two weeks ago in the Babe Ruth District IV Tournament in Newton.

CVL opened play July 12 against the Quivera All-Stars. There wasn't much offense in the opening game but CVL prevailed behind a stellar pitching performance by Brian Fruechting.

Fruechting pitched the complete seven-inning game, and recorded 18 strikeouts while giving up only four hits.

He was named game MVP while Cody Wildin picked up the WOW award.

July 13 proved unlucky for CVL as it faced eventual champion Mid-Kansas. Again the bats were quiet for CVL, as the team only picked up five hits on the night.

The defense was stingy however, with the deciding blow being a three-run home run over the left field fence by one of the Mid-Kansas players.

CVL fell short by a score of 6-2, putting them into the losers bracket of the double elimination tourney.

Wil Case was named MVP for his two-run single in the third inning, and Marshall Ragland picked up the WOW award.

CVL was a little luckier July 14 as it started its climb to the championship game against Salina.

This night the bats came alive with Heath Hill leading the way going 5-5, including two doubles. Daniel Brassfield pitched six strong innings and was named MVP, while Isaac Burnett earned the WOW award for a great catch in right field.

CVL prevailed by a score of 16-9.

July 16 found CVL needing to win two games in order to earn a spot in the championship.

In the first game, CVL defeated Tri-County by a score of 12-2. Burnett, Case, and Fruechting each recorded two hits in the game with Heath Hill earning the MVP after hitting a triple to the wall in the first inning. Wil Case picked up the WOW award.

The second game of the night pitted CVL against tourney favorite, and last year's third-place state finisher, Golden Belt.

Again, CVL came out hitting with Heath Hill going 3-3 and Wil Case going 3-4, with two triples.

Brian Fruechting again had a stellar night on the mound going half way through the seventh before being relieved by Mark McNown.

CVL survived a last-inning comeback by Golden Belt and won the game 10-8.

Fruechting was named game MVP and Heath Hill snagged the WOW award.

The next day CVL needed to beat Mid-Kansas twice in order to claim the district title.

The plan was in place for Daniel Brassfield to pitch the first game. However, he came down with a case of the stomach flu and was unable to play. This left CVL scrambling for pitchers after being worn thin with the brutal schedule.

Mid-Kansas came out hitting and scored four quick runs in the first inning. CVL answered back with a Fruechting single that scored Corey Seacat. Wil Case then hit a long fly ball to left field that hit off the wall resulting in a triple and another run.

However, CVL would only score one more run in the game while Mid-Kansas took advantage of a tired pitching staff and eventually claimed the district championship with an 11-3 victory.

Case was named MVP of the game with Fruechting picking up the WOW award.

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