Murrayhill Juniors make a statement at state tourney

In just its second year, the Juniors team plays its way into the state semifinals

The Beaverton Valley Times, Jul 29, 2010

submitted photo

HEADED HOME — Ryan Maza races home to score for the Murrayhill Little League Juniors at state.

COTTAGE GROVE – The Murrayhill Little League Juniors entered the state tournament with only a little bit of experience, but the team still went a very long way.

The Murrayhill team of 13- and 14-year-olds, in just its second year, battled all the way to the tournament semifinals of the Oregon Little League Juniors State tournament in Cottage Grove before finally being stopped.

Murrayhill opened its tournament with a 16-8 win over Crook County, banging out 17 hits and setting the pace with a 10-run second inning. Ryan Maza, David Knutsen and Jeremiah Heffron all singled in the second frame, Matt Rentz doubled to left and Liam Meagher cleared the bases with a triple.

“That really felt good,” Rentz said of his double. “I was glad to help our team get more runs.”

“That was a great start for our team” Meagher added.

Next, Murrayhill routed Central Point 21-8 in five innings, again using a big inning early in the game — this time, an 11-run first — to pave the way to victory. In the first, Maza, Adam Herbers, Ryan Rocereto, and Ryan Polaski all singled and Knutsen came through with a key double.

“The pitcher gave me a great pitch to hit,” Knutsen said.

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