Deer Valley eliminates Camp Verde

At the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Paradise Valley last week, the Camp Verde All-Stars [ages 10 to 11] struggled, losing two games in two days and were bounced from the Arizona Little League State Championships.

“We’re playing against teams that are club teams. Teams that play year-round. I’m proud of our boys for what they’ve accomplished and that we got here to begin with,” Camp Verde coach Nathan Jackson said.

On July 19, Camp Verde did what it could but was overpowered by a much stronger Chandler National South All-Star team and lost, 15-4.

The next day, the Camp Verde All-Stars squared off against the Deer Valley All-Stars knowing full well if they lost, they were done.

Starting pitcher Beau Bullard toed the mound July 20 for his Camp Verde All-Stars looking to shut down the Deer Valley bats but got himself into trouble in the bottom of the first inning, giving up five runs.

Up 5-0, Deer Valley was able to keep a lid on Camp Verde’s offense for five innings, taking an 8-0 lead after scoring two in the bottom of the fifth.

Camp Verde scored four runs in the top half of the sixth to cut the lead, 8-4.

Unfortunately for Camp Verde, the run ended there and after the last out was recorded, Camp Verde knew it was over.

“It was a great season. Each of our coaches and parents saw how much these kids improved from the beginning of the season to now. Again, like I said, I was really proud of them,” Jackson said.

Bullard went 3? innings pitched, giving up six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out one.

Relief pitcher Ryan Cain was a bit better, pitching 1? innings while giving up three runs on three hits and striking out three.

At the plate for Camp Verde, second baseman Wyatt Howe had a big base hit to score two runs during the sixth inning rally and was 1-3 on the day.

Left fielder Patrick Hood was 0-1 with two walks while first baseman Ezequiel Casillas was 1-3 with a run scored.

“They didn’t come out of this tournament with their heads down. They proved themselves this year on and off the field and we’re all excited for what is to come in 2011,” Jackson said.