Little League D-backs fall short of win

The Verde Valley Little League is deep into its season and the baseball, softball and teeball players are all playing their hearts out for wins.

The Diamondbacks of the Verde Valley almost handed the Sedona Tigers their first loss of the season in a Majors game on Monday, May 20, on Herridge Field at Riverfront Park. They kept it tied until the Tigers had three three-run innings to take the 14-11 victory back to Sedona, despite a five-run comeback attempt in the final inning.

Pete Calandra started the game on the mound, and the Tigers’ lead-off hitter Bradley Howard hit a home run right off the bat. Calandra followed with two strikeouts before the Tigers were able to score a second run.

Diamondbacks’ lead-off hitter Grant Owings hit a grounder up the middle and was later knocked in by Calandra. Calandra was then knocked in by Ronnie Shuss, who hit a linedrive all the way to the fence. That run tied the game 2-2.

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, May 22, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.