San Mateo National Little League

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News Detail

15

Jul, 2025

11U Run Ends in Section 3

Our District 11U All Stars played tough, but lost a heartbreaker to host San Ramon Valley 4-2. Starting pitcher Sterling Bailey pitched very well striking out 5 in 4 2/3 innings of work. SMNLL's defense faltered late in the game leading to San Ramon Valley taking the lead in the 5th inning and holding on for the victory. San Ramon Valley was a tough opponent and won the Section and subsequent Nor Cal championships the year before. Our boys played them tough!

It marked the end to an incredible summer for our 11U team. This team was tight knit and positive all summer, leading to their success. Our boys dealt with adversity through the tournament. After losing the second game of the tournament to San Ramon Valley, the 11s had to face Union City National to advance to the championship and a rematch with San Ramon Valley. Kaleb Lee, SMNLL's first batter of the game, was ejected from the game for having pine tar residue on his bat. Not only did that result in Kaleb Lee being out for the remainder of the game, he also would not be eligible to play in the championship should the team advance. Adding salt to the large wound, per Little League rules, head coach Mike Lambrechts was also ejected and could not coach the team the rest of the way. An unnecessary and devastating blow to the team. Unfortunately this was an example of an umpire making the game about himself over the players and coaches who have fought so hard all summer.

The 11s easily could have packed it in. Playing in 100 degree heat, having one of their top players and team leaders, including their beloved head coach, ejected for questionable reasons, would have sent most 11 year old teams in the tank. Not these boys! The 11s fought back against Union City National after falling behind early. A 3rd inning grand slam off the bat of Luke Passalacqua propelled the team back into the game. SMNLL went on to scored 4 more runs in the 4th and 2 more in the 5th to hang on to a 11-10 thrilling victory.

The SMNLL community is proud of this team. They embodied our community...hard working, positive, team-first! Thank you to our 11U players, coaches, parents, and supporters on a magical summer.

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