Momentum turns on Carson American in 11-year-old tourney

Carson American League had momentum swinging its way in the fifth inning Monday night in Reno.

Down by one run on scoreboard, Carson American produced a big defensive play to end the fourth, then loaded the bases with no outs to open the top of the fifth and appeared poised to break the game open. But, just as suddenly, the momentum switched when Reno Continental came up with a back-breaking defensive play that helped close the door on its 8-4 win over Carson in an elimination game at the District 1 11-year-old tournament at Washoe Field.

"We had the bases full and no outs, but then we hit a soft liner to third and the kid steps on the bag for a double play," Carson manager Jim Blueberg said. "That was the turning point right there. A base hit there and I believe it would have been a whole different ending because we had the momentum."

Reno Continental held a 5-4 lead and was threatening to extend its lead in the fourth when Carson produced a key defensive play on a base hit to center field with runners on first and second. Center fielder Connor Beattie quickly got the ball back to the infield, where second baseman Cody Blueberg relayed a throw home to catcher Seth Rojas in time to cut down the potential run.

The play seemed to ignite Carson.

Blueberg singled to lead off the top of the fifth. Then Mark McCraw was hit by a pitch and Adam Witt singled to load the bases - setting the stage for the double play. And moments after that, Reno Continental escaped from the jam on a pop out.

Blueberg hit 3-for-3 and Witt was 2-for-3 to lead Carson offensively. Jeff Davis collected the team's only other hit.

Carson finished fifth in the tournament.