2011 35 Wood Bat Mountain

Montebello Angels 5; Inland Empire Dawgs 1:

By Rodney Johnson, MSBL On-Line

Maryvale Stadium, October 22, 2011

Deciding to act your age can be a good thing.

The Montebello Angels switched divisions and played in the 35s for the first time this year. After spending four years together in the 25 division, the Angels made the concession to age. “We felt like we could still compete in the 25s, but with a few of our guys getting older, we just thought it was time to make the move,” said manager Robert Oskin.

The change paid dividends as they won their first tournament title, beating Inland Empire 5-1 in the championship game.

It says a lot about a team when tournament MVP Gabe Carmona didn’t even play in the championship game. Carmona pitched two complete game shutouts and added a save as the Angels ran up a perfect 6-0 record in pool play. Inland Empire went 3-3 in the three team division.

In the championship game it was Cisco Vega and Mario Chavarin who handled the mound duties for Montebello. Vega allowed just one run on two hits in six innings for the win and Chavarin tossed three scoreless frames to earn the save.

Eric Orue provided offensive punch with three hits and three RBI. Rudy Burrell also knocked in a run and flashed the leather with several clutch plays in center field. Ramon Apodoca had a pair of hits and crossed the plate three times. Mando Alcantar also chipped in with two safeties in the Angels 13 hit attack. Two out, back-to-back RBI singles by Orue and Chavarin in te sixth gave the Angels all of the insurance they needed to bring home the gold.

“We have a great group of friends and enjoy coming here (Arizona) to compete,” said Oskin. “We’ll be back next year to defend the title.”

Vega, Chavarin (7) and McClure (MO) WP- Vega. SV- Chavarin. Leading Hitters- (Montebello) Orue 3×3, 3 RBI; Apodoca 2×4, 3 R; Alcantar 2×3, R; Burrell 1×3, RBI. SAC-Oskin (MO). SB- Apodoca (MO).