2026 45+ National
2026 45+ National
OC Sox 10, Sacramento Capitals 7
Submitted by David Rice, manager
This was a Tournament of hard-fought victories. The 45+ National Division showcased some of the most competitive and thrilling matchups. Among the fourteen competing teams, the OC SOX emerged as a shining example of perseverance and resilience, overcoming fierce opposition and rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Every game in this year’s tournament was a battle, reflecting the high caliber of competition across the division. The OC SOX faced intense challenges throughout pool play, ultimately finishing with a strong 2-1 record. This performance secured them one of just two Wild Card berths, earning a coveted spot among the eight playoff teams.
The quarterfinals set the stage for a dramatic showdown with the Los Altos team, who entered as the #2 seed after their pool play of 3-0 and giving up just four total runs.
The OC SOX wasted no time making an impression. Leadoff hitter Greg Martinez ignited the offense with a single, then immediately demonstrated aggressive baserunning by stealing second. Two throwing errors by the catcher allowed Martinez to race home and score the game’s first run, setting a tone of relentless hustle.
Martinez, Cobi Cradle, Andy Torres, Jimmy Ryan, and John O’Brien all provided multiple hits to lead the offensive attack.
Pitcher Ramirio Garcia delivered an outstanding performance, holding Los Altos in check for seven critical innings. In the final frame, Andy Torres took the mound and sealed the win with a clutch save, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory for the OC SOX.
The semi-final matchup pitted the OC SOX against the top-seeded Montebello Angels, a familiar foe who had gone 3-0 in pool play with only two runs allowed—a rematch of last year’s championship game. This time, Andy Torres made his first start of the tournament, and he rose to the challenge with a masterful complete-game performance. Over nine innings, Torres stifled the Angels, leading the SOX to a convincing 8-3 win.
Offensive firepower came from John O’Brien and Kurt Mascio, who each contributed three hits, providing the spark and consistency needed to propel the SOX into the championship round.
Awaiting the OC SOX in the championship game was another formidable and familiar opponent: the Sacramento Capitals, managed by Scott Scardina. Known for their grit and never-give-up attitude, the Capitals have long been a force in the division, ensuring that the final would be a test of nerves and skill.
Vic Darensbourg took the bump for the OC SOX and pitched five strong innings. Despite battling through a scrappy Sacramento lineup, Darensbourg exited the game with the score knotted at 5-5, setting up a tense finish for both clubs.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Sacramento managed to break the deadlock by pushing across two runs. With a 7-5 advantage, Sacramento looked poised to claim the championship.
Refusing to back down, the OC SOX unleashed a furious rally. In the top of the eighth, they countered with three runs, flipping the lead in their favor. The momentum continued in the ninth as the OC SOX tacked on three more runs, stretching their lead and electrifying their dugout.
With all pitching arms exhausted from the long tournament, Andy Torres stepped up for his team. Volunteering to close out the game, Torres delivered under pressure and secured his second save of the tournament, cementing the victory for the OC SOX.
The win was a true team effort, with several players putting up multi-hit performances. Mony Apodaca, Andy Torres, Jimmy Ryan, Ramiro Garcia, and Alonso Mendoza all contributed with the sticks, keeping the SOX lineup dangerous in every inning.
If this tournament ever recognized players who exemplified endurance and versatility, it would be Andy Torres and Jimmy Ryan. Andy Torres, who played third base, second base, and pitched in key moments, including the clutch save in the championship, would earn one Ironman award. Jimmy Ryan would take home the other, playing third base, then catching every playoff game and anchoring the defense with unwavering focus.
The OC SOX’s championship run would be defined as resilience, teamwork, and clutch performances. Their journey from Wild Card entry to championship contenders stands as a testament to the team’s resilience and passion for the game. BACK-to-BACK Champs!