Sparks were flying with one of the best fields ever the 18th Annual 4th of July was surprising.
With Teams from Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico the field of 15 teams had a great
time. Colorado made a return to Albuquerque with the intents of making a run on the tournament.
Lead by the Pueblo Bandits, Classics and Dilligaf the Northerners were ready to battle. The Bandits had the biggest National exposure ranked as high as #15 in the ISC rankings. Most other teams don’t show up on National rankings but were ready to make their stand.
It was time to play and the teams enjoyed the great weather and Hospitality. Most teams Played four games on Saturday. Wolfpack From Las Cruces NM were back to defend their Title and matched The Bandits Win for WIn. Bandits trip to the winners bracket finals Looked Like This:
Bamdits 9
Bulls 1
WP Paul Algar
Bandits10
EP Outsiders 0
WP Paul Algar
Bandits 8
Dilligaf 0
WP Paul Algar
The WolfPack had a very similar Trip:
Woflpack 6
Rocky Mtn Rebels 2
Wp Tony Mancha
Wolfpack W
NM Rippers L
WP Tony Mancha
Wolfpack 10
2nd to None 3
WP Tony Mancha
The Winners Bracket game was the Highlight of the Day. Tony Mancha and the Wolfpack were ready to attack. They beat the Bandits 1-0. On an unearned run in the first inning. The Wolfpack scored on two errors and a passed ball. But the Bandits could not meet the Challenge and Mancha No Hit the Bandits.
On Sunday the Bandits were out for revenge. They beat the NM RIppers 8-1. The Rippers were playing in only their second Tournament ever. What a great showing. The Rippers came in third place with Big walk off 2-1 win against the Delicias Mexico team. Speaking of revenge the Rippers were able to Beat their rivals the Alb Bulls on their way to the Sunday game against the Bandits.
The Finals. Wolfpack 5 Bandits 2.
Mancha out dueled Algar in a great Championship Game. Bandits scored
first 1-0 and the Wolfpack answered with Two Runs making it 2-1 Wolfpack in the first. The Pack continued to Score and were ahead 5-2 before the Bandits made one last rally. With the tying run at the Plate. Mancha Came up with a big Strikeout to end the threat and the Game.
Wolfpack 5
Bandits 2
WP Tony Mancha
LP Paul Algar