(The following information was provided by parents of the Burbank All-Star team)-
In a competitive pitching duel where neither starter allowed an earned run, Burbank edged Crescenta Valley, 3-2, to win the District 16 Little League’s inaugural “Intermediate 50-70 Baseball Division” championship at Montrose Park on Monday night. Burbank now advances to play in sectionals in Canyon Country this weekend versus an opponent yet to be decided.
Burbank won the opening game of the best-of-three series between the two teams, 7-2, on Sunday.
Austin Oberlander starred for the Burbank All-Stars, pitching six strong innings, striking out 10 batters and allowing only two hits.
Oberlander retired the side in order in the first inning and struck out the side in the second inning.
Burbank put runs on the board in the third inning beginning with a single by Mathew Shaugabay followed by an error by CV allowing Shaugabay to take third. Two straight singles by Scott Breslin and Damien Flores made it 3-0 in favor of Burbank.
In the bottom of the third inning, CV stuck for a run after a lead-off single, a walk and an error made the score 3-1.
CV scored one more run in the bottom of the fourth. Oberlander then shut the door and took control of the game.
Burbank thought they had scored a run on the top of the seventh when Mathew Lungaro stole third and went home on a CV catcher’s throwing error. However, Burbank batter Brandon Ortega was called out for interference and the score remained 3-2.
Anton Prather pitched the final inning for Burbank striking out two and earning the save.
CV was led on the mound by Drew Atherton, who tossed a complete game.
The 50-70 division consists of players mainly 12 and 13 years of age, where the distance from the mound is 50 feet, and the distance between the bases is 70 feet. Other than the cozier dimensions, the rules essentially follow what would be seen at the high school ranks and above.
