IRVINE, Calif. - Easton Top Notch used an early lead and solid defense throughout the contest to claim the first-ever 11U championship at the Future Series with a 6-4 win over Dykstra Baseball MLT, on Sunday at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.
Easton Top Notch led from start to finish after scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Alec Fontyn (2-for-4) began scoring when he singled on a bunt to bring home the game's opening run before Marcus Greis (0-for-1) scored on a sacrifice fly by Jake Ourique (1-for-2) two batters later. Two pitches later, Brenden Carrillo (1-for-3) drove an 0-2 pitch to left field for a two-RBI single to give Easton Top Notch a 4-0 advantage.
Cylis Proffitt (1-for-3) opened scoring for Dykstra Baseball MLT in the bottom of the fourth inning with an RBI-double down the left field line to bring home Jesse Colon (1-for-2). With its lead cut to three, Easton Top Notch struck back in the fifth inning with an RBI-single by Orique. David Carlsson (2-for-3) extended the lead to 6-1 in the top of the sixth with an RBI-triple that rolled to the fence in left field.
Down to its final two outs and the championship on the line, Dykstra fought back to load the bases. Angel Cerventes (2-for-4) then ripped a 0-1 pitch to left field to clear the bases with a three-RBI double to cut the lead to 6-4. The comeback attempt fell just short as the next two batters were retired in order.
Fontyn and Carlsson led Easton Top Notch at the plate with two hits apiece, while Ourique and Carrillo recorded two RBIs each. Chase Hilt had three hits in the game to lead Dykstra Baseball MLT at the plate, as Cervantes' three RBIs were the best on the team. Four different players scored each of Dykstra's runs.
Ourique (1-0) also shined on the mound, earning the win after allowing just one run in six innings and striking out six. Spencer Horner (1-1) suffered his first loss of the tournament after allowing four runs in three innings on the mound.
Easton Top Notch finished the tournament with 6-1 overall record, while Dykstra Baseball wrapped up the event with a 5-2 record.