After an exciting season of pinnacles and pitfalls, the Fillmore Little League Dodgers Intermediate Division Squad of twelve clenched two hard-fought playoff wins over the undefeated Saticoy Little League’s Dodgers to capture the District 63 Title.

Fillmore’s streak started in the first round of playoff competition vs. the Montalvo Dodgers at Montalvo. Going into the top half of the seventh inning, Fillmore was down 6-5. Not about to surrender, Fillmore’s bats erupted, showering the Ventura team with four runs. With some clever coaching strategy and key defensive plays, Fillmore hung on to the lead and ended the game with a 9-6 victory over Montalvo.

In the second round, Fillmore was up against the Saticoy Little League Dodgers who were undefeated in regular season play. Fillmore’s bats were on fire as they exploded through a seven-run second inning. Santos Cortez dominated on the mound and Angel Ruiz performed valiantly in relief, with a final score of 9-2, handing Saticoy their first upset of the season.

As tournament play would have it, Fillmore had to prove themselves once again in the championship game against the Saticoy Dodgers. On a sunny Saturday morning when most of the town was enjoying the May Festival Parade in Fillmore, our Dodgers were at the Saticoy Little League Intermediate Field fighting for the title. With Nick Jimenez on the mound, Fillmore burst out of the gates and started the game with the lead. Saticoy came back and tied the game. The lead was exchanged back and forth until Fillmore was up 8-5 going into the top of the sixth inning. With two outs, Saticoy pulled away and loaded the bases. With a shot out to right field, Saticoy cleared the bases and tied Fillmore 8-8. After Jimenez fanned off the last batter, Fillmore was facing their last at-bat. Andy Becerra started the inning with a walk. Up next, Bobby Moreno connected for an infield grounder that forced Becerra out at second. With one home run already under his belt, Pitcher Nick Jimenez was at the plate. With an attempt to put the runner in scoring position, the coaches took a chance and sent Moreno to steal third. In a close call, Moreno was tagged out, leaving Jimenez up against two outs. Playing like a scene out of “The Natural,” Fillmore wasn’t going to let this one slip away. With one powerful swing, Jimenez lifted a shot over the fence and walked off into the arms of his teammates with a game-winning home run and the District 63 Intermediate title.

Fillmore’s Manager, Dave “Mucho” Morales, was elated. “Our team gelled at the right time. Nick had the game-winning home run, but every last player contributed and came together when it counted.” He went on to give credit to his coaches, “I want to thank Sergio Becerra, Isaac Nuno, Albert “Toro” Luna, and team parent, Rosa Felix, for never giving up on these kids. We had a slow start to the season, but our team clawed their way back and came away with a championship.”

Fillmore Intermediates conclude their season on a high note and will select an All-Star team to represent Fillmore. This team of All-Stars will represent Fillmore in tournament competition with the ultimate goal of competing in the 2016 Little League Intermediate 50-70 World Series in Livermore, California.

Players: Jose Avila, Alex Avila, Andy Becerra, Nicholas Jiménez, Santos Cortez, Adam Zavala, Alex Serna, J.P. Alfaro, Angel Ruiz, Bobby Moreno, Vanessa Avila, Isaiah Vellego. Coaches: Dave “Mucho” Morales, Sergio Becerra, Isaac Nuno, Albert Luna.