Sharpe’s HR gives GVSLL big lift, helps team reach 12U district final

DJ Sharpe blasted a three-run homer in the first inning and Trey Klopstein went 2-for-2 at the plate and pitched a scoreless 3 2/3 innings to lead Goleta Valley South’s 12-Under All-Stars past Ventura Foothill 6-2 in an elimination game of the District 63 Tournament at Girsh Park.

The win puts Goleta Valley into the championship game Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against host and unbeaten Dos Pueblos. Goleta Valley needs to beat DP twice to claim the district title.

DP handed Goleta Valley its first loss in the tournament (7-0) on Sunday.

On Monday, Goleta Valley jumped on Foothill early. Carson Vom Steeg and Klopstein started with basehits and Sharpe belted his homer to left-center field.

Ryan Guardino singled and scored on an error in the third inning for a 4-0 lead.

Foothill cut the lead in half in the fifth on a two-run double.

Goleta Valley responded in the bottom of the inning on a two-run homer by Blake Katsev.