SB Pony’s historic run stopped in Super Regional

Santa Barbara Pony’s 12U Bronco All-Star Team – the first in program history to make it this far – was knocked out of its Super Regional on Sunday in a 13-7 loss to Placentia in Whittier.

Santa Barbara had won its first game of the day over West Covina 6-4 and finished the tournament with a 2-2 record.

“It was excellent to have two wins in the Super Regional competing with other top Southern California teams,” reported coach Wes Warrecker.  “The kids were proud to be the first team in Pony history to make it to the Super Regionals.”

Placentia, who beat Santa Barbara on Friday in the tournament opener, opened up an 8-2 lead by the fourth inning. A five-run rally trimmed the lead to 8-7, but Placentia was able to score two more in the bottom of the fifth, then three more in the sixth to regain control.

Alex Bermudez, who hit a three-run home run on Saturday, belted two doubles against Placentia. Nick Oakley added a pair of singles.

Against Covina, Carter Park pitched 5 2/3 innings to pick up the win and helped his cause with two doubles at the plate.

Overall, Santa Barbara’s record was 25-6-1 during the 2014 all-star season.

The all-star roster included 12 players drawn from eight regular-season teams:  Bermudez, Bryce Warrecker, Oakley, Conner Chavez, Eli Sada, Jake Keoper, Park, Ben Partee, Kai Uchio, Udy Loza, Noah Nuno and Kyle Cekada. The players come from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and Goleta.