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Sports

Murrieta National Little League Drops First Section Game; Still in Running

The recent successes of the Murrieta National Little League all-star teams have generated buzz among the community, especially because the teams have not advanced this far in tournament play since the league's creation in 1955.

After a historic victory in the District 28 finals against Temescal Valley, Murrieta National Little League Majors All-Star team lost the first game in the Section 9 tournament, falling to Moreno Valley's Canyon Springs 15-1 on Saturday night at .

Canyon Springs started off the game with a seven-run first inning, eventually scoring eight more runs before the game was called in the fourth inning due to the mercy rule.

“We didn’t answer the bell from the very first inning, and it’s hard to come back with a team like [Canyon Springs],” said Murrieta National coach Joe Slezak.

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Murrieta National rallied in the bottom of the fourth inning with a solo home run by Spencer Adams, followed by a double hit by Cade Vinsky. Canyon Springs eventually shut down the rally with a game-ending strikeout.

“One of the things we told the boys is to keep their heads up high, they have accomplished so much, and we still have a lot to accomplish,” Slezak said.

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The Murrieta National majors team is still in the hunt for a chance at the Section 9 championship, and will play against the loser of the game between Districts 58 and 72 in the other Section 9 all-star game on Monday night.

The recent successes of the Murrieta National Little League all-star teams have generated buzz among the community, especially because the teams have not advanced this far in tournament play since the league's creation in 1955.

The Murrieta Nationals majors team, which consists of children 10 to 12 years old, won its first district all-star banner after defeating Temescal Valley for the District 28 championship on July 6.

“This is the first time in league history that we have sent so many teams out of district all-stars, so this is a huge thing,” said Vicki Cossey, Murrieta Little League president.

While the other Murrieta National Little League All-Stars are also still in competition, the majors team is the only team with the opportunity to advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., as the senior and big league all-star teams have their own world series competitions.

“It’s the parents, because [they] have awesome kids that did it to get us here, and the coaches [who] have the tools to get us here,” Cossey said. “There is a lot of talent in this valley, it is only going to get better.”

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