News Summary

The Post 7 Moondogs, a team of current Tucson High School players, showcased their talent at the American Legion Western Regional Tournament in Fairfield, California. While they fell short in the semifinals to California state champions Petaluma, the Moondogs finished the tournament with a commendable record of 2-2. Their journey included thrilling victories and a display of resilience despite facing an experienced competition. With a roster full of young talent, the Moondogs represent a promising future for Tucson baseball.

Tucson’s Post 7 Moondogs Make Waves at American Legion Western Regional Tournament

In a thrilling journey through the American Legion Western Regional Tournament, the Post 7 Moondogs, a talented group made up entirely of current Tucson High School players, proved that youth and determination can go a long way in the world of baseball. The tournament took place in colorful Fairfield, California, and while the Moondogs ultimately faced a disappointing end, their performances captured the hearts of many.

After some intense competition, the Moondogs advanced all the way to the semifinals but were taken down on Saturday night by none other than the California state champion, the Petaluma team. In a nail-biting match, the Moondogs found themselves on the losing end of a 6-1 score. Unfortunately, this defeat sent them packing, but their journey didn’t go unnoticed.

All Eyes on Semifinals

Petaluma entered the championship as the only undefeated team in the tournament, boasting a powerful lineup that proved too much for the young Moondogs. After eliminating Tucson, they moved on to the championship round, only to be swept by the Texas state champion, League City, with scores of 11-1 and 9-1, marking League City’s fourth title in a row and securing their spot in the American Legion World Series.

Moondogs Show Resilience

Despite the bittersweet end to their tournament run, the Post 7 Moondogs finished with a respectable record of 2-2. Their victories included a suspenseful 6-5 win against the host team, Fairfield, on August 6, and an impressive 10-2 blowout against New Mexico state champions Eldorado on August 8. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—they faced a tough loss against the state champions from Hawaii, Honolulu, with an 11-0 defeat on August 7. In the end, the Moondogs finished tied for third place with Honolulu, a commendable position for such a young team.

Young Talent on Display

One interesting note about the Moondogs is that all of their players were still in high school, including six sophomores. This is in stark contrast to the majority of players on opposing teams, many of whom had already graduated. This young roster is a testament to the future of Tucson baseball and showcases the depth of talent coming up through the ranks.

Standout Players and Coaches

The Moondogs boasted a dynamic pitching staff, featuring arms like Luis Camacho, Antonio Trejo, Jordan Lesley, and Andrew Hendrick. The team was managed by Mark Morris, who recognized the impressive depth on his roster, including standout players such as Essar Valenzuela and Diego Contreras.

History Repeats Itself

The Moondogs have a longstanding history in American Legion baseball, showcasing resilience and talent that spans decades. With an astonishing 46 state championships since 1934 and previous appearances in the World Series in 1944, 1945, 1968, and 2007, the Moondogs are a storied franchise that continues to inspire young athletes.

Looking Ahead

The Moondogs entered the tournament fueling high hopes, coming off a solid regular season record of 10-3 and an impressive playoff showing of 4-1. As they gear up for next season, fans have plenty to look forward to as this young squad aims to refine their skills, gain experience, and hopefully make an even bigger splash in future tournaments.

While the ending was not what they had hoped for, the Post 7 Moondogs showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship and the promise of young talent in Tucson. Here’s to their next chapter!

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