LCCN Staff Report
TAYLOR, MI — The La Mirada Junior All-Stars continued their impressive run at the Junior League Baseball World Series Wednesday, defeating host Michigan District 5, 4-2, at Heritage Park in Taylor, Michigan.
Representing the West Region, La Mirada jumped ahead in the second inning when Noah Jauregui singled home a run and Lucas Gaeta followed with a two-run double, quickly giving the All-Stars a 3-0 advantage.
La Mirada added another run in the third when a batter was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, extending the lead to 4-0.
From there, La Mirada’s pitching and defense took over.
Adam Brewer delivered a strong start, holding Michigan scoreless through 4 1/3 innings. Brewer allowed just three hits while striking out seven and walking only one.
Noel Jaime provided 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing two hits while striking out two.
Gaeta led the offense with two RBIs, while Jayden Valdez, Ryan Barberena, Jauregui, Ryann Rios, Gaeta, Ryder Ong and Brewer each collected a hit.
La Mirada also created problems on the basepaths, stealing six bases. Blake Leal and Ong each stole multiple bases, while the team drew six walks.
Perhaps just as important was La Mirada’s defense. The All-Stars did not commit an error, with Barberena recording a team-high 12 defensive chances.
Michigan attempted a late comeback, scoring twice, but could not overcome La Mirada’s early four-run advantage.
The victory keeps La Mirada moving forward in the Junior League Baseball World Series and brings the West Region champions another step closer to playing for the title.