The Colorado Rage 12U team was feeling good and playing well entering the tournament. The Rage started off in a tough contest with Mile High Magic. In a strong pitching performance by Kayden Williams and strong offensive production from Jackson Leininger, Kyler Vaughn and Jack Reeves, the Colorado Rage were able to hold off the Magic for the 11-10 victory. The second game of the day the Rage went on to win 7-1 over TRPR Elite making them 2-0 and claiming the 4 seed heading into elimination Sunday.
On Sunday, the Rage squared off with Cherry Creek in their first game of the day. The Rage held on to beat Cherry Creek 9-7 advancing them to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the Colorado Rage met the Fort Collins Falcons. After a strong offensive showing for most of the day, the Rage were headed into the 6th inning with 7-3 lead and 3 outs away from making their third consecutive championship appearance. In an inning that started with a fielding error, the Falcons rallied 6 runs to take a 9-7 lead over the Rage headed into the final half inning. And the table was set for yet another dramatic ending.
With the top of the lineup leading off for the Rage, Chance Mathews started the inning off with a single past the 2nd baseman. On a full count, Kyler Vaughn hit a ball to right field for a single advancing Mathews to 2nd. Micah McPhail drew a walk on five pitches loading the bases for the Rage cleanup hitter Jack Reeves. On a 3-1 count, Reeves hit a towering fly ball to dead center clearing the bases with a 3 RBI triple and walking off the Falcons for a 10-9 Colorado Rage victory, sending the Rage to their 3rd consecutive championship game in as many tournaments.
In the championship, the Rage faced off with a familiar foe, the Brighton Predators. In a rematch of the championship game from Mother’s Day, the Rage were in control early and didn’t look back. After allowing a run in the top of the 1st inning, the Rage answered back with 3 of their own. Both teams were shut out for the next 3 innings, and the Rage added another 2 runs in the 5th inning giving the Rage a 5-1 lead headed into the final frame. Brighton managed to score 2 runs in the 6th, but wasn’t able to complete the comeback as the Rage went on to claim their second championship of the year with a final of 5-3. Kyler Vaughn threw a spectacular game throwing 5 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. Offensive leaders for the game were Chance Mathews (2-3), Jack Reeves (1-2 with a 3B and 1RBI), and Jackson Leininger (1-2 with a 2B and 1 RBI).
This tournament marks the final tournament before the Colorado Rage 12U team heads to Cooperstown, NY to play at Cooperstown All-Star Village against competition from around the country.