District 35 10-year olds: Nationals finally beat Valley in eight-inning thriller

The Petaluma Nationals took a big step in the District 35 10-year old All Star Tournament by rallying in the top of the eighth inning for an exciting 10-8 victory over crosstown rival Petaluma Valley Wednesday in Santa Rosa.

After jumping to a commanding 7-3 lead in the second inning, the Nationals gradually found their early advantage obliterated as Valley came storming back to take an 8-7 lead in the final inning. Valley pitcher Sebastian Arellanes, who threw masterfully after coming into the game midway through the second inning, finally yielded the tying run in the top of the sixth with two outs to send the game into extra frames.

Until that point, Arellanes was near perfect in shutting down the National attack. He gave up only two walks, but three singles punctuated by a clean base hit off the bat of Jake DeCarli tied things up as the sun began to set in the last-scheduled inning.

A pitching change finally had to be made in extra innings, and Petaluma National continued its assault with back-to-back doubles by David Wood and George Marzo to take the lead for good. Marzo got the loudest hit of the game for either team when he drove a ball to the left-field fence, but his bid for a triple was reduced to two bases by a ground rule.

The left-handed swinging Wood, who came across with the eventual winning run for the Nationals, had a terrific day at the plate with four hits including a pair of doubles.

In the extra frames, Petaluma National turned to a calm Marzo who went to the bump long enough to record the victory even though he was pulled with two outs in the eighth. Marzo will be able to pitch again in the next tournament game after striking out four batters in less than two innings of work.

With the potential tying and winning runs aboard, carried by Petaluma Valley’s Coby Dunham and Cade Rea, the final out was recorded on a ground ball to first base, and the exhausted fans on both sides of the Mark-West complex finally had time to collect their breath. Dunham and Rea had both singled off of Marzo to set up the dramatic finish to the game.

The winning Nationals out hit Valley, 12-8, and threatened to break it open early until Arellanes entered the breach and kept things in check.

It was an entertaining and well played game from start to finish with both teams flashing some serious leather. Infielders Marzo for the Nationals and Lucas Miles of Valley both made fine plays to end potential go-ahead rallies. Ely Haskek also sparkled at third base for Valley. There were also several running catches in the outfield for both teams.

Miles also had a strong game with the bat, reaching base four times and scoring three runs. It was his bases-clearing hit that eluded the National left fielder that pulled Valley back into the ball game.

While Petaluma National moves ahead in the winning bracket, the Valley club must fight its way though a maze of additional games to earn a rematch. The odds say no, but don’t bet on it. They were resilient all afternoon.

Petaluma National faces Ukiah tonight at 5:30 p.m., back on the Mark West Springs diamond in Santa Rosa. Ukiah defeated Fort Bragg, 8-1, in its first round game.

Petaluma Valley starts battling back through the losers’ bracket Friday night in Healdsburg with a game against Fort Bragg.

Petaluma American lost its first game to Rincon Valley, 9-7, and will try again for a win Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Rincon Valley Little League diamond in Santa Rosa.