North Coast Athletics' Anthony Ruano scorched a deep home run just as the dazzling fireworks display lit up the sky during the July 1 game against the Oakley Falcons. Nancy James photo.


The North Coast Athletics traveled to the Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale, Calif., on July 1 for a festive weekend of baseball. With the Fourth of July right around the corner, the team was shooting to make some serious noise before heading home.

The Athletics walked away with one victory in four games after playing against stiff competition. Although the results may not appear favorable, the team gained valuable experience after competing under difficult road conditions.

The players traveled for four and a half hours, but there was no time to rest as they were set to take on the San Leandro Washington Manor Dodgers for their first game shortly after arriving.

Despite a decent offensive output, the Athletics were unable to keep pace, losing the opener 12-4. The long travel definitely affected the team, contributing to the Athletics' 11 errors.

Several Athletics finished with fine performances at the plate, led by Matt Freitas who went 2-3, with two runs, two RBIs, and a holiday home run blast. Everett James also collected two hits, while Anthony Ruano, Al Huerta and Steven Young drove in a run apiece.

There was no time to rest or review what had just happened because the Athletics were scheduled to take the field again shortly after their first game.

North Coast was set to square off against the Oakley Falcons for game two. The Falcons also lost their opening game, so both sides were eager to earn a mark in the win column.

The Athletics got off to a shaky start and were never able to recover, losing to the Falcons by a final of 13-3. The evening featured a slew of dazzling fireworks and the Athletics' Anthony Ruano utilized the patriotic backdrop for his home run smash in the second inning.

Everett James accounted for the other two Athletics' scores after drilling a two-run shot deep over the center field fence. James finished 2-3, with 2 RBIs and a run scored. Matt Freitas rounded out the Athletics' attack with two hits, a stolen base, and one run.

Even though the team had some very bright moments, they were unable to come away with a victory. The ball did not bounce their way all day, so the Athletics were hopeful that Sunday would provide a more pleasurable result.

Game three started bright and early at 8 a.m., as North Coast took on Marin Tribe. The Athletics must be a morning team because they played their best baseball all weekend after winning by a final of 9-5.

Unlike the first two games of the event, the Athletics played solid defense. A pitcher's confidence can often rest with the defense that backs him up.

Pitchers Ryan Stevens and Eli Duran took advantage of the strong play behind them, keeping the Tribe off-balance from start to finish.

The Athletics' bats continued to sizzle, led by Tomas Sanchez who finished with two hits, two runs, a stolen base, and three RBIs. Both pitchers did well on the mound and at the plate as Duran chipped in with two hits and two runs, while Stevens finished a perfect 2-2, with a stolen base and an RBI. James added to the offensive surge with two RBIs, while Ruano scored twice during Sunday's victory.

The Athletics had the rest of the day and evening to celebrate their fine performance, but the team was far from finished as they eyed a rematch with the San Leandro Dodgers the next day. The game would start bright and early once again and the Athletics were hopeful to turn things around against the Dodgers.

However, the Athletics were unable to maintain their momentum, losing to the Dodgers 8-1. North Coast could not take advantage of their scoring opportunities after stranding nine base runners.

Despite coming home with three tough losses, Head Coach Mike James found a lot of positives to build on. The players will continue to practice and work hard to hone their skills.

The team is looking forward to traveling to Kissimmee, Fla., on July 17 to have fun in the sun playing ball and enjoying their summer vacation.

The North Coast Athletics 16 and under team will be holding tryouts on July 30 at Fort Bragg High School's Patton Field from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, please call Head Coach Mike James at 961-0856.