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Sandlot Merchants Rule the Rodney Fox Memorial with Back-to-Back Titles

In Stevens, PA, the Sandlot Merchants put on a masterclass performance to capture the Rodney Fox Memorial title for the second consecutive year. Navigating a competitive 7-team bracket, the Merchants proved completely unstoppable, storming their way through the winner’s bracket to lock down the trophy and solidify their status as a major threat on the road to the World Tournament.

The Undefeated Bracket Run

The Merchants’ march to the championship was defined by explosive offense and lock-down defense from the very first pitch:

  • Opening Round: Started the weekend with a statement, securing a dominant 11-0 shutout against PA Storm.

  • Winner’s Semis: Kept the momentum rolling with a gritty 9-2 victory over Precise.

  • Winner’s Finals: Delivered an edge-of-your-seat 9-1 performance over Team 518 to punch their ticket straight to the grand finale.

  • Championship Sunday: Sandlot closed the deal out of the winner’s bracket with a final 6-0 Sunday victory over Team 518 to secure the hardware.

The tournament field also featured fierce competition from across the brackets, including Rhinos, Kurtz (RM Kurtz Enterprise), and Rangers. Other teams involved in the weekend’s pool play structure included The Rays, Wet Your Whistle, Adirondack Flooring, Sauder Trucking, Professional Petroleum, Precise Landscaping, and Eagle AA.

Ace Performance on the Mound

Sandlot’s pitching staff was virtually unhittable all weekend, combining for an elite showcase from the circle:

  • Erick Chaparro (Most Outstanding Pitcher): Chaparro earned the tournament’s top pitching honors after throwing 13 innings and allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 20 batters. He saved his best performance for last, throwing an unbelievable no-hitter in the 6-0 championship game against Team 518.

  • Julián Fernández: Fernández was equally brilliant in his support, tossing 9 scoreless innings on the weekend, giving up only 2 hits and striking out 16 of the 30 batters he faced.

Power at the Plate

While the pitching staff kept opponents off the board, the Sandlot offense was firing on all cylinders:

  • Andre Hoover (Tournament MVP): Hoover came up massive when it mattered most to claim the MVP trophy. He racked up 8 hits to finish the weekend with a staggering .571 batting average, driving in 8 runs and launching 2 home runs.

  • Ryan Nolt & Juan Martin Valla: Both hitters put on a clinic, batting an identical .500 on the weekend while combining for 11 hits.

  • Matt Kerber: Provided an incredible spark off the bench, delivering huge pinch hits to finish the tournament batting .667 with 4 hits.

  • Championship Game Hits: In the 6-0 final, Sandlot tallied 7 hits overall. Ryan Sheffer led the way with a 2-hit game, while Kyle Oechsle, Andre Hoover, Dustin Houtz, Juan Martin Valla, and Matt Kerber all executed perfectly with singles to clear the paths.

It was an unforgettable weekend for the Sandlot Merchants, who are already looking forward to returning next year to defend their throne!