- April 17, 2024
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Anthony Hernandez gets the win for PCLL.
Ashton Neuman
Riley Clymer picks up a base hit to help get PCLL's first ever win at the state tournament.
PCLL parents and friends traveled to support the team.
Riley Clymer makes a great run-saving catch.
The All-Stars do their customary team breakdown between innings.
Drew Schober high-fives Noah Trawick after Trawick sends two runners home with a double-base hit.
Ashton Neuman surprised coach Raul Hernandez with ice-cold water down his back.
In its 17 seasons, only two teams have reached the Little League State Championship Tournament. But now, the Junior All-Stars boast as being the only team to win games.
After disappointing game to open the tournament, the All-Stars returned to the mound and excited PCLL fans through six innings. They made run-saving catches, knocked balls deep into outfield and even had fun cooling off head coach Raul Hernandez in the dugout with cooling towels.
“It's something I’ve always wanted to do, since I started coaching at 17 years old,” Hernandez said. “I would watch the guys I helped out as the season went on, and I always tried to bring the best out of these kids, because they love being out there as much as I do. This experience is priceless because it's something many leagues never get the chance to experience.”
PCLL picked up another win, due to forfeiture but didn’t advance to the championship game, because their first opponent won more games. Still, they finished third in the state tournament.
“This is the furthest we have been able to go,” Hernandez said. “Getting that win was an awesome feeling for myself, the other coaches and all the boys. Overall, I wouldn't have done anything different. We just wanted to present Palm coast little league with pride and confidence, and we wanted to compete hard.”
Meet the All-Stars: Anthony Hernandez, Sal Piazza, Drew Schober, Ashton Neuman, Matthew Arnold, Riley Clymer, Noah Trawick, Andrew Enache, Kolton Bucek, Donnie Little, Alex Machado, Robert Elder and Drew Castheinra.
Worth repeating: “This experience is priceless because it's something many leagues never get the chance to experience.”
RAUL HERNANDEZ
