Lincoln Potters defeat Philippine National Team to win West Coast World Series

The Lincoln Potters delivered their first title since 1957 Friday night, defeating the Philippine National Team 11-2 in the West Coast World Series championship game at McBean Park. The win was the cherry on top of the tournament for the hosts, who finished the week 4-0. Even sweeter for the Potters was being on the winning end in the championship. Last year, Lincoln fell to the West Coast Kings 9-8 in the inaugural WCWS championship after taking a 6-0 lead in the first inning. "This is all we've ever wanted for Lincoln. We want to celebrate on the mound here at the end of the season," said fifth-year manager Ryan Stevens. "Winning your last game is something special, and it's something we did this year and it felt really good to be on this side of it." The Potters opened the tournament in dominant fashion, run-ruling the California Halos 11-0 in six innings. Toran O'Haran pitched a gem for the Potters, allowing just one hit while striking out five. Lincoln kept the momentum going with another double digit win Wednesday, 14-2 over the Palo Alto Oaks. Palo Alto struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, but Lincoln roared back with crooked numbers in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh innings. Zach Chamizo had four RBIs and Jeffrey Bauser had two RBIs. The Potters nearly fell victim to a late comeback attempt by the UCL Stars in the winners' bracket final but held on for a 7-5 victory. Lincoln led 7-1 heading into the final inning, but the Stars rallied to close the gap to two. Jake Torres shut the door on the Stars with the winning run at the plate to send the Potters to the championship game. In the final, Lincoln trailed a red-hot Philippines team 2-0, which won four straight in the losers' bracket to advance to the championship. The Potters cut the deficit to one in the third thanks to an RBI groundout by Jarod Lewis before blowing the game wide open with a five-run fourth. Lincoln didn't stop there, as five more runs in the fifth widened the gap to 11-2. JT Waldon led the Potters with three hits, while Reece Ragatz and Lincoln natives Brennan Rozell and Clayton Coats each had two. Anthony Perez earned the win in five innings of work, allowing two runs and five hits. "They put together a string of games, probably the best four games we played all season, and it was really special to be a part of," Stevens said. "This team is special. We've thrown guys together last minute, we've had guys that have been here since the start, but their perseverance and their confidence and what they were doing for the city was memorable." Chamizo, another Lincoln native, was named the tournament MVP after going 6 for 13 with 11 RBIs. Chamizo was a wall in the middle infield and flashed his leather on several occasions. "Zach and I were just talking before the game about how he played on the little league field and we're hitting into cages here," Stevens said. "I've gotta imagine this is everything for him and for him to do this on this stage in front of these fans."