Folsom American claims 10-11-year-old All-Star title

The key to little league baseball more often than not is this: the team that plays better defense and walks the fewest batters generally wins. For the second straight game, the Folsom American 10-11-year-old All-Stars committed no errors and walked only one batter, on its way to a 4-0 win over Roseville to win the All-Star Tournament held at Hazel McFarland Field in Folsom. Folsom American pitcher Reed MacLeod did one better than only walking one hitter, MacLeod also pitched a no-hitter in Folsom American's win. It's the team's second straight District 54 All-Star championship, as they won it last year at the 9-10-year-old level. "It feels great to throw a no-hitter," Reed said. "I was expecting to do well and I'm really happy with the way I played. I'm mad at myself for the walk, though." Reed's dad, the team's manager, was proud of both his son and his team's performance. "This was a great game," Brandon MacLeod said. "It's been a long road the past two years. I'm so proud of the way they've played. They just grinded it out. "The last couple of games we've been excellent on defense and today Reed threw a no-hitter against a very good team. They were putting the ball in play, but we had our guys in the right spot and they were making plays." Folsom American scored two runs in the first inning. Hunter Smith doubled and Colton Henry followed with an RBI single. Two batters later Caden Black knocked in the team's second run. Folsom American added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings; Brady Joves knocked in the run in the fourth and Hunter Smith drove in the team's final run in the fifth. "We had timely hits today," MacLeod said. "We didn't kill the ball today, but we scored enough to make it somewhat comfortable at the end and not super stressful. I would have liked to score more, though." MacLeod's only walk came in the first inning with two outs. "My defense was great behind me," Reed said. "We're a great team and we're excited to move on. We've got great players who can hit, pitch and can play defense." Coach MacLeod added, "I'm really proud of the kids and we're excited to take the next step." The next step is the Section 4 tournament which will be held in Rio Linda. Folsom American opens play next Thursday.