Dodgers RBI wins Championship Jr. Division game in Western Regional Tournament; earns spot in RBI World Series
LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers RBI Jr. Division, boys ages 13-15, earned a spot in the RBI World Series after defeating Hilo, Hawaii RBI, 7-3 in the Western Regional Championship game at Dodger Stadium yesterday. The Dodgers RBI Jr. Division team will advance to the RBI World Series in Texas this August. Dodgers RBI defeated Angels RBI and Hilo RBI in preliminary games at Algin Sutton Recreation Center in order to advance to yesterday's championship game. The 2014 RBI World Series takes place August 6-17 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas hosted by the Texas Rangers.
Winning pitcher Nolan Martinez threw a complete game four-hitter allowing just one earned run. Catcher Brendan Casillas went 3 for 3 with a single, double and triple. Shortstop John Jackson and center fielder Micah Wallette had two hits apiece for Dodgers RBI. Second baseman Jorge Corrales made momentum changing key defensive plays. Three players on the Dodgers RBI Jr. Division All Star Team are defending RBI World Series champs, CJ Fernandezees, Max Sterner and Micah Wallette along with manager Erikk Aldridge.
Dodgers RBI hosted the 2014 RBI West Regional Tournament and five leagues competed in the Junior, Senior and Softball Divisions beginning Friday, July 18 through yesterday, Sunday, July 20. RBI teams were represented by the host Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (Dodgers RBI), the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Angels RBI), the Arizona RBI, Seattle Parks & Recreation RBI and Nobu Yamauchi RBI from Hilo, Hawaii
About Dodgers RBI
Dodgers RBI is a comprehensive, urban youth baseball program for boys and girls, ages 5-18. Working together with local organizations, parents and volunteers, Dodgers RBI currently offers 2,400 youth the opportunity to learn and enjoy the games of baseball and softball with special emphasis on education, recreation and healthy habits for young people. Dodgers RBI is a cornerstone program of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), the official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. LADF provides uniforms and equipment, recruitment assistance, cash grants and education/health resources to all teams. Additionally, Dodgers RBI will provide resources to ensure increased participation by youth ages 13-18 and place special emphasis on African- Americans. Dodgers RBI is part of MLB's RBI program. The RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. Alumni of LA RBI who currently play in the Majors are Coco Crisp (Oakland A's) and James McDonald (Chicago Cubs).
About RBI
The RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program, which is in its 26th year of operation and began in Los Angeles, is administered by Major League Baseball and is designed to give young people from underserved and diverse communities the opportunity to play baseball and softball, encourage academic achievement and success, and teach the value of teamwork and other important life lessons. RBI currently serves more than 220,000 young men and women in more than 300 programs established in approximately 200 cities worldwide. MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program, and all 30 Clubs support RBI leagues. For more information about the RBI program and the RBI World Series, please visit MLB.com/rbi.