OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black )Top_, Texas Glory 2026-Naudin (Middle) and Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden (Bottom) won titles at the 2023 AFCS. Photos by The Alliance.
AFCS — ORDER OF FINISH
AT KOKOMO, IN
JULY 31-AUG. 6
14U TIER 1
1. OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black
2. Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard
T-3. Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Davis
T-3. Impact Gold 2K9 National
T-5. Corona Angels-Tyson
T-5. Athletics Mercado 2027-Tidd/Bustamante
T-7. Lady Dukes Gold-McHale
T-7. Indiana Magic Gold National-Moore
T-9. Bombers Gold American-Kennedy
T-9. Midwest Speed National-Chell
T-9. Firecrackers Leles 2026-Enyart
T-9. Athletics Mercado 08-Tidd
T-9. OC Batbusters-Fernandez
T-9. Texas Glory-Naudin
T-9. Impact Gold National 08-Mendoza
T-9. OC Batbusters-Hudson/White
T-17. Bombers Gold HTX-Jacoby
T-17. Texas Bombers Gold-Malpass
T-17. Athletics Mercado 08-RC
T-17. Corona Angels 2027-Perez/Tyson
T-17. Fury Platinum X-Butler
T-17. Tampa Mustangs 2026/2027-P. Bell
T-17. Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Brown
T-17. LLG-Wools
T-25. Bombers Gold National-Rodriguez
T-25. Oklahoma Athletics 09 National-Ashbaugh
T-25. ai Bandits-Breer
T-25. Texas Glory
T-25. Aces National
T-25. Iowa Premier National-Shannon
T-25. Mojo 2027-Palmer
T-25. Iowa Premier National-Paz
*****
14U TIER 2
1. Texas Glory 2026-Naudin
2. American Freedom National 2027
T-3. Impact Gold National 2026
T-3. Texas Express Premier
T-5. Finesse-Hool
T-5. Finesse-Ross
T-7. Corona Angels-MTS
T-7. AP Gold 08-Bailey
T-9. Virginia Glory National-Ladia
T-9. Batbusters-Rogers
T-9. Louisville Lady Sluggers 08-Tackett
T-9. High Tide-Cullivan
T-9. OC Batbusters-Stofle
T-9. Firecrackers Medina 09-Martinez
T-9. SJ Mystics National
T-9. Empire State Huskies National
T- 17. Batbusters-Hill
T-17. EC Bullets-Garza
T-17. Louisiana Bombers-Albert/Fruge
T-17. Bombers NTX Futures-Maloney
T-17. St. Louis Chaos 09-Perone
T-17. Louisville Lady Sluggers-VanBoxmeer
T-17. Corona Angels-FTS
T-17. Firecrackers Brashear
T-25. Midwest Speed Gold-Kotzmacher
T-25. Missouri Bombers 08 Gold-Hankins
T-25. ai Bandits-Orchard
T-25. PA Chaos National-DiMario
T-25. ai Bandits-Ruess/Sperry
T-25. Batbusters-Ledbetter
T-25. Batbusters AG
T-25. Midwest Speed National-Schweich
T-33. NorCal Starz-Sanchez
T-33. Rocklin Rebels
T-33. Firecrackers Medina 08-Martinez
T-33. KB Fastpitch 08
T-33. Southern Force National
*****
12U TIER 1
1. Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden
2. OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez
T-3. Batbusters AG
T-3. Midwest Firecrackers
T-5. Athletics Mercado-Lopez
T-5. Corona Angels-May.Smith
T-7. EC Bullets-Vallery
T-7. Batbusters-Neff/Horton
T-9. Bombers National
T-9. OC Batbusters-Vidano
T-9. Corona Angels-Flowers
T-9. Batbusters 2010-Tanioka
T-13. Epic Premier 2010-Davis
T-13. OC Batbusters-Shumaker
T-13. Batbusters Gomes-Grima
T-13. Texas Glory 2011
T-17. Aces National 2011
T-17. Batbusters-ET
T-17. Corona Angels-Hooten
T-17. Team Pennsylvania 2010-White
T-17. Texas Glory
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Threads @los_stuff)
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson won the PGF 14U Premier national championship at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo by PGF.
Many of the top 14U, 12U & 10U teams in the country are at PGF Nationals July 31-Aug. 6 in Orange County, CA. Here are Sunday’s highlights:
*****
The Birmingham Thunderbolts organization had its third team of the weekend playing in a PGF national championship game and Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson came away with a 7-1 victory over Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra in the 14U Premier final on Sunday at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA.
“This title is very special.” Bolts coach Ryan Thompson said. “This is the pinnacle of our sport. PGF is a dream we’ve been chasing since 10U. The Shea family loves and invests in the players completely. They were with us every step of this process. Rocky Thompson, Shane Cahalan and Giselle Juarez provide these Bolts players with the best development out there. We are proud to represent the Bolts family and all those that paved the way for us.#BoltsBoom.”
2026 RF Laci Martinez walked, 2026 RHP Leah Byrd sacrificed her to second and she scored on 2026 P Jordynn Parnell’s grounder to short that went for an E-6, giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning.
That seemed like that might be enough with Byrd pitching. She has been lights out all tournament, but the Bolts broke the game open in the bottom of the 3rd inning.
The Bolts loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, then 2026 RF Corey Goguts, 2026 1B Alexis Kierstead and 2026 C/UT Mcartney Harrington had RBI singles and they got two more runs on an E-6 for a 5-1 lead. 2026 C/OF/UT Riley Reynolds added a sacrifice fly to drive in another run for a 6-1 advantage.
Birmingham picked up an unearned run in the bottom of the 7th inning to make it 7-1.
2027 Haylen Ayers went 2 for 4 with two runs, 2027 SS Aspen Boulware went went 1 for 3 with a run, Boguts went 1 for 3 with a run and an RBI, Kierstead went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI, Harrington went 1 for 3 with an RBI, 2026 Kylee Swain went 1 for 3 with two RBIs and 2026 LF Sanayah Weaver went 1 for 2 with a run.
2026 P Missy Odom worked 7.0 innings, allowing two hits, no earned runs and striking out none to record the complete game victory.
*****
BSC Bengals-CKM won the PGF 12U Premier national championship at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo by PGF.
BSC BENGALS WIN FIRST PGF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The BSC Bengals organization has only been around since 2021, but BSC Bengals-CKM won its 101st game of the season, beating Arizona Storm National-Kobasew, 8-0, in the PGF 12U Premier national championship on Sunday at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA.
It was the first PGF national championship for the BSC Bengals organization.
“(A) national championship is huge for the Bengals organization as it is our first as an organization that is still fairly new,” Bengals coach Paul Caffrey said. “Our teams from 18u down finished 13th, 3rd place, 12th place and a national championship. We feel the Bengals organization is definitely on the map and we are happy to be a part of the family. (I) can’t wait for the future!(It’s a) great time to be a Bengal.”
2028 P Emily Yoon pitched a five-hitter with four strikeouts in 5.0 innings to record the victory for the Bengals in a game that was shortened by the run-rule.
OF 2028 Makenna Caffrey went 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI, 2029 P Erica Martin went 2 for 3 with a run and 2028 C Eliana Corona went 2 for 2 with a triple, a run and two RBIs for the Bengals in the championship game.
“It says a lot about everything we’re trying to build,” Bengals co-founder Roseann Briggs said. “Its not just about softball, we’re trying to build strong young ladies. It’s a family atmosphere.”
*****
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030-Wilkerson won the PGF 10U Premier national championship at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo by PGF.
BOLTS CAPTURE 10U NATIONAL TITLE
2030 P Aaliyah Hayes pitched a two-hitter with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings and went 2 for 3 with a double and four RBIs to help Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030-Wilkerson to an 8-0 victory over SoCal FireByrds in the PGF 10U Premier national championship game on Sunday at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA.
It was the first PGF 10U Premier national title for the Bolts organization, which also won PGF championships in 2022 (twice), 2021, 2019 and 2018 and also reached the finals in, 2023 (three times), 2022 (three times), 2021, 2029, 2018, 2017 (three times) and 2016.
“This is huge for the organization as it continues to confirm how elite the Bolts organization is,” Bolts coach Jeff Wilkerson said. “Our 2027 team got runner-up, 2024 team got third last week and our 2008 team is playing for the title today. Our 18U Premier team won it all last year. This is also a great way for my kids to end their 10U careers. We now move to 12U and look forward to competing in that division as well.”
Hayes went 2 for 3, 2030 C Lily Poland went 1 for 3 and 2030 3B Khayla Glover went 1 for 3 to lead Birmingham’s offense.
Hayes faced 18 batters, gave up only two hits zero runs and struck out six in a game that was called after 5 innings due to the run-rule.
“(I’m) overwhelmed at the success this team earned,” Wilkerson said. “It’s very exciting to win championships in any sanctioned body, but winning PGF Nationals is on a whole different level. I’m more than proud of our young ladies and how hard they played this week. We run-ruled six of the nine games we played. We scored 99 runs for an average of 11 runs per game. We only gave up 12 runs all week for an average of 1.33 runs per game.”
*****
PGF NATIONALS
AT ORANGE COUNTY, CA
(Sunday, Aug. 6, Results)
CHAMPIONSHIPS
14U PREMIER
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson 7, Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra 1
OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black won the 14U Alliance national title at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Katie Stith.
Many of the country’s top 14U & 12U teams are at AFCS 3 July 31-Aug. 6 in Kokomo, IN. Here are Sunday’s highlights:
*****
BATBUSTERS WIN SPLIT & 14U NATIONAL TITLE
OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black won the decisive game against Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard, 9-2, to win the 14U national championship series on Sunday in the AFCS finals.
“I’m really proud of this team for their fight,” Batbusters coach Katie Stith said. “Indiana Magic is an incredible team with a lot of talent (in) the circle. We had to really battle offensively to come up with timely hits and eventually their hits starting finding gaps. All summer our pitchers performed well in the circle and that continued this week — all three of them were prepared to step on the mound when called upon.”
It was the first 14U Alliance national championship for Batbusters coach Katie Stith, whose father, Mike Stith, led the OC Batbusters to its second consecutive 18U Alliance national title last week.
IMG edged the Batbusters, 3-2, in Game 1 before the Batbudters rallied to win Game 2 and Game 3, 8-3 and 9-2.
2027 C Riley Hilliard went 2 for 4 with a three-run, inside-the-park homer, 2026 CF Kale’a Tindal 3 for 3 with a rin, an RBI and a steal, 2027 2B Reese Hilliard went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs and 2027 LF Mattea Stern went 1 for 4 with two runs for the Batbusters in the third game against IMG.
Tindal, who had a .611 AVG and .944 SLG for the tournament, was named Outstanding Player of the Tournament. 2026 P Liliana Escobar, 2026 3B/SS Natalie Keith and 2027 C/3B Riley Hilliard made the All-Tournament Team.
“I’m really grateful for this group — they made me a better coach and had incredible chemistry,” Katie Stith said. “They fought hard for each other and they weren’t going to give up until they won. What an incredible environment … great fields, great weather, competitive teams. Very memorable week.”
*****
Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden won the 12U Alliance national title at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden Facebook.
ATHLETICS GO THE DISTANCE IN 12U TITLE WIN
Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden won two of three games over OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez, 1-4, 8-3, and, 10-2, to capture the 12U Tier 1 national championship on Sunday in the AFCS finals.
P Marlee Collier and 2028 SS Jordan Collins were named the co-Most Outstanding Player and 2028 LF Teagan Duehning and 2028 3B Kennedy Walker made the All-Tournament Team.
IndianaMagic Gold-Bennett/Goddard, the defending Triple Crown 14U Nationals champion, at the 2023 AFCS.. Photo provided by Jeff Goddard.
Many of the country’s top 14U & 12U teams are at AFCS 3 July 31-Aug. 6 in Kokomo, IN. Here are some of Saturday’s highlights:
*****
In 14U games:
Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard, which won the Triple Crown Nationals title last month in Georgia, found itself in serious danger after losing the first game against Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Davis, 6-2, to force a deciding “if” game on Saturday night.
In fact, Indiana Magic Gold needed a two-run double from 2026 3B/UT Hadley West in the bottom of the 11th and 2026 P Grace Swedarsky’s 20 Ks in a 5-4 win over Impact Gold 2K9 National, the defending 12U Alliance national champion, in the second round of the winner’s bracket in the Elite 8.
But IMG avenged the loss to the Athletics with a 6-3 victory to earn a spot in Sunday’s best-of-3 14U Alliance national championship series.
“Capping off a summer to remember,” IMG coach Jeff Goddard said. “The kids have showed up and given their all and have epitomized Team>Me. The grit these kids compete with is immeasurable — it is truly enjoyable to just watch them play. They are amazing softball players, but they are even better people with supportive families and a love for the game. They have worked incredibly hard to develop their skills and it is fun to see them rewarded for their effort.”
2026 OF Makayla Watson went 3 for 4 with a double, a run and two RBIs, 2026 OF Kayla Benthall went 2 for 3 with a run, 2027 2B Ellie Goddard went 2 for 3 with two RBIs, 2027 P Jenna Mannon had four Ks in 4.1 innings and Swedarsky had six Ks in 2.2 innings in the second game against the Athletics.
“For us to win, they just need to be in every pitch of every game,” Goddard said. “Make timely adjustments in the box, be aggressive on the bases and play D behind our great pitchers. If they keep a slow heartbeat and have fun, the rest will work itself out.” …
OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Katie Stith.
OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black, which won the Top Club Nationals title earlier this summer, rolled to a 9-1 win over Impact Gold 2K9 National to earn the other spot in Sunday’s best-of-3 national championship series.
2026 CF Kale’a Tindal went 2 for 3 with two triples, a run and three RBIs and 2026 P Liliana Escobar allowed two hits, no earned runs and struck out five in 5.0 innings to get the win over Impact Gold. …
*****
In 12U games:
OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Jamee Juarez.
OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez beat Midwest Firecrackers, 3-2, to earn a spot in Sunday’s 12U championship series.
“This was our third time playing Midwest Firecrackers,” Batbusters coach Jamee Juarez said. “They beat us in pool play, so we knew we couldn’t let our guard down. They are tough team that never gives up.
2028 SS Kyla Abad had an RBI single in the top of the 8th inning to pull out the win over Midwest Firecrackers.
2029 Lucy Reis started for Batbusters-Stith/Juarez and worked 4.0 innings, allowing four hits and one earned run. 2029 P Jali Brooks pitched 4.0 innings of relief, allowing five hits, one run and striking out two to earn the victory.
“Going into the championship series pitchers need to work ahead,” Juarez said. “Defense needs to make plays. We have to have each other’s backs and fight till the end. OK Athletics is a good squad and we need to compete every inning. It’s going to take all 16 of my players to get the job done.” …
Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden Facebook.
Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden avenged a 10-7 loss with an 8-5 win over Batbusters AG in an “if” game to earn the other spot in Sunday’s best-of-3 12U Alliance national championship series.
2028 LF Teagan Duehning went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs and three RBIs for the Athletics in the second game against Batbusters AG.
*****
AFCS
AT KOKOMO, IN
(Saturday, Aug. 5, Results)
14U
ELITE 8
BRACKET A
WINNER’S BRACKET
SECOND ROUND
Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard 5, Impact Gold 2K9 National 4
LOSER’S BRACKET
FIRST ROUND
Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Davis 11, Lady Dukes Gold-McHale 3
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Ryan Thompson.
Many of the top 14U, 12U & 10U teams in the country are at PGF Nationals July 31-Aug. 6 in Orange County, CA. Here are some of Saturday’s highlights:
*****
In 14U Premier games:
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson defeated Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood, 3-1, on Saturday in the semifinals of the PGF 14U Premier Nationals on Saturday at Huntington Beach Sports Complex.
2026 3B Katie Norgard hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 4th to break a 1-1 tie.
2027 SS Aspen Boulware scored on an inside-the-park homer in the bottom of the 6th to give the Bolts some 3-1 insurance.
2026 P Boo Herber went the distance for the Bolts, holding the Bandits to a run, allowing seven hits and striking out four to record the victory.
“Pitching was extremely effective on both sides, keeping hitters off balanced,” Bolts coach Ryan Thompson said. “Boo did a great job with command of locations and trusting her defense! Timely-hitting and big-hit moments pushed us ahead of a tough Bandits’ team. 2026 Katie Norgard came in huge with a solo HR and 2027 Aspen Boulware helped ease the stress adding an in-the-park solo HR in the bottom of the 6th!”
The Bolts face Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra for the championship on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA.
“We’ve squared off with the Vipers a handful of times this summer and it’s always been a battle,” Thompson said. “They are fast, have power and great pitching. We will need our defense to play well and our offensive tools that have gotten us here to be successful. Looking forward to a great match up tomorrow!”
Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Stacy Tamborra.
Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra picked up a 2-1 victory over Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler in the semifinals to earn a spot in the PGF 14U Premier national-title game.
2026 P Jordynn Parnell went the distance, throwing eight innings and only allowing two hits.
2026 OF Laci Martinez, who went 2 for 3, doubled in 2026 SS/P Leah Byrd in the bottom of the 1st.
2026 3B Mia Johnson drove in 2026 SS Jordynn Lewis with a two-out drive to right field to give the Vipers a walk-off win in the bottom of the 8th in ITB.
*****
Arizona Storm National-Kobasew at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Chuck Kobasew.
In 12U Premier games:
Arizona Storm National-Kobasew came out of the loser’s bracket and beat Beverly Bandits Premier-Mrozak, 2-1, to force a decisive “if” game in the semifinals.
2028 C Bella Mora had a game-tying single and 2028 OF Alicia Benites drove in the walk-off run with a chopper that was misplayed in the bottom of the 7th for the Storm in the first game against Bandits-Mrozek.
In the second game against Bandits-Mrozek, The Storm loaded the bases in the top of the 9th and 10th and couldn’t score, but the Storm came through in the top of the 11th as 2029 LF Ameliana Mendez drove in a run to give them a 2-1 advantage.
Bandits-Mrozek loaded the bases in the bottom of the 11th, but 2028 P Sydney Root got a strikeout and a groundout to end the game, 2-1. Root pitched all 11 innings, allowing seven hits, five walks, zero earned runs and striking out five to record the victory.
“We played really good defense this whole tournament, we haven’t hit well, pitching has been real good,” Storm coach Chuck Kobasew said. “These girls have played in a lot of tight situations their whole careers. Now, if only we can get our hitting going.” …
BSC Bengals-CKM at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Paul Caffrey.
BSC Bengals-CKM defeated Athletics Mercado-Walker, 9-3, in the semifinals to win its 100th game of the season and are headed to the PGF 12U Premier Nationals championship game. It is the first time in the BSC Bengals organization history for a team to reach a PGF national-title game.
2029 P Erica Martin started the game for the Bengals against Athletics Mercado-Walker and threw well, allowing only two hits. 2028 P Emily Yoon came on in relief and shut the door with her 40th win of the year. She pitched a solid 4.2 innings with zero earned runs allowed and five strikeouts.
The Bengals collected 13 hits on the day led by 2028 RF Quinn Kearney with four hits, 2028 3B Guiles Vega with three hits, 2028 P/OF Janelle Monzon with two hits and two RBIs, 2028 C Eliana Corona with two hits and two RBIs and 2029 P/CF Erica Martin with two hits and two RBIs.
BSC Bengals-CKM faces Arizona Storm National-Kobasew for the PGF 14U Premier national championship on Sunday at noon at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA. …
*****
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030-Wilkerson at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Jeff Wilkerson.
In 10U Premier games:
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030-Wilkerson cruised to the PGF 10U Premier national championship game, beating Athletics Mercado-Martinez, 15-5, in the semifinals.
The Bolts allowed four runs to Athletics Mercado to start the game on some solid hits. The pitching settled down along with some outstanding defense and didn’t allow another run.
2030 CF Marg Taylor went 4 for 4, 2030 OF AC Oxford went 4 for 4, 2031 C Rylei Rogers went 3 for 4, 2030 2B Ansley Wilkerson went 2 for 3, 2030 OF Rosie Wilson went 2 for 3 and 2030 P Aaliyah Hayes struck out seven of the 11 batters she faced and went 2 for 3 at the plate to lead the Bolts.
“Our bats were on fire and really put the pressure on the opposing team,” Bolts coach Jeff Wilkerson said. “The hitting was so good we started each inning with our leadoff and scored 4, 4, 4 and 3 runs. We created great momentum and that really propelled us for the win. Tomorrow, we need the same mental approach. We will need solid pitching and the bats need to continue to be hot. Defense has to step up, flush any mistakes and play the next play. We can’t let the moment be too big and we can’t be content just getting to the championship. Eliminate the distractions and only focus on the controlables. We’ve played well all week long and need to continue to do what got us here.” …
The SoCal FireByrds defeated Lady Magic-Warney, 8-0, in the other semifinal to earn a spot in Sunday’s championship game at 9 a.m. at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, CA. The FireByrds are 5-0 on the week and have outscored their opponents, 42-1. …
*****
PGF NATIONALS
AT ORANGE COUNTY, CA
(Saturday, Aug. 5, Results)
14U PREMIER
BRACKET A
WINNER’S BRACKET
SIXTH ROUND
Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra 6, Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti 0
LOSER’S BRACKET
SEVENTH ROUND
Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood 4, Virginia Unity 2026-Johnson 0
So Cal Athletics-Kim/Adame 6, Power Surge Premier-Worley 3
EIGHTH ROUND
Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood 6, So Cal Athletics-Kim/Adame 1
NINTH ROUND
Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood 8, Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti 0
SEMIFINAL
Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra 2, Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler 1
Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra 2, Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler 1
BRACKET B
WINNER’S BRACKET
SIXTH ROUND
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson, Firecrackers Premier 2026-TJ
LOSER’S BRACKET
SEVENTH ROUND
Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler 6, Extreme-Rios 4
I-5 Ventura-Banbrook/Shea 3, Power Surge-Berndes/Mujica 2
EIGHTH ROUND
Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler 5, I-5 Ventura-Nambrook/Shea 0
NINTH ROUND
Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler 13, Firecrackers Premier 2026-TJ 4
SEMIFINAL
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson 3, Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood 1
*****
12U PREMIER
BRACKET A
LOSER’S BRACKET
EIGHT ROUND
Athletics Mercado-Walker 11, So Cal Athletics 2K10-Kimk/Saunders 3
Atlanta Vipers-Tamborra at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Stacy Tanborra.
Many of the top 14U, 12U & 10U teams in the country are at PGF Nationals July 31-Aug. 6 in Orange County, CA. Here are some of Friday’s highlights:
*****
In 14U Premier games:
2026 P Leah Byrd, who has thrown every inning of bracket play, pitched a four-hitter with no walks to lead Atlanta Vipers-Tamborra to a 1-0 win over Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood in the fifth round of the winner’s bracket at the PGF 14U Premier Nationals on Friday night at Huntington Beach Sports Complex.
Vipers coach Stacy Tamborra said Byrd was “an absolute beast defensively on the mound having six outs on her own.”
The Vipers turned to their small-ball game in the bottom of the 3rd inning to manufacture a run. 2026 2B/P Kylee Lawrence led off with a single to center field, 2027 P/1B Payton Tamborra sacrificed her to second with a bunt and 2026 SS Jordyn Lewis hit a line-drive single to left field to score the lone run.
2026 OF Grace Welicky threw out the potential tying run at the plate (2026 C Shea Chatham made the tag) to end the game. …
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Ryan Thompson.
2026 3B Katie Norgard homered, 2026 RF Corey Goguts went 2 for 4 with two runs, two RBIs and a steal, 2027 SS Aspen Boulware went 1 for 2 with three runs and a steal and 2026 C Mcartney Harrington went 1 for 3 with two RBIs as Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson beat Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler, 10-4, in the fifth round of the winner’s bracket. …
Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Dave Lotti.
2027 P Addison DeRoche tossed a three-hitter with eight strikeouts in seven innings as Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti 1, Power Surge Premier-Worley, 1-0, in the fifth round of the winner’s bracket. …
2026 2B Sami Maldonado went 4 for 4 with three RBIs, 2026 P Juju Franco had five Ks in 4.2 innings and went 1 for 3 at the plate, 2027 P Sophia Debshad had four Ks in 2.1 innings and 2026 SS Aliyah Garcia was unbelievable on defense as Firecrackers Premier 2026-TJ knocked off 5, Power Surge-Berndes/Mujica, 5-0, in the fifth round of the winner’s bracket. …
*****
Athletics Mercado-Martinez at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Mat Martinez.
In 10U Premier games:
2030 P Leslie Padilla allowed one hit and one run in 4.0 innings, 2030 1B/P Dayton Dvorak went 3 for 3 with a double and five RBIs, 2030 3B Shevel Rosario went 3 for 3 with a double and three RBIs and 2030 SS Ruby Duran went 2 for 3 and was HBP’d as Athletics Mercado-Martinez cruised to a 12-1 win over California Riptide-Madrigal in the fourth round of the winner’s bracket. …
So Cal Athletics 2030-Kim at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by James Kim.
2031 P Kendall O’Keefe allowed no earned runs and struck out seven in 7.0 innings and went 1 for 3 with two runs at the plate, 2030 C Charlotte Kim went 1 for 2 with an RBI and run and 2030 SS Taylor Weems went 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs, two runs and a stolen base as So Cal Athletics 2030-Kim defeated Wildcats 2012-Laukat, 9-2, in the fourth round of the winner’s bracket. …
2030 CF Marg Taylor had a homer and three RBIs, 2030 3B Khayla Glover went 2 for 3, 2030 2B Ansley Wilkerson went 1 for 2, 2030 P/3B EK Grosvenor went 1 for 1, 2030 OF Ro Wilson went 1 for 3, 2030 SS Briley Aguirre went 1 of 3 and 2030 P Aaliyah Hayes had 11 strikeouts and zero walks as Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030 4, Lady Magic-Warney, 4-1, in the fourth round of the winner’s bracket. …
*****
PGF NATIONALS
AT ORANGE COUNTY, CA
(Friday, Aug. 4, Results)
14U PREMIER
BRACKET A
WINNER’S BRACKET
FOURTH ROUND
Power Surge Premier-Worley 4, Athletics Mercado-RTN 3
Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti 3, USA Athletics 2026-RML 0
OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Katie Stith.
Many of the country’s top 14U & 12U teams are at AFCS 3 July 31-Aug. 6 in Kokomo, IN. Here are some of Friday’s highlights:
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In 14U games:
2026 CF Kale’a Tindal singled to right field through the 3-4 hole in the bottom of the 7th inning to give OC Batbusters-K. Stith a 5-4 walk-off victory over Athletics Mercado 2027-Tidd/Bustamante in a 14U Elite 8 game.
“Going into the bottom of the 7th, the energy of the dugout was high — we knew it was our last chance to score,” Tindal said. “All of us were excited and ready to contribute. My teammates and coaches got us in a situation to win against a strong team. We all wanted to do our part when the time came. When we realized that we were in a walk-off situation, we all rallied together to try to win. I was so happy to be able to help the team with a single.”
2027 SS Angelina Jimenez got a one-out single and moved to second on a groundout. 2026 OF Grace Maguire delivered a two-out single up the middle, tying it, 4-4. 2027 OF Mattea Stern reached on a E-6, moving Jimenez to third base. That set the stage for Tindal’s heroics.
Jimenez got a one-out single and eventually scored on Maguire’s two-out single up the middle, giving Batbusters-K. Stith a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 5th inning.
“That game was the biggest battle we have had all year,” Batbusters coach Katie Stith said. “Mercado hit the ball well against two of our pitchers, but we stayed composed and the offense kept competing. The girls played with energy and battled until the last out and believed they could win.
“(I’m) really proud of Angie Jimenez and Grace Maguire for having great at-bats and getting us back to the top of the lineup. Kale’a has been really competitive at the plate and came through in a huge moment.” …
Impact Gold 2K9 National at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Jared Bryant.
Impact Gold 2K9 National won the 12U Alliance national championship last summer and they beat Lady Dukes Gold-McHale, 4-2, in the opening round of the 14U Elite 8.
2027 CF Kayla Barras, who went 3 for 3 with two runs and five RBIs, hit a three-run homer in the top of the 2nd inning, 2027 LF Morgan Marks went 2 for 2 with two runs and an RBI, 2027 1B Kierstyn Lambeth went 2 for 2 with two runs and an RBI, 2027 C/UT Isabelle Lawrence drove in three runs and 2029 MIF/OF Capri Mark went 2 for 2 with two runs for Impact Gold.
“The bats came alive that game!!” Impact Gold coach Jared Bryant said. “We had 13 hits with Kayla Barras leading the charge, going 3 for 3 with five RBIs.
“As these week-long tournaments progress, the pitching typically starts to wear down a little and the hitters start to find their stroke. Moving forward, we have to continue to have quality at-bats, play solid defense and keep pressure on our opponents.” …
Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Jeff Goddard.
2026 P Grace Swedarsky continued her stellar pitching for Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard, which won the Triple Crown Nationals title last month in Georgia. Swedarsky faced just 23 batters, tossing a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts as IMG defeated Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Davis, 1-0, in the 14U Elite 8.
2026 OF Makayla Watson went 2 for 3 with a triple and a run scored in the top of 7th and 2026 OF Kayla Benthall had the RBI.
“So proud of this group,” IMG coach Jeff Goddard said. “Huge win against some elite pitching. We were hitting the ball, but couldn’t string the hits together to get a run across. Continued adjustments at the plate finally led to stringing the clutch hits together in the 7th.
“Going forward, we need to keep aggressive at the plate, continue running bases aggressively and support our amazing pitching staff with great defense behind them. It only gets tougher from here. When they play for each other, they are tough to beat.” …
2026 RHP Kadyn Sanchez allowed one run to get the win, 2026 MIF/OF Jordin Washington went 2 for 3 with two RBIs, 2026 C Alyssa Torres doubled and scored a run and Aryana Salazar had a clutch double and scored a run as Corona Angels-Tyson beat Indiana Magic Gold National-Moore, 5-1, in the Elite 8. …
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In 12U games:
Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Brian Madden.
2029 P Rylee Black threw a three-hitter with seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings and she went 1 for 2 with a run at the plate, 2028 SS Jordan Collins went 2 for 3 with five RBIs, 2028 DH Kennedy Clemmens went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and 2028 3B Kennedy Walker went 2 for 3 with a run as Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden defeated Athletics Mercado-Lopez, 8-0, in the Elite 8. …
Corona Angels-May/Smith at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by John May.
2028 1B Seanoanele “Nele” Sanchez went 3 for 4 with a triple and an RBI, 2028 C Camryn May went 2 for 4 with a double and four RBIs, 2028 SS Teuuaina “Tmo” Sanchez went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and 2028 P Lilliana “Lilli” Garcia pitched a complete game with six Ks as Corona Angels-May/Smith defeated EC Bullets-Vallery, 9-4, in an Elite 8 game. …
OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Jamee Juarez.
2028 P Taylor Billings and 2029 P Jaliane Brooks combined for three strikeouts in 5.9 innings as OC Batbusters-Stith/Juarez beat Midwest Firecrackers, 3-0, in the Elite 8. …
2029 1B Zoey Galindo went 2 for 2 with a double and two runs, 2029 DH Olivia Chen went 2 for 2 with a run and an RBI, 2029 SS Averie May went 1 for 3 with a triple, a run and three RBIs and 2029 P Lily Saldivar pitched a two-hitter with five Ks in 7.0 innings as Batbusters AG beat Batbusters-Neff/Horton, 7-0, in the Elite 8. …
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Batbusters AG at 2023 AFCS, Photo provided by Miguel Aleman.
Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Scott Norwood.
Many of the top 14U, 12U & 10U teams in the country are at PGF Nationals July 31-Aug. 6 in Orange County, CA. Here are some of Thursday’s highlights:
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In 14U Premier third-round games:
Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood and Virginia Unity 2026-Johnson, which was in the Triple Crown Nationals title game a month ago, met up in the third round of the PGF 14U Premier Nationals on Thursday at Huntington Beach Sports Complex, but it felt like a championship game.
Bandits-Norwood came away with a 2-1 victory, knocking Unity-Johnson into the loser’s bracket.
“First of all, what a game,” Bandits coach Scott Norwood said. “This was a championship game type of atmosphere. I knew coming into this game it was going to be a battle to the last out and it definitely was. This win to us is just one step closer to our end goal and we are glad to stay in the winner’s bracket. It’s a tough road for sure. The girls came ready to play today and they are playing as a team.”
2026 P Maggie Krause pitched all seven innings and had nine strikeouts to get the win. She also went 2 for 3 at the plate with a solo home run.
2026 C Kendall Brown caught all seven innings, throwing out a runner trying to steal second. She also went 1 for 3 at the plate. 2026 LF Brynley Erb went 1 for 3 with a huge double.
“This game was full of emotions from high to low throughout the game,” Norwood said. “I just told the girls to stay focused and keep fighting. Definitely, proud of the whole team. Once again,” another amazing team win!” …
So Cal Athletics-Kim/Adame at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by James Kim.
2027 P Katelynn Matthews tossed a five-hitter with five Ks in 7.0 innings, 2026 C Ella Kim went 1 for 3, 2027 3B Nia Melendez went 2 for 3 with an RBI and 2026 CF Aubrey McLaughlin went 1 for 2 with a double in So Cal Athletics-Kim/Adame’s 3-0 win over Warrior Academy-K. McDonald. …
2026 1B Mariah Becerra went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI and 2026 P Inara Guzman pitched 7.0 innings, allowed four hits, two unearned runs and struck out six in Athletics Mercado-RTN’s 3-2 win over Georgia Impact Premier-O’Neal. …
2026 3B Kaydence Wiewel went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI, 2026 P Rian Hickman pitched a two-hitter with two Ks and went 2 for 3 at the plate and 2026 CF Preslee Fink went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI as Power Surge Premier-Worley defeated LTG Lions-Carda, 4-0. …
2026 OF Laci Martinez hit a solo bomb in the bottom of the 6th inning and 2026 P Leah Byrd tossed a four-hitter with six strikeouts as Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra defeated Cal Nuggets-Woods, 1-0. …
2027 RHP Isabella Gonzalez allowed one hit and zero runs in 5.0 innings, 2026 3B Charlotte White went 3 for 4 with two doubles, two runs and two RBIs, 2026 DP Camila Callau went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs and 2026 SS Nadia Ledon went 2 for 3 with a run for USA Athletics 2026-RML in an 8-1 win over Arizona Storm-Mendez. …
2026 P Lauren Compton threw complete game to lead Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler to a 3-2 victory over Extreme-Rios. …
All 3 pitchers — 2028 P Brooklyn Talbot, 2027 P Kaylee Buck and 2027 P Hayden Fell — contributed to the win, 2027 MIF/OF Sienna Owens went 2 for 3, 2028 OF/1B Amiya Clay went 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2028 SS Izianah Castillo went 1 for 2 with double and a walk as LTG Lions 2027-Buck beat I-5 Ventura-Banbrook/Shea, 5-4. …
2026 P Missy Odom pitched a no-hitter with four strikeouts in 4.0 innings, 2027 SS Aspen Boulware went 2 for 2 with a homer, three runs and three RBIs, 2027 CF Haylen Ayers went 3 for 3 with two runs, 2026 RF Corey Goguts went 2 for 2 with a double, two runs and two RBIs and 2026 3B Katie Norgard went 1 for 1 with a run and three RBIs as Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson beat So Cal Athletics 27-Marinakis/Acosta, 10-0. …
2026 CF Ali Gill went 2 for 2 with a triple, two runs and two RBIs to lift Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti to a 5-2 win over Georgia Impact 08-Taylor. …
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So Cal Athletics-Kim/Saunders at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by James Kim.
In 12U Premier third-round games:
2028 P Juliette Foutz pitched a two-hitter with two Ks, 2029 C Kaylee Mathews went 2 for 3 and 2028 1B Sophia Otera went 2 for 3 with a run to lift So Cal Athletics-Kim/Saunders over So Cal Athletics-Cooper, 2-1. …
2028 P Dalissa Rodriguez allowed four hits and two runs in 7.0 innings and went had a two-run double at the plate, 2028 3B Tiffany Karg went 3 for 4, 2028 1B Jaelynn Ugalde went 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2028 RF Adrianna Castillo went 2 for 3 with two RBIs to lead Athletics Mercado-Walker past Athletics Mercado-Baca, 9-2. …
2028 P Laynie VanAken pitched all eight innings with eight strikeouts, 2028 C Madison Eikenberry had a two-run triple in and 2029 DP Dallas Bowen had an RBI single the top of the 8th inning as Beverly Bandits Premier-Mrozek pulled out a 4-3 win over Lady Magic 2010-Mercado in ITB. …
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California Riptide-Madrigal at the 2023 PGF Nationals. Photo provided by Esmerelda Madrigal.
In 10U Premier third-round games:
2031 1B Isabella Washington had two hits and two RBIs, 2032 3B Norah Stansbury had two hits, two RBIs and five steals and 20230 P Lila Perrotta pitched a complete game with 12 strikeouts and had a triple and two RBIs at the plate to lead California Riptide-Madrigal past Cal Breeze 2012-Magorian/Wallace, 9-5. …
2030 P Dayton Dvorak allowed two runs and struck out 16 in 7.0 innings, 2031 C Chandler Garza Potter went 2 for 3, 2030 OF/IF Bella Martinez went 1 for 3 with three RBIs and 2030 3B Shevel Rosario went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI for Athletics Mercado-Martinez in a 4-2 win over USA Athletics. …
Impact Gold 2K9 National at the 2023 AFCS. Photo provided by Jared Bryant.
Many of the country’s top 14U & 12U teams are at AFCS 3 July 31-Aug. 6 in Kokomo, IN. Here are some of Thursday’s highlights:
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In 14U Super Regionals:
Impact Gold 2K9 National had a lot of success, winning the 12U Alliance national championship at last summer’s AFCS, but they came in as a first-year 14U team at AFCS this week in Kokomo, IN.
Impact Gold beat Texas Glory on Thursday morning to set up a showdown against Athletics Mercado 08-Tidd, which reached the 14U Alliance Nationals title game last summer, in the second round of the 14U Super Regionals on Thursday afternoon.
“We come here as a first-year (14U) team and we just want to compete,” Impact Gold coach Jared Bryant said.
Impact Gold did more than that, beating Athletics Mercado-Tidd, 6-5.
“We’re down 3-0 to a real good Athletics Mercado team and the girls just battled,” Bryant said. “It’s a huge win for us. We could have easily laid down. These girls just battled.”
2027 OF Morgan Marks went 2 for 3 and hit a three-run triple in the bottom of the 4th inning as Impact Gold rallied to beat Athletics Mercado.
2027 P Torie Turner started and went 4.1 innings to get the win for Impact Gold. 2027 P Macie Bryant relieved her and got four strikeouts in 2.2 innings to record the save.
2027 C Isabelle Lawrence went 3 for 3 with an RBI, 2027 C Celestina Daniels went 2 for 2 with a run and 2027 1B Kiertsyn Lambeth went 2 for 4 with a run for Impact Gold. …
2026 P Liliana Escobar pitched six innings, allowed three hits, one earned run and struck out 11 as OC Batbusters-K. Stith/Black, the Top Club Nationals champion, pulled out a 6-3 win over Texas Bombers Gold-Malpass, the reigingin 14U Alliance national champion. …
2026 OF Taylor Day tied the game with a pinch-hit homer in the bottom of the 7th inning and 2026 3B Sophia “Panda” Sandoval had a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 8th inning to give OC Batbusters-Fernandez a 7-6 walk-off win over Fury Platinum X-Butler. …
Oklahoma Athletics National-Madden/Davis pulled off a 2-1 upset over OC Batbusters-Hudson/White, the Triple Crown Colorado 4th of July 14U National Power Pool winner. …
2026 3B Annabel Focht went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and 2026 LF Hailey Toth went 2 for 4 with a triple, a run and an RBI as Firecrackers Leles 2026-Enyart defeated Indiana Magic Gold National-Moore, 6-4. …
Addison Brown (left) and Daniella Boccanfuso of Athletics Mercado-Tidd/Bustamante. Photo provided by Daniel Bustamante.
2027 P Daniella Boccanfuso threw a complete game to beat Mojo 2027-Palmer, 6-3, and 2027 P Addison Brown pitched a complete game in a 6-1 win over Impact Gold National 08-Mendoza as Athletics Mercado-Tidd/Bustamante advanced in the Super Regionals. …
2026 OF Kayla Benthall went 2 for 4 with a double, three runs, three steals and an RBI, 2026 OF Grace Sharp went 2 for 3 with two runs, 2026 SS Natalie Hester went 2 for 3 with a steal, 2026 3B/C Madison Wainwright went 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2026 1B Baylee Huth homered in Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard’s 7-5 win over Bombers Gold-HTX-Jacoby. …
2026 2B Jordan Washington went 4 for 6 to help Corona Angels-Tyson beat Texas Glory-Naudin, 4-1, and Tampa Mustangs 2026/2027-P. Bell, 10-0, in the Super Regionals. …
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In 12U Super Regionals:
2029 P Makayla Megnaugth pitched seven innings with no walks and seven strikeouts a went 1 for 2 with a triple at the plate, 2030 C Jazzy Kaesbauer went 2 went 4 with a double and two RBIs, 2029 2B Julia Horton went 2 for 4 with a triple and an RBI and 2029 DP Allie Alo went 1 for 3 with a triple and two RBIs as Batbusters-Neff/Horton beat Corona Angels-Flowers, 7-2. …
2028 P Miley McMullan allowed four hits and one walk to record the complete game win and 2028 Kate Greiner had two hits and an RBI to help EC Bullets-Vallery defeat Bombers National, 4-1. …
2029 P Rylee Black faced 23 hitters and struck out 13 in 7.0 innings to record the shutout as Oklahoma Athletics 2010-Madden beat Epic Premier 2020-Davis, 2-0.
“She is big time” Athletics coach Brian Madden said of Black. …
