Southern All-Stars Defeat West In Pitcher's Duel

Both teams were strong on the hill Monday, but Central (Southern) defeated West 3-2. Central pitchers allowed just nine hits to West.

West fired up the offense in the first inning, when Keelan Yagi singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.

Myles Beale was credited with the victory for Central. He lasted six innings, allowing nine hits and two runs while striking out two and walking one. Ben Whiteside threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen. Whiteside recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Central.

Adam Yamashita took the loss for West. He allowed four hits and three runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one.

Billy Bernecker led Central with two hits in three at bats.

West tallied nine hits on the day. Ross Panlasigui, Kevin Varner, and Isiah Kekahuna each collected multiple hits for West. Panlasigui went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead West in hits.

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Next World Series Game Today at 4:15pm

Southern Seniors take on the team from Hawaii (West Region) at 4:15pm today. You can follow along on game changer here or watch the live feed on Wendi Moore's Facebook page. You'll need to friend Wendi first.

Southern All Stars Fall Short in First World Series Matchup

Central Loses Lead Early In Defeat
Central fell behind early and couldn't come back in a 7-3 loss to Southeast on Saturday. Southeast scored on a double by Caleb Cyr in the first inning and a walk by Jahn Ledezma in the second inning.
Southeast opened up scoring in the first inning, when Cyr doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.
Central notched three runs in the third inning. Keegan Batka and Kyle Tepper each drove in runs during the inning.
Matt Hendrix was the winning pitcher for Southeast. He allowed seven hits and three runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking one. Luis Fuentes and Jake Fagan entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Fagan recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Southeast.
Batka took the loss for Central. He lasted three innings, allowing six hits and five runs while striking out one.
Central scattered seven hits in the game. Jake Passinault and Robbie Stuursma each collected multiple hits for Central. Stuursma and Passinault all had two hits to lead Central.
Southeast had eight hits in the game. Joey Campbell and Timmy Manning each had multiple hits for Southeast.
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Southern Seniors Begin World Series Run Saturday

It's been 42 years since Southern sent a team to the World Series. Here's a photo of that team, which includes the brother of Southern's current president as well as the uncle of one of the players on this year's team. (click to enlarge)

And here's a note of well wishes from Dan Veneklase, one of the players on that 1976 team:

To the Players, Coaches and Parents:
Wow… congratulations on your many accomplishments.
You have competed with some of the best players in the district, the state, and the region, and have come away champions!!!
You’re now headed to the World Series and will be competing against some of the best baseball players and athletes from across this great country and the world!!!
How blessed are you to play this game at a high level and how proud are we that can follow this journey.
As someone who was fortunate enough to have had that same opportunity 42 years ago, I can tell you that these memories and some of the friendships that you have made on this journey will last a life time. Play hard but enjoy and take in the atmosphere as very few young men of your age get this opportunity.
Be very proud of your accomplishment individually but also collectively as a team, for you have reached the heights very few teams will ever realize.
You now will be representing this great country, your proud state and city, your district and local communities, your schools and churches, but most importantly your parents, family, and friends and let’s not forget the coaches and their families. All have been supportive and instrumental getting you to the point that you are at today.

To the Coaches and Southern Little League Board and Staff:
Thank you for the countless hours spent NOT only on the diamond but also sitting in on meetings and in phone conversations. You have been chosen to lead these young men not only because of your love and knowledge of the game but also because of the great counsel you have proven to provide. Your influence will last a lifetime!!
Continue the great work!!

To the Parents:
Southern Little League has always been richly blessed with a group of parents that have been very involved and very supportive. Thank you for the constant support and countless hours that have been volunteered over your sons entire baseball career up to this point. Without your support, involvement, and encouragement these opportunities would not take place.

To the Players:
I do believe you have some work in front of you!! Bringing home that championship trophy!!!I can’t wait to keep any eye on your progress (on ESPN) and welcome you home.Play hard/have fun.. and remember whatever your role is on this team it’s important.Know that were all very proud of each and every one of you and excited for you!!Now go play like the champions that you are!!May God bless and keep you safe in your travels.

Sincerely,
Dan Veneklase

Here's one more photo of this year's team, Midwest Regional Champions: (click to enlarge)

back: Coach Scott Bernecker, Matt Moore, Ian Walschotts-Dana, Jake Passinault,
Ben Whiteside, Billy Bernecker, Davis Jennings, Keegan Batka, Kyle Kirk,
Coach Jim Weiss, Manager Pat Batka.
front: Patrick Burns, Myles Beale, Robbie Stuursma, Jack Mundell, Kyle Tepper,
Josh Weiss, Alex Kolk, Henry Wassink

Their first game takes place Saturday at 9:00am.

Shoe Carnival Shopping Party July 28 & 29

1976 To 2018 Southern Seniors Advance To The World Series For First Time In 42 Years

Keegan Batka, Myles Beale, Patrick Burns, Kyle Kirk, Kyle
Tepper, Ben Whiteside, Jacob Passinault, Billy Bernecker, Davis
Jennings, Matthew Moore, Robbie Stuursma, Ian Walschots-Dana,
Henry Wassink, Alex Kolk, Jack Mundell, Josh Weiss.
Manager Pat Batka, Coach Scott Bernecker, Coach Jim Weiss

Congratulations Southern Senior All-Stars!

On a hot and humid day in Oglesby, Illinois, the Southern Senior All-Stars started the day off needing two wins to advance to the
Senior League World Series. Game 1 in the semi finals Southern played the Illinois State Champion from Burbank (Chicago), IL.Keegan Batka, Myles Beale and Josh Weiss led the way with 3 hits apiece. Batka had 4 RBIs while Beale and Kyle Tepper added two RBIs each. Beale had two doubles and Robbie Stuursma had a triple. Southern stole 8 bases during the contest. Southern led 8-1 after 5 innings then scored 4 in the 7th to finish with a 12-2 win. Myles Beale pitched a gem, pitching 6-1/3 innings allowing only 2 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 6. Alex Kolk got the save getting the last two outs on a ground out and a fly out.

Game 2 featured Southern playing the Host team from Peru, IL. And what a start Southern had putting the game away in the bottom of the first inning. After Peru stranded two runners in the top half of the inning Southern came to bat ready to go. A walk to Stuursma, a single by Batka, a single by Beale, a sac fly by Tepper, a home run by Jake Passinault, a walk to Jack Mundell, and a single by Matt Moore. Southern led 6-0 after 1 inning. As it turned out that was all they needed in this match up. Kyle Tepper pitched 3 innings of scoreless ball while walking one and striking out 2 on 4 hits. Ben Whiteside then pitched the last two innings, striking out two with one walk and allowing 3
unearned runs. The final out was a pop up to Keegan Batka, and the dog pile ensued. The parents and grandparents and supporters all had cameras out to celebrate the win.

During the run on The Road to Easley the entire team contributed and everyone at Southern is extremely proud and happy for all of the players and coaches.

Good Luck at the Senior League World Series in Easley, SC!

Southern Senior All Stars Win Regional!

 Southern’s Seniors All-Stars won the regional today in Illinois. They now advance to the World Series in Easley, SC. Congratulations Southern Seniors!  Full story to come tomorrow.

Southern Senior All-Star Advance to Semis in Regional

The Southern Senior All Stars completed pool play last night in Peru, IL, with an exciting win over
the Kentucky State Champion 8-1. In the run to the semis Southern has defeated Missouri 26-0, Indiana 15-0, Ohio 14-0 and now Kentucky 8-1. Two combined no hitters were pitched by Southern along the way.

In last night’s game two pitchers combined for the win and allowed 6 hits and no walks to a good hitting Kentucky team. Myles Beale went 3-1/3 innings allowing 5 hits and no walks with 1 run. Kyle Tepper finished the game pitching 3 2/3 innings allowing 1 hit with no walks and no runs. Southern was led in hitting by Jake Passinault 2-3 with 2 doubles, Robbie Stuursma 2-3 with 2 singles, Kegan Batka 2-4 with a single and a double. Jack Mundell and Kyle Tepper each had a hit. The fireworks started later in the game when Billy Bernecker hit a monster 2-run home run to finish the scoring. Congratulations and good luck in the final 4. You can follow here on Wednesday at
11:00am EDT. If they win that the final is at 4:00pm EDT also Wednesday. The team is represented by:

Keegan Batka
Myles Beale
Patrick Burns
Kyle Kirk
Kyle Tepper
Ben Whiteside
Jacob Passinault
Billy Bernecker
Davis Jennings
Matthew Moore
Robbie Stuursma
Ian Walschots-Dana
Henry Wassink
Alex Kolk
Jack Mundell
Joshua Weiss

Manager: Pat Batka
Coach: Scott Bernecker
Coach: Jim Weiss

Sign Up Now for Fall Ball

Fall Ball includes baseball for ages 6-14 and softball for ages 8-11. We play on six Sunday afternoons starting in late August. We're working on a brand new website for Southern Little League, and we're using that new website for Fall Ball registration. (Stay tuned for more info on that transition.)

The signup deadline is August 12, after which a $20 late fee is imposed.

Please click here to be taken to our new website, where you can read all the details about Fall Ball and get registered.

Southern Seniors in Regional Play Starts Saturday

Good luck to the Southern Senior All-Stars who will compete in the Central States Senior League Baseball Central Regional Tournament in Peru, IL, starting Saturday, July 21, at 1:30pm CDT. The winner advances to the World Series in Easley, SC, starting July 28. Follow all of the action for Southern’s games on Game Changer here.

ALL GAME TIMES ARE CDT

• Saturday July 21 – 1:30pm vs. Missouri at Ogelsby field
• Sunday July 22 – 1:00pm vs. Indiana at Ogelsby field
• Monday July 23 – 1:00pm vs. Ohio at Ogelsby field
• Monday July 23 – 6:00pm vs. Kentucky at Peru Washington Park
• Tuesday July 24 – 6:00pm seed 3 vs seed 6 and seed 4 vs seed 5
• Wednesday July 25 – 10:00am seed 1 vs winner seed 3/6 and seed 2 vs. winner seed 4/5
• Wednesday July 25 – 3:00pm Regional Championship Game at Ogelsby

Good Luck Southern!

Keegan Batka
Myles Beale
Patrick Burns
Kyle Kirk
Kyle Tepper
Ben Whiteside
Jacob Passinault
Billy Bernecker
Davis Jennings
Matthew Moore
Robbie Stuursma
Ian Walschots-Dana
Henry Wassink
Alex Kolk
John Mundell
Joshua Weiss

Manager: Pat Batka
Coach: Scott Bernecker
Coach: Jim Weiss

All-Star Updates and Tonight's Action

Congratulations to the Southern Junior All-Stars: Runner-up in District 9

Congratulations to the Southern East Major All-Stars: Final Four in District 9

Congratulations and good luck to Southern East 9/10 year old all stars who
play tonight at Southern at 6:00pm in the finals round.

Good luck to Southern East and West 10/11 year old all stars who start tonight.
Southern East at Western at 6:00pm and Southern West at Southern at 6:00pm.

Come out and cheer on your Southern all star teams.

Southern's Seniors Win State Championship!!

Southern Senior All Stars defeated Niles this afternoon 15-5 to capture the state title and to advance to the regionals in Peru, Illinois, Friday, July 20.

• Southern was led by a 5-inning, 2-hit shutout by Ben Whiteside, who also had 6 strikeouts.
• Leading the hitting attack was John Mundell who went 3 for 4 with a single, double, and a home run with 2 RBIs while scoring 3 runs.
• Myles Beale was 1 for 2 with a home run and 3 RBIs.
• Robbie Stuursma went 1 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs.
• Jake Passinault had two doubles.
• Matt Moore hit a triple.

A great game and tournament by the Southern Senior All-Stars. State Champions for the 3rd consecutive year. Congratulations to the Southern Seniors coached by Pat Batka, Scott Bernecker, and Jim Weiss. Good luck at the Regional on the road to Easley, SC.

Please come out and watch Juniors Baseball All-Stars at Pinery Park at 7:30pm tonight and the Majors Baseball East All-Stars at Southern at 6:00pm.

The grill will be fired up at Southern!!

Southern's Senior Baseball Wins First Two in State Tournament

On Wednesday, Southern defeated Niles 15-1 in the opener and then came back this afternoon to defeat Macomb Township 8-0. Southern plays in the winner bracket final Thursday at 10:00am against St. Clair. Good luck to Majors East all-stars in finals round Thursday at 6:00pm at Georgetown. Good luck Junior all-stars Thursday at Pinery vs. Western.

Coming Soon: Fall Ball

Southern's Fall Ball season is just around the corner, with games beginning August 26 and wrapping up October 7. Stay tuned for more information. We'll be sending out info on registration around July 20.

Southern's Seniors Baseball All-Stars Begin State Tourney Play

After winning the District 9 tournament, Southern's baseball seniors all-starts begin the state tournament in Taylor, Michigan, Wednesday morning at 9:00am against Niles. You can follow along on GameChanger here.

All-Star Action Tonight at Southern

The grills will be fired up so come out and cheer for your Southern All-Stars!

Senior Baseball

• All-Star District Championship game: Southern vs. Georgetown: Henwood Field 5:30pm
• You can follow along on GameChanger here.

Major Baseball

• Southern East vs. Lowell: Southern East 6:00pm
• Southern West vs. Hudsonville: Southern West 6:00pm

Senior All-Stars Win 19-2, Advance to District 9 Finals!

The Southern Senior Baseball All-Stars defeated Georgetown Thursday at Georgetown 19-2 to advance to the finals at Southern's Henwood Field Friday at 5:30pm. They will play the winner of Western vs. Georgetown who would have to beat Southern twice while Southern needs only one win to advance to the state tournament in Taylor, Michigan.

Come out Friday and support your Senior Baseball All-Stars at 5:30pm!

All-Star tournament Schedule Thru Thursday

Senior All Stars continue at Georgetown tonight at 7:30pm against Georgetown.
With a win they are in finals on Friday. With a loss they play at Southern Thursday at 7:30.
We will post the score here.

Major Baseball at Southern Thursday

• Southern East vs. Allendale at Southern East – 6:00pm
• Southern West vs. Hamilton at Southern West – 6:00pm

Have a Happy 4th of July!!