Auburn Little League loss to Turlock American forces 'if' game in NorCal State Tournament

Auburn Little League lost to Turlock American 7-2 on Thursday night and will play the Section 6 representative in an "if" game tonight at 6 p.m. for the Northern California Senior Baseball Tournament championship at Gilroy Sports Park. The champion advances to the West Region Tournament at Laney College in Oakland beginning Tuesday, July 16. Auburn's Senior all-stars, representing Section 4, defeated Live Oak of Santa Cruz 6-4 and Bollinger Canyon of San Ramon 14-11 in eight innings to advance to the title game. Auburn outhit Turlock American 8-6 and took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Karter Scott's groundout. Turlock American answered in the bottom of the first then scored five runs in the fifth on three hits and two bases-loaded walks. Sam Robinson led Auburn with three hits and an RBI, and Ash Kile collected two hits. Auburn pitcher Tanner Baldwin struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings but walked five. Four of Turlock American's seven runs were unearned. Auburn turned its third double play in three tournament games. On Tuesday, Auburn overcame a 7-0 deficit against Bollinger Canyon to tie the score at 11 in the top of the seventh. Auburn pulled ahead in the eighth on Baldwin's groundout. Adigan Myers' two-run single extended the lead to 14-11. Auburn, which totaled 15 hits, scored six runs in the top of the sixth to take a 10-9 lead, keyed by Baldwin's two-run double. Scott led Auburn with three hits. Kile and Gabe Nucamendi each had multiple hits. Robinson, Smith, Myers, Baldwin and Garrett Brink each drove in two runs. Auburn drew seven walks, and Brayden Griffin stole two bases.