Santa Cruz Mets Capture 2011 Santa Cruz Classic Title

Jeremy Kirby hitting in the Mets fourth tournament game at the 2011 Santa Cruz Classic. (Photo submitted by Brian Feduk).

(Front row) Jeremy Kirby, José Medina, Django Whittington, Sammy Garcia, Brian Feduk, Matt Meier, Steve Monigold (Back row) Hector Esparza, Drew Pleasant, Jeremy Hernandez, Michael Barnes, Matt Flaherty, Ryan Becks, Izzy Hester, Casey Ramback (Not Pictured) Eddie Newman, Joe Canter, Steve McLean, Ryan Genovese, Randyn Trybom, Matt Meachen (Photo submitted by Brian Feduk).

Monday, May 30th, the Santa Cruz Mets — a.k.a., the SJMSBL Mets(18) — took down defending champ East Bay Lumberjacks at the 2nd annual Santa Cruz Classic 18+ wood bat tourney. The Lumberjacks were crowned in 2010 after beating the Mets in the semis and then the Soquel Stars in the finals.

Six teams entered this year playing four games each, the top two records advanced to Monday for the finals.

The Mets started round-robin play on Saturday against a tough Nor Cal Diablos team. José Medina and Eddie Newman pitched well for the Mets and only allowed one run while the offense posted up six for the final, 6-1.

Game Two was not any easier as the Mets faced the Lumberjacks. Both teams were scoreless into the 7th when the Mets broke it open, eventually scoring four. The Jacks battled as well but came up short as Matt Flaherty held them to one run. 4-1 Mets for the final.

Game Three found the Mets their only loss. A tough Seaside Lumber Co. fought from a 4-1 defecit to ultimately win, 6-5.

Game Four set the Mets wheels back rolling with a strong offensive run, finishing off the Bay Area Tribe, 12-0. Joe Canter earned the win in that game.

Matt Flaherty throwing in the Mets second tournament game at the 2011 Santa Cruz Classic. (Photo submitted by Brian Feduk).

With round-robin play done, the stage was set for the Championship: Santa Cruz Mets vs. East Bay Lumberjacks. The Mets pounded out 16 hits scoring 6 runs in the Championship game, the icing being Michael Barnes two-run bomb mid game. The Jacks battled back but only threatened in two innings as Jeremy Hernandez shoved, throwing a complete game. Final score 6-3 and Santa Cruz Mets are crowned 2011 Santa Cruz Classic Champions!!!!

Thank you again to all the teams that participated. We look forward to doing this year in and year out!!