Sixth does in Newport Beach

LAGUNA NIGUEL — The momentum created by Jeff Saroyan’s walk-off home run was still lingering Saturday afternoon.

The Newport Beach American Major All-Stars started the game against Saddleback game with a 4-0 lead, after narrowly escaping elimination from the District 55 All-Star Tournament Thursday night.

But the team’s steam ran out in the top of the sixth inning, just as Saddleback started to heat up, and Newport Beach dropped out of the tournament with an 11-5 loss to Saddleback at Chapparosa Community Park.

Saroyan’s homer had given Newport Beach renewed life and a 4-3 win over Central Irvine Thursday night, but by Saturday, the kids were just tired, said coach Bill Worden.

Saddleback advanced to round four of the losers’ bracket with a six-run rally in the sixth inning.

“We made a few defensive errors and we just couldn’t hold on in the end,” Saroyan said. “I think they were getting good hits and getting solid contact. Saddleback was a great hitting team, and that’s how they won it in the end.”

The game started promisingly enough for Newport Beach. Hunter Heckendorn doubled to center, and Casey Worden tripled to left in the five-hit, four run inning.

But Saddleback began the task of inching their way back into the game when Jake Ogle stole home, and Andy Castenada hit a home run to left in the second. After Logan Roberts’ homer to center in the third, Saddleback trailed 4-3.

Trailing 5-4, Newport Beach had an opportunity in the fifth inning to eclipse Saddleback and reclaim the lead, but only managed to tie.

The bases were loaded with two outs. Brett Nelson reached with a single to second and scored on Jack Percival’s single to right. Casey Worden had a single to center, and advanced to second when a pitch thunked Nick Roco’s helmet.

But Newport Beach finished the inning stranding three runners after Tyler Aguera replaced Cole Becker on the mound. Aguera subsequently struck out Jackson Pries and Tyler McPhillips to close out the inning.

“It was disappointing, but our team had a great run,” Saroyan said. “Hopefully, we gave Newport Beach a better name in this tournament, and I’m proud of our team because we had a lot of good players.”

SORAYA NADIA McDONALD may be reached at (714) 966-4613 or [email protected].