Fuego 12U Dominates NCTB 12U Winter Championships
The Fuego 12U team came into the NCTB 12U Winter Championships (December 7-8, 2024) determined to make a statement—and they delivered in spectacular fashion. After falling just short with a runner-up finish in their previous tournament, the boys stormed back with vengeance, going 4-0 on the weekend and outscoring their opponents 45-18 to bring home the championship trophy.
The action began on Saturday with a commanding 14-6 victory over the San Mateo Dawgs. The Fuego bats were electric, led by Austin Moore, who drove in 4 runs and scored twice, going 2-2 with a home run. Luke Byrum also crushed a homer, driving in 3 runs and finishing 1-3. The power surge continued with home runs from Austin Grady and Drew Naito, as the entire lineup contributed to the win. Later that day, Fuego carried their momentum into a 10-1 rout of the East Bay Bandidos. Contributions came from every part of the lineup, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Sunday’s semifinal rematch with the East Bay Bandidos was a nail-biter and a testament to the team’s heart and resilience. Trailing 2-0 early and later 8-4, Fuego never wavered. They mounted a dramatic comeback, fueled by clutch hitting and relentless determination, eventually walking it off in the 6th inning with an epic 11-10 victory.
The championship game was a showcase of everything Fuego had to offer. Tournament MVP Chris Yang dominated on the mound, holding the Double Deuces to just one run. Meanwhile, the Fuego offense erupted, delivering a 10-1 mercy-rule win in just five innings to claim the title. The defense was rock solid, and the bats stayed red hot, with contributions coming from up and down the lineup.
The entire weekend was a total team effort, with standout performances across the board. Aaron Alvarado led the team with 6 hits and 7 runs, Chris Yang added 5 hits and 7 runs, and Austin Moore powered the offense with 7 RBIs and 5 runs.
This championship win is a testament to the team’s resilience, teamwork, and relentless drive to improve.
Adding to the excitement, Fuego Baseball as a program has been on fire this year, with multiple teams bringing home championships across tournaments. The 12U squad’s victory is yet another example of the excellence and passion that defines Fuego Baseball.
Congratulations to the Fuego 12U team on an incredible weekend and a well-deserved championship! Here’s to even greater success in the future!
