Fuego 14U Battles Back to Claim Winter Blast Championship
The Fuego 14U team showed incredible resilience and determination this past weekend, battling their way through ups and downs to emerge as champions at the NCTB Winter Blast (January 18-19, 2025). Facing tough competition throughout the tournament, the team displayed their grit, teamwork, and passion, culminating in an unforgettable championship Sunday.
The journey began on Saturday with a hard-fought day of pool play. The 14U squad faced a setback in their opening game, falling 4-0 to the Reno Mustangs. But true to their never-quit mentality, the boys regrouped and delivered a 2-0 victory against Victus National Elite in their second game. Dominant pitching and timely hitting kept their championship hopes alive heading into bracket play.
Sunday belonged to Fuego. In the semifinal, they unleashed their full potential, delivering an 11-0 shutout victory over Trosky Select 14U. Takeshi Ibuki was sensational on the mound, pitching a five-inning, one-hit masterpiece to blank the opposition. Offensively, the team was firing on all cylinders, with standout performances by Colin Manago (2-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs), Marcus Martinez (1-1, 2 walks, 2 runs, 1 RBI), Wyatt Bothen (1-2, 2 RBIs), and Lucas Dullaghan (3-3, 1 run). Their relentless energy on both sides of the ball sent a clear message: they were ready for the final.
In the championship game, the 14U team faced their Saturday rival, the Reno Mustangs, in a dramatic rematch. Both teams brought their best, and the game was tied 2-2 heading into the seventh inning. With the title on the line, Marcus Martinez stepped up and delivered a moment to remember—a clutch bases-clearing triple that broke the tie and gave Fuego a 5-2 lead. Tournament MVP Sean Farley then took care of business on the mound, completing a stellar performance with a three-up, three-down final inning to secure the victory. Farley’s complete game effort was nothing short of masterful, and his poise under pressure sealed the championship for Fuego.
Other key contributors in the final included Colin Manago, who continued his hot streak by going 2-4 with a run and an RBI, and Trevor Smith, who chipped in with a critical RBI, going 1-3.
This championship run was a true testament to the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion.
As a special milestone, the 14U title win was one of two for the Fuego Baseball program at the NCTB Winter Blast, with the 11U team also capturing a championship on the same weekend. The dual-title victory marks the first time in program history that the Fuego 14U and 11U teams have brought home championships from the same tournament—a testament to the strength and depth of the organization.
Congratulations to the Fuego 14U team on an incredible championship run and to the entire Fuego Baseball family for a historic weekend!
