THE DALLES – The Dalles Junior Baseball Association (TDJBA) had a successful weekend May 31, as the 10-and-under (10U), 12-and-under (12U) and 14-and-under (14U) teams captured tournament championships. The three championships mark the most successful weekend in program history.
The 10U Junior Hawks, led by coaches Ryan LeBreton, Derek Wood, and David Ladouceur, started the day with an 8-7 victory over Gladstone. The championship game was a back-and-forth contest, which came down to the final inning. The Hawks held off a late Gladstone surge to secure the one-run win. Strong pitching in the closing moments and timely hitting proved to be the difference as the team showed poise under pressure.
“Our kids never stopped competing,” Lebreton said. “Even when the game got tight, they trusted each other and stayed focused. I couldn’t be more proud of how they handled themselves — not just as players, but as teammates.”
The 12U squad, led by coaches Brian Elledge and Jason Glasgow, followed with a 17-14 win over Liberty. In a game filled with big swings and momentum shifts, the Hawks delivered key hits at crucial moments and applied pressure on the base paths. The defense stepped up late to preserve the lead and complete the championship effort.
“They're playing as good as I have seen this year,” said Elledge.
The 14U Junior Hawks, led by coaches Rocky Linebarger and David Chavez, capped off the day by turning in a dominant performance, defeating Lebanon 12-1 in the title game.
Coach Linebarger said: “The team combined disciplined at-bats with solid defense and strong pitching to control the game from start to finish.”
Junior Hawks Administrator Patrick Urain credited the success to the collective effort across the organization.
“This weekend is a tremendous reflection of the dedication across our entire program,” Urain said. “From our players and coaches to our families and volunteers, everyone contributes to building something special. To have all three teams win championships on the same day speaks to the culture and commitment within the Junior Hawks baseball program.”
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