Off to the quarterfinals: YBBL All-Stars cruise again in 10-0 win

Yuma's 16U summer ball squad stays perfect behind Ayala's arm and 4th inning run burst

YUMA, Ariz., (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Boys Baseball 16U All-Stars will get a much deserved day off to explore Norco, California on Saturday after another win pushed them closer to another title.

The YBBL All-Stars kept their momentum riding Friday evening in a convincing 10-0 win over Canyon Country. The stars jumped out early with some small ball to score two in the 1st inning and then held that lead until an offensive explosion in the 4th opened the game up in their favor.

"In the 4th inning, it was like someone poured gasoline on the fire and we sparked up and started banging the ball around the yard," said head coach Nick Johnson. "That's when I was like 'okay here we are. Here we are.'"

But behind the shutout came from the performance on the mound by Cibola's Juan Ayala. After coming into a pressure situation with the tying run on third to get the final out in Thursday's one-run win, Ayala closed the door less than 24 hours later - tossing six shutout innings.

"It was smiles all around for the guy. It was fun to sit there and watch him work through hitters," said Johnson. "He pitched really well and you have to tip your cap to him. What a day."

Now the All-Stars carry their clean slate into the state quarterfinals - giving them a nice day off before taking the field Sunday. Although, they are eager to hit the bags again.

"I'm excited to get back on the field. When you're hot, you want a seat at the table while you're hot," added Johnson. "These guys know it, they feel it. It's a momentum, it's a force that's carrying us forward right now. But the day off is good because we get to hangout, have a few laughs, take a deep breath and get a good night sleep, and run it back on Sunday."

But most of all for Johnson, it's exciting to see the group come together as well as they have - all fighting for the same thing and for each other.

"It's that mindset to play for the guy next to you. It's selfless baseball. It's winning baseball. It's a philosophy that's working right now," said Johnson. "To sit back and look at these guys from collective high schools just root for each other and hang out with each other - it's something I've never been a part of - and I'm so grateful that I am because it's something really special."

The All-Stars are now just two wins away from reaching the final. If they win that next Saturday, they would advance to the Western Regional in Oakland, California.