Yuma’s All-Star baseball squad cracks the semis, heads to southern California state final on Saturday

Rodrigo Orozco Araiza tosses complete game en route to 4-1 win over East Anaheim

YUMA, Ariz., (KYMA, KECY) - The road continues to the winner's side of the championship round for the YBBL All-Stars in their stop in Norco, California with a 4-1 win on Wednesday night.

The stars from Yuma got another gem on the mound - this time from Cibola's Rodrigo Orozco Araiza who tossed a complete game en route to the win over East Anaheim. Araiza also got the job done at the plate with two hits and driving in two big runs in the 5th inning on a double in the gap.

"He does it again," said head coach Nick Johnson as he smiled. "You couldn't ask for more from the kid. He had a lot fun the whole time he was doing it. I know I say it a lot, but you tip your cap and there's a big smile one everyone's face because he's out there and doing his thing. He's competitive and he's fun to watch."

So after winning the District Final last week, they find themselves back in another title game. The All-Stars now continue their winning stay in Norco and punch their ticket to the southern California Little League State Final on Saturday.

"It's a good feeling to be back in another championship setting in the driver's seat," added Johnson. "We have to get beat twice, so we'll see who we get to play soon enough. It's a fun wave to ride."

With a win by North Park in the following game, the boys from Yuma now await to see who they will play after the elimination game between North Park and East Anaheim - both teams they have beat already.

The team will hit the practice field again on Friday to tighten up the screws ahead of Saturday's championship game - with a trip to the Western Regional in Oakland, California on the line.

And for Johnson and company - they're ready to rock.

"There's a boat of confidence going into it. And it's not over-confidence or anything like that," said Johnson. "You see it in the guys, you see it in their expressions and body language. It's summer baseball and it's winning baseball. They're ready. They want this and they're hungry. They want to go get it."

So when the boys take the field on Saturday, holding up a banner is all that's on their minds - showing out for Yuma and each other once again.

"There's just something about these guys and the bond that they're forming that's just incredible to be around," said Johnson. "I'm so happy that I'm here and that I'm able to fill out a lineup card for the YBBL All-Star team. We're ready to put our best foot forward and continue to succeed."

First pitch for Game One of the double-elimination final is set for 4:30 pm.