Carson players lead Tribe to title

Six Carson players helped lead the Sparks Tribe to the title in the Sparks Memorial Baseball Classic held this past weekend.

Jesse and Jake Rasner, Eric Melendez, Scott DeFriez, Neil Holmes and Jon Teeter all played key roles in the Tribe winning the title. The Tribe went 6-0 and outscored their opponents 65-17. They faced the Martinez Cubs and Tri City of Modesto, both of whom had numerous junior college players, the Spanish Springs Bandits, the Sierra Valley All-Stars and the Sparks Railroaders.

The Tribe opened with a 15-1 win over Sparks. Jesse Rasner struck out three straight hitters to end the game and had two hits. Melendez, Teeter and Holmes all had two hits as well.

The Tribe then beat Tri-City 5-4, with Teeter coming through with the game-winning hit in the bottom of the fifth inning. The defense of Holmes and Melendez was also key in stopping several rallies. Teeter, Melendez and Holmes all had two hits and Rasner added a hit.

The Tribe went on to beat Sierra Valley 8-2 as Teeter was 1-for-1.

In their next game, the Tribe beat Martinez 15-3. Melendez had two hits and Holmes and Teeter each added a hit.

The Tribe followed with a 7-4 win over Spanish Springs. Melendez sealed the win on the mound, shutting down Spanish Springs in the last two innings. Jesse Rasner went 2-for-3 and Jake Rasner added a hit.

In the championship game, the Tribe beat Martinez 15-3. Jake Rasner and Scott DeFriez combined on the mound to dominate Martinez. Teeter and Melendez each had two hits.

Carson's six players are on two summer teams. the Reno Aces and the Tribe. The Aces will be traveling to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. in June for the 18 and under showcase tournament. The team will also have a chance to attend College World Series games.

In July, the Aces will attend the Perfect Games Showcase in Marietta, Ga. The event is touted as the most nation's most heavily scouted tournament. In addition, some of the players will be attending invitation only showcases and camps.

When the Aces are not traveling, they combine with the Tribe.