The Cloverdale 9U Spurs capped a stellar season by winning gold at the Rumble in the Ridge tournament in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
Spurs Celebrate Championship Win
The Cloverdale 9U Spurs baseball team ended their summer season in golden fashion, capturing the top prize at the Rumble in the Ridge tournament held July 11–13 in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. The victory capped a season that saw the program expand from one team to two, reflecting both community growth and rising player skill.
A Season of Expansion and Determination
Team manager Kelli Niemi credited the club’s success to growing local interest and talent development. “Our team had an exceptional season this year,” Niemi said, noting the young athletes’ dedication and the community’s strong support. The Spurs began their summer with exhibition games before testing their skills at a competitive tournament in Everett, Washington, where they advanced to the gold bracket.
Battling Through Tournament Play
In Pitt Meadows, Cloverdale opened with a convincing 10–3 win over host team Ridge Meadows Kelly 9U, breaking the game wide open in the fifth inning. They followed up with an 11–8 redemption victory over the Chilliwack Cougars before falling 11–7 to White Rock in round robin play. The results placed them second in their pool and earned a semi-final match against Ridge Meadows Cain 9U.
Defence and Big Innings Lead to Victory
The semi-final was tied 3–3 after three innings, but Cloverdale surged ahead with runs in the fourth and fifth, securing an 8–3 win behind “solid defensive play,” according to Niemi. In the gold medal rematch against White Rock, the Spurs overcame an early deficit, scoring four runs in the third inning to take control. Despite late pressure, Cloverdale held on for a 6–4 championship win.
Strong Finish on Home Turf
The Spurs wrapped up their summer at home during the Andrew’s Invitational, hosting 16 teams and securing a third-place finish. Niemi said the season’s results reflected the team’s resilience, skill growth, and determination to repeat their 2024 tournament success.
Looking Ahead
With two consecutive Rumble in the Ridge titles and a growing roster of young talent, the Cloverdale Spurs’ 9U program looks poised for continued success in seasons to come.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
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