Central Torrance All-Star Baseball Team Is Defeated by Aiea of Hawaii, 11-7

The Central Torrance All-Stars will have to wait a little longer if they are to earn a berth in the Little League Senior Division World Series.

Central Torrance, a team of 14- and 15-year-olds, was defeated by Aiea of Hawaii, 11-7, in the District 2 Western Regionals at Missoula, Mont.

The teams will meet again for the regional title at 10 a.m. today. The winner advances to the World Series that starts Monday in Kissimmee, Fla.

It was the first loss in the tournament for Central Torrance after victories over Danville of Northern California and Aiea.

Central Torrance lost despite two home runs by third baseman Anthony Martinez, who played on the freshman squad at Torrance High last season.

Aiea scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to secure the victory. Central Torrance had rallied twice to tie the score, 4-4 and 7-7.

“After coming back twice, it was a tough way to lose,� Manager Ron Campbell said.

Campbell remains hopeful that his team will bounce back in today’s title game.

“After the game we had a meeting with the kids and we were ready to play then and there,� he said. “So I’m cautiously optimistic. I think we’re going in with the right frame of mind.�