On December 15th, Grinchfest kicked off with 5 of our PNW Force teams at the NW Sportshub in Centralia. In the 10U division, 10U Naval went 2-0-1 in pool play and earned the number 2 seed. In the semifinals, they were down 6-4 in the bottom of the 4th inning as time expired to set up a rally. After a single, hit by pitch, and a walk, they cleared the bases with a walk-off double to head to the championship. They couldn’t keep the momentum up and fell in the finals to finish second, they’re highest finish of the year.

In the 12U division, 10U Meyers played up and joined 12U Birklid. 10U Meyers went undefeated and 12U Birklid went 2-1 in their respective pools to set up a showdown in the semis of the Gold bracket. Both pitchers threw complete games combining for 11 strikeouts and only 1 walk, but a close game early slipped away as 10U Meyers won, 6-2. They went on to win a thriller after a 2 out rally was shut down to bring home the championship.

Finally, the tough 14U division also saw 2 Force teams, but they did not play each other. 12U Rich played up and struggled through some pool play finishing 1-2. As the number 4 seed out of 5 in the Silver Bracket, 12U Rich dominated the bracket. Winning games with a score of 12-0, 10-4, and 12-0 to win the Silver Bracket. After opening with a 10-0 win, 14U Lantz lost a couple close games to earn a spot in the Gold bracket. Another tough loss in the semis ended their tournament run.