OCALA, Fla. — Wilder Senior’s successful summer season came to an end at the 18U Babe Ruth World Series with a 12-2 loss in six innings to unbeaten tournament leader Hanford, Calif., on Thursday night at the Marion County Sportsplex.
The game opened well for Wilder with leadoff hitter Alex Angevine roping a line-drive double to center and coming home to score on Colton Romero’s RBI single for an early 1-0 lead.
Wilder Senior yielded a tying home run in the bottom of the third and committed the first of five errors defensively, leading to Hanford’s go-ahead two-run single. The five errors ultimately led to seven unearned runs.
Braydan White knocked a solo home run in the next frame to pull Wilder within 3-2, but Hanford plated five in the fourth to take full control of the contest.
Wilder Senior wrapped the summer with a 37-11-1 record, winning the Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest Regional title, advancing to the American Legion AAA championship game before having to leave that tournament to make their flight to Florida for the World Series.
“Thank you to all the players, families, sponsors, umpires and volunteers for making it something to remember,” Wilder coach Zac Moore said.
“With the standards that the Wilder program embraces, there is no doubt in my mind that this group will not just be good ballplayers but also great people. The fraternity grows larger every year with kids and families aging out.
“This team will always be remembered for their resilience, heart, friendships and, ultimately, the 2025 World Series team.”
Moore took time to appreciate his coaching staff.
“I can’t thank Ian Miller, Wyatt Hall, Evan Hurn, Cody Romero and Shane Martin enough for their sacrifice to help this program succeed,” Moore said. “I was told a long time ago that you are only as good as your assistant coaches, and we certainly had some good ones this year. Thank you to their families for sharing them with us. The Wilder program is lucky to have such good people supporting us every step of the way.
“This team started some traditions that will live on forever. Thank you all for keeping the standards and being a group of young men of whom the Olympic Peninsula could be proud.”
Moore will remember a particular moment from this summer involving a future Wilder player the most.
“Ultimately, my favorite memory of this summer was watching my son be supported by every person in our program,” Moore said. “But during the Dick Brown game, he had been asking for an at-bat, and the kids made sure it happened. And when he finally made it around the bases, they all clapped him in as he slid headfirst.”
Hanford, Calif. 12, Wilder Senior 2
WSr. 1 0 0 1 0 0 — 2 4 5
Han. 0 0 3 5 1 3 — 12 8 1
Pitching
WSr. — Martin 3.1 IP, 4 H, 8 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, K; White 1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, BB, K; Williams 0.2 IP.
Hitting
WSr. — Angevine 1-3, 2B, R; Romero 2-3, RBI; White 1-3, HR, R, RBI.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@ peninsuladailynews.com.
