The Artesia juniors little league all-stars won the state tournament, and will now play in the regional tournament. Team manager Donovan Garcia lost his voice in the excitement as Artesia defeated Silver City’s Copper Little League in the championship 18-2.

The team has ties to the past: Robert Rodriguez, Jr. was a member of the 2019 juniors all-star team that went to the regional tournament as Artesia’s last state champion. Now, he is an assistant coach, after four years of Artesia not fielding a juniors team.

The group of 13- and 14-yearolds formed the team, with many of them having played travel ball together growing up. But they were short some players, and had to go recruiting. The players that ultimately joined the team later in the season turned into some of the top contributors.

“They’ve played baseball all their lives to get to this point,” Garcia said.

For the district tournament, they played a best-of-three series with Carlsbad Shorthorn, and won 13-7 and 15-8.

At the state tournament, played in Rio Rancho, they went 4-0, and won every game in a 10-run mercy rule.

The highlights of the state tournament, Garcia said, were home runs by Logan Rodriguez, Derrick Ruiz, and an infield home run by Kai Greathouse.

“That just brought up the whole energy of the team for the game,” Garcia said. “And the whole team fed off that energy.”

The regional tournament begins July 20, and will be played at University of New Mexico’s Santa Ana Star Field. The Bulldogs will get to represent New Mexico from their home state.

“I’m hoping for the same outcome, us going in and dominating,” Garcia said. “They deserve it, so all they have to do is go out there and play like they know how to play.”

Garica said the team is looking for sponsorships to help fund the team’s trip. Those interested in helping can reach out to the Artesia Little League on Facebook or email, or directly contact Garcia.