ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Every year, the New Mexico Majors Little League state champion represents the Land of Enchantment at the Southwest Regional of the national tournament. This year, Eastdale claimed that title.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these kids,” said head coach Mike McDuffie.
This year’s Eastdale team went 4-0 in the district tournament and 4-1 in the state tournament. The team of 12 boys, who are all 12-and-under, have complemented each other in all aspects of the game.
“We’re probably averaging somewhere in the nine to ten runs per game,” McDuffie said. “I think the most runs we’ve given up this summer is three. A lot of shutouts, a lot of one-run (games).”
All 12 players on the roster are capable of pitching if needed. Players and coaches also said that overall defense is the strong point of the team.
In the very competitive Southwest Regional, Eastdale will play teams that represent Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas (East and West). Despite playing teams that have a higher baseball profile, Eastdale believes its work in the offseason prepared the team for what’s up against.
“A lot of us travel a lot, so we’ve seen a lot of outside of the state teams in the offseason. You can never look past the Texas’ and Louisiana’s.”
“They’re going to have some big hitters, big players,” said pitcher/centerfielder Louie Patterson.
Eastdale will begin its time in the Southwest Regional in Waco, Texas, on Thursday against Texas West. The game will begin at 9 a.m., and it will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Should Eastdale win the region, the team will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, in August.
