Encinitas Tritons win Oceanside Wood Bat Tournament

The Encinitas Tritons 14U travel baseball team went on an undefeated run in the Oceanside Wood Bat Tournament, taking the title after two days of tough competition at Ron Ortega Recreational Park and Melba Bishop Park on Dec. 20-21.

One of the Tritons’ strengths is their depth and long-established chemistry, with a roster of players who have competed with and against one another for more than eight years through Encinitas Little League and neighboring Little League programs in Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach and Vista. The team is coached by Jonathan King and managed by Darren Reinke and Andy Crews.

The weekend’s pool-play victories were fueled by standout pitching from Max Gruffydd, Matthew Oseguera, and Aiden Kennedy, with offensive sparks provided by Austin Nelson and Leo Krupp.

Encinitas advanced out of the semifinal thanks to timely hitting from Max Martinez, Aiden Kennedy, and Leyton Steinbis, rally-stopping defense by Kai Reinke and Mateo Ochoa, and a strong pitching performance from Micah Martinez.

In the title game against the San Diego Hustle, Leo Krupp threw a complete game. Offensive contributions from Hughes Sherman, Max Martinez, and Dominic O’Brien helped the Tritons pull ahead late to secure the tournament championship.