San Rafael’s hopes of adding another Pecos League championship to its growing trophy case came to an end this week. The Pacifics fell to the Tucson Saguaros in a winner-take-all Game 3 that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The series finale played out Wednesday night. The Pacifics briefly grabbed the lead, but the Saguaros stormed back to secure an 11-7 victory and their first title since 2021.
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While baseball drama unfolded, Marin County athletes made waves on the golf course too. Standouts from Tiburon, Corte Madera, Kentfield, and Mill Valley tested their skills in high-level competitions across the state and nation.
San Rafael Pacifics Fall Short in Championship Showdown
The Pacifics, already three-time defending Pacific Division champions, entered the Pecos League Championship Series looking for their second title in three years. After taking Game 1, San Rafael seemed ready to finish the job.
Tucson, though, proved too much in the final two contests. The series didn’t lack for drama.
How the Game Unfolded
The deciding game brought plenty of excitement—and heartbreak—for San Rafael fans. After trading early blows, Chris Wright launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning to give the Pacifics a 6-5 edge.
Tucson answered in the bottom half of the inning with Blake Garrett’s two-run triple. From there, the Saguaros tacked on four more runs in the eighth inning to create some breathing room.
The Pacifics fought to the end. A ninth-inning rally sparked hope, but San Rafael ultimately fell short against the Mountain Division champions.
The final score of 11-7 sent Tucson home with sweet revenge for their 2023 championship loss to San Rafael. Sometimes, the game just doesn’t go your way.
Key Performers for San Rafael
Even in defeat, several Marin County players shined under the championship lights:
- Aki Buckson delivered two hits and crossed the plate three times, sparking the Pacifics’ offense early.
- Kyle Guerra added two hits, keeping the pressure on Tucson’s pitching staff.
- Chris Wright not only hit the key home run but also racked up two hits on the night.
Marin Golfers Make an Impact on State and National Stages
While baseball heated up in San Rafael, Marin County golfers faced elite competition in both national and Northern California events. The performances highlighted the depth of golfing talent in Tiburon, Corte Madera, Kentfield, and Mill Valley.
JP Odland Takes on the U.S. Amateur
Tiburon’s JP Odland battled the challenging setup at the prestigious U.S. Amateur Championships. After rounds of 74 and 75, he sits at 9-over par.
Tuesday’s back nine got rough, with a triple bogey followed by a double bogey stalling his momentum. Even so, Odland’s presence in the tournament cements his reputation as one of the top amateur golfers representing Marin.
NCGA Senior Match Play Highlights
At the NCGA Senior Match Play Championship, Corte Madera’s Lawrence Alioto played his way into the coveted Round of 16. He showed impressive consistency and precision.
Kentfield’s Mark Sanchez bowed out in a tense playoff match that could have gone either way. That’s golf—sometimes it just comes down to a single putt.
NCGA Amateur Championship
In the NCGA Amateur Championship, Mill Valley’s Ben Friedman reached the Round of 16 before falling to Pleasanton’s Branson Knight. Friedman’s performance adds to an impressive summer of golf for Marin County athletes.
Marin County’s Competitive Spirit Shines
From championship baseball in San Rafael to major golf tournaments showcasing players from Tiburon, Corte Madera, Kentfield, and Mill Valley, this week really captured the county’s lively sports scene. There’s something about a home-run race in the Pecos League or a tense playoff duel on the golf course that just pulls you in.
Marin athletes play with so much heart, grit, and skill. It’s hard not to root for them.
As summer wraps up, you can almost feel the anticipation for what these players will do next. I can’t help but wonder—will the Pacifics sluggers or our golf greens heroes surprise us again this fall?
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Here is the source article for this story: Sports Briefs: Pacifics’ Pecos title run comes up short
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