River Dogs on to world series

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Columbia Basin River Dogs are headed to the Senior Babe Ruth World Series in Covington County, Alabama.

The River Dogs punched their ticket to the world series by placing first in the Pacific Northwest Babe Ruth regional tournament in Klamath Falls recently.

After a shaky start in pool play, the River Dogs were able to regroup and win their next four games en route to first place. Klamath Falls handed the River Dogs their lone loss in the opening game of the tournament 8-5.

However, the club was able to regroup and close pool play with two shut out victories against Mizzoula, Mont. and Yreka, Calif. 11-0 and 5-0, respectively.

Head coach Randy Boruff thought the loss to Klamath Falls to start the tournament may have been beneficial to the team.

"I thought it got our attention," he said.

In the semi-finals the River Dogs easily dispatched Port Angeles 9-1 and moved on to the championship game, a rematch with Klamath Falls.

Boruff knew early on that his team would have another chance against Klamath Falls.

"We recognized that they were and we were the two best teams," he said.

In the second meeting, the River Dogs were able to stifle Klamath Falls' offense and held on to win 6-3.

Boruff said the play of Daniel Deaton and Mitchell Darlington helped propel the River Dogs to the regional championship.

The team now looks forward to the world series, which runs from August 15-22, and their next opponent.