PG 17U WWBA WEST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – July 11, 2025 | Surprise Ballpark

 

 

Late Surge Pushes PFA California ’26 Past ITZ Vipers Elite


In a back-and-forth contest that saw momentum swing in both dugouts, PFA California ’26 used a clutch three-run sixth inning to pull away from ITZ Vipers Elite 17U, earning a 7–5 win on Friday morning.

The game opened quietly, with both teams trading scoreless innings early as pitchers settled in. ITZ struck first in the top of the second, manufacturing a run off a passed ball after Carter Purdy led off with a single. Purdy stayed hot at the plate all game, finishing 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

PFA responded with a three-run third inning, fueled by patient plate appearances and a critical defensive miscue that allowed all three runners to come around and score. The Vipers' defense, which had been solid through two frames, couldn’t contain a sharp grounder that triggered the momentum shift.

The Vipers clawed back in the fifth with a two-run inning sparked by James Pierski’s single and a clean piece of situational hitting from Easton Santos and Cam Shea, who helped bring the game even at 3–3 with a textbook bunt and ground ball.

Just when it seemed like ITZ was poised to take control, PFA reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth. A passed ball allowed the go-ahead run to score, and the Vipers would be playing catch-up once again.

In the sixth, ITZ mounted a strong rally. After Zachary Mermis and Cameron Tichenor each singled, Purdy delivered again—this time driving in Mermis with a sharp single to left. A throwing error on the same play allowed Tichenor to score as well, flipping the game in ITZ’s favor, 5–4.

But the lead wouldn’t last.

In the bottom half of the sixth, PFA took advantage of a hit-by-pitch and a walk to set the table. A passed ball tied the game at 5–5, and a line-drive single into right field brought home two more runs, putting PFA back on top, 7–5. ITZ couldn’t respond in the top of the seventh, sealing the win for PFA.