Payson Roundup

At least one of Payson Little League’s all-star teams will be advancing to state.

The qualifying team is the 9-10-years stars managed by Eddie Duran.

The celestial squad qualified by posting a 3-1 record in the Area One tournament held in Winslow. The other Area One qualifier, Flagstaff Continental, finished with a 3-0 record.

Both teams return to Winslow for the District tournament, which pits Area One’s top two finishers against Area Two’s duo of qualifiers.

The District tournament kicked off last evening. (Results not available at press time).

The District winner earns a berth to state.

Payson opened the Area One tournament June 29 by run-ruling Flagstaff 14-1. A day later, Payson slipped past host Winslow 10-7. In semi-final final play on July 1, the Payson stars were stung 12-1 by Continental.

Payson rebounded from the defeat to beat Winslow, 5-4, and earn a seed to District.

Also in postseason play, the 11-year-old team led by Ty Goodman and Noah Sarnowski, opened play July 1 in Pinetop-Lakeside. There, the team dropped a 3-1 decision to Flagstaff Continental.

“It was a great game, but we couldn’t pull it out,” said Little League President Slade Gibson, whose son Austin is on the team.

“It truly was a battle, but we had a throwing error that allowed them to score two (runs) to go ahead.”

The Payson Stars came roaring back from the disappointing defeat to whip Mt. Elden 13-3 the following day. For Payson, Taran Sarnowski belted a three-run home run.

On July 3, Payson ran roughshod over Show Low 23-5.

“We had Doran Kaufman on the mound, but had to bring Bryce Goodman on to shut them down,” Gibson said.

“It started with a hitting fest and another two-run homer by Taran, who also leads the team with RBIs ... everyone of the boys are smashing the ball.”

In other postseason play, Payson’s 12-years all-star team has been eliminated in Flagstaff.

“They battled hard, but had a tough draw from the beginning,” Gibson said. “Congratulations to the players for making the all-star team, See you next year as juniors (13 years),” Gibson said.

Payson’s Little League junior softball team is in Area One action at Blue Ridge High School against teams from Winslow, Taylor, Flagstaff and Pinetop-Lakeside.