August 9-10, 2025
Birddog Team Photo
Left to right starting in the back row:
Coach Roth, Aaron Ortega, Derek Rose, Tristan Castro, Kai Kung, Riley Jackson, Lane Giannini
Front Row left to right:
Cole Giannini, Clark Colucci, Alex Ryan, Julian Morra, Soren Brown, Jayden Sarabia, Coach Anderson, Coach Spano.
Birddogs USSSA Tournament Summary
The Birddogs USSSA put together a strong tournament run, fueled by clutch hitting, deep pitching, and flawless defense.
Clark Colucci was a consistent offensive force, racking up multiple hits and driving in key runs, including a four-RBI performance in the opener and a walk-off three-run double in the semifinal.
Riley Jackson was a table-setter all weekend, collecting big hits in every game, while Alex Ryan came through in the middle of the order with timely RBIs, highlighted by a four-RBI outing in Game 2.
On the mound, Kai Kung, Soren Brown, and Julian Morra anchored a staff that allowed just nine runs across four games, with multiple scoreless relief appearances.
Defensively, the team was perfect in the field for the entire tournament, turning pressure situations into outs without error.
The Birddogs’ run ended in a narrow 3–2 loss in the championship game, but the weekend showcased a balanced lineup and pitching staff capable of competing with anyone.
Game 1 — Birddogs USSSA 12, 805 Dogs Blue 0
Clark Colucci powered the offense with three hits and four RBIs, driving in two runs each in the third and fourth innings. The fourth inning was explosive for the Birddogs, as Julian Morra, Cole Giannini, Alex Ryan, and Colucci all delivered run-scoring hits. Riley Jackson also chipped in with an RBI single in the third. On the mound, Kai Kung threw two no-hit innings with four strikeouts, and Soren Brown closed with two scoreless frames. Giannini and Morra each had multiple hits, while the defense was flawless with no errors.
Game 2 — Birddogs USSSA 9, Wow Factor PNW 2028 7
Riley Jackson set the tone with two hits and two RBIs, while Alex Ryan was the offensive star, driving in four runs on two hits. Colucci and Aaron Ortega added extra-base hits, with Ortega’s double sparking a second-inning rally. Tristan Castro pitched four innings, allowing three runs, and Derek Rose handled relief duties. The Birddogs built a 6–0 lead before holding off a late Wow Factor rally. Defensively, the team stayed perfect in the field, with Ryan making four key plays at first base.
Game 3 — Birddogs USSSA 5, Tornedo Elite 4
Clark Colucci delivered the game-winning moment with a bases-clearing double in the seventh, capping a three-RBI day. Riley Jackson tied the game earlier with an RBI single and finished with two hits, matching Colucci and Kai Kung. Aaron Ortega started, allowing two runs in two innings, with Brown and Kung throwing scoreless relief. The Birddogs rallied from a 4–2 deficit in the final inning to secure the win. Timely hitting and shutdown bullpen work defined the comeback.
Championship Game — Birddogs USSSA 2, WoW Factor PNW 16U 3
In a tight pitchers’ duel, Riley Jackson led the Birddogs offense with two hits, while Alex Ryan and Colucci drove in the team’s two runs in the fourth. Julian Morra pitched three innings, allowing no earned runs, before the bullpen took over. The Birddogs tied the game in the fourth, but WoW Factor regained the lead on a bases-loaded walk. Despite strong pitching and solid defense, the offense couldn’t break through late. Ryan’s sacrifice fly and Colucci’s fielder’s choice provided the only scoring for the Birddogs.