West L.A.’s 11-year-old Little League All-Star team advanced to its first-ever state tournament last week in Granada Hills, thanks in part to the contributions of two Palisadians. First, West L.A. finished first out of 11 teams to capture the District 25 championship, beating Malibu (14-0) and Santa Monica (3-0), losing to North Venice (9-8), then advancing through the loser’s bracket to beat Ladera (15-5), Malibu (8-1), Beverly Hills (8-2) and then North Venice twice. Next up was the sectional tournament, where West L.A. had to beat Torrance (last year’s state runner-up) and Palos Verdes twice. West L.A.’s quest for the Northern title began with victories over Tustin Eastern and Quartz Hill and tie with Dos Pueblos. Tustin Eastern beat West L.A. in extra innings but West L.A. rebounded for a 4-2 victory to claim the title. The state finals were against defending champion Rancho Santa Marguerita, where West L.A. lost by scores of 4-1 and 9-3. Sam Cohen pitched eight games and fellow Palisadian Jed Moscot (younger brother of Palisades High pitcher Jon Moscot) pitched three games and also made several relief appearances. Cohen hit four home runs in the tournament (including a grand slam) and Moscot added one. Rounding out the squad were Ezra Steinberg, Matt Beyer, Jackson Grayson, Sam Takowsky, Brian Bereny, Woody Cook, Harrison Fahn, Sam Kataij, Sam Gaynor and Brandon Fox.
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