Thornydale fell one win short in its bid to become the second Tucson-area team in as many years to make the Little League Softball World Series.
Thornydale lost to Westchester-Del Rey of Southern California 12-2 in five innings in the championship game of the West Region Tournament on Friday night in San Bernardino, California.
Thornydale had taken a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single by Sophia Rodriguez and a wild pitch that scored Aubrey Neighbors.
Westchester-Del Rey responded in a big way in the top of the fifth, plating 11 runs. Thornydale had to pull star pitcher Kenzie Scott in the middle of the inning after the coaching staff reached its maximum number of mound visits.
Friday’s defeat was Thornydale’s lone loss in the West Region Tournament, where the double-elimination format doesn’t apply to the championship game.
Thornydale was trying to follow Willcox, which advanced to the Little League Softball World Series last year.
Members of the Thornydale Little League All-Stars pose for a picture before playing in the championship game of the West Region Tournament on Friday, July 25, 2025, in San Bernardino, California.
In Intermediate baseball, host Nogales was ousted in the semifinals of the 50/70 West Region Tournament on Wednesday. Nogales lost 12-2 to Central East Maui of Hawaii, which defeated Scripps Ranch of Southern California on Thursday to advance to the 50/70 World Series.
In Juniors baseball, Sunnyside remained alive with a 14-3 run-rule victory over Mile High of Montana in the Junior League Baseball West Region Tournament on Saturday morning in Bend, Oregon.
Sunnyside scored six runs in the second inning and seven in the fourth and was able to finish the game in 4½ innings, preserving its pitching for its next game, slated for Sunday afternoon.
After defeating host Bend North 6-3 on Wednesday, Sunnyside lost 3-2 in an eight-inning walk-off to Gastineau Channel of Alaska on Thursday.
In American Legion baseball, Post 7, consisting of players from Tucson High School, will face host Fairfield, California, in the opening round of the American Legion Western Regional Tournament on Aug. 6.
