Pinto All-Stars looking ahead

GARDEN GROVE ? The Newport Harbor Baseball Assn. Pinto A All-Stars had just suffered their third loss by two or fewer runs in four games. Thursday was the most crushing of the four, a 4-3 loss to La Mirada in seven innings at Walton Field.

But not even the ketchup on their faces nor the hot dogs in their mouths could cover up the happiness, because there would be more baseball for this team.

“They get over it pretty quickly,” Manager Jeff Mitchell said. “They’re having a good time.”

This tournament is over ? a 1-3 record in pool play kept Newport Harbor from advancing. But the squad will move on to compete in a district all-star tournament, starting July 2 at 6 p.m. against Whittier.

Left fielder Jake Genova knew the Newport Harbor team was strong shortly after the players were chosen.

“I played every single team during the season,” Genova said. “I saw all of them play. They were really good.”

Pitcher and first baseman Jeremiah Sheldon said when the all-star team gets together its time for a different brand of baseball.

“We’re actually serious and we get to play like the pros,” Sheldon said. “I like trying hard for my team.”

Sean Korkmaz said: “I wish there was a game everyday.”

The fun did not remain on the diamond. After the team finished honing its skills during practice, Newport Harbor was focused on other types of play. The ball was not the only thing that took flight when the team got together.

“We chucked toilet paper at my little brother,” pitcher Shane Mitchell said. “It’s just funny.”

Sunflower seeds regularly joined toilet paper in the air and nobody was safe.

“I like throwing seeds and goofing around,” outfielder Dillon Murphy said. “I like getting Shane [Mitchell]. He’s tall and easy to hit.”

Newport Harbor displayed the same energy during the game, starting off by bellowing chants through the first three innings. With the vocal support, Newport Harbor jumped ahead, 1-0, in the first when Carson Piovre scored on a groundout.

Mitchell came back to retire the side in order on three pitches. Newport Harbor took a 2-0 lead in the third when Piovre drove in Murphy with a double to right field.

“I thought I was gonna be out,” Piovre said. “But I made it to second.”

After La Mirada tied the score in the bottom of the inning, the defenses took over, highlighted by Piovre throwing a runner out at first from center field.

“I’m like, ‘I might not make it,’ ” Piovre said. “When it got there, it was like ‘I got it.’ You get a lot of balls in center and you have a lot of space to cover.”

Steven Faulkoner was robbed of a fourth-inning base hit when the right fielder threw him out on a grounder through the infield.

The outfield is a popular place for many of the Newport Harbor players.

“I like catching pop-ups,” right fielder Cameron Jabara said. “I think I’m gonna miss it, but I always hope it comes to me. I like playing right field because more balls come there.”

Down, 3-2, in the sixth inning, Genova and Sheldon drew one-out walks. Korkmaz tied the score with a bloop single to right field, forcing extra innings.

“I got three good hits today,” Korkmaz said. “After each one I was just thinking, ‘Next time, I have to get another good hit.’ ”

Newport Harbor had two runners in scoring position in the seventh but La Mirada second baseman Shawn Dumser made a diving stop of a grounder to his left and threw to first to record the out.