By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Brandywine Cal Ripken Jr. Babe Ruth Baseball League turned out two state champions over the weekend as the 11-year-old All-Stars and the 12-year-old All-Stars each won their respective tournaments at Firemen's Youth Park.
The 12-year-olds escaped with a 10-6 win over Benton Harbor and the 11-year-olds beat L'anse Cruse 7-2 to win their titles.
The Brandywine 11-year-olds opened the tournament with a 9-2 win over Clinton Valley on Saturday, suffered a loss to L'anse Cruse in their first chance to win the title and finally beat L'anse Cruse to capture the state championship.
The 12-year-olds were led by Stephen York who earned the pitching victory and hit a grand slam to complete the All-Stars' comeback victory over Benton Harbor.