Fair Oaks 12, Redding Rattlers 2 (League: 17-1, Overall: 28-2) - July 20 @ Area 1 Tournament, Eureka, Calif. -  Fair Oaks, the defending Area 1 champions, got off to a good start in the 2005 Tournament in Eureka as the Oaks pounded the Redding Rattlers 12-2 in a 10-Run Rule shortened game.
    The Oaks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning for starting pitcher Robert Butler, who pitched a complete-game, scattering five Rattler hits.
    Redding's runs came as single markers in the fourth and fifth innings, but the Oaks answered back with eight runs of their own in those two innings to take an 11-2 lead. Post 383 pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh to go up by 10 and end the game.
    Kyle Richardson led the Oaks going 3x4 with 2 RBIs. Steve Rinaudo and Andrew Leduc also each drove in two runs. Leduc and Nikolai Rowe added doubles to the Oaks 13-hit attack.
    The Oaks have to feel confident after getting off to such a good start despite being without one of their top pitchers - Tyler Robertson. Robertson elected to try out for the annual Area Code Games which due to the Legion's  "Dual Participation Rule" rendered him ineligible for the playoffs from that point on.
     Under "Team and Player Certification Rule 6," Part D states:

During the regular season, American Legion Baseball players or teams may participate in other amateur baseball programs. The Team Manager and the player must obtain written approval from the Department Baseball Chairman, prior to participating in the event and/or tournament. Clarification Dual participation shall in no way interfere with a player’s responsibility to his American Legion Baseball Team. Once tournament play has begun (District Tournament up and through American Legion World Series) the Department Baseball Chairman cannot grant permission to participate in non-Legion sanctioned tournaments, exhibition games, showcases or combines. The American Legion believes team loyalty is a key ingredient for any team sport. Any American Legion Baseball player missing any portion of an American Legion tournament, because that player participated in another non-sanctioned baseball event such as exhibition game, tournament, showcase, combine or other youth programs shall be ineligible for post-season tournament play.

    Many Legion coaches hate the rule and it's the same rule that got the Oaks in hot water last year when Ryan Stevens was ruled ineligible to play in any further post-season games. It's an unfortunate decision that is forced upon the players, but with the Legion's unwavering commitment to team loyalty, it's doubtful that it will be changed any time soon.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
REDDING	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	2	9	6
FAIR OAKS	3	0	0	2	6	0	1	12	13	0

Redding: Pitching - Burch, Muse (6) and Cadarak. Top Hitters - Decker 2B.
Fair Oaks: Pitching - Butler and Morgan.  Top Hitters - Rinaudo 2x3, 2 RBI; Richardson 3x4, 2 RBI; Leduc 2x4, 2B, 2 RBI; Rowe 2B; Lomascola 2x2.