Bend South hosts Junior League Baseball West Region tournament

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Junior League Baseball West Region Tournament is underway in Bend, with Bend South Little League serving as the host for the multi-day event.

State champion teams from across the western United States are competing at Caldera High School through July 30, with a trip to the Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Michigan, on the line.

The tournament features teams from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Southern California, Utah and Oregon.

Bend South is representing the host league in the double-elimination bracket and is trying to stay alive against some of the top junior league teams in the West.

In Tuesday’s game, Bend South was trailing Northern Lights of Colorado, 10-2, when a strong storm moved through the area in the fourth inning.

Play was halted because of thunder and lightning, adding another challenge in a tournament already carrying plenty of pressure.

The winner of the regional tournament will advance to the Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Michigan.