sports CORRESPONDENT

SEATTLE - Federal Way American's heroic comeback fell just short in an 8-6 loss to District 8 Northeast Seattle in the 2005 Washington State Junior (13-14 age) Little League All Star tournament hosted by District 8 at Lower Woodland on July 18.

With the loss, District 10 American was eliminated from further tournament action.

"I'm proud of what this team has done," said an upbeat Winston Gatlabayn. "I just hit the ball and each individual player helped."

NE Seattle landed big, scoring punches in the first inning to drive Federal Way into the ropes.

Three walks, two hits, a hit batter, and an infield throwing error resulted in a four run Northeast lead after the top of the first inning.

Staring at a possible early stoppage, FWA struck solidly in the top of the second, beginning with Steven Huynh's deep blast that he legged out for a triple. Gatlabayn smashed a double over the left fielder's head to score Federal Way's first run.

After Lucas Gritzke was hit by a pitch, Nathan Korzeniecki grounded out sharply to first base for the second run.

Northeast Seattle manufactured a run in the third inning to increase its margin to 5-2, but the Americans kept rallying back into the fight.

In the fourth inning, FWA lead off batter Josh Drury walked and easily stole second.

Huynh walked before Gatlabayn's sacrifice bunt advanced both runners. Gritzke grounded out to third base, sending one run home.

FWA drew within 5-4 when Huynh slid into home on a wild pitch.

Northeast's fifth inning three-run scoring flurry dropped Federal Way further back at 8-4, but relief pitcher Ryan Kim came on to record the final two outs of the inning and followed that up with a scoreless sixth.

"I just came in to throw strikes and finish them off," he said.

Jabbing back quickly, the Americans from District 10 used Huynh's sixth inning lead off triple - his second of the game - to set up Gatlabayn's run-scoring single.

"I was hungry because in the first game I didn't do so good," said Huynh. "My teammates kept encouraging me."

Two consecutive walks loaded the bases. Two infield outs later sent Federal Way to its last out. Ryan Kim delivered a run-scoring single and the Americans were set to score again.

Only an excellent throw from the outfield to nail the next runner trying to score on the same hit stopped further damage to Northeast Seattle.

A 1-2-3 seventh inning at bat sent Federal Way American tumbling out of the tournament.

"This was a team that, for the most part, did what it was capable of doing," recalled manager Mike Anderson. "We just weren't as sharp at state."

Huynh's two triples gave him a 2-for-2 batting night while Gatlabayn added two hits and two stolen bases for the Americans who also displayed some fine defensive gems throughout their two-game stay.

Although the competition at state became stiffer, Federal Way American can savor an unbeaten run through district, including a 2-1 championship victory over Steel Lake after having to wait five days to play due to rain.

"That win validated our position as the best team at district," noted Anderson.

League president and All Star team assistant coach Jack Lintelman had his own observations.

"When they got behind they never gave up, especially at District 10. They just got too far behind at state. It was fun getting here. They played with character and didn't get out of the game."

Federal Way's initiation into state tournament competiton began on Saturday, June 16, with opening ceremonies and an introduction to Capital Little League's active bats in a 13-6 loss.

Before American could get into gear, the Olympia contingent had racked up three-run outbursts in each of its first two at bats.

American dug in and tried to chip away at the six-run deficit in the bottom of the second inning. Gatlabayn singled with one out and , shortly after, sprinted to second on a wild pickoff throw. Gritzke delivered a run-scoring single to make the score 6-1.

Regaining their composure, the Americans picked up the pace on defense to hold capitol scoreless in the third and fourth innings.

Huynh fired up the fourth inning with a one-out single. Gatlabayn ripped a one-baser up the middle to continue the momentum. The Americans loaded the bases after Gritzke's infield grounder caused indecision by the fielder. Korzeniecki then grounded out to second for a run.

Kevin Olsen's infield single loaded the bases again. Tony Davidek slammed a sinking line drive that the center fielder failed to glove and two additional runs scored.

With the score 6-4 and FWA supporters joining in the confidence, Ryan Kim lined a run-scoring single to draw the Americans within 6-5.

Poised to take the lead, Federal Way American fell short as the next batter struck out.

District 3 detonated dynamite drives to outscore American 7-1 over the final innings.

"Capitol has extremely good hitters," Anderson concluded. "It seemed that almost everything they hit found a hole...they made all the defensive plays and knocked the daylights out of the ball. I fully credit our guys for never giving up. They fought and they fought and they fought."

Gatlabayn batted 2-for-3 to lead the Americans.

The entire Federal Way player roster includes Tony Davidek, Blu Armstrong, Josh Drury, Winston Gatlabayn, Lucas Gritzke, Steven Huynh, Caleb Kim, Ryan Kim, Nathan Korzeniecki, Vinnie Lane, Kevin Olsen and Matt Messinger.