CARY, N.C. – On the last day of the 11U Futures Invitational, only one team would be left on top when the games concluded. The title of 11U Futures Invitational champion was on the line and SBA Bolts National rose to the occasion, winning in comeback fashion over MVP Hustle by scoring five unanswered runs on their way to victory.

Championship

SBA Bolts National 7, MVP Hustle 6

In a tightly contested championship matchup at Thomas Brooks Park, the winning run was scored late in the game. Heavy offenses clashed, with both teams accumulating over eight hits each and causing havoc on the basepaths.

After setting SBA Bolts National down in order in the first frame, MVP Hustle used an RBI triple from Jayden Castillo, followed by an RBI sacrifice fly from Jameson Wilhite. An early 2-0 lead by MVP Hustle shifted the momentum early.

The score would stand at 2-2 following a scoreless second frame, until SBA Bolts National struck back. Loading the bases up with two outs, a costly error by MVP Hustle saw two runs come home for SBA Bolts National, knotting the game at 2-2 going into the bottom of the third.

MVP Hustle was quick to respond and in a big way; after recording back-to-back base knocks, the first run of the inning came home from an RBI groundout by Amrando Maciel. The scoring was not done there. Three RBI singles, including a squeeze bunt by Dylan Hashizume with the bases loaded, saw MVP Hustle put up a four-spot, flipping the championship game upside-down.

With momentum on MVP Hustle’s side, SBA Bolts National wasn’t going down without a fight.

Following a leadoff out, SBA Bolts National loaded the bases with Nolan Hatch coming up to the plate. An RBI groundout from Hatch started a rally for SBA Bolts National, as they scored three more runs with two outs in the top of the fourth, capped off with RBI singles from Cooper Thissen and DeMarcos Mieses.

Getting an extended relief appearance for SBA Bolts National and retiring the side in the fifth and sixth frames was Travis Vanecek. Going 3.2 innings in relief and only allowing one hit with three strikeouts, Vanecek played a huge role in putting SBA Bolts National in a steady position to stay knotted up in the championship game.

In a pivotal top of the seventh innings, the clock was running out on SBA Bolts National. That was until Thissen got on base for the second time in the game with a single to the shortstop, only to be followed by an RBI single from Mieses; blowing the roof off the SBA Bolts National dugout and giving them their first lead of the game. Coming out of the bullpen to close the game out for SBA Bolts National and secure their grip on the championship trophy was Blain Watson. Finishing the game by facing four batters while striking out two of them including the last out by way of strikeout, SBA Bolts National took home the title of 2025 11U Futures Invitational champions and their first gold medal in Futures Invitational tournament history.

Bronze

Houston Wildcatters Elite 11, Arizona Elite Baseball Academy 1

In bronze medal action, the Houston Wildcatters Elite jumped out to an early 5-1 lead and never took their foot off the gas.

An incredible outing from Nathaniel De La Cruz Alaniz led the Houston Wildcatters Elite on their way to a tremendous 11-1 win. Going a complete game by way of mercy rule, De La Cruz Alaniz went five innings, only giving up two hits on his way to a six-strikeout performance.

With 13 hits in the game, the offense was relentless, with five players recording two-hit games while three of those five players also recorded two RBIs apiece. Lights-out pitching combined with a steady offensive presence led the Houston Wildcatters Elite to an impressive victory and secure a podium-finish at their Futures Invitational inaugural appearance.