Lakewood Ranch wins District 26 11/12 crown

Behind the arm of 12-year-old Steven Varone, Lakewood Ranch Little League shut out Braden River Little League 9-0 to capture the District 26 11- and 12-year-old division title July 13 at G.T. Bray.

Varone struck out 11 batters and allowed just three hits in 5 1/3 innings of work.

Rhett Rampinelli went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and three runs scored; and Brock Sisson went 2-for-3 with a double and three runs scored to lead the way for Lakewood Ranch at the plate. Colton Zimring also had a pair of hits and drove in four runs.

John Bean, Codey Metters and Kareem Lewis each had a hit for Braden River.

With the win, Lakewood Ranch will represent Manatee County in the Section IV Tournament July 22 in Haines City.