The Carbon Blue Cal Ripken 12 year-old All-Stars claimed their second consecutive state championship as they cruised past the host team Beaver 20-3 in the championship Thursday afternoon.

Breezing past their first three opponents, Carbon had to top Beaver twice to earn the state title. After sending Beaver to one-loss bracket with a 5-3 victory, Carbon easily defeated them a second time by 17 runs.

“We were really excited to get back and defend our title and it was definitely harder this time around” said manager Matt Tallerico Thursday on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “Last year we were very calm. This year we were calm until around game time and then you could see the nerves starting to set in.”

Opening the tournament with a comfortable 8-3 win over Richfield, Carbon Blue stormed past their second round opponent Milford 15-3. A victory over Carbon Black set the stage for the two meetings against Beaver.

The state championship means the team has the right to represent Utah at the next level in Hawaii against champions from the western region. Because of the traveling costs Carbon will pass on the tournament, and focus on an invitational that will take place at the end of July.

“With the amount of time they give you to come up with the funds its a little bit out of the realm of possible,” said Tallerico. “It is unfortunate that the kids won’t move on to the Pacific Southwest tournament, but the stars just didn’t line up for us this year.”

The championship roster consists of Hayden Tallerico, Rylan Hart, Peyton Kimber, Paxton Kimber, Jordan Fossat, Jacob Robertson, Mike Schmitz, Kobe Cruz, Kade Dimick, Jacob Vasques and Dallen O’Neil. Bob Fossat and JR O’Neil worked as assistant coaches for Tallerico.