The Tri County Babe Ruth organization will host two state Babe Ruth softball tournaments, beginning with the 14-and-under (14-U) tournament this Friday-Sunday, July 6-8.

Only three teams, including the Tri County Slammers, will compete in the tournament, said organizer Joanne Jones.

Two front range teams, Southeast Denver and Castle Rock, will also play in the double-elimination tournament.

For various reasons, said Jones, from the economy to having too many players on family vacations, several teams canceled at the last minute.

The top two state tournament teams advance to the Midwest Region tournament July 18-22 at Independence, Kan. The winners will compete in the World Series later this summer.

Hotchkiss head softball coach Matt Hall will coach the Slammers, an all-star team of players from the Hotchkiss and Paonia areas.

Opening ceremonies and the parade of champions begin this Friday at 8 a.m. Seeding will be determined Friday through a round robin tournament, with SE Denver and Tri County playing the tournament opener at 9 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., Castle Rock will face SE Denver, and at 2 p.m. Tri County and Castle Rock will face off.

The first game of the double-elimination tournament begins at 5 p.m. Friday between the second- and third-seed teams. The winner of that game will play the No. 1 seed at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The championship game is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday.

Concessions will be available throughout the tournament.

All games are held at Volunteer Park Sports Complex.

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