The Tracy River Dogs faced some tough competition in the Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament that began last Thursday and wrapped up Tuesday.

The 16- through 18 year-old Tracy team faced off with Monterey Bay on Saturday following a loss to Yuma, Arizona.

However, the Dogs fell again, 14-5, which eliminated them from the tournament and from World Series contention.

Playing at Watsonville High School in Watsonville, the River Dogs started hot and, on the back of Bret Maddox, who pitched six strong innings, were in position to take the game. The contest was tied 5-5 in the fifth, and the game remained within reach until the seventh and final inning, when Monterey Bay scored seven runs and pulled away for the victory.

Robbie Jackman had a two-run single for Tracy, and Robert Emerson, Stevie Ramos, Bobby Agard and Maddox all had hits. Chris Burgess and Ricky Diaz pitched in relief of Maddox.

All of the above-mentioned players were on the Tracy High varsity or junior varsity teams this past season — Ramos was the San Joaquin Athletic Association’s MVP for 2008.

With the exception of Tracy High graduates Ramos, Maddox and Josh Frea, the team is made of mostly school-age players and was one of the youngest teams competing in the tournament.

On Tuesday, Southern California faced off against undefeated Modesto, with the winner heading to the Babe Ruth World Series, which runs from Aug. 7 through 15 in Newark, Ohio, at the Babe Ruth National Complex at Don Edwards Park.