The Pembroke Pines Optimist Bengals 8-and-under travel baseball team won the Triple Crown National Championship in St. Augustine.

The Bengals played seven games in three days. Kevin Barreneche, Jalen Camacho, Justin Rauch, Justin Tablada, Alberto J. Rodriguez Jr., Jonathan Sosa, Jordan Naranjo and Christian Vargas provided stellar pitching.

Catchers Ivan Herrera and Anthony Nunez were tremendous. Herrera caught five games. John Cardena, Jonathan M. Rodriguez, Camacho, Naranjo, Rauch and Sosa led the offense.

BASEBALL

ROTARY PARK

Joey Luchauer hit a clutch three-run triple in the fourth inning as the Yankees edged the Phillies 11-10 in Rookie of Hollywood Hills baseball at Rotary Park.

Nikolas Boulanger continued his torrid hitting streak with a single and a home run to help the Yankees improve to 5-0.

MARLINS

Florida Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez helped honor the final group of recipients for the 2009 Miami Herald Neighbors/Florida Marlins Academic Honor before the Marlins/Nationals game at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens.

The recipients are Dylan Fineberg (Sagemont School/Cooper City Optimist), Michael Machulda (Pioneer Middle School/Cooper City Optimist), Marissa Manley (Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary School/North Miami Beach Little League), Nicholas Miranda (Gladeview Christian School/Tamiami Park) and Jordan Ray (Pines Middle School/Pembroke Pines Optimist).

The recipients were recognized on the field with Billy the Marlin by their side. They received an autographed card signed by Sanchez and a certificate for their sportsmanship and solid work in the classroom.

HOLIDAY CARD

Kids are invited to create their own Florida Marlins Community Foundation Holiday Greeting Card. The winning card will be the Community Foundation's signature card for the holiday season.

The theme is the Marlins and the holidays. Entries will be eligible for the grand prize -- a VIP tour, four infield box seats to a preselected 2010 Marlins home game, pregame on-field recognition and an autographed item from the Marlins.

Each of three honorable mention winners will receive four infield box seats to a preselected 2010 Marlins home game, pregame on-field recognition and an autographed player card.

Eligible artwork must include: artist's name, contact information, school, grade and teacher's name. Mail to: Marlins, c/o Marlins Masterpieces, 2267 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami, FL 33056.

Submission deadline is Friday. Call 305-626-7249.

WESTON

The Weston Hawks are adding a new 12-and-under baseball team for the spring season. The team will compete in the Florida Premier Baseball League and local and statewide tournaments.

The Hawks are traveling to Cooperstown Dreams Park on June 12 to compete in the premier 12U national tournament. The team's philosophy is to prepare players for high school baseball, teach fundamentals and compete at a high level.

The team will be coached by a local high school baseball coach and coaches with a record of successfully developing kids and winning championships. Tryouts are Nov. 22 at Weston Regional Park. Contact Rick Oren at 954-214-9919.

FOOTBALL

WEST PINES

Joshua Alexander had four tackles and a fumble recovery as the West Pines Wildcats 90s defeated the Northeast Rebels 20-0 in the American Youth Football League.