Every kid grows up dreaming of stepping to the plate with two outs and runners in scoring position, ready to send their team into a celebratory frenzy.

The Glenwood Springs Tides 10U recreational softball team lived that dream, walking off two consecutive games in pursuit of the summer league title during the league tournament in Meeker in July.

“They just kept getting hits, running the bases and listening to their coaches,” Tides head coach Patrick Duran said. “They were so excited, and it was just so fun to see.”

After an 11-10 comeback victory in the fifth inning against Meeker in the semifinals, the championship was set between the Tides and the Rifle Bears — and it did not disappoint.

“We were the home team for both games, which we won in dramatic fashion,” Duran said. “We had to come back four runs against Rifle in the championship game in our last chance.”

Under 10U rules, games end after five innings or 90 minutes. But with the score tied after five innings in the championship, the teams headed to extra innings.

The Bears struck first, scoring four runs in the top of the seventh inning to put the Tides on the ropes. Glenwood didn’t give up.

The top of the lineup led off the bottom of the inning. Flora Hillmer and Aleksandra Obrochta each singled, and with two on and no outs, Healani Arthur ripped a ball down the right-field line to drive in a run and ignite the dugout.

“They were playing their hearts out,” Duran said.

With runners on second and third, Pamela Geiman grounded out to score a run. After a strikeout, the Tides were down to their last out. Three straight hits from Elianna Hurtado, Ryn Duran and Luna Webster sent baserunners racing home, scoring the tying and winning runs in an 11-10 victory and prompting a celebratory dogpile.

For Duran, watching this age group play is special, and he hopes their love for the game will help grow softball in Garfield County.

“It’s amazing how much they can even progress in just one year,” he said. “I was surprised to see how many people wanted to play and how big it has gotten in the past couple years. Hopefully that means there will be more high school programs throughout the area than just Basalt and Rifle.”

For more information about youth rec leagues or how to get involved with youth sports, visit glenwoodrecsports.com.