Opp’s 9-to-10-year-old Cal Ripken All-Stars are 0-3 after two days of pool play at the 2012 Southeast Regional Baseball Tournament in Matthews, N.C.

The Bobcats lost 16-2 to Matthews yesterday in their only game of the day. On Thursday, Opp fell 13-2 to Atlantic Beach, Fla., and 10-7 to West Ashley, S.C.

Opp’s loss to West Ashley occurred in extra innings, Bobcats coach Michael Smithart said.

“We think, after looking at everything, that we’ve got a team that can compete up here,” Smithart said. “We’re just making too many mistakes.”

Smithart said there were a few errors that really hurt the team.

“I think it’s been a good experience,” he said. “I think it’s something these kids are going to remember for a long time. Hopefully, it’ll put us in a position to get us back next year.”

Smithart said that Opp is the only team at the regional tournament with 9 year olds on the team. In fact, 7 of the 12 players are 9 years old.

“They’re holding their own,” he said. “We’re proud.”

The Bobcats play Deep River, N.C. at noon today for their last game of the tournament. Opp will not advance to bracket play.

-Andrew Garner