DALLAS – Zach Luksic led a power display by Back Mountain American that paved the way to a 15-4, five-inning romp over Back Mountain National Monday in the opener of District 31 Major Little League pool play for both teams.
Luksic hit two of American’s four home runs in the first game of tournament play, which had been pushed back by rain.
Both teams then had their schedules altered by a rainout again Tuesday when they were scheduled to host a doubleheader against different Pool B opponents.
Luksic drove in four runs with a pair of two-run shots, including one that finished off the game by invoking the 10-run rule in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Cooper Lewis added a three-run shot while also driving in four runs and Frank Nockley had a two-run homer.
American had three players finish with four RBI each.
Winning pitcher Jake Shaver went 3-for-3 with a two-run double, two other runs batted in and three runs scored. He was equally impressive on the mound, striking out 10 in 4 2/3 innings.
Kyle Sincavage hit a home run for National while Zach Holthaus drove in two runs and Michael Rother had two hits.
The Major Division, for ages 11-12, wound up having games added on July 4 to move the tournament toward its July 11 semifinals and July 14 final.
9-10-YEAR-OLDS
When the rain-delayed tournament got underway three days later than scheduled, both Back Mountain teams won in a District 31 9-10-year-old doubleheader that they hosted Wednesday night.
Back Mountain National defeated Kingston/Forty Fort, 5-3, in the opener before Back Mountain American rolled over Harveys Lake, 11-2.
Lucas Schultz drove in the game-winning run and finished 2-for-3 with three RBI to lead National.
Gary Weaver got the win with 2 2/3 innings of relief.
National opened leads of 4-0 after 1 ½ innings and 8-2 after 3 ½ innings.
Winning pitcher Zach Paczewski had a two-run double in the four-run fourth inning. He worked the final 3 2/3 innings, striking out seven, including four in a row at one point.
National took advantage of 14 walks by five Harveys Lake pitchers with the help of two hits and three RBI by Jude Nocito.
Brian Kwak and Paczewski combined on a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts.
Travis Jones had two hits for Harveys Lake.
Pool play is scheduled to continue through July 9 with semifinals July 12 and the final July 15.
