Yuma 11-12 All-Stars cruise in opener

BLYTHE — Yuma Little League 11-12-year-old All-Stars opened the District 9 All-Star Tournament with a dominating 10-1 victory against Lake Havasu North on Wednesday in Blythe.

Yuma advances in the winner's bracket to play either Lake Havasu South or Mohave Valley at 8 p.m. today (Friday). South and Mohave play tonight (Thursday). It is the opener for South while Mohave defeated Parker on Wednesday.

North took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a Yuma error.

Yuma took a lead it would not relinquish in the top of the second and went on to score in every remaining inning except for the fifth.

"We expected a strong start," Yuma manager Roger Varela said. "We just wanted to make sure the kids were focused. Our game plan was to come out very aggressive and that is what we did."

Yuma starting right-hander Adan Vega pitched all six innings in less than 85 pitches. He gave up one hit and struck out 15.

Pitchers are limited to 85 pitches per day, Varela said.

Vega, batting cleanup, also had a strong day at the plate. His two-run home run extended Yuma's lead to 5-1. Alfonso Barragan connected with a solo shot a batter later.

"We had a couple of other kids hit doubles and triples but those two hit the ball really well," Varela said.

As long as Yuma wins it will continue to play every other day, Varela said. The championship is slated for July 10 in Blythe with a second title game, if necessary, on July 11.

"Very, very excited. Very happy," Varela said. "There was a little bit of nervousness in the first inning like anything - it's a big tournament. But after that they got relaxed and they were ready to battle and they came through."