American squad has another flying start

FARMINGTON – The MACRBA American Division All-stars were once again on cruise control following a highly productive first inning Saturday in the 11-year-old state tournament.

Three errors cost Brookfield seven unearned runs before ever stepping to the plate, and Mineral Area continued forward in the winner’s bracket with an 11-1 triumph that needed just four innings and 57 minutes to be completed.

Collin Huitt finished 2-for-3 with three runs scored and Andres Castro was 2-for-3 with two RBI for the American Division, which will face Boonville today at 2 p.m. for a berth in the championship round.

Jake Bridges went the distance on the mound in a three-hitter, and his lead-off single sparked the early rally. A RBI hit from Garrett Thomure made it 4-0 after Huitt scored from second base on an errant throw.

A dropped force play prolonged the inning for No. 9 batter Conner Proffer, who blasted a three-run homer to left field, and the Mineral Area lead was never in jeopardy.

Daniel Corbin singled home River Wright in the Brookfield first, but strong defense from the Americans, including a double play started by shortstop Logan Winder, enabled Bridges to face only two above the minimum.

Brennan White singled to begin the Mineral Area third inning, and scored on Bridges’ sacrifice fly. Winder followed with a double to left-center, and RBI singles from Huitt and Castro produced a double-digit margin.

Tucker Noble gave Brookfield a chance to extend the action with an infield hit, but Reed McBroom smashed a one-hopper at reserve third baseman Keenan Johnson for the final out.

Wright allowed nine hits and notched three strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings before leaving the contest with an arm injury. Dane Robertson threw one pitch to retire his only batter faced.