American 14u offense erupts

FARMINGTON — The winner’s bracket final of the Babe Ruth 14-and-under state tournament will feature two familiar MABA adversaries.

The American Division all-stars sustained an offensive eruption after putting 13 runs on the scoreboard in the first inning, and hammered SEMO South 35-3 on Saturday afternoon.

Garrett Thomure finished 4-for-5 with six RBI, and Collin Huitt scored six runs while going 3-for-4 overall in the victory, as every player on the MABA roster notched at least one hit.

Logan Winder tossed two perfect innings on 16 pitches for the defending state champs, who will battle the National Division on Sunday in a rematch from the district tournament.

Thomure collected his first three RBI on a triple and two-run single during the opening frame, as the American lineup batted around twice. The game began with five consecutive hits including an RBI double by Winder.

Back-to-back doubles from Brayden Krause and Andres Castro capped a seven-run rally in the second as the margin reached 20-0.

Keenan Johnson ripped a bases-clearing triple to highlight a seven-run fifth. Mineral Area compiled 31 total hits.

Nick Haney went 4-for-4 with two runs scored after entering as a pinch-hitter in the third inning. Noah Skaggs was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Brandon Winder singled twice off the American bench.

Starting catcher Drew Harlow reached base six times and officially finished 3-for-5 with a double. Logan Winder and Brandt Busenbark were 2-for-2 before leaving the game.

The bottom of the SEMO South batting order ignited a three-run scoring rally in the third inning. Dylan Lingle and Tyler Womack lined singles and Zach Myers doubled on three consecutive pitches against Skaggs.

Losing pitcher J.D. Jenkins spared his team’s bullpen for later action by going the distance, and added an RBI double in the fifth.

The MABA American defense turned two double plays and turned their second errorless performance in a row.