Three locals crowned champs

After two weeks of play, three local Little League All-Star teams survived and are moving on to Section 10 tournament play this weekend.

The Ocean View Little League (12-year-old) and 10/11 All-Stars, and the Huntington Valley 9/10 All-Stars, each kept their seasons alive by emerging as champions in the District 62 All-Star Tournament. Also claiming a division title was Westminster, which won two straight games in a championship series with Huntington Valley.

The Section 10 tournament begins Saturday for all four District 62 champions.

Little League (12-year-old) All-Stars

Ocean View is headed to the Section 10 Tournament after defeating Huntington Valley, 7-4, in the District 62 final July 7.

As it had in three previous tournament games, Ocean View seemed to be cruising to another big win in the final but saw Huntington Valley score four runs in the sixth inning to pull to within 7-4. Huntington Valley, however, could get no closer, as Ocean View relief pitcher Nick Pratto was able to close out the win.

Pratto also had a big day on offense. He gave Ocean View a 1-0 lead when his double in the opening inning scored Logan Pouelsen who had a lead-off single. He later hit a home run over the center field fence in the third inning.

In the second inning, Michael Gates' RBI double brought in Hunter Jackson who also had a lead-off single. Subsequent hits by Hagen Danner, Steven Gingery, Armando Duarte, Corey Hawk, Hunter Simmons and Pratto's homer, all between the third and fifth innings, allowed Ocean View to enjoy a 7-0 lead into the sixth.

Pouelsen started on the mound for Ocean View and threw three batters into the sixth before reaching his pitch limit. He gave way to Pratto who took over with the score at 7-1. Pouelsen threw a three-hitter and allowed just one walk.

Undefeated throughout the District tournament, Ocean View cruised to wins over Robinwood (13-0), Seaview (11-1) and Fountain Valley (16-0), before defeating Huntington Valley.

"We hit really well throughout the tournament," Ocean View Manager Tod Minato said. "In four games, I think our guys struck out just six times and our pitchers struck out more than 40. Our pitching was really tremendous throughout the tournament."

Ocean View takes its first step in the double-elimination Section 10 tournament Saturday against San Clemente National. The teams play at 10 a.m. at Tijeras Creek Little League in Rancho Santa Margarita.