NBALL wins, advances at District 55 tournament

ALISO VIEJO — Logan Miller’s single to left scored Will Hinkleman in the sixth inning, as the Newport Beach American Little League 10-11 year-old All-Stars defeated Aliso Viejo American, 7-6, at the District 55 Tournament on Sunday at Woodfield Park.

Newport Beach American was down, 6-4, entering the final inning, but Jake Hastings started a rally by reaching base on an error. Cameron Hook (two for two) followed with a walk, and with one out, Hinkleman (three for four) singled to load the bases.

Sherwin Gersten chopped a single over the third baseman’s head, scoring Hastings and leaving the bases loaded. Hook then scored on a passed ball to tie the game, and Miller then laced his game-winning single to left on the next pitch.

Newport Beach American had earlier taken a 3-1 lead in the second inning. Austin Percy had a hit and was advanced to second on a bunt single by Hastings. Hook then doubled down the left-field line to score both runners. Max Kline bunted Hook to third, and he later scored on a passed ball.

In the bottom of the fourth, Hook hit his second double of the game to score Hastings, giving Newport Beach a 4-2 lead. NBALL starting pitcher Parker Reposa held Aliso Viejo to one run in the first 4 2/3 innings, before the hosts hit back-to-back home runs to tie the game.

Aliso Viejo took a 6-4 lead in the sixth, but Newport Beach got an inning-ending double play with the bases full to get out of the jam.

Also playing for Newport was Augie Miller, who made a critical catch at the first-base dugout fence. Jake Giffin made several nice plays in left field, and Kevin Fults also contributed.

Newport Beach American, 3-1 in the tournament, has another elimination game today at 6 p.m. at Woodfield Park.

— From staff reports