PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The bats were on fire for the 12-year-old Pittsfield National Little League team Wednesday evening as they hit their way past Westfield American in the first game of the state sectional tournament for a 12-0 win.

 

It started right in the first inning with leadoff hitter Haewood Eurquhart as he took the second pitch and sent it out of the park to put the designated away team up 1-0.

 

"We were talking about it before the game, he's been short arming the bat," Pittsfield coach Bryon Sherman said. "He swung the bat well tonight, obviously."

 

Obviously is right because Eurquhart came out in the third inning doing the exact same thing, followed by a solo homer from Jake Risley.

 

Pittsfield also scored six runs in the second inning, putting them ahead 7-0. With the two home runs in the third they then led Westfield American, 10-0.

 

"When we lose the coin toss and are the visiting team our big message to the kids is to come out and jump on them right away," Sherman said.

 

Defensively, Pittsfield only allowed three baserunners throughout the four innings played. Going into the bottom of the fourth, Pittsfield led 12-0. Westfield was looking for three runs to stay alive, but Pittsfield NL went 1-2-3 to take the game.

 

The pitchers mound saw two different Pittsfield players Wednesday evening. Lazits pitched two innings, striking out three, and Eurquhart closed the last two, striking out one.

 

Pittsfield is on the road Thursday evening; it will face the winner of Wednesday's game between Holden and Leomonster.