Carson 9-10 teams roll

The Carson American and National 9-10-year-old all-stars are off to a strong start in the Little League Baseball district tournament in Gardnerville.

The Americans picked up an impressive opening win against traditionally one of the district's stronger teams, beating Reno Continental 7-2. Meanwhile the Nationals overcame a 6-0 deficit for a 16-6 win over Reno American West.

For the Americans, Brandon Allen didn't allow a run in his five innings of work as the Americans built a 7-0 lead going into the sixth inning. Catcher Shane Andrews set the tone for the game by throwing out three base runners and not allowing a passed ball. Matt McCarthy and Josiah Pongasi also played well defensively.

Avery Whitt, Caden Lehman and K.C. Meyer were among those who provided clutch hitting. Another highlight came when Connnor Pradere pulled off a delayed steal of home.

Reno American West jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the top of the first against the Nationals. But Kyle Steele came on to shut the door, not allowing a hit while striking out sixh and walking two over three innings. Nolan Shine came on to record the final out.

The Nationals came back to take a 7-6 lead before ending the game on the 10-run rule with nine runs in the bottom of the fourth. Shine singled home John Holton with the run that gave the Nationals a 10-run lead.

Steele also had a two-run triple. All 12 National players had at least one hit as Hunter Wilfert, Jake Jones, Nathan Carter, Cory Reid, P.J. White, Ryan Pope, Chance Banta, Oscar Rodriguez and Asa Carter hit safely. Wilfert had an outstanding defensive game at catcher as well.

Both teams will continue round robin play today as the Nationals will play Sparks National at 1 p.m. and the Americans will play Reno American East at 1 p.m.