It was a quartet of pitchers that produced the tune of victory for the Federal Way National Little League Majors (11-12 age) baseball All Stars in a District 10 tournament opening win gainst Soundview on Friday, July 9.

As Tanner Knapp, JJ Asinas, Kaden Jacobs and Mitchell Grant held the SV offense in check most of the way, the Nationals overcame a 1-0 deficit and broke through in the final three innings for a 5-1 win at Sunset Park.

"I knew we had a lot of pitchers," said FWN manager Tim Robbins. "Our core group of players has been together for three years and have had one-run games. All can hit."

After trailing 1-0 through three complete innings of play, National battered Soundview pitching during the final innings.

In the top of the fourth inning, Baden Jacobs led off with a single for Federal Way and moved up to second base on a wild pitch. Knapp then torched a double to left field, scoring the equalizing run.

The go-ahead fifth inning tallies were set up by a walk to Brady Robic and Tyler Swanson's ground out sacrifice that advanced a runner to second base. Asinas followed with his one-baser and pressed on to second base on the throw from the outfield. Jacobs' base on balls filled the bases with runners. Hanging tough on a 3-2 count, Knapp drew a walk to force home the lead run as National assumed a 2-1 advantage. Jake Perdue added another run on his ground out to second.

Leading 3-1, Federal Way National put an exclamation on its performance in the sixth inning. Swanson timed a Soundview offering for a two-run homer over the center field fence to enlarge the National margin to 5-1.

Soundview's first batter, Braden Schmunk reached base on an outfield error from the lead off batting position, but Grant came to the mound in relief of Jacobs to retire the next three hitters and end the game.

Federal Way's fearsome foursome on the mound allowed only two hits and struck out nine batters.

"We just needed to concentrate, play defense and hit the ball," said starting National pitcher Knapp who allowed one run on one hit in two and one-third innings with four strikeouts-including striking out the side in the second inning. "I can count on the other pitchers we have."

Soundview took the lead in the first inning. Tyler Mick singled before advancing to second base on a wild pitch. One strikeout later, Jordan O'Connor was hit by a pitch. Christian Bell's fielder's choice ground out placed runners on first and third with two out. Trying to steal second base, the runner on first was caught in a rundown and eventually tagged out while the runner scored from third base.

"Early on, we'll trade an out for a run, especially against this team," intoned Robbins. "I was nervous for the first three innings."

Jacobs finished his offensive day for FWN with two hits in three at bats with two RBI, including a double and a walk. Swanson batted 2-for-4 with two RBI, a double and a home run.