By Gerardo Bolong

Offensive outbursts were major themes during West Seattle's unbeaten march to the 2011 Washington District Seven Little League Majors 11-12 year old All-Star baseball championship.

On Friday, July 8, West Seattle used its bruising bats to subdue Rainier 12-3 for the title, avoiding an additional provisional championship game. With the win, the West Siders completed a four-game tournament sweep and qualified for the state championship which begins July 23 in Vancouver.

"Today was very exciting," admitted veteran West Seattle manager John Coats. "You never know what's going to happen. The team stayed mentally focused. All the kids worked hard and earned it. It was fun to play at home. For state we have more hard work. There's a few things on defense that we need to check. We'll have to keep our focus and take our mind set to state. We can't let state intimidate us. They'll also need to remember to have fun."

West Seattle opens its state tournament action on July 23 against District 9 in a 3 p.m. encounter at the Fort Vancouver Little League Complex.

West Seattle grilled its opponents early on the Bar-S Playfields of West Seattle. Jackson Chilcott ripped a two-run single in the first inning to shoot his team ahead, 2-0, and Anthony Coats followed with a single that scored two more runs to increase the West Seattle margin to 4-0.

Continuing its bombardment in the second inning, West Seattle added three additional runs on four hits.
In the bottom of the same frame, Rainier tallied a single run to make the score 7-1, but West Seattle outscored its opponent 2-1 over the next two innings to lead 9-2 after four complete innings.

Left handed hitting Chilcott rocketed a massive three-run homer over the right field fence for a 12-2 West Seattle dominance in the top of the fifth inning.

"It felt really good to jack one out, and it was a hit for three runs," stated Chilcott, who had a monstrous 4-for-4 at bat with a triple, home run and five RBI. "I just swung smoothly. All the hits and defense got us to the title."
Rainier avoided a fifth inning stoppage on the 10-run rule when JoJo Connor hammered a solo home run over the left field fence in the bottom of the same frame.

Both teams played out the string in a scoreless sixth inning. Starting West Seattle right handed pitcher David Johnson reached the pitch count level of 85 pitches before giving way to closer Anthony Coats, who mopped up by retiring the final two Rainier batters.

West Seattle amassed 13 hits for the game which was indicative of its power hitting throughout the district tournament.

"Our bats were super and this has all been very very cool and exciting," said Blue James. "I've been hitting very well."

Rostered players for state bound District Seven titleist West Seattle are Tyler Hammond, Blue James, David Johnson, Jackson Chilcott, Anthony Coats, Timmy Roach, Jax Cramer, Adam Wickler, Anthony Goss, Zach Gerhardt and Matt Dietz.

Assisting manager Coats are coaches Howard Chilcott and Tim Johnson.

Mark Terao is league president while Will Stedman presides as district administrator.