Blue James bashed three home runs and a triple and Jackson Chilcott threw three no-hit innings to lead West Seattle to a 12-0 District 7 Major Little League victory over South Highline National on Wednesday, July 6.
West Seattle advances to a 6 p.m. final Friday, July 8 against the winner of Thursday's consolation bracket final between South Highline National and Rainier District.
The action is being hosted by West Seattle at its recently refurbished two-field ballpark above Alki Point.
James hit three solo home runs and a leadoff triple, leaving an impression on West Seattle manager John Coats.
"He went into the game really loose tonight," said Coats. "He put on a clinic. We were hoping for that."
Chilcott -- who hit a mere 2-for-3 with a home run and a double -- walked the first batter he faced in the bottom of the first and struck out the next three. He did not allow any base runners in the second and third and finished with six strikeouts.
"Big Jack, he came out and found his groove," said Coats of Chilcott. "He was hitting his spots."
West Seattle started off the top of the first with James hitting a one-out solo home run to center field for a 1-0 lead. Another run was added in the second when Jax Cramer singled and scored on a long triple to right field by Tyler Hammond.
The batters kept up their support of Chilcott by rallying for four runs for a 6-0 advantage.
James led off the inning with a home run to right and one out later Chilcott supported himself with a solo home run to right.
Anthony Coats followed with a double and went to third on a wild pitch. Timmy Roach followed with a walk and made it to second on another wild pitch. Zach Gearhart drove both in by dropping a double into right field.
Roach also threw the final two shutout innings for West Seattle, striking out three and allowing only two hits and a walk.
The Westsiders tacked on three more runs in the fourth. James led off with his triple and scored on a base hit by David Johnson. Chilcott doubled James over to third, and an error on the throw in scored Johnson and put Chilcott on third. Chilcott also scored on a wild pitch.
Three more runs led to making the game a five-inning contest shortened by a 10-run rule.
James homered to left to start it off and Johnson hit into an outfield error to reach first. Four walks followed to force in the final two runs.
"We had hustle and a good attitude," Coats said. "Those are two things you can control at your end."