On the Friday before Independence Day commemorations, there was an American success story at Brannan Park.

Utilizing key contributions from the entire team, the Federal Way American Junior Little League All Stars defended their District 10 championship with an 8-2 verdict against Chinook/Auburn to also complete an unbeaten run through district.

Federal Way qualified for the state tournament, which is scheduled for July 17-25 at Medical lake High School in the Spokane area.

"The team played together and its defense was very good," said Americans manager Bob Clinton. "We've had very good pitching, especially from Andrew (Maertins) and Mitch (Stewart), plus good support from each other all year. Tonight, Mitch was efficient and able to keep the pitch count down with good control while we got key hits."

On July 2, Stewart pitched a masterful mound gem for the first five innings, allowing no runs on two hits through the first five innings. During this stretch, he also struck out 10 batters.

Federal Way took a 1-0 edge in its first at bat as the visitors for this game. Mitchell Garza led off with a single before Stewart's ground out to shortstop forced Garza out at second base. Stewart stole second base ahead of a Maertins single that placed runners on first and third with no outs. Branden Shires singled to plate a run, but that was all FWA could muster for the inning.

J.J Jones's deep fly double with two out in the second inning was the next American chance, but reaped no runs. Despite loading the bases in the fourth inning, the Americans were unable to score thanks in part to a line out that also doubled a runner off third base.

Federal Way increased its sliver-like 1-0 margin in the top of the fifth inning. Lead off batter Garza was hit by a pitch. Stewart followed with a run-scoring double over the right fielder's head for a 2-0 lead. C/A brought on a relief pitcher who was greeted by a Maertins' run-scoring single through the middle.

With no outs, the Americans seemed to be on the verge of a big inning before the next batter lined out to the center fielder who threw to first, doubling off the runner. The next batter popped out to the infield to end the threat.

Capitalizing on its reprieve, Chinook/Auburn retightened the pressure by scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth by way of Jonny Yarbrough's two-out, two-run double. Stewart struck out the last batter on an inside slider to stop the uprising.

Back under tense pressure, American ignited its fireworks in the top of the seventh. Jones reached first base on an infield error with no outs. Garza's swinging bunt single and a base on balls to Stewart loaded the bases. Maertins unloaded a two-run double to make the score 5-2. Consecutive walks to Shires and Joe Potts tallied another run. Mustafa Niazi forced run number seven home on a walk and Kyle Tanemura was hit by a pitch to conclude the five run display.

Buoyed by the run explosion, Stewart set the C/A batters down in order to finish his five-hitter with 13 strikeouts.

"I used the fastball and pitched the slider at different angles and speeds to keep them off balance," Stewart said. "I was scared to death when the run that could tie the game was 90 feet away. I tightened up my pitches and was extremely relieved to get out of trouble in the sixth."

Federal Way American marched through the tournament by defeating Chinook/Auburn 4-2 on a Stewart complete game. American followed with a win against South Hill before winning Friday's rematch with Chinook/Auburn.

As a new player on the All-Stars, Maertins, who batted 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI, expressed his feelings.

"This is great," he said. "We were good at district and we were hitting the ball for key base hits."

Returning All-Star Renne Jones also had positive recollections.

"I think this team is the best team I've been on," said Jones.

The Federal Way American 13 and 14 year-old District 10 champions included Mitchell Garza, J.J. Jones, Renne Jones, Christian Lindbom, Andrew Maertins, Austin Noteboom, Mustafa Niazi, Joe Potts, Branden Shires, Mitch Stewart, Kyle Tanemura and Matt Walls.

The team is managed by Bob Clinton and coached by Nick Clinton, Jerry Stewart and Matt Jones.