Youth Scene: Southland Eye Care downs DLD Insurance in Laguna Beach Little League matchup

Southland Eye Care downs DLD

Southland Eye Care headed into spring break on a winning note as it defeated DLD Insurance, 6-2, in a Laguna Beach Little League AAA Division game April 2 at Riddle Field.

The pitching of Luke Machin, who threw a complete game and was backed by a stellar defense (complete game, 6 IP, 2R, 5H, 7K, 0 BB), propelled Southland Eye Care to the win.

The game was tight early but Southland broke it open with a five-hit, five-run third inning. Machin (one for three), Noah Neufeld (single, walk, run scored), Max Burchi (two for three, double off outfield fence, two RBIs, run), Sam Burchi (single, walk) and Luke Anderton (two for three, double, two RBIs, two runs), led the charge.

DLD kept it close early with strong pitching by Camden Dowers (3 1/3 inning, four strikeouts) and stayed within striking distance with Shea Blanchard (2 2/3 inning, three strikeouts) who didn’t allow a run, hit or walk in slamming the door after Southland’s big third inning. DLD was led at the plate by Blanchard (double, run) and Nick Bonn (two for three, double, run). Aidan Malm chipped in with a perfect bunt single and Ayden Ardell drilled a single to right field.

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In other AAA Division action:

Payoff.com 7, Southland Eye Care 2: Payoff (4-4) played a nearly flawless game in its victory over previously undefeated Southland Eye Care (6-1-1).

Payoff was led on the mound by Ben Reimers (three innings, two runs, four hits, two walks, five strikeouts) and Brandon Britt (three innings, no runs, one hit, on walk, one strikeout). Britt (two for three, triple, run) also keyed the Payoff offense along with Ryan Strickland (two for three, double, two RBIs, run) and Ryan Moellenhoff (two for three, two runs).

Southland held a 2-1 lead heading into the fifth where Payoff exploded for five runs on five hits, a rally from which Southland couldn’t recover.

Southland played well, however, and was led on the mound by Luke Machin (four innings, seven strikeouts) and Cade Anderton (one inning, one run, two hits, one strikeout). Offensively, Machin went two for three with a double and run scored, Max Burchi two for two with a walk and run scored, Anderton singled, Noah Neufeld singled with an RBI, and Eric Olsen singled and walked.

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