Sam Russell blasted a pinch-hit, two-out grand slam to give Goleta Valley South Little League the lead for good in an 11-4 win over rival Dos Pueblos in District 63 12U All-Star pool play in Montalvo Thursday night.
The game began as a pitcher’s duel. Goleta Valley South scratched across a single run in the first against DP starter Ty Montgomery, who went 3.1 innings and struck out three. GVS starter Ian Oakley pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two.
DP tied the game in the bottom of the third on Trevor Craig’s solo homer.
GVS broke the tie in the fourth, going ahead 5-1 on Russell’s slam. GVS piled on six more runs in the fifth, highlighted by a three-run homer from Henry Manfredonia.
The GVS offense included two hits and two runs scored apiece from Conner Hess and Jared Vom Steeg.
Jackson Haskell closed the victory on the mound, striking out the final batter. GVS is undefeated in tournament pool play. The team plays Santa Paula on July 1.
DP next plays Fillmore on July 3.
