KITTERY — Sharp pitching, solid defense and explosive offense helped the Saco 11-12 year old All-Stars cruise to a 12-2 win over Kittery Monday afternoon in four innings.

After a tough 2-1 loss Sunday afternoon to York, Saco entered Monday’s game looking to get things back on the right track.

“I think it really motivated them today … we knew that we had to do it today or go home,” said Saco coach Bill Robbins.

Anthony Jones got the start for Saco, pitching all four innings and allowing just two runs on three hits while collecting seven strikeouts.

The Saco offense was also led by Hayden Pomerleau, Blaise Fournier and Cody Lesieur. Each hit home runs on the day, while also combining for six RBIs.

The Saco defense came up big in spots, committing no errors on the day and allowing just two of Kittery’s six baserunners to cross the plate.

Robbins was excited to see his team’s strong all-around performance.

“I think that usually when our pitchers do well we also do great in the field. Also our bats … this is exactly what we expected from our bats. It was nice to see, it was good,” said Robbins.

Kittery took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI from Jaxon Adams.

Saco would respond in the bottom half of the second by scoring three runs off a three-run shot by Pomerleau to take a 3-1 lead – a lead that was sustained the rest of the way.

Saco would then score eight more runs in the third inning, while getting seven baserunners on.

John Rohner started the onslaught with an RBI triple, followed by a Diego Alonso RBI to take the 5-1 lead. Fournier would hit a three-run home run just two batters later, giving Saco a big 8-1 advantage.

Jones also rebounded strongly after the tough first inning, striking out four of the seven batters he faced after allowing Kittery’s first run.

Jones and Rohner would each add RBIs to extend the Saco lead to 11-1 heading into the fourth inning.

Kittery added a run in the top half of the fourth on an RBI single from Abram Toy, however Saco would secure the win the next half inning on a leadoff home run by Lesieur to make the score 12-2.

Cameron Maes took the hill for Kittery, pitching three innings and striking out two batters. Treshaun Brown pitched in relief in the fourth inning.

Looking ahead in the tournament, Robbins hopes that Monday’s big win will give his team confidence.

“I think this helps (our confidence) a lot,” said Robbins. “We made it to states last year but only got one loss. It was nice to have a loss this year but then be able to rejuvenate ourselves moving forward. I want them to enjoy this one and get ready for Wednesday.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.