The Mercer Island All-stars, now representing Washington State, have yet to play a full 6-inning game at Regionals, but have have still locked up the #1 seed for Thursday's semi-finals, with their 3rd straight dominating win, this time by a score of 13-1 over the Montana state champions from Boulder-Arrowhead Little League.

Max Hibbert got the start for the Islanders on the mound and pitched an outstanding game, allowing just one run (unearned) on one hit, while striking out 3 batters with 41 pitches in 3 innings.  Hibbert was aided by solid defense, including a nice catch in foul territory by left fielder Sam Pugel.

The Islanders opened a 1-0 lead in the 1st when Michael Bantle walked and scored on a series of Montana wild pitches, but were held scoreless in the second.  David Emanuels led off the top of the 3rd with a single to left, which was followed by four straight walks by Josh Stenberg, Michael Bantle, William Mansfield and Keegan Ogard.  Brandon Lawler then knocked in two more with an RBI double to left field; Max Hibbert was hit by pitch; Anthony Scalzo reached base when the Montana first baseman pulled his foot off the bag; David Emanuels drove in two more with a double to left center, his second hit of the inning; Josh Stenberg singled up the middle; Bantle singled to right, and then stole home (again) on another wild pitch.  Four more walks by a series of Montana pitchers scored Keegan Ogard before the 18th MI batter of the inning popped out to 1st for the final out.

Brandon Lawler relieved Hibbert in the 4th and retired Montana in order on 18 pitches to wrap up the mercy rule win.

Game 3 Highlights:

Mercer Island has Tuesday off and then plays their last pool game, against Idaho, on Wednesday at 4:30pm, before the semi-finals on Thursday at 7:30pm (opponent TBD).

More Game 3 photos from David Ogard